- Home
- Leadership
- Learning
- Cheder Curricula
- Jewish Pathways Curriculum – Non-LJ Members
- Jewish Pathways Curriculum – LJ Members
- Ethics and Morality
- Festivals
- Israel
- Lifecycle
- Torah People
- Post-Torah People
- Daniel 1: Dreams
- Daniel 2: Personal Strength
- Deborah: Just Wars
- Elijah: Loving Kindess
- Ezrah: Torah
- Jeremiah: Covenant
- Jonah: Personal Attributes
- Joshua 1: Leadership
- Joshua 2: Leadership II
- King David: What Makes a Good Person?
- Micah: Being Like God
- Samson: Trust and Betrayal
- Samuel: Commitment
- Saul: What Makes a Good Monarch
- Solomon: Wisdom
- “From Yesterday, For Tomorrow”: Holocaust Education Unit
- Community Events
- Adult Learning
- Library
- Cheder Curricula
- Liturgy
- Sitemap
- News
- Contact Us
- Legal and Privacy
- Congregational Archives
Leadership
Advice and guidelines for running a Liberal Jewish community, downloadable template documents, leadership training opportunities and PR resources.
Handbook
A directory of articles offering advice on different aspects of community life - written by some of Liberal Judaism's most experienced leaders.
Community Leadership
The Rabbinic Role
Student Rabbis...
Affiliation to Liberal Judaism
Article by Rabbi Anna Gerrard, Outreach Director, Liberal Judaism
Liberal Judaism as a movement only exists because of its constituent communities and the relationship between the movement and the...
Adult Learning
Lifelong learning is a Jewish tradition that dates back to late antiquity and has become a symbol for the Jewish people, the people of the book.
Community Chair
(Michael Hart, Chair, The LJS)
Getting started
Plan the transition from the previous Chair, if possible making it a gradual process. The role will vary between different congregations, depending...
Kabbalat Torah
Article by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein,
Senior Rabbi, Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue
One of the early innovations of Liberal Judaism was the introduction of Kabbalat Torah (confirmation) at age 15,...
The Rabbinic Role
Article by Rabbi Andrew Goldstein, Emeritus Rabbi, Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue
The congregational rabbi is often assumed to fill a range of roles: pastor, preacher, service leader, cantor, ...
Student Rabbis
Article by Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh,
Director of Jewish Studies, Leo Baeck College
Student rabbis spend five years at Leo Baeck College studying for the rabbinate. To prepare them for the intellectual...
Youth Clubs
(Sam Grant, former Community Youth Coordinator)
‘Modern boys and girls…have many openings to interest them and many interests to divert them…Enthusiasm has to be very great to induce them to give ...
LJY-Netzer
LJY-Netzer is a youth movement committed to the ideals of Liberal Judaism, Progressive Zionism and Tikkun Olam (Repair of the World). We fulfil this commitment through informal education, hadracha (leadership)...
Community Welfare
by Rabbi Sandra Kviat, Community Educator, Liberal Judaism
Welfare and care for members are a central part of any community. Some large communities have part time professionals running volunteer services, ...
Documents
GOVERNANCE:
Small Community Constitution (Sample: Wessex)
Small Community Constitution (Sample: Peterborough)
Notice of General Meeting (Template)
Proxy Notice (Sample: LJ)
FINANCE:
Expenses ...
PR and Communications Away Day
On Sunday 4th December 2016, the LJ Comms Team facilitated a PR and Communications Away Day .
You can read the hand outs for the day below.
A guide to social media and using Facebook and Twitter...
LJ eBulletin
(Ysabella Hawkings, LJ eBulletin Editor)
The Ebulletin is Liberal Judaism’s weekly e-newsletter. It is sent to all community bulletin and newsletter editors, rabbis, synagogue chairs and lay leadership an...
Coverage in the Press
When to Send:
The Jewish Chronicle’s deadline is Wednesday. However the Community section is often finished before then so it’s best to send submissions as soon as possible – ideally Thursday, Frida...
Posters
Professionally designed publicity materials that we will customize and send to you so you can advertise your community. If you would like one of these posters, edited with your community details, please...
