By Rabbi Alexandra Wright President of Liberal Judaism What can one say that is new about this autumn festival of Sukkot? Should we draw attention to the Torah reading for the first day of the festival (Leviticus 23:33-44): the designation of the full moon in the seventh month, the first … Read More
Rosh Hashanah pictures from across our communities
Rosh Hashanah 5785 was celebrated in Reform and Liberal communities all across the country with an array of meaningful and accessible services, children’s activities, study sessions, challah bakes, tashlich walks and communal meals. Here we bring you a round-up of pictures and stories. If your synagogue is missing, please send … Read More
New members and guests join us for the New Year
The High Holy Days are a period that many join, or try, a Progressive community for the first time – attracted by a welcoming atmosphere, genuine inclusion, and services for all the family that are both rooted in Jewish tradition and easy to participate in. We estimate hundreds of new … Read More
High Holy Days reflection: Why hope must prevail
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