The cogs of reform turn slowly in our community. Frustratingly and annoyingly slowly. But when they do move, it is important that those behind the changes are acknowledged and supported because they are often the subject of attack. So credit is due to the United Synagogue for its decision to allow women trustees. It is easy to say that such a change ought to have happened many years ago. Of course it should. But the fact is that the current regime has introduced a hugely significant reform that offers the possibility that the US could, within the foreseeable future, be led by a woman. And that is something few would have thought possible even a year ago.