Jewish Community Leaders Gather to Explore the Power of Organising for Justice

Jewish Community Leaders Gather to Explore the Power of Organising for Justice

On 6th May 2025, four synagogues, members of London Citizens part of people-powered alliance Citizens UK, came together today for a unique day of learning, reflection and inspiration, exploring how community organising can deepen Jewish identity and drive meaningful social change within and beyond the synagogue walls.

Hosted by Westminster Synagogue, the event brought together rabbis, cantors, synagogue directors, and community leaders from Finchley Reform Synagogue, Finchley Progressive Synagogue and Kol Chai Synagogue, with the goal of creating a learning community of synagogues doing organising for internal leadership development and social justice in the wider world.

The day was framed the day around two core Jewish values: Shema – the act of listening – and chesed, loving-kindness. Rabbi Benji reflected on how community organising had reshaped Westminster over the last eight years, transforming services, developing lay leaders, and fostering a culture of relational engagement.

Participants then shared personal stories of times they had struggled—but persisted—in being public Jews committed to justice. These reflections led into a powerful Torah learning session, where three texts were explored through the lens of justice: Yitro with Cantor Zoe Jacobs, Isaiah 1 with Rabbi Naomi Goldman, and Avraham’s advocacy with Rabbi Benji Stanley.

Rabbi Benji Stanley, of Westminster Synagogue, said:

“I loved getting the opportunity to learn from the other synagogues that use community organising with the help of Citizens UK. It was great being with colleagues on the morning, and receiving the support and guidance from community organisers. For me, the strongest lesson that came across was the power of listening, and how inspiring work emerges when the leadership of a community concertedly listens to their community, one-on-one, and around tables, inviting them to bring their passions, and their leadership to the fore.”

The day created space for deep reflection on both the spiritual and political dimensions of Jewish public life. It was also a moment to reckon with challenges of bringing Jewish institutions into community organising and the often complex terrain of being publicly Jewish in broader justice movements.

Rabbi Rebecca Birk, from Finchley Progressive Synagogue, added:

“In these troubling times, being reminded of the power and efficacy of community organising was a tonic. Four communities met last week with our organisers and convenors of London Citizens. Rabbi John Rayner z’l used to say every synagogue should have many windows. I loved being reminded that self-interest, strong relationships, and outward-facing curiosity is at the heart of Jewish life. The appetite for justice work is there—Tsedek, tsedek tirdof—Justice, justice you shall pursue (Deuteronomy). We learned together and reminded each other of powerful experiences that our four synagogues had created both for our Jewish members within the synagogue and partners outside of it. All woven intricately into the Jewish life and expression of our synagogues. We are the better for building relationships inside and outside our institutions. We succeed more with every one-to-one conversation we make time for.”

Cantor Zoe Jacobs, of Finchley Reform Synagogue, said:

“Community organising is such a Jewish way of making change, and yet we rarely come together to learn from each other. The chance to be with and learn from other Jewish organisers doing effective and powerful work was inspiring. It encouraged our team to think differently about the work of organising and gave us a renewed sense of purpose.”

The gathering closed with a renewed commitment to deepen organising efforts across Jewish congregations in London. Participants left energised and connected, ready to draw more intentionally on Jewish texts, traditions and community power to confront systemic injustice—from housing to healthcare to climate breakdown.