Orthodox and Progressive leaders shine light on unity during Chanukah

One of the notable features of public Chanukah events this year has been the show of communal unity with Orthodox and Progressive leaders jointly taking part in events.

At a candle-lighting at Wembley Stadium, hosted by the Football Association, Maccabi GB and the Jewish News, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis recited the brachot over the menorah and lit the first candle, with Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) co-lead Rabbi Josh Levy lighting the second.

MPJ’s other co-lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky was the candle-lighter for a Jewish Labour Movement celebration which took place at Central Synagogue, part of the United Synagogue.

Later in the week, Rabbi Elchonon Feldman, the head of the United Synagogue’s Rabbinical Council, led the singing of Maoz Tzur at an interfaith event organised by the MPJ, where the senior rabbi of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood, Rabbi Alexandra Wright, led Muslim and Christian representatives in lighting candles. MPJ heads Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginskey also attended.