Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
Taking the national stage this Chanukah
CHANUKAH is a time when our leadership represent Progressive Judaism and our values on the national stage - showing the vital and mainstream role we play in British life.
Throughout the month of December, Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy spoke and lit candles at a number of important civic events.
These included the celebrations at 10 Downing Street, the first hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
They were joined at No10 by Leo Baeck College Principal Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris, and Liberal/ Reform clergy Rabbi Lea Mühlstein (The Ark), Rabbi Kathleen de MagtigeMiddleton (Mosaic), and Rabbis Hannah Kingston and Elliott Karstadt (Alyth).
Rabbi Charley represented Progressive Judaism at The Jewish Labour Movement (JLM) Chanukah reception, where she urged all those present to “be the light” in what are often dark times. She said: “Our hearts will remain heavy for those impacted by war in Gaza, for the hostages still waiting for freedom, for lives lost and for families grieving unimaginable losses.”
Rabbi Josh Levy spoke at the shared Chanukah and Christmas celebration of the Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) - underlining the importance Progressive Judaism places on interfaith work.
Other events attended over the festive period included celebrations hosted by the House of Commons Speaker and the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
Welcoming new Jews
RECORD numbers of people have been converting to Judaism through both the Liberal and Reform Batei Din. Their reasons are rich and varied, often including the discovery of Jewish ancestry or heritage, a search for spiritual meaning, or a connection to the religion through their partner.
At Sukkat Shalom, Edinburgh, Rabbi Mark Solomon recently conducted a welcome ceremony for five new admissions (pictured).
One of those, Shlomo ben Avraham, told us: “It was a beautiful event. There were 40 people in attendance, plus many more via Zoom. To have five people simultaneously admitted was, we think, a community record.”
Rabbi Josh Levy addressing the CCJ, Rabbi Charley Baginsky speaking at the JLM event, and together in Downing Street
Ark and EHRS trip shows Israel needs us to be there
Rabbis
Aaron Goldstein
and
IN DECEMBER, we led a combined group of Ark Synagogue and Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) members on a trip around Israel. We met people of diverse backgrounds – Jewish, Christian, Druze, and Muslim Palestinian citizens of Israel – in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and the Gaza Envelope. Everyone we spoke to expressed their appreciation for our presence, shared serious worries about the Israeli Government and told of their primary concern for the return of all the hostages.
What became clear is that we have had too few conversations with those people who are ‘us in Israel’. Progressive Jews. Jews who want to bring solutions and not be part of the problem. The only way to a clear understanding of the situation and what we can do to contribute is to be part of the conversation – and to start that conversation we need to be in Israel. This appreciation began at Tel Aviv University where we spoke to students Maharan, Laura and Dan (Druze, Cuban Olah and Sabra). They shared what this country means to them.
Mark Goldsmith
We travelled to the devastated Kibbutz Azza, right on the border with Gaza, together with a group of Israeli Progressive Jews.
Singing Oseh Shalom together, within a kilometre of Northern Gaza, aware that shelling was continuing, was an extraordinary experience and builds our resolve that peace must come soon.
on a joint Progressive visit to Israel
To then stand in prayer at the memorial for Jake Marlowe – a young adult of EHRS who was murdered on 7 October 2023 –among the hundreds at the Nova Music Festival site gave us space to recognise the deep trauma among all in Israel.
There is also a struggle continuing within Israel which needs our support. This was so clear when we visited the Supreme Court and the Knesset with the Israel Religious Action Center. The Basic Laws which protect the rights of
all in Israel – Jews, Palestinians and all minorities such as LGBTQI+ people and refugees – are under threat.
Finally, we visited six Progressive synagogues nationwide, where we were welcomed with such delight.
This trip showed that Israel needs us to be there. Israel needs our care and participation. Israel can be a place of meeting and co-existence for Jews and Arabs, for right and left – and we can go and help by visiting and strengthening the millions who share our vision.
Lily Montagu exhibition launches at The LJS
AN exhibition is running at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue to commemorate the life and work of Lily Montagu (1873-1963), a founder of both the synagogue and Liberal Judaism. Curated by the Heritage Committee of the LJS, and running until the end of 2025, it is split into three parts - summarised in edited format below.
Panel 1 - Spirituality: Lily Montagu was born in 1873 into a large, wealthy, Orthodox family. With greater access to secular education for upper-class girls, women’s religious and communal roles were undergoing change and redefinition.
