Elstree Liberal and Radlett Reform vote to unite into single community - The Jewish Chronicle

Radlett Reform and The Liberal Synagogue Elstree have agreed to unite into a single Progressive community in Hertfordshire with more than 1,000 families.

The merger – almost unanimously approved with members voting 99 per cent for it on Thursday night – is the first of its kind between two synagogues following the union of the Reform and Liberal movements to form the Movement for Progressive Judaism.

Radlett, which has 800 families, and TLSE, with 300, will retain their buildings and their services for the time being but the long-term ambition is to create a single site that will act as a centre for Jewish life in an area whose Jewish population has experienced rapid growth over the past 20 years.

The Liberal Synagogue Elstree[Missing Credit]

Spencer Grant, chair of Radlett Reform, said: "While the precise nature of the new community will continue to be shaped collaboratively by our members, it has been clear to us since we started conversations just under a year ago that coming together provides the strongest foundation for long term sustainability and growth.”

He added: “Pooling resources, expertise and leadership will enable greater reach across the region and allow engagement with those who may not currently belong to a synagogue or who feel disconnected from communal life. We have been successfully collaborating for over six months, so formally merging is the next logical step. We are at the start of an exciting journey.”

Radlett Reform Synagogue[Missing Credit]

His counterpart, Leigh Renak, chair of TLES, said: “We are fortunate to be in an area where Jewish life is flourishing… We have access to a wide range of kosher and kosher style food outlets, Jewish nurseries and schools, and vibrant public spaces where Jewish identity is openly celebrated.  

“The region continues to attract young Jewish families as well as grandparents relocating to be closer to their families and this gives us a unique opportunity to evolve how we meet the needs of Progressive Jews, whether they consider themselves Liberal, Reform or just not quite sure.”

Leaders believe unification will raise the profile of Progressive Judaism in the locality and advance plans to increase interfaith engagement, deepen involvement in social action inspired by the value of tikkun olam and reach out to university students.

This moment is a real expression of what Progressive Judaism makes possible

The union, which is intended to come into effect early next year, will need to be ratified at the two congregations’ agms in May. Its name is yet to be chosen.

Rabbis Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, the joint leads of Progressive Judaism, said : “This moment is a real expression of what Progressive Judaism makes possible. Radlett Reform and TLSE are choosing partnership, creativity and shared responsibility, while honouring the different histories and practices that have shaped them.

“The decision to build something new together in Hertfordshire, without asking anyone to give up who they are, is exactly the kind of confident, generous leadership our movement exists to support. We are proud of both communities and excited to see this new partnership grow, deepen and flourish in the years ahead."

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