The latest edition of LJ Today – Liberal Judaism’s bi-monthly magazine – is out now, in both print and online formats and contains stories on: Supporting and learning from our Israeli partners The B’nei Mitzvah programme now open across Progressive Judaism Communities coming together on Shavuot and Yom Ha’Atzmaut Leo … Read More
Faiths unite in solidarity for silent peace walk
More than 500 people from all faiths and backgrounds took part in a peace walk in London. Rabbi Rebecca Birk represented Progressive Judaism at the event, offering a prayer for peace on behalf of the Jewish community alongside clergy and representatives from the Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Baha’i, Brahma … Read More
Ami Ayalon meeting shows different narrative for Israel is possible
Leaders from Progressive Judaism met with Ami Ayalon, one of the founders of Blue White Future (BWF) – a non-partisan political movement committed to securing the future of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. A former head of Shin Bet, Israel’s secret service, and Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, he … Read More
Student Rabbi Dr Hannah Altorf praised as she leaves Norwich
Norwich Liberal Jewish Community (NLJC) said farewell to Student Rabbi Dr Hannah Altorf, who has spent the last two years with the congregation. A special Shabbat service was held where Student Rabbi Hannah was presented with a 250 year old Tselophachad Scroll fragment by NLJC founding member Philip Lawrence (pictured), … Read More
Advisory Board Chair wins the 2024 Seelisberg Prize
Dr Ed Kessler MBE, Chair of the Advisory Board overseeing the unification of Reform and Liberal Judaism, has been awarded the 2024 Seelisberg Prize. Granted annually by the International Council of Christians and Jews (ICCJ), and the Centre for Intercultural Theology and Religions at the University of Salzburg, it honours … Read More
Communities come together for Shavuot services and events
Shavuot was another festival that saw many of our Progressive communities collaborating with each other for joint services and through-the-night learning sessions that really showed the best of Progressive Judaism in action. Rabbi Adrian Schell of The Wimbledon Synagogue said: “These joint events were a wonderful reflection of the potential … Read More
Israel peace activist calls for co-existence at Mosaic event
Magen Inon, a peace activist whose parents were murdered on 7 October, spoke to an appreciative audience of 75 people at Mosaic Jewish Community. Magen, a former teacher with a large extended family in Israel, described his childhood home and the rich community – of Jews and non-Jews – which … Read More
‘The world must not stay silent about sexual violence’
By Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Rabbi Rebecca Birk and Student Rabbi Daisy Bogod Today, 19 June, is the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. As Rabbis we bear witness and encourage others to do so. We call out the use of rape and sexual violence in … Read More
Celebrating 10 years of Progressive Judaism in York
It was a very special Shabbat at York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC), as the congregation celebrated its 10th birthday. In a moving moment, Rabbi Elisheva Salamo welcomed new members to the community following their acceptance into Judaism at the Beit Din. There was also an informative and deeply touching presentation … Read More
Supporting refugees and those seeking sanctuary
Progressive Jewish communities have been taking part in Refugee Week, which celebrates the contribution, creativity and resilience of refugees and others seeking sanctuary. This year, Menorah Outreach and Greater Manchester Jewish Action for Refugees held a joint meeting at Menorah Synagogue with a theme of ‘Our Home’. Speakers included Tim … Read More