Progressive Jews of all ages came from all over the UK, Ireland and beyond for the sold-out event. Attendees represented 53 different Progressive Jewish congregations and included more than 50 rabbis, cantors and student rabbis.

Among those from our region taking part were members of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue, Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community and Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue.

Opening the conference – the first since the merger of Liberal and Reform Judaism – MPJ Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy spoke about the poignancy of the moment and the huge potential of what lies ahead.

Rabbi Josh said: “We have been reflecting on just how emotional this is for us to be here, in this space, not as two Movements but as one. Today, The Movement for Progressive Judaism really is able to say ‘Hineinu, here we are’ together.”

Rabbi Charley added: “Here we are ready to study, sing, explore, dance, renew and refresh. Here we are because we are stronger together. Here we are, inheritors of a remarkable legacy, ready to build upon it. Here we are, ready to help shape Jewish life, British society and the world our children will inherit.”

A packed programme included more than 80 sessions – ranging from Shirei Chagigah’s spaces for joyful harmony, illuminating liturgy through song and exploring non-Ashkenazi melodies from around the world to Hineinu panels and discussions exploring liturgy, identity, practice, prayer, Israel, LGBTQI+, social justice, leadership, activism, community building and the future of Jewish life.

There was also a dedicated crèche and children’s programme – run by LJY-Netzer and RSY-Netzer – including sessions for kids and their adults together.

Joyful, spiritual and musical services harmonised all the different traditions and tunes within Progressive Judaism and its communities.

Cantor Zöe Jacobs, Founder of Shirei Chagigah, said: “It is a gift to be together, and we can hear it in the beautiful harmonies we are singing: We know there are going to be moments when we pray differently together. Please know that your voice, and your minhag (custom) is always going to be welcome even, or especially, when you do something different to us.”

Shabbat services were led by clergy including Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Cantor Sarah Grabiner and Cantor Rosalie Will (Friday night) and Rabbi Rachel Benjamin, Cantor Josh Breitzer and Cantor Zöe Jacobs (Shabbat morning) with many poignant moments and contributions from members of our region.

Mich Sampson, Music Director at East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue, played a key role throughout the event as part of Shirei Chagigah faculty – leading worship, teaching song and working alongside special guests from North America Cantor Josh Breitzer, Cantor Rosalie Will and Noah Aronson.

Hineinu’s keynote address was given by MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv, who made history by becoming the first ever Progressive rabbi elected to Israel’s Knesset (Parliament) and who was introduced to the conference as “the most important rabbi in the world right now”.

He said: “The creation of this new united movement places British and Irish Progressive Judaism at the very heart of our global Jewish Progressive Movement.

“At a time when we need to strengthen the voice of Progressive Judaism, both in Israel and all around the Jewish world, I want to thank you for carrying out this important, important process.

“I hope that many others learn from you so that we all find ways to work together and to create one Progressive Jewish force that will help us to guard our fundamental values, both in Israel and around the world.”

Other special guests from abroad included Rabbi David Saperstein – Director Emeritus of the American Reform Movement’s Religious Action Center and the first rabbi to be designated a U.S. Ambassador – and Rabbi Dr Michael Marmur, Professor of Jewish Theology at Hebrew Union College Jerusalem and the son of the late and beloved former Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue (then SWESRS) minister Rabbi Dow Marmur.

As the conference came to a close, participants were given packets of seeds to take back and plant – to signify a commitment made by all those present to go home and grow their communities and Progressive Judaism in their region.

• Pictures by Si Marcus (Addictive Media) and Student Rabbi Richard Greene

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Leading members of our local Jewish communities helped the Jewish Joint Burial Society (JJBS) dedicate its first ever Holocaust Memorial, located at the Woodland Cemetery, Cheshunt.

A special service was led by Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick with readings from Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris, Principal of Leo Baeck College, and Movement for Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky. It blended traditional memorial prayers, Yiddish songs, poetry and the writings of Holocaust survivor Rabbi Albert Friedlander OBE.

Attendees included representatives of many of the 46 Progressive, Masorti and Independent communities served by JJBS – including many located in Essex and East London – as well as the Mayor of Broxbourne Councillor Patsy Spears.

Steve Wynne, Outgoing Chair of JJBS and a member of Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue in Wanstead, said: “It has long been our desire for the Society to have such a memorial on our grounds, and I am pleased that we have now been able to achieve this.

“We just marked the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings. This began the journey which ended with the world learning about the Shoah and stopped the further deaths of so many innocents. This memorial is for all those who died in those horrific times and for years after, their families and descendants.”

