Difference between revisions of "The Movement for Reform Judaism"

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'''The Movement for Reform Judaism''' (also known simply as '''Reform Judaism''') is one of the two [[World Union for Progressive Judaism]]–affiliated denominations in the United Kingdom. Reform is generally more traditional in its beliefs than its smaller counterpart, [[Liberal Judaism (UK) | Liberal Judaism]]. It consists of 41 synagogues with more than 35,000 men, women and children (approximately 20% of UK synagogue affiliations).<ref name="about">[https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/about/ About Reform Judaism], Reform Judaism. Retrieved 1 December 2021.</ref> Reform is an "unequivocally Zionist movement" which has a "...non-negotiable commitment to the State of Israel and its security".<ref>[https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/israel/ Israel], Reform Judaism. Retrieved 1 December 2021.</ref> The movement is a constituent of the [[World Union for Progressive Judiasm]]<ref name="about"/> which is an affiliate organisation of the [[World Zionist Organization]] (WZO).<ref>[https://www.wzo.org.il/Affiliated-Zionist-organizations Affiliated Zionist Organisations], World Zionist Organization. Retrieved  9 December 2021.</ref>
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{{short description|'''British Reform Jewish movement whose operational activities transferred to Progressive Judaism in 2026'''}}
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{{Infobox organization
 +
| name = The Movement for Reform Judaism
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| logo = [[File:Movement for Reform Judaism logo from 2025 report.png|200px]]
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| type = Jewish religious movement; continuing registered charity and company limited by guarantee
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| founded = {{Start date|1942}}
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| registration_id = 1139806 ([[Charity Commission for England and Wales|Charity Commission]]); company 07431950
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| status = Operational activities transferred to [[The Movement for Progressive Judaism|MPJ]] on 1 January 2026; charitable company continues
 +
| headquarters = The [[Sternberg Centre for Judaism]], 80 East End Road, Finchley, London N3 2SY
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| registration = England and Wales
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| key_people = [[Edward Kessler (trustee, The Movement for Reform Judaism)|Dr Edward Kessler]]; [[Michele Ruth Saffer]]; [[Melvin Pedro]] (trustees listed on 6 November 2026)
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| website = https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk
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}}
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'''The Movement for Reform Judaism''' (MRJ), also known as '''Reform Judaism''', is a British Reform Jewish movement whose operational activities transferred to [[The Movement for Progressive Judaism]] (MPJ) on 1 January 2026. Its trustees’ report states that the original registered charity continues to exist to receive residual legacies and donations, rather than having been dissolved by the operational transfer.<ref name="MRJAccounts2025">The Movement for Reform Judaism, [https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/07431950/filing-history/MzU0MDI4OTMwNGFkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf&download=0 Trustees’ annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025], ''The Movement for Reform Judaism'', 22 July 2026, pp. 1–5, 7–11, 16–18, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> [[Companies House]] continued to list company 07431950 as active on 6 November 2026, and the [[Charity Commission for England and Wales|Charity Commission]] continued to list charity 1139806 and its trustees.<ref name="MRJCompany">Companies House, [https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/07431950 The Movement for Reform Judaism (07431950): overview], ''Find and update company information'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref><ref name="MRJGovernance">Charity Commission for England and Wales, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5015263/governance The Movement for Reform Judaism: governance], ''Register of Charities'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref><ref name="MRJTrustees">Charity Commission for England and Wales, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5015263/trustees The Movement for Reform Judaism: trustees], ''Register of Charities'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
  
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On 8 November 2010, 'The Movement for Reform Judaism" was incorporated as a registered company (company no: 07431950), a private company limited by guarantee without a share capital (and with an exemption from use of the word 'Limited').<ref>[https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/07431950 The Movement for Reform Judaism Overview], Companies House. Retrieved 2 December 2021.</ref>
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MRJ and [[Liberal Judaism (UK)|Liberal Judaism]] voted to unite on 18 May 2025. That announcement distinguished the vote from the further work of legally forming the new movement; the subsequent MRJ report dates its operational transfer to 1 January 2026.<ref name="Vote2025">The Movement for Reform Judaism, [https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/history-made-as-progressive-judaism-forms/ History made as Progressive Judaism forms], ''The Movement for Reform Judaism'', 18 May 2025, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref><ref name="MRJAccounts2025" /> MRJ’s preserved explanatory website describes its historical membership of the [[World Union for Progressive Judaism]] and the [[European Union for Progressive Judaism]], and its educational, communal and youth work.<ref name="MRJAbout">The Movement for Reform Judaism, [https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/about/ What was MRJ?], ''The Movement for Reform Judaism'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
  
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It is also a registered charity (No: 1139806), registered on 12 January 2011.<ref>[https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5015263/governance The Movement for Reform Judaism Governance], Charity Commission. Retrieved 2 December 2021.</ref>
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== History ==
 +
MRJ’s own historical account traces British Reform Judaism to 1840 and the national association of Reform communities to 1942. The association subsequently became known as The Movement for Reform Judaism.<ref name="MRJAbout" /> The charitable company was incorporated on 8 November 2010 and registered as charity 1139806 on 12 January 2011. The charity register records funds received from predecessor charity 250060 on 22 May 2012.<ref name="MRJCompany" /><ref name="MRJGovernance" />
  
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==Background and History==
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=== Alliance for Progressive Judaism ===
 +
On 17 September 2014 [[Liberal Judaism (UK)|Liberal Judaism]] and MRJ announced the [[Alliance for Progressive Judaism]], expanding collaboration in student chaplaincy, social justice and social action. The announcement explicitly stated that this was not a merger: the movements would retain their autonomy and distinct identities, and congregations would remain members of their respective movements.<ref name="Alliance2014">The Movement for Reform Judaism, [https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/liberal-and-reform-together-launch-alliance-for-progressive-judaism/ Liberal and Reform together launch alliance for Progressive Judaism], ''The Movement for Reform Judaism'', 17 September 2014, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
  
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==People==
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=== Movement for Progressive Judaism ===
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Correct as of 1 December 2021:<ref>[https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/leadership/ Reform Judaism Leadership], Reform Judaism. Retrieved 1 December 2021.</ref>
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[[JCR-UK]] dates the announcement of an intention to unite to April 2023. The movements held parallel extraordinary general meetings on 18 May 2025 and voted for unification.<ref name="MPJJCR">JCR-UK, [https://jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/Affiliations/Progressive.htm Movement for Progressive Judaism], ''JewishGen'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref><ref name="Vote2025" /> The May announcement described further legal formation work as still to come; MPJ’s later account says that votes in favour exceeded 95% at each meeting.<ref name="Vote2025" /><ref name="MPJAbout">The Movement for Progressive Judaism, [https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/what-is-the-movement-for-progressive-judaism/ What is The Movement for Progressive Judaism?], ''The Movement for Progressive Judaism'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> JCR-UK records incorporation of the new [[The Movement for Progressive Judaism|MPJ]] company, 16501951, on 6 June 2025 and registration of its separate charity, 1214734, on 29 August 2025.<ref name="MPJJCR" />
  
