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
Take part in nationwide survey on campus antisemitism
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