The Liberal and Reform movements have joined forces in a scheme to offer young non-members free places at High Holy-Day services at their synagogues.
Although both Liberal and Reform Judaism have run small individual festival initiatives for students in the past, this is the first Progressive-wide venture.
The Reform offer is for those aged up to 27. The Liberal scheme is for anyone under 30.
Interest can be registered through a microsite, www.tinyurl.com/ProgressiveHHD. Applicants can then choose a community near to where they are living.
Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Liberal Judaism’s director of strategy and partnerships, said it was important “to make sure students and young people — who are often away from their family home in September — can take part in the High Holy-Days without worrying about the cost.
“Liberal and Reform Judaism working together allows us to cover a wider range of synagogue locations.”
Josh Martin, Reform Judaism’s director of informal education, echoed Rabbi Baginsky’s sentiments.
“We want more young people to enjoy meaningful High Holy-Days and we’re determined to lower the barriers they face,” he said. “By combining our schemes, we are tackling the difficult task of bringing post-university Jews back into our synagogues by helping them find a community suited to their needs.”
Young Reform or Liberal members who will be away from home over Yomtov will also be helped to find Progressive services near to their location.