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===Chairs===
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The MRJ trustees’ report, approved on 22 July 2026, states that its operational activities transferred to MPJ on 1 January 2026, with those operations continuing in substance within MPJ. It also states that the MRJ charity would remain in existence to receive residual legacies and donations.<ref name="MRJAccounts2025" /> MPJ’s January 2026 privacy policy identifies the new company and charity and refers to integration work continuing during 2026.<ref name="MPJPrivacy">The Movement for Progressive Judaism, [https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MPJ-Privacy-Policy-2026_v1.1.pdf MPJ Privacy Policy 2026], ''The Movement for Progressive Judaism'', January 2026, p. 1, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> These are distinct organisational and legal entities; the operational union does not mean that the MRJ charity ceased to exist.<ref name="MRJAccounts2025" /><ref name="MRJCompany" />
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Rabbi [[James Baaden]] - Co-chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors | Rabbi [[Kathleen Middleton]] - Co-chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors | [[Michael Harris]] | [[Paul Langsford]]
 
  
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===Board Members===
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The May 2025 announcement named Rabbi [[Josh Levy]] as MRJ chief executive and Rabbi [[Charley Baginsky]] as [[Liberal Judaism (UK)|Liberal Judaism]] chief executive. In a joint statement dated 1 September 2026 they signed as the co-leads of MPJ, rather than as chief executives of two continuing operational movements.<ref name="Vote2025" /><ref name="MPJLeads2026">Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky, [https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/statement-on-the-possibility-of-uk-action-on-settlement-expansion/ Statement on the possibility of UK action on settlement expansion], ''The Movement for Progressive Judaism'', 1 September 2026, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
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[[Daniel Benjamin]] | [[Daniel Mackintosh]] | [[Ian Lancaster]] | [[Joey Leskin]] | [[Kathy Hirst]] | [[Melvin Pedro]] | [[Michael Harris]] | [[Michele Saffer]] | [[Paul Langsford]] | [[Peter Fraser]] | [[Roberto Lampl]] | [[Roy Saatchi]]
 
  
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===Senior Management Team===
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== Governance and charitable status ==
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[[Debbie Doobay]] – Chief Operating Officer | [[Amit Handelsman]] – Director of Community Partnership | [[Sarita Robinson]] – Director of Community Partnership | Rabbi Dr [[Jackie Tabick]] – Beit Din Convenor | [[Sharon Daniels]] – Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing | [[Gilly Shulman]] – Director of HR
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The [[Charity Commission for England and Wales|Charity Commission]] describes MRJ as a charitable company, number 1139806, linked to company 07431950.<ref name="MRJGovernance" /> Companies House describes it as a private company limited by guarantee without share capital, with an exemption from using “Limited” in its name.<ref name="MRJCompany" /> Its governing-document summary dates the memorandum and articles to 31 October 2010 and lists subsequent amendments, most recently on 1 January 2026; [[Companies House]] separately records incorporation on 8 November 2010.<ref name="MRJObjects">Charity Commission for England and Wales, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5015263/governing-document The Movement for Reform Judaism: governing document], ''Register of Charities'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref><ref name="MRJCompany" /> The registered objects are to promote and foster Judaism and any charitable purpose calculated to further the welfare of Jewish people in the UK, Israel or elsewhere in the world.<ref name="MRJObjects" />
  
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==Relationship with Israel==
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The 2025 report says that the charity’s affairs were governed by its memorandum and articles and that an EGM on 18 May 2025 allowed current board members reaching the end of their terms to remain on the board for an extended period, to provide continuity during the transfer to [[The Movement for Progressive Judaism|MPJ]].<ref name="MRJAccounts2025" />
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The Reform Judaism website states its position on Israel as the following:
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== People ==
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=== Continuing MRJ charity trustees ===
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The following are the three trustees listed by the [[Charity Commission for England and Wales|Charity Commission]] on 6 November 2026; these legal-charity roles are separate from [[The Movement for Progressive Judaism|MPJ]]’s operational leadership.<ref name="MRJTrustees" /><ref name="MPJLeads2026" />
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{| class="wikitable"
 +
|+ Trustees of charity 1139806
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! Name as recorded !! Appointment recorded !! Status at 6 November 2026 !! Source
 +
|-
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| [[Edward Kessler (trustee, The Movement for Reform Judaism)|Dr Edward Kessler]] || 1 January 2026 || Current trustee || <ref name="MRJTrustees" />
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|-
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| [[Michele Ruth Saffer]] || 19 November 2020 || Current trustee || <ref name="MRJTrustees" />
 +
|-
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| [[Melvin Pedro]] || 28 June 2020 || Current trustee || <ref name="MRJTrustees" />
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Continuing company directors ===
 +
[[Companies House]] lists the following active directors of company 07431950. These are company-office dates.<ref name="MRJOfficers">Companies House, [https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/07431950/officers The Movement for Reform Judaism (07431950): officers], ''Find and update company information'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
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{| class="wikitable"
 +
|+ Active company directors, checked 6 November 2026
 +
! Name as recorded !! Appointment !! Resignation !! Source
 +
|-
 +
| [[Edward David Kessler]] || 1 January 2026 || Not recorded; active || <ref name="MRJOfficers" />
 +
|-
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| [[Melvin Pedro]] || 28 June 2020 || Not recorded; active || <ref name="MRJOfficers" />
 +
|-
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| [[Michele Ruth Saffer]] || 19 November 2020 || Not recorded; active || <ref name="MRJOfficers" />
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Selected former company directors ===
 +
The following is a non-exhaustive selection of former directors, with names and dates as recorded by [[Companies House]].<ref name="MRJOfficers" />
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|+ Selected former directors of company 07431950
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! Name as recorded !! Appointment !! Resignation !! Source
 +
|-
 +
| [[Daniel Robert Benjamin]] || 28 June 2020 || 1 January 2026 || <ref name="MRJOfficers" />
 +
|-
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| [[Peter David Fraser]] || 24 June 2018 || 25 June 2023 || <ref name="MRJOfficers" />
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|-
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| [[Kathryn Anne Hirst]] || 30 June 2019 || 1 January 2026 || <ref name="MRJOfficers" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Roberto Aron Lampl]] || 19 November 2020 || 1 January 2026 || <ref name="MRJOfficers" />
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|-
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| [[Ian Michael Lancaster]] || 30 June 2019 || 1 January 2026 || <ref name="MRJOfficers" />
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|-
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| [[Paul Anthony Langsford]] || 26 June 2016 || 1 January 2026 || <ref name="MRJOfficers" />
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|}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=== Historical leadership: November 2021 ===
 +
The following tables reproduce the leadership categories and names shown in the website capture of 28 November 2021. They are historical listings, not a statement that those positions continued after the operational transfer.<ref name="Leadership2021">The Movement for Reform Judaism, [https://web.archive.org/web/20211128062803id_/https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/leadership/ Leadership], ''The Movement for Reform Judaism'', Wayback capture, 28 November 2021, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
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{| class="wikitable"
 +
|+ Chairs in the November 2021 website capture
 +
! Person !! Role shown !! Source
 +
|-
 +
| [[James Baaden|Rabbi James Baaden]] || Co-chair of the [[Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors]] || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
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| [[Kathleen Middleton|Rabbi Kathleen Middleton]] || Co-chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
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| [[Michael Harris]] || Listed under Chairs || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
 +
|-
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| [[Paul Langsford]] || Listed under Chairs || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
 +
|}
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 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|+ Board members in the November 2021 website capture
 +
! Person !! Role shown !! Source
 +
|-
 +
| [[Daniel Benjamin (trustee, The Movement for Reform Judaism)|Daniel Benjamin]] || Board member || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
 +
|-
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| [[Daniel Mackintosh]] || Board member || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
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| [[Ian Lancaster]] || Board member || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
 +
| [[Joey Leskin]] || Board member || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Kathy Hirst]] || Board member || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Melvin Pedro]] || Board member || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
 +
| [[Michael Harris]] || Board member || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
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| [[Michele Saffer]] || Board member || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
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| [[Paul Langsford]] || Board member || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
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| [[Peter Fraser (trustee, The Movement for Reform Judaism)|Peter Fraser]] || Board member || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
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| [[Roberto Lampl]] || Board member || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
 +
|-
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| [[Roy Saatchi]] || Board member || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
 +
|}
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 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|+ Senior management team in the November 2021 website capture
 +
! Person !! Role shown !! Source
 +
|-
 +
| [[Debbie Doobay]] || Chief operating officer || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Amit Handelsman]] || Director of community partnership || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
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| [[Sarita Robinson]] || Director of community partnership || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
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| [[Jackie Tabick|Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick]] || Beit Din convenor || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
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| [[Sharon Daniels]] || Head of safeguarding and wellbeing || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
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|-
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| [[Gilly Shulman]] || Director of HR || <ref name="Leadership2021" />
 +
|}
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 +
== Accounts ==
 +
The table gives the MRJ charity’s results for periods before the operational transfer; it is not a statement of [[The Movement for Progressive Judaism|MPJ]]’s separate finances.<ref name="MRJAccounts2025" />
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{| class="wikitable"
 +
|+ MRJ charity 1139806: annual accounts (£)
 +
! Year ended 31 December !! Income !! Expenditure !! Net assets / funds !! Source
 +
|-
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| 2024 || 2,628,742 || 2,482,731 || 2,099,992 || <ref name="MRJAccounts2025" />
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|-
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| 2025 || 3,123,094 || 2,934,164 || 2,288,922 || <ref name="MRJAccounts2025" />
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|}
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The 2025 report acknowledges grants from organisations including [[United Jewish Israel Appeal|UJIA]] and [[Netzer Olami|Netzer Olami (Tamar)]]. Its acknowledgements page does not give the amounts of those individual grants.<ref name="MRJAccounts2025" />
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== Relationship with Israel ==
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MRJ’s Israel page, preserved in a 26 October 2021 capture and still accessible in the movement’s retained website text on 6 November 2026, states its organisational position as follows:<ref name="MRJIsrael2021">The Movement for Reform Judaism, [https://web.archive.org/web/20211026021459id_/https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/israel/ Israel], ''The Movement for Reform Judaism'', Wayback capture, 26 October 2021, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref><ref name="MRJIsrael">The Movement for Reform Judaism, [https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/israel/ Israel], ''The Movement for Reform Judaism'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
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<blockquote>We are unequivocally Zionist. We have a non-negotiable commitment to the State of Israel and its security. We believe that the pursuit of peace is the highest ideal and priority. We are deeply committed to democracy; human rights and social justice; and religious pluralism.
  
