Movement for Progressive Judaism and KeshetUK join the JLC
UJS chair Carolyn Bogush, United Synagogue president Saul Taylor , and Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester's Raphi Bloom are appointed to the board of trustees
The Movement for Progressive Judaism and KeshetUK have joined The Jewish Leadership Council following unanimous approval at the organisation’s council of membership meeting on 18 May.
The JLC, acting as the umbrella body of the UK Jewish community, supports 37 cross-communal members including CST, JW3, Jewish Care, Maccabi GB and the Sephardi community.
New member KeshetUK, the UK’s Jewish LGBT+ education and training charity, works across the country delivering education and training to schools, youth organisations, synagogues and wider organisations.
The Movement for Progressive Judaism, formed when JLC members Liberal Judaism and The Movement for Reform Judaism merged on 1 January, now represents around a third of synagogue-affiliated Jews in the UK, with 77 shuls under its umbrella.
JLC chair Keith Black said: “We are delighted to welcome the Movement for Progressive Judaism to join our membership following the historic merger of Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism. We also warmly welcome KeshetUK and look forward to working closely to support the work they do for LGBT+ Jews across our diverse community.”
In addition, Carolyn Bogush, chair of the Union of Jewish Students, Saul Taylor, president of the United Synagogue, and Raphi Bloom, member of the management board of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, joins the JLC’s board of trustees, alongside David Joseph KC, a barrister, advocate and arbitrator at Essex Court Chambers, who joined earlier this year.
They replace the JRC’s Mark Adlestone and US’s Michael Goldstein, who have both completed their current terms as trustees.
Mark Adlestone said: “As the sole representative from outside London I would like to think that I brought a northern/provincial perspective to the table as chair of the representative council of Greater Manchester and region. In that time we have been forced to deal with generationally challenging issues on behalf of the entire Jewish community. I would say that we have had great success speaking truth to power, resulting in real positive action.”
Michael Goldstein said “In a period marked by unprecedented challenges and a surge in antisemitism, I have witnessed first-hand the JLC’s dedication to protecting our way of life—from engaging directly with government on the “After the Heaton Park Attack” strategy to celebrating our resilience at the Trafalgar Square Chanukah lighting.
“While I am stepping down, I remain confident in our vision of a thriving, engaged, and secure Jewish community. I am grateful to my fellow trustees and the professional team for their tireless work in safeguarding our future.”