Sheila Brill has written a powerful article in this week’s Jewish Chronicle on her profoundly disabled daughter Josephine and the love she received at Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation. Josephine was born, in May 1993, with catastrophic brain damage due to medical negligence at multiple stages of her birth. Sheila, who … Read More
Pesach pictures from around our Progressive congregations
Progressive communities around the UK welcomed members, friends and others in the local community as they hosted meaningful and uplifting Passover Seders, services and events. While Pesach was joyful in our homes and communities, our thoughts were also with those currently being held hostage by Hamas. Many of the Pesach … Read More
‘Historic’ Passover service unites Progressive communities
The final day of Pesach at Southgate Progressive Synagogue (SPS) brought together three Progressive communities for a service that the synagogue’s Chair has described as “a historic occasion”. SPS, Finchley Progressive Synagogue and Shar’arei Tsedek North London Reform Synagogue united for the service led by their respective clergy – Rabbi … Read More
Wimbledon Synagogue hosts inclusive interfaith Seder for 100 people
Wimbledon Synagogue fostered a spirit of community and understanding by hosting an open Passover Seder for 100 guests from diverse faiths and backgrounds across south west London. Led by Rabbi Adrian Schell, the Seder offered a platform for education and shared experience. Rabbi Adrian’s explanations illuminated the significance of passing … Read More
Discovering Progressive Judaism at FPS Open Day
Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) held an Open Day for all those who are Jewish, Jew-ish or just wanting to discover more about our faith or their own Jewish heritage. A day for all the family, it gave guests a sense of both Progressive Judaism and the FPS community. Events included … Read More
Tolkien service takes Radlett members on journey to Middle-Earth
Rabbi David-Yehuda ‘DY’ Stern led a Tolkien themed Shabbat service at Radlett Reform Synagogue. Reflecting on the themes of The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and Middle-Earth, the ‘Shacharit in the Shire’ service explored life’s journey, the loss and hope for nature and parallels between Lord of the Rings and … Read More
A reflection six months on from 7 October
By Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism In October of last year, together with other communal leaders, we produced a set of principles about how to respond to the emerging crisis in Israel and Gaza. It was called ‘Our Jewish Values’ and spoke for many in our … Read More
Cantor Zöe Jacobs to lead clergy team at Finchley Reform Synagogue
Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) has appointed Cantor Zöe Jacobs as its new Senior Clergy, replacing outgoing Senior Rabbi, Miriam Berger. The appointment marks a ground-breaking new model of congregational leadership and the next stage of a personal journey for Cantor Zöe. Cantor Zöe grew up in the FRS community – … Read More
NLS member is first ever Jewish High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire
The first Jewish appointee to the office of High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire was installed in a history-making ceremony at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue (NLS). Nick Rubins – one of the synagogue’s most active and dedicated members – has taken on the role, which is the oldest secular office under the Crown. … Read More
EHRS joins with Faiths Forum for London to host inaugural Iftar
Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) joined with Faiths Forum for London to host their first Iftar – which saw 100 people from local Jewish and Muslim communities come together to eat, learn, pray and listen to one another. The meal was prepared and served by a dedicated team of … Read More