Masorti Principles

The Masorti Movement is a pluralistic, Israeli, religious movement identifying with Conservative Judaism. The principles of the Movement, based on belief in God, combine devotion to Jewish tradition and halakha (Jewish Law) with an open and positive approach to the modern world, democracy and Zionism.

The Masorti Movement is committed to halakha and views it as a code of conduct expressing Jewish values. The Movement believes that halakha is a dynamic, evolving system, shaped through constant wrestling with changing circumstances in time and place, and responsive to developments in moral and ideological positions.

Judaism

Belief in God is the foundation of the Torah: One God, Creator of the universe, Sustainer of life, who requires us to do that which is right and good.Jewish tradition interprets this belief in many ways.
Recognition of the Torah, through its manifold ancient and modern interpretations, as the teaching derived from the continual search for the will of God.
The Torah and halakha are the heritage of all Jews, regardless of gender.
Commitment to halakha, emphasizing the concept of performing mitzvot – the fulfillment of faith through actions and daily moral behavior.
Halakha, in its very essence, is dynamic and evolving; its principles take into consideration the changing circumstances in each generation.
The study of Jewish sources should be rooted in love and respect for the traditional study methods, while embracing academic research tools that Jewish Studies employ.
Religious faith and science can coexist. Religion engages in values, life norms and ethics. Science engages in determining facts and presenting explanations for them.

Zionism

The Land of Israel, the state of Israel, the Hebrew language and the sovereignty of the Jewish people over its land are vital values for the continued physical and spiritual existence of the Jewish people.
The Movement calls upon the Jews of the Diaspora to participate in the challenge of aliya and settling the land. Only in Israel does the potential exist for the total experience of the Jewish collective living with a responsibility to the entire society.
The Movement is committed to strengthening ties between Israel and the Diaspora, through mutual enrichment and by strengthening pluralistic, Zionist, Jewish education in Israel and abroad.
The state of Israel must be a model society and a spiritual and cultural Jewish center, illuminating the whole world.
The state of Israel must respect Jewish tradition. The state should encourage Jewish culture and Jewish-Zionist education in all its diversity, allowing for their expression in both public and private life.
Good citizenship means loyalty to people and state, respect for the law, honor for people in daily life, protection of the environment, volunteering for the wellbeing of society, and action for social justice and tikkun olam.
Military/national service – defense of the state of Israel and the contribution to society are obligations that fall on every citizen, men and women alike.

Democracy

The Masorti Movement emphasizes the Jewish belief that every human being (man and woman) is created in the image of God, and entitled to respect, liberty, equality, freedom of thought, freedom of faith and social rights.
The Masorti Movement respects the democratic system, based on the acceptance of the majority decision while safeguarding the rights of the minority.
The Masorti Movement relates respectfully to members of other faiths and religions and encourages tolerance, good neighborliness and interfaith understanding.
The Masorti Movement raises the banner of religious pluralism and welcomes every movement, community or stream that acts in its own way to strengthen Judaism. The Movement encourages dialogue among diverse groups and “dispute for the sake of Heaven.”
Unity of the Jewish people – every effort should be made to avert division and reach general agreement between elements of the people, especially in matters concerning Klal Yisrael. Nevertheless, unity does not necessarily require uniformity.