York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC) held a special civic interfaith Shabbat service to celebrate the community’s 10th anniversary.

The service was one of of celebration, reflection and gratitude – commemorating a decade of Jewish rebirth in the city and looking to the community’s future.

Founder members of YLJC – Ben Rich, Lilian Coulson and Katrina Blackmore – celebrating the anniversary and toasting the future

Led by YLJC’s Rabbi Elisheva Salamo, guests included Rachael Maskell MP, Lord Mayor of York Councillor Margaret Wells, Board of Deputies CEO Michael Wegier, fellow Yorkshire Jews from Bradford and Harrogate and many local civic and faith leaders. Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky delivered the D’Var Torah.

Rabbi Charley said: “Over the past decade, York Liberal Jewish Community has grown from a fledgling vision into a vibrant, dynamic force for Progressive Judaism in York.

“This year has been deeply challenging for Jewish communities worldwide. In the face of fear and uncertainty, York has remained a beacon of hope and resilience – reminding us that while memorials to the past are important, it is people and communities like this one that give us the greatest reason to believe in the future.”

Over the last decade, YLJC has steadily grown into an established Progressive Jewish community of circa 100 members, one that enjoys being an established part of civic and interfaith life in York.

In 2023, the community appointed Rabbi Elisheva – who became the first resident rabbi in the city for 700 years.

The 10th anniversary service was very much one to thank all those who have helped YLJC become what it is today, commemorate the community and city’s history and create excitement for what lies ahead.

Concluding the celebratory service, one of the founders and now Engagement Officer Lilian Coulson thanked everyone for coming, and for welcoming YLJC into York Interfaith Group and into civic life.

She said: “For me, your attendance at this 10th Anniversary service is particularly important as it shows that we stand together in this City of Sanctuary and it provides us with the opportunity to thank you all for your support to date, as we continue to work together for peace and good relationships in our City.”

Lilian then looked to the future, adding: “Whilst we endeavour to provide a Jewish home and Jewish family to those that seek one in York, currently in these welcoming rooms provided by our Quaker friends, we do aspire in the not too distant future to have our own community home to welcome you, that would allow us to do so much more.”