ACC in the Reform Movement
The Reform Movement in North America
More than 1 million Americans and Canadians are affiliated with Reform congregations, making Reform Judaism the largest Jewish denomination in North America.
Since its founding in 19th-century Germany, the Reform Movement has embraced modernity, incorporating innovation into all facets of Jewish tradition, education, and life. Reform Judaism’s commitment to social justice for all – women, the disabled, and, indeed, people from all faiths and backgrounds who lack civil and human rights – is a key pillar of the movement, contributing to its popularity among North America’s Jews.
The Reform Jewish Movement comprises nearly 900 congregations in the U.S. and Canada, more than 1,200 congregations worldwide, and the organizations and institutions that support the lay leaders, clergy, and Jewish professionals among its ranks. Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, the Reform Movement’s North American seminary, is the first and largest Jewish seminary on the continent, with four campuses in the United States and Israel. In addition to ordaining rabbis and cantors, HUC-JIR and its Reform counterparts in Germany and the U.K. also train Jewish educators, nonprofit professionals, and pastoral counselors. (from the Union for Reform Judaism website)
Our Affiliate: Guild of Temple Musicians
We are music directors, choral conductors, composers, music educators, choir members, organists, keyboardists, guitarists, cantors, cantorial soloists, songleaders, and anyone who makes music in celebration of Jewish Worship.
We are a diverse group of dedicated musicians of varying degrees of training, education, and capability joined in one cause – protecting, preserving, creating, and teaching the myriad and majesty of Jewish music.
We are musicians from all walks of life, and at all levels of training, both liturgically and musically. Regardless of our backgrounds, regardless of our professional status, we are committed towards personal improvement and the musical development of Jewish music and the Jewish people.
We are a vast network of talented, energetic, and devoted individuals who join together to share ideas, network, and support each other.
Our Mission is to support a diverse community that creates and celebrates Jewish music through education and collaboration.
Our Partners
ARJE: Association of Reform Jewish Educators
ARZA: Association of Reform Zionists of America
ARZA Canada: Canadian Association of Reform Zionists
CCAR: Central Conference of American Rabbis
HUC-JIR: Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
DFSSM: Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at HUC-JIR
NATA: National Association for Temple Administration
NFTY: North American Federation of Temple Youth
RAC: Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
URJ Camps: URJ Camps and Israel Program
WUPJ: World Union for Progressive Judasim
MLM: Music Leader Match