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
LJS Multi-Faith lighting celebrates spirit of unity
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood was full for its annual Multi-Faith Pre-Chanukah Celebration. Dame Karen Buck DBE was this year’s principal guest speaker. She delivered an inspiring speech on the theme ‘Let this Sanctuary be a place of gathering and conversation’ – with her words highlighting the … Read More
An ‘incredible’ week of civic activity at ELELS
More than 400 schoolchildren, the Deputy Mayor of Redbridge, several local councillors and other dignitaries visited East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) during a week of civic activity. The synagogue hosted the Board of Deputies Jewish Living Experience Exhibition, which ran from Monday to Friday. Pupils from six different … Read More
Historic joint adult B’nei Mitzvah service at Mosaic
Mosaic Reform Synagogue hosted what is believed to be the first ever joint Liberal and Reform adult B’nei Mitzvah. Four members of Mosaic Reform – Toria Bacon, Gillian Goldsmith, Jeff Highfield and Beth Kingsley – joined Shaan Knan of Mosaic Liberal Synagogue on the bimah in a single, unified service. … Read More
York Liberal Jewish Community celebrates 10th anniversary
York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC) held a special civic interfaith Shabbat service to celebrate the community’s 10th anniversary. The service was one of of celebration, reflection and gratitude – commemorating a decade of Jewish rebirth in the city and looking to the community’s future. Led by YLJC’s Rabbi Elisheva Salamo, … Read More
EcoJudaism Award presented at Three Counties Shabbat
Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (3CLJC) was presented with an EcoJudaism Award during a special eco-themed Shabbat service. 3CLJC received EcoJudaism Silver Status earlier this year, in recognition of the community’s work towards an environmentally responsible future. A certificate was presented by Dr Simon Opher, the Labour MP for Stroud … Read More
Tributes for beloved LJS member and Holocaust educator Bob Kirk
Bob Kirk – a key figure in the life of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue and wider UK Jewish community – has died, aged 99. Bob was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1925. After Kristallnacht in 1938, he travelled to the UK alone on the Kindertransport. He met wife Ann – … Read More
Students team up in Nottingham to lead Kabbalat Shabbat
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue enjoyed what congregants described as “an amazing Kabbalat Shabbat to remember” – when Progressive Jewish students from Sheffield and Nottingham joined together to lead a lively, musical, spiritual and fun service. The synagogue’s Wendy Prestney said: “The two groups of young people, who had only met on … Read More
Launch of the Mosaic Social Action Hub
Forty Mosaic Jewish Community members – made up from its Reform, Liberal and Masorti Synagogues – attended the launch of the Mosaic Social Action Hub. Welcoming them, Rabbi Anthony Lazarus Magrill emphasised that while services and events are important, social action should be seen as the true essence of what … Read More
Celebrations as Sukkat Shalom Edinburgh turns 20
This year marks a significant milestone for Sukkat Shalom: Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community, as the congregation celebrates its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, the community has grown and flourished, becoming a vibrant and welcoming space for all those looking for Progressive Judaism connection and support in the Scottish … Read More