He was joined by JJBS Senior Sexton Mitzi Kalinsky and JJBS Honorary President Frank Goldson – both also members of Sukkat Shalom – and Incoming JJBS Chair Cheryl Petar of Harlow & Chelmsford Jewish Community.

The stone, created and donated by Gary Green Memorials, stands at the entrance to the Woodland Cemetery. It bears an inscription from the Book of Lamentations: “For those I weep, stream of tears flow from my eyes because of the destruction of my people.”

It is the first Holocaust memorial at a Progressive Jewish cemetery. A weeping willow will be added to the grounds in October to commemorate those murdered by Hamas in the 7 October 2023 terrorist atrocity.

The Woodland Cemetery gives people the choice to be buried in an ecologically-friendly manner with a variety of areas and options to suit the desires of individuals and their families.

It allows couples to be buried together – including Jewish people with their non-Jewish partners – in double-depth graves.

To find out more about the Woodland Cemetery, please visit www.jjbs.org.uk/cemeteries.

The post Local leaders help dedicate Woodland Cemetery’s Holocaust Memorial appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

Fancy a fantastic night out with top-quality shows right on your doorstep?

Then take a look at Southend Theatres. Between the 1,600-seat Cliffs Pavilion and the Edwardian splendour of the Palace Theatre, there’s an outstanding programme of entertainment for you to enjoy here in Essex. Below, we pick out five upcoming highlights to suit all ages and tastes:

1. Operation Mincemeat (31 Aug – 5 Sep at the Cliffs Pavilion) is the 2024 Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical. It’s London’s biggest hit with 113 five star reviews, making it the best-reviewed show in West End history.

Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. Not to be missed.

2. The Choir of Man (15 – 19 Sep at the Cliffs Pavilion) is another Olivier Award nominated show coming to Southend direct from the West End.

Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns N’ Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few, this is like being in the best pub in the world.

3. Dial M for Murder (12 – 16 Aug Aug at the Palace) takes you back to London, 1952. Former tennis professional Tony Wendice and his wealthy wife Margot appear to have it all. But everything is not as it seems. Tony believes he has orchestrated the perfect murder of Margot, but when the plan goes wrong it leads to a gripping web of lies, betrayal and lethal twists.

Don’t miss this masterclass in suspense that inspired the cinematic masterpiece. Dial M for Murder is a tour de force of psychological tension.

4. Dog Man: The Musical  (18 – 20 Aug at the Palace) is a hilarious new musical based on the worldwide bestselling book series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club.

Dog Man is the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man and ALL HERO! But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? A hugely entertaining show for children and adults alike. 

5. Wilko: Love and Death and Rock’n’Roll (12 – 17 Oct at the Palace) celebrates the life and music of Wilko Johnson.

In 2012, Wilko, the iconic rock star and founder of legendary Essex band Dr Feelgood, was told he had inoperable cancer and a year to live. Refusing all treatment, he decided to spend his last months living meaningfully: seeing the people, places and things which meant most to him during his remarkable life. Then, a miracle happened…

• Tickets for all these shows are on sale now from www.southendtheatres.org.uk or by calling 0343 310 0030.

The post From West End to Southend – the hit shows coming to Essex appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

It’s not often you get to attend the world premiere of a new theatre production right here in Essex.

Especially when that show is the eagerly awaited first musical from Mischief… the creators of hilarious hit West End comedy The Play That Goes Wrong.

But so it was that my teenage children and I sat in Mercury Theatre to watch the very first performance of Thespians: Greece The Musical (But Not That One).

I’ve reviewed many shows, films and concerts over three decades, but there’s nothing quite like putting your pen down and seeing how the kids enjoy it.

And enjoy it they did… eyes transfixed to the stage, laughing throughout and pointing out any references, puns and theatre or historical in-jokes that I had missed.

To try to explain the plot of a Mischief production would be pointless, but the basics are we follow a team of five friends in Ancient Greece – loosely based on characters from history and mythology – who have to move from their tiny island of Ikaria to Athens, enter a prayer competition to try and stop a dreadful drought, and end up inventing theatre as we know it today.

A mix of musical, slapstick and pantomime, we get tales of friendship, family, lost love, found love, betrayal, redemption, a baddie you will love to hate and heroes you want to see rewarded.

Written by Mischief’s Jonathan Sayer and Ed Zanders, the gags and comic moments come thick and fast as you’d expect.

The songs are catchy, and the lyrics silly. It can take a short while to get to grips with the world it is set in, but once you do you’ll fall in love.

