Bet Shalom Progressive Jewish Community, Barcelona and Reform Jewish Community of Madrid: haggadot
Bet Shalom Progressive Jewish Community, Barcelona, and Reform Jewish Community of Madrid were granted funding for Passover Haggadot mostly in Spanish/Hebrew and a few in English/Hebrew to make our Passover visitors more engaged.
The support from the NLPS Trust was immeasurable in enabling our small communities to get “Una noche de libertad. La Hagadá latina para la familia” (in English, “A night to remember: the Haggadah of contemporary voices”, by Michael and Noam Zion”), a non-ending resource Haggadah, full of content and notes in the margins, for children and adults, with ritual and many other explanations based on poetry, art, games and references to Jewish history to make complete and renew the Seder each year. This funding made the difference as we only have had until now a booklet we compiled ourselves and we were adding each year material which was originally in English as nothing Progressive and Liberal was explicitly in Spanish.
And the momentum arrived in this Passover 2019, when both communities have used them for the first time. It was a huge success. Members and visitors were so glad to have this precious material, now part of our books heritage of both congregations. Thank you NLPS, its board members and Mrs. Greenberg for her kindness and attentiveness.
The support from the NLPS Trust was immeasurable in enabling our small communities to get “Una noche de libertad. La Hagadá latina para la familia” (in English, “A night to remember: the Haggadah of contemporary voices”, by Michael and Noam Zion”), a non-ending resource Haggadah, full of content and notes in the margins, for children and adults, with ritual and many other explanations based on poetry, art, games and references to Jewish history to make complete and renew the Seder each year. This funding made the difference as we only have had until now a booklet we compiled ourselves and we were adding each year material which was originally in English as nothing Progressive and Liberal was explicitly in Spanish.
And the momentum arrived in this Passover 2019, when both communities have used them for the first time. It was a huge success. Members and visitors were so glad to have this precious material, now part of our books heritage of both congregations. Thank you NLPS, its board members and Mrs. Greenberg for her kindness and attentiveness.
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue: handrail
We are most grateful to the NLPS Trust for funding the installation of a
handrail at our Synagogue.
The rail has enabled our members who are wheelchair bound or who have difficulty walking to access the Bimah when without the rail they would have struggled. It has made our Synagogue feel much more inclusive.
Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue: redevelopment project
Our newly developed synagogue in Brighton and Hove opened its doors to the community on Shabbat Chanukkah 12th December 2015 – 30th Kislev 5776 – with a rededication led by Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah, who welcomed back the congregation to their new spiritual home. Vacated for redevelopment for over three years, the synagogue had been our home since 1937 - but was in desperate need of modernization. We now have a beautiful state of the art building including a large sanctuary, office, library, education rooms, pastoral care room, a social area and kitchen accommodated over two floors.
We simply could not have completed the project without a grant from the NLPS Trust towards furnishings, including all the seating, tables, bookshelves and cupboards for every room. We cannot thank the Trust enough for deciding to support us.
We simply could not have completed the project without a grant from the NLPS Trust towards furnishings, including all the seating, tables, bookshelves and cupboards for every room. We cannot thank the Trust enough for deciding to support us.
Clore Tikva School: textbooks
Thank you for your generous gift to the Ivrit Department at Clore Tikva school.
We are thrilled to have your support. Through your donation we have been able to purchase books for two year 2 classes for the next academic year. It will enable children to read Ivrit, a skill we are passionate about which creates a strong sense of Jewish belonging.
Hebrew is the Jewish people's shared language, so many thanks for your support, it means the world to us and all the children that will benefit from using these wonderful books over the coming years.
We are thrilled to have your support. Through your donation we have been able to purchase books for two year 2 classes for the next academic year. It will enable children to read Ivrit, a skill we are passionate about which creates a strong sense of Jewish belonging.
Hebrew is the Jewish people's shared language, so many thanks for your support, it means the world to us and all the children that will benefit from using these wonderful books over the coming years.
