This year’s annual joint Shabbat service of Glasgow Reform Synagogue and the Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community took on an added significance. It marked the first shared gathering since the historic joining of the Liberal and Reform movements into one Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ), a milestone that brought fresh energy … Read More
Faith and family ties for a special Shabbat in the Borders
Every summer, members of the Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community, Sukkat Shalom, celebrate a special countryside Shabbat. This year’s service brought them to Newstead Village Hall, near Melrose, where a 30+ strong congregation and local community members made it one to remember. The service was led by Rabbi Mark Solomon, and … Read More
Wednesday 9 July at 7pm: Education Hub on Inherited Status and Conversion
On Wednesday 9 July at 7pm, Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain MBE and Rabbi Mark Solomon will examine the work of the Progressive Batei Din in a Progressive Judaism Education Hub session on Inherited Jewish Status and Conversion. There is every chance that one day you or someone in your family … Read More
World’s largest ever shofar chorus to support the hostages
Rabbi Mark Solomon represented Progressive Judaism at the world’s largest ever shofar chorus – in a call for the freeing of all the innocent children, elderly people, women and men still being held hostage by Hamas terrorists. The hundreds in attendance at the event, held in London on Sunday 10 … Read More
New Reform Judaism Machzor ready for High Holy Days
The new Reform Judaism High Holy Days Machzor, that has been 10 years in the making, is now available for order. The revised and modernised prayer book was produced by an Editorial Group of clergy (pictured top) – including Group Chair Rabbi Mark Goldsmith and Joint Editors Rabbi Paul Freedman … Read More
LJY-Netzer Tu BiShvat explores relationship with the natural world
Liberal Judaism’s youth movement LJY-Netzer hosted a Tu BiShvat Seder and volunteering event for its bogrimot (members over 18), to explore a variety of Jewish historical and Kabbalistic interpretations of our relationship with the natural world. Throughout the Seder, guests drank different coloured wines and tasted different fruits, in order to celebrate … Read More
Burns Night celebrations in Scotland… and East London
Progressive Jewish communities put on special events for Burns Night – the annual celebration of the life and work of renowned Scottish poet Robert Burns. Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community (ELJC) took part in a cross-communal celebration, hosted by their neighbouring Orthodox Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation. A hundred guests included members of … Read More
Progressive Jews take part in Edinburgh Pride
The community of Sukkat Shalom Edinburgh turned out in force to march in Edinburgh Pride last weekend, after holding a well-attended Pride service the evening before. Rabbi Mark Solomon (pictured left) had designed a new Pride banner for the congregation, with the traditional rainbow flag incorporating a Magen David with … Read More
Saturday 14 January: Bristol Open House Shabbat
Liberal Judaism’s series of Open House Shabbats begin again for 2023 with a special service this Saturday (14 January) at 11am at Bristol & West Progressive Jewish Congregation (BWPJC). The service will be a triple celebration – commemorating 120 years of Liberal Judaism, 60 years since the founding of BWPJC … Read More
Saturday 17 December: Brighton Open House Shabbat
Liberal Judaism’s series of Open House Shabbats continues this Saturday (17 December) at 11am with a very special service at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue (BHPS). BHPS will be celebrating the induction of Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber (pictured) as the synagogue’s new permanent rabbi. The service will be co-led by Liberal … Read More