The cast – Allie Dart as Rhapsodes, Claire-Marie Hall as Poly, James Spence as Thespis, Luke Latchman as Atlas, Marc Pickering as Adonis, Matt Cavendish as Bard, Mia Jerome as Melampus and Rhys Taylor as The Tyrant, with an ensemble of Ashley Tucker, Josh Patel-Foster and Curtis Patrick – are simply fantastic.

They blend over-the-top antics and camp villainy with genuine emotional warmth that makes you want to see what happens next – all delivered with an energy that never seems to end. You get the impression watching that they are having as much fun as we are!

Add in the superb choreography from Melody Sinclair-Marsh, stage design from Jasmine Swan and direction from Robyn Grant, and everything comes together perfectly.

Ultimately the show is a love letter to theatre, giving a (historically inaccurate but hilariously funny) account of its origins and the story of Thespis, the world’s first actor.

There are nods to so many other productions and pop culture favourites – Wicked, Chicago and Notting Hill among them – that you can see just how much the writers love their craft.

Another important point is that Thespians – playing in local theatres around the country – is affordable. It gives West End/Broadway quality without the prices you’d usually associate with that.

It’s a fun family night out – as I found – but would be equally enjoyable for individuals, couples or adult groups.

Give it a try… you can’t go wrong!

• Thespians plays at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester until 23 May, before touring to Bath, Swindon, Guildford, Cheltenham, Cardiff and Manchester. Find out more and purchase tickets here.

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By Pat Lidiker

The finishing touches are being made to The Sugar & Ronson Campus, set to open in Redbridge in summer 2026.

Jewish Care’s landmark hub will transform the way the charity cares for, connects with and reaches out to the Jewish community in Essex and north east London, bringing its services under one roof in a modern, inclusive and welcoming space.

Our never-before-seen photos show the outside of the purpose-built care and community campus … and we can’t wait to take you through the doors in future issues.

Jewish Care CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown said: “The build and finish stage is complete in The Sugar Family Care Home and the final touches are being made to The Ronson Community Centre and The Dennis Centre for people living with dementia.

“We are looking forward to opening the new first-class Sugar & Ronson Campus this summer, and seeing our long-held vision become a reality.”

The post First look at Jewish Care’s incredible care and community campus appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

The honour recognises Neil’s sustained national contribution across more than two decades of leadership and comes at a time of heightened concern over antisemitism, safety and social cohesion in Britain. It

As CEO of JLGB.org (the Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade), Neil has led the transformation of one of Britain’s oldest youth movements into a modern national award-winning organisation – expanding access and enabling thousands of young people from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds to participate, while strengthening identity and belonging.

His work also includes producing Yom HaShoah UK – the Jewish community’s annual Holocaust memorial – and chairing the Interfaith Youth Trust, which supports grassroots interfaith projects across the UK.

The King has a longstanding and warm relationship with the Jewish community, including through Holocaust remembrance, interfaith engagement and as a Patron of Jewish organisations including, fittingly, JLGB.

Speaking following the ceremony, Neil – who was born in Ilford and now lives in South Woodford – said: “This is a deeply humbling moment, not as a personal recognition, but as a reflection of an extraordinary community. It was particularly special to speak to The King about this, and the challenging times we are facing, and to hear of his support.

“I stand on the shoulders of giants. Everything this honour represents has been built by generations of young people, volunteers, partners and families who show up every day with commitment, resilience and belief, determined to be a credit to their community and their country, and to pay it forward to the next generation.”

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A post shared by Neil Martin CBE (@neilsmartin)

In a moving Instagram post (above), he thanked his wife Ginny and their children saying: “Last time I stood here, before His Majesty The King, then the Prince of Wales, to receive my OBE, I was a son, standing with my parents. This time, I stood here as a father, with my own children, to receive my CBE.

“The day was made all the more special with Ginny at my side once again. With the many roles I am privileged to hold, I often come home with very little left to give, while Ginny holds our family together behind the scenes.”

The award of the CBE has also prompted praise from senior civic leaders across Government and public life.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “London is proud of leaders like Neil, whose work has brought communities together, supported young people across our city, and ensured that the lessons of history are never forgotten. His CBE is richly deserved, and I congratulate him on this national recognition.”

Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, added: “Neil has spent two decades strengthening the fabric of British society through youth empowerment, Holocaust remembrance and interfaith understanding. His elevation to CBE is a testament to his tireless service and unwavering commitment to building a more cohesive, resilient and compassionate country.”

Ruth Marvel OBE, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, added: “Neil has played an instrumental role in expanding access to the DofE Award for thousands of young people who might otherwise have faced barriers. His leadership has helped ensure that opportunity is truly inclusive. We at DofE are delighted to see his contribution recognised with a CBE.”