Women who valued an inner religious life felt disenfranchised from Orthodox Jewish worship, and wanted more fully to realise their Jewish identity and piety, and to assume leadership roles. Lily Montagu’s understanding of religion was influenced by fellow Liberal Judaism founder Claude Montefiore and Reform Judaism in Germany and America. Motivated by her inner piety, and her love of nature, art and literature, she perceived that religion has the power to make humanity happier and bear “the weight of insoluble problems which threaten [our] well-being.”
Panel 2 - Social Work: Girls born into affluence, like Lily Montagu, visited the poor and provided them with both secular and religious instruction. Her small beginning as a social worker grew into a whole-time service.
Propelled by a profound belief in the transformative power of education and philanthropy, her efforts were particularly focused on the uplifting of working-class women and girls, through offering them classes in technical training, needlework, singing and other cultural refinements.
Panel 3 - Liberal Judaism: Lily Montagu’s leadership was instrumental in founding the Jewish Religious Union in 1902. The JRU became the Jewish Religious Union for the Advancement of Liberal Judaism in 1909. Alongside Claude Montefiore and, from 1912, Rabbi Dr Israel Mattuck and others, her vision of a Judaism that was accessible, egalitarian and reflective of contemporary values came to fruition.
This new movement emphasised personal spiritual exploration, the importance of ethical over ritual observance and the full inclusion of women in religious life.
Her influence continues to this day.
Mosaic B’nei Mitzvah makes history
MOSAIC Reform Synagogue hosted what is believed to be the first ever joint Liberal and Reform adult B’nei Mitzvah.
Four members of Mosaic Reform – Toria Bacon, Gillian Goldsmith, Jeff Highfield and Beth Kingsley – joined Shaan Knan of Mosaic Liberal Synagogue on the bimah in a single unified service.
None of the five had a Bar/Bat Mitzvah at the age of 13, and so the service was a testament to their dedication and commitment as they stood proudly in front of the Ark.
Although Mosaic Jewish Community is made up of Liberal, Reform and Masorti Synagogues, this is the first time an inter-communal B’nei Mitzvah has been held. It is a sign of how things are changing as we form one united Progressive Judaism for the UK.
The service was led by Rabbi Kathleen de Magtige-Middleton and highlighted the enduring nature of Jewish traditions.
Rabbi Kathleen said: “It was a tremendous joy and a great privilege to have shared and guided this special journey of learning and preparation that our B’nei Mitzvah undertook in order to be able to conduct a most joyous and emotional service together.”
Shaan – who previously ran Liberal Judaism’s celebrated Rainbow Jews and Lily’s Legacy projects – added: “It was a wonderful and very special service.
“I have so much thanks and gratitude for my fellow B’nei Mitzvah travellers, and most of all for Rabbi Kathleen and former Mosaic Rabbis Anna (Wolfson) and Rachel (Benjamin).”
Students team up in Nottingham
NOTTINGHAM Liberal Synagogue enjoyed what congregants described as “an amazing Kabbalat Shabbat to remember” when Progressive Jewish students from Sheffield and Nottingham joined together to lead a lively and spiritual service.
The synagogue’s Wendy Prestney said: “The two groups of young people, who had only met on Zoom previously, showed
incredible leadership, warmth and connection as they brought a vibrancy and joy to the evening.”
A catered meal was provided for all in attendance, with at least one student commenting appreciatively “this is just like the food we have at my synagogue back home!”
NLS now hope to run similar events.
Edinburgh
at 20
A SPECIAL service was held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Sukkat Shalom: Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community.
Rabbi Mark Solomon started the programme with a rendition of Ma Tovu. This was followed by welcome remarks from Co-Chair Nick Silk.
Though the origins of Sukkat Shalom date back to the mid-1990s, the congregation celebrates their anniversary from the date they officially became an independent community from Glasgow Reform Synagogue (GRS) in early 2004.
Rabbi Pete Tobias, now rabbi to GRS, played a role in these early days and, during the service, shared his memories.
Following this, Sukkat Shalom CoChair Maurice Naftalin presented a Lifetime Award to member Rebekah Gronowoski (pictured). He said:
“Whether it’s been community work, music, interfaith or equality and diversity matters, Rebekah has played a key part in our success.”
Community member and published author Ellen Galford wrote and read a poem honouring Sukkat Shalom’s two decades to commemorate the occasion. The celebrations concluded with prayers and reflections from Rabbi Mark.
3CLJC Award
RABBI Anna Gerard and the Eco Team of Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (3CLJC) were presented with an EcoJudaism Award by Simon Opher MP during a special Shabbat service.
