Reading Liberal Jewish Community welcomed Bonny Hazelwood into Progressive Judaism at an admission ceremony this Shabbat, conducted by Gwendolen Burton. Pictured here are Bonny and her family and friends, along with members of the shul. Conversions through the Progressive Batei Din reached record levels last year. You can find out … Read More
Midlands communities unite for shared Shavuot
More than 110 people, including over 20 young attendees, came together for Shavuot at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue in a celebration of Jewish unity and diversity across the Midlands. Although joint Liberal Midlands events have taken place in the past, this marked the first time Progressive partners from Reform congregations joined … Read More
A wonderful night of revelation and discussion
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
Voices for Prophetic Judaism launches with powerful Shavuot
The launch of Voices for Prophetic Judaism (VfPJ) brought together 51 online participants for a deeply inspiring Tikkun Leyl Shavuot. You can watch it here. Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah, who introduced the event, traced the roots of Prophetic Judaism, reflecting on the significance of launching the initiative on Shavuot, the … Read More
LJS unites faiths with reflection, learning and cheesecake
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) hosted a memorable Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, bringing together diverse voices for a night of learning and commemoration. The event began with a tour of a local mosque and St John’s Wood Church, where Reverend Dr Anders Bergquist shared insights into the church’s history. This interfaith … Read More
Crouch End Chavurah celebrates its coming of age
Members of Crouch End Chavurah celebrated the community’s 13th birthday with a weekend filled with joy, learning and fellowship. As a small Jewish community, the Chavurah has thrived by bringing together individuals seeking egalitarian participation and meaningful communal experiences – guided by Rabbi Sandra Kviat. Rooted in the Hebrew word … 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
Strings and keys to stir the soul in Elstree
A night of beautiful music and deep emotion played out at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (TLSE) for the opening of their Arts at Elstree concert series. It featured cellist Ellen Baumring-Gledhill, who is also the artistic director of the Arts programme, and pianist Dafydd Chapman (pictured). The duo captivated an audience of … 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