Progressive Judaism’s Co-Leads – Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy – hosted an Open House meeting attended by more than 200 members of Reform and Liberal communities.

The session discussed the next steps in the process to unite The Movement for Reform Judaism and Liberal Judaism into one single Progressive Judaism for the UK.

Rabbis Josh and Charley spent an hour chatting and answering questions via Zoom.

They covered the logistical steps and votes that lie ahead, what they have learned in the past 18 months visiting congregations all over the UK and Ireland, and how individuals can get involved in helping create this new movement.

Rabbis Charley and Josh spoke at length about how they cherish the beauty and individuality of each Progressive community and of their commitment to all communities retaining their identities, services and practices.

They also reassured everyone that on key issues – such as conversion, Jewish status (including inherited status from either mother or father), LGBTQI+ inclusion and the welcome of mixed faith families – our current movements hold strongly shared values, have very similar procedures and policies, and already recognise the status and conversion decisions of the other.

Tailored information packs are now being put together for each community. These will outline the next stages and detail the proposals for the new organisation, including membership structures, governance and financial models. They will also further answer the questions asked in Open House.

In the meantime, anyone with ideas, questions or concerns is encouraged to visit the dedicated Path to Progressive Judaism website.

The Progressive Judaism Open House takes place monthly (usually on the first Thursday) via Zoom, offering members the chance to chat directly with Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky. The next session will be at 8pm on Thursday 6 February. To receive the Zoom link and join, please email hello@progressivejudaism.org.uk.