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<blockquote style="background-color:beige;border:1pt solid Darkgoldenrod;padding:1%">We are unequivocally Zionist.  We have a non-negotiable commitment to the State of Israel and its security.  We believe that the pursuit of peace is the highest ideal and priority.  We are deeply committed to democracy; human rights and social justice; and religious pluralism.
 
 
We are committed to two viable states as the only just and realistic solution to the present situation.
 
We are committed to two viable states as the only just and realistic solution to the present situation.
 +
 
We believe that Israel should be a Jewish state and a state for all its citizens.
 
We believe that Israel should be a Jewish state and a state for all its citizens.
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We believe that exponents of moderate, liberal Judaism should ally with moderate, liberal secularists and work together to combat both religious and secular extremism.
 
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Reform Judaism supports organisations dedicated to building bridges – both between Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs and between Israeli Jews and Palestinians on the West Bank and in Gaza.<ref>[https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/about/ Reform Judaism - Our Relationship with Israel], Reform Judaism. Retrieved 1 December 2021.</ref> </blockquote>
 
  
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==Programmes==
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We believe that exponents of moderate, liberal Judaism should ally with moderate, liberal secularists and work together to combat both religious and secular extremism.</blockquote>
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Reform Judaism supports the work of the following pro-Israel organisations:<ref>[https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/israel/ Israeli Organisations], Reform Judaism. Retrieved 1 December 2021.</ref>
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The page also states that the movement supports organisations building bridges between Israeli Jews and Arabs, and between Israeli Jews and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.<ref name="MRJIsrael2021" /><ref name="MRJIsrael" />
  
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*[[Abraham Fund Initiatives]]
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=== Organisations listed in 2021 ===
 +
Under “Organisations whose work we support”, the October 2021 website capture listed the following. This is the website’s description of support for their work, not an account of amounts donated or proof of payments to each organisation.<ref name="MRJIsrael2021" />
 +
*[[Abraham Initiatives|Abraham Fund Initiatives]]
 
*[[British Friends of Merchavim]]
 
*[[British Friends of Merchavim]]
 
*[[Center for Jewish-Arab Economic Development]]
 
*[[Center for Jewish-Arab Economic Development]]
Line 39: Line 174:
 
*[[Mahapach-Taghir]]
 
*[[Mahapach-Taghir]]
 
*[[New Israel Fund]]
 
*[[New Israel Fund]]
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*[[OneVoice]]
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*[[OneVoice Movement|OneVoice]]
 
*[[Parents Circle – Families Forum]]
 
*[[Parents Circle – Families Forum]]
 
*[[Rabbis for Human Rights]]
 
*[[Rabbis for Human Rights]]
 
*[[Women of the Wall]]
 
*[[Women of the Wall]]
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*[[Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism]] (IMPJ)
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*[[Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism|Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism]] (IMPJ)
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==RSY-Netzer Zionist Youth Movement==
 
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Reform sponsors the RSY-Netzer youth movement. RSY stands for Reform Synagogue Youth, and Netzer stands for Noar Tzioni Reformi (Reform Zionist Youth). It is part of the global Zionist youth movement, [[Netzer Olami]].
 
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The movement is run by 'Movement Workers' who help actualise the ideology. The group holds an annaul veidah (conference) where beliefs and practices are discussed. Decisions are recorded in a Policies, Beliefs and Actions booklet. The movement workers’ ‘vision’ for RSY-Netzer is  ‘To educate, empower and challenge young Jews, creating a community for them to blossom, whilst practising our Reform values both within our movement and in the wider world.’<ref name="RSY-Netzer">[https://rsy-netzer.org.uk/about/what-we-believe/ What We Believe], RSY-Netzer. Retrieved 2 December 2021.</ref> The group holds various events throughout the year. Five summer camps (Shemesh) are held for differing age groups and a day camp (which is actually a week long non-residential camp) (Garanim) is held for 5-11 year olds. Post-GCSE tours of Israel are organised to "...engage with progressive Judaism in Israel and to introduce what it means to be a Reform Zionist!"<ref>[https://rsy-netzer.org.uk/about/what-we-do/ What We Do], RSY-Netzer. Retrieved 2 December 2021.</ref> Winter camps are also held along with a leadership programme (Course Hadracha) for 15-17 year olds. A gap year scheme also exists which is spent with RSY-Netzer's sister movement [[LJY-Netzer]].
 
