The Movement for Reform Judaism

Joint events organised by the two Progressive movements continue to thrive. On May 22nd around 150 people are expected to come together at Finchley Progressive Synagogue for a Tikkun Leyl Shavuot. The event entitled ‘One Night Stand’ promises to be a memorable night of text study, music, workshops, dialogue and cheesecake! Featuring North London band, the Alpha Beat, Midnight text Study with no less than 13 Rabbis and Student Rabbis, a whistle-stop tour of Israeli film and a massage workshop. There will also be a dialogue encounter with Darfuri Refugees – both The Movement for Reform Judaism and Liberal Judaism are supporting the World Jewish Relief Darfur Crisis Appeal.
 
On the international scene, Progressive Young Adults initiatives have been gaining momentum. EuroJews, a Progressive, charitable organisation for young Jews, affiliated to the European Region of WUPJ which was founded by Student Rabbi Nathan Alfred, now leads three weekends a year to different European cities and attracts young Jews from all over Europe including the former Soviet Union.
Recent events organised by ‘tent' – the Liberal Judaism Young Adults initiative – have been sold out – including their Autumn and Purim Getaway weekends and a recent theatre outing. And their upcoming Israel trip, planned for July, is already almost fully booked.
Both movements have recruited new staff. Liberal Judaism now has three staff focussing on work with the 25-40 age group. The team is led by Outreach Director, Rabbi Aaron Goldstein who works closely with Student Rabbi Anna Gerrard and Young Adult Worker, Avivit Katzil. Meanwhile, the Reform Movement has taken on a full time Online Community Builder, Martin Dix, whose main focus is to create a new website, to be launched later this year, which is specifically aimed at connecting up young Jews across the UK – offering them a space to express their opinions on current issues, meet other Jews and find out what’s on in their area.

The Reform Movement is also currently recruiting for an experienced and charismatic educator who will develop informal networks of young adults and offer them opportunities to enhance their Jewish lives. Many Reform synagogues are already organising very popular events such as West London Synagogue’s regular Friday night dinners at a local restaurant and the Gateway to Judaism course offered as part of Alyth’s ‘A-List’.

Judith Williams, Director of Youth, Students and Young Adults for the Reform Movement said:  "This is a really exciting time for the Reform Movement. After our extensive research we are applying what we have learnt and are about to start working with Jews to help them continue their Jewish journeys in pursuit of meaning and purpose."

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, LJ’s Outreach Director added: "I am delighted for Liberal Judaism, the Reform Movement and most importantly, the increasing number of young Jewish adults who are benefiting from the creative and relevant work supported by the two Movements."

For further details, please contact:
Andrea Newman
The Movement for Reform Judaism
Tel: 020 8349 5689
E-mail: pr@reformjudaism.org.uk
Website: www.reformjudaism.org.uk

Alex Mankowitz
Liberal Judaism
Tel: 020 7631-9831
E-mail: a.mankowitz@liberaljudaism.org 
Website: www.liberaljudaism.org 

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