UNION OF PROGRESSIVE JEWS FOUNDED IN GERMAN-SPEAKING EUROPE

The Union of Progressive Jews in Austria, Germany and Switzerland was founded on June 27 in Munich as an association of non-Orthodox Jewish communities and groups. Members so far represent Köln, Frankfurt, Hamelin, Hannover, Hildesheim, Kassel, Munich, Seesen and Vienna.

Professor Micha Brumlik (Frankfurt) was elected Union of Progressive Jews chairperson; his deputies are lawyer Katarina Seidler (Hannover) and Rabbi Walter Homolka (Munich). The Union's founding coincided with the installment of Rabbi Homolka as spiritual leader of Munich's Beth Shalom; he will serve in a voluntary capacity while continuing his career in publishing. Just days after its founding, the Union of Progressive Jews oversaw the third annual conference of non-Orthodox congregations in Germany, held July 5-7 at Arnoldshain, near Frankfurt. Activities included lectures, workshops and services. The emphasis was on prayer and liturgy, and the development of minhagim. Some 100 people attended the gathering. The World Union has played a key role in organizing all of the annual conferences, which are aimed at strengthening the non-Orthodox Jewish communities in Germany.