Reform reflects on a tough year at virtual fundraiser

Its first convert to come before a virtual beit din, Kevin Darvill, spoke movingly about how he had “never felt so welcomed everywhere” thanks to Reform programming, in partnership with local communities.

The co-chair of Cambridge congregation Beth Shalom’s welfare team, Jackie Rogger, praised the “game-changing” Communities that Care initiative, which had enabled volunteers to provide “confident and efficient ongoing support” over the challenging recent months.

The evening also included a tribute to Rabbi Laura-Janner Klausner, who stepped down as Reform’s senior rabbi at the beginning of the month after nine years in the role. The movement has not appointed an interim replacement and is “taking time to review and consult” over the position.

Reform Judaism co-vice-chair Robert Wiltshire said the event had been “a true celebration of how communities supported our members during this most difficult of years. Reform Judaism has shown itself to be a real Jewish home of support, friendship and kindness.”

The proceeds will go towards welfare support for communities, the funding of the RSY youth movement, fostering leadership and “welcoming new members of the Reform Jewish faith through our beit din”.