The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) has opened applications for the position of Chair of Trustees.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead our new Movement as it continues to grow, develop and strengthen Progressive Judaism across the UK and Ireland.
Candidates wishing to apply through the MPJ Nominations Committee process should do so by filling in this form (deadline: Sunday 21 June).
A new Chair of Trustees will be elected as Chair-Designate at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Tuesday 29 September.
They will undertake a handover period with outgoing Chair Dr Ed Kessler – who is stepping down after three years leading the MPJ Advisory Board and Launch Board – before formally taking over as Chair of Trustees at the first MPJ AGM on Wednesday 2 December.
Robin Moss and Sue Pearlman (Co-Chairs of the Nominations Committee) have outlined the full process and nomination pathways below.
Introduction
On 1 January 2026, Liberal Judaism (LJ) and the Movement for Reform Judaism (MRJ) formally combined into a new entity, The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ). As per the constitution passed by the EGMs of MRJ and LJ in May 2025, the first Chair and Board were put forward by a Nominations Group. Dr Ed Kessler was appointed Chair and a “Launch Board” became the first group of Trustees.
These interim arrangements cease at the first AGM of MPJ, which will take place on 2 December 2026. From that point, the Members of MPJ will elect the Chair and the Board.
The Constitution envisages two paths to become a candidate for election at a Forum meeting.
Pathway 1: Recommendation of the Nominations Committee
It is envisaged that the majority of candidates for Chair and for Trusteeship will be put forward to the AGM for election by a Nominations Committee. This is tasked with running an orderly, fair and timely process to invite applications for, shortlist, interview and recommend candidates.
This process will be similar to that for the Launch Board. A diverse Nominations Committee will be formed, applications (via this form) will be opened, there will be a shortlisting process and then interviews, leading to a final proposed candidate (Chair) or selection of candidates (Board) being put forward to the Members for election.
This process is in line with best practice in the charity sector for the appointment of Trustees.
Pathway 2: Candidature ‘by Petition’
Under this pathway, a member in good standing of an MPJ community may be put forward directly to the Members of MPJ as a candidate for election. Prospective candidates must be proposed by five Members (a Member in this case meaning a constituent community of MPJ, rather than individuals).
The precise mechanism for a Member community to agree to propose a candidate will vary from community to community. Some are likely to require a vote of their Board or Council, others may need the approval of the Chair of the community.
This process exists in order to ensure that a number of communities can together put forward a candidate for election, even if they are not recommended by the Nominations Committee.
Timetable for 2026
Dr Ed Kessler has indicated that he will be standing down as Chair this year and not seeking re-election. Furthermore, as per the interim arrangements in the constitution, all other Trustees will automatically resign at the first AGM of MPJ and, if they wish to continue as Trustees, will need to be put forward as candidates utilising one of the two pathways above.
There are meetings of the Forum scheduled for 19 May, 29 September and 2 December. This latter date will include the first AGM of MPJ.
It is proposed to also designate the Forum meeting on 29 September as including an EGM, at which a new Chair will be elected (they will serve then as Chair-Designate, with Dr Ed Kessler continuing as Chair until the AGM). On 2 December at the AGM, the whole Launch Board will automatically resign (including Dr Ed Kessler), and a new Board will be elected with the new Chair taking over.
The rationale for electing a Chair first is threefold. Firstly, it allows for a period of handover between Dr Ed Kessler and the Chair-Designate. Secondly, it allows the Chair-Designate to be a part of the interview process as part of the Nominations Committee process for the Board that they will be leading. Finally, it means that any people who applied unsuccessfully for Chair can still run, if they wish, for Board positions.
| Via Nominations Committee | Candidature by Petition | |
|---|---|---|
| May | 19 May – meeting of the Forum
Noon on 20 May – applications open for candidates for Chair (online form) |
19 May – meeting of the Forum |
| June | Noon on 21 June – applications close for candidates for Chair
w/c 22 June – Nominations Committee will shortlist and invite candidates for interview |
|
| July | Sunday 5 July – interviews for Chair (in person in London or online if needed) | |
| August | ||
| September | First week of September – papers will go out for the EGM to take place on 29 September, including the name of the proposed candidate for Chair
29 September – EGM and election of Chair-Designate |
First week of September – papers will go out for the EGM to take place on 29 September
Candidates for Chair seeking petition require five Members’ approval and send to MPJ by noon on 14 September 29 September – EGM and election of Chair-Designate |
| October | Chair-Designate joins Nominations Committee | |
| November | ||
| December | 2 December – Chair-Designate becomes Chair at AGM | |