2 October 2018 Leicester City Council has pledged to accept and support at least five child refugees each year, for the next 10 years, after the Sanctuary Sukkot event at Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation (LPJC). Around 70 people attended, with LPJC’s Rabbi Mark Solomon joined in the Sukkah by Reverend … Read More
The sounds of Peace mark a special anniversary
27 September 2018 More than 100 British Progressive Jews enjoyed a special performance by the Peace Drums Youth Band to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Israel’s Leo Baeck Education Center. The concert was held at Alyth Synagogue in North London – a fitting venue as the late Rabbi Dr Leo … Read More
Shnat Experience Day gives a taste of Israel gap year
26 September 2018 Ten young Liberal Jews took part in LJY-Netzer’s Shnat Experience event, getting a flavour of what it is like to spend a gap year in Israel. The group spent the day living, cooking and working together – as well as learning more about the Shnat Netzer programme. … Read More
Finchley Sukkot event wins refugee pledge from Council
25 September 2018 Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) has won a pledge from Barnet Council to take more refugees from war-torn countries. At a ‘Sanctuary Sukkot’ event held in the synagogue, Council leader Richard Cornelius agreed that the borough will take three refugees each year over the next 10 years, and … Read More
Seven new shofar blowers at Northwood & Pinner
20 September 2018 Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS) recruited seven young shofar blowers this Rosh Hashanah. The youngsters – who were all trained by regular shofar blower Carole Kettle – showed off their skills at a special afternoon tea held at the synagogue. Northwood’s Rabbi Aaron Goldstein said: “As … Read More
An interfaith Rosh Hashanah at Mosaic Liberal
19 September 2018 Mosaic Liberal Synagogue welcomed guests from Wembley Central Masjid over Rosh Hashanah. The Jewish and Muslim communities joined together to celebrate the New Year with a special service led by Rabbi Dr Frank Dabba Smith. Frank said: “We have a long and good relationship with our friends … Read More
New scroll mantle honours leading Essex Liberal Jew
17 September 2018 A new year has meant a new mantle for the Czech Torah Scroll at East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS). The new mantle was used for the first time on Erev Rosh Hashanah 5779, keeping with the tradition to dress the Torah in white on the … Read More
Statement on demolition of Khan al-Ahmar
Rabbis Danny Rich & Laura Janner-Klausner 13 September 2018 Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism stand united in condemning the Israeli Government’s proposed demolition of the Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar, in the West Bank, and the forcible transfer of its residents. Despite almost universal international condemnation – including from the … Read More
Liberal Judaism welcomes new LGBTQI+ guide for schools
Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Chair of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors 7 September 2018 Liberal Judaism welcomes the new guide for Orthodox Jewish schools to improve the wellbeing of LGBTQI+ pupils. Many members of Liberal Jewish families attend these schools, while more still are proud members of both the … Read More
Rabbi Danny Rich calls for ‘civilised debate’ in our community
Rabbi Danny Rich 6 September 2018 The Jewish News Rabbi Danny Rich, the senior rabbi of Liberal Judaism, has criticised the Jewish community for its inability to tolerate difference within – and called for the return of civilised debate as we enter 5779. You can read Danny’s thoughts, published as … Read More