In April 2023, the Movement for Reform Judaism (MRJ) and Liberal Judaism (LJ) announced that they will be working in close partnership to create one new unified movement to represent all of Britain’s Progressive Jews.

Westminster Synagogue has always been an independent Synagogue – not affiliated to either movement, but working closely with both.  However, with both the movements now coming together under a broader umbrella, whilst allowing each Synagogue to keep their own autonomy – there is now a question about our place and affiliations. 

At a recent strategy day,  the trustees met with Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy who are working together to create the new Progressive Judaism movement.  We heard from them all the positives the movement would bring – both to us as a community, and British Jewry, and we asked them about our areas of concern and what felt challenging to us. 

We don’t have all the details yet; R. Charley & R. Josh are still working hard to figure out what the final details will look like for the new Progressive Judaism movement.  But nonetheless, we want to start a conversation with community early to hear your thoughts on if, or how Westminster Synagogue should engage with the Progressive Judaism movement. 

Join us after the service on Saturday 21st September for an informal conversation together, where we will also share more of what we know at this stage. Register belowif you are planning to attend. For those that are unable to join this time, please note that there will be further discussion opportunities and a formal canvassing of opinion before any final decisions are made.

For more information on Progressive Judaism, check out their website here; https://pathtoprogressivejudaism.org.uk/

Benji, R. Kamila, Edward Glover, David Connick, Ellen Miller & Gary Sakol