UK Communities reach out to Progressives in Israel

Members of Reform and Liberal communities have raised over £30,000 in aid of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ). The IMPJ found itself in a severe financial crisis earlier this year when the dramatic fall of the dollar against the shekel resulted in the Movement having 2 million fewer shekels than originally budgeted.

This crisis struck a blow to the increasingly dynamic growth of Progressive Judaism in Israel which receives no government funding, placing many important programmes in jeopardy. As well as possible reductions in staff, initiatives under threat include a Bar/Bat Mitzvah programme in Israeli public schools and campaigning work to have the salaries for Progressive rabbis paid by the Israeli Government, on a par with Orthodox rabbis; this case is about to go to the Supreme Court, but is under threat through lack of funds.

Jane Greenfield of Friends of Progressive Judaism comments: “I feel touched and delighted that the recent appeal on behalf of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) has met with such enthusiasm at a time when the whole world is slipping into a recession. As Chair of FPJ I am proud that our organisation and coordination of the appeal has so greatly contributed to its success. It just goes to prove that we can all dig a little deeper when we need to.” Jane also noted that that the timing of the appeal coincided with the High Holy Days, when most families were thinking about the charities they would support through their synagogues.

There are other ways in which people in the UK are able to support the cause of Progressive Judaism in Israel. The State of Israel does not currently recognise Reform rabbis. IRAC – the Israel Religious Action Centre of the IMPJ has prepared a petition specifically relating to the case of Rabbi Miri Gold. Rabbi Gold has served as the rabbi of Birkat Shalom congregation in Kibbutz Gezer since her ordination in 1999. Sixteen other local rabbis serve the area of the Gezer regional council and receive a State salary. Rabbi Miri Gold, who serves the entire region, is not recognized by the State because she is a Reform rabbi. To sign the petition and find out more about the case, please click here. People are encouraged to sign before 19th November as it is hoped that representations will be made to President Shimon Peres during his visit to London.