World Union for Progressive Judaism
Encyclopedia
The World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) describes itself as the "international umbrella organization for the Reform
, Liberal
, Progressive
and Reconstructionist
movements." This overall Jewish religious movement is based in about 40 countries with more than 1,000 affiliated synagogues. The WUPJ states that it aims are to create common ground between its constituents and to promote Progressive Judaism
in places where individuals and groups are seeking authentic, yet modern ways of expressing themselves as Jews. It seeks to preserve Jewish integrity wherever Jews live, to encourage integration
without assimilation
, to deal to modernity
while preserve the Jewish experience and to strive for equal rights
and social justice
.
The WUPJ was established in London
in 1926, moved its headquarters to New York in 1959 and to Jerusalem in 1973. It has regional offices in London
, Moscow
and New York
. Past presidents include Claude Montefiore
, Leo Baeck, Lily Montagu
(1955-1959) and Solomon Freehof
.
The WUPJ claims more than 1.7 million members throughout the world, encompassing more than 1,200 Reform, Progressive, Liberal and Reconstructionist congregations. Most congregations are located in the U.S., UK, and Israel, with affiliates in 42 countries overall.
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism refers to various beliefs, practices and organizations associated with the Reform Jewish movement in North America, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. In general, it maintains that Judaism and Jewish traditions should be modernized and should be compatible with participation in the...
, Liberal
Liberal Judaism
Liberal Judaism , is one of the two forms of Progressive Judaism found in the United Kingdom, the other being Reform Judaism. Liberal Judaism, which developed at the beginning of the twentieth century is less conservative than UK Reform Judaism...
, Progressive
Progressive Judaism
Progressive Judaism , is an umbrella term used by strands of Judaism which affiliate to the World Union for Progressive Judaism. They embrace pluralism, modernity, equality and social justice as core values and believe that such values are consistent with a committed Jewish life...
and Reconstructionist
Reconstructionist Judaism
Reconstructionist Judaism is a modern American-based Jewish movement based on the ideas of Mordecai Kaplan . The movement views Judaism as a progressively evolving civilization. It originated as a branch of Conservative Judaism, before it splintered...
movements." This overall Jewish religious movement is based in about 40 countries with more than 1,000 affiliated synagogues. The WUPJ states that it aims are to create common ground between its constituents and to promote Progressive Judaism
Progressive Judaism
Progressive Judaism , is an umbrella term used by strands of Judaism which affiliate to the World Union for Progressive Judaism. They embrace pluralism, modernity, equality and social justice as core values and believe that such values are consistent with a committed Jewish life...
in places where individuals and groups are seeking authentic, yet modern ways of expressing themselves as Jews. It seeks to preserve Jewish integrity wherever Jews live, to encourage integration
Racial integration
Racial integration, or simply integration includes desegregation . In addition to desegregation, integration includes goals such as leveling barriers to association, creating equal opportunity regardless of race, and the development of a culture that draws on diverse traditions, rather than merely...
without assimilation
Jewish assimilation
Jewish assimilation refers to the cultural assimilation and social integration of Jews in their surrounding culture. Assimilation became legally possible in Europe during the Age of Enlightenment.-Background:Judaism forbids the worship of other gods...
, to deal to modernity
Modernity
Modernity typically refers to a post-traditional, post-medieval historical period, one marked by the move from feudalism toward capitalism, industrialization, secularization, rationalization, the nation-state and its constituent institutions and forms of surveillance...
while preserve the Jewish experience and to strive for equal rights
Equal rights
Equal rights can refer to:*Equality before the law, when all people have the same rights*Human rights, when such rights are held in common by all people*Civil rights, when such rights are held in common by all citizens of a nation...
and social justice
Social justice
Social justice generally refers to the idea of creating a society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and values human rights, and that recognizes the dignity of every human being. The term and modern concept of "social justice" was coined by...
.
The WUPJ was established in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
in 1926, moved its headquarters to New York in 1959 and to Jerusalem in 1973. It has regional offices in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
and New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. Past presidents include Claude Montefiore
Claude Montefiore
Claude Joseph Goldsmid Montefiore was son of Nathaniel Montefiore, and the great nephew of Sir Moses Montefiore. Some identify him as a significant figure in the contexts of modern Jewish religious thought, Jewish-Christian relations, and Anglo-Jewish socio-politics.-Education:He was educated at...
, Leo Baeck, Lily Montagu
Lily Montagu
Lilian Helen "Lily" Montagu, CBE was the first woman to play a major role in Reform Judaism.She was the sixth of ten children born to Ellen Cohen Montagu and Samuel Montagu , a self-made millionaire by the age of thirty, Samuel Montagu was a wealthy banker and bullion broker, a member of the...
(1955-1959) and Solomon Freehof
Solomon Freehof
Solomon Bennett Freehof was a prominent Reform rabbi, posek, and scholar. Rabbi Freehof served as president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the World Union for Progressive Judaism. Beginning in 1955, he led the CCAR's work on Jewish law through its responsa committee...
.
The WUPJ claims more than 1.7 million members throughout the world, encompassing more than 1,200 Reform, Progressive, Liberal and Reconstructionist congregations. Most congregations are located in the U.S., UK, and Israel, with affiliates in 42 countries overall.
Mission statement
- The establishment and support of synagogues and schools wherever there are Jews searching for meaningful access to modern Jewish life.
- Recruitment, training and placement of rabbis, cantors and educators.
- Publication and distribution of liturgical and educational materials in languages Jews speak.
- Sponsorship of international programs for youth, education, leadership development, and all aspects of community building.
- Bringing together like-minded Jews to derive strength from one another...blending ancient traditions with the changing world of today.
External links
- World Union for Progressive Judaism
- Create a world filled with Cooperation, Love, Truth and Justice Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp speaking, former President of the Jewish Institute for Jewish Values and former head of the World Union for Progressive Judaism