Training
These are online seminars that cover different areas of Liberal Jewish community life and leadership. They are suitable for use at a council meeting or a working party on a particular project or as a ...
Membership Fees in Liberal Jewish Communities
This is an online seminar about rethinking the structures of your membership fees, compiled and recorded by Rabbi Anna Gerrard, former Outreach Director for Liberal Judaism.
The main seminar consists ...
Welfare in Liberal Judaism Communities
This is an online seminar about community welfare provision by Angela Peters, Care Coordinator for Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NLPS). NPLS is a large community so you may need to adapt the ...
Finding the Flocks: New Member Outreach
This is an online seminar about finding and drawing in new members to your community, compiled and recorded by Rabbi Anna Gerrard, former Outreach Director for Liberal Judaism.
The seminar can be viewed...
Learning
Learning sessions for the whole community, courses and curricula for children and adults, plus a library of books, DVDs and book boxes.
Ethics and Morality
Different names of God
Maimonides' Ladder
Standing Up To Peer Pressure
Telling a Lie
The Power of Money
The Power of Words
What does God expect of me
When to Save a Life
Whose Money is...
Different Names of God
Lesson Objectives:
Discuss the names and attributes of God
List own attributes and characteristics
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt a number of different...
Name doodles activity
Name doodle 1
Name doodle 2
Maimonides' Ladder
Maimonides' Ladder Session 1
Maimonides' Ladder Session 2
Maimonides' Ladder Session 1
Lesson Objective:
Understand the importance of Maimonides’ Ladder and giving to charity
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about Maimonides’ Ladder of Charity and...
Maimonides' Ladder Session 2
Lesson Objective:
Understand the importance of Maimonides’ Ladder and giving to charity.
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt more about Maimonides’ Ladder of ...
Standing Up To Peer Pressue
Lesson Objective:
Think about the dangers of peer pressure and how to combat it
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have discussed peer pressure and how it can affect...
Telling a Lie
Lesson Objective:
Determine whether it is acceptable to lie on any occasion.
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have read and discussed a moral dilemma and decided...
The Power of Money
Lesson Objective:
Interpret the different laws for finding and keeping money.
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have read the different interpretations for finding...
The Power of Words
Lesson Objective:
Consider how your choice of words can be powerful
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have tried to understand how words can be powerful for good and...
What Does God Expect of Me?
Lesson Objective:
Understand what God expects of you
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have tried to understand what God expects of them and written their own prayer....
When to Save a Life
Lesson Objective:
Understand the implications of being a hero
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have read and discussed a moral dilemma and thought about the implications...
Whose Money is it Anyway?
Lesson Objective:
Consider different sides of a moral issue
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have read and discussed a moral dilemma, looking at different interpretations...
Festivals
Teaching the Festivals
Chanukah
Pesach
Purim
Rosh Hashanah
Shabbat
Shavuot
Simchat Torah
Sukkot
Tu Bishevat
Yom Kippur
Teaching the Festivals
It is possible to spend one or more lessons on each festival. Below is a quick guide to how many activities given for each festival and a suggestion for how many weeks to teach the topic.
When teaching...
Chanukah
Lesson Objective:
Know what Chanukah is and why we celebrate it
Understand the importance of the story of Chanukah
Learn about the foods and symbols associated with Chanukah
Lesson Outcome:...
Pesach
Pesach Lesson 1 - The Story
Pesach Lesson 2 - The Seder
Pesach Lesson 1 - The Story
Lesson Objective:
Know what Pesach is and why we celebrate it
Understand the importance of the story of Pesach and the Ten Plagues
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children...
Pesach Lesson 2 - The Seder
Lesson Objective:
Understand the importance of the Seder
Learn about the symbols of the Seder
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have understood the meaning and...
Purim
Lesson Objective:
Know what Purim is and why we celebrate it
Understand the importance of the story of Purim
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have understood...
Rosh Hashanah
Lesson Objective:
Know what Rosh Hashanah is and why we celebrate it.
Know the objects associated with Rosh Hashanah
Learn the calls of the Shofar
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson,...
Shabbat
Lesson Objective:
Know what Shabbat is and why we celebrate it
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have understood the meaning and importance of Shabbat
Resources:...