−
 
 
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RSY-Netzer is affiliated to the Movement for Reform Judaism and the worldwide Reform Zionist Youth Movement, Netzer Olami and works in partnership with all the Reform synagogues in the UK.
 
  
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The group has been critical of Israeli government actions, releasing a statement condemning the proposed unilateral annexation of West Bank territories.<ref>[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ueuCCrw_xhsrdJ1ScfcHDBCvuram5XPvyAnJfhvLq58/edit RSY-Netzer Statement on Annexation], Google Doc of RSY-Netzer Statement. Retrieved 2 December 2021.</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/RSYNetzer/status/1280806667983171586?s=20 Tweet regarding RSY-Netzer's Statement against the proposed annexation of West Bank Territories by the Israeli Government], Twitter. Retrieved 2 December 2021.</ref>
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=== Israel Desk ===
 +
The [[Alliance for Progressive Judaism]] announced the appointment of [[Carrie Shaw]] as Israel Desk coordinator in July 2017. Its announcements describe a partnership involving [[Liberal Judaism (UK)|Liberal Judaism]], MRJ, the [[Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism]], [[ProZion]], [[Friends of Leo Baeck Haifa]] and [[Friends of Progressive Judaism]], working on education, engagement and coordination of messages and campaigns. The MRJ announcement described the role as part-funded by Israel, while Liberal Judaism specified funding by partners in Israel; neither announcement provides a funding split.<ref name="Desk2017">The Movement for Reform Judaism, [https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/alliance-appoints-israel-desk-coordinator/ Alliance appoints Israel Desk coordinator], ''The Movement for Reform Judaism'', 6 July 2017, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref><ref name="LJDesk2017">Liberal Judaism, [https://www.liberaljudaism.org/2017/07/alliance-appoints-israel-desk-coordinator/ Alliance appoints Israel Desk coordinator], ''Liberal Judaism'', 4 July 2017, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> These sources document Shaw’s appointment in 2017, not current staffing in 2026.<ref name="Desk2017" /><ref name="LJDesk2017" />
  
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==Alliance for Progressive Judaism==
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=== MPJ’s stated position after the operational union ===
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On 17 September 2014 [[Liberal Judaism (UK)]] and the [[The Movement for Reform Judaism]] announced the creation of an alliance between their two movements. The [[Alliance for Progressive Judaism]] saw an expansion of collaboration between the two movements in areas such as student chaplaincy, social justice and social action. Leaders from both Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism were keen to stress that this was not a merger and the two movements would retain their autonomy and distinct identities.<ref>[https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/liberal-and-reform-together-launch-alliance-for-progressive-judaism/ Liberal and Reform together launch alliance for Progressive Judaism], Reform Judaism. 17 September 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2021.</ref>
+
[[The Movement for Progressive Judaism]] describes itself as a Zionist movement committed to a Jewish, pluralist and democratic state and to two safe and secure states, Israel and Palestine. Its Israel page says that its leaders, rabbis and cantors are developing a detailed framework, welcomes the diversity of views among its members, and describes work alongside the [[Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism]].<ref name="MPJIsrael">The Movement for Progressive Judaism, [https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/israel/ Our Relationship with Israel], ''The Movement for Progressive Judaism'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
  
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In 2017, the Alliance for Progressive Judaism established an Israel Desk. This full-time position aims to build and strengthen the movements relationship with Israel. The desk is a collaborative venture and is jointly funded by [[ProZion]], [[Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism]] (IMPJ), [[Friends of Leo Baeck Haifa]] and [[Friends of Progressive Judaism]] (FPJ).<ref>[https://www.liberaljudaism.org/what-we-do/israel-and-the-diaspora/ Israel & the Diaspora], Liberal Judaism. Retrieved 1 December 2021.</ref>
+
== RSY-Netzer youth movement ==
 +
MRJ sponsored [[RSY-Netzer]], whose name stands for Reform Synagogue Youth and Noar Tzioni Reformi (Reform Zionist Youth). Its archived statement identifies it as part of [[Netzer Olami]].<ref name="MRJAbout" /><ref name="RSYBeliefs2021">RSY-Netzer, [https://web.archive.org/web/20211016204733id_/https://rsy-netzer.org.uk/about/what-we-believe/ What We Believe], ''RSY-Netzer'', Wayback capture, 16 October 2021, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> The October 2021 statement describes an annual ''veidah'' conference examining beliefs and practices, with decisions recorded in a Policies, Beliefs and Actions booklet; it sets out Reform Judaism, Reform Zionism, Tikkun Olam and Livluv as its values.<ref name="RSYBeliefs2021" />
  
−
The Israel Desk is currently staffed by [[Carrie Shaw]].<ref>[https://www.liberaljudaism.org/what-we-do/alliance-for-progressive-judaism/carrie-shaw/ Carrie Shaw – Alliance for Progressive Judaism & Israel Desk Coordinator], Liberal Judaism. Retrieved 1 December 2021.</ref>
+
Its programme page advertises five Shemesh summer camps, Choref winter camps, the Course Hadracha leadership programme for 15–17-year-olds and a post-GCSE Israel tour intended to engage participants with Progressive Judaism and Reform Zionism. It also describes a Shnat gap-year programme organised by Netzer Olami and shared with [[LJY-Netzer]], as well as work with Reform communities across Britain.<ref name="RSYProgrammes">RSY-Netzer, [https://rsy-netzer.org.uk/about/what-we-do/ What We Do], ''RSY-Netzer'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> The current page identifies RSY-Netzer as part of [[The Movement for Progressive Judaism]] and displays MPJ charity number 1214734.<ref name="RSYProgrammes" />
  
−
==Members and Communities==
+
On 8 July 2020 RSY-Netzer publicised a statement against the proposed annexation of territories in the occupied West Bank by the Israeli government.<ref name="RSYAnnex2020">RSY-Netzer, [https://twitter.com/RSYNetzer/status/1280806667983171586?s=20 Statement against the proposed annexation of West Bank Territories by the Israeli Government], ''X'', 8 July 2020, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
−
===A-E===
 
−
[[Alyth]] ([[North Western Reform Synagogue]]) | [[Blackpool Reform Jewish Congregation]] | [[Bournemouth Reform Synagogue]] | [[Bradford Tree of Life Synagogue]] | [[Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue]] | [[Bromley Reform Synagogue]] | [[Cardiff Reform Synagogue]] | [[Coventry Reform Jewish Community]] | [[Darlington Hebrew Congregation]] |
 
−
===F-J===
 
−
[[Glasgow Reform Synagogue]] | [[Harlow Jewish Community]] | [[Isle of Wight Jewish Society]] |
 
−
===K-O===
 
−
[[Kehilat Kernow Synagogue]] | [[Liverpool Reform Synagogue]] | [[Manchester Reform Synagogue]] | [[Menorah Synagogue]] |  [[Ne’ve Shalom, Hull Reform Synagogue]] | [[Newcastle Reform Synagogue]] |  |
 
