By Rabbi Anna Wolfson and Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen “In every generation, everyone is obligated to see themselves as though they personally left Egypt.” As we each return to the Seder table this year, this line of liturgy from the Haggadah may resonate more strongly. The Seder table is a powerful … Read More
Maidenhead and Birmingham win at Mitzvah Day Awards
Two Progressive communities won prestigious Mitzvah Day Awards for their interfaith social action on the day… and all year round. Maidenhead Synagogue picked up the Outstanding British Mitzvah Day prize with Birmingham Progressive Synagogue walking away with Outstanding Interfaith Partnership. Other communities receiving nominations included North West Surrey Synagogue, Menorah … Read More
Progressive Judaism statement on Iran’s attack on Israel
Last night, Israel found itself under attack once again. We are grateful that Israel has such developed measures to keep its population safe, and for the support it received from other nations. It is important to recognise, though, that it should not be normal for any country to have to … Read More
Community united at Downing Street vigil for the hostages
More than 1,500 people from across the Jewish community, and beyond, came together in a vigil to support the 133 hostages still held captive in Gaza. Taking place opposite Downing Street, crowd members were visibly moved as the families of those taken and murdered by Hamas spoke about the pain … Read More
Advisory Board Chair on continuing our work to build bridges
Dr Ed Kessler MBE, the Chair of the Progressive Judaism Advisory Board, appeared on The Rest is Politics to discuss the war in Israel and Gaza and what happens next both there and for interfaith work in the UK. Ed is Founder President of the Woolf Institute and a leading … Read More
Progressive Judaism Co-Leads join Mayor for Trafalgar Square Iftar
Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy, the Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism, joined London Mayor Sadiq Khan for a large scale open-air interfaith Iftar held in Trafalgar Square. Despite bad weather, thousands gathered for the Ramadan fast-breaking event. Rabbis Josh and Charley were joined by many others from the Jewish community … Read More
Tolkien service takes Radlett members on journey to Middle-Earth
Rabbi David-Yehuda ‘DY’ Stern led a Tolkien themed Shabbat service at Radlett Reform Synagogue. Reflecting on the themes of The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and Middle-Earth, the ‘Shacharit in the Shire’ service explored life’s journey, the loss and hope for nature and parallels between Lord of the Rings and … Read More
Join our Online Seder for all who are curious
Why will this year’s Seder night be different from all other Seder nights? Because this year there’ll be an online opportunity for anyone curious about this most famous Jewish ritual. Aimed at those who may have recently converted, or are in the process of converting, it’s also open to everyone … Read More
A reflection six months on from 7 October
By Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism In October of last year, together with other communal leaders, we produced a set of principles about how to respond to the emerging crisis in Israel and Gaza. It was called ‘Our Jewish Values’ and spoke for many in our … Read More
Cantor Zöe Jacobs to lead clergy team at Finchley Reform Synagogue
Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) has appointed Cantor Zöe Jacobs as its new Senior Clergy, replacing outgoing Senior Rabbi, Miriam Berger. The appointment marks a ground-breaking new model of congregational leadership and the next stage of a personal journey for Cantor Zöe. Cantor Zöe grew up in the FRS community – … Read More