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Two Jewish movements in the UK have united to form Progressive Judaism, embracing female rabbis, same-sex marriage and mixed-faith couples and representing about a third of British Jews who are affiliated to synagogues.
Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism took the historic step of voting to unite at parallel meetings on Sunday. Each vote easily exceeded the required 75% threshold for the move, with about 95% in favour.
Ed Kessler, who chaired an advisory board overseeing the merger, said: “This is the biggest change and most significant development in British Judaism since the second world war.”
Progressive Judaism would provide a “voice and a space that brings together timeless Jewish tradition with the diversity and values of 21st-century Jewish life”, he added.
It is the first ever merger of two Jewish denominations, and the first in any major religion for more than half a century.
Most British Jews are Orthodox, though the progressive tradition has grown over recent decades. Progressive Judaism will differ from the Orthodox tradition in its fundamental commitment to equality. About half its rabbis are women, and one in five are LGBTQ+.
Karen Newman, the chair of Liberal Judaism, said the new movement “will manifest from day one its commitment to a Judaism that is non-dogmatic, inclusive and celebrates diversity in policy, prayer, and practice”.
Paul Langsford, chair of the Movement for Reform Judaism, said: “As a unified movement, we will now be stronger, our voice will be louder and we will be able to bring even greater benefit not just to our own members, but to the whole Jewish community and wider British society.”
The merger has taken two years of consultations and negotiations, and will be formally launched in November.
Rabbi Charley Baginsky, of Liberal Judaism, said: “We are now seeing the fruition of the next iteration of progressive Jewish history. Through this vote, our members are both standing on the shoulders of all those who came before us and creating something long and lasting for our children and the generations who come after us.”
Rabbi Jonathan Romain, head of the Rabbinic Court of Reform Judaism, said: “There is so much division in the world, it is incumbent on faith groups to show that coexisting in harmony can be a reality to live out, not just an ideal to pray for. This merger is a great example of showing that differences can be overcome with a mix of commonsense and goodwill.”
The Reform and Liberal traditions are both Zionist movements, while believing it is not disloyal to criticise Israel. “Within Progressive Judaism, diversity of views and voices – including around Israel/Palestine – are welcome and debate is encouraged,” said a spokesperson.
Jews made up 0.46% of the population of England and Wales in the 2021 census. More than half live in Greater London.
