By Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy We recognise the diversity of voices on the pro-Palestinian protests and demonstrations – which are taking place in London and around the UK – and that the right to protest is an essential part of living in a democratic society. At the … Read More
Responding to this conflict: A statement of Jewish values and core principles
Leaders, rabbis and members from across the Jewish community have signed a statement of Jewish values and core principles in response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The statement is available to read and sign here – www.ourjewishvalues.org.uk. It begins: “We are Jews who believe wholeheartedly in the right … Read More
Receiving support from political leaders
The leaders of Progressive Judaism have met with Ministers, Mayors and MPs from across the political spectrum, all of whom have shown support for Israel and the Jewish community in the UK. Movement CEOs Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy spoke with Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper in the … Read More
Read November/December 2023 edition of LJ Today
The brand new edition of LJ Today – Liberal Judaism’s bi-monthly magazine – is out now in both print and online editions. On the front page, Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy write on the situation in Israel and Gaza – and how we can connect and grieve at this … Read More
“Beit Yorkshire” weekend celebrates Huddersfield’s first Shabbat service in 60 years
The Progressive Jewish Communities of Sinai Synagogue in Leeds, Bradford Reform and York Liberal joined together with the Holocaust Centre North at the weekend to recognise and celebrate Yorkshire’s vibrant Jewish communities. The recent census identified that around 12,000 people identify as Jewish in the county. Most live in the major towns and … Read More
Responding to this moment by Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy
Written by Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy, CEOS of Progressive Judaism As we met with the most senior leadership in the Jewish world earlier this week, looking around the room there was one only one way to describe everyone, us included… exhausted. We are all feeling a level of … Read More
A Time to Listen by Rabbi Shulamait Ambalu
Written by Rabbi Shulamait Ambalu Jewish custom teaches us that when visiting a mourner, we should not begin the conversation. We should simply sit alongside, in silence, until the mourner opens up. The visitor is offering comfort by simply being present and willing to listen. Today, this powerful custom is easily … Read More
Progressive Jewish leaders meet with Met Police
Progressive Judaism CEOs Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy met with the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard. They said: “It was good to join with other Jewish organisations to hear from the police about the extraordinary work that they are doing to keep our communities around the UK … Read More
A Shabbat reflection
As Shabbat is soon to descend, we pray for a sukkat shalom – a shelter of peace. Our heart bleeds. Tears flow. For the lives lost. For the kids who were dancing. For the unimagined horrors of those taken captive. For those families, waiting for any news. Our rage is … Read More
Statement and prayers for Israel from Progressive clergy
“לְמַעַן אַחַי וְרֵעָי אֲדַבְּרָה נָּא שָׁלוֹם בָּךְ” “For the sake of my siblings and friends we pray for peace for all” As the rabbis and cantors of Progressive Judaism, we are shocked and heartbroken at the ongoing terrorist attacks in Israel by Hamas. We are fearful for the citizens of … Read More