TORONTO — Despite significant differences between the Reform movement in Canada and the United States – including attitudes toward patrilineal descent as a determinant of Jewish status – Toronto’s Rabbi Erin Polonsky says the recent convention of the movement’s rabbinical body was “extremely relevant” to her colleagues here.

Rabbi Steven Garten and  Rabbi Erin Polonsky 

Rabbi Polonsky, of Temple Sinai Congregation, was one of 14 Canadian rabbis who attended the 122nd annual Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) convention, held in New Orleans March 27 to 30. Approximately 500 rabbis took part in the meeting.

Rabbi Steven Garten, spiritual leader of Ottawa’s Temple Israel and president of the CCAR’s Canadian region, noted that outside Toronto, Reform Judaism in Canada represents “quite a small segment of the Jewish population.”

For Canadian rabbis, he said, it’s extremely valuable to  attend the convention and connect with colleagues from the United States, where Reform is the largest denomination, as well as with colleagues from places such as Israel or Europe, where Reform is a minority, as it is here.

He said that while there are differences with respect to rabbinic practice, colleagues in the United States face the same issues that are important here: Israel, changing family patterns, increasing intermarriage rates among young Jews, and engaging youth.

“It’s important to listen to how rabbis in other communities are dealing with [issues].”

Of particular interest to him, he learned of almost 10 congregations that have “stopped using the word ‘members,’” and have come up with alternative concepts that may have more appeal to younger adults.

“Chabad has no members,” he noted. “Shtibls never had members. People come in and avail themselves of the services. You become a member of the community, or a friend of the community.”

“We’re part of the larger North American movement,” said Rabbi Polonsky, who has also worked in the United States. She added that she thinks it’s important for American rabbis to be reminded that they don’t live in a vacuum.

The convention is not only about issues, she said. “It’s also about learning, sharing best practices and programming, hearing about the latest innovations in worship style and resources, and learning from our teachers. It’s a really good rejuvenation vehicle.”

In New Orleans, Rabbi Polonsky learned about “prayer technology” involving images on screens set up in sanctuaries to enhance prayer. “They call it visual tfillah.”

On a broader scale, CCAR members – like their counterparts at the Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly convention, which was held at the same time in Las Vegas – discussed the future of their movement.

“The Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist movements are all going through structured processes about where they will go in the future,” said Rabbi Garten.

He added that Reform rabbis are very positive about the movement and that there’s a great commitment to its underlying principles.