Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers (pictured) offered the blessing on behalf of the Jewish community at the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey, broadcast on BBC1.

Explaining how, in the Torah, our ancestors are shown as flawed leaders who learn and grow on their journey, Rabbi Debbie quoted the Book of Proverbs – “Seven times the righteous person falls and gets up.”

She then offered this thought: “The tasks ahead require our resilience. When we stumble, the support of one another will make getting up even easier.”

You can watch the event in full, including Rabbi Debbie’s words (from 1:24:45), here.

Progressive Judaism was also represented at the Commonwealth Day Service by its Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky.

Rabbi Charley said: “It was a real honour to be able to be participate in this celebration of the diversity of the Commonwealth – alongside members of the Royal Family and other senior religious leaders – and for Progressive Judaism to be represented so prominently at this important and historic ceremony, that seeks to engage the many faiths and leadership of this country.”

Faith leaders including Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers and Rabbi Charley Baginsky at the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey