It might not have been what Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) member Rafael expected for his big day. But with his mum and FPS minister, Rabbi Rebecca Birk, beside him, Rafael became barmitzvah in front of 14 close friends and family in the synagogue building – and hundreds more tuned in … Read More
Read the November/December 2020 edition of LJ Today
The latest issue of Liberal Judaism’s bi-monthly magazine LJ Today is out now and available to read, download or print from home. This special edition takes an in-depth look at Liberal Judaism’s groundbreaking move to introduce a chuppah for mixed faith wedding blessings. We speak to three couples (pictured) who are … Read More
York’s search for a rabbi makes national news
York Liberal Jewish Community’s search for a rabbi has hit the headlines, with coverage in The Times, Religion Media Centre and BBC Radio 4 (listen from 21 minutes). The congregation, which was formed in 2014, is seeking to hire its first permanent minister and has raised tens of thousands of … Read More
Kehillah couple walk Hadrian’s Wall to support community
Kehillah North London members Omar Portillo and Robert Freudenthal have been walking the 84-mile Hadrian’s Wall footpath to raise money for the Stoke Newington community. The married couple embarked on the fundraiser to help Kehillah achieve its goals for the year ahead, which include building an inclusive programme of in-person … Read More
Ealing Liberal Synagogue appoints Rabbi Dr Miri Lawrence
1 October 2020 Rabbi Dr Miri Lawrence is returning to the pulpit of Ealing Liberal Synagogue (ELS) following the retirement of Rabbi Janet Burden. Miri will be working for the community on freelance basis until January 2021, before formally starting the role. She previously served Ealing in the 1990s after … Read More
Download or order pre-recorded High Holy Days services
15 September 2020 Liberal Judaism is delighted to be able to provide pre-recorded Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services led by our movement’s rabbis. The services are part of Liberal Judaism’s aim to be as accessible as possible and will provide an alternative for those who are unable to access … Read More
Rabbi Neil Janes joins South Bucks Jewish Community
10 September 2020 Rabbi Neil Janes is the new rabbi of South Bucks Jewish Community (SBJC). Neil will take over at SBJC in November, joining the synagogue from his current roles with the Lyons Learning Project and West London Synagogue. It is a return to Liberal Judaism for Neil, who … Read More
The (socially distanced) swim must go on…
10 September 2020 By Jane Drapkin One of the Covid casualties from my calendar this summer was a trip to the Czech Republic to take part in the third annual Hana Greenfield Memorial Swim. This swim was not only taking place in a beautiful stretch of the river Labe (Elbe), … Read More
LJS offers continuing professional development for teachers
9 September 2020 The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) has announced details of its upcoming classes for religion school and cheder teachers, led by Dr Dov Softi and a series of professional speakers. The classes aim to increase teachers’ confidence for teaching in a religion school setting. Participants will learn about … Read More
High Holy Days 2020 – service information and resources
31 August 2020 In the unusual circumstances of 2020, Liberal Judaism and its communities are committed to providing a meaningful High Holy Days season. This page will be updated with the latest service links, prayer books/sheets and other resources you will need for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the Tishrei … Read More