www.reformjudaism.org.uk

Jeneration Relaunches with Reform Focus and Outreach to Mixed-Faith Couples

Tuesday, 29 November 2011

Jeneration, the Movement for Reform Judaism's initiative for students and young adults, is refocusing its programming.  It will prioritise promoting Reform values and will place a particular emphasis on work with those in mixed-faith relationships to whom the Movement believes it is "uniquely placed" to reach out.

The decision by the MRJ Board is the first of a number of steps in response to feedback to its ongoing strategic review.

Jude Williams, Director of Jeneration said: "We will continue to work on campus strengthening the learning, pastoral support and egalitarian minyanim that Reform and Reform-minded students want. Jeneration will also be working with young adults, supporting them in building communities that appeal to them, as well as partnering with our Reform synagogues to connect and attract young adults to their communities.

"Since Jeneration was conceived, a significant number of pluralist, cross-communal initiatives have sprung up, in some cases as a direct result of Jeneration’s work. To attract support from all sections of the community, however, such initiatives need to be owned cross-communally, while we focus on ensuring that there is a strong Reform offering in the marketplace we have helped create."

Ben Rich, Chief Executive of the Movement for Reform Judaism added: "Reform Judaism has an attractive values base for modern Jews and we want to help students and young adults to understand this, while at the same time supporting those who already define themselves as Reform Jews."

Of particular importance will be the expansion of Jeneration's ground-breaking work with those in mixed-faith relationships.

Jude Williams adds: "We believe Reform Judaism - as a tradition with an inclusive and welcoming approach to non-Jewish partners, but with a perspective and approach to ritual which will be familiar to the majority of Jews, whatever their background - has a unique offering to make to couples and families who find themselves in this position."

Planned events for mixed-faith couples in the coming year include a DIY Wedding workshop, a residential weekend, and an Israel tour as well as the annual 'I'm Jewish My Partner Isn't' seminar lead by Rabbi Jonathan Romain which will take place at the Sternberg Centre in Finchley on 15th January and is open to all regardless of Movement affiliation.