Adult conversions to Progressive Judaism in the UK have surged from 78 in 2020 to 183 in 2025, according to figures shared with the Guardian, despite a rise in antisemitism and anti-Jewish feeling. Rabbi Jonathan Romain, convener of the Reform Beit Din, the rabbinic court for Progressive Judaism, noted that one might expect people to avoid identifying with the Jewish community amid such hostility, yet the opposite has occurred.
Three new drivers behind the rise
Historically, most converts converted for romantic reasons, often to unify family life with a Jewish partner. Romain identified three additional factors driving the recent increase: the Covid-19 pandemic, expansion of religious education in schools, and DNA tests. He recounted instances where individuals received DNA tests as gifts and discovered Jewish ancestry, which for some sparked deeper curiosity or a sense of belonging.
Personal journeys of conversion
Elizabeth Arif-Fear, 37, an interfaith activist, was born Christian, converted to Islam, and was Muslim for 14 years before finding Judaism. She described it as a journey over time, saying, “I feel I’ve finally found God without all the extras – without Jesus, without Muhammad.” She was drawn to Judaism’s progressive elements, inclusivity, and encouragement of questioning and debate, noting its LGBT-friendly stance and female rabbis.
Debbie Collings, 65, was raised Jewish until age 16 but left the faith. After caring for her ill father, she sought to reconnect with her heritage. She found her great-grandparents’ graves, overgrown with grass, and reflected on their flight from Russian pogroms and contributions to Britain. She took classes for a year, passed an interview with the rabbinic court, and described stepping back into synagogue as a return to her roots: “I go in there and for me it’s like this peace just comes over me.” She added, “If I die tomorrow, I know I can be buried in a Jewish cemetery.”
Diverse backgrounds and community appeal
Romain noted that converts are increasingly diverse, including people from Romania, Portugal, and Korea, as well as notable numbers of LGBT individuals drawn to Progressive Judaism’s welcoming environment. Amanda, who did not give her last name, grew up Christian but felt drawn to Judaism after questioning the New Testament. She said converting “just felt normal, like it should have been. Like it always was.” Her daily life changed little; the biggest shift was observing Saturday as Shabbat instead of Sunday.
Community as a strong draw
Romain emphasized that Judaism’s sense of community is a powerful attraction in an increasingly polarized and lonely world. “There’s an enormous sense of camaraderie,” he said, noting that local pubs and high streets are declining. He quoted a Jewish saying: “If anyone tells you he loves God but he doesn’t love his neighbour, then you know he’s lying.” While conversion numbers remain modest because Judaism is not a proselytising faith, Romain stressed that interpersonal kindness is central to its outlook.