  
−
===P-T===
+
== Members and communities ==
−
[[Southport and District Reform Synagogue]] |  [[Sinai Synagogue]] | [[Sha’arei Shalom]] | [[Seven Hills (Sheffield and District Reform Synagogue)]] |  [[Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue]] | [[Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue]] | [[Swindon Jewish Community]] | [[Radlett Reform Synagogue]] | [[Maidenhead Synagogue]] | [[Kol Chai Hatch End Jewish Community]] | [[Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue]] | [[Mosaic Reform Synagogue]] | [[Sha’arei Tsedek North London Reform Synagogue]] | [[Finchley Reform Synagogue]] | [[Makor Hayim]] | [[Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue]] | [[West London Synagogue]] | [[South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue]] | [[Tikvah Chadasha]] | [[North West Surrey Synagogue]] |  [[Southend and District Reform Synagogue]] | [[South Hampshire Reform Jewish Community]] | [ [[Totnes Reform Jewish Group]] | |
+
MRJ’s preserved website text contains different figures: “43 communities” under “Our Partners” and “42 Reform communities” under “Our Communities”. Its 2025 trustees’ report describes an association of 42 Reform congregations.<ref name="MRJAbout" /><ref name="MRJAccounts2025" /> These are not interchangeable with the current membership of [[The Movement for Progressive Judaism|MPJ]], whose directory describes “around 80” communities across the UK and Ireland.<ref name="MPJDirectory">The Movement for Progressive Judaism, [https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/find-a-community/ Find a Community], ''The Movement for Progressive Judaism'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
−
[[Thanet & District Reform Synagogue]] |
 
  
−
===U-Z===
+
The table identifies Reform heritage and directory listings rather than certifying the current operating or legal status of every congregation. It includes [[The West London Synagogue of British Jews|West London Synagogue]], which [[JCR-UK]] says suspended MRJ membership in 2020 and whose affiliation lapsed in February 2023; JCR-UK now lists it as unaffiliated to MPJ, and it is not in MPJ’s current directory.<ref name="MPJJCR" /><ref name="MPJDirectory" /> JCR-UK marks Reform heritage with “(R)” in its list.<ref name="MPJJCR" />
−
[[Wimbledon Synagogue]]<ref>[https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/synagogue-locator/ Synagogues], Reform Judaism. Retrieved 1 December 2021.</ref>
 
  
−
==Affiliations==
+
The MPJ directory uses “South Hampshire Progressive Community”; that community’s own website calls it [[South Hampshire Reform Jewish Community]] and expressly describes membership of MRJ. JCR-UK likewise marks it as Reform heritage.<ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="SouthHampshire">South Hampshire Reform Jewish Community, [https://southhantsreform.wordpress.com/ About SHRJC and how to contact us], ''South Hampshire Reform Jewish Community'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref><ref name="MPJJCR" /> Conversely, JCR-UK identifies [[The Ark Synagogue (Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue)|The Ark Synagogue]], [[Beit Klal Yisrael]], [[Crawley Jewish Community]], [[Crouch End Chavurah]], [[Kehillah North London]], [[Lincolnshire Jewish Community]] and [[South Bucks Jewish Community]] as Liberal heritage; they are not included as Reform communities below.<ref name="MPJJCR" />
−
*[[Liberal Judaism (UK)]]
 
−
*[[World Union for Progressive Judaism]]
 
−
*[[European Union for Progressive Judaism]]
 
−
*[[Leo Baeck College]]
 
−
*[[RSY-Netzer]]
 
−
*[[Westminster Synagogue]] not formally a member but affiliated via Beth Din.
 
  
−
==Contact==
+
MPJ’s directory still uses the name [[Harlow Jewish Community]], while its 4 February 2026 announcement records the formation of [[Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community]] from Harlow and [[Chelmsford Jewish Community]].<ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="Harlow2026">The Movement for Progressive Judaism, [https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/harlow-and-chelmsford-merge-to-create-new-combined-community/ Harlow and Chelmsford unite and create new combined community], ''The Movement for Progressive Judaism'', 4 February 2026, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> [[Makor Hayim]] is also still listed, but its 2025 report announced expected closure by 31 May 2026; that prospective statement does not confirm completed closure or asset transfer.<ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="Makor2025">Makor Hayim, [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search?p_p_id=uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=%2Faccounts-resource&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_objectiveId=A19191068&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_priv_r_p_mvcRenderCommandName=%2Faccounts-and-annual-returns&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_priv_r_p_organisationNumber=5157701&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_priv_r_p_organisationNumber=5157701 Trustees’ report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025] ''Makor Hayim'', pp. 2–3, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>
−
:The Movement for Reform Judaism
+
{| class="wikitable"
−
:The [[Sternberg Centre for Judaism]]
+
|+ Reform-heritage communities and predecessors; directory status checked 6 November 2026
−
:80 East End Road, London
+
! Community !! Heritage !! Directory / affiliation qualification !! Source
−
:N3 2SY
+
|-
 +
| [[Alyth|Alyth (North Western Reform Synagogue)]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue|Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue, Cambridge]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Blackpool Reform Jewish Congregation]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Bournemouth Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Bradford Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Bromley Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Cardiff Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Cheshire Reform Congregation|Menorah Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Coventry Jewish Reform Community]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Darlington Hebrew Congregation]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue|Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Finchley Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Glasgow Reform Synagogue SCIO|Glasgow Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community|Harlow Jewish Community]] || Reform || Reform predecessor; merged Harlow and Chelmsford community announced February 2026 || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" /><ref name="Harlow2026" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Isle of Wight Jewish Society]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Kehillat Kernow – The Jewish Community of Cornwall]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Kol Chai - Hatch End Jewish Community|Kol Chai – Hatch End Jewish Community]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Liverpool Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Maidenhead Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Makor Hayim]] || Reform || Listed in directory; closure announced for May 2026, completion not established || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" /><ref name="Makor2025" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Manchester Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Mosaic Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Ne've Shalom – Hull Reform Synagogue|Ne’ve Shalom]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Newcastle Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[North West Surrey Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue|Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue (previously SWESRS)]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Radlett Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Seven Hills Shul|Seven Hills Shul (Sheffield)]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Sha'arei Shalom (North Manchester Reform Congregation)|Sha’arei Shalom]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Sha'arei Tsedek North London Reform Synagogue|Sha’arei Tsedek (North London Reform Synagogue)]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Sinai Synagogue (Reform)|Sinai Synagogue, Leeds]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[South Hampshire Reform Jewish Community]] || Reform || Listed by MPJ as South Hampshire Progressive Community || <ref name="SouthHampshire" /><ref name="MPJJCR" /><ref name="MPJDirectory" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Southend & District Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Southport & District Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Swindon Jewish Community]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Thanet & District Reform Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[The West London Synagogue of British Jews|West London Synagogue of British Jews]] || Reform || Former MRJ member; JCR-UK records affiliation lapsed February 2023; not in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Tikvah Chadasha (Brentwood Reform Synagogue)]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Totnes Jewish Community]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|-
 +
| [[Wimbledon and District Synagogue|The Wimbledon Synagogue]] || Reform || Listed in MPJ directory || <ref name="MPJDirectory" /><ref name="MPJJCR" />
 +
|}
  
