Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy

11/06/2026

Today, Rabbi Charley Baginsky joined a delegation from the Embassy of Israel in the UK in Manchester for a meeting with representatives from Progressive Jewish communities.

The discussion explored Jewish life in Manchester, the experiences and priorities of Progressive Jews, and the ways in which our communities continue to engage thoughtfully and meaningfully with Israel.

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

One of the four key missions of The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) is to strengthen, support and connect communities.

As part of this work, we – as well as other members of the MPJ professional staff team – are proud to attend services and events held in congregations all across the UK and Ireland.

In the last month, Rabbi Josh has delivered sermons at Harlow Jewish Community/Chelmsford Jewish Community (pictured) and North West Surrey Synagogue, as well as speaking at the Stevenage Liberal Synagogue AGM. During all three visits, he was also delighted to talk about the opportunities Progressive Judaism provides for people and how it only truly flourishes when the Movement and our communities work in true partnership.

Rabbi Charley attended the induction of Rabbi Andrea Kulikovsky at The Ark Synagogue, and will be at the induction of Rabbi Lev Saul at Kingston Liberal Synagogue this weekend.

Hilary, the Secretary and Treasurer of Stevenage Liberal Synagogue explained the importance of this support. She said: “To have Rabbi Josh Levy at our AGM gave the event extra importance. He was extremely interesting and informative and we all thoroughly enjoyed meeting him.”

If you would like one of us to attend a service, event or meeting your community is holding, or come and talk to your members about The Movement for Progressive Judaism, please contact Diana on [email protected]

19/05/2026

We are horrified by the attack at the Islamic Center in San Diego, where children were forced to hide while gunfire erupted around them. No child should associate a place of prayer with fear.

Many Muslims in Britain will read this with a sense of painful familiarity, just as many Jews now carry fear into synagogues, schools and communal spaces. Places of worship must never become targets.

We send our solidarity, prayers and love to the Muslim community in San Diego and to Muslim communities everywhere feeling frightened today. Our safety is bound up with one another’s.

18/05/2026

Across the UK, Jewish students are asking serious questions about Jewish life, identity and leadership today.

Rabbi Josh Levy, Co-Lead of the Movement for Progressive Judaism, and Zac Bates Fisher, our Student Engagement Officer, have been visiting JSocs to hear directly from students and to support them in these conversations.

This month, Rabbi Josh has led sessions in Liverpool, Sheffield and York, with discussions ranging from Progressive Jewish practice to how we speak about antisemitism with clarity and confidence.

At a time when Jewish students are navigating complex and often difficult campus environments, these conversations are part of our commitment to showing up for young Jewish adults, strengthening Progressive Jewish life on campus, and making sure students feel connected to a wider Movement.

Thank you to the JSocs who have hosted such thoughtful and engaged discussions.

To arrange a visit to your campus, please email [email protected]

13/05/2026

Today we met the Prime Minister’s Special Adviser for Faith, Communities and Civil Society to discuss security funding for Jewish communities, and the wider investment needed in the relationships, trust and shared civic life that keep our society strong.

Progressive Jewish communities know the importance of secure buildings. We also want those buildings to be places where friends and allies from every faith and background feel welcome, just as we are so often welcomed into theirs.

The answer to rising antisemitism is to increase our protection but also our sense of belonging. That happens when communities meet, look after one another and stand together.

We are grateful to the Prime Minister for his continued support for our communities.

10/05/2026

THIS EVENING // On Sunday 10 May at 18:30, following the rally in London, we will be hosting a discussion with Lord (John) Mann, the Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism.

Lord Mann, a staunch ally of the Jewish community, will be in conversation with Rabbi Charley Baginsky in a North London venue.

Click below to register:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xjjAJhIsmUeIo1b_N967Iv2_2KRrY2dEjI1Z8BddALFUMFlRS05NMzU2T1NYMkhXTUJUTEhSQ1VOMi4u

08/05/2026

The Movement for Progressive Judaism will be supporting this Sunday’s rally against antisemitism.

We are doing so for a number of reasons.

Click below to read more:
https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Sundays-Rally.pdf

05/05/2026

"A country in which Jewish life can be lived openly, confidently, and without hesitation is not only safer for Jews. It is a sign of a society that understands that belonging is something we are all responsible for – in the ways we see each other, and in the ways we choose to stand alongside one another."

Rabbi Charley Baginsky on Thought for the Day today.

Listen here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0njd68d

Read here:
https://progressivejudaism.org.uk/rabbi-charley-baginsky-antisemitism-is-not-only-about-jews/

05 MAY 26

29/04/2026

We are horrified by the antisemitic attack in Golders Green and pray for the full and swift recovery of those injured.

This kind of violence has no place in our society.

We are grateful to the CST, Hatzola, Shomrim and the Metropolitan Police for the way they responded so quickly and calmly, protecting the community and helping to restore order.

Amidst the stark rise in attacks on our community, their presence and coordination made a real difference in a frightening situation, and reflects the strength and resilience of our community.