Marking global centennial, Reform movement aims to build bridges, strengthen Israel ties

World Union for Progressive Judaism (umbrella organization of Reform, Liberal, Progressive & Reconstruction) is hosting its centennial in a renovated center in Jerusalem, after years of inactivity, between Oct 22-25.

“When [former WUPJ president] Rabbi Richard Hirsch first came to Israel, he was looking to move the Reform movement away from the approach of early German leaders who saw Judaism as a universal religion that didn’t need to pray toward Zion,” Bergman said. “His goal was to establish a clearer commitment to Zionism, and he made the very practical decision to move the headquarters from the US to Jerusalem. Hebrew Union College had just been established on King David Street, and he came to the back of the building with a caravan and established what ultimately became Beit Shmuel.”

The current president, Sergio Berman is an Argentinian scientist & congregational rabbi. He says these movements need to rethink their approaches to be more traditional, less defined by denomination & better at bridge building.