Progressive Judaism co-leaders pledge to welcome critics of Israel

Charley Baginsky’s red hair and piercings don’t comply with the preferred symbol of a rabbi, however her private alternatives talk to the cornerstone of inclusivity on which a brand new British Jewish motion stands.

In a historical step that would redefine British Judaism, the Liberal and Reform traditions in the United Kingdom merged previous this month to shape Progressive Judaism, with each and every workforce vote casting 95% in favour of uniting. Baginsky co-leads the motion with Rabbi Josh Levy, a self-confessed “middle-aged man with a beard”.

The votes have been the fruits of 2 years of soundings, most commonly towards the backdrop of the horrific assault on Israelis by way of Hamas on 7 October 2023 and the devastating conflict waged in Gaza ever since. Now, as depression and revulsion at Israel’s renewed attack on folks in Gaza felt by way of many British Jews spills over into the general public area, Progressive Judaism is beneath a focus.

“We are a Zionist movement – that is, we are committed to there being a Jewish, liberal, pluralist, democratic state in our historic homeland,” stated Levy. “That remains our vision.”

But, he added, “the vast majority of Jews in this country are really troubled by what is happening. One of the things that is distinctive about us is that we think we are stronger for being willing to speak about how difficult this is, and that we do not see criticism of Israel as an act of disloyalty. We are open to a diversity of voices.”

This stance contrasts with the Board of Deputies, the most important frame representing British Jews, which has opened disciplinary court cases towards 3 dozen of its board participants once they signed an open letter pronouncing “Israel’s soul is being ripped out” by way of the conflict in Gaza. Most of the 36 are from the Liberal or Reform traditions that merged closing weekend.

“Judaism has at its heart the idea that we grapple with one another, that we are stronger by having that conversation. It’s not a very Jewish thing to suppress that disagreement and suggest that we all think the same,” stated Levy.

It used to be unimaginable to look at photographs from Gaza “and not feel deep worry, pain, upset”, stated Baginsky. “But how do people hold both their proud Zionism and their huge critique of what is happening, in a world that does not speak into complexity, that wants to polarise, wants to divide and wants simple answers, and doesn’t necessarily understand what it means to be Jewish and a Zionist and believe the Israeli government does not speak with our voice?”

Progressive Judaism represents about one-third of Jews affiliated to synagogues, and estimates the similar share of non-affiliated Jews percentage its values. It hopes to develop by way of attracting non-affiliated Jews to its core rules of equality and inclusion, and by way of welcoming folks of Jewish heritage and blended religion households.

In Orthodox Judaism, an individual inherits their Jewishness simplest thru their mom. Progressive Judaism says it may be inherited from both mum or dad. Instead of regarding the only in 3 UK Jews who marry non-Jews as “marrying out” of the religion, Progressive Judaism prefers to welcome in non-Jewish companions to its synagogues and communities.

It additionally hopes to construct on closing yr’s 25% upward thrust within the numbers of the ones changing to Liberal and Reform Judaism, attributed partially to folks finding Jewish heritage thru DNA ancestry exams and partially to a extra common building up in spirituality and pastime in religion communities amongst younger folks for the reason that Covid pandemic.

“Very often, religious life has been seen as judgmental, stern, unwelcoming, dated – and Progressive Judaism is not that,” stated Levy. “There is a place for people in a Judaism which is non-dogmatic, non-judgmental, genuinely egalitarian, genuinely inclusive, that wants to meet people where they are and help them to have rich and meaningful Jewish lives.”

About part of Progressive Judaism’s rabbis are girls, and about one in 5 are LGBTQ+. Liturgy – prayers, readings, ritual – is non-gendered.

Baginsky, who has been a rabbi for 17 years, stated: “Our community is very used to women rabbis but as soon as I step out, whether that is in interfaith settings or in other parts of the Jewish community, often I’m the only woman with seniority in that space. There is a need to prove oneself, whereas if I was a man I would automatically walk in with authority. Within Progressive Judaism, I have the authority. Outside, I am fighting to be recognised as a rabbi, let alone as a senior rabbi.”

The merger between the Liberal and Reform traditions used to be partially for sensible causes – to make use of sources extra successfully. But additionally it is an “act of repair”, stated Levy. “We are the only country in which there has been a divide between Reform and Liberal Judaism, so this feels like putting right something that should never have been.

“It is a statement of what we want Jewish life, religious life, to be – ambitious and optimistic and open, but also capable of holding diversity in multiple voices. And that we can work better if we work together. This is an act of friendship.”