Thirty years ago my life was changed, I am certain, by the bagel. Not one in particular but the plethora of bagel shops, of knish stands and various Jewish food stuffs available, alongside casual use of Yiddish expressions I encountered everywhere in Boston, where I studied for my Masters of Theology, and in my frequent trips to New York City. Even more surprising, far from encountering a majority Orthodox community, I had the mind-opening experience of Progressive Judaism (known as Reform there) being the largest, most confident of all the Jewish denominations. I was deeply impressed by its confidence and courage as it engaged with contemporary life and brought Jewish tradition to the fore in an open and engaging way. It inspired my journey to the rabbinate.
Now, 23 years a rabbi, I am watching a new moment in British Jewry that will change our Jewish landscape. The coming together of Reform and Liberal to co-create Progressive Judaism will amplify our voice, increase our numbers and broaden what it means to be Jewish and concerned and engaged in modern life. By December 2025, it will be a reality and far from interfering with our individual synagogues, it will support them.
I sit on the Advisory Board as we do this work and think deeply about what is being built. Chair of the Board, Dr Ed Kessler, describes it as “the most significant moment in British Jewry since the war.” It is. The practical concerns, of course, are taking much focus but so are the theological and ideological values. Progressive Judaism will be accessible, meaningful and brave. Already we share the belief that, as Deuteronomy 30 promised, this thing, this ‘Jewishness’, is close to our mouths and our hearts to do it. We know that justice and courage is as dear to us as the custom of Shabbat. We know that expanding the narrow definitions of Jewish identity will continue to be at the heart of what we do.
We Rabbis and Cantors are asking ourselves critical questions. What does it mean to be a Progressive (non Orthodox) Jew in Britain today? What does it demand of us? What are we progressing from and towards? And what about God in this new movement? What will change? How diverse can our views be on Israel and Jewish identity and still remain one movement? I am intrigued to see how we answer these questions together, with integrity as we become this bigger, more impactful Progressive family.
Jewish life emanates mostly from our homes, our families and our synagogues, where we raise our children or count significant life events. This new movement will support our congregations.
When our children see ‘their rabbis’ on the national stage, as Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy represent us at Downing Street, the Cenotaph and Parliament, it will make a difference to the confidence and possibility of Progressive Judaism being taken seriously. Representation is key.
These next twelve months will be exciting for all of us and for our synagogues. It is the perfect backdrop to our own plans and dreams for our home of FPS.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rebecca
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