Dinner Sets Agenda for a New Year
Written by Movement for Reform Judaism Thursday, 22 September 2011
The BBC's Religious Affairs Correspondent Robert Pigott told a packed Reform Movement Annual Dinner that the Movement is “punching above its weight” with Reform rabbis among those best known by the media, noting Reform Judaism's outward-facing approach and engagement with society. The event held last week at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London’s Portland Place raised £284,000.
The event celebrated the successes of the Movement in a time of social change and economic uncertainty. New Chief Executive, Ben Rich spoke about Reform values of engagement, community and inclusion, themes which were also reflected in the Movement’s 2011 film.
Ben stressed the nationwide reach of the Movement, celebrating innovations such as Glasgow's online streaming of services and the rejuvenation of Jewish life in York where MRJ, together with Sinai Synagogue in Leeds is supporting people seeking to connect and build community.
He noted that "this is a Movement of ideas and energy; a Movement with talent and ambition; a Movement for the whole community" and one uniquely placed to face the challenges of the future.
In his first address to the Annual Dinner, Ben Rich announced plans for a Reform Haggadah;increased provision on campus for Progressive Jewish students and a desire to create a Small Communities Rabbi to provide real leadership of the type necessary to grow a community.
Robert Pigott said in its rabbinic leadership Reform Judaism has a unique and articulate voice, "ready to take on some quite difficult and very interesting issues which are not just to do with the Jewish faith, or Judaism but to do with religion as a whole, to confront some things in a way that is very pragmatic and practical." He also warned that the Movement must be ready to adapt as "the ground shifts below its feet" with “a new set of assumptions and attitudes posing fresh challenges” to religious organisations.
Adam Overlander-Kaye, the Movement's Fundraising Director said: "We are delighted with this year's Dinner and with the generous response we have received in an uncertain economic climate. The total raised is a record number from a record number of guests. It demonstrates our membership's confidence in a new generation of leadership united behind a new and invigorated agenda."
The event was, as previously, sponsored by Investec, represented on the night by Dr. Allen Zimbler who welcomed guests and voiced his personal support for the work the Reform Movement.
Guests enjoyed a performance of songs from leaders of RSY-Netzer, the Reform youth movement and were presented with a copy of the Movement's first ever newspaper which will be distributed at member synagogues in the run up to the High Holy Days.
Pictured above, left to right: Ben Rich, Robert Pigott and Movement Chair Stephen Moss CBE.
View a gallery of photos from the evening.
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