4 May 2016

Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS) was filled with old and new members this Shabbat, as the community bid farewell to their rabbi of 10 years, Rabbi Charley Baginsky.

Charley wrote a special service for the occasion, which she led with Rabbi Danny Rich – the senior rabbi of Liberal Judaism and Kingston’s emeritus rabbi. The music was led by Tammy Rich – supported by Emma Rich, Robert Simmons and Avi Stone – and both the KLS choir, led by Rebekkah Wedell, and the Beiteinu kids choir sang.

Charley, who was presented with leaving gifts by the community, said: “In many ways KLS is my birth place, I spent my student rabbi days there and then another eight more – over 14 years altogether, 10 of those as their rabbi. I have grown up here, had my children here and found my community here.

“There is no community like KLS – they are utterly bonkers, they heckle and have an opinion on everything – their children insist on reminding you how short you are – but this is a community that cares for each other, embraces the mitzvah of opening their doors to the stranger and the needy, welcome the new with open arms and make them feel like old friends, challenge each other and seek new experiences every day and set about renewing and enlivening their own Judaism.

“Ultimately, this is the most supportive, most inventive, most welcoming and most inspiring community that a rabbi could ask for.”

KLS chair Steve Farrer added: “We have been immensely lucky at KLS to always have had such wonderful rabbis. Today is a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to Charley who has dedicated so much time, love and energy to our community.”

Charley is now the rabbi for South Bucks Jewish Community and also the co-ordinator for the Alliance for Progressive Judaism between Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism.

Kingston is starting the process of recruiting a new rabbi and, in the meantime, will be supported by its excellent lay leadership and Rabbi Danny Rich.