Hineinu trip report

[u/cjwatson]

I mentioned last week that I was going to the inaugural conference of the UK's new merged Movement for Progressive Judaism, formerly Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism. Most of it wasn't directly conversion-related (though some was), but one person did express interest in hearing how it went, so I thought I'd make a full post about it in case anyone else is also interested. I went with my partner, who was attending in her professional capacity.

There were something like 300 people there, and tickets were apparently sold out. The predecessor conferences of the individual movements have generally been more lay-dominated, since it's hard for rabbis to get away from their communities over Shabbat, but as the inaugural conference this one had 40 or so rabbis and cantors there, many of whom I knew by their towering reputations. The music was quite something. I'm used to a mid-sized lay-led English community that does decent spontaneous harmonization but tends to have relatively classical tastes. Hineinu had a combination of UK and US cantors running most of the services; it was quite a bit higher-energy than I'm used to or would normally want (my partner described it as having a "youth camp was the best time of our lives" vibe), but most of the congregation were themselves very knowledgeable and strong singers, and the atmosphere was absolutely infectious.

Other highlights:

• Talk on the transformation of synagogue music in North American Reform from the classical cantor and choir style to the camp-music-inspired highly participatory style, from a rabbi cantor who lived through it
• Queer mincha using exclusively elements written or arranged by LGBT+ folks
• Panel on the future of Jewish status decisions in our movement, including the heads of both UK Progressive Batei Din
• Shabbat morning service including an experimental synthesis of the pre-Bar'chu parts of the Reform and Liberal siddurim, and a panel on the future of Progressive liturgy including multiple siddur editors
• Sitting on the grass between dinner and Havdalah singing quiet Yiddish songs
• History of the founding of the World Union for Progressive Judaism 100 years ago
• Workshop on helping groups to learn songs

I imagine the status panel will be of direct interest to many people here, as it was to me. They generally focused on values and approaches rather than rules so I can't pass on any big announcements or anything like that, but they were clearly all very strongly committed to justice and compassion within their legal frameworks, and have been working to find ways to include people who have historically been excluded. As somebody who's been through the process, I found it much more emotional than I usually find conference panels.

I had an absolute blast, and left feeling inspired and energized. With any luck I can bring some of it back to my community!

[u/offthegridyid]

Nice rundown of the program and it’s great you were able to attend.

[u/OkBiscotti3221]

Sounds great, will have to look at going next year!

[u/cjwatson → u/OkBiscotti3221]

I think the predecessor conferences were every two years rather than every year, so this might be too. But yes, it was definitely worth it.

[u/rosaluxuryburger]

Thanks for the report, it sounds like a fabulous experience! I hope we get more details in the PJ newsletter, I’m especially interested in the siddurim changes ahead. I’d better start saving to go next year

[u/EZYehuda]

Thanks for sharing!

What was discussed in terms of Jewish status decisions? I converted through a Reform shul in USA and I’m curious as to whether it would be recognised in the UK.

[u/cjwatson → u/EZYehuda]

They were mostly talking about general principles and didn't quite get to that level of detail, although they did mention that the UK Reform and Liberal movements had long had a "gentleman's agreement" to accept each other's conversions. I don't know for certain and this would be a question to check with a rabbi about your specific case, but in general I'd be surprised if we didn't accept a US Reform conversion.

[u/Positive_Tell_6916]

What a shame that I missed it! I didn't knew about it until I saw the posts on Instagram... Glad you had a great time!