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. The afternoon began with blessings from Rabbi Lisa Barrett, who honoured the generations of dedication, creativity and love … Read More
Birmingham Progressive celebrates young voices and shared journeys
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue was filled with pride and youthful energy when a group of its younger members led the Shabbat service alongside their parents to mark their summer with LJY-Netzer. They spoke beautifully about their experiences from the fun and friendship of Kadimah, to the creativity and learning of Kayitz, … Read More
Howzat for interfaith harmony in the Midlands
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue’s decision to revive their Cricnic (cricket and picnic) event was rewarded with sporting enthusiasm and a day of sunshine. Organiser Pete Noons welcomed players of all ages and abilities to create a warm atmosphere and an important social connection. It brought together cricketers and supporters not only … Read More
Chavurah supper brings Progressive Welshpool group together
The Welshpool group, part of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue that spans mid-Wales to Shropshire, got together for a Chavurah supper led by Rabbi Lisa Barrett at the home of Cathy Landau near Telford. They meet around five times a year (including Passover, pictured) to share in community and Jewish tradition. The … Read More
Birmingham Progressive Cheder builds a bridge for peace
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue’s Cheder took part in an inspiring peace-building activity, influenced by the words of Rabbi John Rayner in Siddur Lev Chadash. “It is not enough to pray for peace,” he wrote, “We have to work for it… to build bridges of respect and understanding, trust and friendship, across … Read More
Midlands communities unite for shared Shavuot
More than 110 people, including over 20 young attendees, came together for Shavuot at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue in a celebration of Jewish unity and diversity across the Midlands. Although joint Liberal Midlands events have taken place in the past, this marked the first time Progressive partners from Reform congregations joined … Read More
Progressive communities honoured at Mitzvah Day Awards
The incredible impact made by our Liberal and Reform communities and members on Mitzvah Day, and all year round, was celebrated at the annual Mitzvah Day Awards. Southgate Progressive Synagogue (top image) were presented with the Outstanding British Mitzvah Day prize, after holding a month of activities with 140 charitable … Read More
Birmingham Interfaith tree-planting strengthens interfaith bonds
In a display of unity and community spirit, Jews, Muslims and Christians from Birmingham joined with the area’s asylum seekers to celebrate Tu Bishvat by planting 10 fruit trees in a local park. The event, organised by Birmingham Progressive Synagogue’s Tikkun Olam Group in collaboration with local charity Fruit and … Read More
Interfaith peace vigil brings Birmingham communities together
Members of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue helped to organise the city’s Peace Together interfaith vigil. Held at St Anne’s Catholic Church, the event was attended by more than 100 people – including Jews, Muslims, Christians, Bahai and people of other faiths and none. Together, they shared prayers for peace from different religions, … Read More
Maidenhead and Birmingham win at Mitzvah Day Awards
Two Progressive communities won prestigious Mitzvah Day Awards for their interfaith social action on the day… and all year round. Maidenhead Synagogue picked up the Outstanding British Mitzvah Day prize with Birmingham Progressive Synagogue walking away with Outstanding Interfaith Partnership. Other communities receiving nominations included North West Surrey Synagogue, Menorah … Read More