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London Metropolitan Archives

UNION OF LIBERAL AND PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUES


IDENTITY STATEMENT

Reference code(s): GB 0074 LMA/4429

Held at: London Metropolitan Archives

Title: UNION OF LIBERAL AND PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUES

Date(s): 193--2002

Level of description: Collection

Extent: 0.83 linear metres

Name of creator(s): Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues

CONTEXT

Administrative/Biographical history:

The Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues (ULPS) orignated as the Jewish Religious Union (JRU). The JRU was founded in 1902 by Lily Montagu, the daughter of Samuel Montagu who founded the Federation of Synagogues, and Claude Montefiore, theologian, scholar and philanthropist. Montagu and Montefiore initially intended to encourage a revival of interest in Judaism within the existing religious organisational framework. In 1910 it was decided to set up the movements' first separate congregation following disagreements with both the United Synagogue and the West London Synagogue - the leading Reform congregation in London. The Liberal Jewish Synagogue was opened in 1911.

Further Liberal congregations were established throughout the twentieth century; by 1991 there were nearly 30 affiliated synagogues. In 1944 the name of the movement was changed to the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues.

CONTENT

Scope and content/abstract:

Records of the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues (ULPS), dealing mainly with the creation of the new version of the prayer book Service of the Heart which was published in 1995. Rabbi John Rayner edited the new edition with Rabbi Chaim Stern as co-editor. Rabbi Julia Neuberger chaired the anthology committee. As well as aiming to combine general Jewish tradition with Progressive Jewish thought the editors wished to respond to changes in Jewish outlook in the late twentieth century. The use of language, in particular gender sensitivity, was carefully examined.

Other records include minutes and correspondence of the Federation of Womens' Societies Executive Committee and papers relating to ULPS educational courses.

ACCESS AND USE

Language/scripts of material: English

System of arrangement:

The archives have been arranged into the following series: LMA/4429/1 Administration; LMA/4429/2 Liturgy; LMA/4429/3 Education.

Conditions governing access:

These records are available for public inspection, although records containing personal information are subject to access restrictions under the UK Data Protection Act, 1998.

Conditions governing reproduction:

Copyright rests with the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues.

Physical characteristics:

Fit.

Finding aids:

Please see online catalogues at: http://search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm

ARCHIVAL INFORMATION

Archival history:

Immediate source of acquisition:

Deposited in November 2001.

ALLIED MATERIALS

Related material:

For further material on the Liberal Jewish movement in England and the Jewish Religious Union see ACC/3529. The main archive of the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues is held by the Union.

Publication note:

For further information please consult the LMA Information Leaflet: "Records of the Anglo-Jewish Community at London Metropolitan Archives"; available to download here: http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Leisure_and_culture/Records_and_archives/Visitor_information/free_information_leaflets.htm (URL correct Feb 2010).

DESCRIPTION NOTES Rules or conventions: Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.

Date(s) of descriptions: Description prepared in March 2010.


INDEX ENTRIES
Subjects
Devotional texts | Religious texts | Religious doctrines | Theology
Jewish | Cultural identity
Jews | Religious groups
Liberal Judaism | Judaism | Ancient religions | Religions
Prayer books | Religious texts | Religious doctrines | Theology
Religious education | Social science education
Religious organizations | Religious institutions
Religious practice | Religious activities
Religious reform | Religious activities
Religion

Personal names

Corporate names
Jewish Religious Union
Liberal Jewish Synagogue
Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues

Places
London | England | UK | Western Europe | Europe