Core Values and Beliefs of
Progressive Judaism
Progressive Judaism in the UK and Ireland is part of a global movement of 1.8 million people across 50 countries. It brings together timeless Jewish tradition with the diversity, richness and values of the modern world. At its heart is a commitment to every individual, couple and family being able to have full and equal participation in synagogue, community and Jewish life.
With the formation of The Movement for Progressive Judaism, our leaders, rabbis and cantors are now engaged in formulating a detailed framework around its core values and beliefs.
As this crucial work develops, this page outlines some guiding principles of The Movement for Progressive Judaism drawn from previous writings and rabbinic thought:
God
The understanding of God has always been an evolving process within Judaism – with God meaning different things to different people at different times. Whatever someone’s conception of the Divine is, and whatever they believe or do not believe, Progressive Judaism is rooted in the universal principles and values that God represents.
Torah
The Torah (five Books of Moses) is the foundational text of the Jewish faith. It contains stories, values and traditions that record our ancestors’ relationship with the Divine and the world around them. In Progressive Judaism we read the Torah, and the stories that follow in the rest of the Hebrew Bible, through both the wisdom of the past and knowledge and values of the present.
Personal autonomy
Progressive Judaism values each person’s right and responsibility to engage with Jewish texts, traditions and teachings. We encourage individuals to explore, question and interpret Judaism in ways that are meaningful to them, while remaining connected to our shared values and community life.
Jewish law
Progressive Judaism stresses the primacy of Jewish values and moral conviction in our decision making. Jewish law (Halacha) is not static, but a vital process requiring continuing engagement with our core beliefs in the context of our current world.
Diversity of voice
Judaism has at its heart the idea that we become stronger through discussion and debate. We welcome the fact that diversity exists within our communities and our Movement, and we seek to ensure that all voices are heard.
Diversity of practice
The diversity of our communities and their freedom to develop in different ways is central to the richness and beauty of Progressive Judaism in the UK and Ireland. Each has its own identity, services and practices within a set of shared core beliefs and values.
Services
While no two Progressive services are ever identical, they all share a foundation that is spiritual, meaningful, uplifting, creative, musical and enjoyable. Prayers are in both Hebrew and English and use gender-inclusive language. Our prayer and service books will usually contain transliteration (Hebrew words written in English) so that everyone can participate.
Egalitarianism
Progressive Judaism is committed to egalitarianism – this means that every member, regardless of gender, has the same opportunity to participate in and lead services, and become our rabbis, cantors and lay leaders. Everyone sits together in our synagogues. We believe that we can achieve more when we enable every person to make their unique contribution to communal and Jewish life.
Living Judaism
There is no single way to live a Jewish life. Each person brings their own background, beliefs, needs and questions. In our congregations, we encourage people to get involved however they wish and in a way that speaks to them – whether through prayer, study, ritual, social action, intellectual exploration, ethical living or community events and clubs.
Mixed faith families
Progressive Judaism actively welcomes mixed faith/dual heritage couples and families – creating ceremonies, rituals and practical ways to ensure they feel fully part of our Progressive Jewish life. We support couples to marry and raise their families in our communities. We ensure that they can, one day, be buried together in our cemeteries.
LGBTQI+ inclusion
Progressive Judaism is fully inclusive. Like all our members, LGBTQI+ people play active roles in our communities – marrying and raising families in them and, where they choose to, becoming our rabbis, cantors and lay leaders. We are the only Jewish Movement to officiate at LGBTQI+ marriages.
Disability inclusion
The Movement and our congregations and clergy thrive on diversity. We believe everyone loses out when someone cannot participate in Jewish life. We strive to support communities and create services, lifecycle celebrations, national events and leadership pathways to meet all needs. Our youth movements are actively inclusive.
Inherited status
Progressive Judaism is the only part of the Jewish community in which a person who is raised as Jewish in a mixed-faith family can be recognised as Jewish without going through conversion, irrespective of the gender of their Jewish parent. More details on Jewish Status.
Conversion
Progressive Judaism welcomes people who choose to make Judaism their home, welcoming them into our communities and supporting and uplifting them at every stage of their journey. More details on Conversion.
Social Justice
It is central to our duty as Jews to continue the sacred mission of repairing and perfecting the world we live in (tikkun olam). Progressive Judaism calls on us to take action – social, environmental and political – to promote justice, equality and the wellbeing of our fellow humans, reflecting our values in both our communities and the wider world.
Interfaith
Working alongside other faith groups is an essential part of Progressive Judaism and our commitment to engaging with the world around us. The Movement and our communities regularly take part in religious events, social action, dialogue and encounter with Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and people of all faiths and backgrounds.