Crouch End Chavurah: community singing project
Many thanks to the NLPS Trust for funding our community singing project. We absolutely loved the sessions Mich Sampson ran. A small group of us have been singing in Crouch End Chavurah’s choir for many years, very slowly teaching ourselves the tunes from scratch. Mich’s sessions brought together the old crowd with a wider group of people, introduced us to some beautiful new tunes, and taught us to understand the old music better. Her sessions were pitched perfectly to accommodate everyone from professional musicians to the enthusiastic but musically illiterate. They were also just a lovely enriching way to spend a morning.
In addition this gave us some new tunes for Rosh Hashanah which really made a difference to the service and it was commented on by many of the congregation.
Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community - Sukkat Shalom: portable ark
Sukkat Shalom, the Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community, had been ‘getting by’, placing its Torah scroll on a table and covering it with a tallit – but it wanted to house the scroll properly.
Our grant contributed to a new portable ark, designed by community members Lauren Fox (pictured right) and Katy Bromberg (left), constructed from local wood by Scottish craftsmen and replete with doors made from laser-cut aluminium. The inscription and the ark curtain reflect the theme of the tree of life. |
“It’s made such a difference to have a ‘proper’ ark,” said former Chairman, Prof Gillian Raab, “and our thanks go to the NLPS Trust and all those who made it possible.” 
The ark in use at a baby naming ceremony for Teddy (Edward/Ezra) Shamash seen here with his parents Maurice and Sarah and Rabbi Mark Solomon
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Finchley Progressive Synagogue: English lessons for Syrian refugees
Over the past four years, fifteen refugee families from Syria have been supported by the Barnet Refugee Welcome Board (BRWB), which is made up of volunteers from a number of local faith organisations.
Once the families began to arrive, the volunteers started hosting coffee mornings at Finchley Progressive Synagogue giving the families the opportunity to chat to each other as well as to volunteers while drinking coffee and eating cake, homemade Syrian and British biscuits and fruit.
In 2019, we entered a new phase of the project, which provided lessons to help the adults improve their English. We were fortunate to receive a generous grant from the NLPS Trust. The intensive lessons helped the adults gain skills and confidence in order to be able to integrate into, and contribute more to their local community, and to be less reliant on benefits. Lessons focused on functional language, and helped to develop vocabulary, grammar, speaking and writing skills.
Once the families began to arrive, the volunteers started hosting coffee mornings at Finchley Progressive Synagogue giving the families the opportunity to chat to each other as well as to volunteers while drinking coffee and eating cake, homemade Syrian and British biscuits and fruit.
In 2019, we entered a new phase of the project, which provided lessons to help the adults improve their English. We were fortunate to receive a generous grant from the NLPS Trust. The intensive lessons helped the adults gain skills and confidence in order to be able to integrate into, and contribute more to their local community, and to be less reliant on benefits. Lessons focused on functional language, and helped to develop vocabulary, grammar, speaking and writing skills.
Herefordshire Jewish Community: Sefer Torah restoration
Herefordshire Jewish Community
Herefordshire Jewish Community were granted funding for the repair of a Sefer Torah, a mantle and the construction of a simple wooden ark in April 2013, together with the production of a commemorative programme for the dedication to generate publicity and recognise the partnership between the museum authorities, the city of Hereford and the community. This played an important step in raising the profile of the community in one of the previously most important centres of Judaism in medieval England.
“The support we received from the NLPS Trust was vital in enabling our small community to take on the project of having the Hereford Museum Sefer Torah restored for use and organising a very successful dedication service in the precincts of Hereford Cathedral. The fact that Paul Kanas, one of your Trustees, attended this service was very much appreciated. We gained good publicity from the event and are very pleased that we now have our own Sefer Torah and ark for use in our services.”
“The support we received from the NLPS Trust was vital in enabling our small community to take on the project of having the Hereford Museum Sefer Torah restored for use and organising a very successful dedication service in the precincts of Hereford Cathedral. The fact that Paul Kanas, one of your Trustees, attended this service was very much appreciated. We gained good publicity from the event and are very pleased that we now have our own Sefer Torah and ark for use in our services.”
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue: drop-in centre for asylum seekers
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue’s Drop-in for Asylum Seeker Families has been running since June 2014.
Opening our doors one Sunday a month, we extend a warm welcome to families who have been made destitute while seeking asylum in
the UK.
