BEIT KLAL YISRAEL TO AFFILIATE WITH LIBERAL JUDAISM

Contact: Cara Wides - 020 7631 9831
-c.wides@liberaljudaism.org

Beit Klal Yisrael (based in North Kensington) is delighted to announce its affiliation with Liberal Judaism.

The decision to join Liberal Judaism was taken at the synagogue’s June AGM. Members resolved to make the change after discussing the position of both movements on a variety of issues including their different attitudes to patrileneal Jews and gay and lesbian members. It was felt that Liberal Judaism’s ethos best matched that of Beit Klal Yisrael.

Rabbi Shelia Shulman said: “We are very grateful to the Reform Movement for all their help over the past fourteen years. It was a very difficult decision to make but we feel that Liberal Judaism is a more appropriate home for our challenging and inclusive community.

Nigel Cole, Vice-Chairman of Liberal Judaism said: “"Liberal Judaism's commitment to making Judaism relevant to modern life has a broad appeal, which is fuelling significant growth across the movement. We are delighted to welcome Beit Klal Yisrael into the Liberal Jewish family. We hope our open and inclusive ethos will continue to attract new members from across the community."

Jon Burden, Treasurer of Beit Klal Yisrael added: “Everyone is excited about the possibilities that being a member of Liberal Judaism will bring to us. We look forward to a future working alongside the thirty communities of Liberal Judaism and we hope to continue our friendship with the Reform Movement.”

Notes:
Beit Klal Yisrael (North Kensington Reform Synagogue) was founded in 1990. It was originally conceived as an inclusive Jewish ‘home’ for people who found themselves dissatisfied with or excluded from other strands of mainstream Judaism.

The synagogue became an Associate Member of RSGB in 1990 and Rabbi Sheila Shulman became a member of the Assembly of Rabbis.