Rabbi Lev Taylor has been appointed as the new rabbi of Kingston Liberal Synagogue, taking over from Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel. The KLS community celebrated with a very well-attended installation service and party. Rabbi Lev (pictured cutting his welcome cake alongside Rabbi René) said: “Kingston’s reaction to my appointment has … Read More
The Ark celebrates 60th anniversary with packed civic service
A packed sanctuary of local dignitaries, MPs, clergy from other faiths and leaders and members from across Progressive Judaism helped The Ark Synagogue mark its 60th anniversary in style. A special Shabbat celebrated the history and future of the congregation, which began in May 1964 when 30 families gathered for … Read More
Brighton Mayoral reception shows ‘togetherness’ of faith groups
Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber attended an interfaith reception hosted by the Worshipful Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Jackie O’Quinn. The Mayor, whose term of office is coming to an end, held the event to thank the assembled clergy and faith leaders for everything they do for the city. Rabbi Gabriel, … Read More
A quadruple of simchas at Bedfordshire Progressive
Bedford Progressive Synagogue is one of the smaller Progressive congregations, so it was quite an occasion when no fewer than four simchas took place on the same Shabbat morning. The community, also known as Rodef Shalom, celebrated two baby blessings (pictured above), the 80th birthday of synagogue President Geoffrey Ben-Nathan … Read More
Young Norwich member wins political journalism award
Rosie Anfilogoff of Norwich Liberal Jewish Community has won a prestigious journalism award for her article on the exclusion of disabled people from higher education. Rosie was named as the winner of The Guardian Foundation’s Hugo Young Award (19-25 age category), which was created to recognise young talent in political … Read More
‘The love at shul for our disabled daughter was epic’
Sheila Brill has written a powerful article in this week’s Jewish Chronicle on her profoundly disabled daughter Josephine and the love she received at Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation. Josephine was born, in May 1993, with catastrophic brain damage due to medical negligence at multiple stages of her birth. Sheila, who … Read More
Pesach pictures from around our Progressive congregations
Progressive communities around the UK welcomed members, friends and others in the local community as they hosted meaningful and uplifting Passover Seders, services and events. While Pesach was joyful in our homes and communities, our thoughts were also with those currently being held hostage by Hamas. Many of the Pesach … Read More
‘Historic’ Passover service unites Progressive communities
The final day of Pesach at Southgate Progressive Synagogue (SPS) brought together three Progressive communities for a service that the synagogue’s Chair has described as “a historic occasion”. SPS, Finchley Progressive Synagogue and Shar’arei Tsedek North London Reform Synagogue united for the service led by their respective clergy – Rabbi … Read More
Wimbledon Synagogue hosts inclusive interfaith Seder for 100 people
Wimbledon Synagogue fostered a spirit of community and understanding by hosting an open Passover Seder for 100 guests from diverse faiths and backgrounds across south west London. Led by Rabbi Adrian Schell, the Seder offered a platform for education and shared experience. Rabbi Adrian’s explanations illuminated the significance of passing … Read More
Discovering Progressive Judaism at FPS Open Day
Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) held an Open Day for all those who are Jewish, Jew-ish or just wanting to discover more about our faith or their own Jewish heritage. A day for all the family, it gave guests a sense of both Progressive Judaism and the FPS community. Events included … Read More