Source: The New York Times
On May 27, 1999, The New York Times published an article on the contents of the Pittsburgh Principles. The document is divided into "three broad sections of beliefs, in the worship of God, the observance of the Torah and devotion to Israel." The document specifically addresses for the first time in a declaration of Reform principles the issue of mitzvot, which are sacred obligations that are observed more closely by Conservative and Orthodox Jews. The document states that "some of these mitzvot, sacred obligations, have long been observed by Reform Jews; others, both ancient and modern, demand renewed attention as the result of the unique context of our own times." The document also addresses homosexuality, religious intermarriage, and recent converts. The Pittsburgh Principles are a beginning point for further meetings to translate the principles into "concrete terms."