The North London Progressive Jewish Community

North London Progressive Jewish Community is a community that is evolving fast. We have been established for over four years. We are an intergenerational, diverse community that is welcoming to all who want to experience Judaism in a range of different ways whether secular, religious, historical, cultural, or for Jewish identity. We have a full calendar offering the complete range of Holy days and festivals which we celebrate with a range of activities including services and social events. Some of our members want spirituality, while others are only interested in social/cultural activity. Some members had not been to a synagogue for years, and had dropped out of the Jewish life. Some have non-Jewish partners, are in multi-racial and multi-ethnic relationships, or are in same-sex relationships. We are also attracting young single people who want a different type of experience. All are keen to keep in contact with and explore Judaism, and have found a way to do so through our community.
 
Our community is thriving. We have Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu who is our spiritual and religious leader, a location at the Community Buildings in the grounds of St. Mary's Church in Stoke Newington, a growing crèche and cheder (Religion School), and a programme of events to suit a wide range of interests. We also have a steering group who ensure that the community continues to evolve in the ways all members and friends want. We have a range of well thought out membership arrangements.
 
We are different from many traditional synagogues as we make every effort to be inclusive and make everyone feel welcome. All are encouraged to share ideas and join in. Our services are inter-active, with members contributing their ideas.
 
Here are some of the things we are trying to achieve:
 
Involvement - It's not just a few families or individuals doing everything while others remain passive. Each person is encouraged to participate in the ways they wish, to have their say, and to help the community evolve. This need not be too demanding or time consuming for anyone. Different people want to take part in different ways. Everyone is valued, and can find friendly support and contact within the community. We aim to meet personal and family needs.
 
Intergenerational - We welcome individuals and families of all ages, and encourage a strong focus on older people caring about children and younger people sharing with elders. We try and create an "extended family" as many adults and children living in the inner city do not have ready contact with their own relatives. Our cheder and crèche are given high priority - we have employed a teacher to encourage our children to participate in interesting and stimulating activities. We are also developing family services and involve the children in parts of the Saturday morning services. We welcome individuals wherever they are in their life cycle, and whatever their lifestyle.
 
Burial Fund - As a community affiliated to Liberal Judaism, we participate in their burial fund, so that those who wish to have a Jewish funeral are covered for that purpose.
 
Learning - We are becoming an exciting place for Jewish learning. We have introduced an exciting adult education programme, which includes learning Hebrew and a range of topics on Jewish history, culture, politics and indentity. The Autumn 2007 series of lectures started in October 2007 and has carried through into 2008. We hold regular monthly Friday night 'pot luck suppers' with activities such as singing, and speakers covering a wide range of topics. Our learning at services and sessions are wide and include history, culture, literature, music, ethics, Hebrew, Torah, Midrash, Talmud, learning about other Jewish communities worldwide, arts, crafts and dance. We are growing in confidence and developing our own identity. New members are encouraged to suggest ideas or organise the sessions if they wish. We have celebrated two barmitzvahs and one batmitzvah and look forward to many more. We were delighted to celebrate our first wedding in summer 2006.
 
Social Action - As a community we aim to be an influence for good in Hackney, Haringey, Islington and surrounding areas. We want to contribute to the life of the larger community and help create a better place for all. That is a real challenge for us. We have links with North London Action for the Homeless, and have participated in a number of local inter-faith events and initiatives. Some of our members regularly join in with local churches to assist with the annual Homeless Shelter that runs each winter. As individuals and as a strong Jewish community, we are ensuring that we play our part, however small, in making our world, our locality, a more peaceful and positive place for all.
 
To be Progressive - To love and consider our heritage and to be forward thinking and adaptable. We are keen to keep what is worth preserving and also to adapt to new circumstances, ideas and opportunities. We are creating new ways to experience Judaism and endeavouring to ensure a meaningful, real, life-enhancing experience not only for committed members but also others who are willing to explore a kind of Judaism different to what they have known before, and for those who are experiencing it for the first time.
 
Enjoyment - We enjoy life together and share celebrations as a community as often as we can. We try and celebrate social events, Jewish festivals and simchahs in all their varieties - birthdays, wedding anniversaries, academic, job successes and retirement, to name but a few!
 
Place of spirituality, prayer and God - Some members are genuinely religious and/or spiritual. We pray and sing praise at regular services that are innovative as well as building on the traditional. Rabbi Shulamit is developing a sequence for our services which enhances the experience and develops the community's confidence. The prayers and aspirations of those who have lived before us help us in our daily lives, especially in such a stressful and fast-changing world. However, not all our members are religious so they lead in secular events and we all join together to celebrate Jewish festivals and traditions.
 
If these ideas seem interesting to you, or in tune with your feelings, why not contact us and join in? If you would like an information pack sent out to you, please e-mail us at nlpjc@liberaljudaism.org.