Hundreds have come together for Liberal Judaism’s first in-person event in three years to outline their “big dreams of what is possible” .

Speaking at the event, Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginksy said the movement ought to ensure they were not marginal but instead took a “central place in the beautiful spectrum of what it means to be Jewish”.

About 150 people attended the Day of Celebration in person at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood, with another 100 tuning in online.

Rabbi Charley said: “Today is all about exploring the past and beginning to think about the future.

“At the start of the pandemic, we made a commitment. We committed to collaboration, to raising up a multitude of voices and to ensuring that Liberal Judaism met the needs of those on the margins.

“This creative fulcrum where Liberal and Judaism meet now needs to be nurtured. We have such big dreams of what is possible and now is the time to bring them to fruition.”

Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbie Charley Baginsky and JW3 CEO Raymond Simonson

Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbie Charley Baginsky and JW3 CEO Raymond Simonson (Photo: Liberal Judaism)

The event’s programme featured book stalls, a cooking demonstration, a concert from leading Liberal Jewish musicians and youth events where young members dressed up as their vision of rabbis from the future.

Also on display was Lily’s Legacy: a National Lottery funded project that documents the movement’s radical history and the vision of one of its founders, Lily Montagu.

Liberal Judaism president Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein told attendees: “In its 120 years, Liberal Judaism has faced several eras of change and challenge and has come out stronger, has often led the Jewish way and has been creative and outward looking, yet inwardly inclusive. Our next challenge starts now with this conference. Let us renew our enthusiasm and increase our commitment.”