A Yom Kippur journey through Jewish Norwich

Norwich community at the stone bench

This year, instead of the usual additional Yom Kippur service, Norwich Liberal Jewish Community set out on a unique journey of learning and exploration. The congregation organised a special event titled ‘A Walk of Jewish Norwich,’ led by one of the members, Stella Koenick. This was followed by a study … Read More

Rosh Hashanah pictures from across our communities

Progressive Judaism Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah 5785 was celebrated in Reform and Liberal communities all across the country with an array of meaningful and accessible services, children’s activities, study sessions, challah bakes, tashlich walks and communal meals. Here we bring you a round-up of pictures and stories. If your synagogue is missing, please send … Read More

New members and guests join us for the New Year

Anthony, Ben and Macaulay

The High Holy Days are a period that many join, or try, a Progressive community for the first time – attracted by a welcoming atmosphere, genuine inclusion, and services for all the family that are both rooted in Jewish tradition and easy to participate in. We estimate hundreds of new … Read More

High Holy Days reflection: Why hope must prevail

Shana Tovah

By Rabbi Kath Vardi In the book of Kohelet we read, ‘there is nothing new under the sun’ (1:9). It would be easy this year to fully feel the force of this rather pessimistic saying. As we step into the year 5785 we recognise that, rather than settling or renewing, … Read More

Welcoming Rosh Hashanah at the US Ambassador’s residence

Rabbi Charley Baginsky at the US Ambassador's Residence

Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky spoke at the first major communal event to mark Rosh Hashanah. Hosted by the US Ambassador to the UK Jane Hartley, and taking place inside the Ambassador’s residence Winfield House, the event underscored the importance of community and hope, marking the beginning of the … Read More

A year that showed the importance of movement

Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy at the LJS

By Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky It’s hard to imagine that this time a year ago, as we prepared for Rosh Hashanah, we had no comprehension that just a few weeks later we would experience the tragedy of 7 October. The last year has been one of complex … Read More

America’s Rabbi Dr Sue Lev-Elwell to lead BKY High Holy Days

Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell

Leading America rabbi and writer, Rabbi Dr Sue Lev-Elwell, will lead High Holy Days services at BKY this year, thanks to a partnership between the community, Liberal Judaism and the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ). BKY is a ground-breaking inclusive congregation, founded by the late Rabbi Sheila Shulman in … Read More

Order your Machzor and other books for the High Holy Days

Liberal Judaism’s Machzor Ruach Chadashah – as well as the book High and Holy Days by Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein and Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh and two children’s books by Rabbi Pete Tobias – are available for individuals to order now via this form. Machzorim are priced at £18.90 each. Please note … Read More

Honeycomb and Sarah’s Tent virtual HHDs an online success

The first ever online service aimed at housebound worshippers was a huge success over the High Holy Days. Around one hundred people logged on overall and the goal is for it to become a regular part of Progressive Judaism’s HHD celebrations. Help groups the Honeycomb Project and ‘Abraham & Sarah’s Tent’ … Read More