Rabbi Harry Jacobi ‘saddened and upset’ by refugee vote

26 April 2016 Liberal Judaism vice president Rabbi Harry Jacobi has told of his upset after the Government narrowly defeated a cross-party bid to get the UK to accept 3,000 unaccompanied child refugees. Harry – who twice fled the Nazis as a teenager – likened last night’s result in the … Read More

We must help child refugees find their families

23 April 2016 The Telegraph Sir – We were shocked by the entirely preventable death of Muhammad Hassan, a 17-year-old asylum-seeker. He died on April 1 while trying to reach his uncle in Manchester. Despite having a legal right to join his family while his asylum claim was processed, he … Read More

A prayer to mark the Shabbat following the Queen’s 90th birthday

by Rabbi Alexandra Wright 21 April 2016 Eternal God, whose dominion embraces the universe, we ask for Your blessing on our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, who this week celebrated her 90th birthday. We give thanks for the precious gift of years and health, for her unwavering duty and dedication with … Read More

Yvette Cooper joins Rabbi Harry Jacobi in refugee call

21 April 2016 Rabbi Harry Jacobi has given testimony to the House of Commons about his refugee journey to the UK, escaping Nazi persecution in May 1940, in order to help politicians understand the experience of today’s young refugees. Harry spoke powerfully alongside former Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Lord … Read More

Celebrating 90 years of our global movement

Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein 20 April 2016 Researching for a session I was to present at this weekend’s excellent Biennial Conference of the European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) in London, I became increasingly aware that it was the founders of our Liberal movement that played the key role in … Read More

Wishing The Queen a happy 90th

20 April 2016 The leadership of Liberal Judaism has praised Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of her 90th birthday. The Queen reaches the landmark on Thursday, with celebrations being planned around the country in April, May and June. Rabbi Danny Rich, Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, said: “I salute … Read More

Record numbers attend EUPJ Biennial Conference

18 April 2016 A record number of delegates took part in the 2016 European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) Biennial Conference. Held in London from April 14-17, the event was attended by more than 350 people from 29 countries, including 86 rabbis and student rabbis. The conference was an opportunity … Read More

A weekend of celebration at Woodford

12 April 2016 Three rabbis, two Christian clergy and a police officer were among 100 people celebrating the 50th anniversary of Woodford Liberal Synagogue’s building on Sunday. Woodford’s Rabbi Richard Jacobi put together a special civic service, which contained some of the community’s favourite prayers from the last half century. … Read More