By David Kirk

I grew up at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) where my parents – Ann and Bob Kirk z”l – were very involved in so many aspects of the wonderful LJS communal life and probably well-known to many of the people reading this.

Later I became a member of The Ark Synagogue and remain a Friend of The Ark. Wanting to experience something different I then joined a Reform synagogue, Alyth, a few years ago.

I have been on the Board of Leo Baeck College twice, as well as the Boards of Liberal Judaism and The Ark. I am now involved in the Alyth community.

So, as you can imagine, over the years I have got to know, and become friends with, many Reform and Liberal rabbis and members. I’m even old enough to remember some of the previous attempts at a merger!

David’s late parents Ann and Bob Kirk at the LJS on Ann’s 90th

For me this has always been about ‘when’ not ‘if’. It has never made any sense for there to be two UK Jewish Progressive movements. We train our rabbis at the same College, and they not infrequently switch between Liberal and Reform communities.

Much has been said about being a part of something bigger, with a bigger voice in UK Jewry. And, of course, this is right.

But for me this is not just about a bigger movement being stronger than two smaller ones, or being more efficient, it’s about having a wider platform to appeal to a broader spectrum of forward thinking modern Progressive Jews, and those wanting to be so.

Progressive Judaism of the 21st Century needs to not only be inclusive in its widest sense but appeal to the widest possible audience. Progressive Judaism speaks to all of our core values.

As far as I can see the two movements are ideologically so close people outside thinking to join cannot really distinguish between them and our values and visions are the same.

Having being able to experience both movement’s liturgies and rights and practices, I can say that both are wonderful and what matters most is what appeals to each of us individually.

Over the years, it has made absolutely no difference whether I say I am a member of a Reform community or a Liberal community… what does matter is that I say I am a Progressive Jew and am part of the Progressive Movement in the UK. That resonates.

Together we will be more powerful, we will have a bigger voice and most importantly others wanting to join us will have a bigger choice all under the umbrella of being Progressive.

Another key consideration is that, in today’s world, financial strength is very important. By bringing the two movements together we will be more financially stable and allow for longer term planning and resourcing. This means that over time we will be able to do more… and that will only benefit all of us.

If we fail to take this opportunity now, I fear there will not be another opportunity for another generation. In my view that would be a huge mistake.

I totally understand that there are some matters that concern people. As long as everyone is open, there is a complete willingness to work together and find solutions, this is a time for all of us to take a leap of faith.

Not everything will be perfect from day one, but I truly believe it will be possible to sort out any remaining issues as we go.

By uniting into one Progressive Judaism for the UK the future collectively will be more vibrant, more creative, more positive and more will be achieved.

The time has come. The time is now.