3CLJC received EcoJudaism Silver Status earlier this year in recognition of the community’s work towards an environmentally responsible future.
During the eco-themed service, two sets of paper leaves were distributed to members and they were invited to write down what they do currently to be environmentally friendly and what they can do in future to increase their efforts.
York celebrates and looks ahead
YORK Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC) celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a special interfaith civic service.
Dignitaries (listed to the right) joined the congregation for a Shabbat of reflection and gratitude, celebrating the past and looking to the future.
YLJC was established in 2014 –bringing Jewish life back to the city with the re-establishment of a community holding regular services and events for the first time in 40 years. In the decade since, it has grown into an established community of circa 100 members.
Highlights have included the first ever lightings of Chanukah candles within Clifford’s Tower – where one of the worst antisemitic massacres in British history took place in 1190 – and at Jewbury / Foss Bank, the medieval Jewish cemetery where those who died at Clifford’s Tower are believed to be buried.
In 2023, the community made history once more when it appointed Rabbi Elisheva Salamo – who became the first resident rabbi in York for over 700 years.
The 10th anniversary service – held in the local Quaker meeting house and led by Rabbi Elisheva Salamo – was very much one to thank all those who have helped YLJC become what it is today and lay out the congregation’s desire to come full circle from the tragedy that happened in 1190 by establishing a synagogue building and Jewish centre for York, which would also include a museum telling the story of Jewish life in the city over the centuries.
Rabbi Elisheva said: “YLJC endeavours to be the next light in the passing along of Jewish tradition within York.”
Lilian Coulson, one of the founders of the community, explained what YLJC hopes to achieve next, saying: “Whilst we endeavour to provide a Jewish home and Jewish family to those that seek one in York, we currently do so in these welcoming rooms provided by our Quaker friends. Our aspiration, in the not-too-distant future, is to have our own community home to welcome everyone and allow us to do so much more.”
Baby blessing goes global
THE ARK SYNAGOGUE held its annual communal baby blessing, with Rabbis Aaron Goldstein and Lea Mühlstein asking God to bless the congregation’s babies and toddlers and their families.
What made this year’s ceremony even more special was the involvement - via the synagogue’s technology - of Ark member families in Yorkshire, Northern Ireland, and Tamil Nadu in Southern India.
Rabbi Aaron said: “The joy on the faces throughout the community was palpable and the excitement of being connected in such a way, and the sense of belonging, was inspiring. We all felt blessed!”
• Photo courtesy of Victor Shack
The guest list...
• York Lord Mayor Cllr Margaret Wells with consort Paul Midgeley
• York Sheriff Fiona Fitzpatrick with consort Geoff Cossins
• Cllr Claire Douglas (Leader), Cllr Katie Lomas and Cllr Chris Cullwick, City of York Council
• York Deputy Mayor Jo Coles
• Sheila Forder (representing the Deputy Mayor for North Yorkshire and York)
• York MP Rachael Maskell
• Chaplain Dr Jenny Wright (representing the Archbishop of York)
• Bishop of Selby Flora Winfield
• Canon Tim Goode, York Minster
• Regional Director of English Heritage Andrea Selley
• Avtar Matharu and Sister Patricia Harris, York Interfaith Group
• Progressive Judaism Co-Lead
Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Head of Comms Simon Rothstein
• Board of Deputies CEO Michael Weiger and York Deputy Owen Power
• Marcus Shaffer, Community Security Trust (CST)
• Dr Louise Hampson, York University
• Suzie Cree, Bradford Synagogue
• Haydn Cohen, Harrogate Hebrew Congregation
• YLJC’s Rabbi Elisheva Salamo, Shaan Bloch (Chair), Lilian Coulson (Engagement Officer and founder member), Ben Rich (founder member) and Katrina Blackmore (founder member)
Ba’alei Tefillah
THE eighth cohort of Liberal Judaism’s flagship Ba’alei Tefillah training course for lay prayer leaders has launched.
Participants hail from diverse communities across the UK –including Bristol, Kent, York, London, Bournemouth, Brighton and Northern Ireland. This rich mix of backgrounds and experiences promises to enhance the learning environment and foster meaningful connections.
Rabbi Anna Gerrard, serving as the rabbinic lead for the course, brings her expertise and passion for inclusive worship to the forefront. She is joined by three experienced lay service leaders, who will provide support and mentorship.
Rabbi Anna said: “This launch marks a significant step in strengthening lay leadership and deepening the communal experience of prayer and reflection.”
