The Kabbalat Torah class from Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) were recently welcomed by Nottingham Liberal Synagogue for a weekend stay. Their trip included a visit to Beth Shalom – the National Holocaust Centre and Museum – during which they heard powerful survivor testimony. There was also lots of eduction, activities … Read More
Stephen Bush to speak on racial inclusivity at Biennial 2021
Stephen Bush, the Chair of the Board of Deputy’s Commission on Racial Inclusivity in the Jewish Community, will speak at the Liberal Judaism Biennial 2021. Making his first conference appearance since the publication of the Commission’s report, Stephen will be in conversation with Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) Chair Tamara Joseph. … Read More
Finchley son and mum barmitzvah covered by the JC
It might not have been what Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) member Rafael expected for his big day. But with his mum and FPS minister, Rabbi Rebecca Birk, beside him, Rafael became barmitzvah in front of 14 close friends and family in the synagogue building – and hundreds more tuned in … Read More
Jews and Muslims unite for care worker blessing
6 July 2020 Jews and Muslims in Barnet got together at a care home to bless those who work there and demand a real Living Wage for the care sector. The group, who are all members of Citizens UK in Barnet, recited a special joint prayer for the carers at … Read More
Faith leaders united for Iftar to help those in need
02 June 2020 Rabbi Rebecca Birk of Finchley Progressive Synagogue joined with other faith leaders last month for a special celebration towards the end of Ramadan to help those in need. Rebecca teamed up with Mother Carol Barrett Ford and Imam Muhammed Bodrul Haque for the ‘Iftar For All’ at … Read More
More than 150 attend ‘best ever’ Pride Shabbat at FPS
10 July 2019 A Pride Shabbat service at Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) honoured the trailblazers of LGBTQI+ rights in the Jewish community and around the world. More than 150 people attended the service, which was themed l’dor v’dor (from generation to generation) and led by Rabbi Rebecca Birk, Cantor Tamara Wolfson, Student … Read More
Promoting environmental responsibility in our communities
9 May 2019 Liberal Judaism invites all its constituent congregations to join it in backing Eco Synagogue, a cross-communal initiative that aims to help Jewish communities of all denominations to nurture environmentally responsible practices. Rabbi Danny Rich, the senior rabbi of Liberal Judaism, said: “Climate change is without doubt the … Read More
Kabbalat Torah classes unite for inspiring weekend
24 January 2019 Ben Combe Is it possible to get 43 teenagers to learn about Jewish theology, grow as young people and bond as a community, all in just under 36 hours? As we learned on the Kabbalat Torah weekend at Finchley Progressive Synagogue, the answer is a resounding yes. … Read More
Finchley Sukkot event wins refugee pledge from Council
25 September 2018 Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) has won a pledge from Barnet Council to take more refugees from war-torn countries. At a ‘Sanctuary Sukkot’ event held in the synagogue, Council leader Richard Cornelius agreed that the borough will take three refugees each year over the next 10 years, and … Read More
[Blog] Preserving the power of testimony
Helen Stone 31 July 2018 When my phone rang one evening last February the voice was anxious and the tone urgent. The caller was one of the organisers of Northwood Holocaust Memorial Day Events educational sessions. “Our speaker is unwell,” they explained. “Can you take her slot tomorrow morning?” As … Read More