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
‘Pride Month is a significant moment in our ritual calendar’
By Rabbi Kath Vardi Happy Pride! Historically, very many religious communities have not been welcoming places for LGBTQI+ people. Often built around heteronormative assumptions, religious institutions have been guilty of ‘blindness’ at best and outright discrimination at worst. Progressive Judaism is different. We are founded on the values of justice … Read More
Jerusalem Interfaith March gives ‘hope for the future’
Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky took part in the Jerusalem Interfaith March for Human Rights and Peace. Rabbis Charley and Josh joined hundreds of people of all faiths and backgrounds – including colleagues from the Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism and the Israel … 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
‘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