This week I read an article written by an ultra Orthodox rabbi about the vandalism of a reform synagogue in Ra'nana. On the Beit Knesset directs one to a verse in the book of Psalms which states that heretics and deniers of the Torah have no place in the world. The writer of this article makes the argument that the vandalizes are wrong to have written this, because reform Jews are not apostates, as described by Rabbi Eliezer Berkowitz. He said that an apostate is a either a person who rejects Judaism for an easier life, or one who rejects Judaism out of a desire to attack Jewish tradition.
The tone of this article was very interesting to me to read, because it showed me a different perspective that the Orthodox have of Reform Jews that I did not know existed. It seemed to me that the writer's attitude towards Reform was one of disagreement, but respect. I always just assumed that Orthodox Jews think of the Reform movement as a shameful rejection of tradition. However, some apparently hold an opinion that the Reform Jews want to make Judaism more modern, and though they disagree with the movement's principles, they accept this. Sometimes I feel like I have an unfair, incorrect view of the Orthodox community, but when I see things like this, it reminds me that while they might not agree with Reform views, they respect Reform Jews as people just trying to make Judaism more relevant today.