September/October 2017 VOL. XLIV No. 5
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
New Patrons scheme will help Shaan urges everyone find their Jewish home Liberal values
in PM meeting
Past and present members of LJY-Netzer are pictured at Liberal Judaism’s Patrons’ Dinner
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IBERAL JUDAISM has launched a brand new fundraising project to truly make the movement a home for everyone’s Jewish story. Liberal Judaism’s director of strategy and partnerships, Rabbi Charley Baginsky, told lj today: “In order to fulfil our responsibilities and bring Judaism to those people and places others cannot reach, we need to be confident, wellorganised and well-resourced. “The wonder of Liberal Judaism is that we are a movement in the truest sense of the word. We understand that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. “We are fundraising from a shared belief that just as we found a home for our own Jewish stories, we now have the responsibility to help others find their Jewish home too.” Charley added: “I would like to thank our existing patrons, who have done so much to help our movement over the last decade. We hope this new scheme will now see more people join their ranks and help us reach new highs.”
Liberal Judaism’s Patrons Scheme, launched at this year’s annual House of Lords Patrons’ Dinner, has four levels of commitment available – Young Patron (a donation of £1,000 per annum), Bronze Patron (£4,000 per annum), Silver Patron (£10,000 per annum) and Gold Patron (£20,000 per annum). One-off donations are also encouraged to fund specific projects such as providing a small community with prayer brooks, enabling young members to attend LJYNetzer events, camps and Israel Tour, and employing a part-time northern development worker. Patrons will receive VIP invitations to Liberal Judaism events including the Patrons’ Dinner and Biennial Weekend, regular updates and an input into the movement’s strategic development. For a private conversation about supporting Liberal Judaism, please contact Charley on 020 7631 9824 or c.baginsky@liberaljudaism.org • Pages 5-7: Fundraising special
LIBERAL JUDAISM’S Shaan Knan spoke with Prime Minister Theresa May at a 10 Downing Street reception to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community. Shaan highlighted Liberal Judaism’s trailblazing work on equality and human rights, especially the oral history projects which he manages. Shaan (pictured right) said: “I spoke about how our movement led the way on the fight for equal marriage, as well as our pioneering Rainbow Jews, Twilight People and Rainbow Pilgrims projects. “I also stressed how I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister speak about the Conservative Government’s commitment to equality, and pointed out that funding and support was much needed when it comes to minorities within minorities such as LBGTQI+ people of faith.” The annual reception, which was first held in 2009 by then Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown, was attended by leading figures from the LGBTQI+ community and allies. This year’s event also marked the 50th anniversary of the law that partially decriminalised homosexuality in England and Wales.