As a community, these are our underlying values which we expect all members to respect and engage with to be the best community we can.

Spirituality

“God dwells in sacred congregations.” – Psalm 82:1

We provide a safe space to explore and engage with Jewish spirituality and ritual on a personal level within a supportive community. We recognise that different members of the community will engage with spirituality in a variety of ways and have their own levels of involvement and knowledge. This will include mitzvah, social justice and Tikkun Olam (repair of the world).

Prayer

“Love God with all your heart and soul.” – Deuteronomy 11:13

We seek to make our services meaningful and engaging through varied music, prayer, readings and rabbinic insights. We welcome and encourage everyone in our community to take an active part in services and support people to do this. We strive to ensure that all the community feels comfortable to join us in prayer in and out of services.

Learning

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.” – Proverbs 18:15

We aim to provide opportunities for learning and growth for all. We actively encourage individuals in our community, and outside, to continue to develop and feel comfortable, to question and study within a Progressive Jewish context.

Inclusion

“My house will be called a house of prayer for all people.” – Isaiah 56:7

Our community offers an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment for all who wish to join us or explore Judaism with us. We challenge exclusionary practices and language and seek equality and equity across our community.

Diversity

“How manifold are Your works, O God; with wisdom have you made them all.” – Psalm 104:24

We listen when people express opinions as every voice matters. We actively engage in debate in a safe and respectful manner, appreciating and promoting of differences in individuals, groups and ideas. Our diversity benefits the whole community. Progress is always possible and should be constantly pursued.

We recognise and value our history and work to nurture our future by seeking to engage people of all backgrounds and provide opportunities for them share experiences and benefit from each other’s company.

Kindness and Respect

“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” – Leviticus 19:18

We are welcoming and treat each other with kindness. We believe in honestly, fairness and with acting good intentions showing understanding and compassion. We work to build a community where the wellbeing of all its members, young and old, are of prime importance.

Outward Looking

“The Torah’s ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace.” – Proverbs 3:17

We are an outward looking community and treasure our connections with the wider Jewish community, our local community and our inter-faith partners.

A Bold Voice for Social Justice.

“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” – Amos 5:24

We strive to be open minded and proud of our Progressive Jewish values and principles. Through our pursuit of truth we deliver a strong socially orientated voice across our local and wider reaching communities. We are committed to seeking peace and being an active force for good, taking positive actions to make the world a better place.

Israel

"Pray for the wellbeing of Jerusalem; may those who love you be at peace." - Psalm 122:6

We are deeply rooted in Israel past, present and future. We promote and engage in our connection to Israel and encourage open discussion and debate about Israel recognising the principles of humanity, justice and the rights of all communities.

Environment and Sustainability

“The earth belongs to God, and all that is in it.” – Psalm 24:1

We actively work to care for our environment and be sustainable in activities, through actions big and small. We recognise our responsibilities as stewards of the planet for future generations.

Celebrating Volunteers

“Your people will be my people.” – Ruth 1:16

The richness of our community flows from the time and energy given by our members. We recognise and show our gratitude for the efforts of all our volunteers who contribute to the community in many different ways. The community depends for its existence on their ongoing contributions. Their mitzvot do not go unnoticed.

A Resilient Community

We recognise that things do not always go well. However, we possess the self-belief and strength to continue caring for one another and our community, and to work towards a better and more peaceful world. As a congregation, we work to include these values into our daily lives and religious practices.