Kingston Liberal Synagogue, North West Surrey Synagogue and The Wimbledon Synagogue joined together for a Shavuot night of revelation. Rabbi Adrian Schell led a session exploring what revelation actually means; Rabbi Lev Taylor revealed his Shavuot Island Discs with some fascinating insights into his family and reasons for joining the … Read More
Brighton Progressive time-travels to mark 90th anniversary
The clergy and members of Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue (BHPS) re-enacted the community’s first service, from spring 1935, as part of their 90th anniversary celebrations. More than 60 congregants dressed in period clothing and used the 1926 Liberal Jewish Prayer Book – thee-s and thou-s and prayer for King … Read More
Medieval Jewish cemetery gets protected status after YLJC campaign
After years of campaigning, a landmark moment in the history of York’s Jewish community has been approved. Jewbury – the medieval Jewish cemetery that now lies beneath a multi-storey car park – has been granted protected status as a Scheduled Monument by the Government, following expert advice from Historic England, … Read More
Ealing member’s journey from courtroom to bookshelf
After a distinguished career as a senior judge, His Honour Richard Harper’s supposed retirement has led him to an entirely new role – that of a full-time writer. Ealing Liberal Synagogue member Richard (pictured with his family) has achieved a remarkable milestone: the simultaneous recent publication of two books, each … Read More
Finchley Progressive Synagogue walk raises £15,000
Over eight long hours more than 50 members of Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) completed a 40,000-step journey to raise money for their synagogue building project. What began as a fun fundraising suggestion has now secured nearly £15,000 to support the vital renovations. The FPS building has been undergoing extensive works, … Read More
The Komediant and an evening with Oshra Schwartz
By Karen Pollak Mosaic Jewish Community Mosaic Jewish Community’s Israel Society put on a captivating evening featuring Oshra Schwartz, a leading light of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, who showed her acclaimed film, The Komediant, about the heritage of Yiddish theatre in America. The film was in … Read More
YLJC joins neighbours for charity, fashion and social justice
York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC) joined up with their neighbours for a ‘Clothes Swap Happening’, an event designed to reduce waste, support York City of Sanctuary and provide assistance to young people experiencing homelessness The Friends Meeting House in Friargate was full of excitement and community spirit as members sorted … Read More
Kingston members journey through centuries of Jewish history
A group of Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS) members undertook a remarkable journey through Central and Eastern Europe, visiting some of the most significant sites of Jewish medieval, modern and contemporary history. Led by KLS Council Member and historian Dr Alexander Heinz – together with Craig and Mary Simmons, Sara Alston, … Read More
Kingston Liberal Synagogue unveils its refurbished sanctuary
Kingston Liberal Synagogue has unveiled a brand new redesigned Bimah and Ark – part of the community’s ambitious refurbishment project. A grant from the NLPS Trust for Progressive Judaism enabled the work to be carried out and, after extensive consultation with members, it has been opened for services ahead of … Read More
Wessex member’s new book on the history of Bloom’s
Writer and historian Pam Fox – a member of Wessex Liberal Jewish Community – has released a new book about legendary meat empire Bloom’s. Titled The Bloom’s Story, 1920-2010: Noshtalgia, the book is almost 450 pages long and contains 130 images, including many colour photographs and line drawings by the … Read More