We offer our guests a safe and welcoming environment in which to relax, a hot and nutritious meal, a supervised children's play area, good quality second hand clothing, nappies, a shopping contribution, travel reimbursement and access to a solicitor, counsellor, doctor
and social worker.
Opening our doors one Sunday a month, we extend a warm welcome to families who have been made destitute while seeking asylum in
the UK.
We offer our guests a safe and welcoming environment in which to relax, a hot and nutritious meal, a supervised children's play area, good quality second hand clothing, nappies, a shopping contribution, travel reimbursement and access to a solicitor, counsellor, doctor
and social worker.
The grant we received from the NLPS Trust for Progressive Judaism has made a huge difference to the Drop-in’s financial capacity and has enabled us to continue providing help and support to the increasing number of families who now attend the Drop-in.
Thanks to the support of the NLPS Trust, the Drop-in has now registered over 400 families seeking asylum. In 2017 alone, we provided over 2,500 hot meals as well as school uniforms for all the children who come to the Drop-in.
We feel very proud and grateful to be recognised by The NLPS Trust.
Thanks to the support of the NLPS Trust, the Drop-in has now registered over 400 families seeking asylum. In 2017 alone, we provided over 2,500 hot meals as well as school uniforms for all the children who come to the Drop-in.
We feel very proud and grateful to be recognised by The NLPS Trust.
Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue: clavinova
Musical enrichment of services has always been of strong importance at NPLS. We are keen to ensure the traditional Liberal Jewish music legacy continues to be heard, alongside introducing new music, instruments and voices. We are most grateful to the NLPS fund who have enabled us to purchase a clavinova piano. We now have the option to accompany singing with traditional organ sound, but also a high quality piano sound. The design of the instrument makes it possible for piano trained players to use the instrument, who had previously struggled to use the more specialised organ. We can encourage new congregants to be involved with the services, whether accompanying the congregational choir or as part of instrumental ensembles accompanying creative Tent style services.
The clavinova’s modern technology makes it more compatible for use with streaming services, enhancing the experience for congregants who are unable to attend the Synagogue.
The clavinova will regularly be used for concerts, such as our Selichot Concert, community open mic nights and community plays. Singing For The Soul, Rock Choir and Cheder groups will also benefit from the clavinova.
NPLS is committed to supporting Liberal Jewish Music and we are dedicated to supporting and collaborating with our partner Communities by sharing music through the NPLS Online Music Library – to which our next project is to make available online the LJ Music Collection. We will be able to use the clavinova when hosting LJ Music Day, cross community workshops and concerts.
We are excited to explore the new sound world the clavinova offers over the upcoming High Holyday services, for the present congregants and wider audience through streaming the services.
The clavinova’s modern technology makes it more compatible for use with streaming services, enhancing the experience for congregants who are unable to attend the Synagogue.
The clavinova will regularly be used for concerts, such as our Selichot Concert, community open mic nights and community plays. Singing For The Soul, Rock Choir and Cheder groups will also benefit from the clavinova.
NPLS is committed to supporting Liberal Jewish Music and we are dedicated to supporting and collaborating with our partner Communities by sharing music through the NPLS Online Music Library – to which our next project is to make available online the LJ Music Collection. We will be able to use the clavinova when hosting LJ Music Day, cross community workshops and concerts.
We are excited to explore the new sound world the clavinova offers over the upcoming High Holyday services, for the present congregants and wider audience through streaming the services.
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue: library refurbishment
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue has received financial support from the NLPS Trust for three recent major projects:
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The library project allowed us to transform our old and rather out-dated library into a modern and welcoming multi-function space which is now used not just as a library but also as a meeting room, a reception room and a learning centre for Bar and Bat Mitzvah classes and the Conversion Class.
NLS extends its thanks to the NLPS Trust for its valuable support. 
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Southgate Progressive Synagogue: electronic keyboard
The late Malcolm Cottle had been organist at North London Progressive Synagogue for about 40 years and transferred to Southgate Progressive Synagogue when NLPS closed. After some years playing organ at Southgate, he recommended that the instrument be replaced.
