About the Event

The UJR-AmLat Regional Conference 2026 brought together rabbis, lay leaders, professionals and members of Progressive Jewish communities from across Latin America and beyond for several days of learning, connection and shared Jewish life in Curaçao. The gathering took place in a particularly meaningful setting, marking 375 years of Jewish life in Curaçao, celebrating the legacy of Mikvé Israel-Emanuel, the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Americas, and connecting this history with the 100th anniversary of the World Union for Progressive Judaism.

Throughout the conference, participants explored both the history and the future of Progressive Judaism in the region. Sessions addressed Reform values in practice, education, regional community life, patrilineality, Jewish liturgy and the history of Curaçao’s Jewish community. Alongside these conversations were moments of prayer, Kabbalat Shabbat, Havdalah and opportunities to experience Curaçao’s Jewish heritage firsthand. More than a conference, the gathering became a space for communities to learn from one another, renew relationships, build new connections and reflect together on how to strengthen Progressive Jewish life for the generations ahead.

One of the strongest themes was the role of leadership in sustaining and renewing Progressive Judaism. Phyllis Dore OAM, Chair of WUPJ, spoke about leadership not simply as maintaining what already exists, but as imagining what is still possible and taking responsibility for making it real.

“There is strength in our unity, our shared stories and history, and we all have an important role to play: to live our shared values and ideals; to lead by example; to focus our work locally and globally, doing the best we can to support each other.”

That combination of memory, self-reflection and responsibility for the future gave the gathering much of its meaning. It was an opportunity not only to celebrate what Progressive Jewish communities have built, but also to strengthen relationships across the region and think collectively about what they want to build next.