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
‘Historic’ Passover service unites Progressive communities
The final day of Pesach at Southgate Progressive Synagogue (SPS) brought together three Progressive communities for a service that the synagogue’s Chair has described as “a historic occasion”. SPS, Finchley Progressive Synagogue and Shar’arei Tsedek North London Reform Synagogue united for the service led by their respective clergy – Rabbi … Read More
Growing Up Jewish – the Progressive way
Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) was featured as part of BBC One’s Growing Up Jewish programme. The show looked at four young people preparing for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, including FRS members Eve and Dylan. Eve is from a dual heritage family. Her mum describes herself as a secular Jew … Read More
Community united at Downing Street vigil for the hostages
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