By Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen and Rabbi Kath Vardi, Co-Chairs of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors and
Rabbi Alexandra Wright and Rabbi Anna Wolfson, Co-Chairs of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors
Eilu v’eilu – ‘Both these and these are the words of God’
Babylonian Talmud Eruvin 13b
It has been an exciting time for the four of us to become Co-Chairs of the clergy bodies of Reform and Liberal Judaism, working in partnership together – as well as with our two Batei Din and the national movements.
The theme for us has been building strong, honest and brave spaces within the Assembly and Conference and in the relationships we hold with all of our partner groups.
Within the Conference and Assembly, we have been creating supportive structures that hold a multiplicity of voices and opinions to recognise the breadth and energy of the rabbinate and cantorate and to acknowledge the value in deep conversations.
Given the challenges faced by communities and their leaders – especially following the pandemic and 7th October attacks – we have been ensuring that we create supportive and nurturing spaces for cantors and rabbis to come together.
We also understand the role the Assembly and Conference have in representing clergy in the work they do, their work conditions and the changing face of the rabbinate/cantorate today.
We have started to hold many of our monthly meetings together. Being in one space with Progressive colleagues from across the country has meant our meetings have been full of excitement and potential.
Photos: Recent joint meetings of the Conference and Assembly
Being together has enabled us to start our main project: New Thinking for a New Movement.
We have spent two half days focusing on questions of ideology and theology for today’s world. At our last meeting we asked ourselves the following questions:
- What do we believe the role and authority of clergy ought to be in the new movement, if it is to be as dynamic and successful as we hope and dream?
- What does it mean to be a Progressive Jew today? What are we progressing to/from?
- My deepest dilemma regarding Israel is… and the implications for Progressive Judaism today are…?
- What is the place for God in the new movement?
One main takeaway has been the commitment of clergy to be brave in stating what it means to be a Progressive Jew today, as well as ensuring that we amplify and embrace the multi-vocality of our Judaisms from both communities and clergy: Eilu v’eilu.
We are looking forward to opening up these conversations in the next few months.
Another focus has been working towards the new landscape of a new movement. We have already started work on hearing from our Batei Din (Liberal and Reform) and can see how much we have in common in process. Together with the Convenors of the Batei Din we will continue to work on how the new movement will affect our Batei Din.
Shortly we will also begin to discuss the options before us and the possibility of being one clergy movement.
There is much work to do and a great deal of potential.