The future of the diaspora may be many things, but it isn’t just Orthodox, or just Reform for that matter. Melanie Phillips is wrong that progressive Jews are disconnecting from Judaism.
For over two hundred years, Reform Judaism has been proven crucial to an outward facing, egalitarian and evolving Jewish future. Reform Judaism brings Jews to Judaism. Each year in the UK, Reform Judaism enables more than two hundred people to convert, all of whom go through a deep and complex process of engaging with Jewish community and halachah. That’s the equivalent of a medium sized community every year.
Just look at the statistics. The latest Jewish Policy Research figures indicate that non-Orthodox Judaism is attracting members from central Orthodoxy. There’s no question - families want to sit together, girls want and deserve to have a bat mitzvah that is totally equal to their male peers. LGBT+ individuals are an integral part of our communities. People are coming through our doors because we are diverse, vibrant and religious. Our communities reflect the values and lifestyles that we experience at work, with our friends and at home. There is no need to put part of our identities and beliefs on hold whilst we pray.
We are an established part of vital national debates for an inclusive and fair Britain, especially at times of transition such as now. Our rabbis demonstrate clear, brave leadership on issues of gender, immigration and community cohesion. We are on the front line - in healthy cooperation with our Orthodox colleagues - of battles to preserve important Jewish mitzvot, such as brit milah and shechitah.
Our members care deeply about tikkun olam - repairing the world in partnership with the Divine. I’m proud that our synagogues lead nationally on direct care for refugees, mental health and welfare, winter shelters and in response to international crises. Melanie Phillips is right to point out that this alone certainly does not make Judaism, but it is very much a part of being Jewish, and not just for Reform Jews.
And what about Israel? Our young people are as engaged with the Jewish State as they always have been. For many, it is a huge part of their identity. The automatically inclusive nature of Reform Jewish communities makes us the ideal place to have difficult discussions that are necessary due to the complexity of the situation in the Middle East. This is why our Birthright trips have been such a success, and why our RSY-Netzer Israel Tours are oversubscribed.
Recent changes in the Jewish community reflect changes in society as a whole. We are more polarised and we struggle to have conversations without verbally abusing each other. Where young Jews are engaged with Israel, they are often not able to discuss their views, and so cannot have them challenged. We embrace these debates, and hold them with integrity within our communities. If, instead, we hound young progressive Jews because of their views, then they will turn against Israel. And this is when they will also turn away from Judaism.
Judaism, like society, is not, and has never been, uniform. A vibrant Jewish diaspora needs strong Orthodox, Strictly Orthodox and Progressive contingents. There is no other way forward. Our future is as diverse as our present.
Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner is Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism in the UK
