2 February 2016

Shir Hatzafon synagogue – ‘The Song of the North’ – has become the first Scandinavian member of Liberal Judaism, increasing the movement’s number of members to 42 communities over five countries.

Started informally in 1998, Shir Hatzafon was officially recognized by the Danish Government in 2004. Today, it has 120 members from the tiny Danish Jewish community of just 7,000. They meet once a month for services in Copenhagen.

They are led by Rabbi Sandra Kviat, who became the first ever female Scandinavian rabbi when she was ordained at the Leo Baeck College in London in 2011. She shares her time between Shir Hatzafon and Crouch End Chavurah, as well as being part of Liberal Judaism’s Outreach Team.

Shir Hatzafon’s chair, Adrienne Mannov, addressed Liberal Judaism’s Council on January 26, 2016, saying: “We are delighted to become part of this wonderful family of progressive Judaism.”

The community’s acceptance into membership was approved unanimously, with Shir Hatzafon becoming the seventh new community to join Liberal Judaism in the last decade, underlining the movement’s status as the UK’s fastest growing mainstream Jewish tradition.

Welcoming the movement’s newest members, Liberal Judaism’s chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, said: “The values that we share in common as a movement, of equality, inclusivity and egalitarianism are not restricted to British Jewry. Indeed, they are evidence of Judaism’s ability to continue to grow and thrive by ensuring our relevance to modern world.

“This is as true in Denmark as it is here in Britain and we are proud, therefore, to be able to say ‘velkomst (welcome)’ to our newest member.”