By Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism Chag Urim Sameach! As we approach Chanukah this year, we are reminded of its timeless lessons and profound relevance to our lives today. Chanukah is a festival rooted in resilience and rededication. It celebrates a small group who … Read More
‘Be their light’ – a Chanukah call to action to support the hostages
This Chanukah, the Board of Deputies of British Jews – in collaboration with the Yellow Ribbon Campaign, the Hostages and Missing Forum UK, and the British Hostage Families – is launching the ‘Be Their Light’ iniaitive. The campaign is urging individuals, families, synagogues, schools and youth movements to light an … Read More
LJS Multi-Faith lighting celebrates spirit of unity
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood was full for its annual Multi-Faith Pre-Chanukah Celebration. Dame Karen Buck DBE was this year’s principal guest speaker. She delivered an inspiring speech on the theme ‘Let this Sanctuary be a place of gathering and conversation’ – with her words highlighting the … Read More
First-ever South West Chagigah set for October 2025
We are excited to let you know that bookings are now open for the first-ever Progressive Judaism South West Chagigah weekend (24-26 October 2025). Chagigah means celebrations and is a brand-new joint regional conference for all Liberal and Reform communities in the South West, it’s a chance for members to … Read More
An ‘incredible’ week of civic activity at ELELS
More than 400 schoolchildren, the Deputy Mayor of Redbridge, several local councillors and other dignitaries visited East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) during a week of civic activity. The synagogue hosted the Board of Deputies Jewish Living Experience Exhibition, which ran from Monday to Friday. Pupils from six different … Read More
The Ark’s annual baby blessing goes international
The Ark Synagogue held its annual communal baby blessing, with Rabbis Aaron Goldstein and Lea Mühlstein asking God to bless the congregation’s babies and toddlers and their families. What made this year’s ceremony even more special was the involvement of Ark member families in Yorkshire, Northern Ireland, and Tamil Nadu in … Read More
Progressive Advisory Board Chair releases new book
Dr Ed Kessler (pictured) – the Chair of the Path to Progressive Judaism Advisory Board – has released a new book that provides one of the most comprehensive ever insights into Jewish-Christian relations. Together with Neil Wenborn, he has edited A Documentary History of Jewish-Christian Relations: From Antiquity to the … Read More
Historic joint adult B’nei Mitzvah service at Mosaic
Mosaic Reform Synagogue hosted what is believed to be the first ever joint Liberal and Reform adult B’nei Mitzvah. Four members of Mosaic Reform – Toria Bacon, Gillian Goldsmith, Jeff Highfield and Beth Kingsley – joined Shaan Knan of Mosaic Liberal Synagogue on the bimah in a single, unified service. … Read More
York Liberal Jewish Community celebrates 10th anniversary
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. Led by YLJC’s Rabbi Elisheva Salamo, … Read More
EcoJudaism Award presented at Three Counties Shabbat
Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (3CLJC) was presented with an EcoJudaism Award during a special eco-themed Shabbat service. 3CLJC received EcoJudaism Silver Status earlier this year, in recognition of the community’s work towards an environmentally responsible future. A certificate was presented by Dr Simon Opher, the Labour MP for Stroud … Read More