24 October 2018

Twelve participants from nine Liberal communities gathered in Birmingham for three days of intensive learning as part of Liberal Judaism’s celebrated Ba’alei Tefillah course.

The two year-long programme, currently in its fifth cohort, trains lay leaders to conduct prayer services in their communities. Those taking part learn about all aspects of leading services, from the finer details of our liturgy to Torah reading practice, sermon writing and public speaking techniques.

Rafe Thurstance (pictured, right) – a participant from Ealing Liberal Synagogue – said: “With everyone in the same boat, regardless of experience, we managed to foster a really supportive and friendly environment that helped us all to develop what we needed individually. The support from the tutors and organising team was really fundamental in ensuring that nobody was left behind or unable to participate”.

The group will graduate in June at Liberal Judaism’s Day of Celebration.