“I applied to the NLPS Trust,” says Jane Greenfield, Hon. Sec., “and I was so excited when I got the letter back saying they would pay for an electronic keyboard. We found one that does everything an organ can do and more. Sadly, Malcolm didn’t live to play the new instrument, but we have two new users. Franklyn plays it in piano mode on Friday night and Simon in organ mode on Saturday mornings. We can even do Oseh Shalom to a samba now!”
“I applied to the NLPS Trust,” says Jane Greenfield, Hon. Sec., “and I was so excited when I got the letter back saying they would pay for an electronic keyboard. We found one that does everything an organ can do and more. Sadly, Malcolm didn’t live to play the new instrument, but we have two new users. Franklyn plays it in piano mode on Friday night and Simon in organ mode on Saturday mornings. We can even do Oseh Shalom to a samba now!”
South London Liberal Synagogue: Abraham’s Tent Project
Thanks to the support of the NLPS trust, the Abraham’s Tent Project, which is converting part of the South London Liberal Synagogue (SLLS) building into a flat for a refugee family, is nearly complete. SLLS needed to raise nearly £50,000 to convert a derelict caretaker’s flat into a welcoming home for a family of refugees.
This was a daunting task for the small South London community, but a grant from the NLPS trust gave the project a major boost, funding the cost of installing a new bathroom in the flat. The grant also supported additional community engagement work, and we were able to host a party for refugees already settled in the local area. The impact has been seen throughout the Synagogue, and many members have become more engaged within the community, helping to make the project a reality.
As well as providing a physical home for a family, the project has also put together a group of volunteers who will support the refugee family through community sponsorship. This part of the project, supported by West London Synagogue and Liberal Judaism, is progressing well, and SLLS expects to be welcoming a refugee family in early 2019.
This was a daunting task for the small South London community, but a grant from the NLPS trust gave the project a major boost, funding the cost of installing a new bathroom in the flat. The grant also supported additional community engagement work, and we were able to host a party for refugees already settled in the local area. The impact has been seen throughout the Synagogue, and many members have become more engaged within the community, helping to make the project a reality.
As well as providing a physical home for a family, the project has also put together a group of volunteers who will support the refugee family through community sponsorship. This part of the project, supported by West London Synagogue and Liberal Judaism, is progressing well, and SLLS expects to be welcoming a refugee family in early 2019.
Wessex Liberal Jewish Community: portable ark
Nat Roseman and Rabbi Rene Pfertzel
Liberal Arks….Two for One
Two Liberal communities were the beneficiaries of a single grant from the NLPS Trust for Progressive Judaism. In 2018 the Trust received an application from Stevenage Liberal Synagogue to support the purchase of a new ark, as their existing travelling ark was no longer big enough for the community’s recently acquired scroll. As part of their application, Stevenage said that if they were successful, they would be happy to pass on their old ark to another developing Liberal community.
Wessex Liberal Jewish Community usually meets in a hall in Bournemouth but sometimes holds services at other venues and, until now, has not had an ark that could be transported. Stevenage’s application was successful and they now have their new ark. The Trust put them in touch with Wessex who were delighted to take possession of Stevenage’s previous travelling ark. At a service in Ringwood, Rabbi Rene Pfertzel, led the congregation in saying the Shehechyanu when the ark was used by Wessex for the first time.
Two Liberal communities were the beneficiaries of a single grant from the NLPS Trust for Progressive Judaism. In 2018 the Trust received an application from Stevenage Liberal Synagogue to support the purchase of a new ark, as their existing travelling ark was no longer big enough for the community’s recently acquired scroll. As part of their application, Stevenage said that if they were successful, they would be happy to pass on their old ark to another developing Liberal community.
Wessex Liberal Jewish Community usually meets in a hall in Bournemouth but sometimes holds services at other venues and, until now, has not had an ark that could be transported. Stevenage’s application was successful and they now have their new ark. The Trust put them in touch with Wessex who were delighted to take possession of Stevenage’s previous travelling ark. At a service in Ringwood, Rabbi Rene Pfertzel, led the congregation in saying the Shehechyanu when the ark was used by Wessex for the first time.