The post King shows support as he invests JLGB’s Neil Martin as CBE appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

Robert’s career spans more than 20 years in UK politics and public policy, with senior roles in Parliament, the London Assembly and Government. He has served as a Special Adviser at DEFRA, Head of Office for the Conservatives on the London Assembly – where he worked closely with then Mayor Boris Johnson – and Head of the Leader of the Opposition’s Office for Kemi Badenoch (pictured above).

Robert, who grew up in Southend and was a member of Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation, is widely recognised for his work building constructive engagement between politicians, institutions and local communities.

He said: “I’m incredibly honoured and proud to have been awarded an MBE. It has been a privilege to work at all levels of government, alongside colleagues and communities who care deeply about public service and making a difference.

“I’m grateful to the many people I’ve had the opportunity to work with and for over the years, and to everyone who has supported me along the way.”

Daniel served as Chair of Tottenham Hotspur FC from February 2001 until September 2025, becoming the Premier League’s longest-serving executive in that role. During that time, he worked very closely on charity and local community projects – using sport to try and change lives.

Daniel said: “Tottenham Hotspur has always been more than a football club to me. It is part of the fabric of the local community, and I am immensely proud of the role we have played in helping to regenerate the area through our initiatives in education, employment, health and social inclusion.

“While our stadium development and on-pitch results often took the headlines, I hope that my legacy will be the positive and lasting impact we have made on the lives of people in Tottenham and beyond. Football clubs have a unique role to play in their local community and at Tottenham Hotspur we always took this responsibility very seriously.”

These honours add to the success of local JLGB CEO Neil Martin, who was appointed CBE in New Year Honours List.

The post Robert Rams and Daniel Levy add to Essex honours appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

WHEN Rabbi Rafi Goodwin first took up boxing as a hobby, he could hardly have imagined it would one day lead him into the ring. Although he may be better known for his sermons than his right hooks, the ‘Boxing Rabbi’ of Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue will be stepping between the ropes this April to take part in a white-collar boxing match.

Speaking to the Essex Jewish News, he explained: “It started when a member of the community convinced me to try boxing training at a local gym run by Team Macattack. I really enjoyed it, and found that it has been great for my fitness and wellbeing. When my instructor suggested I take part in a bout, I thought, ‘Why not?’”

The event, which will take place at the Sir James Hawkey Hall in Woodford on Sunday 26 April, sees amateur fighters come together to test their skills in front of a live audience. The evening will also include entertainment, with a comedian and singer performing before the main event.

The Orthodox rabbi is taking on the challenge in aid of the Community Security Trust (CST), raising funds for the organisation’s work protecting Jewish communities across the UK. He has been regularly training over the last few months and is hoping the community will be firmly in his corner for a memorable evening.

“I’m not sure whether it’s a mid-life crisis or just wanting a new challenge,” he joked. “But I’m really looking forward to stepping into the ring, and I hope plenty of people from the community will come along to cheer me on.”

If you would like to support the Boxing Rabbi, please get in touch by emailing rabbirafi@chigshul.org.uk.

The post Let’s get rabbi to rumble appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

The new congregation will have a membership of more than 300 adults/families and will be led spiritually by Rabbi Irit Shillor. It will affiliate to The Movement for Progressive Judaism.

HCJC will serve a number of areas with members already coming from Harlow, Epping, Bishop’s Stortford, Chelmsford, Braintree, Dunmow, Saffron Walden, Maldon and their surroundings. It offers a well-located synagogue building, hybrid services, popular rabbi, thriving cheder, pastoral care, membership of the Jewish Joint Burial Society and inclusive practice, including a welcome of mixed-faith couples and families.

The history of Harlow Jewish Community stretches back to its formation in 1952, just a few years after Harlow was designated a New Town, and it has been a thriving presence ever since. It has been affiliated to Reform/Progressive Judaism since 1960.

Chelmsford Jewish Community was established in 1974 and has played a key role in religious life in the city for 50+ years. It was not previously affiliated to any movement.

Shabbat and festival services will be held both online and in the synagogue building, based in central Harlow. The synagogue was extended in 1998 and redeveloped in 2009. The merger will allow further renovation.

Popular events in Chelmsford – including an annual festival celebration at the Essex County Cricket Ground, family summer garden party, and civic Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration – will also continue.

This year, a first night communal Seder will take place in Chelmsford with a second in Harlow. A celebratory ‘get to know you’ event is being planned for the spring/summer.

Jon Kaye, Chair of Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community and previously Harlow Jewish Community, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that after a year of friendly discussions, we have combined these two Essex communities which comprise members from this county and the eastern side of Hertfordshire.