−
:Tel: 020 8349 5640
+
== Affiliations ==
−
:[https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk www.reformjudaism.org.uk]
+
MRJ’s preserved explanatory website identifies the following institutional relationships:<ref name="MRJAbout" />
 +
* [[World Union for Progressive Judaism]] and [[European Union for Progressive Judaism]]: constituent movement.
 +
* [[Liberal Judaism (UK)|Liberal Judaism]]: the other British Progressive movement with which it worked before the operational union.
 +
* [[Leo Baeck College]]: rabbinic and educational training.
 +
* [[RSY-Netzer]]: sponsored youth movement.
 +
The [[World Zionist Organization]] lists the [[World Union for Progressive Judaism]] among its affiliated international Zionist organisations.<ref name="WZO">World Zionist Organization, [https://www.wzo.org.il/Affiliated-Zionist-organizations International Zionist Organizations], ''World Zionist Organization'', accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> [[Westminster Synagogue]] is listed by [[JCR-UK]] as an unaffiliated Progressive congregation, rather than a constituent MPJ community.<ref name="MPJJCR" />
  
−
== Movement for Progressive Judaism ==
+
== Contact ==
−
On 1 January 2026 the Movement for Reform Judaism and Liberal Judaism united to form [[The Movement for Progressive Judaism]] (MPJ).<ref name="jcr_mpj">JCR-UK, [https://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/Affiliations/Progressive.htm Movement for Progressive Judaism, United Kingdom], ''JewishGen'', accessed 29 October 2026.</ref> The MPJ's directory lists 49 UK communities of Reform heritage.<ref name="mpj_list">The Movement for Progressive Judaism, [https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/find-a-community/ Find a Community], ''The Movement for Progressive Judaism'', accessed 29 October 2026.</ref> The full list of member communities, showing each community's Reform or Liberal heritage, is at [[The Movement for Progressive Judaism#Member communities]].
+
The movement’s website gives its institutional address as The [[Sternberg Centre for Judaism]], 80 East End Road, London N3 2SY, and telephone number 020 8349 5640.<ref name="MRJAbout" /> [[Companies House]] gives the registered office as Movement For Reform Judaism, 80 East End Road, Finchley, London N3 2SY.<ref name="MRJCompany" />
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 +
* [[The Movement for Progressive Judaism]]
 +
* [[Liberal Judaism (UK)]]
 +
* [[Synagogues in the United Kingdom]]
 
* [[Jewish Schools in the UK]]
 
* [[Jewish Schools in the UK]]
  
−
==Notes==
+
== External links ==
 +
* [https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk MRJ website]
 +
 
 +
== Notes ==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
−
[[Category: Synagogue movements UK]][[Category:Zionist Movement UK]]
+
 
 +
[[Category:Synagogue movements UK]]
 +
[[Category:Zionist movement UK]]

Revision as of 12:35, 7 November 2026

British Reform Jewish movement whose operational activities transferred to Progressive Judaism in 2026

The Movement for Reform Judaism

Logo Movement for Reform Judaism logo from 2025 report.png
Type Jewish religious movement; continuing registered charity and company limited by guarantee
Founded 1942
Registration ID 1139806 (Charity Commission); company 07431950
Status Operational activities transferred to MPJ on 1 January 2026; charitable company continues
Headquarters The Sternberg Centre for Judaism, 80 East End Road, Finchley, London N3 2SY
Registration England and Wales
Key people Dr Edward Kessler; Michele Ruth Saffer; Melvin Pedro (trustees listed on 6 November 2026)
Website https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk

The Movement for Reform Judaism (MRJ), also known as Reform Judaism, is a British Reform Jewish movement whose operational activities transferred to The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) on 1 January 2026. Its trustees’ report states that the original registered charity continues to exist to receive residual legacies and donations, rather than having been dissolved by the operational transfer.[1] Companies House continued to list company 07431950 as active on 6 November 2026, and the Charity Commission continued to list charity 1139806 and its trustees.[2][3][4]

MRJ and Liberal Judaism voted to unite on 18 May 2025. That announcement distinguished the vote from the further work of legally forming the new movement; the subsequent MRJ report dates its operational transfer to 1 January 2026.[5][1] MRJ’s preserved explanatory website describes its historical membership of the World Union for Progressive Judaism and the European Union for Progressive Judaism, and its educational, communal and youth work.[6]

History

MRJ’s own historical account traces British Reform Judaism to 1840 and the national association of Reform communities to 1942. The association subsequently became known as The Movement for Reform Judaism.[6] The charitable company was incorporated on 8 November 2010 and registered as charity 1139806 on 12 January 2011. The charity register records funds received from predecessor charity 250060 on 22 May 2012.[2][3]

Alliance for Progressive Judaism

On 17 September 2014 Liberal Judaism and MRJ announced the Alliance for Progressive Judaism, expanding collaboration in student chaplaincy, social justice and social action. The announcement explicitly stated that this was not a merger: the movements would retain their autonomy and distinct identities, and congregations would remain members of their respective movements.[7]

Movement for Progressive Judaism

JCR-UK dates the announcement of an intention to unite to April 2023. The movements held parallel extraordinary general meetings on 18 May 2025 and voted for unification.[8][5] The May announcement described further legal formation work as still to come; MPJ’s later account says that votes in favour exceeded 95% at each meeting.[5][9] JCR-UK records incorporation of the new MPJ company, 16501951, on 6 June 2025 and registration of its separate charity, 1214734, on 29 August 2025.[8]

The MRJ trustees’ report, approved on 22 July 2026, states that its operational activities transferred to MPJ on 1 January 2026, with those operations continuing in substance within MPJ. It also states that the MRJ charity would remain in existence to receive residual legacies and donations.[1] MPJ’s January 2026 privacy policy identifies the new company and charity and refers to integration work continuing during 2026.[10] These are distinct organisational and legal entities; the operational union does not mean that the MRJ charity ceased to exist.[1][2]

The May 2025 announcement named Rabbi Josh Levy as MRJ chief executive and Rabbi Charley Baginsky as Liberal Judaism chief executive. In a joint statement dated 1 September 2026 they signed as the co-leads of MPJ, rather than as chief executives of two continuing operational movements.[5][11]

Governance and charitable status

The Charity Commission describes MRJ as a charitable company, number 1139806, linked to company 07431950.[3] Companies House describes it as a private company limited by guarantee without share capital, with an exemption from using “Limited” in its name.[2] Its governing-document summary dates the memorandum and articles to 31 October 2010 and lists subsequent amendments, most recently on 1 January 2026; Companies House separately records incorporation on 8 November 2010.[12][2] The registered objects are to promote and foster Judaism and any charitable purpose calculated to further the welfare of Jewish people in the UK, Israel or elsewhere in the world.[12]

The 2025 report says that the charity’s affairs were governed by its memorandum and articles and that an EGM on 18 May 2025 allowed current board members reaching the end of their terms to remain on the board for an extended period, to provide continuity during the transfer to MPJ.[1]

People

Continuing MRJ charity trustees

The following are the three trustees listed by the Charity Commission on 6 November 2026; these legal-charity roles are separate from MPJ’s operational leadership.[4][11]

