Thanks to your wonderful donations, the amount raised keeps increasing since we published this press release. To see the latest crowdfunding total, and donate, please visit campaigns.causematch.com/LJ.

Liberal Judaism has raised the most money in its history – bringing in £275,000 from more than 1,000 contributors in its largest ever fundraising campaign.

On the occasion of its 120th anniversary, the movement raised £145,000 over a 36-hour matched campaign, with an additional £130,000 pledged to match donations over the rest of this year.

Celebrating the figure, Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky (pictured above fundraising with the LJ staff team) said: “This has been an incredible achievement – five times more than we have ever raised before.

“The money has been amazing, but what makes me most proud is that we had a whole army of people, over 1,000 of them, giving £10 and £20.

“In a time when many are really struggling, it’s amazing how people came out from all across the country to donate and share their stories and messages with us.”

The money raised will be used for a series of initiatives to build Liberal Judaism for the future, with many focussed on supporting youth.

These include a new online hub to support communities and individuals, a Progressive Jewish Chaplain in universities, a social justice department and b’nei mitzvah and Kabbalat Torah programming for smaller communities who do not have a rabbi.

The raised funds will also support families in need by providing bursaries for children wanting to attend LJY-Netzer youth camps and events, as well as sending Shabbat boxes to elderly members of the community living in non-Jewish care homes.

Liberal Judaism chair Ruth Seager added: “Liberal Judaism has completed its most successful fundraising event. Ever. I am proud of our LJ ambassadors and grateful to our donors. They will enable us to bring Judaism home to even more people.”

The movement will now use the next year to try and reach a total of £500,000 raised so it can fully implement all of its plans. Events planned include a pre-pride celebration with the Pink Singers, a nationwide sponsored bike ride and President’s 120th Anniversary Ball.

Liberal Judaism’s crowdfunding page remains open. Donations can be made at campaigns.causematch.com/LJ.