ByCharlotte Oliver, Charlotte Oliver
Reform Judaism is to refocus its efforts on tackling isolation and loneliness within the community.
The adult social care initiative was one of three schemes unveiled by the movement during its weekend-long Chagigah, a biennial celebration of its work, which was attended by 250 members at Nottingham's Eastwood Hall.
Over the next year, a steering group from across the movement - including rabbis Miriam Berger and Michael Hilton - will work to identify loneliness in the community and ways to counter it through synagogue events and transport support.
"We cannot rely on the same tired structures," Rabbi Berger said. "We have to rise to the occasion." As well as looking into how to identify the lonely and isolated, the project would educate members on how to respond.
The steering group is planning activities such as current affairs discussions, as isolated people often spend considerable time watching the news alone. It is also looking to offer transportation to those who find themselves largely housebound after giving up driving.
We cannot rely on the same tired structures
"Even the issue that there are names on our membership list who we do not know requires attention," Rabbi Berger added. "We are making efforts to engage with every name on our members' list."
The other new schemes will respectively promote Torah learning and encourage younger shul members to climb the leadership ladder.
Addressing Chagigah, senior Reform rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner said: "We are being resolutely ambitious, transforming the map of Reform Judaism."
The weekend culminated with the appointment of Geoffrey Marx (West London Synagogue) as the movement's chair. Mr Marx, a Reform Judaism board member for three years, is the financial director of Angels, the Bafta-winning theatrical costume provider.
Reflecting on the Brexit vote, Mr Marx said that "many people feel disenfranchised and unheard. Only in communities can people collectively make a difference."
Sir Trevor Chinn succeeds Professor Tony Bayfield as the Reform president.
Outgoing chair Robert Weiner praised Sir Trevor's "contribution to causes within and beyond our community" which, he said, "embodies our commitment to building a just society through social action and tikkun olam".