By Rabbi Rebecca Birk and Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel Co-Chairs of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors This week’s inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris glowed both with diversity and possibility; of age, gender and background. We welcome their spirit and expression of collaboration and … Read More
New Chairs for the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors
Rabbi Rebecca Birk and Rabbi René Pfertzel are the new Chairs of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors (CoLRaC). Rebecca has served Finchley Progressive Synagogue for the last 10 years. She loves liturgy and Torah and in particular sharing both. She brings a commitment to social justice, as well … Read More
Finchley son and mum barmitzvah covered by the JC
It might not have been what Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) member Rafael expected for his big day. But with his mum and FPS minister, Rabbi Rebecca Birk, beside him, Rafael became barmitzvah in front of 14 close friends and family in the synagogue building – and hundreds more tuned in … Read More
Join our ‘In Conversation’ event on marriage this Sunday
5 October 2020 Liberal Judaism will be hosting a very special ‘In Conversation’ event with four rabbis to discuss our movement’s groundbreaking changes on mixed faith weddings. From next weekend couples where one partner is Jewish and one is not can now, at rabbinic discretion, have a wedding blessing conducted … Read More
Jews and Muslims unite for care worker blessing
6 July 2020 Jews and Muslims in Barnet got together at a care home to bless those who work there and demand a real Living Wage for the care sector. The group, who are all members of Citizens UK in Barnet, recited a special joint prayer for the carers at … Read More
Faith leaders united for Iftar to help those in need
02 June 2020 Rabbi Rebecca Birk of Finchley Progressive Synagogue joined with other faith leaders last month for a special celebration towards the end of Ramadan to help those in need. Rebecca teamed up with Mother Carol Barrett Ford and Imam Muhammed Bodrul Haque for the ‘Iftar For All’ at … Read More
Liberal Judaism Biennial At Home – Shabbat service details
11 May 2020 We are less than two weeks away from Liberal Judaism’s Biennial At Home – bringing all the best bits of our movement’s flagship event directly to you. We are now delighted to announce the services for the weekend, which will be led by some of the most … Read More
Mitzvah Day brings faiths (and even rabbis) together
19 November 2019 Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, was part of a unique and moving Mitzvah Day event that saw all sections of the Jewish community in Finchley unite with their Muslim neighbours. Danny teamed up with Finchley Progressive Synagogue’s Rabbi Rebecca Birk – as well as Rabbi … Read More
Liberal rabbis lobby Government on refugees and LGBTQI+ inclusion
12 August 2019 Liberal Judaism’s rabbis have called on the UK Government to take action on offering sanctuary to more refugees and the promotion of LGBTQI+ inclusion. An open letter on refugees, organised by Safe Passage and covered in The Guardian, was signed by 100 faith leaders including Liberal Judaism’s … Read More