On Thursday December 22, Liberal Judaism launches a new  programme for Jews In their 20s and 30s. Routes will launch with a  Balkan Beat Chanukkah Party in London. Led by  Rabbi Anna Gerrard – a  member of the Montagu Centre’s Rabbinic Team – it is a response to  several recent studies into the ‘lost’ Jewish generation. Below, Anna tells  us all about Routes and how you can get involved:

So what is Routes?

It is a programme of monthly events in central London for the young Jewish community. Routes events will be varied, offering a cultural, social, learning and spiritual space that connects to Judaism in a way that is relevant, thought-provoking and enjoyable. Routes participants will also have the opportunity to run their own one-off or regular events, which we will promote under the umbrella name Grass Routes.

Who might be interested in Routes?

Routes is aimed at young Jews in their 20s and 30s, as well as their non-Jewish friends and partners. It is an open and non-judgemental space for all young adults, regardless of their background, involvement, knowledge level or beliefs.

How can Liberal Judaism members support Routes?

The most important way you can help is to send this link to someone who might be interested in Routes – and get them along to our Chanukkah Party, which takes place from 7pm until midnight at Elixir Bar, 162 Eversholt Street, Euston, London, NW1 1BL. There’s free entry and happy hour before 8pm, £3 after.

Routes may not be for you, but perhaps your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews are in their 20s or 30s and might like to get involved.

Also if you are particularly keen to support this project, you may also like to consider sponsoring one of the monthly events. This will help us keep the costs low for participants and therefore encourage more young people to come along. Please contact me on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you would like to discuss this option.

What has happened to tent, the previous initiative for young adults?

Tent will no longer be running as a programme, but tent-style services have become so popular that they will continue to run in many communities. They can be a particularly good resource for any community that wants to attract more young adults to their events. Booklets and CDs are available from the Montagu Centre on request.

What are your plans for Routes over the next year?

After the Chanukkah party on December 22, we have some great events lined up for January and February 2012 including an Israeli film night and a performance by a Jewish singer/songwriter. We will continue to hold varied monthly events throughout the year, including a communal Friday night dinner and an alternative Passover Seder. We will also soon start scheduling Grass Routes events, which will be listed in our monthly electronic mailing and on our website, Facebook page and Twitter feed. All the details are in this flyer.