Rachel Sklan is Masorti Judaism’s new chief executive, replacing Matt Plen, who is stepping down after more than ten years in the post.

Ms Sklan has been Masorti’s deputy chief executive for three years. An experienced Jewish educator, she was previously director of the movement’s youth arm, Noam, and is a founding member of Havurah, an experimental Masorti community in North London.

“I am energised by the future of Masorti Judaism,” she said. “I love our movement’s deep commitment to our tradition and our quest to honour and integrate it into our lives as progressive people. The future of the Jewish community will hinge on our ability to innovate, teach and inspire the next generation. I am privileged to step forward, lead this organisation and help make this happen.”

Masorti Judaism co-chairs Leonie Fleischmann and Moira Hart believed Ms Sklan’s “relationship-centred ethos and expertise in community building makes her the perfect candidate to lead Masorti Judaism into the future”. Mr Plen — who will remain involved in the movement as an interim consultant — said he had “relished the opportunity to build Masorti Judaism into an effective, well-run organisation, capable of creating real impact for our community leaders, our members and our young people.

“I’m particularly excited about the strides we’ve made on LGBT+ inclusion and gender equality. I’m no less proud that Masorti is now a movement that prioritises Jewish learning and has become a natural home for people searching for a meaningful religious experience.

“After more than ten years, I’m now ready to move on to new challenges and hope to continue creating social change in the charity and education world.”

There are currently 12 Masorti congregations and the movement is also working with a fledgling community in Brighton, a number of independent communities around the UK and an emerging community of young adults in North London. It has expanded its work with those in their 20s and 30s, hosting regular Friday night dinners and tailoring events to match the demands of the new generation.