High Holy Days reflection: Why hope must prevail

Shana Tovah

By Rabbi Kath Vardi In the book of Kohelet we read, ‘there is nothing new under the sun’ (1:9). It would be easy this year to fully feel the force of this rather pessimistic saying. As we step into the year 5785 we recognise that, rather than settling or renewing, … Read More

Inclusive and accessible High Holy Days online services

Abraham and Sarahs Tent

Many Liberal and Reform communities will be offering online services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – as they do throughout the year. This allows as many people as possible to participate in communal life – including those who are elderly, unwell, disabled, housebound or simply too far away from … Read More

Welcoming Rosh Hashanah at the US Ambassador’s residence

Rabbi Charley Baginsky at the US Ambassador's Residence

Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky spoke at the first major communal event to mark Rosh Hashanah. Hosted by the US Ambassador to the UK Jane Hartley, and taking place inside the Ambassador’s residence Winfield House, the event underscored the importance of community and hope, marking the beginning of the … Read More

A year that showed the importance of movement

Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy at the LJS

By Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky It’s hard to imagine that this time a year ago, as we prepared for Rosh Hashanah, we had no comprehension that just a few weeks later we would experience the tragedy of 7 October. The last year has been one of complex … Read More

Safeguarding programmes a resounding success

Safeguarding training

Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism continue to support our family of communities up and down the country in maintaining and improving safeguarding standards, in both practice and safer recruitment training. Establishing safer procedures is not just a task but a responsibility we all share in our professional … Read More

Coming together for 7 October Weekend of Commemoration

Memorial Event

Progressive Judaism will play a key role in Britain’s Weekend of Commemoration to mark the one-year anniversary of 7 October. Following memorial Shabbat prayers and services within our communities on Saturday 5 October, members from around the country are invited to attend a memorial event in Central London on Sunday … Read More

Lincolnshire Jewish communities help dedicate Memorial Stone

Lincoln Stone dedication

Members of Lincolnshire’s Jewish communities have taken part in a heartfelt dedication service for the Lincoln Jewish Memorial Stone (LJMS) at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) just outside of the city. This significant memorial commemorates the Jews who served and died in the RAF during the Second World War … Read More

America’s Rabbi Dr Sue Lev-Elwell to lead BKY High Holy Days

Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell

Leading America rabbi and writer, Rabbi Dr Sue Lev-Elwell, will lead High Holy Days services at BKY this year, thanks to a partnership between the community, Liberal Judaism and the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ). BKY is a ground-breaking inclusive congregation, founded by the late Rabbi Sheila Shulman in … Read More