Liberal Judaism’s former Heritage Project Manager and seasoned LGBTQI+ campaigner Shaan Knan represented British Progressive Judaism at Pride Shabbat in Cape Town, South Africa. Shaan was the guest speaker at the annual service at Temple Israel (pictured), which forms part of Cape Town’s Pride Week celebrations. After a musical Kabbalat … Read More
Liberal Judaism projects inspire at Stonewall conference
20 May 2019 Liberal Judaism’s heritage project manager Shaan Knan was a keynote speaker at this year’s Stonewall Workplace Conference. Shaan (pictured far left) was part of the event’s closing session debating issues around LGBT and faith. The panel also featured representatives from various religions including Reverend Jide Macaulay, an … Read More
LJ’s Shaan gives diversity presentation at Lottery event
19 February 2019 Liberal Judaism’s heritage project manager Surat-Shaan Knan has given a presentation to a key National Lottery Heritage Fund event. Shaan spoke about Liberal Judaism’s heritage and history projects, emphasising the need for inclusion and diversity and the fantastic results that can bring. The event, which took place … Read More
Prayer for those who have lost their lives to transphobic violence
20 November 2018 Liberal Judaism rabbis and staff members held a short service today in commemoration of Transgender Day of Remembrance (#TransDayOfRemembrance). Rabbi Sandra Kviat read a traditional Jewish kaddish, while Shaan Knan said the Twilight People prayer written by Rabbi Reuben Zellman. They were joined in leading the service … Read More
Help Liberal Judaism support trans equality
18 October 2018 Since its formation 116 years ago, Liberal Judaism has provided a home for everyone’s Jewish story. We are proud that everyone is considered equal in our communities – and always has been – and that where we lead others eventually follow. In recent decades, one of the … Read More
[Blog] Celebrating diversity in LGBT History Month – a personal perspective
Karen Newman 23 February 2018 Board of Deputies website I joined the Jewish Gay and Lesbian Group (now Jewish LGBT+ Group) in 1999. I was reasonably secure in both identities, although I had never felt the need to manifest both in the same nano-second – I joined together with my … Read More
Read Rabbi Danny Rich’s address to the PinkNews Awards
26 October 2017 Rabbi Danny Rich, the senior rabbi of Liberal Judaism, gave the opening prayer at this year’s PinkNews Awards. The event, which took place in Westminster, celebrates the contributions of politicians, entertainers, businesses, campaigners and community groups to improving LGBTQI+ life in the UK and beyond. It was … Read More
Join Judge Rinder at Service of Celebration this Sunday
A special afternoon of celebration and reflection will take place at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, St John’s Wood, this Sunday (29 October) to mark the 50th anniversary of the partial legalisation of male homosexuality in England and Wales. A Service of Celebration, led by Liberal and Reform Judaism rabbis, will … Read More
LJ’s Shaan speaks to PM about LGBTQI+ rights
21 July 2017 Liberal Judaism’s Shaan Knan spoke with Prime Minister Theresa May at a 10 Downing Street reception to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community. Shaan highlighted Liberal Judaism’s trailblazing LGBTQI+ work; especially the oral history projects which he manages. Shaan said: “I mentioned how our movement led the way on … Read More
Focus on migrants in new LGBTQI+ project
18 December 2016 Following the success of Rainbow Jews and Twilight People, Liberal Judaism will host a new project – Rainbow Pilgrims: The Rites and Passages of LGBTQI+ Migrants in Britain. This landmark undertaking, supported by the National Lottery through the Lottery Heritage Fund, will discover and celebrate the hidden history … Read More