Re-imagining Conference
Written by Movement for Reform Judaism Monday, 22 February 2010
An international line-up of leading Jewish educators and rabbis has been announced by the Movement for Reform Judaism for its forthcoming Biennial Conference, to be held in Manchester from May 14th-16th this year.
Executive Director, Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand explained: “We had an opportunity to re-imagine Conference this year. We decided to focus on an exploration of our history and a vision for the future of Reform Judaism in the UK. There will be an emphasis on community, prayer, inspirational Jewish teaching and articulating Reform Jewish values. Most importantly, we wanted to recognise the reality for many of our members during this difficult economic climate, by offering a Conference with the option of home hospitality and fees from only £50 for adults and £10 for children.”
This year’s Conference will be hosted by the three Reform communities in Manchester, with services and sessions taking place at Manchester Reform Synagogue, Menorah Synagogue and Sha’arei Shalom Synagogue. Sessions will explore the theme of ‘Reform Judaism in the 21st Century: where have we come from, where are we going?’, with keynote speakers including Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Executive Director of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism who will describe the cultural and political landscape for Reform Jews in Israel.
This is a pressing issue for Reform Jews in this country, given recent challenges for their counterparts in Israel, with members of the ‘Women of the Wall’ organization being arrested, and the anti-democratic attack on Naomi Chazan and the New Israel Fund.
Reform Movement Head, Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield will celebrate the achievements of the Reform Movement over its 160 year history and Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand will describe a vision for the future of Reform Judaism in the UK based on its unique values.
There will also be an emphasis on Jewish music and prayer, with Reform Cantor Zöe Jacobs and Reform rabbis from across the UK - as well as Rabbi Eli Freedman from the USA and Rabbi Ofek Meir from the Leo Baeck Center in Israel - leading inspirational and innovative musical services.
Arts and crafts and music will feature in the choice of workshops and the climax to the weekend will be a Celebratory Dinner on Saturday evening at which guests will be treated to entertainment from, amongst others, the well-known Menorah Choir. RSY-Netzer will be offering an exciting youth programme.
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