By Rabbi Anna Wolfson and Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen “In every generation, everyone is obligated to see themselves as though they personally left Egypt.” As we each return to the Seder table this year, this line of liturgy from the Haggadah may resonate more strongly. The Seder table is a powerful space and, perhaps, one of our most beloved rituals. It infuses food with story, links the young to the old, the public story of the Jewish people to our own personal family stories and customs. In the last few years. we have navigated small Sedarim when lockdown restrictions meant we could not open ..read more

Two Progressive communities won prestigious Mitzvah Day Awards for their incredible interfaith social action on the day… and all year round. Maidenhead Synagogue picked up the Outstanding British Mitzvah Day prize with Birmingham Progressive Synagogue walking away with Outstanding Interfaith Partnership. Other communities receiving nominations included Menorah Synagogue, Southgate Progressive Synagogue, Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue, Kingston Liberal Synagogue, Alyth Synagogue, York Liberal Jewish Community and Progressive Jewish Link Northern Ireland – as well as Owen Power of York, Al ..read more

The latest Kivunim B’nei Mitzvah weekend for young people from the smaller Reform communities was held at Whitemoor Lakes Activity Centre in Lichfield. Twenty-four children from years 7 and 8 were involved, as part of a two-year programme to learn about Progressive Judaism and prepare for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, along with peers from up and down the country. The syllabus focuses on Jewish identity, tikkun olam, community, Jewish ritual and informed decision making. Elena Izmailova – the Movement for Reform Judaism’s Community Youth and Education Coordinator – said: “It was an amazing weekend f ..read more

More than 1,500 people from across the Jewish community, and beyond, came together in a vigil to support the 133 hostages still held captive in Gaza. Taking place opposite Downing Street, crowd members were visibly moved as the families of those taken and murdered by Hamas spoke about the pain and suffering they and others in Israel are going through. The rally was addressed by the leaders of all of Britain’s Jewish denominations, including Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy – who called for the return of the hostages and reflected on the six months since 7 Octo ..read more

Rabbi David-Yehuda ‘DY’ Stern led a Tolkien themed Shabbat service at Radlett Reform Synagogue. Reflecting on the themes of The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and Middle-Earth, the ‘Shacharit in the Shire’ service explored life’s journey, the loss and hope for nature and parallels between Lord of the Rings and Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible). Rabbi DY (pictured right) said: “By blending Tolkien’s own writing and artwork together with music and song inspired by his books, I hope that we helped to transport attendees from our synagogue to Hobbiton, Lothlorien and the very edge of Mount Doom ..read more

Why will this year’s Seder night be different from all other Seder nights? Because this year there’ll be an online opportunity for anyone curious about this most famous Jewish ritual. Aimed at those who may have recently converted, or are in the process of converting, it’s also open to everyone – as explaining Judaism can be challenging to all of us on the learning journey. You can expect a friendly and relaxed Pesach Seder that will celebrate and demystify the Haggadah liturgy, routines, and songs. And there will be ample opportunity to ask your own questions as the evening progresses. The O ..read more

Dr Ed Kessler MBE, the Chair of the Progressive Judaism Advisory Board, appeared on The Rest is Politics to discuss the war in Israel and Gaza and what happens next both there and for interfaith work in the UK. Ed is Founder President of the Woolf Institute and a leading thinker in interfaith relations. He told Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, who host the award-winning podcast, that he remains optimistic, despite the very difficult situation. Ed said: “I’m an optimist. All war comes to an end. There will be a resolution at some point. So we need to start thinking about the day after. We h ..read more

Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy, the Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism, joined London Mayor Sadiq Khan for a large scale open-air interfaith Iftar held in Trafalgar Square. Despite bad weather, thousands gathered for the Ramadan fast-breaking event. Rabbis Josh and Charley were joined by many others from the Jewish community – including Mitzvah Day Chair Laura Marks and Holocaust Memorial Day Trust CEO Olivia Marks-Woldman. Rabbi Charley said: “The rain did not dampen our commitment to once more be with our Muslim friends and neighbours.” The Mayor added: “Thousands of Londoners from acro ..read more

Menorah Synagogue (Cheshire Reform Congregation) is looking for an inspirational leader who is passionate about Judaism and has a genuine care for people and community. Menorah Rabbi Job Advert 28 March 24 FinalDownload The post Full Time Rabbi: Menorah Synagogue appeared first on The Movement for Reform Judaism ..read more

By Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism In October of last year, together with other communal leaders, we produced a set of principles about how to respond to the emerging crisis in Israel and Gaza. It was called ‘Our Jewish Values’ and spoke for many in our communities who were searching for the words to respond, evidenced by thousands of people from across the spectrum of the Jewish community, including over 100 rabbis, who chose to add their names to the online document.   Six months on, revisiting the words, they still resonate. More powerful ..read more