VIPs at the anniversary and (right) founder members Lilian, Ben and Katrina share a toast
Mitzvah Day 2024 around our Progressive communities
A three-page special of your social action projects and good deeds to help others
Members of Menorah Synagogue collected warm clothes for refugees and heard talks from the organisations who support them
Southgate Progressive Synagogue partnered with charities – including Jewish Care –performing 139 good deeds over the month
Liberal Judaism Chair Karen Newman and Officer Owen Power were part of the Board of Deputies food bank collection in Manchester
Jews and Muslims – from North West Surrey Synagogue and Shah Jahan Mosque – joined together to collect for Runnymede Foodbank
Children at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree Hub spent time baking biscuits and making pizza swirls for Borehamwood Foodbank
Harrow Interfaith – featuring many members of Kol Chai Reform Synagogue – cleaned the local area with help from Gareth Thomas MP
Members of Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue and their interfaith knitting group, provided items for the Baby Basics charity
Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Bishop of Edmonton Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah and Imam Asim Hafiz joined residents and volunteers at Hammerson House care home to pack for Food Bank Aid and sing and dance together (photo by Yakir Zur)
Newcastle Reform Synagogue collected and distributed toiletries, winter clothes and food to a number of wonderful local charities
Bromley Reform Synagogue held a MacMillan coffee morning, hosting multi-faith guests and friends from Peace of Cake
At Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue, the community’s youngsters decorated plant pots and filled them with plants for Jewish Care
Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue put on an interfaith community tea with guest organisations including The Dialogue Society
and
The Radlett Reform Synagogue Cheder hosted a tea with games, chat, singing and plenty of joy for people supported by Norwood
Youngsters at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue’s Rimon Religion School demonstrated how acts of kindness can illuminate darkness through a series of projects – including crafts, collections and a litter pick – and support for the community’s Asylum Seeker Drop-In. They were led by the synagogue’s rabbis, teachers and the LJY-Netzer Movement Workers. Rabbi Elana Dellal said: “Mitzvah Day reminds us that building bridges through acts of kindness isn’t just a nice idea – it’s an essential practice to help create the world we wish to see.”
(photo by Yakir Zur)
Lincolnshire Jewish Community – working with the Centre for Reconciliation and other local faith communities – spent the day packing and supporting the new local hygiene bank.
Members
friends of Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community armed themselves with gardening tools and went along to tend the very old Jews Burial Ground in Ipswich
Children and parents from the joint Kol Chai Reform Synagogue and Mosaic cheder held a food drive, card-making and crafts session
Finchley Progressive Synagogue ran three projects, including relaunching an after school family club for local asylum seekers
Children and adults at Harlow Jewish Community marked Mitzvah Day by collecting urgently needed items for Harlow Food Bank
Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue ran a huge number of Mitzvah Day projects including an intergenerational community tea
Members of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue helped to clean and clear the grounds of Haven House Children’s Hospice
Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue’s cheder held a Mitzvah Day Café, with Yellow Ribbon Brighton and Helping Hands
Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community cooked breakfast for the homeless and vulnerable at Cheltenham Open Door
Members of Stevenage Liberal Synagogue collected goods for Hitchin Pantry, a local pop-up supermarket and support hub
The RSY-Netzer team organised a collection of items for Food Bank Aid - taking donations from Liberal and Reform Judaism staff
Alyth chose Great Ormond Street Hospital, All Saints’ Child’s Hill Food Bank and the local fire station as recipients of its donations
Around 100 volunteers – including Jews, Sikhs, Christians and Humanists – took part in Maidenhead Synagogue’s 10 projects
Generations bonded at Sha’arei Tsedek: North London Reform Synagogue supporting the local Winter Night Shelter initiative
Jews, Muslims and people of all faiths and none came together at Kingston Liberal Synagogue to pack 250 bags for RBKares
York Liberal Jewish Community welcomed Mitzvah Day CEO Stuart Diamond for a special Shabbat celebrating Inter Faith Week
Week of civic activity at ELELS
MORE than 400 schoolchildren, the Deputy Mayor of Redbridge and several local councillors visited East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) during a week of civic activity.
The synagogue hosted the Board of Deputies Jewish Living Experience (JLE) exhibition, which ran from Monday to Friday - led by Hanan Charles. Pupils from six different schools were invited to attend and were shown many examples of the diversity of the Jewish way of life.