Trustees of charity 1139806
Name as recorded Appointment recorded Status at 6 November 2026 Source
Dr Edward Kessler 1 January 2026 Current trustee [4]
Michele Ruth Saffer 19 November 2020 Current trustee [4]
Melvin Pedro 28 June 2020 Current trustee [4]

Continuing company directors

Companies House lists the following active directors of company 07431950. These are company-office dates.[13]

Active company directors, checked 6 November 2026
Name as recorded Appointment Resignation Source
Edward David Kessler 1 January 2026 Not recorded; active [13]
Melvin Pedro 28 June 2020 Not recorded; active [13]
Michele Ruth Saffer 19 November 2020 Not recorded; active [13]

Selected former company directors

The following is a non-exhaustive selection of former directors, with names and dates as recorded by Companies House.[13]

Selected former directors of company 07431950
Name as recorded Appointment Resignation Source
Daniel Robert Benjamin 28 June 2020 1 January 2026 [13]
Peter David Fraser 24 June 2018 25 June 2023 [13]
Kathryn Anne Hirst 30 June 2019 1 January 2026 [13]
Roberto Aron Lampl 19 November 2020 1 January 2026 [13]
Ian Michael Lancaster 30 June 2019 1 January 2026 [13]
Paul Anthony Langsford 26 June 2016 1 January 2026 [13]


Historical leadership: November 2021

The following tables reproduce the leadership categories and names shown in the website capture of 28 November 2021. They are historical listings, not a statement that those positions continued after the operational transfer.[14]

Chairs in the November 2021 website capture
Person Role shown Source
Rabbi James Baaden Co-chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors [14]
Rabbi Kathleen Middleton Co-chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors [14]
Michael Harris Listed under Chairs [14]
Paul Langsford Listed under Chairs [14]
Board members in the November 2021 website capture
Person Role shown Source
Daniel Benjamin Board member [14]
Daniel Mackintosh Board member [14]
Ian Lancaster Board member [14]
Joey Leskin Board member [14]
Kathy Hirst Board member [14]
Melvin Pedro Board member [14]
Michael Harris Board member [14]
Michele Saffer Board member [14]
Paul Langsford Board member [14]
Peter Fraser Board member [14]
Roberto Lampl Board member [14]
Roy Saatchi Board member [14]
Senior management team in the November 2021 website capture
Person Role shown Source
Debbie Doobay Chief operating officer [14]
Amit Handelsman Director of community partnership [14]
Sarita Robinson Director of community partnership [14]
Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick Beit Din convenor [14]
Sharon Daniels Head of safeguarding and wellbeing [14]
Gilly Shulman Director of HR [14]

Accounts

The table gives the MRJ charity’s results for periods before the operational transfer; it is not a statement of MPJ’s separate finances.[1]

MRJ charity 1139806: annual accounts (£)
Year ended 31 December Income Expenditure Net assets / funds Source
2024 2,628,742 2,482,731 2,099,992 [1]
2025 3,123,094 2,934,164 2,288,922 [1]

The 2025 report acknowledges grants from organisations including UJIA and Netzer Olami (Tamar). Its acknowledgements page does not give the amounts of those individual grants.[1]

Relationship with Israel

MRJ’s Israel page, preserved in a 26 October 2021 capture and still accessible in the movement’s retained website text on 6 November 2026, states its organisational position as follows:[15][16]

We are unequivocally Zionist. We have a non-negotiable commitment to the State of Israel and its security. We believe that the pursuit of peace is the highest ideal and priority. We are deeply committed to democracy; human rights and social justice; and religious pluralism.

We are committed to two viable states as the only just and realistic solution to the present situation.

We believe that Israel should be a Jewish state and a state for all its citizens.

We believe that exponents of moderate, liberal Judaism should ally with moderate, liberal secularists and work together to combat both religious and secular extremism.

The page also states that the movement supports organisations building bridges between Israeli Jews and Arabs, and between Israeli Jews and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.[15][16]

Organisations listed in 2021

Under “Organisations whose work we support”, the October 2021 website capture listed the following. This is the website’s description of support for their work, not an account of amounts donated or proof of payments to each organisation.[15]

Israel Desk

The Alliance for Progressive Judaism announced the appointment of Carrie Shaw as Israel Desk coordinator in July 2017. Its announcements describe a partnership involving Liberal Judaism, MRJ, the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, ProZion, Friends of Leo Baeck Haifa and Friends of Progressive Judaism, working on education, engagement and coordination of messages and campaigns. The MRJ announcement described the role as part-funded by Israel, while Liberal Judaism specified funding by partners in Israel; neither announcement provides a funding split.[17][18] These sources document Shaw’s appointment in 2017, not current staffing in 2026.[17][18]

MPJ’s stated position after the operational union

The Movement for Progressive Judaism describes itself as a Zionist movement committed to a Jewish, pluralist and democratic state and to two safe and secure states, Israel and Palestine. Its Israel page says that its leaders, rabbis and cantors are developing a detailed framework, welcomes the diversity of views among its members, and describes work alongside the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism.[19]

RSY-Netzer youth movement

MRJ sponsored RSY-Netzer, whose name stands for Reform Synagogue Youth and Noar Tzioni Reformi (Reform Zionist Youth). Its archived statement identifies it as part of Netzer Olami.[6][20] The October 2021 statement describes an annual veidah conference examining beliefs and practices, with decisions recorded in a Policies, Beliefs and Actions booklet; it sets out Reform Judaism, Reform Zionism, Tikkun Olam and Livluv as its values.[20]

Its programme page advertises five Shemesh summer camps, Choref winter camps, the Course Hadracha leadership programme for 15–17-year-olds and a post-GCSE Israel tour intended to engage participants with Progressive Judaism and Reform Zionism. It also describes a Shnat gap-year programme organised by Netzer Olami and shared with LJY-Netzer, as well as work with Reform communities across Britain.[21] The current page identifies RSY-Netzer as part of The Movement for Progressive Judaism and displays MPJ charity number 1214734.[21]

On 8 July 2020 RSY-Netzer publicised a statement against the proposed annexation of territories in the occupied West Bank by the Israeli government.[22]

Members and communities

MRJ’s preserved website text contains different figures: “43 communities” under “Our Partners” and “42 Reform communities” under “Our Communities”. Its 2025 trustees’ report describes an association of 42 Reform congregations.[6][1] These are not interchangeable with the current membership of MPJ, whose directory describes “around 80” communities across the UK and Ireland.[23]

The table identifies Reform heritage and directory listings rather than certifying the current operating or legal status of every congregation. It includes West London Synagogue, which JCR-UK says suspended MRJ membership in 2020 and whose affiliation lapsed in February 2023; JCR-UK now lists it as unaffiliated to MPJ, and it is not in MPJ’s current directory.[8][23] JCR-UK marks Reform heritage with “(R)” in its list.[8]

The MPJ directory uses “South Hampshire Progressive Community”; that community’s own website calls it South Hampshire Reform Jewish Community and expressly describes membership of MRJ. JCR-UK likewise marks it as Reform heritage.[23][24][8] Conversely, JCR-UK identifies The Ark Synagogue, Beit Klal Yisrael, Crawley Jewish Community, Crouch End Chavurah, Kehillah North London, Lincolnshire Jewish Community and South Bucks Jewish Community as Liberal heritage; they are not included as Reform communities below.[8]

