Rabbi Rebecca Birk and Rabbi René Pfertzel are the new Chairs of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors (CoLRaC). Rebecca has served Finchley Progressive Synagogue for the last 10 years. She loves liturgy and Torah and in particular sharing both. She brings a commitment to social justice, as well … Read More
So, what’s going to be in the new Siddur?
Rabbis Lea Mühlstein and Elli Tikvah Sarah 27 June 2019 So, what’s going to be in the new Liberal Judaism Siddur? Since the draft Shabbat morning service was first circulated more than a year ago, we – that is, the editors – have been asked that question many times. After … Read More
Helping primary school pupils learn about Judaism
14 May 2019 Rabbi Aaron Goldstein of Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue has been visiting a local primary school to help the children learn about Jewish festivals. Central Primary School in Watford invites religious leaders from all faiths in as part of an annual learning cycle. Aaron – who is … Read More
Statements on the terrorist attack in San Diego
28 April 2019 From the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors: We are deeply saddened by the second recent deadly attack on a synagogue community at prayer. At times when congregants are seeking spiritual sanctuary, it is grievous that they cannot assume physical sanctuary. We think of all those wounded … Read More
[Report] Liberal Judaism Shabbat is a huge success
24 January 2019 Liberal Judaism communities across the UK celebrated Liberal Judaism Shabbat, as rabbis swapped pulpits for the weekend. Timed to coincide with the yahrzeit of Lily Montagu, one of our movement’s founders, many of the country’s most senior rabbis took part. Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, … Read More
Deep theological questions discussed at Liberal Kallah
28 December 2018 The Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors held its annual Kallah (retreat) at Charney Manor, Oxfordshire, with the tranquil setting providing an inspirational backdrop to deep theological questions raised by Liberal Judaism’s new draft liturgy. As well as covering traditional theologies, the 25 colleagues studied feminist approaches … Read More
Liberal Judaism sessions at Limmud
17 December 2018 If you’re off to Limmud for shabbat or next week then you are in good company, with Liberal Judaism rabbis, officers, members and partners presenting sessions on an eclectic range of topics. Limmud Festival 2018 runs from Friday 21 December to Thursday 27 December in Birmingham and … Read More
The sounds of Peace mark a special anniversary
27 September 2018 More than 100 British Progressive Jews enjoyed a special performance by the Peace Drums Youth Band to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Israel’s Leo Baeck Education Center. The concert was held at Alyth Synagogue in North London – a fitting venue as the late Rabbi Dr Leo … Read More
Liberal rabbi is new chair of European Rabbinic Assembly
31 May 2018 Liberal Judaism’s Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel is the new chair of the European Union for Progressive Judaism Rabbinic Assembly (ERA). René, a French-born rabbi who serves Kingston Liberal Synagogue, was voted into the position when more than 40 ministers from across the continent came together for the … Read More
A Prayer to mark Israel’s 70th Anniversary 5778/2018
Rabbi Alexandra Wright 20 April 2018 Eternal God, shelter of peace for all nations, we ask Your blessing on the State of Israel and all who live there. We give thanks for 70 years of Israel’s independence; we recognise her achievements and accomplishments: the pioneers who nurtured the land and … Read More