Rabbis and cantors from Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism held their first joint meeting since announcing their historic move to create one single unified Progressive Jewish movement for the UK.

More than 30 members of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis & Cantors and the Conference of Liberal Rabbis & Cantors gathered in London, with a similar number joining via Zoom from all parts of the country.

Rabbi Kathleen Middleton, co-chair of the Assembly, said: “There was a tremendous sense of excitement in the room as the rabbinic bodies came together to discuss the future of our new, joined movement. We all agree that the time is right for this moment and we look forward towards making it a reality.”

Conference co-chair Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel added: “The prospect of building together a stronger Progressive movement, bringing together a third of the British Jewish community, is a dream come true for many of us. Progressive Judaism has so much to offer to the world and I am very much looking forward to the next steps.”

The meeting was addressed by Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky, the CEOs of Reform and Liberal Judaism, who are leading the Progressive Judaism project.

They said: “This was an incredibly exciting and creative day where we were inspired by our colleagues and the potential of this collaboration. It was the first of many future meetings where we will work with the clergy and lay leaders of both movements to develop Progressive Judaism.”