Time to Reflect This year was my first Yom Kippur since completing my conversion, which made it especially meaningful for me. I took some of the time to reflect on my journey into Judaism as well as to focus on repentance during the community prayers. The Kol Nidrei service was solemn and reflective. I always …
A large group of all ages gathered at Rabbi Anna’s house to celebrate Sukkot on Sunday 12th October. We started the afternoon by helping to decorate the sukkah with some light greenery, fruit and some beautiful paper fruit decorations. Hanging a pear with string proved to be more challenging than you might think! When everyone …
Sukkot has always been my husband Marc’s favourite festival. He loves building a temporary structure, eating and sleeping in it for a week. We used to live near to the Ultra-Orthodox community in Stamford Hill and he is a bit of an expert on making a kosher Sukkah, which we used to do each year …
On 14th June, the Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community held its annual Anne Frank Memorial Service in Hereford. This year’s theme, “Hope in Difficult Times,” was movingly explored by Rabbi Anna Gerrard, who spoke about the enduring power of hope in the face of global conflict, famine, and suffering. Drawing from Jewish tradition, Rabbi Anna …
3CLJC REPORT- Friday Evening On Friday, May 23rd, we were joined by Members of the Southgate Progressive Synagogue, for a memorable Event, led by Rabbi Danny and Rabbi Anna, representing both congregations. It proved a truly special experience, uniting both communities together, and being able to share our unique qualities, and hospitality. It was especially …
Who can fail to be inspired by the artistic culture of Judaism going back thousands of years. We have significant achievements in great music, literature, fine art and philosophy. Some of this might be considered highbrow but we also have a very rich tradition of what might be described as folk art or culture. This …
The Passover Seder on 12th April was a really special evening, with over 70 people, both old members and new, coming together to celebrate. Rabbi Anna did a fantastic job leading the service—thoughtful, engaging, and complete with the usual singalong (and spontaneous percussion!). Although Hazel Phillips had done the organising in advance, Sallie and Gavin …
One of community member’s thoughts on this year’s Purim Party This year’s Purim party was a memorable celebration, filled with joy, laughter and an overwhelmingsense of community. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the festive energy in the air, with most members dressed in their creative costumes and ready to celebrate. The vibrant …
On Sunday 9th February several dozen members of 3CLJC gathered in Gloucester for a wonderful Tu B’Shvat Seder in celebration of Tu Bishvat, the New Year for Trees. Rabbi Anna had done sterling and inspirational work in putting together a specially created Seder order of service, with background history, readings, blessings and symbolic foods. A …
Mitzvah day this year was focused on serving the local community and in particular, the homeless and the vulnerable. In conjunction with Cheltenham Open Door, five members of the 3 Counties Liberal Jewish Community (3LJC) prepared and cooked an extensive full English breakfast: hash browns, fried bread, bacon, vegan and pork sausages, eggs, baked beans, …
