Progressive leaders have paid tribute to Ruth Cohen – the UK Reform movement’s first woman chair – who died in Israel on Shabbat, aged 86.

Mrs Cohen also chaired Reform’s Alyth congregation in Golders Green in the mid-1980s before chairing RSGB (as it was then known) for a three-year term at the start of the 1990s.

She additionally chaired the World Union of Progressive Judaism from 2000-2005 and made aliyah around 20 years ago.

Movement for Reform Judaism consultant David Jacobs recalled that Mrs Cohen provided “dynamic and creative leadership culminating in the hugely successful programmes which marked the movement’s jubilee celebrations in 1992.

“She travelled extensively, visiting Reform communities throughout the UK and inspiring leaders and rabbis in each synagogue.”

European Union for Progressive Judaism co-chair Miriam Kramer remembered “a towering figure in the global Progressive Judaism world.

“Ruth could implement her vision of the vital importance of Progressive Judaism because of her incisive mind, combined with an understanding of the dynamics of Jewish communities and her diplomatic abilities. She was a powerful advocate for our movement and led by example.

“She was an inspiration and a role model and will be missed by both her family and the international family she so carefully nurtured.”