This year’s public Chanukah celebrations have prominently featured a display of unity between Orthodox and Progressive Jewish leaders. Notable events included a candle-lighting ceremony at Wembley Stadium, hosted by the Football Association, Maccabi GB, and the Jewish News. During the ceremony, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis recited the brachot over the menorah and lit the first candle, while Rabbi Josh Levy, co-lead of the Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ), lit the second candle.
Further showcasing this collaboration, MPJ’s other co-lead, Rabbi Charley Baginsky, participated in a celebration organized by the Jewish Labour Movement at the Central Synagogue, which is part of the United Synagogue. The events demonstrate an evolving relationship between different Jewish communities in the UK.
Interfaith Cooperation Highlights Unity
Later in the week, Rabbi Elchonon Feldman, head of the United Synagogue’s Rabbinical Council, led the singing of “Maoz Tzur” at an interfaith event organized by the MPJ. This gathering included the senior rabbi of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood, Rabbi Alexandra Wright, who coordinated the lighting of candles alongside representatives from Muslim and Christian faiths. Both Rabbi Levy and Rabbi Baginsky also attended this significant event.
The interfaith gathering received support from the Aziz Foundation, which provided the venue for the celebrations. Asif Aziz, chair of the foundation, noted, “Moments like this remind us of the strength that comes from faith leaders standing side by side.”
A Shift in Community Dynamics
While Orthodox and Progressive cooperation is not a new practice, sources from both groups indicate that the confidence behind these partnerships has grown. Rabbi Levy and Rabbi Baginsky expressed that such images are crucial because they demonstrate a collective commitment among Jewish leaders to support one another. They stated, “No one is diminishing their own tradition, and no one is being asked to step aside.”
Their remarks highlight a Judaism that is willing to occupy public spaces together, appreciating differences while fostering a sense of security in shared leadership. This ongoing dialogue may represent a significant shift in community dynamics, as leaders find ways to collaborate without compromising their individual beliefs.
As the Chanukah celebrations continue, the unity displayed among Orthodox and Progressive leaders serves as a testament to the strength of community and shared faith. This collaborative spirit may inspire further joint efforts in the future, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity within the Jewish community.
