More than 140 members and guests gathered at Birmingham’s Council House Banqueting Suite to celebrate 90 years of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS), and a vibrant community that continues to grow and thrive.

Frank Maxwell cuts the cake for a double 90th celebration

The afternoon began with blessings from Rabbi Lisa Barrett, who honoured the generations of dedication, creativity and love that have shaped BPS. She paid tribute to all those whose contributions have brought the founders’ dreams to life.

Emeritus Rabbi Margaret Jacobi, who served BPS for nearly a third of its existence, could not have been more encouraging. She addressed the congregation saying: “Chazak, chazak, venitzchazek! Be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen one another.”

Birmingham’s Deputy Lord Mayor Ken Wood praised BPS’s enduring place and resilience in such a diverse City, and he urged the community to look ahead with confidence to the next 90 years.

There was a wonderful presentation that wove together memories and photographs down the decades from the community’s original Sheepcote Street building, to the Quaker Meeting House years, and the current home on Roseland Way. An emotional moment came as the names of members who helped build the community were projected in a moving tribute.

Ruth Shire (centre) has been a member since 1948

Young and old gathered for a delicious afternoon tea, with old friends reconnecting and new faces welcomed. Former President Frank Maxwell had the honour of cutting a spectacular 90th birthday cake, celebrating both BPS’s anniversary and his own 90th birthday just days apart.

Ruth Shire, who is 104 years old and joined the shul in 1948, was delighted. Her daughter Miriam said: “It was a terrific event. Mum loved every moment!”

Another guest summed it all up perfectly: “For us, BPS has hosted weddings, baby blessings and Bnei Mitzvot in three different buildings. It’s the people who make community, not the bricks and mortar.”