May/June 2025 VOL. LII No. 3
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday www.pathtoprogressivejudaism.org.uk
Now let’s go and make history O N Sunday 18 May 2025 the member communities of Liberal Judaism and The Movement for Reform Judaism will vote on whether to unite into one Progressive Judaism for the UK at two parallel EGMs. If both votes are positive, this date will mark the culmination of 250 years of change and progress – dating back to the Haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment) of the mid-1770s – and result in a defining moment in the history of British Jewry. It will also herald the start of a new future with a new movement that will represent one third of synagogue affiliated Jews; and we believe the majority of those yet to affiliate. It will give us a louder voice, a greater presence and, crucially, the opportunity to further grow our communities. Rabbi Rebecca Birk is the representative of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors on the Progressive Judaism Advisory Board, which has overseen this process. Her passion for forming one Progressive Judaism stems from her experiences studying in America. She writes: “In the USA, I had the mindopening experience of Progressive Judaism being the largest and most confident of all Jewish denominations. “This is why I know that the co-creation of one Progressive Judaism for the UK will amplify our voice, increase our numbers and broaden what it means to be Jewish and engaged in modern life.” Many readers will remember Rabbi Mark Goldsmith as a young Liberal minister in Finchley and Woodford. Today, he is the Senior Rabbi of Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue.
Rabbi Mark is steeped in both Liberal and Reform tradition, with family roots going back 200 years. He says that unlike the previous merger attempts of 1942 and 1983, we are in the right place in 2025 to make a long-held dream a reality. He writes: “Both movements now have an established route to equilineality, enabling children of one Jewish parent, irrespective of gender, to have recognised Jewish status. Both are fully egalitarian and built by people of all sexualities and genders. Both are fully able to integrate and build the Jewish lives of mixed faith couples and families “In regard to practice, Reform Judaism has become more flexible in its interpretation and Liberal Judaism more enthusiastic in its response to tradition. Above all, we celebrate the diversity of our synagogues and communities. “That is why I believe it is now time to be one agudah (brotherhood and sisterhood) of Progressive Judaism.”
There is also huge support among lay leaders and congregants. A member for 103 years, Ruth Shire may be the longestserving Liberal Jew. She tells us: “I am feeling positive about the idea of a bigger group which can produce more important ideas and make them a reality.” At the other end of the age spectrum, becoming one larger body will bring more opportunities – and funding – for our youth, student and young adult work. While LJY-Netzer and RSY-Netzer will remain distinct, they are already collaborating to offer enhanced experiences to young Progressive Jews – including a summer Israel experience and a new gap year programme. Summing up the history that can be made, Liberal Judaism Chair Karen Newman said: “We believe that now is the moment for Progressive Judaism to thrive and flourish – providing a space that combines the best of Jewish tradition with modern values and lifestyles.”
The clergy of Progressive Judaism, who will have a key role in shaping the new movement
There is another important vote taking place this spring – for the World Zionist Congress. This election provides the chance for British Jews to influence the future of Israel and the Jewish people for the better. See pages 4-5 to find out more.