FRS in the Media
Rainbow Shabbat brings inclusivity - and colour - to Finchley Reform Synagogue. Jewish Chronicle. 29 Oct 24
Read the article here: Jewish Chronicle
British rabbis on the ‘fairly convincing’ portrayal of Jewish life in Nobody Wants This. Guardian. 25 Oct 24
Read the article here: Guardian
Leap of faith: Progressive Judaism wants this. Jewish News. 22 Oct 24
Why I’m calling out the language used on this show
By Rabbi Deborah Blausten
Read the article here: Jewish News
Rabbi Miriam steps down from leading Finchley Reform after 18 years. Jewish Chronicle. 5 Jul 24
Read the article here: Jewish Chronicle
Passover UK: A Jewish Journey. ITV News. 5 May 24.
Our communal Seder 23 April 2024 was featured in this documentary by Sam Holder who traveled across the UK to see how a range of Jews celebrate Passover.
Watch the episode here.
Citizens showing faith to improve lives of others. The Tablet. 2 May 24
Cantor Zöe Jacobs from Finchley Reform Synagogue helped lead the event at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church.
More than 100 faith leaders from communities across London gathered in solidarity at an event for the cause of social change and justice which aimed to “demonstrate unwavering faith and commitment to improving the lives of all Londoners”.
The “Unapologetically Faithful” event, which took place on 25 April, was organised by London Citizens of Citizens UK, a multi-faith coalition and alliance of local communities working together in England and Wales. It took place at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church in London and discussed methods of tackling injustice to build a fairer society inspired by the teachings of different faiths.
Read the article here.
Leap of Faith - Religious Singers have a Long Tradition. Jewish News. 2 May 24
Cantor Zöe Jacobs has written for the Jewish News on the importance of music in Progressive communities and the role of a Cantor.
She describes how both a Rabbi and a Cantor respond to and lead a community, but in unique ways.
She writes: “A Cantor in a Progressive congregation, just like our rabbinic counterparts, receives ordination after a five-year post-graduate programme, and can officiate at weddings, funerals, b’nei mitzvah, and all other services, events and classes. But we do try to utilise our trained expertise in Jewish music and liturgy where we can.”
Cantor Zöe then discusses the music and melodies of our communities and how they help us place ourselves emotionally within the Jewish calendar.
Read the article here: Jewish News.
Growing Up Jewish. BBC1. 24 Apr 24
Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) was featured as part of BBC One’s Growing Up Jewish programme.
The show looked at four young people preparing for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, including FRS members Eve and Dylan.
Eve is from a dual heritage family. Her mum describes herself as a secular Jew and her dad is an atheist. They became members of FRS after Eve made the decision to have a Bat Mitzvah in order to connect with her heritage and share her Jewish identity with non-Jewish relatives.
Dylan and his family also recently joined the community, moving from an Orthodox congregation because they felt the approach and values of Progressive Judaism were more in line with their own beliefs. Dylan chose to have an “alternative” ceremony and party to show his friends how different the Progressive approach can be.
Watch the programme here: Growing Up Jewish.
Beyond Belief. Radio 4. 23 Apr 24
Rabbi Miriam Berger was on BBC Radio 4’s Beyond Belief programme, as part of a special episode looking at neurodiversity in different religious settings. Rabbi Miriam discussed how to make simchas memorable for someone who is neurodiverse.
Leading Reform synagogue chooses cantor rather than a rabbi to be its new head. Jewish Chronicle. 1 Apr 24
Read the article here: Jewish Chronicle.
