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
Student Rabbi Dr Hannah Altorf praised as she leaves Norwich
Norwich Liberal Jewish Community (NLJC) said farewell to Student Rabbi Dr Hannah Altorf, who has spent the last two years with the congregation. A special Shabbat service was held where Student Rabbi Hannah was presented with a 250 year old Tselophachad Scroll fragment by NLJC founding member Philip Lawrence (pictured), … Read More
Advisory Board Chair wins the 2024 Seelisberg Prize
Dr Ed Kessler MBE, Chair of the Advisory Board overseeing the unification of Reform and Liberal Judaism, has been awarded the 2024 Seelisberg Prize. Granted annually by the International Council of Christians and Jews (ICCJ), and the Centre for Intercultural Theology and Religions at the University of Salzburg, it honours … Read More
‘The world must not stay silent about sexual violence’
By Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Rabbi Rebecca Birk and Student Rabbi Daisy Bogod Today, 19 June, is the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. As Rabbis we bear witness and encourage others to do so. We call out the use of rape and sexual violence in … Read More
Celebrating 10 years of Progressive Judaism in York
It was a very special Shabbat at York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC), as the congregation celebrated its 10th birthday. In a moving moment, Rabbi Elisheva Salamo welcomed new members to the community following their acceptance into Judaism at the Beit Din. There was also an informative and deeply touching presentation … Read More
Supporting refugees and those seeking sanctuary
Progressive Jewish communities have been taking part in Refugee Week, which celebrates the contribution, creativity and resilience of refugees and others seeking sanctuary. This year, Menorah Outreach and Greater Manchester Jewish Action for Refugees held a joint meeting at Menorah Synagogue with a theme of ‘Our Home’. Speakers included Tim … Read More
Take part in nationwide survey on campus antisemitism
Jewish students, academics and university staff are invited to take part in the first national survey about campus antisemitism. Organised by the Intra-Communal Professorial Group, in partnership with the Union of Jewish Students, it will provide information about the exposure and experiences of anti-Jewish racism since the Hamas attacks of … Read More