The Liberal Jewish Synagogue was full of energy and joy as the talented musicians and dancers of the Rodyna School took the stage – bringing a wonderful, colourful afternoon of music, movement and emotion to the community. The performance was more than entertainment. It was a tribute to the strength … Read More
A united movement will appeal to the widest audience
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
Volunteer and make a difference for asylum seeker families
A team of dedicated volunteers at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) in St John’s Wood are rolling up their sleeves to bring hope and warmth to families seeking asylum in the UK. At the heart of their effort is the LJS Drop-in, an initiative that transforms the synagogue into a … Read More
Beloved LJS member and Holocaust educator Ann Kirk mourned
Ann Kirk BEM – a deeply loved member of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue and one of Britain’s most dedicated Holocaust educators – has died at the age of 96. Together with husband Bob, who passed away just a few weeks ago, Ann helped teach thousands of young people about the … Read More
LJS Multi-Faith lighting celebrates spirit of unity
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood was full for its annual Multi-Faith Pre-Chanukah Celebration. Dame Karen Buck DBE was this year’s principal guest speaker. She delivered an inspiring speech on the theme ‘Let this Sanctuary be a place of gathering and conversation’ – with her words highlighting the … Read More
Tributes for beloved LJS member and Holocaust educator Bob Kirk
Bob Kirk – a key figure in the life of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue and wider UK Jewish community – has died, aged 99. Bob was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1925. After Kristallnacht in 1938, he travelled to the UK alone on the Kindertransport. He met wife Ann – … Read More
LJS to host Multi-Faith pre-Chanukah Celebration
Former MP Dame Karen Buck DBE will be the guest speaker at the The Liberal Jewish Synagogue’s annual Multi-Faith pre-Chanukah Celebration. This popular event brings together diverse faith communities in unity and festivity at a special time of year. The event will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday 11 … Read More
Karen Newman elected as Liberal Judaism Chair at AGM
Karen Newman has been elected as the new Chair of Liberal Judaism. Karen, who has been Acting Chair since October 2023, was unanimously voted into the position at Liberal Judaism AGM. She becomes the first member of the LGBTQI+ community to hold the position of Chair within Liberal Judaism. Karen … 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
The spiritual and moral possibilities for Progressive Judaism by Rabbi Alexandra Wright
This is an extract from the sermon given by Rabbi Alexandra Wright, President of Liberal Judaism, at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) on Rosh Hashanah morning 5784: It has taken nearly 120 years to bring together Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism in a step that surprised, but also uplifted, us … Read More