Chanukah is a time when our leadership represent Progressive Judaism and our values on the national stage. Throughout this month, Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy have/will be speaking and lighting candles at a number of key events. These include Chanukah celebrations hosted by the Prime … Read More
Highlights from the EUPJ Shabbaton in Vienna
The 2024 European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) Shabbaton in Vienna brought together over 30 participants from 10 countries — Italy, Spain, France, Hungary, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Israel, Austria and the UK. With many young adults taking part, the weekend was inspiring, drawing on the wisdom of the past … Read More
Progressive Judaism Co-Lead addresses Sikh celebration
Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Co-Lead of Progressive Judaism, was a keynote speaker at the City Sikhs celebration for the 555th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji – the founder of Sikhism. The event was held in the Houses of Parliament, and Rabbi Charley highlighted how faith provides much-needed illumination and guidance … Read More
Prime Minister hosts breakfast meeting for faith leaders
Rabbi Charley Baginsky represented Progressive Judaism and the Jewish community at an interfaith breakfast at 10 Downing Street, hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Rabbi Charley – the Co-Lead of Progressive Judaism – said: “It is very pleasing that the Prime Minister and Government realise the centrality of faiths … Read More
Memorial event shows resilience of the Jewish community
Reform and Liberal community members from all over the country came to London for a memorial event in Hyde Park to mark the one-year anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks, mourn the victims and call for the return of the hostages still being held by Hamas. Progressive Judaism Co-Leads … Read More
Welcoming Rosh Hashanah 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
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
Reflection from Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism on meetings with UK government
A reflection from Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy: As leaders of Progressive Judaism, alongside senior leadership from across the Jewish community, we met yesterday with the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, and the Attorney General, Richard Hermer, following the suspension of some arms export licenses to … Read More
Engaging with the UK Government on Israel/Palestine
Statement from Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy: We were pleased to meet today with Hamish Falconer, Minister for the Middle East, and then with the Solicitor General, Sarah Sackman, to hear about the Government’s approach to Israel/Palestine and the relationship with the Jewish community. As … Read More
Rabbi Charley represents Jewish community at Abbey service
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