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Email this pageAbout the World Union for Progressive Judaism
The World Union For Progressive Judaism is the international umbrella organization of the Reform, Liberal, Progressive and Reconstructionist movements, serving 1,200 congregations with 1.7 million members in 42 countries. The World Union strengthens Jewish life in Israel and worldwide by establishing and supporting modern, pluralistic congregations and institutions, developing Jewish communal and youth leadership and advancing social justice.
Progressive Judaism is rooted in the Bible, especially the teachings of the Hebrew Prophets. It is founded on authentic manifestations of Jewish creativity, ancient and modern, particularly those that stress inwardness and desire to learn what God expects from us: justice and equality, democracy and peace, personal fulfillment and collective obligations.
The practices of Progressive Judaism are anchored in Jewish thought and tradition. They seek to extend the range of observance by granting full equality to all Jews, irrespective of gender and sexual orientation, while challenging laws that are contrary to Judaism's fundamental principles.
Of the 12 million Jews in the world today, nearly one-third live in countries where Jewish life is weak and where there are few opportunities for meaningful Jewish practice. It is the World Union's goal to ensure that all Jews have access to the vibrant Jewish life that can best inspire them spiritually and bring their communities together practically. We are committed to this sacred task.
Quick Facts
- 42 countries with Progressive congregations*
- 1,200 Progressive, Liberal, Reform and Reconstructionist congregations around the world.
- 1,500 youths participating in weekly activities in 60 youth clubs in the former Soviet Union.
- 2,000 Jewish, Christian and Muslim families receiving pre- holiday food assistance in Israel.
- 16,000 members of Netzer Olami, the World Union's international youth movement.
- 45,000 family members reached through Progressive Judaism’s pluralistic Jewish Studies program in Israeli public schools.
- 1,700,000 people affiliated with the World Union's constituent movements globally.
- $54 million the goal of the World Union’s fund-raising campaign to support congregation-building, youth activities, leadership training, education and social action.
* Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Curacao, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, France, Germany, Honduras, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Latvia, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, Saint Thomas, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Surinam, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.
