Reform and Liberal community members from all over the country came to London for a memorial event in Hyde Park to mark the one-year anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks, mourn the victims and call for the return of the hostages still being held by Hamas. Progressive Judaism Co-Leads … 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
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
Faith leaders stand together against extremism
Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen represented Progressive Judaism at a solidarity event held outside Southport Mosque. Rabbi Robyn (pictured above left) joined more than a dozen imams coordinated by MINAB – the Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board – as well as Christian and other Jewish faith leaders in a call for … Read More
Karen Newman elected as Liberal Judaism Chair at AGM
Karen Newman has been elected as the new Chair of Liberal Judaism. Karen, who has been Acting Chair since October 2023, was unanimously voted into the position at Liberal Judaism AGM. She becomes the first member of the LGBTQI+ community to hold the position of Chair within Liberal Judaism. Karen … Read More
Rabbi Charley represents Jewish community at Abbey service
Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky gave a blessing on behalf of the Jewish community at Westminster Abbey – as part of a Service of Thanksgiving in the 30th Year of South Africa’s democracy. The event marked three decades since the ending of Apartheid in South Africa and honoured Nelson … Read More
Chief Operating Officer leaves Liberal Judaism
Liberal Judaism’s Chief Operating Officer Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer is leaving the movement, after more than 16 years of exemplary service. Shelley has worked for Liberal Judaism since 2008 and has managed every department and function of the organisation at some point during that time, including as COO for the last four … Read More
Faiths unite in solidarity for silent peace walk
More than 500 people from all faiths and backgrounds took part in a peace walk in London. Rabbi Rebecca Birk represented Progressive Judaism at the event, offering a prayer for peace on behalf of the Jewish community alongside clergy and representatives from the Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Baha’i, Brahma … Read More
Israel peace activist calls for co-existence at Mosaic event
Magen Inon, a peace activist whose parents were murdered on 7 October, spoke to an appreciative audience of 75 people at Mosaic Jewish Community. Magen, a former teacher with a large extended family in Israel, described his childhood home and the rich community – of Jews and non-Jews – which … Read More
‘The world must not stay silent about sexual violence’
By Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Rabbi Rebecca Birk and Student Rabbi Daisy Bogod Today, 19 June, is the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. As Rabbis we bear witness and encourage others to do so. We call out the use of rape and sexual violence in … Read More