Rabbi Rebecca Birk (pictured) of Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) Co-Chaired the London Citizens Mayoral Accountability Assembly, which was addressed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan. More than 2,000 people attended the event, where the Mayor was invited onstage to commit to pledges on work and wages, migration and housing. His election … Read More
Community united at Downing Street vigil for the hostages
More than 1,500 people from across the Jewish community, and beyond, came together in a vigil to support the 133 hostages still held captive in Gaza. Taking place opposite Downing Street, crowd members were visibly moved as the families of those taken and murdered by Hamas spoke about the pain … Read More
Progressive Judaism Co-Leads join Mayor for Trafalgar Square Iftar
Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy, the Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism, joined London Mayor Sadiq Khan for a large scale open-air interfaith Iftar held in Trafalgar Square. Despite bad weather, thousands gathered for the Ramadan fast-breaking event. Rabbis Josh and Charley were joined by many others from the Jewish community … Read More
A reflection six months on from 7 October
By Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism In October of last year, together with other communal leaders, we produced a set of principles about how to respond to the emerging crisis in Israel and Gaza. It was called ‘Our Jewish Values’ and spoke for many in our … Read More
Cantor Zöe Jacobs to lead clergy team at Finchley Reform Synagogue
Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) has appointed Cantor Zöe Jacobs as its new Senior Clergy, replacing outgoing Senior Rabbi, Miriam Berger. The appointment marks a ground-breaking new model of congregational leadership and the next stage of a personal journey for Cantor Zöe. Cantor Zöe grew up in the FRS community – … Read More
NLS member is first ever Jewish High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire
The first Jewish appointee to the office of High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire was installed in a history-making ceremony at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue (NLS). Nick Rubins – one of the synagogue’s most active and dedicated members – has taken on the role, which is the oldest secular office under the Crown. … Read More
Rabbi Anna Gerrard welcomed back as Three Counties’ Lead Rabbi
Faith leaders from across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire joined together to celebrate the return of Rabbi Anna Gerrard as Lead Rabbi of Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (3CLJC). It was a case of ‘welcome back’ for Rabbi Anna (pictured) – who had previously served 10 years in the post, before … Read More
Rabbi Golan Ben-Chorin is new Principal Rabbi of Alyth
Rabbi Golan Ben-Chorin has been appointed as Principal Rabbi of Alyth (North Western Reform Synagogue). Rabbi Golan (pictured) has more than 17 years of experience serving in communal and wider rabbinic roles all around the world, including as Rabbi of Rosh Pina – Israel’s northernmost Reform congregation – Temple Judea … Read More
Progressive Judaism is ‘transforming the Jewish world’
The values, ideals and leaders of Progressive Judaism have been praised by the Jewish press. After a headline in the Jewish News last week proclaiming that ‘Progressive Judaism welcomes everyone’, this week’s Jewish Telegraph hails Rabbi Josh Levy as the ‘Rabbi helping to transform the Jewish world in the UK’. … 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