Reflections on Darkeinu
During the last weekend of June, delegates from 25 countries gathered at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in London for Darkeinu: One Story, Many Journeys, a conference marking 100 years since the founding of the World Union for Progressive Judaism in that very synagogue in July 1926.
The centenary conference, organised by a team led by Rabbi Mark Goldsmith and Rabbi Lea Mühlstein, under the auspices of the European Union for Progressive Judaim, 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 explore the history, diversity, challenges and future of our global movement.
The conference opened with a gala celebration, welcoming delegates from across Europe, Israel, North and South America, South Africa, Australia and beyond.
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. 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.
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 concluding words, Rabbi Mühlstein suggested that while the first century of the WUPJ had focused on institution-building, the second century should focus on idea-building.
As delegates departed, there was a strong sense that the centenary had been more than a commemoration. Returning to the place where the World Union was founded, we were reminded of the courage of those who built a global Progressive Jewish movement, often in difficult and uncertain times. But we were also reminded that their work is not finished. One hundred years on, our task is to carry forward a Judaism that is principled, inclusive, creative, spiritually alive and unafraid to speak with clarity and hope.