MPJ’s directory still uses the name Harlow Jewish Community, while its 4 February 2026 announcement records the formation of Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community from Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community.[23][25] Makor Hayim is also still listed, but its 2025 report announced expected closure by 31 May 2026; that prospective statement does not confirm completed closure or asset transfer.[23][26]

Reform-heritage communities and predecessors; directory status checked 6 November 2026
Community Heritage Directory / affiliation qualification Source
Alyth (North Western Reform Synagogue) Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue, Cambridge Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Blackpool Reform Jewish Congregation Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Bournemouth Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Bradford Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Bromley Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Cardiff Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Menorah Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Coventry Jewish Reform Community Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Darlington Hebrew Congregation Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Finchley Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Glasgow Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Harlow Jewish Community Reform Reform predecessor; merged Harlow and Chelmsford community announced February 2026 [23][8][25]
Isle of Wight Jewish Society Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Kehillat Kernow – The Jewish Community of Cornwall Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Kol Chai – Hatch End Jewish Community Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Liverpool Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Maidenhead Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Makor Hayim Reform Listed in directory; closure announced for May 2026, completion not established [23][8][26]
Manchester Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Mosaic Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Ne’ve Shalom Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Newcastle Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
North West Surrey Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue (previously SWESRS) Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Radlett Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Seven Hills Shul (Sheffield) Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Sha’arei Shalom Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Sha’arei Tsedek (North London Reform Synagogue) Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Sinai Synagogue, Leeds Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
South Hampshire Reform Jewish Community Reform Listed by MPJ as South Hampshire Progressive Community [24][8][23]
Southend & District Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Southport & District Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Swindon Jewish Community Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Thanet & District Reform Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
West London Synagogue of British Jews Reform Former MRJ member; JCR-UK records affiliation lapsed February 2023; not in MPJ directory [8]
Tikvah Chadasha (Brentwood Reform Synagogue) Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
Totnes Jewish Community Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]
The Wimbledon Synagogue Reform Listed in MPJ directory [23][8]

Affiliations

MRJ’s preserved explanatory website identifies the following institutional relationships:[6]

The World Zionist Organization lists the World Union for Progressive Judaism among its affiliated international Zionist organisations.[27] Westminster Synagogue is listed by JCR-UK as an unaffiliated Progressive congregation, rather than a constituent MPJ community.[8]

Contact

The movement’s website gives its institutional address as The Sternberg Centre for Judaism, 80 East End Road, London N3 2SY, and telephone number 020 8349 5640.[6] Companies House gives the registered office as Movement For Reform Judaism, 80 East End Road, Finchley, London N3 2SY.[2]

See also

External links

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 The Movement for Reform Judaism, Trustees’ annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025, The Movement for Reform Judaism, 22 July 2026, pp. 1–5, 7–11, 16–18, accessed 6 November 2026.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Companies House, The Movement for Reform Judaism (07431950): overview, Find and update company information, accessed 6 November 2026.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Charity Commission for England and Wales, The Movement for Reform Judaism: governance, Register of Charities, accessed 6 November 2026.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Charity Commission for England and Wales, The Movement for Reform Judaism: trustees, Register of Charities, accessed 6 November 2026.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 The Movement for Reform Judaism, History made as Progressive Judaism forms, The Movement for Reform Judaism, 18 May 2025, accessed 6 November 2026.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 The Movement for Reform Judaism, What was MRJ?, The Movement for Reform Judaism, accessed 6 November 2026.
  7. ↑ The Movement for Reform Judaism, Liberal and Reform together launch alliance for Progressive Judaism, The Movement for Reform Judaism, 17 September 2014, accessed 6 November 2026.
  8. ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 8.17 8.18 8.19 8.20 8.21 8.22 8.23 8.24 8.25 8.26 8.27 8.28 8.29 8.30 8.31 8.32 8.33 8.34 8.35 8.36 8.37 8.38 8.39 8.40 8.41 8.42 8.43 8.44 8.45 8.46 8.47 8.48 8.49 JCR-UK, Movement for Progressive Judaism, JewishGen, accessed 6 November 2026.
  9. ↑ The Movement for Progressive Judaism, What is The Movement for Progressive Judaism?, The Movement for Progressive Judaism, accessed 6 November 2026.
  10. ↑ The Movement for Progressive Judaism, MPJ Privacy Policy 2026, The Movement for Progressive Judaism, January 2026, p. 1, accessed 6 November 2026.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky, Statement on the possibility of UK action on settlement expansion, The Movement for Progressive Judaism, 1 September 2026, accessed 6 November 2026.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Charity Commission for England and Wales, The Movement for Reform Judaism: governing document, Register of Charities, accessed 6 November 2026.
  13. ↑ 13.00 13.01 13.02 13.03 13.04 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.09 13.10 Companies House, The Movement for Reform Judaism (07431950): officers, Find and update company information, accessed 6 November 2026.
  14. ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 14.14 14.15 14.16 14.17 14.18 14.19 14.20 14.21 14.22 The Movement for Reform Judaism, Leadership, The Movement for Reform Judaism, Wayback capture, 28 November 2021, accessed 6 November 2026.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 The Movement for Reform Judaism, Israel, The Movement for Reform Judaism, Wayback capture, 26 October 2021, accessed 6 November 2026.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 The Movement for Reform Judaism, Israel, The Movement for Reform Judaism, accessed 6 November 2026.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 The Movement for Reform Judaism, Alliance appoints Israel Desk coordinator, The Movement for Reform Judaism, 6 July 2017, accessed 6 November 2026.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Liberal Judaism, Alliance appoints Israel Desk coordinator, Liberal Judaism, 4 July 2017, accessed 6 November 2026.
  19. ↑ The Movement for Progressive Judaism, Our Relationship with Israel, The Movement for Progressive Judaism, accessed 6 November 2026.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 RSY-Netzer, What We Believe, RSY-Netzer, Wayback capture, 16 October 2021, accessed 6 November 2026.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 RSY-Netzer, What We Do, RSY-Netzer, accessed 6 November 2026.
  22. ↑ RSY-Netzer, Statement against the proposed annexation of West Bank Territories by the Israeli Government, X, 8 July 2020, accessed 6 November 2026.
  23. ↑ 23.00 23.01 23.02 23.03 23.04 23.05 23.06 23.07 23.08 23.09 23.10 23.11 23.12 23.13 23.14 23.15 23.16 23.17 23.18 23.19 23.20 23.21 23.22 23.23 23.24 23.25 23.26 23.27 23.28 23.29 23.30 23.31 23.32 23.33 23.34 23.35 23.36 23.37 23.38 23.39 23.40 23.41 23.42 23.43 23.44 23.45 23.46 The Movement for Progressive Judaism, Find a Community, The Movement for Progressive Judaism, accessed 6 November 2026.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 South Hampshire Reform Jewish Community, About SHRJC and how to contact us, South Hampshire Reform Jewish Community, accessed 6 November 2026.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 The Movement for Progressive Judaism, Harlow and Chelmsford unite and create new combined community, The Movement for Progressive Judaism, 4 February 2026, accessed 6 November 2026.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Makor Hayim, Trustees’ report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 Makor Hayim, pp. 2–3, accessed 6 November 2026.
  27. ↑ World Zionist Organization, International Zionist Organizations, World Zionist Organization, accessed 6 November 2026.
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