30 January 2017 Five of the country’s leading Progressive rabbis – representing Liberal, Reform and Masorti Judaism – came to Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue in Wanstead for a special panel debate to mark the 60th anniversary of Leo Baeck College (LBC). Liberal Judaism was represented by Rabbi Richard Jacobi, who … Read More
First services held by new East London community
11 January 2017 East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (EL&ELS) enjoyed a “wonderful” turnout for its inaugural Shabbat services this weekend. The new community formed on January 1, after members of Bet Tikvah and Woodford Liberal Synagogues voted to unite. It will operate over the two sites, while a search for a … Read More
Last day of Chanukah is last day for Woodford
3 January 2017 Woodford Liberal Synagogue held its final service, on the last day of Chanukah. The special inclusive service – which is welcoming of all and caters for many forms of disability – marked the last for the community, which has now united with Bet Tikvah to form the … Read More
Liberal Judaism’s Top 5 Landmarks in 2016
While the last year has seen many setbacks for those with Progressive values, Liberal Judaism as a movement has enjoyed another 12 months of growth – with strengthening communities, enhanced social action work and a louder voice in Anglo-Jewry, Britain generally and, indeed, the rest of the world. Below we … Read More
Luciana Berger MP joins Mitzvah Day at the LJS
29 November 2016 Luciana Berger MP joined Rabbis Danny Rich, Alex Wright and René Pfertzel – as well as Reform and Orthodox Jews, and members of three other faiths – to wrap festive presents for refugees at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) on Mitzvah Day. Hundreds of books were brought … Read More
New community to be called East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue
8 November 2016 Liberal Judaism’s newest community has been given its English name – East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue. The community will officially form on January 1, 2017, after members of the area’s two current Liberal Judaism congregations – Bet Tikvah and Woodford Liberal Synagogues – voted overwhelmingly to … Read More
Woodford to host inclusive Shabbat service
Woodford Liberal Synagogue is to host another in its successful series of inclusive Shabbat services. Taking place this Saturday in the East London community, the Shabbat Shelanu service is designed to be accessible and sensitive for a variety of needs and welcoming to all. It celebrates Shabbat through music, multisensory experiences and … Read More
[Sermon] Words and Deeds, Yom Kippur 2016/5777
For those who missed it, last night I talked about our inner selves, about our thought and feelings, about our emotions, prejudices and fears, and about how mental health and well being need our focus and our commitment. I ended by suggesting that the important reason why we should … Read More