Britain’s Jewish Leaders Seek Accord

Leaders of the different denominations within British Judaism have signed a historic declaration aimed at ending a dispute that erupted after the death of the widely respected and much-loved Reform Rabbi Hugo Gryn in August 1996.

Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, an Orthodox rabbi who has traditionally been regarded as a spokesman for all of British Jewry, refused to attend Gryn’s funeral because it would have meant recognizing Reform Judaism.

Sacks’ action irritated Reform and other non-Orthodox Jews. In March 1997, the text of a confidential letter from Sacks to the leader of an ultra-Orthodox group was leaked. In the letter, Sacks called Reform Judaism a “false grouping” that should not be given recognition and described Gryn as “amongst those who destroy the faith.”

But earlier this month, the leaders of the United Hebrew Congregations and the Reform, Liberal, and Conservative movements pledged themselves unreservedly to pursue communal peace and cooperation. They also agreed to set up a consultative committee drawn from each of the groups within British Judaism that will begin meeting in January.

In their joint declaration, the Jewish leaders referred to the divisions that had become more apparent “since the death of Rabbi Hugo Gryn, of blessed memory.”