Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community, 15th November 2011

Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community, formed just three years ago, held an induction ceremony for Rabbi Anna Gerrard on Friday.  She was ordained in July and will work for the fledgling community on a part time basis. Gloucestershire has not seen a formal Rabbinic appointment since 1952 and Rabbi Gerrard is the first ever female Rabbi in the county.

The special service, led by Rabbi Danny Rich, Chief Executive of Liberal Judaism and Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, who helped to found the community, took place at the Seasons Conference Centre and was attended by over 75 guests, including the mayor of Cheltenham, Barbara Driver, and the MP for Cheltenham Martin Horwood.

Rabbi Danny Rich commented: “Rabbi Anna Gerrard is an inspiring teacher and the GLJC has demonstrated its wisdom and courage in employing her. She, and the community and the county of Gloucestershire will benefit greatly from Rabbi Gerrard’s energy and commitment”

Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community now has over 70 members of all ages and runs a host of activities, including monthly Shabbat services, festival celebrations, adult learning, religion school and a youth club.  As members of Liberal Judaism, they represent the cutting edge of modern Judaism, are fully inclusive of mixed faith families and seek to create a Jewish community for the 21^st century.

Rabbi Anna Gerrard spoke about her hopes for the community’s future.  “It is such a privilege to be involved with such a diverse and dynamic community that is becoming the cultural and spiritual hub of Jewish life in the county.”

For more information about GLJC, click here

Anna's story was featured in the local Gloucestershire Echo. To view online, click here

Cheltenham MP, Martin Horewood, also commented on Rabbi Gerrard's induction- "A really beautiful induction ceremony for Anna Gerrard, the new rabbi of Cheltenham's liberal Jewish congregation with the UK head of liberal Judaism Rabbi Danny Rich in attendance. It seems to be in every rabbi's job description that they have to smile, laugh and sing their way through services. It's very uplifting. Welcome Anna." Click here to read online