By Rabbi Kath Vardi In the book of Kohelet we read, ‘there is nothing new under the sun’ (1:9). It would be easy this year to fully feel the force of this rather pessimistic saying. As we step into the year 5785 we recognise that, rather than settling or renewing, … Read More
Inclusive and accessible High Holy Days online services
Many Liberal and Reform communities will be offering online services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – as they do throughout the year. This allows as many people as possible to participate in communal life – including those who are elderly, unwell, disabled, housebound or simply too far away from … Read More
Welcoming Rosh Hashanah at the US Ambassador’s residence
Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky spoke at the first major communal event to mark Rosh Hashanah. Hosted by the US Ambassador to the UK Jane Hartley, and taking place inside the Ambassador’s residence Winfield House, the event underscored the importance of community and hope, marking the beginning of the … Read More
A year that showed the importance of movement
By Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky It’s hard to imagine that this time a year ago, as we prepared for Rosh Hashanah, we had no comprehension that just a few weeks later we would experience the tragedy of 7 October. The last year has been one of complex … Read More
America’s Rabbi Dr Sue Lev-Elwell to lead BKY High Holy Days
Leading America rabbi and writer, Rabbi Dr Sue Lev-Elwell, will lead High Holy Days services at BKY this year, thanks to a partnership between the community, Liberal Judaism and the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ). BKY is a ground-breaking inclusive congregation, founded by the late Rabbi Sheila Shulman in … Read More
Liberal Judaism Lectionary 5785/5786
The annual Liberal Judaism Lectionary is a guide to the recommended Torah and Haftarah readings for Shabbat, festivals and special Shabbatot. The Lectionary accounts for Progressive Judaism’s observance of holidays, therefore some readings vary from those read in Orthodox synagogues. It also includes key festival dates – including Pesach, Rosh … Read More
Register to take part in Progressive Judaism’s Tisha B’Av event
SAVE THE DATE: Please join us online from 8.30pm-10pm on Monday 12 August as we mark Tisha B’Av, the day of mourning for the destruction and disasters that have taken place across Jewish history. We will reflect both on the tragedies of the past and the most recent of 7th October … Read More
Communities come together for Shavuot services and events
Shavuot was another festival that saw many of our Progressive communities collaborating with each other for joint services and through-the-night learning sessions that really showed the best of Progressive Judaism in action. Rabbi Adrian Schell of The Wimbledon Synagogue said: “These joint events were a wonderful reflection of the potential … Read More
Communities unite for Tikkun Leyl Shavuot night of learning
Mosaic Jewish Community is hosting a Tikkun Leyl Shavuot to welcome in the festival with a night and morning of learning and discussion on Tuesday 11/Wednesday 12 June. The Liberal, Reform and Masorti synagogues that make up Mosaic will be joined by clergy and community members from Kol Chai Reform … 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