Sukkot 5785 around our Progressive communities


24 October 2024 – 22 Tishri 5785

Norwich

This Sukkot saw Liberal and Reform congregations across the UK and Ireland hold services, cheder activities, interfaith events and communal meals.

Below are a selection of the photos we have received. If yours doesn’t appear, please send it to SimonR@progressivejudaism.org.uk so it can be added.

Kol Chai
The Sababa Youth Club of Kol Chai Hatch End has made its Sukkot sleepover an annual event – and raised more than £100 for their local winter night shelter. Kol Chai’s Rabbi Naomi Goldman said: “Their dedication and hard work are truly inspiring. It was a wonderful way to celebrate Sukkot and embody the true spirit of the festival. The sleepover was a perfect mix of tradition, community, and tzedakah, leaving everyone with memories to cherish and a sense of making a difference.”

Elels
The community at East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue enjoyed many events under their stars in their sukkah, including a ‘challah cutting in the twilight zone’ by Rabbi Richard Jacobi and former Liberal Judaism Chair Ruth Seager.

Radlett
Radlett Reform Synagogue had a whole Sukkot programme including sukkah decorating and pizza with Norwood. The community were also nominated in Norwood’s Volunteer Recognition Awards.

Brentwood
Shenfield and Brentwood Reform Synagogue had a great turnout, despite a very wet sukkah, with a service followed by plenty of tasty snacks.

LJS
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue held their Rimon Religion School activities and synagogue services in the sukkah, including this one led by Rabbi Igor Zinkov.

Harlow
Young and old at Harlow Jewish Community came together to decorate the Sukkah and enjoy a fun family Sukkot.

Wimbledon
Rabbi Adrian Schell led the children and adults of The Wimbledon Synagogue in kiddish, obeying the commandment to sit and eat in the sukkah. The community were also joined on the first morning of Sukkot by Rabbi Kath Vardi and members of North West Surrey Synagogue.

Norwich
Norwich Liberal Jewish Community held an Interfaith Sukkot, with many different faiths represented. Led by Rabbi Martina Yehudit Loreggian – with Reverend Dr Fiona Haworthreading a poem – many faiths were represented at the event. The Norwich community were also joined by friends from Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community.

Finchley
Finchley Reform Synagogue celebrated diversity, inclusion and the spirit of Sukkot as it welcomed Raymond Zachary – also known as Miss Livinya Karr – for the international debut of Rainbow Shabbat. It was a spectacular evening, with guests treated to a delightful mix of jokes, moving personal stories and an outstanding musical performance. Read the full story here.

Southend Community
The cheder of Southend and District Reform Synagogue, along with their teacher Elisheva Klein, brought in fruit and collected tinned food, which will go to a local food bank.

Three Counties
Rabbi Anna Gerrard led Sukkot prayers and discussion at Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community.