On Saturday, the community put on a civic service – welcoming Deputy Mayor Cllr John Howard, Cllr Lloyd Duddridge, Cllr Joe Hehir and Cllr Guy Williams for an explanatory and musical morning led by the community’s Rabbi Richard Jacobi and Music Director Mich Sampson, accompanied by the synagogue choir.
Rabbi Richard explained the details of the prayers and customs of a Jewish service, which could be followed in a bespoke booklet featuring both English transliteration and translation.
Addressing the congregation, the Deputy Mayor said: “It is my profound honour to join the East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue community in this building which has long stood as a beacon of Jewish life in our area.
“This is a remarkable Progressive congregation that celebrates diversity in all its forms and demonstrates the very best of what our borough represents.”
Other guests included Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Faith & Belief Forum Chair Michael Ziff, ELELS Life Vice Presidents
June Bradbury and Miriam Sanders, and Sheila Chiat – Life Vice President of Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue.
Rabbi Charley spoke at the end of the service, saying: “Thank you to everyone who organised this incredible week of activities, so that 400 young people could come into a synagogue and learn about the diversity and beauty of Judaism.”
Summing up the week, ELELS Chair Jennifer Barnett said: “I am so proud of our vibrant, diverse and multigenerational Progressive community.”
News round-up
• THE Liberal Jewish Synagogue was full for its annual Multi-Faith Pre-Chanukah Celebration. Principal guest speaker Dame Karen Buck DBE delivered an inspiring speech on the theme ‘Let this Sanctuary be a place of gathering and conversation’ – highlighting the importance of fostering dialogue between people of all faiths.
Rabbi Alexandra Wright, Senior Rabbi of the LJS, said: “The afternoon was a great success, encouraging meaningful conversations and building a sense of community across faiths and cultures.”
• LEICESTER Progressive Jewish Congregation was a beacon of warmth and community spirit as people from many local communities came together to watch the inspiring documentary Six Inches of Soil.
Synagogue member Lucy Michaels, who spent four years helping to produce the documentary, shared her insights and experiences with the audience.
The film highlights the critical importance of soil, emphasising how just six inches can feed eight billion people and capture carbon. It is available to watch now on Prime Video and Vimeo.
• MEMBERS of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS) helped to organise the city’s Peace Together interfaith vigil.
The event was attended by more than 100 people – including Jews, Muslims, Christians, Bahá’ís and people of other faiths and none. Together, they shared prayers for peace from different religions, placed candles around the letters PEACE and were given paper doves made by local children. Cory Rich, a student who attends BPS, read a poem which was described as “moving, “inspiring” and “the highlight of the programme”.
Rabbis Richard Jacobi and Charley Baginsky show the Deputy Mayor the JLE exhibition
The enduring power of Jewish community
Alexandra Gellnick on an Ark Synagogue trip to support Jews in Lviv and Lutsk
I WAS part of the small group of Ark Synagogue members who had the privilege of travelling to Ukraine to visit our twinned Progressive Jewish communities in Lviv and Lutsk.
It was a deeply moving, intellectually enriching and emotionally significant trip. Rabbi Aaron Goldstein inspired us and our hosts with thought-provoking Torah study sessions and uplifting Shabbat services: Friday night in Lviv and Saturday morning in Lutsk; somehow miraculously managing to get from one to the other before the nightly curfew.
In Lviv, we were warmly welcomed by leaders and members of the Progressive Jewish community, who have been working tirelessly to maintain and grow Jewish life in the face of various challenges. During Shabbat services – led in Hebrew, English, and Ukrainian – the beauty of traditional liturgy mixed with contemporary expressions of Jewish identity was palpable. We all felt the deep connection between the prayers, the history of the Jewish people in Ukraine, and our Progressive ideals.
We also had the opportunity to meet with students from the local Hillel: the next generation of Progressive Jews in Ukraine. Most of them had gone through Netzer and knew the same songs that our LJY kids sing at camp - we really are one people!
A particularly poignant moment of our trip was the visit to the Janowska concentration camp site. The camp is a reminder of a painful chapter in Ukraine’s history and its infamous ‘Tango of Death’ remains a haunting symbol of the atrocities committed there.
Despite the sombre history we explored, our visit also showed the resilience and strength of Ukraine’s Jewish community, past and present.
One of the highlights of our trip was a special concert organised by local Jewish music ensembles from the Teyva Progressive community and featuring Ark member (and my husband) Franklyn Gellnick. It was an incredible celebration of Jewish culture, joy and resilience.
rabbis and cantors
Liberal Judaism held their annual Kallah retreat, using it as an opportunity to study and pray together, and especially to take restorative time.