“From the very beginning, everyone continued to be enthusiastic about coming to an arrangement where we could provide a synagogue, a rabbi, cheder, services and social occasions for the combined community without restricting local events close to where members live.”

Stan Keller, Chair of Chelmsford Jewish Community and now Vice President of Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community, said: “With a combined history of over 125 years, the Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community builds on very strong foundations and relationships.

“This new community will pride itself on offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for its members, and a high level of engagement with local civic society and other faith groups.”

As a Progressive synagogue, Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community will welcome all Jews, as well as non-Jewish partners and family members. Services are conducted in Hebrew and English and made as accessible as possible, with everyone sitting together. There is a popular cheder and B’ Mitzvah programme for young people, and conversion pathways for adults looking to become Jewish.

Cheryl Petar, President of Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community, said: “We welcome every person and family that wants to join us on their and our Jewish journey, regardless of background, religious practice and Jewish knowledge.”

As well as a landmark moment for the two communities, this is also a milestone in the early history of The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ), which formed in January through the merger of Liberal and Reform Judaism.

MPJ Co-Leads Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “The Harlow and Chelmsford communities have come from different backgrounds, but share the same passion for welcoming and including all those who want to be part of Jewish life – while engaging with neighbours of other faiths and backgrounds through interfaith and social action work. We are delighted that they have now come together as our newest Progressive community.”

The post Harlow and Chelmsford merge to form new community for Essex appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

A 50% increase on last year’s attendance, participants spanned the entire cross-section of the community – from secular to religious, from people seeking entry level jobs to those looking for senior roles, and from students starting to build a career to job seekers in their 60s and 70s.

Held in Central London, the flagship event featured a mix of talks, Q&As and workshops covering all aspects of the job search.

Opening the day, Work Avenue CEO Debbie Lebrett spoke about the challenges people are facing. She said: “We are in a time when the economy is very challenging, the labour market has been cooling, vacancies are falling, graduate roles are tight, and finding employment and building a meaningful career at any stage of life can be tough.

“That’s why Work Avenue is here, firstly to smile and to tell you that it may be all doom and gloom out there, and then to provide a caring, listening ear alongside practical support to help you succeed. We are here to make things work and help our clients to earn a living.”

A very well received opening discussion, hosted by Charlotte Collins (Editor-in-Chief, Sheerluxe), saw employers share their practical advice on what they look for in candidates. The panel gave insights including how to identify transferable and soft skills, the need to customise a CV to a job description, and the importance of fully researching a company and its people before any interview.

In two of the breakout sessions that followed, attendees learned how to turn two common career concerns – the threat of AI and worries about age – to their advantage.

Work Avenue Employment Adviser Richard Linden, who is originally from Southend, looked at how to use AI tools in the job search, helping to research roles, craft CVs and cover letters, and prepare for interview.

Work Avenue Head of Employment Melanie Pearl guided a session on turning experience into employability. She said: “There is age bias out there, that’s just a fact. But how you present yourself makes a difference. It’s time to reframe the narrative and show the strengths organisations need in uncertain times – experience-based judgment, well-developed communication skills, professional maturity and the ability to handle pressure.”

The third session, for which there was standing-room-only, was Launch into Law: Early Careers Unlocked. Attendees were guided through the steps to break into the legal sector, covering trainee solicitor and paralegal pathways, building compelling applications, and positioning transferable skills effectively, even for those without a formal law degree.

After a series of skills taster sessions led by the Work Avenue team – covering career choice, CV, interviews and identifying transferable skills – Adam Taub hosted a final discussion entitled Because You Are Worth It.

Adam, one of the UK’s leading presentation coaches, focussed on how the greatest challenge in securing a job is often believing that you are the right person for it – giving advice on building confidence, creating a network and demonstrating personal strengths.

He concluded: “Getting the job is not just about being yourself… but being the best version of yourself. Employers need to feel you are somebody they want to work with, not just somebody who will be good at the job – but somebody they want to have in the office.”

The event also gave the Work Avenue team the opportunity to lay out the full range of courses and workshops they have in the months ahead. These included the brand-new Career Reboot for Women course, which will offer a mix of practical training, confidence-building and mentoring for women, and includes free Ofsted registered childcare.

Job seekers described New Year, New Career as “practical and inspiring”, “a real lift to my confidence”, and “what I needed to help me find a new job this year.”

On 1–2 February, Work Avenue will run a 36-hour fundraising campaign to ensure they can raise the £1.2million budget it costs to fund their employment and business services.

• Pictures by Leivi Saltman.

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