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
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
Progressive Co-Lead joins Archbishop to launch Big Help Out
Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby have led the calls for members of British faith groups to get involved with the Big Help Out – a weekend of volunteering that will take place in June. A launch event took place at an interfaith iftar … Read More
National press cover Alyth Iftar as faiths come together
Alyth Synagogue hosted its 11th annual fast-breaking Ramadan Iftar meal for Muslim friends and neighbours. A key part of the Alyth calendar, this year’s event had the theme of ‘friendship across difference’ and looked at how to maintain good relations between Jewish and Muslim communities in the UK at a … Read More
Birmingham Progressive hosts Friday Night Iftar for asylum seekers
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue hosted an interfaith ‘Friday Night Iftar’ – in partnership with a number of local mosques and community groups – to focus on bringing people together in Birmingham and welcoming asylum seekers to the city. It combined a traditional Jewish Friday night dinner, to mark the start of … Read More
Progressive rabbi gives blessing at Commonwealth Service
Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers (pictured) offered the blessing on behalf of the Jewish community at the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey, broadcast on BBC1. Explaining how, in the Torah, our ancestors are shown as flawed leaders who learn and grow on their journey, Rabbi Debbie quoted the Book … Read More
Progressive Rabbi leads multi-faith Peace Walk
Rabbi Alexandra Wright represented Progressive Judaism, as she led a Peace Walk in London. With more than 30 ongoing conflicts around the world, particularly the current war in Israel and Gaza, the silent walk and vigil saw Rabbi Alexandra and other faith representatives share prayers and words calling for peace. … Read More
Welcoming the new Bishop of Lincoln
The President of Lincolnshire Jewish Community, Richard Dale, represented non-Christian faiths at the Enthronement of the new Bishop of Lincoln, presenting him with an inscribed leather-bound copy of Siddur Lev Chadash (pictured above). Rt Revd Stephen Conway became the 73rd person to hold the role in a joyful and celebratory … Read More
Gallery: Progressive Jewish communities on Chanukah 2024
This Chanukah saw Progressive Jewish communities light up the UK, hosting festive parties and celebrations to bring brightness and warmth in what have been difficult times. To reach as many members as possible, as well as friends and neighbours, celebrations were held in a variety of venues – from construction … Read More
Standing together in solidarity and shared values
Progressive clergy and members were among the thousands of people of all faiths and none who took part in the Together for Humanity vigil in London this Sunday. Rabbi Rebecca Birk (pictured above) and Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu stood alongside other senior faith leaders as they lit lanterns in a stand … Read More