Rabbi Deborah Blausten has written Progressive Judaism’s reflection as we celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. You can read it below and find further resources here (courtesy of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism): It’s the second Yom Ha’atzmaut of this war, and the moral urgency of the current situation … Read More
Statement: Standing against Jewish far-right violence in Israel
We are outraged by the violent assault carried out by Jewish far-right extremists on the Reform Beit Samueli Synagogue in Ra’anana, Israel, yesterday. The attack took place during a screening of a joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day ceremony – a powerful and deeply human event that brings together bereaved families from … Read More
Wednesday 7 May: Education Hub on mixed faith families
In Season 2 of the Progressive Judaism Education Hub (sponsored by the NLPS Trust), we are exploring the Principles of Progressive Judaism. In our second session, on Wednesday 7 May, Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen and Rabbi Rebecca Birk will look at the role of Progressive Judaism in celebrating mixed faith/blended families. … Read More
Wednesday 30 April: Education Hub on Israel and Zionism
Join us for Season 2 of the Progressive Judaism Education Hub (sponsored by the NLPS Trust) as we explore the Principles of Progressive Judaism. In our first session, on Wednesday 30 April, Rabbi Lea Mühlstein will examine the evolving place of Israel and Zionism in Progressive Jewish thought – how … Read More
Launch of joint LJY/RSY Shnat Netzer gap year programme
RSY-Netzer and LJY-Netzer have launched Shnat Netzer 2025-26, a joint six-month gap year programme. Participants will come together in South Africa and Israel, joining with different branches of Netzer Olami (the worldwide Progressive Jewish Youth Movement), to explore their Jewish identity as part of an ideological, modern, inclusive and dynamic … Read More
Standing up for the hostages and Israel’s democratic future
Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky was a keynote speaker at a major event in London this weekend to demand the return of the hostages being held by Hamas, fight for Israel’s democratic future and call for an end to the war in Gaza. Hundreds of UK-based Israelis and British … Read More
London vigils show support for the hostages… and each other
Progressive communities across the country have been holding a series of Havdalah vigils, services and events to stand in support of the hostages being held by Hamas and mourn those who have been murdered. In London, our synagogues recently hosted two important cross-communal moments. Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue held … Read More
Manchester vigil shares message of solidarity and remembrance
In a heartfelt display of unity and solidarity, members of Menorah Synagogue (Cheshire Reform Congregation) joined forces with Orthodox synagogues for a well-attended South Manchester Jewish community service to honour the memory of murdered hostages, including Oded Lifshitz and the Bibas family. Held at Shaare Sedek (Sephardi) Synagogue, the service … Read More
A time to mourn – Progressive Judaism update
This week’s Progressive Judaism newsletter is now with subscribers and can be read here. We wanted to also share the important introductory message: This week’s bulletin comes over 500 days after 7 October 2023. Since that day, and all the days that have followed, we have found ourselves overcome with … Read More
Statement from Progressive Clergy on Donald Trump’s Gaza plan
Progressive Judaism remains committed to a two-state solution to the Israel/Palestinian conflict. We believe that both Israelis and Palestinians have the right and deserve to live within secure and peaceful borders. Our Israeli colleagues, families and friends have suffered tremendously since October 7th, as war and fear have dominated. As … Read More