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New BBC series will ‘share the beauty of Jewish prayer’ with non-Jewish audiences
Both Progressive and Orthodox Judaism will be explored in the programme, ‘Prayer & Reflection’
September 12, 2025 15:13
Both Progressive and Orthodox Judaism will be explored in the programme, ‘Prayer & Reflection’
September 12, 2025 15:13Progressive and Orthodox Judaism will be among the faith denominations explored in a new BBC series starting this weekend, which participants hope will “offer a glimpse of Jewish life” to those of other faiths and none.
The forthcoming series, Prayer & Reflection, explores six of the major faiths across contemporary Britain.
The first episode of the 14-part series focuses on Orthodox Judaism, and joins morning prayer services, shacharit, at St John’s Wood United Synagogue. There, a minyan recites a series of prayers, blessings and readings, culminating in the recitation of the Amidah and Torah reading.
Dayan Ivan Binstock, senior rabbi at St John’s Wood, said: “We were delighted to showcase our shacharit service to a potential audience of millions of people across the UK on BBC One. With the unnerving rise in antisemitism, this was an opportunity to share the beauty of Jewish prayer and offer a glimpse of Jewish life to non-Jewish viewers.
“Our morning prayers are a wonderful way to start the day with the community and provide an opportunity to connect with God and reflect on our lives.”
The eighth episode of the series will explore Progressive Judaism, which earlier this year was formed following the merger of Reform and Liberal Judaism and now accounts for about a third of the overall Jewish population in the UK.
Last Erev Shabbat, Nottingham Liberal Synagogue was joined by London-based television production company, CTVC, which filmed the community’s Friday night service for the documentary. The service was led by Nottingham’s Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu and Progressive Judaism co-lead Rabbi Josh Levy.
Rabbi Zidkiyahu said she was “a little nervous” before the filming started and “didn’t want to feel self-conscious or it to be like I was acting”.
“This is why we decided to film an actual authentic Erev Shabbat service rather than stage one outside Shabbat.”
The service, which began at sunset and is made up mostly of Psalms and hymns, with accompanying instruments, followed by a Kiddush over challah and candles, was attended by more musicians and shul members than a typical Friday service, all eager to support the initiative.
Rabbi Zidkiyahu added that she was “very happy to see how important it was for NLS members to come and support NLS and Progressive Judaism and embrace the opportunity to show how fun and meaningful our services are”.
Shul member Ronne Randall said: “Once the service started, [the film crew] pretty much faded into the background. It was the service itself that moved and inspired: the uplifting spirituality of the niggunim [melodies], the psalms, the poetry; and the feelings of connection and community. I hope those things will come across when the programme is aired.”
Fellow member Karen Worth added: “It was slightly odd during the service knowing that everything we were doing was being filmed, but the lovely young crew were unobtrusive and very friendly, so it made it much easier.”
Other episodes of Prayer & Reflection, which will air from Sunday, will feature a Presbyterian church in Northern Island, a Hindu temple in Cardiff, a Buddhist monastery in Scotland, a Sikh gurdwara in Kent and an Islamic centre in Belfast.
Daisy Scalchi, head of commissioning, religion and ethics at the BBC, said: “Prayer and reflection are integral to so many of the world’s faiths and it’s a privilege to be invited into these sacred spaces, across all four nations, during such personal moments of spiritual and religious connection.”
Prayer & Reflection is on Sunday mornings across BBC One, BBC Two and iPlayer.
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