Hundreds gather for first united Progressive Judaism conference after historic merger

The newly merged Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) has held its first national conference, bringing together hundreds of members from across the UK and Ireland in what leaders described as a landmark moment for Progressive Jewish life.

More than 300 people attended the sold-out four-day gathering, known as Hineinu, which was held alongside the Shirei Chagigah music and prayer conference. Delegates came from 53 Progressive congregations and included over 50 rabbis, cantors and student rabbis.

The event marked the first major conference since the merger of Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism, creating the UK’s largest Progressive Jewish movement.

Opening the conference, MPJ co-leaders Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy reflected on the significance of bringing the two movements together under one banner.

Rabbi Josh said: “We have been reflecting on just how emotional this is for us to be here, in this space, not as two Movements but as one. Today, the Movement for Progressive Judaism is really able to say ‘Hineinu, here we are’ together.”

Rabbi Charley added: “Here we are ready to study, sing, explore, dance, renew and refresh. Here we are because we are stronger together. Here we are, inheritors of a remarkable legacy, ready to build upon it. Here we are, ready to help shape Jewish life, British society and the world our children will inherit.”

The programme featured more than 80 sessions covering subjects including Jewish identity, prayer, Israel, leadership, social justice, community-building and the future direction of Progressive Judaism. Children’s activities and family programming were also provided throughout the conference.

Music and worship formed a central part of the gathering, with services blending traditions from across Progressive Judaism and incorporating newly created liturgy designed for the united movement.

Cantor Zöe Jacobs, founder of Shirei Chagigah, told participants: “It is a gift to be together, and we can hear it in the beautiful harmonies we are singing. We know there are going to be moments when we pray differently together. Please know that your voice, and your minhag (custom) is always going to be welcome even, or especially, when you do something different to us.”

Among the international guests was Rabbi MK Gilad Kariv, the first Progressive rabbi elected to Israel’s Knesset, who delivered the conference keynote address.

He praised the merger and said: “The creation of this new united movement places British and Irish Progressive Judaism at the very heart of our global Jewish Progressive Movement.

“At a time when we need to strengthen the voice of Progressive Judaism, both in Israel and all around the Jewish world, I want to thank you for carrying out this important, important process.

“I hope that many others learn from you so that we all find ways to work together and to create one Progressive Jewish force that will help us to guard our fundamental values, both in Israel and around the world.”

The conference also saw the presentation of the first MPJ Awards, recognising community initiatives across the movement.

Among the winners were Wessex Liberal Jewish Community and Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community for joint community-building projects, Finchley Progressive Synagogue for its Rainbow Lunch Club supporting LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers, and Finchley Reform Synagogue for a series of volunteer-led social action programmes.

As delegates prepared to return home, organisers handed out packets of seeds as a symbol of the movement’s next chapter – encouraging participants to plant, nurture and grow Progressive Jewish life within their own communities.