The Movement for Reform Judaism

In introducing the Ambassador, Stephen Moss, the newly-elected Chair of the Reform Movement, quoted the recent Reform Movement statement on Israel which emphasises the importance and compatibility of holding both a non-negotiable commitment to Israel and also to democracy, justice and human rights. These sentiments were echoed in Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield's speech at last month’s rally:

“There is no conflict between being a British Jew and being a Zionist. Between a total, non-negotiable commitment to the people and land of Israel and its security; and a commitment to freedom and democracy, justice and human rights for all the people of the Middle East, especially the Palestinians.”

During his visit to the Conference, the Ambassador also met with representatives of the Parents Circle-Families Forum - one of a number of reconciliation projects working with Israelis and Palestinians with which the Movement is strongly associated. Mazen Faraj and Robi Damelin of the PCFF (pictured right) , together with Chani Smith of the British Friends of PCFF, presented the film, Encounter Point, and spoke of their experiences as people who have lost family in the conflict. They urged Conference participants to promote reconciliation and a humanizing of the conflict, as opposed to espousing hatred and revenge. 

This was the first Reform Movement Conference for Executive Director, Shoshana Boyd Gelfand who challenged participants to go back to their communities bearing provocative questions such as whether their services are inspiring people to have more meaningful relationships with God; whether their chadarim are helping young people to engage with Jewish tradition in a compelling way; and whether their community engages with the non-Jewish world in significant ways through interfaith and community activities.

She concluded: “I challenge each of you to return to your synagogue, and together with your rabbis and leadership, to challenge yourselves to say “hineni”, to be your brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, and in doing so, to be the true descendants of Avraham.”  

Throughout the weekend, held at Leicester University, participants enjoyed Limmud-style sessions; Chavruta over breakfast; embroidery; Israeli-dancing, music from Cantorial student Zoë Jacobs and Judith Silver; as well as learning more about the cross-communal Jewish ethics initiative, ResponsAbility. A large exhibition space promoted initiatives from across the community, from the JCC to Jewish Care and the JC; as well as Reform Movement projects such as Jewish Journeys. 

The first cross-Movement use of the new Siddur was heralded by a communal shofar-blowing, and celebrated throughout the weekend, with the Editor, Rabbi Prof Jonathan Magonet speaking about the genesis of the book and how it seeks to address the 21st century concerns of the community, for example with gender-neutral language and transliteration. 

Click here for more pictures. 

For further details, please contact:

Andrea Newman , Communications Manager

The Movement for Reform Judaism