Wessex Liberal Jewish Community toasted a double good news story this week as it marked not one, but two marvellous milestones. First, Joan and Nat Roseman (pictured above) celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Since the founding of WLJC in 2009, the platinum anniversary couple have been welcoming pillars of the … Read More
A Progressive commemoration of Tisha B’Av
More than 130 members from Progressive Jewish synagogues around the UK and Ireland joined together online to mark Tisha B’Av with a solemn evening of reflection and hope. The programme opened with three observations by Rabbis Elisheva Salamo, Naomi Goldman, and Monique Mayer, each inspired by the verse from Lamentations: … Read More
A new chapter for interfaith engagement
Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Co-Lead of Progressive Judaism, was a keynote speaker at the launch of The Young Professionals Interfaith Network (YPIN) – a new organisation for collaboration, learning, and connection among early-career professionals. Hosted by the LSE Faith Centre, the launch brought together representatives of a wide spectrum of faiths, … Read More
Statement on recognition of Palestinian State
Progressive Judaism in the UK remains firmly committed to a just and peaceful two state solution, a secure, democratic State of Israel alongside a viable, sovereign State of Palestine. We affirm the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in our historic homeland. We also recognise the parallel right of the Palestinian … Read More
Birmingham Progressive Cheder builds a bridge for peace
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue’s Cheder took part in an inspiring peace-building activity, influenced by the words of Rabbi John Rayner in Siddur Lev Chadash. “It is not enough to pray for peace,” he wrote, “We have to work for it… to build bridges of respect and understanding, trust and friendship, across … Read More
Radlett and Elstree come together for open air Shabbat
More than 100 members of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree and Radlett Reform Synagogue shared a moving Kabbalat Shabbat in the open air with a wonderful picnic service. The two congregations, who are hoping to unite into one Progressive community for Hertfordshire, sang as one in celebration and reflection. Spencer Grant, … Read More
An open letter from the Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism
An open letter from the Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism – Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy – to members of Progressive communities: Dear friends, This is a time of profound pain and challenge for us as Progressive Jews. Since 7 October, we have carried a deep and growing sorrow: … Read More
Faith and family ties for a special Shabbat in the Borders
Every summer, members of the Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community, Sukkat Shalom, celebrate a special countryside Shabbat. This year’s service brought them to Newstead Village Hall, near Melrose, where a 30+ strong congregation and local community members made it one to remember. The service was led by Rabbi Mark Solomon, and … Read More
Anne Frank service brings faiths together in Herefordshire
A moving Anne Frank memorial service held by the Three Counties Liberal Community offered a timely message of hope and unity for these troubled times. 3CLJC, representing congregations from Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire, were joined by civic leaders, interfaith representatives, and families from across the region to reflect on the … Read More
Clergy statement in response to the sanctioning of Deputies
Joint Statement by the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors and Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors in response to the sanctioning of 36 Deputies by The Board of Deputies (five have been suspended from the organisation, with a further 31 being sent a notice of criticism): As Rabbis and … Read More