May/June 2018 VOL. XL No. 3
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
An absolutely fabulous project Exclusive: Biennial
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OANNA LUMLEY Project manager and the Mayor Shaan Knan said: of Camden “With our subjects were among the coming from 27 dignitaries at the countries, the stories launch of Liberal told are diverse – but Judaism’s latest all have the common cutting edge project: thread of people Rainbow Pilgrims. coming to the UK in Opening during the hope of building a LGBT History Month, life in which they can Rainbow Pilgrims be their authentic explores the ‘hidden self, without hiding story’ of LGBTQI+ and denying their migrants, refugees sexual orientation or TV star Joanna Lumley with Shaan Knan and travellers in gender identity.” Britain through The Rainbow images, videos and audio recordings. It Pilgrims pop-up is currently on tour captures the experiences of more than 40 around the country and will show at LGBTQI+ immigrants, refugees, asylum Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue seekers and members of the Gypsy, in May, before a grand finale at Liberal Roma and Traveller (GRT) community of Judaism’s Biennial Weekend in June. different faiths and none. The online exhibition can be accessed via The series of events included a www.rainbowpilgrims.com symposium and panel discussion at Rainbow Pilgrims: The Rites and Bucks New University with Rabbi Aaron Passages of LGBTQI+ Migrants in Britain Goldstein, a VIP reception at the Wiener is generously supported by the National Library and the premiere of the popLottery through the Heritage Lottery up exhibition, hosted by the Migration Fund. For more details, please contact Museum at The Workshop. Shaan on s.knan@liberaljudaism.org
programme in full
LIBERAL JUDAISM is proud to reveal the full programme for the Biennial Weekend - our movement’s flagship event of 2018. You can find it on the centre pages of this issue of lj today. Gillian Merron (pictured), the chief executive of the Board of Deputies, has been added to the line-up of keynote speakers and presenters, which also includes the president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, Rabbi Danny Freelander, and Liberal Judaism leaders including Rabbis Dr Andrew Goldstein, Dr David Goldberg, Elli Tikvah Sarah, Charley Baginsky and Danny Rich. There is a full youth programme and crèche. Liberal Judaism’s Biennial Weekend 2018 takes place from Friday June 29 to Sunday July 1 at the stylish and modern St Johns Hotel in Solihull, just outside Birmingham. For booking details, and to reserve your place, please visit www. liberaljudaism.org/calendar/biennial LIBERAL JUDAISM president Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein was one of the religious leaders reading prayers at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, which was attended by the Queen and Royal Family and broadcast live on the BBC (pictured). Prime Minister Theresa May gave a Bible reading during the service. The congregation also included Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Andrew said: “It was a great privilege to read a prayer from our Siddur Lev Chadash at such an important event.”