The Movement for Progressive Judaism

04/06/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

At The Movement for Progressive Judaism, we are proud to build communities where LGBT+ Jews are fully included, fully celebrated and fully at home.

This month, we look forward to joining Pride in London in celebration, solidarity and Jewish joy.

Sign up to march with us using the link below:
https://tinyurl.com/JewishPride26

02/06/2026

Leo Baeck College has announced its latest intake of student rabbis.

They encompass an eclectic range of backgrounds and nationalities, but all share a passion for Judaism and a thirst to be part of communal life in the UK and beyond.

Four students – Gavriella Goldman, Madeline Hoffman, Dr Ariel Kahn and Fabrizio Melis – will start on LBC’s acclaimed five-year Rabbinic Programme in September 2026. Additionally, LBC will also be joined by a fifth student rabbi, Zachary Carruthers-Rothberg, finishing his studies.

Find out all about them here: https://lbc.ac.uk/leo-baeck-college-introduces-the-2026-2027-cohort/

02/06/2026

Progressive congregations around the UK will be holding special services in June to mark and celebrate our Movement’s commitment to LGBTQI+ equality. You can find and contact your local community here: https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/find-a-community/

Registration for the Jewish bloc at the London Pride parade on Saturday 4 July is also now open. The bloc – a chance to celebrate both LGBTQI+ and Jewish visibility – is being organised by Hineni Project and Sapphic Shabbat and is returning after Pride organisers agreed to receive antisemitism training from CST. You can register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2CqpLO5Vo8bdJsr9MYA2otvsU8FFZUeYkW71H2vrwsiHprg/viewform

In a powerful Thought for the Week on our website, Rabbi Adrian M Schell of Wimbledon Synagogue looks at the conversations Pride Month should inspire. He writes: "A closed door can wound quickly, and most of us know that. But welcome alone leaves power exactly where it was. Someone opens the door, someone sets the terms, someone decides how much difference is acceptable before things get uncomfortable. Belonging asks something different. It means nobody acts as the landlord of the covenant. It means LGBT+ Jews help shape the language and the practice of our communities too, not as guests whose presence is noted with warmth, but as people for whom it is also theirs to build." You can read the full piece here: https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/rabbi-adrian-m-schell-parashat-bhaalotecha-5786/

02/06/2026

Watch Rabbi DY of Radlett Reform Synagogue share why he decided to become a rabbi, what he is most enjoying about the role and his excitement about where the journey goes next.

29/05/2026

The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) and Arzenu Olami have teamed up for a discussion event at 7pm on Wednesday 10 June 2026, inspired by the new book Progressive Judaism, Zionism and the State of Israel.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy (MPJ Co-Leads), Rabbi Mark Goldsmith (Senior Rabbi of Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue - EHRS) and Rabbi Jordan Helfman (Senior Rabbi of Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue / Vice Chair of Arzenu) will explore the themes of the book and ask: 'What next for Progressive Jews, Zionism and the State of Israel?'

Dekel Houmash, Executive Director of Arzenu – the political voice of Progressive Religious Zionists within the World Zionist Organisation – will introduce the evening.

Discussion topics will include how the terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023 and the war in Gaza have impacted and changed our relationship with Israel, and what responsibility, pluralism, power and covenant now require of Progressive Jews in Britain, the Diaspora and Israel. There will also be opportunities for attendees to ask questions.

This event is free and open to everyone. You can sign up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JPYxZDkjRPqF6rEUiyWvKQ #/registration

27/05/2026

Shirei Chagigah is a chance to sing, learn, reflect and reconnect through Jewish music, prayer and community.

Cantors Zöe, Josh and Rose will be there, joining leaders, learners and everyone who loves to sing. They look forward to seeing you there in June.

21/05/2026

Judaism is for everyone, and that’s why .rebeccabirk always keeps some cuddly Torah scrolls in the Ark at Finchley Progressive Synagogue. ✨

Wishing everyone a Chag Sameach!

20/05/2026

The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) has opened applications for the position of Chair of Trustees.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead our new Movement as it continues to grow, develop and strengthen Progressive Judaism across the UK and Ireland.

Candidates wishing to apply through the MPJ Nominations Committee process should do so by filling in this form (deadline: Sunday 21 June): http://tinyurl.com/MPJChairApplication

A new Chair of Trustees will be elected as Chair-Designate at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Tuesday 29 September.

They will undertake a handover period with outgoing Chair Dr Ed Kessler – who is stepping down after three years leading the MPJ Advisory Board and Launch Board – before formally taking over as Chair of Trustees at the first MPJ AGM on Wednesday 2 December.

Robin Moss and Sue Pearlman (Co-Chairs of the Nominations Committee) have outlined the full process and nomination pathways here: https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/applications-open-for-candidates-for-mpj-chair/

The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) has opened applications for the position of Chair of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead our new Movement as it continues to grow, develop and strengthen Progressive Judaism across the UK and Ireland. Candidates wishing to apply thro...

20/05/2026

Incredibly proud to see BPS - Birmingham Progressive Synagogue member Jonathan Frisher on Good Morning Britain today talking about his campaign to make antisemitism education mandatory in British schools.

"This is not an abstract policy issue. It is about the daily abuse that Jewish students in school face — N**i salutes, gas chamber ‘jokes’, threats. I know it because I lived it. This campaign is about ensuring that the next generation of young Jews don’t have to experience this normalised hatred."

Read more about his campaign here:
https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/education-on-antisemitism-must-be-made-mandatory-in-uk-schools/

and here:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/antisemitism-lessons-school-starmer-cheshire-golders-green-b2973125.html

18/05/2026

They are getting ready for Shavuot at 🩵✨