The denomination shares the basic tenets of Reform Judaism (alternatively known also as Progressive or Liberal) worldwide: a theistic, personal God; an ongoing revelation, under the influence of which all scripture was written – but not dictated by providence – that enables contemporary Jews to reach new religious insights without necessarily being committed to the conventions of the past; regarding the ethical and moral values of Judaism as its true essence, while ritual and practical observance are means to achieve spiritual elation and not an end to themselves – and therefore, rejecting the binding nature of Jewish law; a belief in the coming of a Messianic era rather than a personal Messiah, and in immortality of the soul only, instead of bodily resurrection.

The Progressive movement has not expanded rapidly as the main sources of Jewish migrants (South Africa, the former Soviet Union and Israel) have a relatively modest tradition of Reform Judaism (Ehrlich 2009).

Initial progress was slow as the rabbi's radical inclinations did not win favour among a local Jewish community that valued traditions.

The Progressive movement also welcomed converts to Judaism and accepted patrilineal descent, provided the person had received a Jewish education (Meyer 1988).

In 1938, Sanger established Temple Emanuel in Sydney which grew rapidly under the leadership of American Rabbi Max Schenk.