Progressive Jewish communities have been taking part in Refugee Week, which celebrates the contribution, creativity and resilience of refugees and others seeking sanctuary. This year, Menorah Outreach and Greater Manchester Jewish Action for Refugees held a joint meeting at Menorah Synagogue with a theme of ‘Our Home’. Speakers included Tim … Read More
Rabbi Cantor Gershon Silins formally inducted by TLSE
Rabbi Cantor Gershon Silins was officially welcomed to The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (TLSE) in a special service, after working in the community for the last year. Rabbi Danny Rich and Cantor Tamara Wolfson led the induction service along with the synagogue’s singing group. It was introduced by TLSE Chair Leigh … Read More
Communities unite for Tikkun Leyl Shavuot night of learning
Mosaic Jewish Community is hosting a Tikkun Leyl Shavuot to welcome in the festival with a night and morning of learning and discussion on Tuesday 11/Wednesday 12 June. The Liberal, Reform and Masorti synagogues that make up Mosaic will be joined by clergy and community members from Kol Chai Reform … Read More
Kivunim B’nei Mitzvah programme open across Progressive Judaism
We are pleased to announce that the Kivunim National B’nei Mitzvah programme is now open to all young people from small and medium-sized Liberal and Reform communities. The Movement Reform Judaism has been running this acclaimed programme, for school years 7 & 8, for some time. As we create one … Read More
‘We must build the language to sustain our interfaith dialogue’
Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner has spoken powerfully on the need to maintain interfaith relationships in the UK, despite the huge difficulties presented by events in Israel and Gaza Speaking in the Thought for the Day slot, on BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme, she talks of the friendships that have been … Read More
Monthly online catch-ups expanded
Two monthly online catch-ups for communities have been expanded and opened across all Reform and Liberal communities. Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, the Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism, will host Open House on the second Thursday of every month at 8pm, with the first taking place on Thursday 13 … Read More
Kingston Liberal Synagogue appoints Rabbi Lev Taylor
Rabbi Lev Taylor has been appointed as the new rabbi of Kingston Liberal Synagogue, taking over from Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel. The KLS community celebrated with a very well-attended installation service and party. Rabbi Lev (pictured cutting his welcome cake alongside Rabbi René) said: “Kingston’s reaction to my appointment has … Read More
The Ark celebrates 60th anniversary with packed civic service
A packed sanctuary of local dignitaries, MPs, clergy from other faiths and leaders and members from across Progressive Judaism helped The Ark Synagogue mark its 60th anniversary in style. A special Shabbat celebrated the history and future of the congregation, which began in May 1964 when 30 families gathered for … Read More
Brighton Mayoral reception shows ‘togetherness’ of faith groups
Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber attended an interfaith reception hosted by the Worshipful Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Jackie O’Quinn. The Mayor, whose term of office is coming to an end, held the event to thank the assembled clergy and faith leaders for everything they do for the city. Rabbi Gabriel, … Read More
A quadruple of simchas at Bedfordshire Progressive
Bedford Progressive Synagogue is one of the smaller Progressive congregations, so it was quite an occasion when no fewer than four simchas took place on the same Shabbat morning. The community, also known as Rodef Shalom, celebrated two baby blessings (pictured above), the 80th birthday of synagogue President Geoffrey Ben-Nathan … Read More