Liberal Judaism’s Chief Operating Officer Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer is leaving the movement, after more than 16 years of exemplary service. Shelley has worked for Liberal Judaism since 2008 and has managed every department and function of the organisation at some point during that time, including as COO for the last four … Read More
Jewish Living Experience Exhibition comes to Essex
Two Progressive Jews helped to bring the Jewish Living Experience Exhibition to Chelmsford, Essex, for the first time. Hanan Charles and Progressive Judaism’s Head of Communications Simon Rothstein – both of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue – are part of the team who ran the week-long Board of Deputies exhibition … Read More
Sermon on the thinking of Rabbi John Rayner and the General Election
By Rabbi Aaron Goldstein (The Ark Synagogue) This week, Liberal Jews celebrate the life of the foremost influential Liberal Rabbi of his generation, Rabbi John Rayner (z”l). Born in Berlin in 1924, he came to England in 1939 on one of the Kindertransports. He is most well- known or his … Read More
Prayers and sermons to welcome a new Government
Progressive Judaism (Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism) congratulates Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party on their victory in the UK General Election. We look forward to working with them to ensure that the role of faith in society continues to be recognised and valued, and that … Read More
Five new Progressive Rabbis ordained by Leo Baeck College
Leo Baeck College (LBC) ordained five new Progressive Rabbis in a service held at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS). Rabbi Daisy Bogod was ordained by Rabbi Charley Baginsky, CEO of Liberal Judaism and Co-Lead of Progressive Judaism. Rabbi Eleanor Davis was ordained by Rabbi Danny Smith, Emeritus Senior Minister of … Read More
Prayer for His Majesty’s Opposition
By Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber (Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue) This prayer for His Majesty’s Opposition accompanied the regular Shabbat prayer for the Royal Family and Government, as both parties enter their new roles. Eternal God, who has never been out of power, who has never lacked influence, we ask Your … Read More
Pride Award for mixed faith couple whose wedding was led by Rabbi Rebecca
A Jewish-Muslim gay couple, whose wedding blessing ceremony was led by Rabbi Rebecca Birk, have won a prestigious award. Adam Imber, who is a Progressive Jew, and his Muslim husband Ali Najjar were celebrated at the PEUGEOT Attitude Pride Awards 2024 – which, each year, honour 10 everyday LGBTQI+ heroes … Read More
Faith leaders launch Mitzvah Day 2024 with vow to be Stronger Together
Progressive Judaism’s Rabbi Tanya Sakhnovich joined faith leaders from across the religious spectrum, at Sebby’s Corner, to launch Mitzvah Day 2024 and commit to its theme for the year of being Stronger Together. Mitzvah Day is the UK’s largest faith-based day of social action. The theme of Stronger Together was … Read More
Ark built by beloved Progressive Rabbi needs a new home
The congregation at Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue (BPS) are looking to donate an Ark and Bimah to any community who needs one. The Ark holds a special place in the history of Liberal Judaism, as it was made by the late and much-loved Rabbi Lawrence Rigal more than 40 years ago. … Read More
Read July/August 2024 edition of LJ Today
The latest edition of LJ Today – Liberal Judaism’s bi-monthly magazine – is out now, in both print and online formats and contains stories on: Supporting and learning from our Israeli partners The B’nei Mitzvah programme now open across Progressive Judaism Communities coming together on Shavuot and Yom Ha’Atzmaut Leo … Read More