Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, co-leads of Progressive Judaism in the UK, have warned that Israel's current political direction risks becoming incompatible with Jewish values. They insist that criticizing the Israeli government is a Jewish obligation rather than an act of disloyalty.
Existential Threat to Judaism
Speaking ahead of the launch of their new book, Progressive Judaism, Zionism and the State of Israel, Baginsky and Levy expressed deep concern. Baginsky stated, "We've often talked about the direction of Israel being an existential threat not to Jews per se, but to Judaism." She questioned, "What happens when the direction of the government within Israel takes Israel down a line that makes it incompatible with our Jewish values? That's a huge worry."
Diverse Perspectives in New Book
The co-edited volume features 40 essays from Jewish clergy and community leaders, reflecting a wide range of perspectives on Jewish identity, Zionism, and Israel. Levy argued that exploring these tough questions is not disloyalty. "It is to be part of a millennial conversation about Jewish values and what God wants of us in the world and our relationship with the land," he said.
Levy added, "What the government of Israel does reflects on us as Jews and reflects on our Judaism. Therefore, it is our Jewish obligation to be in dialogue with that in some way."
Zionism and Criticism
While Progressive Judaism is a Zionist movement committed to a Jewish, pluralist, and democratic state in Israel, the book includes contributions from non-Zionist voices. It forms part of a wider review of the movement's relationship with Israel and Zionism.
Levy emphasized that diversity of voice strengthens the community. Baginsky noted the challenge of navigating multiple stances: "To say you're a Zionist, to say you're critical of the Israeli government, and to also talk about antisemitism means there are very few spaces that you can't be criticized in."
No Imposed Views
Both rabbis stressed that any guidelines from the review would not impose a top-down view. Levy stated, "Just as there is no theological position that you have to sign up for... similarly, there's no political position on Israel that you have to hold in order to be part of our communities."
Religious Zionism vs. Far-Right Narratives
The essays include political perspectives, personal views, and religious mediation. The co-chairs emphasized the importance of asserting their religious Zionism against far-right Israeli leaders like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. Baginsky said, "We have a responsibility to show that our religious Zionism is not the religious Zionism that we see sometimes coming out of the West Bank. My Zionism is also a recognition of Palestinian self-determination."
Levy described their Zionism as "textual, deep, and rich," distinct from proprietorial Zionism.
Community Tensions
Their stance has caused tension within the British Jewish community. Last year, at a rally for Israeli hostages, they were booed off stage after calling for an end to the war and a Palestinian state. Baginsky recalled, "That moment was painful... I still feel it viscerally." However, she continues to call for justice and peace. Levy noted the subsequent outpouring of support from across the Jewish and wider faith community.
