LJ Today Jul/Aug 2022

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Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism

www.liberaljudaism.org

ljtoday July/August 2022 VOL. XLIX No. 4

£275,000 raised... thanks to you!

L

IBERAL JUDAISM has raised more money than ever before… and it’s all thanks to you. In our 120th year, 120 of you signed up to be Ambassadors – telling your stories and asking your friends and family for donations to support us in our mission to bring Judaism home. Then, incredibly, 1,100 people made donations in a 36-hour online fundraiser. These included members of Liberal communities all around the UK, as well as Reform, Orthodox and Masorti Jews, and even three priests, who have been inspired by our pioneering work. In total, £275,000 was raised – with £155,000 donated in the online campaign and a further £120,000 pledged to match donations and fundraising event revenue over the rest of this year. The money will be used for a series of initiatives to build Liberal Judaism for the future, with many focussed on supporting youth and communities. The centrepiece will be a new online hub to throw our doors open as widely as possible and support people wherever they are. The money will also fund a Progressive Jewish Chaplain in universities, a social justice department and b’nei mitzvah and Kabbalat Torah programming for smaller communities. It will support families in need by providing bursaries for children wanting to attend LJY-Netzer youth camps and events, as well as sending Shabbat boxes to elderly members of the community living in non-Jewish care homes. Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky was blown away by the response of communities and members, of all ages and parts of the country, who really got behind the campaign.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky (second from right) and Liberal Judaism staff during the fundraiser

She said: “This has been an incredible achievement – five times more than we have ever raised before. What makes me most proud is that we had a whole army of people giving small amounts.

£155,000 raised in online crowdfunder

£120,000

pledged to match donations over the rest of this year

1,100 120

individual donors

Ambassadors

“This was about raising money to do more, but that has not been the bit that has really affected me. It has been the number of people who engaged, the stories I heard, the messages I received and the love that has surrounded us. I think we really might be bringing Judaism home. I cannot thank you enough.” Liberal Judaism chair Ruth Seager added: “Liberal Judaism has completed its most successful fundraising event. Ever. I am so grateful to our LJ Ambassadors and our donors, whose support means a very great deal to us all. “This was our launchpad. We are now aiming to use the rest of the year to get our total to £500,000 and ensure we are the home for everyone’s Jewish story.” Fundraising events now planned include a nationwide sponsored bike ride on Sunday 11 September and a President’s 120th Anniversary Ball. The Liberal Judaism crowdfunding page also remains open. You can donate at campaigns.causematch.com/LJ

Save the date: Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend - 19-21 May 2023


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LJ Today Jul/Aug 2022 by Liberal Judaism - Issuu