May/June 2012 VOL. XXXIX No. 3
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
On top of the world
The future of Liberal Judaism By Rabbi Pete Tobias
Rabbi Stephen Fuchs leads a shiur, supported by Rabbi Danny Rich and Lucian J Hudson
T
HE PRESIDENT of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) has praised Liberal Judaism after visiting our London headquarters. Rabbi Stephen Fuchs led an inspirational shiur (study session) on the story of Cain and Abel at the Montagu Centre, which was attended by Liberal Judaism’s chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, chairman Lucian J Hudson and more than 40 rabbis and members. He also had warm words for the other major Progressive Jewish institutions who hosted him on his trip from America, including The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, Leo Baeck College and the Movement for Reform Judaism. Speaking to lj today, Rabbi Fuchs said: “My trip to London left me very impressed. Progressive Judaism in Britain is very strong and I am excited about its leadership – both rabbinic and lay. Having the opportunity to visit and meet the key people involved in Liberal and Reform Judaism was especially meaningful for me. The World Union’s goal is to be there as a resource and to add value where necessary, and I hope we can be helpful moving forward.” The WUPJ is the world’s largest synagogue grouping with 1.8 million
members in 1,200 communities spread over more than 45 different countries. The global body was established at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in 1926 and Liberal Jews continue to play a key role in its running. During his visit, Stephen highlighted the WUPJ’s current work in support of emergent communities in places such as South America, Russia and Eastern Europe. Explaining why he wants British Liberal Jews to be as active as possible in the WUPJ, he told us: “The World Union provides a vehicle to connect each of us to other communities around the world, to the land of Israel and, perhaps most importantly of all, to one another as individuals. “The World Union also provides opportunities, and I consider them sacred opportunities, for those of us who are living in more fortunate circumstances in places such as the UK and USA to help our Progressive co-religionists in developing countries. We can do this through our experiences, programming and, hopefully, financial support.” If you would like to get more involved with the WUPJ, take part in one of its many activities or seminars or make a gift, please go to www.wupj.org
THIS EDITION of lj today is a special Biennial issue. If you’re one of almost 300 people reading this at the 2012 Biennial Weekend, then you won’t need to be told that you are taking part in an in-depth exploration of the development of Judaism – from its earliest biblical days to the emergence of Liberal Judaism – and what can be done to shape the future of that heritage. By the end of the weekend you should, along with your fellow delegates, have helped to map out the future direction of our movement If you’re not at the 2012 Biennial, then fear not. Because this is just the start of a process intended to reinvigorate Liberal Judaism and give it a direction and purpose that will breathe new life into Judaism as a whole. Whatever is decided at the Biennial will be a map for Liberal Judaism’s development in the coming years. We need to redefine our theology, our liturgy, our community and ourselves. And that can only be done in consultation with all Liberal Jews. So delegates will bring the Biennial’s thoughts back to their communities and Liberal Judaism will initiate a process of ensuring that the conversations that take place in congregations, at Rabbinic Conference and throughout the movement are shared and combined to shape our future. So if you’re at the Biennial – welcome to the start of that process. And if you’re not, then don’t worry; whatever happens at the Biennial will come to you.