The theme of the Masorti dinner was shaping Judaism for the next generation. So it was appropriate that the movement’s chief executive, Matt Plen, spoke of a renewed focus on innovation.
“We are keenly aware of the increasing numbers of people who want to be involved in Jewish life but who are not necessarily interested in going to shul every Shabbat morning,” he told the 265 guests at Allianz Park in Barnet.
“We want to create communities and programmes based around Jewish learning, volunteering, food, tzedakah and more, expanding the boundaries of what it means to be involved in Judaism. This is a crucial priority for the future of the entire Jewish community.”
He noted that Masorti membership had increased by 114 per cent since 1990. In the same period, overall synagogue membership in the UK had declined by 20 per cent.