Led by Rabbi Sandra Kviat (Crouch End Chavurah) and Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu (Nottingham Liberal Synagogue), the colleagues used the retreat to support and learn from each other. In tumultuous times, it was also a chance for clergy to take a moment for themselves so that they return to their congregations inspired and re-energised.
Our trip was not just about exploring history, but also about showing solidarity with the Progressive Jewish communities in Ukraine. It was a chance to let them know that they are not forgotten and that their struggles, hopes and dreams resonate with us. It was an affirmation of the enduring power of Jewish community, the importance of remembering our shared history, and the joy that comes from connecting with fellow Jews, no matter where they are in the world.
THE
of
Joint regional events announced
WE are excited to announce that bookings are now open for the first-ever joint Progressive Judaism South West Chagigah weekend (24-26 October 2025), as well as the Progressive Judaism Northern Chagigah weekend (21-23 November 2025).
Chagigah means celebrations and these events will be joint regional conference for all Liberal and Reform communities in the region. They are a chance for members to meet for a weekend of relaxation, learning, prayer and fun in a lovely hotel.
Everyone comes for different reasons – to be spiritually recharged, to enjoy a Shabbat away from everyday routine, to make new friends and/or to be delighted that their children are being looked after and Jewishly engaged.
Chagigah is all about what YOU want. Whether it’s to be up at the crack of dawn tackling Talmud, having a good sing in a Shabbat service or enjoying a lie-in and joining for lunch… it’s up to you.
The practical info…
There are a range of bedrooms – singles, twins and family rooms. To ensure we are maximising space, and everyone who wants to come can, we are offering a discounted rate for those who choose to share a room. So, whether you’re a couple, or a couple of friends, we have you covered!
Children…
LJY-Netzer (South West) and RSY-Netzer (North) will be running a full weekend of activities for children aged 5+. However, if you prefer your child to remain with you and join in with sessions that is absolutely fine. Or you can do a mixture of the two. This is your weekend to enjoy however is best for you and your family.
We will organise a crèche for those under 5 if the demand is there (we will need at least five children booked in to make it work). Unfortunately our insurance will not allow us to organise an evening babysitting service.
Please note that your children are your responsibility at all times, unless signed into an LJY/RSY session.
Money…
If you would find it helpful to pay in instalments when booking please enter the discount code ‘instalments’ on our booking page. This will allow you to book with a 20% deposit. The finance team will then email you a reference number and bank details for future payments to be made into.
We absolutely believe that all members of Progressive communities should be able to join our events without cost being a barrier and have done all we can to keep the cost as low as possible. We completely understand that you may need additional support.
If you would like financial support in coming, we ask that you first speak to your community and then approach your movement so we can try and make up the difference for you to come. Call or email Alexandra Gellnick for a completely confidential chat – 020 7580 1663 / a.gellnick@liberaljudaism.org
Booking help and questions...
If you don’t get an immediate automated response when booking (check your junk/ spam folder) then message us and let us help you. For this or anything else, please email or call Alexandra. We can’t wait to see you!
• With thanks to the NLPS Trust for their support.
TENS of thousands of people took part in the March Against Antisemitism in London, including members of Liberal and Reform communities across the country. They all shared the message to ‘stand up to hate, before it’s too late’.
Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy marched at the front of the procession - alongside leaders from all sections of the British Jewish community.
Tributes for Bob Kirk
BOB KIRK – a key figure in the life of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue and wider UK Jewish community – has died, aged 99.
Bob was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1925. After Kristallnacht in 1938, he travelled to the UK alone on the Kindertransport. He met wife Ann –who also escaped the Nazis via the Kindertransport – at a club for Jewish refugees and they married in 1950.
Together Bob and Ann used their experiences to educate thousands of schoolchildren about the Holocaust and were awarded British Empire Medals in recognition of this work. They were members of the LJS for 70+ years, where their regular volunteering saw them presented with an Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award by the Jewish Volunteering Network.
Tributes to Bob have been sent in from friends, colleagues and admirers across the Jewish community.
Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “Bob Kirk was an incredible man and educator - who we were proud to have as part of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue and our Liberal and Progressive Jewish community.”
Association of Jewish Refugees CEO Michael Newman added: “Bob and Ann were kindred spirits – their relationship symbolised a message of hope born out of the horror of the Holocaust. He will be deeply missed by the whole community.”
Our thoughts are with Ann, the Kirk family and all those in mourning.
