Vision and Purpose

Since the announcement of the plan to co-create one Progressive Judaism for the UK, we have seen hundreds of conversations, community visits, online forums and discussion events take place.

They have reflected a shared ambition that Progressive Judaism be a prominent and essential part of Jewish lives in the UK, of the landscape of the Jewish community and of British society.

A strategic plan has not yet been created for the new Movement – as this can only happen after a positive vote to proceed with a legal combination, and in full partnership with our clergy and communities.

However, we have put together a brief vision informed by all those conversations, and therefore with the input of all of you all around the country.

It seeks to set out a clear sense of purpose for the new Movement focussing on four key missions.

1. Strengthen, support and connect communities

Why this is core:

• Progressive Judaism enriches lives and is a force for good.
• At the heart of a thriving Progressive Judaism must always be a network of vibrant communities across the country.
• Every community should be supported to reach its full potential, safely and legally.
• For the Movement to thrive, communities must see it as a partner in their work.

Ways the new Movement can support this work:

Advice and consultation
Provide expert resources on HR, governance, safeguarding, fundraising, communications and more. Support communities in transition, growth or crisis.

Connection between communities
Facilitate networking and collaboration between communities, offering national and local events that would not be possible otherwise.

Resources for smaller and emerging communities
Supply training, materials and clergy support – including resources for education, Tefillah, interfaith dialogue, social justice and more.

Strategic thinking and development
Provide an overview of the landscape, fostering innovation and new opportunities for growth and development.

2. Promote, amplify and embolden our values and forms of Jewish life

Why this is core:

• Progressive Judaism is the natural home for most of this country’s Jews, and we should showcase the diversity and richness of our Jewish life.
• Being a Progressive Jew should be a source of pride, and we should be seen as central to UK Jewish life while respecting personal autonomy and inclusivity.
• We bring a unique and important voice to the Jewish and wider conversations, shaping how Judaism and religion are perceived globally.
• We have a unique role in speaking for the marginalised, promoting social justice and being agents of change in line with our Jewish values.

Ways the new Movement can support this work:

Development of media strategy
Proactively engaging with press and media to generate stories and articles, from thought pieces to celebrations of communal life enabling a range of voices to be heard on key issues.

Engagement with Government and civil society
Developing a strategy for engagement with politicians, ensuring Progressive Judaism is represented at national events and involved in social justice and interfaith work.

Liaison with national and international Jewish bodies and Israel
Leading the engagement with the Jewish Leadership Council, Board of Deputies, Israeli Embassy, and international Progressive Jewish organizations to serve our members’ interests.

Support for thought leadership
Developing and resourcing publications, videos, and online materials while supporting clergy bodies in thought leadership projects.

3. Inspire, connect and nurture the next generations of Progressive Jews

Why this is core:

• Young people are the current and future leaders of Progressive Judaism, and we need to inspire and educate them for its continued success.
• The quality of youth provision is a key factor in driving synagogue membership.
• Our infrastructure needs to meet the needs of young people when they are outside their communities, for example at university. No one else is addressing this gap, and it is essential for our Movement to step in.

Ways the new Movement can support this work:

High-quality, inspiring youth provision
Ensuring thriving Youth Movements and gap-year programs, meeting youth needs across Progressive Judaism, including support for small communities and integrating Progressive Judaism into Jewish schools, while assisting students in non-Jewish schools.

Student and young adult support
Offering Progressive chaplaincy and community resources for students, facilitating connections with J-Socs and UJS, and providing support for both those outside and within the existing Jewish student infrastructure. Additionally, offering young adult programming in partnership with communities.

Strategic guidance for young people’s journeys
Supporting communities in listening to young people and responding to their needs, addressing young adult involvement in community life and membership models for young adults and young families.

Leadership programmes for young adults
Identifying and mentoring future leaders through Progressive Jewish leadership programs, and supporting access to existing leadership development opportunities.

4. Foster inclusion, provide resources, and pave the way for those seeking to join us

Why this is core:

• Outreach represents a growth opportunity for UK Progressive Judaism, including reaching the 75,000 Jewish households not currently affiliated to a synagogue.
• We believe everyone who wants to engage with Jewish life should receive a welcoming and supportive response.
• Current outreach organisations do not align with our values or address the broad needs of those seeking Jewish life.
• Increasing numbers of dispersed Jews in the UK have unmet Jewish needs.

Ways the new Movement can support this work:

Supporting status journeys
Supporting and resourcing a responsive, welcoming Beit Din / Batei Din and offering support for communities with proselytes and those with part-time or no clergy.

Gateway for lifecycle support
Providing resources, support, and information for those seeking to enter Jewish life during lifecycle events (milah, b’nei mitzvah, marriage, death).

Developing new communities
Conducting demographic research and providing strategies and resources to help establish new communities in areas with emerging Jewish populations.

Supporting outreach programs
Offering key workers and resources to assist existing communities in developing and expanding outreach programs and strategies.