Rabbi Danny Rich – the former CEO and Senior Rabbi of Liberal Judaism – has written two important articles outlining his support for Liberal Judaism merging with the Movement for Reform Judaism to create one single Progressive Judaism for the UK.

The first piece – an op-ed for the Jewish News – can be read by clicking here. The second, an extended essay exclusive to this website, can be found below:

I am a third generation Liberal (with a capital ‘L’) and liberal Jew whose grandparents on both sides were actively involved in the early decades of the Jewish Religious Union (JRU), particularly at the South London Liberal Synagogue, which is Liberal Judaism’s second oldest constituent founded in 1929.

Liberal Judaism’s first minister – Rabbi Dr Israel Mattuck

My personal and professional life has been characterised by Liberal Judaism. I ministered to the Kingston Liberal Synagogue for some two decades; I served as Liberal Judaism’s Senior Rabbi and Chief Executive from 2005 to 2020; and I am now the Rabbi to Southgate Progressive Synagogue (SPS) and Stevenage Liberal Synagogue (SLS).

The JRU – now known as Liberal Judaism – was founded in 1902 by Claude Montefiore and Lily Montagu, and subsequently nurtured by England’s first Liberal Rabbi, Israel Mattuck, in response to a perceived apathy and an absence of spiritual awareness in the existing Orthodox and Reform synagogues of England.

Liberal Judaism was for many early adherents not intended to be a separate branch of Judaism but rather to offer supplementary and inspiring worship (particularly for children) and learning in the form of public lectures and the publication of pamphlets.

The twentieth century was, of course, a tumultuous time which witnessed two World Wars, the Shoah and the foundation of the State of Israel, and the rapid growth of Liberal and Reform synagogues.

The possibility that Liberal and Reform communities might join a single organisation was first attempted in the 1930s, and, reinforced by a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ not to develop in the same city and a general milieu of cooperation combined with friendly competition. The most ambitious plans for a single synagogue association occurred in the mid 1980s but collapsed amid mutual recrimination.

As Liberal synagogues have become more traditional in practice and Reform synagogues more radical on social issues, the possibility of some type of federation has reared its head every few years and the current situation is a dramatic manifestation of such.

There are, of course, ideological opponents. Their voices, which are necessary to be heard, are not persuaded that two separate organisations bring more than double value.

Then there are the ‘gung-ho’ enthusiasts who view the measure as inevitable and overdue.

Between these two are the views of perhaps the majority of Liberal and Reform Jews who- with some reservations- are prepared to take what might be described as a ‘leap of faith’.

I have long held – particularly since some of my best friends and most inspiring role models have been Reform Rabbis – that the day will come, and, whilst I have for various reasons maintained a vow of self-imposed silence, I now believe it is time for me to express my support.

Rabbi Danny Rich with the late Simon Benscher during their time as CEO and Chair of Liberal Judaism

My main fears were two-fold. First, having worked for more than 20 years with the Reform Movement, in my personal opinion, I often found it to be conservative, bureaucratic, anti-clerical and pragmatic rather than principled.

However, I believe the current Reform Movement via its leadership is bringing to the table a capacity for generosity and a willingness to acknowledge the equal but different contribution which each institution can bring to the other.

Second, Liberal Judaism by virtue of its history, culture and size has frequently been nimble and pioneering, particularly in its approach to current issues of the day. Whilst the Reform Movement was ‘still considering its position’, my proudest moment as the professional head of Liberal Judaism was giving evidence as the only religious Jewish witness in favour to the Equal Marriage Bill Committee which, subsequently was enshrined in law and demonstrated Liberal Judaism’s capacity to be on the ‘right side of history’.

It, of course, goes without saying that both Liberal and Reform Judaism have today made impressive advances in offering a more inclusive, egalitarian and welcoming style in response to changing mores.

Liberal and Reform Judaism is made up of its paying constituents, and, in my experience, my congregations have two main questions. Will any change result in an increased capacity to retain funds locally rather than centrally and will the choices for what happens to a member after death be enhanced? It appears that the answer to both is ‘Yes’, and, accordingly, I expect the representatives of both SPS and SLS will vote in favour of the new arrangements.

As a rabbi and spiritual and congregational leader I have an interest in finance, governance and public perception but I am hoping, as will all my colleagues whether in favour or against, to serve a higher purpose.

Will the new possibilities increase the likelihood of a modern Jewish offer for my grandchildren and their peers, and can a joint initiative of some 30,000 Jews better make a contribution to British society and beyond.

Judaism, and indeed Liberal Judaism, does not exist for self-perpetuation: its ration d’etre is to bring Jewish moral and spiritual values to the world.

To quote Rabbi Dr Israel Mattuck: “If Judaism is to exercise an influence in the world it must be something more than tradition which some Jews like to maintain for their satisfaction; it must be a message to the world. That requires two things. It must embody the thought, the ideas which men and women accept as true on sufficient ground. It cannot have a message for the world of today if it clings to obsolete beliefs and ideas. Secondly, it must address itself to the problems that agitate our world.” (Judaism and the Future: 5 October 1945)