Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky gave a blessing on behalf of the Jewish community at Westminster Abbey – as part of a Service of Thanksgiving in the 30th Year of South Africa’s democracy. The event marked three decades since the ending of Apartheid in South Africa and honoured Nelson … Read More
Five new Progressive Rabbis ordained by Leo Baeck College
Leo Baeck College (LBC) ordained five new Progressive Rabbis in a service held at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS). Rabbi Daisy Bogod was ordained by Rabbi Charley Baginsky, CEO of Liberal Judaism and Co-Lead of Progressive Judaism. Rabbi Eleanor Davis was ordained by Rabbi Danny Smith, Emeritus Senior Minister of … Read More
‘The world must not stay silent about sexual violence’
By Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Rabbi Rebecca Birk and Student Rabbi Daisy Bogod Today, 19 June, is the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. As Rabbis we bear witness and encourage others to do so. We call out the use of rape and sexual violence in … Read More
Jerusalem Interfaith March gives ‘hope for the future’
Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky took part in the Jerusalem Interfaith March for Human Rights and Peace. Rabbis Charley and Josh joined hundreds of people of all faiths and backgrounds – including colleagues from the Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism and the Israel … Read More
Monthly online catch-ups expanded
Two monthly online catch-ups for communities have been expanded and opened across all Reform and Liberal communities. Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, the Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism, will host Open House on the second Thursday of every month at 8pm, with the first taking place on Thursday 13 … Read More
Progressive Judaism statement on Iran’s attack on Israel
Last night, Israel found itself under attack once again. We are grateful that Israel has such developed measures to keep its population safe, and for the support it received from other nations. It is important to recognise, though, that it should not be normal for any country to have to … Read More
Community united at Downing Street vigil for the hostages
More than 1,500 people from across the Jewish community, and beyond, came together in a vigil to support the 133 hostages still held captive in Gaza. Taking place opposite Downing Street, crowd members were visibly moved as the families of those taken and murdered by Hamas spoke about the pain … Read More
Progressive Judaism Co-Leads join Mayor for Trafalgar Square Iftar
Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy, the Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism, joined London Mayor Sadiq Khan for a large scale open-air interfaith Iftar held in Trafalgar Square. Despite bad weather, thousands gathered for the Ramadan fast-breaking event. Rabbis Josh and Charley were joined by many others from the Jewish community … Read More
A reflection six months on from 7 October
By Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism In October of last year, together with other communal leaders, we produced a set of principles about how to respond to the emerging crisis in Israel and Gaza. It was called ‘Our Jewish Values’ and spoke for many in our … Read More
Progressive rabbi gives blessing at Commonwealth Service
Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers (pictured) offered the blessing on behalf of the Jewish community at the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey, broadcast on BBC1. Explaining how, in the Torah, our ancestors are shown as flawed leaders who learn and grow on their journey, Rabbi Debbie quoted the Book … Read More