LBC's statement on the proposed creation of the Movement for Progressive Judaism

LBC’s Principal Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris and LBC’s Board Of Governors’ Co-Chairs Prof David Simon & Dr James Traeger release a statement on the proposed creation of the Movement for Progressive Judaism.

As the institution that for nearly 70 years has trained more than 90% of UK Liberal and Reform clergy alongside generations of Jewish educators, adult learners and lay leaders, Leo Baeck College welcomes the proposed union of our two sponsoring movements.

Just as the debates between schools of Hillel and Shammai formed the foundations for rabbinic Judaism, we trust that the process of bringing together the diverse voices of Reform and Liberal Judaism will create a stronger foundation and clearer voice for Progressive Judaism in the UK.

LBC looks forward to continuing to be the driving force and heart of the intellectual and spiritual life of Progressive Judaism through ever closer collaboration with our new Movement, especially in key areas such as rabbinical training, adult education and intellectual output for our communities and beyond.

Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris (Principal), Professor David Simon & Dr James Traeger (Co-Chairs) on behalf of Leo Baeck College’s Board of Governors