Our first Rosh Hashanah as The Movement for Progressive Judaism was another special milestone. Communities across the UK and Ireland were busier than ever, as members came together for services, youth activities, study sessions, tashlich walks, reverse tashlich clean-ups, communal meals and lots of shofar blowing.
Here we bring you a round-up of photos and stories. We are still adding to this, so if your synagogue is missing, please send your picture to media@progressivejudaism.org.uk.
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Menorah Synagogue members had a choice of Rosh Hashanah options over two days including a regular service with Rabbi Kath Vardi, lay-led service with extensive community participation, an informal and musical B’Yachad service, and a children’s service and educational activity. Here Rabbi Kath and young member Ted blow the shofar.
East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue were joined by Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London’s Deputy Mayor for Communities & Social Justice, on Erev Rosh Hashanah. The Deputy Mayor – pictured here with the congregation’s Stewart Spivack, Jennifer Barnett, Rabbi Richard Jacobi and Josh Newham – said: “It was a privilege to join the Jewish community at this important time of year and to reflect on the values of hope, community and kindness.” ELELS members also enjoyed a range of services, including for families and tots, and a reverse tashlich at a local river over Rosh Hashanah.
Newcastle Reform Synagogue members not only enjoyed a lovely service on Rosh Hashanah but also the tradition of their annual community lunch catered by Brenda and Brian Dinsdale (pictured here in front of the legendary spread).
Rabbi Cliff Cohen, Dr Hélène Cohen and the community at Thanet and District Reform Synagogue held a Reverse Tashlich beach clean-up on Ramsgate Beach in Kent.
Members of Sukkat Shalom: Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community went to the River Leith for their tashlich ritual, led by Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah.
Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community kicked off Rosh Hashanah with a community seder, celebrating (and consuming) a variety of simanim (symbolic foods) with hopes for a pleasing year ahead.
Cheder children at Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community made and wolfed down honey cake to prepare for the festival.
Many new families joined the growing Progressive Community in North Herts for a pre Rosh Hashanah tea with Rabbi Paul Freedman. The shofar was blown by Rabbi Paul, apples and honey eaten together with lots of cake!
After the Rosh Hashanah service at Hull Reform Synagogue, everyone went for their annual communal lunch out.
At Wimbledon Synagogue, Will Hammond was joined by the synagogue’s Rabbi Adrian Schell in the Tekiah Gedolah on Rosh Hashanah.
Members of all ages enjoyed Rosh Hashanah at Sinai Synagogue in Leeds. Picture courtesy of si@addictive.media.
Members of Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue spent time getting the shul ready for the High Holy Days.The adornments of the Sifrei Torah were cleaned, Torah scrolls set ready for reading, and the Torah mantles changed to white for the season.
Members of Stevenage Liberal Synagogue enjoyed a chavurah lunch with Student Rabbi Rachel Berkson after their Rosh Hashanah service.