2 February 2016 Shir Hatzafon synagogue – ‘The Song of the North’ – has become the first Scandinavian member of Liberal Judaism, increasing the movement’s number of members to 42 communities over five countries. Started informally in 1998, Shir Hatzafon was officially recognized by the Danish Government in 2004. Today, … Read More
South Bucks – an emotional farewell
11 January 2016 South Bucks Jewish Community (SBJC) held a special Shabbat service to say farewell (but decidedly not goodbye) to their rabbi of nine years – Rabbi Rachel Benjamin The service was created and led by the current, and three retired, chairs the community, who also gave their own … Read More
Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue opens its doors after redevelopment
16 December 2015 The community at Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue are embarking on a new adventure with the opening of their redeveloped, state of the art building. The synagogue has been their home since 1937, but long in need of modernisation. It was four years ago that the BHPS’ … Read More
Eight centuries after the pogrom, pride flickers again in York’s Jewish community
13 December 2015 The Guardian / Observer Liberal Judaism has given the city’s Jews a chance to uphold their faith while accepting the realities of modern life. In March 1190, the entire Jewish community of York – about 150 people – barricaded themselves inside the castle as antisemitic riots raged … Read More
Birmingham celebrates 80th anniversary with refugee appeal
9 December 2015 Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS) highlighted the needs of refugees fleeing poverty and persecution at a service to mark the community’s 80th anniversary year. Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi, of BPS, told guests that in the current climate of increasingly “difficult and worrying times”, vital work to protect the … Read More
Lord Mayor joins York for historic candle lighting
9 December 2015 The York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC) held a first ever civic candle lighting at the York Guildhall for Chanukkah, in the presence of the Lord Mayor, the Deputy Leader of the Councillor, Keith Aspden, and representatives of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrats groups. The Rt Hon the … Read More
Liberal Jewish Synagogue win annual LJ Quiz
A team from The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) won this year’s annual LJ Quiz, in one of the closest ever results. The host side (pictured) finished just one point ahead of three runners-up, with Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Finchley Progressive Synagogue and Kingston Liberal Synagogue all tying in second … Read More
Treble batmitzvah in Essex
4 December 2015 The growing community of Tikvah Chadasha (Shenfield, Brentwood & Districts Synagogue) in Brentwood, Essex, celebrated a treble batmitzvah for three women who had missed out earlier in life. Community chair Amanda Burke was the first to be called to the Torah, followed by Joanna Slaney and Kata … Read More
Interfaith award for Northwood & Pinner
26 November 2015 Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS) has won the Mitzvah Day Award for Interfaith Partnership of the Year. The trophy was presented to Rabbi Aaron Goldstein and volunteer Marsha Myers, by Mitzvah Day founder Laura Marks and interfaith chair Daniela Pears. It was given in recognition of … Read More
Special service unites Jewish communities
26 November 2015 A service held at Hatherley Village Hall in Gloucestershire on Saturday was very special for two reasons. Firstly, it included 56-year-old Trish Bluett’s batmitzvah ceremony, which welcomed her into the Jewish faith. Trish mastered the Hebrew language to read a section of the Torah, which she followed … Read More