Tolkien service takes Radlett members on journey to Middle-Earth

Radlett members enjoy the Shacharit in the Shire service

Rabbi David-Yehuda ‘DY’ Stern led a Tolkien themed Shabbat service at Radlett Reform Synagogue. Reflecting on the themes of The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and Middle-Earth, the ‘Shacharit in the Shire’ service explored life’s journey, the loss and hope for nature and parallels between Lord of the Rings and … Read More

A reflection six months on from 7 October

By Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism In October of last year, together with other communal leaders, we produced a set of principles about how to respond to the emerging crisis in Israel and Gaza. It was called ‘Our Jewish Values’ and spoke for many in our … Read More

Cantor Zöe Jacobs to lead clergy team at Finchley Reform Synagogue

Cantor Zöe Jacobs

Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) has appointed Cantor Zöe Jacobs as its new Senior Clergy, replacing outgoing Senior Rabbi, Miriam Berger. The appointment marks a ground-breaking new model of congregational leadership and the next stage of a personal journey for Cantor Zöe. Cantor Zöe grew up in the FRS community – … Read More

NLS member is first ever Jewish High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire

Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu, High Sheriff of Nottingham Nick Rubins, Paula Scott and Rabbi Charley Baginsky

The first Jewish appointee to the office of High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire was installed in a history-making ceremony at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue (NLS). Nick Rubins – one of the synagogue’s most active and dedicated members – has taken on the role, which is the oldest secular office under the Crown. … Read More

EHRS joins with Faiths Forum for London to host inaugural Iftar

Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers at EHRS Iftar

Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) joined with Faiths Forum for London to host their first Iftar – which saw 100 people from local Jewish and Muslim communities come together to eat, learn, pray and listen to one another. The meal was prepared and served by a dedicated team of … Read More

Packed Purim parties show growth of our communities

Progressive communities around the country enjoyed fetes, spiels, fancy dress parades, parties, Megillah readings and more this Purim. Many of our Reform and Liberal congregations enjoyed record attendances as the festival was celebrated in true Progressive style. At Bromley Reform Synagogue, 250 people – including more than 100 potential new … Read More

‘Inspiring’ Progressive Iftar supports asylum seeker campaign

Iftar at Finchley Progressive Synagogue

An Iftar at Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) marked an important moment in a day of action campaigning for free bus travel for asylum seekers. The evening was the final stop on Barnet Citizens’ ‘Iftar for the Bus’, which saw a vintage bus travel across London to raise awareness for the … Read More

Rabbi Anna Gerrard welcomed back as Three Counties’ Lead Rabbi

Rabbi Anna Gerrard Induction Service

Faith leaders from across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire joined together to celebrate the return of Rabbi Anna Gerrard as Lead Rabbi of Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (3CLJC). It was a case of ‘welcome back’ for Rabbi Anna (pictured) – who had previously served 10 years in the post, before … Read More

Rabbi Golan Ben-Chorin is new Principal Rabbi of Alyth

Rabbi Golan Ben-Chorin

Rabbi Golan Ben-Chorin has been appointed as Principal Rabbi of Alyth (North Western Reform Synagogue). Rabbi Golan (pictured) has more than 17 years of experience serving in communal and wider rabbinic roles all around the world, including as Rabbi of Rosh Pina – Israel’s northernmost Reform congregation – Temple Judea … Read More

Shirei met Chagigah and welcomed in the future

Uplifting, joyous, meaningful, and musical were some of the comments at the end of the Movement for Reform Judaism’s flagship event, Shirei meets Chagigah. It was an all-singing, all-learning four days away with rabbis, cantors, leaders, community members, and speakers from around the world, all coming together to enjoy and … Read More