Rabbi Danny Rich 21 July 2019 Jewish News Patriotism, by which I mean a commitment to, if not a love of, the country in which one was born or to which one was brought or where one has decided to reside, is a virtue and a Jewish duty. Based in … Read More
A statement on Donald Trump’s racist tweets
16 July 2019 By Rabbi Danny Rich Senior Rabbi of Liberal Judaism Donald Trump’s recent comments are inimical to the Jewish ideal of a single humanity under the sovereignty of a single God. There is, of course, a role for patriotism and pride in one’s place of birth or residence … Read More
Emerging international leaders study at Kingston Liberal
16 July 2019 Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS) hosted a study session for 50 postgraduate students from 28 countries as part of the Emerging International Leaders Programme run by Cumberland Lodge. The programme aims to empower international students, who are currently studying in the UK, to become advocates of human rights … Read More
Reading community welcome back Rabbi Willy Woolf
15 July 2019 Rabbi Willy Woolf returned to visit Reading Liberal Jewish Community more than 40 years after he originally helped to set up the congregation. The Shabbat service for his return was given added meaning as it was led by Rabbi Rachel Benjamin, who was herself ordained by Rabbi … Read More
Rabbi David Hulbert retires after 30 glorious years
10 July 2019 Rabbi David Hulbert, the longest serving rabbi in Redbridge, has retired after three decades in the pulpit. A special service was held at East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) to mark the occasion, where it was standing room only as rabbis and faith leaders from around the … Read More
[Statement] ‘Rafi Peretz comment was offensive and ignorant’
10 July 2019 Statement by Rabbi Danny Rich Like Jews all over the world, I was shocked and saddened at the comments of Israeli minister Rafi Peretz – who described mixed faith marriages of Jews and non-Jews in the diaspora as “like a second Holocaust”. This is an offensive and … Read More
More than 150 attend ‘best ever’ Pride Shabbat at FPS
10 July 2019 A Pride Shabbat service at Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) honoured the trailblazers of LGBTQI+ rights in the Jewish community and around the world. More than 150 people attended the service, which was themed l’dor v’dor (from generation to generation) and led by Rabbi Rebecca Birk, Cantor Tamara Wolfson, Student … Read More
New Liberal rabbis ordained by Leo Baeck College
8 July 2019 Rabbi Cantor Gershon Silins and Rabbi Igor Zinkov were among the four new Progressive rabbis ordained on Sunday (7 July) by Leo Baeck College (LBC). They were joined at the special ceremony, which marks the completion of five years of study, by Rabbis Zahavit Shalev and Daniela Touati. … Read More
Liberal Judaism Music Day 2019 report
Report by Rachael Block and Sue Bard 3 July 2019 Taking place 24 hours before the Day of Celebration, the Liberal Judaism Music Day 2019 started with a warm welcome from volunteers helping to orientate attendees. Of course there were also refreshments – and the little pastries were especially welcomed … Read More
Anne Frank commemorated by Three Counties community
2 July 2019 Members of Liberal Judaism’s new Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community came together in June to honour Anne Frank with a special Shabbat service to commemorate what would have been her 90th birthday. The annual memorial has become a tradition at Herefordshire Jewish Community, with prayers and readings … Read More