By Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy,
Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism
Having travelled the country listening to our communities, 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.
We know, too, that while there is an appetite for this project, it is subject to the detail, and that our membership is keen to know what happens next.
The broad picture is that we remain confident that there will be a recommendation to the two Boards of MRJ and LJ in the December of 2024 that they can best fulfil their charitable purposes by creating a new movement together and disbanding the existing entities.
Our goal is that in the Spring of 2025 we will be able to bring this recommendation to the membership of the two movements. We will also be in a position over the coming months to advise communities of the legal process for the coming together, and the exact steps each community will need to take.
Once the two movement votes have taken place it will take 6-9 months to establish the new organisation, and we plan for this to be in place by the end of 2025.
Between now and the end of 2024, we will be presenting to the leadership of each community our recommendation for the financial model, the principles of the governance arrangements, and the membership agreement. There will be opportunities to discuss these and to feedback. Additionally, we will provide resources that will support communities in sharing the vision and core work of the new movement with their members.
This is a very complex process; not only are we bringing together two charities, but we are also bringing together two membership organisations made up of membership organisations!
We know that for some people this will feel too fast; for others it feels too slow.
We hope that this booklet helps you, wherever you find yourself, to understand better all the complexities taking place while also allowing us to take stock and see just how much has already been achieved. While we believe wholeheartedly in all that one combined movement will make possible, we also want to take the time to hear from you, so we can move forward together.
One of our favourite questions from our forums has been, “What can we do to help this movement achieve its potential?” Here are some suggestions:
1. Talk to us – There is so much in our communal life to celebrate – please tell us all the things you are proud of about your community. Help us celebrate you and inspire the other communities around you.
2. Be proud of Progressive Jewish life – Let the world know we are here and help to build the recognition of the diversity of Jewish life in the UK. It is a special thing that we are making an impact – we need to celebrate this, including making a noise on social media.
3. Raise up our voices – If you hear anyone say that one voice, individual or organisation is speaking on behalf of the Jewish community in the UK, then challenge it – write to the broadcasters and newspapers, post on social media, and keep up the pressure to recognise all forms of Judaism in public life.
4. Learn about one another – We have had the amazing opportunity to see the beauty of Progressive Jewish life around the country. You can too. Visit other communities, big and small, Liberal and Reform, online and in person. Take part in services, activities and events you haven’t before. Start new conversations with new people. Enjoy all the great things about being a Progressive Jew and learn how much we share.
5. Feedback – Tell us when we get things wrong, but also please do not forget to tell us when we get things right.
- Picture: Rabbi Josh Levy, Dr Ed Kessler MBE and Rabbi Charley Baginsky