Shavuot
Lesson Objective:
Know what Shavuot is and why we celebrate it
Learn about the stories and significance of Shavuot
Understand the importance of the story of Ruth and Naomi
Lesson Outcome:...
Simchat Torah
Lesson Objective:
Know what Simchat Torah is and why we celebrate it
Understand the importance of the Torah
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have understood the...
Sukkot
Lesson Objective:
Know what Sukkot is and why we celebrate it
Understand the importance of a Sukkah
Learn about the objects associated with Sukkot
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson,...
Tu Bishevat
Lesson Objective:
Know what Tu Bishevat is and why we celebrate it
Understand the importance of recycling and looking after the environment
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the...
Yom Kippur
Lesson Objective:
Know what Yom Kippur is and why we celebrate it
Distinguish between a normal day and the day of Yom Kippur
Understand that Yom Kippur is the Day of Judgement
Lesson Outcome:...
Israel
Lesson 1 - Passports
Lesson 2 - Timeline
Lesson 3 - Jerusalem
Lesson 4 - A Journey Through Israel
Lesson 5 - Geography
Lesson 6 - Kibbutz
Lesson 7 - The Hatikvah
Lesson 8 - Emblem
Lesson...
Lesson 1 - Passport to Israel (Introduction)
Lesson Objective:
Recall Prior Knowledge about Israel
Create a Passport
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have created a passport for their journey around Israel...
Lesson 2 - Timeline
Lesson Objective:
Learn about the History of Israel
Create a Timeline
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have created a timeline showing the history of Israel
Resources:
...
Lesson 3 - Jerusalem
Lesson Objective:
Learn about the Important Sites of Jerusalem
Write a Message to God
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about important sites in Jerusalem...
Lesson 4 - A Journey Through Israel
Lesson Objective:
Learn about the Important Sites of Israel
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about important sites in Israel and written a postcard from...
Lesson 5 - Geography
Lesson Objective:
Learn about the location of the cities of Israel
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have labelled the cities of Israel on the map
Resources:
fact...
Lesson 6 - Kibbutz
Lesson Objective:
Learn about the Kibbutz
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about the Kibbutz and created their own Kibbutz
Resources:
Life on a...
Lesson 7 - The Hatikvah
Lesson Objective:
Learn and Understand the Hatikvah
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have read and understood the Hatikvah and written their own poem f...
Lesson 8 - Emblem
Lesson Objective:
Understand the importance of the Israeli Emblem
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have understood the importance of the Israeli emblem and created...
Lesson 9 - Summary
Lesson Objective:
To recap on the knowledge gained in the project
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have remembered key facts about Israel
Resources:
Israel...
Lifecycle
Lesson 1 - Family Trees
Lesson 2 - Birth and Circumcision
Lesson 3 - Families
Lesson 4 - B'nei Mitzvah
Lesson 5 - Kabbalat Torah
Lesson 6 - Marriage
Lesson 7 - Jewish Home
Lesson 8 - Death...
Lesson 1 - Family Trees
Lesson Objective:
Understand that life is a series of cycles
Draw your family tree
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have created their own family tree
Resources:...
Lesson 2 - Birth and Circumcision
Lesson Objective:
Understand circumcision as a sign of the covenant
Learn the vocabulary and ritual associated with circumcision
Know that there is an initiation for girls
Lesson Outcome:...
Lesson 3 - Families
Lesson Objective:
Look at different types of family
Think about how sibling relationships can be challenging
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about ...
Lesson 4 - B'nei Mitzvah
Lesson Objective:
Learn about the role of a Bar or Bat mitzvah in Jewish life
Think about what it means to read from the Torah and become part of the community
Lesson Outcome:
By the end...
Lesson 5 - Kabbalat Torah
Lesson Objective:
Understand the importance of Kabbalat Torah to Liberal Jews
Compare and contrast B’nei Mitzvah and Kabbalat Torah
Consider what groups or communities they are a part of
Lesson O...
Lesson 6 - Marriage
Lesson Objective:
Learn about some of the rituals of a Jewish Wedding
Think about what it means to make a commitment to marry someone
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children...
