Buenos Aires, August 2024 — The Argentine capital was the stage, between the 15th and 18th, for an event that brought together representatives from more than 20 Jewish institutions, including communities, youth movements, educational institutions, and other organizations from across Latin America. Over one hundred participants from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Spain, the USA, Guatemala, and Israel attended. The regional meeting of the Union for Reform Judaism (UJR-AmLat) brought together religious leaders, educators, youth, and members of the Jewish community both within and outside the Reform movement for a profound reflection on the role of the progressive movement in the region and the challenges facing Jewish life after the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.
Patricia Holzman, Executive Director of Fundación Judaica, who was responsible for much of the event’s organization, described the meeting not only as an institutional milestone but also as a moment that left an indelible warmth in her heart and spirit:
“As hosts of this significant assembly, I felt how the bonds that unite us across this diverse region were strengthened, united by a shared faith and commitment to the ideals of Reform Judaism. From the very beginning, the energy of each reunion and the warm embrace of those who came from different corners was felt in the air. These days were filled with dialogues that spanned from community leadership to the vital role of youth and the challenge of ensuring the continuity of our movement.”
Reform Judaism in Latin America: Identity and Challenges
With the theme “Reconstruction and Continuity: The centrality of Israel to Latin American Reform Judaism,” beyond the theme of the relationship between Latin American Judaism and Medinat Israel, the meeting sought to explore what it means to be a Reform Jew in a region marked by a rich cultural and historical diversity but also by economic, social, and political challenges.
In addition to religious practices at the meeting, including tefilot led by rabbinic leaders and rabbinical students from the region, it was possible to engage with various aspects of Latin American Reform Jewish life, such as learning about the work of the Arlene Fern School and discussing the future of Jewish education for the next generations, and learning about Tikun Olam projects around our region. There were also conversations with rabbinic leaders and students about the present and future of the Reform Jewish experience in Latin America.
In a welcoming spirit, UJR-AmLat welcomed two new communities into its body of institutions: the Jewish Center of Rio Grande do Norte (CIRN), Brazil, and La Casa Kehilá, Chile. Luan Vieira, a member of CIRN, enthusiastically comments on his community’s affiliation with UJR: “The community chose to align itself with Reform Judaism, affiliating with the Union for Reform Judaism, as a way to reaffirm its values and unite with other communities that share the same ideals. We believe this affiliation will strengthen our experience of an egalitarian and relevant Judaism for today’s world, in addition to helping us create and sustain structures that expand Jewish life in our community.”
Adults from various UJR communities also celebrated the completion of the Adult B-Mitzvah course with a beautiful Torah reading ceremony during Shabbat Shacharit, where students from Brazil and Argentina could honor their Jewish identities with the entire Latin American Reform community.
The meeting also held great importance for the interaction and integration between rabbinic leaders and rabbinical students from our region with the Kalá Rabínica. According to Rabbi Uri Lam, President of the Brazilian Reform Rabbinical Council (CRRB), the moment was extremely enriching and allowed the growth of networks among rabbinic leadership that can help promote Reform practice in our region. The Reform Rabbinical Council of the Republic of Argentina formally presented its new structure and extended a special invitation to Spanish-speaking communities: “With the creation of the CRRRA and the adherence of rabbis to it, we mark a turning point. We invite all Spanish-speaking UJR-affiliated communities to join this new chapter of our collective history, a history full of questions, challenges, and above all, immense possibilities.”
Jewish Life Post-Conflict: Reflections and Paths Forward
One of the most important topics at the meeting was the discussion of the impact of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas on Jewish communities in Latin America. Since the start of hostilities in October 2023, the war has not only brought suffering to those directly involved but has also increased tensions and internal discussions within the diaspora around the world.
In addition to an important conversation with two relatives of hostages in Gaza, we had the presence of Israel’s Ambassador to Argentina, Eyal Sela, who emphasized the importance of diaspora support for Israel during a moment of extreme emotional fragility but with strength to end the conflict. In the same conversation with the Ambassador, we heard from Professor Dr. Joshua Holo of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) and Flavio Levi, president of UJR-AmLat, about the Zionist narrative after October 7th, the importance of strengthening our connection with Israel, and acting to the extent possible while reinforcing our progressive values within the Jewish State.
Strengthening our progressive values in Israel comes through our engagement in the World Zionist Congress, the main platform for diaspora voices within Medinat Israel. David Britva Beraha, Executive Director of UJR-AmLat and interim representative of Arzenu Brazil, comments: “It is essential that our communities are involved with Arzenu, the representation of Reform Zionism within the World Zionist Congress. Today, Arzenu has a presence in Brazil and Argentina, and we want our communities in other countries in the region to join as well. Arzenu is the best way for diaspora Jews to defend a Jewish, democratic State of Israel that serves all Jews, regardless of religious movement—it is through Arzenu that we achieved a section of the Kotel where men and women can pray together, for example.”
For young people, there is great difficulty in reconciling unconditional support for Israel with the pain of human losses on both sides of the conflict. For the youth, the meeting was an opportunity to find a safe space where these issues could be openly discussed and to reinforce that being Jewish does not equate to supporting a specific policy, but rather seeking peace and justice for all while maintaining a strong Zionist sentiment within us.
Youth Engagement and Education: Today’s Leaders and the Community’s Future
Another highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on education and youth engagement. After the regional youth meeting in March, young leaders from various UJR communities were able to gather and reflect on the responsibility of building a Reform Jewish experience that is relevant to them and other young Jews in our region. Peulot and debates focused on leadership and building a strong Reform Jewish identity highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people feel part of the community, especially in times of uncertainty.
“Judaism needs to be dynamic and relevant,” said Rebeca Orantes, a rabbinical student and young leader from Guatemala. “If we don’t offer something that speaks to our generation, we risk losing our identity. We need to show that spirituality, community, and Jewish values have a place in today’s world.”
Conclusion: A United Movement for the Future
The regional UJR meeting in Buenos Aires was not just a moment of debate but also of renewal. With over a hundred participants, it became clear that Reform Judaism in Latin America is alive, thriving, and ready to face the challenges of the future. The event’s final message was clear: Judaism is plural, inclusive, and relevant, and it is committed to being a force for positive change, both within communities and in the world at large.
In the words of Flavio Levi, president of UJR-AmLat, meetings like this engage us to continue the community work of preserving our Jewish plurality: “The in-person meeting is irreplaceable. It is here that we can pause between lectures and tefilot to get to know and recognize different communities, and more than that, the people who make up these communities. Focusing for four days on community building, training, and congregation was crucial to planning the next years of UJR activities in the region. We leave this conference eager to do more and meet more frequently. I look forward to seeing everyone again in two years!”
As communities return to their home countries, they carry not only new ideas but also a renewed sense of purpose and unity. Reform Judaism continues to evolve, adapting to the times while never losing sight of its core principles of justice, compassion, and equality.
