By Rabbi Aaron Goldstein (The Ark Synagogue) This week, Liberal Jews celebrate the life of the foremost influential Liberal Rabbi of his generation, Rabbi John Rayner (z”l). Born in Berlin in 1924, he came to England in 1939 on one of the Kindertransports. He is most well- known or his … Read More
Prayer for His Majesty’s Opposition
By Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber (Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue) This prayer for His Majesty’s Opposition accompanied the regular Shabbat prayer for the Royal Family and Government, as both parties enter their new roles. Eternal God, who has never been out of power, who has never lacked influence, we ask Your … Read More
Building a new Progressive Jewish movement by Rabbi Mark Goldsmith
This is an extract from the sermon given by Rabbi Mark Goldsmith at Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) on Rosh Hashanah morning 5784: As the world changes, so Judaism changes with it and evolves. A short while ago we read our Torah portions which followed two of the great … Read More
The spiritual and moral possibilities for Progressive Judaism by Rabbi Alexandra Wright
This is an extract from the sermon given by Rabbi Alexandra Wright, President of Liberal Judaism, at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) on Rosh Hashanah morning 5784: It has taken nearly 120 years to bring together Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism in a step that surprised, but also uplifted, us … Read More
Why Progressive Judaism exists by Rabbi Richard Jacobi
This sermon was given by Rabbi Richard Jacobi at East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) on Erev Rosh Hashanah 5784: When we welcomed in the new year and announced its number, 5784, I’m pretty sure that no-one here thought that we were stating that the world is celebrating its … Read More
[Blog] How do we acquire a shem tov (good name)?
21 April 2020 By Rabbi Aaron Goldstein Unavoidably, all professionals engaged in lifecycle events have been extra busy during the coronavirus pandemic. Baby blessings, Bnei Mitzvah, Kabbalat Torah and weddings have all had to be postponed. Deaths from the virus and those coincidental to this time have meant that we … Read More
[Sermon] Shabbat in the Coronavirus Crisis
Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah 21 March 2020 Shabbat Shalom. The physical congregation that usually inhabits the synagogue is absent and the hum of people gathering to celebrate Shabbat has been replaced by silence. And yet, hinneinu, here we are, sharing this sacred moment across the ether. Before we begin our … Read More
Prayer for the Coronavirus crisis
Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah 20 March 2020 Eternal One, Rock of our lives, we turn to you in the midst of this coronavirus crisis, seeking refuge and a foothold – and also encouragement as we try to find our own courage. As social distancing prevents us from experiencing the joys … Read More
[Sermon] Mental Health Awarness Shabbat 2020
Rabbi Monqiue Mayer 31 January 2020 Three final, devastating plagues laid waste to the land of Egypt: locusts, darkness, and the slaying of the firstborn. The eighth plague of locusts stripped the land of all remaining crops, eating up all the grasses and fruit while the tenth plague stripped the … Read More
[Sermon] Working well together for a better society – Human Right Shabbat 2019
Rabbi Aaron Goldstein 7 November 2019 Laban, Rebekah’s brother, Jacob’s uncle says to him after a month’s stay, “Just because you are my brother, should you serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” (Gen 29:15) René Cassin was a French-Jewish jurist, law professor and judge. He … Read More