Leading America rabbi and writer, Rabbi Dr Sue Lev-Elwell, will lead High Holy Days services at BKY this year, thanks to a partnership between the community, Liberal Judaism and the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ).

BKY is a ground-breaking inclusive congregation, founded by the late Rabbi Sheila Shulman in 1990. As with many smaller Progressive communities, they rely on visiting clergy, student rabbis and lay leadership for their London-based services.

As well as serving a number of congregations across America, Rabbi Sue is the Founding Director of the American Jewish Congress Feminist Centre and a leading writer on women’s and LGBTQI+ issues. She will partner with Shamaya Mirviss-Carvajal, who will offer musical direction for the High Holy Days services.

BKY’s Danny Lang said: “We are humbled and delighted to welcome both Rabbi Sue and Shamaya to Notting Hill this year, to lead us for these Days of Awe. We are thrilled that BKY have been able to access a rabbi who perfectly matches our community and our story, through the WUPJ and thanks to the help of Liberal Judaism’s Alexandra Gellnick.”

Rabbi Sue has served congregations in California, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Since 2017, she has been the Spiritual Director and Internship Supervisor at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City.

She said: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to join the BKY community to welcome 5785, partnering with Shamaya. The year 5784 was a particularly challenging one for all who care for and support Jews and the international Jewish community. Our hearts have been broken by the hate, violence and destruction in Israel and Palestine. And we have been lifted up by the continuing efforts for a ceasefire and bringing the hostages home. We will come together with songs and prayers and hopes for healing, justice, and peace. Please join us!”

Shamaya added: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be working with Rabbi Sue and BKY, both of whom have beaten the paths that a queer Jew like myself can walk down. The High Holy Days are the time that we as a people and as individuals reflect on ourselves and our actions and our moral responsibilities. Join us in making an account!”

Tickets are available here.