World Union for Progressive Judaism

Jerry Tannenbaum's booming voice was ringing in my ear--it was this familiar southern accent, something reminiscent of a Texas twang. I sat down with him at one meal and discovered he was from Hot Springs, Arkansas.

"The place where FDR died with his mistress?" I asked.

"No.....that's Warm Springs... Georgia." he smiled.

Atleast I broke the ice.

Jerry and his wife Pat are loyal members of their small Hot Springs congregation and were in Mexico representing the World Union of Progressive Judaism.

A refreshing voice amongst discordant rabbinical debates surrounding conversion and mixed marriage, I appreciated Jerry's frank style and down-to-earth religion doctrine. He definitely turned some heads and his organization will turn yours.

1926: Established in London the World Union of Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) is the largest body of religious Jews in the world. As outlined in its website, the WUJP's aims are to:

First, to create common ground between its constituents and, second, to promote Progressive Judaism in places where individuals and groups are seeking authentic, yet modern ways of expressing themselves as Jews.

The World Union for Progressive Judaism serves congregations and communities in nearly 40 countries, encompassing more than 1,200 Reform, Progressive, Liberal and Reconstructionist congregations and more than 1.5 million members throughout the world. Its international headquarters is in Jerusalem, with regional offices in London and Moscow and New York.

With regional offices all over the world, the WUJP is equipped to help Jews from diverse cultural, political, economic, and historical backgrounds. Check out the WUPJ website from more juicy information:

www.wupj.org

More on Jerry tomorrow.