Rabbi Charley said: “It was wonderful to see our Jewish community come together – alongside many allies and friends – to say that we are proud of the role we play in the life of the UK and stand in defence of the Jewish and British values of tolerance and respect.”
Rabbi Josh added: “Whatever our politics, whatever our denomination, the rise in antisemitism is of genuine concern to us all.”
LJY-Netzer is Liberal Judaism’s Reform Zionist youth movement. It gives young people the chance to develop a strong Progressive Jewish identity, make lasting friendships and have lots of fun!
Gap years, decision making and a look ahead
Gap year trip to South Africa begins
IN EARLY December, five excited LJYNetzer participants touched down in Cape Town to begin their incredible gap year journey in South Africa.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience started with an opening seminar, offering a week-long exploration of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
The week was packed with many exciting activities. Highlights included discovering Boulders Beach, volunteering at Glendale – a home dedicated to providing care and support for adults with learning disabilities – and soaking up Cape Town’s natural beauty, with adventures such as the awe-inspiring Chapman’s Peak drive and a hike up Lion’s Head.
Our participants also got to create a Netzer-style Kabbalat Shabbat, connecting with their Jewish roots in a meaningful and creative way.
The seminar serves as the perfect preparation for the next stage of their adventure: leading on Netzer South Africa’s camp. There, the participants will gain valuable hadracha (leadership) skills, experience a different youth camp environment, and form lifelong friendships with fellow Netzerim from across the world.
LJY-Netzer is so proud of its gap year participants and looks forward to hearing all about their amazing experiences.
Members make changes on Kinus and Veidah
IN NOVEMBER, LJY-Netzer ran Kinus, the decision-making event for our younger members in school years 7-10. Participants wrote, proposed and debated a wide variety of motions about LJY. Debates tackled topics like LJY’s Theme of the Year, whether participants
should be allowed to choose their own dorms, if we should perform a play on camp this year and much more. We are proud to see our younger members get so passionate about these topics and feel empowered to be speaking up in debates.
One participant, aged 12, said: “Kinus has been really good because I really like hanging out with my friends – who I don’t see that much. There were also so many fun activities. I really feel happy here!”
As you read this issue of lj today, Veidah is taking place. This is LJY-Netzer’s decision-making event for our older participants, with some representatives from Kinus there too.
Veidah gives our members, aged 16+, the chance to get empowered and make the changes they want to see. It’s always special to see so many young people feel so passionate about ideology and the future of their youth movement.
What is next for LJY?
JANUARY 18-19 is our Tour Taster Weekend, for those in school years 11 and 12. It’s the chance to meet both new friends and old, as well as learning all about the incredible itinerary LJY has got planned for summer 2025.
Our February Shabbaton – for those in school years 3-6 – takes place at the start of the month. It is the perfect weekend introduction to LJY for newbies who want to get to know the movement, or a chance to reunite with old friends for those who have come on events before. We’ll be having lots of fun playing games, singing and learning together.
Then from April 6-11 is Machaneh Shamayim spring camp. Shamayim is one of our biggest and best events of the year! For one week of the Easter holidays, we run an incredible programme of sessions for ages 8 through to 15. Our activities cover everything from learning about Judaism in a fun and accessible way to singing, discos, water fights, cooking, exploring nature… the list goes on.
There is something for everyone on Shamayim and it’s a great opportunity to try a slightly longer event for those who aren’t ready to dive into our two-week summer camp, Kadimah, just yet.
Finally, Israel Tour is sold out – but there are still limited places on our Kayitz Europe Tour if you’re quick.
