Hineinu – the inaugural conference of The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) – alongside Shirei Chagigah, MPJ’s specialist music and prayer leading conference, brought together 300 people for four days of music, prayer, learning, fun and community.
Progressive Jews of all ages came from all over the UK, Ireland and beyond for the sold-out event. Attendees represented 53 different Progressive Jewish congregations and included more than 50 rabbis, cantors and student rabbis.
Among those from our region taking part were members of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue, Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community and Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue.
Opening the conference – the first since the merger of Liberal and Reform Judaism – MPJ Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy spoke about the poignancy of the moment and the huge potential of what lies ahead.
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 really is 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.”
A packed programme included more than 80 sessions – ranging from Shirei Chagigah’s spaces for joyful harmony, illuminating liturgy through song and exploring non-Ashkenazi melodies from around the world to Hineinu panels and discussions exploring liturgy, identity, practice, prayer, Israel, LGBTQI+, social justice, leadership, activism, community building and the future of Jewish life.
There was also a dedicated crèche and children’s programme – run by LJY-Netzer and RSY-Netzer – including sessions for kids and their adults together.
Joyful, spiritual and musical services harmonised all the different traditions and tunes within Progressive Judaism and its communities.
Cantor Zöe Jacobs, Founder of Shirei Chagigah, said: “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.”
Shabbat services were led by clergy including Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Cantor Sarah Grabiner and Cantor Rosalie Will (Friday night) and Rabbi Rachel Benjamin, Cantor Josh Breitzer and Cantor Zöe Jacobs (Shabbat morning) with many poignant moments and contributions from members of our region.
Mich Sampson, Music Director at East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue, played a key role throughout the event as part of Shirei Chagigah faculty – leading worship, teaching song and working alongside special guests from North America Cantor Josh Breitzer, Cantor Rosalie Will and Noah Aronson.
Hineinu’s keynote address was given by MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv, who made history by becoming the first ever Progressive rabbi elected to Israel’s Knesset (Parliament) and who was introduced to the conference as “the most important rabbi in the world right now”.
He 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.”
Other special guests from abroad included Rabbi David Saperstein – Director Emeritus of the American Reform Movement’s Religious Action Center and the first rabbi to be designated a U.S. Ambassador – and Rabbi Dr Michael Marmur, Professor of Jewish Theology at Hebrew Union College Jerusalem and the son of the late and beloved former Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue (then SWESRS) minister Rabbi Dow Marmur.
As the conference came to a close, participants were given packets of seeds to take back and plant – to signify a commitment made by all those present to go home and grow their communities and Progressive Judaism in their region.
- Pictures by Si Marcus (Addictive Media) and Student Rabbi Richard Greene
