Eighth cohort of Ba’alei Tefillah lay prayer leader course launches

BT course launch

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

Paying tribute to Simon Benscher

Simon Benscher

Simon Benscher – one of the most important figures in the modern history of Liberal Judaism – has died. A former Chair of the movement, his passion was building real connections with Liberal communities and members. He also played a vital role in merger conversations between Liberal Judaism and The … Read More

A Sukkot reflection from Liberal Judaism’s President

Sukkot image 5785

By Rabbi Alexandra Wright President of Liberal Judaism What can one say that is new about this autumn festival of Sukkot?  Should we draw attention to the Torah reading for the first day of the festival (Leviticus 23:33-44): the designation of the full moon in the seventh month, the first … Read More

Memorial event shows resilience of the Jewish community

Reform and Liberal community members from all over the country came to London for a memorial event in Hyde Park to mark the one-year anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks, mourn the victims and call for the return of the hostages still being held by Hamas. Progressive Judaism Co-Leads … Read More

High Holy Days reflection: Why hope must prevail

Shana Tovah

By Rabbi Kath Vardi In the book of Kohelet we read, ‘there is nothing new under the sun’ (1:9). It would be easy this year to fully feel the force of this rather pessimistic saying. As we step into the year 5785 we recognise that, rather than settling or renewing, … Read More

A year that showed the importance of movement

Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy at the LJS

By Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky It’s hard to imagine that this time a year ago, as we prepared for Rosh Hashanah, we had no comprehension that just a few weeks later we would experience the tragedy of 7 October. The last year has been one of complex … Read More

Faith leaders stand together against extremism

Southport solidarity event photo

Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen represented Progressive Judaism at a solidarity event held outside Southport Mosque. Rabbi Robyn (pictured above left) joined more than a dozen imams coordinated by MINAB – the Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board – as well as Christian and other Jewish faith leaders in a call for … Read More

Karen Newman elected as Liberal Judaism Chair at AGM

Karen Newman has been elected as the new Chair of Liberal Judaism. Karen, who has been Acting Chair since October 2023, was unanimously voted into the position at Liberal Judaism AGM. She becomes the first member of the LGBTQI+ community to hold the position of Chair within Liberal Judaism. Karen … Read More

Rabbi Charley represents Jewish community at Abbey service

Rabbi Charley Baginsky at Westminster Abbey rehearsal

Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky gave a blessing on behalf of the Jewish community at Westminster Abbey – as part of a Service of Thanksgiving in the 30th Year of South Africa’s democracy. The event marked three decades since the ending of Apartheid in South Africa and honoured Nelson … Read More