Passover 5786 was celebrated in a variety of meaningful, joyful and creative ways across our Progressive communities.
All over the UK and Ireland, people came together for Seders, walks and events to mark the festival – with many welcoming guests and new members, or uniting with other local congregations for joint celebrations.
You can see a selection of the pictures we have been sent below. If you have a photo to add to this article, please send it to media@progressivejudaism.org.uk (by submitting images, you confirm that your community has appropriate permission to share them).
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East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue had two special guests for Seder – Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Carl Galvin and MP for Leyton and Wanstead Calvin Bailey (pictured with Rabbi David Hulbert, ELELS Chair Jennifer Barnett and Rabbi Richard Jacobi). Rabbi David said: “Our Jewish communities are under unprecedented threat. So more than ever, we need to cultivate the support, sympathy and understanding of those who will help and protect us… in particular, Members of Parliament and the police!”
The Wimbledon Synagogue, Kingston Liberal Synagogue and North West Surrey Synagogue came together as Southside Progressive Communities for joint Pesach services, with the first day in Weybridge and the seventh in Wimbledon. The services were co-led by Rabbis Drorah Setel, Lev Saul and Adrian Schell.
Finchley Progressive Synagogue held a Communal Seder in the newly renovated sanctuary. Joyous songs were sung, delicious food was eaten, thought-provoking questions were asked, plastic frogs were sprung, and the wonderful new space was filled with laughter and community.
Menorah Synagogue’s annual matzah ramble involved 15 people, four dogs, frolicking newborn lambs and soaring skylarks. Anna Hassan, who organised the walk around Bollington and Rainow said: “It was lovely to have so many people in our community enjoying the sunshine.”
Glasgow Reform Synagogue was packed for a second night Seder, led by Rabbi Pete Tobias, with more than 60 participants.
Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community held Seders on the first and second nights of Passover – with the first led by community members in Chelmsford (pictured) and the second by Rabbi Irit Shillor in Harlow – providing two enjoyable and meaningful evenings.
Bradford Synagogue hosted a number of local dignitaries at their community Seder, including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bradford and local civic and faith leaders. (Photo by Martin Williams).
Southport and District Reform Synagogue held a moving and reflective community Seder, bringing together members and guests from across the local Jewish community to mark Pesach with a focus on resilience and hope. Led by Fortune Chamberlain, the evening combined tradition, warmth and inclusivity, while also acknowledging the realities of modern Jewish life.
The Progressive Jewish Community in Northern Ireland held a chocolate Seder, with books and materials kindly provided by the PJ Library – giving a lovely way to engage children in the story of Pesach.
Kol Chai – Hatch End Reform Jewish Community held an absorbing and meaningful Communal Seder led by Rabbi Naomi Goldman, providing many opportunities to consider how the Passover message is relevant to us today.
York Liberal Jewish Community enjoyed a wonderful Communal Seder. It was led by Rabbi Elisheva – with joy, spontaneity and much singing – and followed by a delicious bring-and-share buffet.
The Liberal Synagogue Elstree and Radlett Reform Synagogue Seder was a great success, led by Rabbi Paul Freedman and Rabbi Gershon Silins. The Radlett synagogue building was full with new and returning participants, creating a beautiful atmosphere of friendship.
The Radlett Reform Synagogue Cheder and The Hub at Elstree also held a joint pre-Pesach morning. The children came together for activities including making bags of plagues and holding a chocolate Seder.
North Herts Progressive Jewish Community held a fun matzah ramble on Oughtonhead Common in Hitchin, one of three involving members of Radlett Reform Synagogue.
Stevenage Liberal Synagogue’s first night Communal Seder was enjoyed by all. Led by the community, members told the story, sang the songs and enjoyed a delicious meal together.
Wessex Liberal Jewish Community held a fantastic second night Seder, attended by members of all ages and led by lay readers Michael Hart and Pam Fox.
Southend and District Reform Synagogue held a Shabbat lunchtime Seder, led by Rabbi Warren Elf, that saw 50 members of all ages get together to mark Pesach.
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue had over 100 members and guests in attendance for a Communal Seder, where everyone had a magnificent time! (Photo by Adrienne Sugarman).
Lincolnshire Jewish Community came together for a first night Seder, with 20 members attending from all over Lincolnshire and beyond for a lovely evening and meal.