More than 1,500 people from across the Jewish community, and beyond, came together in a vigil to support the 133 hostages still held captive in Gaza. Taking place opposite Downing Street, crowd members were visibly moved as the families of those taken and murdered by Hamas spoke about the pain … Read More
Advisory Board Chair on continuing our work to build bridges
Dr Ed Kessler MBE, the Chair of the Progressive Judaism Advisory Board, appeared on The Rest is Politics to discuss the war in Israel and Gaza and what happens next both there and for interfaith work in the UK. Ed is Founder President of the Woolf Institute and a leading … Read More
A reflection six months on from 7 October
By Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism In October of last year, together with other communal leaders, we produced a set of principles about how to respond to the emerging crisis in Israel and Gaza. It was called ‘Our Jewish Values’ and spoke for many in our … Read More
Cantor Zöe Jacobs to lead clergy team at Finchley Reform Synagogue
Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) has appointed Cantor Zöe Jacobs as its new Senior Clergy, replacing outgoing Senior Rabbi, Miriam Berger. The appointment marks a ground-breaking new model of congregational leadership and the next stage of a personal journey for Cantor Zöe. Cantor Zöe grew up in the FRS community – … Read More
Packed Purim parties show growth of our communities
Progressive communities around the country enjoyed fetes, spiels, fancy dress parades, parties, Megillah readings and more this Purim. Many of our Reform and Liberal congregations enjoyed record attendances as the festival was celebrated in true Progressive style. At Bromley Reform Synagogue, 250 people – including more than 100 potential new … Read More
Progressive Judaism backs calls for new deal on refugee integration
Two prominent Progressive Jews have played a key role in a report calling for a new deal on refugee integration that works for both refugees and wider British society. Progressive Judaism Advisory Board Chair Dr Ed Kessler MBE is Chair of the Commission on the Integration of Refugees, which spent … Read More
Shirei met Chagigah and welcomed in the future
Uplifting, joyous, meaningful, and musical were some of the comments at the end of the Movement for Reform Judaism’s flagship event, Shirei meets Chagigah. It was an all-singing, all-learning four days away with rabbis, cantors, leaders, community members, and speakers from around the world, all coming together to enjoy and … Read More
Progressive Judaism is ‘transforming the Jewish world’
The values, ideals and leaders of Progressive Judaism have been praised by the Jewish press. After a headline in the Jewish News last week proclaiming that ‘Progressive Judaism welcomes everyone’, this week’s Jewish Telegraph hails Rabbi Josh Levy as the ‘Rabbi helping to transform the Jewish world in the UK’. … Read More
Progressive Judaism statement on tackling extremism
Over the last months, we have seen a worrying rise in antisemitism in this country. Many Jews are expressing heightened fear about our safety. We are grateful for the support of government, communal organisations, police and volunteers who work for the security of our people, institutions and places of worship. Many in … Read More
Progressive rabbi gives blessing at Commonwealth Service
Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers (pictured) offered the blessing on behalf of the Jewish community at the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey, broadcast on BBC1. Explaining how, in the Torah, our ancestors are shown as flawed leaders who learn and grow on their journey, Rabbi Debbie quoted the Book … Read More