Progressive rabbis were well represented at this year’s AJEX Annual Remembrance Parade and Ceremony.

Rabbi Josh Levy, Co-Lead of the Movement for Progressive Judaism, laid a wreath commemorating the service of Jewish chaplains in HM Armed Forces (pictured above). He wore the rabbinic gown that once belonged to his grandfather Reverend Dr Isaac Levy, who was Chaplain to the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women for half a century and the Senior Jewish Chaplain to the British Liberation Army in the Second World War.

Rabbi Nathan Godleman

Rabbi Josh said: “It was a privilege to stand in memory of those who served, including my own grandfather. Being part of the AJEX Parade each year is one of the most meaningful moments in our communal calendar. It is both an act of remembrance and a powerful statement of the Jewish community’s long-standing commitment to British society.”

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, who was there with members of The Ark Synagogue, wore the medals of his grandfather, who served in Ceylon. Rabbi Adrian Schell marched with members of the Wimbledon Synagogue. Rabbi Danny Rich of Southgate Progressive Synagogue was there both representing his community and in his role as Mayor of Barnet.

Members of South London Liberal – three generations of the same family – processed up and down Whitehall, as did a regular marcher from Mosaic Liberal, another from Radlett Reform, a contingent from Finchley Reform and many other Progressive Jews.

An SLLS member, recuperating from a serious illness (courage comes in many forms), was in the crowd with her husband, another was in uniform – perhaps the tallest man on parade – and yet another was with the former USSR contingent.

South London’s Rabbi Nathan Godleman took part in the service, reciting the Memorial Prayer and Kaddish. He said: “I stood there, listening to the band of the Household Cavalry playing Nimrod and thought of my own grandfather, who served on the Western Front in the First World War, and was fortunate to return to England alive (he was blown up at Armentières, waking up in Newcastle two weeks later).”

Rabbi Nathan – who has served in the Royal Naval Reserve and is currently with the Army Cadet Force – added: “It was a wonderful event – full marks to AJEX – and a great honour to participate.”

* Pictures courtesy of AJEX and Grainge Photography.