In a heartwarming reminder of the power of connection and the enduring spirit of the community, the online Havdalah at the Ark Synagogue – which began at the onset of the Covid lockdown – has celebrated its 250th consecutive week. In a special celebratory Havdalah service, 70 participants and one … Read More
Ark and EHRS trip shows Israel needs us to be there
Rabbi Aaron Goldstein and Rabbi Mark Goldsmith write about a joint Progressive visit to Israel: This month, we led a combined group of Ark Synagogue and Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) members on a trip around Israel. We met people of diverse backgrounds – Jewish, Christian, Druze, and Muslim … 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
Ark members make heartwarming visit to Ukrainian communities
Members of The Ark Synagogue – led by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein – brought warmth, friendship and support on a visit to their two twinned Ukrainian Progressive Jewish communities in Lviv and Lutsk. The group met leaders and community members, as well as students from the local University Hillel. Rabbi Aaron … Read More
Supporting communities in Ukraine after Russian attacks
The Ark Synagogue has been in close touch with its twin congregations of Lviv and Lutsk, in Ukraine, following the Russian attacks on the cities this week. Three people were killed in Lutsk and, on Wednesday, a mother and her three children were among seven people who died during a … Read More
Rabbinic reunion at historic Slovak Bat Mitzvah
There was an international reunion in Slovakia when Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein and Sharon Goldstein of The Ark Synagogue helped Rabbi Misha Kapustin celebrate his daughter’s Bat Mitzvah in the newly restored Progressive synagogue in Trenčín. Rabbi Mika was ordained by Rabbi Andrew after graduating from Leo Baeck College and … Read More
Progressive communities supporting Ukraine
Liberal and Reform Judaism communities around the UK continue to show their support for the people of Ukraine, as the devastating Russian invasion of the country has entered its third year. Progressive congregations have helped through fundraising, joint online services, concerts, prayers, coffee mornings and members and clergy hosting Ukrainian … Read More
Jews around the world gather for The Ark’s 200th Zoom Havdalah
The Ark Synagogue hosted a landmark 200th Zoom Havdalah, attended by shul members and Progressive Jews from all around the world. More than 100 people joined the online service from across the UK, Europe, Israel, the United States, South Africa and India. Prayers were led by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Rabbi Lea Mühlstein … Read More
Liberal Judaism consecrates new woodland burial site
Liberal Judaism were delighted to consecrate our first new ceremony in almost 50 years, as rabbis and members gathered to open a new woodland burial site at GreenAcres Chiltern. Prayers were led by Liberal Judaism Vice President Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein and Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, one of The Ark Synagogue’s … Read More
Thursday 25 May: Tikkun Leyl Shavuot at The Ark
A Liberal Judaism Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, open to everyone either in person or online, will be hosted by The Ark Synagogue on Thursday 25 May from 6-10.30pm. The Ark’s Rabbi Aaron Goldstein (pictured) said: “The evening will see us share responses to the call to our ancient Israelite ancestors: Shema … Read More