Ann Kirk BEM – a deeply loved member of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue and one of Britain’s most dedicated Holocaust educators – has died at the age of 96. Together with husband Bob, who passed away just a few weeks ago, Ann helped teach thousands of young people about the … Read More
Ark members helping create Holocaust film library for schools
Members of The Ark Synagogue have helped to create and support the online project Holocaust Learning UK, offering a unique array of films for secondary school students. The films – which are available free of charge to schools and individuals – provide pupils with the historical facts of the Holocaust, … Read More
Mosaic Israel debate underscores need for dialogue
A distinguished panel of speakers drew a large audience from the Mosaic Jewish Community in Stanmore as they debated Israel’s wars and the increasing antisemitism in the UK. In front of members from the Mosaic Reform, Liberal and Masorti Synagogue was a panel including Alex Brummer, City Editor of the … Read More
Global Ark community celebrate 250 weeks of online Havdalah
In a heartwarming reminder of the power of connection and the enduring spirit of the community, the online Havdalah at the Ark Synagogue – which began at the onset of the Covid lockdown – has celebrated its 250th consecutive week. In a special celebratory Havdalah service, 70 participants and one … Read More
Tributes for beloved SLLS member and LJ Vice President Beverley Taylor
Beverley Taylor – a key figure in the success of Liberal Judaism and its communities for many decades – has died. Beverley, who passed away at the start of Chanukah, spent most of her adult life working and volunteering for the movement, previously known as the Union of Liberal and … Read More
Israeli teenagers in emotional Elstree visit
A group of teenagers from the V’Ahavta Shoham Reform community in Israel spent a week in the UK, strengthening ties with their twinned Progressive synagogue in Elstree and Borehamwood, Europe’s fastest growing Jewish area. It was part of an ongoing relationship between V’Ahavta and The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (TLSE), which … Read More
Read January/February 2025 edition of LJ Today
The first LJ Today of 2025 is out now. Liberal Judaism’s bi-monthly magazine – covering news from both Liberal and Reform communities – is available in print and online formats. The front page looks at how our leadership represented Progressive Judaism and our values on the national stage this Chanukah … Read More
Ark and EHRS trip shows Israel needs us to be there
Rabbi Aaron Goldstein and Rabbi Mark Goldsmith write about a joint Progressive visit to Israel: This month, we led a combined group of Ark Synagogue and Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) members on a trip around Israel. We met people of diverse backgrounds – Jewish, Christian, Druze, and Muslim … Read More
LJS Multi-Faith lighting celebrates spirit of unity
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood was full for its annual Multi-Faith Pre-Chanukah Celebration. Dame Karen Buck DBE was this year’s principal guest speaker. She delivered an inspiring speech on the theme ‘Let this Sanctuary be a place of gathering and conversation’ – with her words highlighting the … Read More
An ‘incredible’ week of civic activity at ELELS
More than 400 schoolchildren, the Deputy Mayor of Redbridge, several local councillors and other dignitaries visited East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) during a week of civic activity. The synagogue hosted the Board of Deputies Jewish Living Experience Exhibition, which ran from Monday to Friday. Pupils from six different … Read More