Beverley Taylor – a key figure in the success of Liberal Judaism and its communities for many decades – has died.

Beverley, who passed away at the start of Chanukah, spent most of her adult life working and volunteering for the movement, previously known as the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues (ULPS).

She worked with Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein in the Education Department as Educational Assistant on various Yachdav publications; was Secretary to Rabbi Sidney Brichto z”l (the first Executive Director of ULPS) and helped him publish his Bible translations; and worked with Rosita Rosenberg z”l (Executive Director of Liberal Judaism from 1989 to 1997). She herself later became a Vice President of Liberal Judaism.

Beverley was also very involved with her communities – both the South London Liberal Synagogue, where she was a member and Vice President, and Kent Liberal Jewish Community, which she led for many years. She was often seen taking services, sitting on committees and helping others.

Beverley was among the first cohort of the Ba’alei Tefillah lay service leadership programme and later helped lead the course.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky – CEO of Liberal Judaism and Co-Lead of Progressive Judaism – said: “Beverley was a beloved figure, within the communities she helped to build and the national movement which she served with so much heart. She will be greatly missed by us all.”

Beverley leaves behind her daughter Jenny, sons Steven and Paul, grandsons George and Ben, and her sister Sydney.