Bob Kirk – a key figure in the life of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue and wider UK Jewish community – has died, aged 99. Bob was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1925. After Kristallnacht in 1938, he travelled to the UK alone on the Kindertransport. He met wife Ann – … Read More
Students team up in Nottingham to lead Kabbalat Shabbat
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue enjoyed what congregants described as “an amazing Kabbalat Shabbat to remember” – when Progressive Jewish students from Sheffield and Nottingham joined together to lead a lively, musical, spiritual and fun service. The synagogue’s Wendy Prestney said: “The two groups of young people, who had only met on … Read More
Launch of the Mosaic Social Action Hub
Forty Mosaic Jewish Community members – made up from its Reform, Liberal and Masorti Synagogues – attended the launch of the Mosaic Social Action Hub. Welcoming them, Rabbi Anthony Lazarus Magrill emphasised that while services and events are important, social action should be seen as the true essence of what … Read More
Celebrations as Sukkat Shalom Edinburgh turns 20
This year marks a significant milestone for Sukkat Shalom: Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community, as the congregation celebrates its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, the community has grown and flourished, becoming a vibrant and welcoming space for all those looking for Progressive Judaism connection and support in the Scottish … Read More
How the power of community can drive positive change
By Michele Benn While Storm Bert raged outside, Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation became a beacon of warmth and community spirit as people from local communities came together to watch an inspiring documentary called Six Inches of Soil. The film, introduced by synagogue member Lucy Michaels chronicles the regenerative journey of … Read More
Ark members make heartwarming visit to Ukrainian communities
Members of The Ark Synagogue – led by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein – brought warmth, friendship and support on a visit to their two twinned Ukrainian Progressive Jewish communities in Lviv and Lutsk. The group met leaders and community members, as well as students from the local University Hillel. Rabbi Aaron … Read More
YLJC welcome Mitzvah Day CEO to kick off their plans
York Liberal Jewish Community welcomed Mitzvah Day CEO Stuart Diamond for a special Shabbat celebrating Inter Faith Week. YLJC Deputy Owen Power said: “It was wonderful getting to hear from Stuart, who spoke with great passion about the work of Mitzvah Day and how interfaith and social justice lies at … Read More
Interfaith peace vigil brings Birmingham communities together
Members of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue helped to organise the city’s Peace Together interfaith vigil. Held at St Anne’s Catholic Church, the event was attended by more than 100 people – including Jews, Muslims, Christians, Bahai and people of other faiths and none. Together, they shared prayers for peace from different religions, … Read More
Read November/December 2024 edition of LJ Today
The latest edition of LJ Today – Liberal Judaism’s bi-monthly magazine – is out now, in both print and online formats. Our front page gives an update on the Path to Progressive Judaism, as we bring Liberal Judaism and The Movement for Reform Judaism together as one united movement. We … Read More
Eighth cohort of Ba’alei Tefillah lay prayer leader course launches
The launch of the eighth cohort of Liberal Judaism’s flagship course for training lay prayer leaders took place this weekend at the Montagu Centre, a fitting venue named in honour of one of the movement’s pioneers, Lily Montagu. This special occasion not only marked the beginning of an exciting journey … Read More