Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
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ljtoday May/June 2022 VOL. XLIX No. 3
Join us for a real Celebration L IBERAL JUDAISM’s Day of Celebration takes place on Sunday 22 May. After more than two years of the pandemic, we are opening our doors for a major event once again. You can join us in person at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue or online via Zoom, Facebook and YouTube. The Day of Celebration is a festival of people, knowledge and culture. It is a space for all Liberal Jewish communities to meet and celebrate each other. This year Liberal Judaism celebrates our 120th anniversary. With this in mind, the theme of the Day of Celebration will be ‘Where Liberal and Judaism Meet’. We will look at our past, present and future. We will reflect and explore what it means to be Liberal, to be Jewish, and to be a Liberal Jew. The diverse and engaging programme will include sessions, workshops and discussions led by Liberal Judaism rabbis and outside experts in nine varied tracks:
Judaism and Social Responsibility: Hearing from those involved in social justice, what guides them and how this is both a social and Jewish responsibility. Inclusion in Action: Looking at ways to make our spaces more welcoming, accessible and inclusive. Culture and Art: World leaders in art, music and culture will be sharing their stories and their secrets. Hot Potatoes: The track for those open to having difficult conversations and engaging with controversial topics. Communities and Covid: Until recently, Covid was the main topic of conversation. Now, as the pandemic enters the next stage of its existence, this is a chance to reflect on it again. What Does Liberal Judaism Think? Exploring theological, intellectual and practical views on contemporary issues. Spiritual Possibilities of Judaism Today: Discussing our fresh and relevant Jewish spiritual life in 2022.
Ask The Rabbi: Have a cuppa and discuss your questions with Liberal rabbis in an informal atmosphere. Youth Programme: An energetic, fun and meaningful programme for all ages, prepared by LJY-Netzer.
With the current crisis in Ukraine, the Day of Celebration’s keynote session will be dedicated to the topic of refugees. It will ask what can we do to help Ukrainian, Syrian, Afghani and other people who have had to flee their country and begin their lives in a new place. Our keynote speakers are Sara Nathan and Paul Anticoni. Sara is the Co-Founder of Refugees at Home. Paul is the Chief Executive of World Jewish Relief. They will share their expertise and the lessons they have learned over many years of tireless work with refugees. The Day of Celebration is designed to have something for everyone. To book your place, visit www.liberaljudaism.org
THE ARK SYNAGOGUE raised more than £2,000 to support its twin communities in Lviv and Lutsk, Ukraine, by holding a fundraising concert. Find out more about this special evening, plus the initiatives happening at other Liberal Judaism communities to support the people of Ukraine, on page 5. Picture by Victor Shack.