The World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) – the global body that both Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism are a part of – helped bring Progressive Judaism to new congregations and countries over the High Holy Days.

In line with the WUPJ mission to assist and build communities around the globe, its Centre for Education and Leadership Development – with support from the World Zionist Organization – facilitated rabbis for three international congregations:

Rabbi Hanoch Howard Fields served Congregation B’nei Maskilim in Vilnius, Lithuania, leading the first-ever Progressive High Holy Days services in the country, which were well-attended and signalled the potential for an active Progressive community there.

Rabbi Stacey Blank served Rodef Shalom Congregation in Mumbai, India, marvelling at how the community mingles its 2500-year-old Bene Israel tradition with its 100-year-old Progressive Judaism tradition.

Rabbi John Franken served Congregation HaMakom in Porto, Portugal, supported by a community choir. The rabbi’s inspirational sermons and the soulful music created a sense of family and welcomed participants from near and far.