Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue

Rabbi Dr. Tony Bayfield to Step Down in January 2011

Following 15 years as Head of the Reform Movement, Rabbi Tony Bayfield has decided to step down at the beginning of January 2011. This is prior to his planned retirement at the end June because, in his words, "The handover has gone smoothly and I’m ready and excited to get on with the next phase of my life."
The intention is for Rabbi Bayfield to continue his relationship with the Reform Movement as its President, in a voluntary capacity, with Sir Sigmund Sternberg becoming its Life President.
As President, Rabbi Bayfield will continue to represent the Reform Movement at appropriate community-wide events, such as the Cenotaph, Holocaust Memorial Day and the lighting of the Chanukah candles at 10 Downing Street. He will also continue his position as co-President of the Council for Christians and Jews, using that as a platform to pursue the Reform Movement’s commitment to interfaith work. To this end, Rabbi Bayfield is also co-editing a book which will serve as a blueprint for the relationship between the three Abrahamic faiths. He will remain a key spokesperson for the Reform Movement on interfaith issues and play a leading role on the theology of interfaith relations.
Rabbi Bayfield plans to increase his writing and publishing after he steps down as Head of Movement. Initial writing projects include articulating a personal theology of Reform Judaism; a radical Reform Jewish perspective on the theological relationship between Judaism, Christianity and Islam; and an anthology of sermons over the last ten years that are relevant to the theology and philosophy of Reform Judaism. Following the publication of these books, the Movement will help to distribute and promote them, and invite the leadership of our communities to consider their impact on future policy and strategy.
Rabbi Bayfield’s contribution to bringing the Reform Judaism into the mainstream of British Jewry cannot be overstated. In the words of Movement Chairman, Stephen Moss, "The Reform Movement in the UK has made tremendous strides thanks to the vision, commitment and leadership of Rabbi Bayfield. We are so pleased that he will continue to make a significant contribution to shaping Reform Judaism as our President. We look forward to creating an appropriate opportunity in early 2011 for the community to celebrate Rabbi Bayfield’s achievements."

Pam Goldsmith has been appointed Director of Operations & Community Support for the Movement for Reform Judaism. She will take up her position in March, taking over from Mike Frankl who is due to retire in April 2011.