Ark Synagogue’s Care Team back together for tea

Ark Care Team volunteer tea

The Ark Synagogue hosted an in-person appreciation afternoon tea for the volunteers of their Care Team. It was the first time the team have met in-person since March 2020, making for a very moving and enjoyable afternoon. Over the last 18 months, the 35+ strong volunteer team have provided outreach … Read More

ELELS community celebrate at their hybrid services

Naomi ELELS batmitzvah

The members of East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) have had plenty of reason to celebrate in July. Launching hybrid services earlier this month, they have already had a barmitzvah and batmitzvah take place inside the synagogue. This Shabbat saw Rabbi Richard Jacobi lead the service in the sanctuary … Read More

Annual Memorial Services 2021

Liberal Judaism’s Annual Memorial Services 2021 will take place in September. Due to the current COVID19 restrictions in place at our cemeteries, it is essential that people book in advance using the information below: Western Cemetery, Cheshunt Sunday 5 September at 13:00 To book a place at this service, please … Read More

Kingston welcome new members for special Shabbat

Kingston Liberal Synagogue new members kiddush

Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS) held a special in-person Shabbat service to welcome many of the new members who joined the community during the pandemic. It was the first time the congregation had prayed and sung together in around 18 months, after holding online services since the first lockdown began back … Read More

Statement on the opening of synagogues and buildings

Statement from The Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors (CoLRaC): This week, the Government has lifted many of its coronavirus restrictions. It’s not over yet, but we have been catapulted into a new moment. This is a new phase where we must, as rabbis and leaders of communities, take the … Read More

Join the ONE Shabbat for Small Communities (Sep 3-4)

ONE Shabbat logo

Liberal Judaism is delighted to support the ONE Shabbat for Small Communities, being run by the Jewish Small Communities Network (JSCN). Taking place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 September, it will give individuals and small communities around the UK the chance to come together and share Shabbat. Elements will … Read More

South Bucks back together to assist Waddesdon exhibition

South Bucks outside Waddesdon

An invitation from Waddesdon, the Rothschild House & Gardens in Buckinghamshire, gave South Bucks Jewish Community (SBJC) the opportunity to come together in person for the first time in more than a year. SBJC responded to a request to help create a new online exhibition, which will display objects and … Read More

Bishop of Southwark hosts Garden Shabbat for SLLS

Rabbi Nathan Godleman and the Bishop of Southwark

The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, hosted a special Bishop’s Garden Shabbat last Saturday to give members of the South London Liberal Synagogue (SLLS) the chance to meet and pray together in person for the first time in 16 months. The Bishop’s residence is only a five-minute … Read More

Archive advice for Liberal communities in a digital age

Digital archiving

By Alison Turner, Archivist We are living through what many are calling strange times. Some of us are beginning to call it post-pandemic, while other communities have decided to continue online only events and services for now. I think the call of history is that we create a record of … Read More

BKY to hold fundraiser starring popular Klezmer duo

Klezmer duo Polina and Merlin

Tickets are now on sale for a special-fundraising concert for BKY (Beit Klal Yisrael). Taking place on Sunday 6 June at 7.30pm, the event will feature Klezmer act Polina & Merlin. The duo bring the music of Eastern European Jews to a special place, by deferring to traditions but also … Read More