May/June 2025 VOL. I No. 1
The Movement for Reform Judaism is a constituent member of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.reformjudaism.org.uk
rjtoday www.pathtoprogressivejudaism.org.uk
Now let’s go and make history O N Sunday 18 May 2025 the member communities of The Movement for Reform Judaism and Liberal 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 Dr Jackie Tabick grew up in the Reform movement – at what was then SWESRS – and has served it all her life. This year she celebrates 50 years since her history-making ordination, when she became Britain’s first female rabbi. Rabbi Jackie is passionate about the opportunities the formation of one Progressive Judaism will bring. She says: “We want to bring the love of Judaism into people’s homes and into people’s hearts. We want to increase knowledge and practice, and the enjoyment of being Jewish, down through the coming generations. “By coming together, I know we can achieve all of this.” Many readers will know Rabbi Mark Goldsmith as the Senior Rabbi of Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue. But he started his career with the Liberal congregations in Finchley and Woodford.
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. David Kirk of Alyth sums up that feeling, when he tells us: “Together we will be more powerful and have a louder voice. Most importantly, those wanting to join us will have a wider choice – all under the umbrella of being Progressive.” Becoming one larger body will also bring more opportunities – and funding – for our youth and young adult work. While RSY-Netzer and LJY-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, Reform Judaism Chair Paul Langsford said: “This is the moment for Progressive Judaism to thrive and flourish. As one movement, we will help more people in more places enjoy rich and vibrant Jewish experiences.”
The clergy of Progressive Judaism, who will have a key role in shaping the new movement
This is a special Reform version of the Liberal Judaism magazine lj today to mark a historic moment in the history of both movements. Should the EGM votes be positive, and one Progressive Judaism formed, a new joint magazine will be created.