Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues

The Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues (ULPS) orignated as the Jewish Religious Union (JRU). The JRU was founded in 1902 by Lily Montagu, the daughter of Samuel Montagu who founded the Federation of Synagogues, and Claude Montefiore, theologian, scholar and philanthropist. Montagu and Montefiore initially intended to encourage a revival of interest in Judaism within the existing religious organisational framework. In 1910 it was decided to set up the movements' first separate congregation following disagreements with both the United Synagogue and the West London Synagogue - the leading Reform congregation in London. The Liberal Jewish Synagogue was opened in 1911.

Further Liberal congregations were established throughout the twentieth century; by 1991 there were nearly 30 affiliated synagogues. In 1944 the name of the movement was changed to the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues.