History
The first Reform congregation in Israel opened in Jerusalem in 1958, and was named Congregation "Har'el." A conference open to the public who wished to see a Jewish alternative to the Orthodox Movement took place in 1965. This strengthened the relationship between the six existing congregations, and served as the cornerstone for the establishment of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ). The IMPJ officially became an organization in Israel in 1971. The Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, the rabbinical college of Reform Judaism, began its rabbinical studies program in 1974, and in 1980, the first Reform rabbi was ordained by the HUC.
Today there are 40 communities and congregations affiliated with Reform Judaism in Israel. The IMPJ runs about 40 kindergartens, school-run educational programming; "Noar Telem," the Reform Movement youth organization, a part of Netzer Olami; and the Youth Adult and Students Forum for 20-30 year-olds, as well as four Batei Midrash, Jewish study centers.
The Movement participates in various initiatives for social justice, such as Rabbis for Human Rights, and is affiliated with the World Union for Progressive Judaism.
In 2012 The Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism officially changed its name to the "Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism."
Yaron Shavit, Adv. serves as the chair of the IMPJ, and Rabbi Gilad Kariv serves as the executive director.
Read more about this topic: Israel Movement For Progressive Judaism
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