health
‘I’ve finally found God without all the extras’: behind the surge in people converting to Progressive Judaism
Despite an increase in antisemitism and anti-Jewish feeling in the UK, adult conversions are on the rise
TL;DR
- Adult conversions to Progressive Judaism have risen significantly, from 78 in 2020 to 183 in 2025.
- Factors contributing to the surge include the Covid-19 pandemic, religious education expansion, and DNA tests.
- Progressive Judaism attracts converts due to its emphasis on diversity, pluralism, inclusivity, dialogue, and questioning.
- Convert communities are becoming more diverse, with people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including a notable number of LGBT individuals.
- The sense of community, camaraderie, and human contact offered by Judaism is a strong draw in an increasingly polarized and lonely world.
- Judaism is not a proselytizing faith, but its core values emphasize loving one's neighbor.