Building Bridges for Progressive Jews across Europe

The European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) is one of the seven regions of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ). It will be holding its Biennial Conference in London from 14 – 17th April 2016 with the opening ceremony being held in the magnificent Guildhall.

Some 350 delegates from more than 25 countries will come together to explore the conference theme of “Building Bridges”, both within and outside our Jewish world and to strengthen communal relationships at a time when we are facing a rise in extremism, isolationism and terrorism.

The conference programme includes many aspects of this theme, including a mosque visit and an opportunity to look at “The Impact of our Jewish Voices on the Politics of the Cities in which we live.”

Another highlight will be a keynote address by Professor Fania Oz-Salzberger speaking on “Jewish Identity – What Unites and Divides Us as Jews?” The Conference will also be celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the WUPJ which was established in London in 1926. The WUPJ is now the largest synagogal body in the world – with more than 1.7 million members across 50 countries.

Additionally this conference will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of Leo Baeck College in London which was the first Progressive Rabbinic institution established in Europe after the Shoah. To date, Leo Baeck College has ordained nearly 200 rabbis and trained many Jewish educators who are serving communities in the UK and across the world.

Miriam Kramer, who chairs EUPJ, commented: “This event which marks two significant milestones in Progressive Judaism, gives the opportunity for hundreds of delegates to meet, study, pray and exchange ideas in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.”