It has been nearly a year since the full-time process of uniting Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism into one single Progressive Judaism for the UK began. During that time much work has been done, new opportunities have been created and significant milestones have been achieved.
As we reach the end of this first year, the leadership of our movements have taken the opportunity to reflect on, and share, what has taken place.
An in-depth 16-page booklet, outlining where we are in the process and where we’re heading, has been produced and sent to communities.
The booklet describes all the wonderful things currently happening as our movements, staff teams and clergy bodies begin to work together. It then sets out the practical tasks around the merging of two organisations, the important discussions on the name of the new movement and the practical next steps ahead.
For those who prefer their information in a shorter, more visual format, a three-minute video has been created. First played at both movement AGMs, it gives an insight into all the benefits one Progressive Judaism will bring for our members, our clergy, our communities and wider society.
An email newsletter is also sent out every Friday to subscribers – rounding up the news, views, campaigns, projects and achievements of our movement(s) and congregations. Its purpose is simple… each week we hope it makes the reader that little bit prouder to be a Progressive Jew.
Links to the booklet, video and newsletter sign-up can be found on the new and regularly updated www.pathtoprogressivejudaism.org.uk website – along with further information and an FAQ about the process.
One key aspect of the last year has been the holding of Community Forums – both in-person and online – with all of our Reform and Liberal congregations.
These have provided the opportunity for Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky to hear directly from our members.
They said: “As we’ve travelled the country these last 12 months, visiting our communities, we have heard a real enthusiasm and excitement for Progressive Judaism and what movement can be and do.
“When discussing the building of the new movement, we have been pleased that the questions we have been asked have been ones of ‘how’ and ‘when’ and not ‘whether’, from a shared position of ambition and passion for Progressive Jewish life.
“We believe that there is a willingness to move forward, and we are confident that we have a mandate to continue onto the next stage – to build a new organisation that reflects this shared determination.”
The path ahead is outlined fully in the new booklet, outlining the dates for the next steps and votes that need to take place in order for the new organisation to be fully formed by this time next year.
The leadership of all congregations will also soon be presented with recommendations for the new movement’s financial model, principles of governance arrangements and membership agreement, along with resources that will support communities in sharing the vision with their members.
Speaking about the excitement around what will be created, Dr Ed Kessler MBE – the Chair of the Progressive Judaism Advisory Board – said: “The coming together of the Movement for Reform Judaism and Liberal Judaism into one single movement is the most significant development in British Judaism of the last 80 years.
“Our voice, as Progressive Jews, will be heard not only in the UK, but around the world. Our Judaism – one that is inclusive, musical, thoughtful, creative and egalitarian – will flourish and grow, helping more people in more places enjoy rich and vibrant Jewish lives.”
By Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy,
Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism