By Rabbi Igor Zinkov and Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu “Here I am about to do something new… do you not perceive it?”Isaiah 43:19 We are writing to you during the month of Elul, conscious that these times are unlike any other. How can one speak of a new beginning? An inexplicable … Read More
Voices for Prophetic Judaism: Readings for the 10 Days of Return
A new booklet of readings has been published ahead of the High Holy Days, by Voices for Prophetic Judaism. It is designed to be read over the Aseret Y’mei T’shuvah – the 10 Days of Return – between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, offering prophetic perspectives rooted in the themes … Read More
Sukkot 5785 around our Progressive communities
This Sukkot saw Liberal and Reform congregations across the UK and Ireland hold services, cheder activities, interfaith events and communal meals.
A Yom Kippur journey through Jewish Norwich
This year, instead of the usual additional Yom Kippur service, Norwich Liberal Jewish Community set out on a unique journey of learning and exploration. The congregation organised a special event titled ‘A Walk of Jewish Norwich,’ led by one of the members, Stella Koenick. This was followed by a study … Read More
Rosh Hashanah pictures from across our communities
Rosh Hashanah 5785 was celebrated in Reform and Liberal communities all across the country with an array of meaningful and accessible services, children’s activities, study sessions, challah bakes, tashlich walks and communal meals. Here we bring you a round-up of pictures and stories. If your synagogue is missing, please send … Read More
New members and guests join us for the New Year
The High Holy Days are a period that many join, or try, a Progressive community for the first time – attracted by a welcoming atmosphere, genuine inclusion, and services for all the family that are both rooted in Jewish tradition and easy to participate in. We estimate hundreds of new … Read More
High Holy Days reflection: Why hope must prevail
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
Welcoming Rosh Hashanah 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
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
America’s Rabbi Dr Sue Lev-Elwell to lead BKY High Holy Days
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