Free Essay On Why Did Yarmulkes Become A Controversial Issue In The Reform Synagogue?

Associating the traditional Yarmulke with official high profile government function alerted some people. As a religious attire that signified reverence, the Yarmulke could not fit other non-religious functions, some people believed. The conflict of thoughts arose among reformed Jews and their conservative counterparts. A member of the reformed group complained that she felt offended by the president of synagogue frequent use of the Yarmulke. The president often wore the Yarmulke on all occasions including high-holiday services.
The issue could not be settled by the members of the synagogue ritual committee. The issue ceased to be the concern of the clergy but spread to the public. Most people embraced the opinion that yarmulkes are too traditional to fit in the evolving society. In addition, the cap distinguished Jews from the rest of the world population. Since they strove to acquire acceptance with the rest of the world, both rabbis and the traditional believers in Judaism abandoned and discouraged the use of yarmulkes.

How does the debate over yarmulkes described in the Furman essay connect to basic values in the Reform Jewish tradition?

The Yarmulke debate revealed the tension between ancient Jewish tradition and a civilized society. While some traditionalists strove to preserve the ancient culture, more liberal Jews considered altering the practices so they can interact and fit comfortably into the civilized world society. The reformed Jewish tradition supporters view some of the ancient practices in accordance with Judaism as useless and barbaric.
The values of Reformed Jewish tradition focus on modern social integration. Although the rabbis do not condemn the orthodox Jews, they believe the practices are a setback to social conscience and accommodation of religious evolution. Other people in the Temple Shalom disregard the cap as an attractive epic attire not suitable for a modern people.