The opening flag display at Darkeinu as delegates prepare to show off the 25 different countries in attendance at the 100th anniversary event
Progressive Jews from all over the globe gathered in London for Darkeinu – a joyous and deeply enriching celebration of the centenary of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ).
The conference, organised by a team led by Rabbi Mark Goldsmith and Rabbi Lea Mühlstein on behalf of the European Union for Progressive Judaism, was held at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue – the very same place where the WUPJ was founded in July 1926.
It was not only an opportunity to look back with gratitude, but also to ask what Progressive Judaism can and must become in the next century. Across four days, more than 50 presenters helped participants from 25 countries explore the history, diversity, challenges and future of our global movement.
The conference – titled Darkeinu: One Story, Many Journeys – began with a gala celebration, welcoming delegates from across Europe, Israel, North and South America, South Africa, Australia and beyond.
MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv delivers Darkeinu’s opening address
In the opening keynote address, MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv spoke powerfully about the journey of Progressive Judaism from the margins to the centre of Jewish and public life, particularly in Israel.
The programme that followed reflected the remarkable breadth of Progressive Jewish life today. Speakers and presenters included Movement for Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, as well as leaders of Jewish institutions, youth groups and synagogues from around the world.
Sessions explored the first century of the World Union, the development of rabbinic training, the role of women leaders in shaping the movement, the history and future of Progressive Zionism, the work of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, the challenges facing Jewish students, interfaith and intrafaith relationships, disability inclusion, advocacy, innovation, theology, halachah, youth leadership and the next generation of Progressive Jewish leaders. Together, these conversations offered both historical depth and a vivid picture of a movement still asking courageous questions.
A particular highlight was the Shabbat experience. Delegates joined Progressive congregations across London for Friday night services and dinners, strengthening the sense that this was not simply a conference about institutions, but a gathering of communities, relationships and shared Jewish practice. The Shabbat morning service at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue, celebrated the linguistic diversity of Europe with a special multi-lingual liturgy.
Rabbi Lea Mühlstein invites participants to imagine the next century of Progressive Judaism
Music also played a central role in the celebrations. A special concert told the story of 100 years of Progressive Jewish music, bringing together cantors, musicians and communities in a programme that reflected the movement’s liturgical creativity, cultural diversity and spiritual depth.
The conference concluded with keynotes by Rabbi Sergio Bergman, President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, and Rabbi Lea Mühlstein, Chair of the European Union for Progressive Judaism, who invited participants to imagine the next century of Progressive Judaism.
In her powerful concluding words, which you can read in full here, Rabbi Lea suggested that while the first century of the WUPJ had focused on institution-building, the second century should focus on idea-building.
She said: “In a hundred years, may those who gather in our place be able to say that we did not merely maintain what we inherited. May they say that we imagined bravely, learned deeply, interpreted faithfully, argued honestly, built generously, and travelled with purpose.
“May they say that, in our time, at the threshold of the second century, Progressive Judaism found again the courage to be alive.”