Masorti Judaism has announced that Rachel Sklan will resign as chief executive in early 2025 after nearly two years in the role and a total of 12 years dedicated to the UK movement.
Sklan, who served as deputy chief executive for three years before her current position and was previously the director of the youth arm, Noam, will remain in her role until January 2025. The movement plans to initiate the search for her successor imminently.
Co-chairs of Masorti Judaism, Joe Carlebach and Miriam Farbey, acknowledged Sklan’s contributions during a particularly challenging year for Anglo-Jewish leaders.
“Rachel has created spaces for our communities to come together to mourn, to listen, and to learn in the complex aftermath of the tragic events of October 7. Under her stewardship, Masorti has expanded to include 4,500 families across 14 communities in the UK.
"Her leadership has delivered an extensive program of training and development for lay leaders and rabbis, fostering projects that will benefit members for years to come, from LGBT+ inclusion to the Shema Koleinu prayer website,” they stated.
Sklan reflected on her tenure, saying: “It has been the privilege of my life to have worked for the Masorti movement for the past 12 years. I have seen the movement grow and develop, navigating challenges and striving to pursue our goals. While it is with a heavy heart that I step down, I leave Masorti Judaism at an exciting juncture. Our communities are thriving, our youth are engaged, and we are producing incredible leaders.”
In recent months, Masorti Judaism has faced challenges, including a situation involving families who resigned from the UK’s leading Masorti congregation, New North London Synagogue, over controversial remarks made by Rabbi Lara Haft Yom-Tov.
In a Haggadah supplement not connected to the Masotrti movement, Haft Yom-Tov referred to Israeli politicians as “war criminals,” sparking significant debate within the community.
When asked about the movement's stance on Zionism and Israel, Sklan expressed confidence, stating: “Both the Masorti movement and Noam have Israel at their very heart. Our young people need to experience Israel, and we are committed to providing those opportunities.”
Addressing the challenges of maintaining support for Israel among younger members, Sklan acknowledged the impact of recent events but emphasised the need for open dialogue. “October 7 rocked the community, but our commitment to Israel remains central to who we are as Jews."
She emphasised the importance of fostering an environment where diverse opinions could coexist, despite political tensions. “We must create spaces for young people to discuss their feelings and experiences.”
Reflecting on the evolution within the organisation, Sklan noted: “I have seen the movement go from strength to strength, particularly in our youth movement, Noam, which is now in its strongest position ever.”
She also highlighted the progress made in promoting inclusion and supporting emerging Masorti communities across the UK.
