The public celebrations of Chanukah this year highlighted a spirit of unity among Jewish communities, with both Orthodox and Progressive leaders participating in various events. This collaboration was particularly evident during a candle-lighting ceremony at Wembley Stadium on December 18, 2023. The event was organized by the Football Association, Maccabi GB, and the Jewish News, featuring Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis reciting the brachot over the menorah before lighting the first candle. Following this, Rabbi Josh Levy, co-lead of the Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ), lit the second candle, symbolizing a shared commitment to community.
Throughout the week, additional events showcased similar cooperation. Rabbi Charley Baginsky, MPJ’s other co-lead, participated in a celebration at Central Synagogue, which is part of the United Synagogue. Rabbi Elchonon Feldman, head of the Rabbinical Council for the United Synagogue, led the singing of “Maoz Tzur” at an interfaith gathering organized by the MPJ. The event featured Rabbi Alexandra Wright, senior rabbi of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood, who guided Muslim and Christian representatives in lighting candles, emphasizing the importance of interfaith dialogue.
The Aziz Foundation, which provided the venue for this gathering, expressed their support for such collaborative efforts. Asif Aziz, chair of the foundation, stated, “Moments like this remind us of the strength that comes from faith leaders standing side by side.”
While Orthodox and Progressive cooperation in public celebrations is not new, leaders from the MPJ believe there is now a stronger foundation for this unity. Rabbis Levy and Baginsky remarked, “These images matter because they show something simple and powerful: Jewish leaders turning up for one another, comfortably and without defensiveness. No one is diminishing their own tradition, and no one is being asked to step aside.”
They emphasized that this cooperation reflects a Judaism that is confident enough to share public space, generous enough to recognize differences, and secure enough to lead together. This sentiment resonates with many in the community, illustrating a positive trend towards inclusivity and mutual respect among different Jewish traditions.
As Chanukah celebrations continue, the collaborative spirit displayed by these leaders serves as a reminder of the strength found in unity and cooperation, fostering hope for future interactions within the community.
