21st September 2015 Liberal Judaism synagogues and congregations will be opening their sukkahs this Sukkot, as part of LJ’s Sanctuary Campaign, in order to convince local councils to house those fleeing Syria and surrounding areas. Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, explains: “We launched the Liberal Judaism Sanctuary Campaign … Read More
Liberal rabbis give Yom Kippur advice
20th September 2015 Working with The Jewish Telegraph, we asked four Liberal rabbis for their tips on ‘how to survive Yom Kippur’. Below, they give their advice from both a spiritual and fasting point of view. Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk (Finchley Progressive Synagogue): Despite what you may imagine, Yom Kippur … Read More
We will rise again to help refugees
Rabbi Danny Rich 17 September 2015 On Yom Kippur afternoon, the Torah reading in all Liberal synagogues is the Holiness Code (Leviticus 19) in which congregants will hear: Lo ta-amod al dam ray’echa (verse 16). Like all Biblical verses, it is likely that its original meaning is lost in antiquity … Read More
Liberal Judaism: Refugees are welcome
10th September 2015 Liberal Jewish communities around the UK are preparing for the High Holy Days by welcoming and supporting refugees. A campaign that Liberal Judaism began more than 13 months ago, on Sukkot 2014, has been given a new urgency in recent days – uniting all religious and community … Read More
Shanah Tova from Liberal Judaism
September 2015 Rabbi Danny Rich, Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi and chief executive The month of Elul and the coming Yamim Noraim (High Holy Days) are a time of reflection for Jews – demanding not only personal introspection, but requiring an examination of collective neglect. The image of a drowned child … Read More
LJ’s senior rabbi tells BBC Radio why Britain must accept more refugees
7th September 2015 Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, has been on BBC Radio over the last few days urging the British Government to accept 20,000 refugees. Speaking on the BBC World Service this morning, Danny said: “If you’re facing an emergency, then I believe the goodwill, skills and … Read More
Liberal Rabbis join Syrian refugee on BBC News
4th September 2015 Rabbis Harry Jacobi and Danny Rich were interviewed for BBC News today alongside inspirational Syrian refugee Milad. Liberal Judaism Chief Executive Danny called on the UK to take a minimum of 20,000 more refugees, while Harry told how he himself was a refugee to Britain – fleeing … Read More
Rabbi Danny Rich: We must offer sanctuary
3rd September 2015 By Rabbi Danny Rich, Senior Rabbi and Chief Executive of Liberal Judaism The month of Elul and the coming Yamim Noraim (High Holy Days) are a time of reflection for Jews – demanding not only personal introspection, but requiring an examination of collective neglect. The image of … Read More
[Speech] Citizens UK’s Day for Civil Society
Rabbi Danny Rich 2 May 2011 Note: This speech was originally given by Rabbi Danny Rich, the senior rabbi of Liberal Judaism, at Citizen UK’s Day for Civil Society which took place at the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster Friends, members of many faith communities, followers of no religious tradition: What … Read More
Give terminally-ill right to die, says rabbi
Simon Rocker 27 January 2011 The Jewish Chronicle People with terminal illnesses should be helped to die if they do not want to go on living, according to the chief executive of Liberal Judaism. Rabbi Danny Rich made the case when he gave evidence last week to the independent Commission … Read More