Pittsburgh Platform

The Pittsburgh Platform, created in 1885, was a foundational statement of American Reform Judaism's beliefs. It emphasized ethical living over strict religious laws, promoting ideas like personal choice in religious practice, social justice, and the importance of education. The platform encouraged adapting Jewish traditions to modern life, distancing from traditional dogmas, and fostering a more inclusive, ethical approach to Judaism. It shaped the movement’s focus on morality, learning, and community engagement, reflecting a shift toward a more flexible and morally driven understanding of Jewish identity in the contemporary world.