Institutionally the oldest of the American movements, the Reform Movement is also perhaps the most complete in the services it offers its nearly 900 congregations. As does its counterpart in the Conservative Movement, the Union of American Hebrew Congregations has regional offices across North America providing all types of services to congregations. The regional structures of the North American Federation of Temple Brotherhoods, Women of Reform Judaism, and North American Federation of Temple Youth, listed below, are similar to those of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, though the regional boundaries are different. Consult the national organization for regional information.

Union for Reform Judaism

With its mission of providing vision, leadership, and support to Reform Jewish congregations, the Union for Reform Judaism (formerly the Union of American Hebrew Congregations) promotes the growth of Reform Judaism; fosters programs for education, worship, and the pursuit of peace and justice; supports the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion; and advocates for Israel, Jewish people everywhere, and the development of Liberal Judaism under the auspices of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. Featured on its extensive Web site are sections for adult and youth learning; youth, congregational, and personal resources; publications, including Reform Judaism magazine; directories of allied organizations, camps, and congregations; and feedback. In addition, the Web site provides links to discussion groups, news sources, and “Torahnet” (a guide to Torah study via the Internet). Anyone interested in the growth and vibrancy of Reform Judaism and Reform Jewish congregations will find this organization and its Web site valuable.

American Conference of Cantors

Continuing education is offered to the members of the American Conference of Cantors in conjunction with the School of Sacred Music of the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion. ACC co-sponsors the annual conventions of the Guild of Temple Musicians (see Resources—Worship: Music), with which it is associated.

Central Conference of American Rabbis

In addition to the professional services offered to its members and its joint commissions with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, the CCAR is in the process of producing a new prayer book for the Reform Movement.

Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion

HUC–JIR, an international institution with centers in Cincinnati, New York, Los Angeles, and Jerusalem, offers a variety of degree-granting programs, including a doctoral program in Jewish studies, schools of Communal Service (New York and Los Angeles), archaeology (Jerusalem), Jewish Education, and music. Ordination is now possible at any of the campuses. One of the newest initiatives of the HUC–JIR is long-distance adult learning. A catalogue of courses is accessible through the Web site (www.huc.edu).

National Association of Temple Administrators

The association’s management manual and its supplements are considered the one book to own for those looking for a most comprehensive resource on running the administrative side of a congregation. NATA offers consulting services as well. “Templechat,” on the NATA Web site, is open by registration to all Reform Temple Board members.

National Association of Temple Educators

One of the many services NATE offers Reform congregations is help with educational planning for congregations without educators. The association works in close contact with the Progressive Association of Reform Day Schools (PARDeS).

North American Federation of Temple Brotherhoods

NFTB has sponsored the Jewish Chautauqua Society since its inception. JCS is dedicated to bringing scholars and teachers of Judaism to areas with few Jews and is especially active in funding rabbis’ teachings at small colleges throughout North America.

North American Federation of Temple Youth

NFTY sends thousands of young people from North America to Israel each summer through a variety of programs.

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

The RAC has been the voice and presence of Reform Judaism in our nation’s capital and in the political sphere for 40 years. The center mobilizes the American Jewish community around legislative and political issues as well as serving as its advocate. The RAC is also the template on which the IRAC (Israel RAC) is based.

Women of Reform Judaism

WRJ, the Federation of Temple Sisterhoods, is the voice, presence, and arena of action of the women of Reform Judaism.The organization bands together more than 100,000 Jewish women in over 600 sisterhoods throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries. Its diversified activities include projects on behalf of the blind and visually impaired, education in international relations, religious and family education, intergroup relations, and a wide range of vital, far-reaching programs to further social justice, assist the struggle for the freedom of Jews in Eastern Europe, and support the State of Israel.