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Newly Revised Introduction To Judaism Honoring the twentieth anniversary of the Reform Movement's Outreach efforts, the URJ PRESS has published a newly revised edition of Introduction to Judaism: A Sourcebook, compiled and edited by Stephen J. Einstein and Lydia Kukoff, with Lisa Edwards, Marjorie Slome, and Hara Person. "Today, virtually every Reform congregation offers instruction to those who are considering conversion to Judaism and those rediscovering their Jewish heritage," said Dru Greenwood, director of the UAHC-CCAR commissions on Reform Jewish Outreach and Synagogue Affiliation. "Tens of thousands of people throughout the Reform Movement in North America have used the original Einstein-Kukoff Introduction To Judaism curriculum since it was published in 1983. This new publication is for a new generation." The long-awaited, comprehensive revised version of Introduction To Judaism reflects changes in the political situation in Israel, the creation of alternative liturgies, the use of gender-neutral language in prayer, the Reform Movement's new approaches to life-cycle celebrations, and other recent developments. At the sourcebook's core, readers will find lessons about what it means to live the full spectrum of Jewish life, including Torah study, home observance, synagogue worship, and mitzvot that repair the world. The book's accompanying Facilitator's Curriculum Guide suggests lesson plans, goals for each class session, and assignments. Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, president of the UAHC, recently called for the Reform Movement to expand its Outreach efforts, especially in the area of inviting conversion. "There is no question that the Outreach work of this movement must be seen as nothing less than a triumph," Yoffie said at a symposium in April. "In the absence of Outreach, tens of thousands of intermarried couples who are now members of our congregations would be forever lost to the Jewish people; innumerable Jews who marry non-Jews would be denied any but the slimmest hope of a Jewish future; there would be far fewer Jews-by-choice; and ours would be a weaker and more divided movement, denied the surge of energy, religious renewal, and adult learning which is a direct outgrowth of our Outreach efforts." The URJ PRESS is part of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the central body of Reform Judaism in North America, uniting 1.5 million Reform Jews in more than 880 synagogues. UAHC services include camps, music publishing, and educational programs. Introduction To Judaism is $15.95 and its accompanying Facilitator's Curriculum Guide is $10.00. Items from the URJ PRESS can be ordered toll free at 1-888-489-UAHC or through the website at http://www.URJPress.com. ### (6/99)
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