To book a place for you or your child on any of these events, please visit www.ljy-netzer.org
Contact LJY-Netzer: Email Tali Ehrlich (t.ehrlich@liberaljudaism.org), Mia Harris (m.harris@liberaljudaism.org) and Jess Spanier (j.spanier@liberaljudaism.org) or visit our website www.ljy-netzer.org
Liberal Judaism congregations
The Ark Synagogue (Northwood and Pinner)
T: 01923 822 592
E: admin@arksynagogue.org W: arksynagogue.org
Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue T: 0845 869 7105
E: info@bedsps.org.uk W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk
Beit Klal Yisrael (London) E: admin@bky.org.uk W: bky.org.uk
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue T: 0121 634 3888 E: bps@liberaljudaism.org W: bpsjudaism.com
Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue T: 01273 737 223
E: info@bhps-online.org W: bhps-online.org
Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0117 403 3456
E: info@bwpjc.org W: bwpjc.org
Crawley Jewish Community T: 01293 534 294
Crouch End Chavurah E: naomi@crouchendchavurah.org W: www.crouchendchavurah.org
Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation
E: djpc@liberaljudaism.org W: djpcireland.com
Ealing Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8997 0528
E: admin@ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk
East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue T: 0208 989 7619
E: administrator@elels.org.uk W: elels.org.uk
Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community T: 07376 916 920
E: eljc.contact@gmail.com W: eljc.org.uk
Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community T: 0131 777 8024
E: info@eljc.org W: eljc.org
Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8446 4063
E: fps@liberaljudaism.org W: fps.org
Kehillah North London T: 07706 354 602
E: info@kehillah.org.uk W: kehillah.org.uk
Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 07384 993 553
E: enquiries@kljc.org.uk W: kljc.org.uk
Kingston Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8398 7400
E: kls@liberaljudaism.org W: klsonline.org
Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation
E: chair@lpjc.org.uk W: lpjc.org.uk
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood) T: 020 7286 5181 E: ljs@ljs.org W: ljs.org
The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street London, W1T 4BE T: 020 7580 1663 E: montagu@liberaljudaism.org W: liberaljudaism.org W: pathtoprogressivejudaism.org.uk
Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge of modern Judaism. It reverences Jewish tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the past, while giving them contemporary force.
Charity Number: 1151090
lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein. Send news to SimonR@progressivejudaism.org.uk
The Liberal Synagogue Elstree T: 020 8953 8889
E: office@tlse.org.uk W: tlse.org.uk
Lincolnshire Jewish Community W: lincolnsynagogue.com
Mosaic Liberal Synagogue (Stanmore) T: 020 8864 0133 E: office@mosaicliberal.org.uk W: mosaicliberal.org.uk
Norwich Liberal Jewish Community E: nljc@liberaljudaism.org W: norwichljc.org.uk
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue T: 0115 962 4761
E: info@nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com
Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community T: 07561 331 390 E: info@pljc.org.uk W: pljc.org.uk
Reading Liberal Jewish Community E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@ gmail.com W: readingljc.org.uk
Shir Hatzafon (Copenhagen) E: shir@shirhatzafon.dk W: shirhatzafon.dk
South Bucks Jewish Community T: 07377 157 261 E: info@sbjc.org.uk W: sbjc.org.uk
Southgate Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8886 0977 E: office@sps.uk.com W: sps.uk.com
The South London Liberal Synagogue (Streatham) T: 020 8769 4787
E: office@southlondon.org W: southlondon.org
Stevenage Liberal Synagogue T: 01438 300 222
E: stevenageliberalsynagogue@gmail.com W: stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk
Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) T:01473 250 797
E: sljc@liberaljudaism.org
W: suffolkljc.co.uk
Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire)
T: 07900 612 058
E: info@3cljc.org.uk
W: 3cljc.org.uk
Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (Bournemouth) T: 01202 757 590
E: secretary.wljc@gmail.com
W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk
York Liberal Jewish Community T: 0300 102 0062
E: info@jewsinyork.org.uk
W: jewsinyork.org.uk
Affiliated
Oxford Jewish Congregation T: 01865 515 584
E: connections@ojc-online.org W: ojc-online.org
Chair Karen Newman
Deputy Chair Alex Kinchin-Smith Treasurer Leslie Moss Inclusion Alexandra Boyd
Youth Hannah Grant Communities and Social Justice Owen Power
Officers Penny Beral, Amanda McFeeters and Tommer Spence
President Rabbi Alexandra Wright
Vice Presidents Monique Blake, Nigel Cole, Lord (Stanley) Fink, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, Sharon Goldstein, Jane Greenfield, Lucian Hudson, Dr Edward Kessler MBE, Josie Kinchin, Ann Kirk BEM, David Lipman, Frank Maxwell, Baroness (Gillian) Merron, David Pick, Rabbi
Danny Rich, Tony Sacker, Joan Shopper and Phil Stone
Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors Chairs Rabbi Anna Wolfson and Rabbi Igor Zinkov
Chief Executive Officer / Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky
Director of Development and Membership Alexandra Gellnick Youth Director Becca Fetterman
Head of Comms Simon Rothstein Lifecycle Administrator Lisa Godsal Finance Janet Manderson
Senior Executive Assistant Kathryn Forro Administration Manager Tanya Garfield Archivist Alison
Turner Student Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan LJY-Netzer Events Coordinator Jess Mindel
LJY-Netzer Movement Workers Tali Ehrlich, Mia Harris and Jess Spanier