By David Kirk I grew up at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) where my parents – Ann and Bob Kirk z”l – were very involved in so many aspects of the wonderful LJS communal life and probably well-known to many of the people reading this. Later I became a member … Read More
Progressive communities honoured at Mitzvah Day Awards
The incredible impact made by our Liberal and Reform communities and members on Mitzvah Day, and all year round, was celebrated at the annual Mitzvah Day Awards. Southgate Progressive Synagogue (top image) were presented with the Outstanding British Mitzvah Day prize, after holding a month of activities with 140 charitable … Read More
London vigils show support for the hostages… and each other
Progressive communities across the country have been holding a series of Havdalah vigils, services and events to stand in support of the hostages being held by Hamas and mourn those who have been murdered. In London, our synagogues recently hosted two important cross-communal moments. Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue held … Read More
Global Ark community celebrate 250 weeks of online Havdalah
In a heartwarming reminder of the power of connection and the enduring spirit of the community, the online Havdalah at the Ark Synagogue – which began at the onset of the Covid lockdown – has celebrated its 250th consecutive week. In a special celebratory Havdalah service, 70 participants and one … Read More
Ark and EHRS trip shows Israel needs us to be there
Rabbi Aaron Goldstein and Rabbi Mark Goldsmith write about a joint Progressive visit to Israel: This month, we led a combined group of Ark Synagogue and Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) members on a trip around Israel. We met people of diverse backgrounds – Jewish, Christian, Druze, and Muslim … Read More
The Ark’s annual baby blessing goes international
The Ark Synagogue held its annual communal baby blessing, with Rabbis Aaron Goldstein and Lea Mühlstein asking God to bless the congregation’s babies and toddlers and their families. What made this year’s ceremony even more special was the involvement of Ark member families in Yorkshire, Northern Ireland, and Tamil Nadu in … Read More
Ark members make heartwarming visit to Ukrainian communities
Members of The Ark Synagogue – led by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein – brought warmth, friendship and support on a visit to their two twinned Ukrainian Progressive Jewish communities in Lviv and Lutsk. The group met leaders and community members, as well as students from the local University Hillel. Rabbi Aaron … Read More
Supporting communities in Ukraine after Russian attacks
The Ark Synagogue has been in close touch with its twin congregations of Lviv and Lutsk, in Ukraine, following the Russian attacks on the cities this week. Three people were killed in Lutsk and, on Wednesday, a mother and her three children were among seven people who died during a … Read More
Rabbinic reunion at historic Slovak Bat Mitzvah
There was an international reunion in Slovakia when Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein and Sharon Goldstein of The Ark Synagogue helped Rabbi Misha Kapustin celebrate his daughter’s Bat Mitzvah in the newly restored Progressive synagogue in Trenčín. Rabbi Mika was ordained by Rabbi Andrew after graduating from Leo Baeck College and … Read More
Progressive communities supporting Ukraine
Liberal and Reform Judaism communities around the UK continue to show their support for the people of Ukraine, as the devastating Russian invasion of the country has entered its third year. Progressive congregations have helped through fundraising, joint online services, concerts, prayers, coffee mornings and members and clergy hosting Ukrainian … Read More