The Movement for Reform Judaism

The scheme has grown hugely over the last three years. In the first year, there were 100 participants. Last year, over 250 young people benefited from the scheme, and this year the Movement expects to issue a similar number of passes.

The scheme is reaching students and young adults in all corners of the country, with participating synagogues ranging from Glasgow in the North to Brighton in the South. All of the large London synagogues are also involved.

Nicky Press (30) of Finchley, North London, has benefited from the scheme since it was launched. She commented: “I haven’t yet found a shul which attracts me enough to want to join. This way I get to be with my family, to attend synagogue with them. This is extremely important to me. I also enjoy the opportunity to re-connect with the community I grew up in.” 

Reform Movement Head, Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield explained the rationale behind the initiative: “We recognise the fact that many young people will not, for a whole variety of reasons, join a synagogue now. We also recognise the fact that if we continue to maintain contact and provide facilities such as this, there is a better chance that they will join in the future, rather than joining the rapidly growing numbers of permanently unaffiliated Jews.”

For further details, please contact:
Judith Williams
The Movement for Reform Judaism

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