Jewish students, academics and university staff are invited to take part in the first national survey about campus antisemitism. Organised by the Intra-Communal Professorial Group, in partnership with the Union of Jewish Students, it will provide information about the exposure and experiences of anti-Jewish racism since the Hamas attacks of … Read More
Rabbi Cantor Gershon Silins formally inducted by TLSE
Rabbi Cantor Gershon Silins was officially welcomed to The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (TLSE) in a special service, after working in the community for the last year. Rabbi Danny Rich and Cantor Tamara Wolfson led the induction service along with the synagogue’s singing group. It was introduced by TLSE Chair Leigh … Read More
From the Bimah to the Big Top
Every rabbi knows there’s no safety net when you conduct a service. You’re on your own as you juggle the demands of prayer, procedure and an expectant congregation. Which has all been fantastic practice for Rabbi Miri Lawrence’s other calling – as a circus performer. Rabbi Miri, along with circus … Read More
‘Pride Month is a significant moment in our ritual calendar’
By Rabbi Kath Vardi Happy Pride! Historically, very many religious communities have not been welcoming places for LGBTQI+ people. Often built around heteronormative assumptions, religious institutions have been guilty of ‘blindness’ at best and outright discrimination at worst. Progressive Judaism is different. We are founded on the values of justice … Read More
Shavuot reflection: ‘We will always be on a quest to know more’
By Rabbi Alexandra Wright (Co-Chair of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors) and Rabbi Kath Vardi (Co-Chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors) Somewhere between the pre-Darwinian fundamentalists and the ‘new atheists’ with their unsophisticated distaste for religion and God, lies Progressive Judaism: post-Darwinian in its acceptance … Read More
Hostage march was ‘full of love, support and solidarity’
By Rabbi Mark Goldsmith On Sunday 2 June, an estimated 40,000 people marched from Lincoln’s Inn Fields to the open space opposite Downing Street to support the families whose loved ones have been held captive by Hamas in Gaza for 240 days, since the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 … Read More
Jerusalem Interfaith March gives ‘hope for the future’
Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky took part in the Jerusalem Interfaith March for Human Rights and Peace. Rabbis Charley and Josh joined hundreds of people of all faiths and backgrounds – including colleagues from the Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism and the Israel … Read More
Rabbinic reunion at historic Slovak Bat Mitzvah
There was an international reunion in Slovakia when Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein and Sharon Goldstein of The Ark Synagogue helped Rabbi Misha Kapustin celebrate his daughter’s Bat Mitzvah in the newly restored Progressive synagogue in Trenčín. Rabbi Mika was ordained by Rabbi Andrew after graduating from Leo Baeck College and … Read More
Communities unite for Tikkun Leyl Shavuot night of learning
Mosaic Jewish Community is hosting a Tikkun Leyl Shavuot to welcome in the festival with a night and morning of learning and discussion on Tuesday 11/Wednesday 12 June. The Liberal, Reform and Masorti synagogues that make up Mosaic will be joined by clergy and community members from Kol Chai Reform … Read More
Kivunim B’nei Mitzvah programme open across Progressive Judaism
We are pleased to announce that the Kivunim National B’nei Mitzvah programme is now open to all young people from small and medium-sized Liberal and Reform communities. The Movement Reform Judaism has been running this acclaimed programme, for school years 7 & 8, for some time. As we create one … Read More