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
Progressive Jewish rabbis’ trip to Israel: The value of showing up
Rabbis Aaron Goldstein, Alexandra Wright, Daniel Lichman, Danny Rich, Gershon Silins, Jordan Helfman, Lea Mühlstein, Mark Goldsmith, Nathan Godleman, Rachel Benjamin, Shulamit Ambalu, Thomas Salamon and Warren Elf experienced today’s reality of Israel together. As part of a trip, arranged by The Ark Synagogue, the Progressive clergy (pictured above) spent … Read More
Statement from Progressive Jewish clergy on Israel and Gaza
We are compelled to speak out at this time and to say that the death and suffering endured in both Israel and Gaza must come to an end.
Pioneer Rabbi Jackie Tabick celebrated on canvas at Oaks Lane
Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue unveiled a portrait of Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick – Britain’s first ever woman rabbi – at a special Shabbat service to celebrate almost 50 years since her ordination. Rabbi Jackie grew up in the community when it was known as South West Essex & Settlement Reform … Read More
Seven new lay service leaders as Ba’alei Tefillah class graduates
Seven Progressive Jews have graduated from the Liberal Judaism Ba’alei Tefillah service leadership course. The programme was set up in 2010 to help train lay service leaders to support Liberal congregations of all sizes. Those graduating so far in 2024 are Marianne Lederman (Stevenage Liberal Synagogue), Marc Schulz (The Ark … Read More