Phyllis Dorey, a longtime leader within the Progressive Jewish Movement in Australia and globally, was installed as the new chair of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) on Saturday in Jerusalem.

Phyllis becomes the first Australian to serve as chair of the WUPJ — the international network of the Reform, Liberal, and Reconstructionist Movements serving nearly two million members in over 50 countries. She succeeds Carole Sterling of Canada, who has served as chair since 2015.

“I am honoured that so many people have faith in me to do this sacred work with the support and strength of experienced, passionate and dedicated members of the WUPJ Management Committee and Executive Board,” Dorey said to delegates from throughout the world gathered at Connections 2023, WUPJ’s biennial conference.

“I commit myself to all of our partners and friends in the WUPJ to working together to reaffirm our valued position in our Progressive world. The World Union family is strong, vibrant and growing, and our desire to work together for the common good of our Progressive Movement is paramount. No matter where we are in the world, we are here for each other, and together we will flourish.”

Phyllis was elected by the WUPJ International Assembly and will serve as chair for a two-year term.

During her 35-year professional life, Phyllis was a highly respected educational administrator and career consultant. Her skills and expertise, especially as a manager, presenter, trainer, mentor and coach, were widely recognised and valued by individuals, training institutions, and companies.

She has been an active member of the Progressive Jewish community in Australia and internationally, having undertaken a number of elected positions including president of the Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ), the roof body of 27 congregations, schools and youth groups throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia; a member of the Executive Board and Vice Chair of the WUPJ; and president of Temple Beth Israel in Melbourne, Australia.

In 2016, she made Aliyah and now divides her time between Melbourne and K’far Hanassi, in northern Israel, with her partner. And in 2018, Phyllis received the prestigious Member of the Order of Australia (OAM) award for her service to the Jewish community.

“I am thrilled that my dear friend Phyllis Dorey and her team will lead the WUPJ for the next leg of the journey, ensuring that members of our Progressive family around the world are able to lead meaningful, relevant Jewish lives wherever they live,” said outgoing WUPJ Chair Carole Sterling.

Serving with Phyllis on the WUPJ Management Committee will be Steven Beck of Israel as Senior Vice Chair, Andrew Keene of the United States as Vice Chair (Finance), Daniel Chinn of Israel as Vice Chair, Pekka Sinervo of Canada as Vice Chair, Dan Kirwin of Asia as Vice Chair, L Tadd Schwab of the United States as Vice Chair, Sharene Hambur of Australia as Secretary, Martin Jannol as General Counsel, and Carole Sterling as Immediate Past Chair.

Picture: Phyllis Dorey, right, the new Chair of WUPJ, with outgoing WUPJ Chair Carole Sterling (picture credit – Yoav Nir / Avinary Productions)