Simon Rocker

1 week ago | thejc.com | Simon Rocker

“It felt surreal to win after having worked so hard and to see my effort pay off. But more than that, to see the excitement and pride on my parents', family and friends' faces when I finally won, made it all worth it.” Michal said she had prepared for the competition by studying with previous competitors and also with her father, who “tested me for hours”.

2 weeks ago | thejc.com | Simon Rocker

“But one of the overriding factors is that people find value in Jewish traditions and they want to explore them and find a way to observe certain things like Shabbat or the holidays, or celebrate lifecycles. I really like the line that humanistic Judaism is God-optional Judaism. “We don’t use God language but a person is free to be a humanistic Jew and to believe in God at the same time. Humanistic Judaism doesn’t demand that you don’t believe in God, it doesn’t proscribe belief.

3 weeks ago | thejc.com | Simon Rocker

Radlett Reform Synagogue and Elstree Liberal Synagogue are planning to form a combined Progressive Jewish community in Hertfordshire as the Reform and Liberal movements prepare for union. The two national movements are expected to hold votes on unification as Progressive Judaism in the coming weeks after two years of planning.

3 weeks ago | thejc.com | Simon Rocker

Brighton already has one listed building, the grade II* Orthodox synagogue in Middle Street, a classic Victorian cathedral synagogue, which has lain all but dormant for a number of years. Now, after a feasibility study by the Foundation for Jewish Heritage, which works across Europe, there is a restoration plan on the table to secure it as a cultural centre for concerts and other activities, as well as being used for special occasions such as weddings.

3 weeks ago | thejc.com | Simon Rocker

Governors said his appointment reflected “confidence in his ability to nurture the best of Immanuel’s current strengths while leading the school to meet the challenges of the future”. Steed brings experience of the independent sector across the world, having served over the past two decades as head of the Berkhamstead Schools, Kellett – the British international school in Hong Kong – JESS Dubai and Stamford School in Lincolnshire, where he is currently principal.