By Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen (Co-Chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors) and Rabbi Anna Wolfson (Co-Chair of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors) This week’s ruling by Britain’s Supreme Court on biological sex impacts real people. Trans people are not theoretical case studies. They are our friends, congregants, colleagues and family … Read More
A united movement will appeal to the widest audience
By David Kirk I grew up at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) where my parents – Ann and Bob Kirk z”l – were very involved in so many aspects of the wonderful LJS communal life and probably well-known to many of the people reading this. Later I became a member … Read More
An inspiring Rabbi Harry Jacobi Memorial Lecture
The Sixth Annual Rabbi Harry Martin Jacobi Memorial Lecture was marked by insightful reflection and deep appreciation for Jewish resilience, as Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein delivered an engaging talk exploring the themes of hope, perseverance and faith. Rabbi Andrew compared the pessimism of the prophet Jeremiah with the optimism of … Read More
The Komediant and an evening with Oshra Schwartz
By Karen Pollak Mosaic Jewish Community Mosaic Jewish Community’s Israel Society put on a captivating evening featuring Oshra Schwartz, a leading light of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, who showed her acclaimed film, The Komediant, about the heritage of Yiddish theatre in America. The film was in … Read More
One Progressive Judaism will make us more influential than ever
By Rabbi Cantor Gershon Silins I recently returned from Chicago, where I attended, for the first time, the annual Convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (the CCAR), of which I am an overseas member. I found it to be inspiring. The services were engaging and very well led, … Read More
Passover message: Embracing Pesach’s spirit of renewal
By Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism Pesach is the festival of renewal. We tell the story of our journey from slavery to freedom, from oppression to hope, and from darkness into light. Each year, as we sit around our Seder tables, we do more … Read More
YLJC joins neighbours for charity, fashion and social justice
York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC) joined up with their neighbours for a ‘Clothes Swap Happening’, an event designed to reduce waste, support York City of Sanctuary and provide assistance to young people experiencing homelessness The Friends Meeting House in Friargate was full of excitement and community spirit as members sorted … Read More
Kingston members journey through centuries of Jewish history
A group of Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS) members undertook a remarkable journey through Central and Eastern Europe, visiting some of the most significant sites of Jewish medieval, modern and contemporary history. Led by KLS Council Member and historian Dr Alexander Heinz – together with Craig and Mary Simmons, Sara Alston, … Read More
Reading’s Jews and Quakers unite for spring planting event
The spirit of collaboration and friendship was in full bloom as members of the Reading Liberal Jewish Community (RLJC) joined with Reading Quakers for a spring planting event at the historic Friends’ Meeting House Garden. This tranquil space is the setting for RLJC’s monthly services, fostering a deep connection between … Read More
Progressive Judaism can bring moral and spiritual values to the world
Rabbi Danny Rich – the former CEO and Senior Rabbi of Liberal Judaism – has written two important articles outlining his support for Liberal Judaism merging with the Movement for Reform Judaism to create one single Progressive Judaism for the UK. The first piece – an op-ed for the Jewish … Read More