The Movement for Progressive Judaism

16/10/2026

Newly updated versions of The Movement for Progressive Judaism’s Lectionary/Luach – our calendars of the dates and recommended Torah and Haftarah readings for Shabbat, festivals and special Shabbatot – are now available.

Extremely useful for Progressive congregations and clergy planning services, our thanks go to Rabbi Paul Freedman and Rabbi David Hulbert for compiling these important documents. They reflect the two different legacy traditions – Liberal and Reform – within our Movement and are used by communities to decide which part of the weekly Torah portion they will be reading.

Our website also has an additional calendar, giving both the English and Hebrew dates for each major festival over the next four years. It follows Progressive Jewish practice, although the way festivals are celebrated – including whether a second day of Rosh Hashanah is observed – varies between communities.

Click on an option below (or in the navigation bar of our website) to select the calendar you require.

Festival Dates: https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/festival-dates/

Liberal Lectionary 5787–5788 (2026–2028):https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/LiberalLectionary-5787-and-5788.pdf

Reform Luach 5787 (2026–2027):https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Reform-Lectionary.pdf

Reform Luach 5788–5790 (2027–2030):https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Reform-Luach-5788-to-5790.pdf

16/10/2026

Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy – the Co-Leads of The Movement for Progressive Judaism – spoke to the heads of the J7: Large Communities’ Task Force Against Antisemitism at a meeting (pictured) organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews. The J7 was set up in response to incr...

15/10/2026

Over the last year, we have been building our YouTube and Spotify channels to provide communities, members and those looking to join or find out more about Progressive Judaism with a growing range of resources, conversations and insights.

From exploring the principles, practices and history of Progressive Judaism in our Education Hub, to our brand new In Good Faith series of conversations tackling often divisive topics, to live events and keynote speeches and sermons, there is something for everyone.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/?sub_confirmation=1

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04EKD0OyiGNT3VIcXwqk3f

15/10/2026

🗣️ "As Jews, we cannot demand that others stand against antisemitism while remaining silent when Muslims, Black people, Asian communities or others face racism and hatred."

Read our statement condemning the racism of Reform UK councillors: https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/statement-condemning-racism-of-reform-uk-councillors/

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FULL STATEMENT:

By Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky
Co-Leads, The Movement for Progressive Judaism

The Movement for Progressive Judaism condemns the racism, Islamophobia, misogyny and violent language expressed by councillors and candidates of the Reform UK political party, as exposed by an ITV News investigation.

The reported comments are abhorrent. That people holding or seeking public office could speak about others in this way should concern us all. We cannot allow racism, hatred and threats of violence to become normalised in our political life.

The Torah commands us, Lo ta’amod al dam re’echa: Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbour (Leviticus 19:16).

As Jews, we cannot demand that others stand against antisemitism while remaining silent when Muslims, Black people, Asian communities or others face racism and hatred. Our responsibility to speak out extends beyond our own community.

We recognise that Reform UK has begun taking action in response to these revelations and expect that action to be followed through. But the responsibility to confront racism goes far beyond one party. All those involved in political life have a duty to challenge it, including within their own ranks, and to uphold standards that protect the dignity and safety of everyone in our society.

Cleaning up our politics is a responsibility we all share. It begins with refusing to excuse hatred, whoever expresses it, and insisting that those who seek to represent us are held to the standards we should expect of public office.

By Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky Co-Leads, The Movement for Progressive Judaism The Movement for Progressive Judaism condemns the racism, Islamophobia, misogyny and violent language expressed by councillors and candidates of the Reform UK political party, as exposed by an ITV News inves...

15/10/2026

Simchat Torah was extra special this year at Kol Chai - The Hatch End Reform Jewish Community, as the community welcomed a new Torah mantle designed by 13-year-old Ora and handmade by members of the congregation.

The project began in January 2026, when Jacky, Juliette, Ben, Bernadette and Ora came together to create a mantle for the community’s newest lightweight Torah scroll, which was introduced to encourage more people to take part in hagba (the lifting of the Torah) during services. Textile artist Lana, a friend of Jacky’s, kindly provided valuable practical advice.

Bernadette said: “Although none of us had made a Torah mantle before, we brought sewing, artistic and DIY skills to the project. Ora presented several beautiful designs, and we unanimously chose one featuring the Sun, Sunrays, and Dove of Peace.

“Using vibrant colours, we transferred the design onto silk, carefully sewing each piece before attaching it to a velvet background. Many hours of teamwork went into creating a colourful, durable mantle that we hope will stand the test of time.

“Everyone contributed to this special project, and our names and the year are sewn into the lining as a lasting reminder. May this Torah mantle be treasured and used for generations to come!”

14/10/2026

🎉 Mazel tov to Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers, who has been appointed as the new Senior Rabbi of Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue - EHRS.

Rabbi Debbie will make history as the first woman to lead EHRS – or either of its predecessor congregations – when she succeeds Rabbi Mark Goldsmith on 1 May 2027. It is also the first time in almost half a century that the Senior Rabbi has been appointed from within the clergy team.

Rabbi Debbie said: “I feel incredibly excited and honoured to be working with our wonderful professional team and lay leaders to continue to shape EHRS, help her flourish and make Judaism meaningful in a constantly evolving world.”

Read the full story here: https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/ehrs-appoints-rabbi-debbie-young-somers-as-new-senior-rabbi/

12/10/2026

Join Rabbi Lea Mühlstein tomorrow (Tuesday 13 October) for The Movement for Progressive Judaism and Arzenu Olami's series on understanding the Israeli elections.

Rabbi Lea will lead a Zoom session giving an overview of the principal political parties taking part in this election - giving a clear and accessible guide to their histories, leaders, policies and priorities.

Click here to sign up: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BuZCdzIVQgSwEh9WotMXvw #/registration

08/10/2026

“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.”

At our 7 October commemoration in Manchester, Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Kath Vardi sang Or Zaruah together, offering a moment of hope in the midst of remembrance.

When grief and loss feel overwhelming, it can be difficult to imagine a way forward. Healing takes time, and grief does not follow a straight line. Yet slowly, even in the darkest moments, we can begin to glimpse the possibility of light returning.

As Manchester’s Progressive Jewish communities gathered to remember those we have lost, these words reminded us of the hope we sustain together, and the strength we find in one another.

08/10/2026

Rabbi Yael Vurgan, Rabbi for the Sha’ar Hanegev region, lit the memorial candle as Manchester’s Progressive Jewish communities came together to remember those murdered on 7 October and all those whose lives were changed forever.

130 people from Menorah, Manchester Reform and Sha’arei Shalom gathered at Menorah Synagogue for a moving service of remembrance, reflection and hope.

Led by Rabbi Kath Vardi, the congregation joined together in the Mourner’s Kaddish, remembering those we have lost and holding their families and loved ones in our thoughts.

Through prayer, music and the testimonies of survivors, the evening offered a chance to grieve together, support one another and reaffirm our shared hope for peace.

07/10/2026

Many of us remember exactly where we were on 7 October 2023. Three years later, it’s hard to imagine how much that day, and everything since, would change us. Our lives, our relationships, the way we see the world and each other.

So much grief. So much that cannot be undone. We may wonder how much of ourselves we have lost along the way.

At our memorial service this week we used the poems of Roee Kibrik, scholar and peace activist:

“The seeds of our deeds, lying in the furrows, are waiting for rain.

The paths of our shared life are pleading for our footsteps.

Let us walk in peace, with open hearts, and recognise our own face in the other.

Good days lie ahead of us.”

Some days those last words feel almost painful to believe. Today especially. But we cannot stop believing them.