2018 has been a busy year at Reform Judaism. Over 200 people attended Chagigah, our biennial celebration weekend, which took place from 22-24 June near Nottingham. Reform Judaism’s 41 communities made significant commitments on mental wellbeing, financial sustainability and the environment. A new initiative focussing on synagogue finances was launched and endorsed with a vote from delegates. ‘Money for Values- Re-thinking Synagogues’ Finance’ is designed to help synagogues consider new models of financial stability looking at membership models, fundraising and budgeting that reflect the priorities and values of the community.
Entering the next phase of the Communities that Care initiative launched at Chagigah 2016, Reform Judaism committed to adopting the NHS’s recommended five steps to mental well-being. During the next two years, Reform congregations have committed to making communities safe, welcoming and open to all people with mental well-being problems and to partnering the Reform Movement on the journey to being a mental well-being friendly movement using the NHS’s recommended steps.
Communities voted to make a stand on reducing single use plastic containers. The target is to cut single use plastic by 50% by Rosh Hashanah 2018 and 90% by Rosh Hashanah 2019.
We are leading the way on loneliness with our Communities that Care Initiative. Our ground-breaking Combatting Loneliness and Isolation Conference in March brought together 100 delegates and experts from across the Jewish and professional spectrum for the first time to tackle these issues. The initiative has launched tea parties and telethons reaching out to our synagogue members – including one in Liverpool organised by Anna Cohen. Our next Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference is taking place on 23 May at West London Synagogue and we would love to see you there!