Lesson 7 - Jewish Home
Lesson Objective:
Consider what signs and objects are found in a Jewish home
Learn about the role of the mezuzah as a Jewish object.
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children...
Lesson 8 - Death and Mourning
Lesson Objective:
Learn about the significance of death and mourning
Think about what it means to remember someone who has died
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will...
Lesson 9 - Parents and Children
Lesson Objective:
Review the Ten Commandments
Understand the importance of honouring your parents
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have thought about what they...
Torah People
Introduction to teaching
1. Adam and Eve
2. Cain and Abel
3. Noah
4. Abraham and Sarah
5. Isaac and Rebecca
6. Jacob
7. Joseph
8. Moses
Adam and Eve
Lesson Objective:
Know and Understand the Story of Creation
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about the story of creation and Adam and Eve.
Resources:...
Introduction to Teaching
It is possible to spend one or more lessons on each person. Below is a quick guide to how many activities given for each character and a suggestion for how many weeks to teach the topic.
When teaching...
Cain and Abel
Lesson Objective:
Know and Understand the Story of Cain and Abel
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about the story of Cain and Abel and thoughts...
Noah
Lesson Objective:
To Know the Story of Noah’s Ark
Learn about the importance of trust in the story
Consider the emotions of different characters in the story
Consider what it takes for people a...
Abraham and Sarah
Lesson Objective:
Know and Understand the Stories of Abraham and Sarah
Think about the significance of Abraham’s actions
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will h...
Isaac and Rebecca
Lesson Objective:
Know and Understand the Story of Isaac and Rebecca
Think about the qualities of a good person
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have...
Jacob
Lesson Objective:
To Know the Stories of Jacob
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about the stories of Jacob and thought about how it is wrong to trick...
Joseph
Lesson Objective:
To Know the Story of Joseph
Learn about the importance of Joseph and his dreams
Consider how bullying can be prevented
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the...
Moses
There are six clear topics in this plan. You may wish to teach over a whole term or just pick those topics which suit you and your class.
Lesson Objective:
Understand the role that Moses plays...
Post-Torah People
Daniel 1: Dreams
Daniel 2: Personal Strength
Deborah: Just Wars
Elijah: Loving Kindess
Ezrah: Torah
Jeremiah: Covenant
Jonah: Personal Attributes
Joshua 1: Leadership
Joshua 2: Leadership...
Daniel 1: Dreams
Lesson Objective:
Consider personal dreams
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about the story of Daniel and the dream, as well as considered what dreams...
Daniel 2: Personal Strength
Lesson Objective:
Understand the importance of personal strength
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about the story of Daniel and the lion’s den, and...
Deborah: Just Wars
Lesson Objective:
Learn about the story of Deborah
Develop a view on Just War - considering whether fighting for freedom is justified
Introduce the idea of informed opinion
Lesson Outcome:...
Elijah: Loving Kindess
Lesson Objective:
Learn about the stories of Elijah and Elisha
Identify acts of loving kindness in the stories
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about...
Ezrah: Torah
Lesson Objective:
Understand Ezrah’s link to the Torah
Think about mitzvot as commandments and commitments.
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have understood t...
Jeremiah: Covenant
Lesson Objective:
Introduce the divided kingdom and the exile
Develop an understanding of the covenant
Learn about Jeremiah and his times
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children...
Jonah: Personal Attributes
Lesson Objective:
Learn and understand the story of Jonah
Consider personal attributes
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have read the story of Jonah and understood...
Joshua 1: Leadership
Lesson Objective:
Learn and understand the story of Joshua
Consider the features of a good leader
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about how Joshua...
Joshua 2: Leadership II
Lesson Objective:
Learn and understand the story of Joshua and the Walls of Jericho
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about how Joshua led the Israelite ...
King David: What Makes a Good Person?
Lesson Objective:
Learn and understand the story of King David
Consider personal attributes
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about the life of King ...
Micah: Being Like God
Lesson Objective:
Appreciate that the messages of Micah are very relevant today
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about the prophecies of Micah and considered...
Samson: Trust and Betrayal
Lesson Objective:
Learn and understand the story of Samson
Understand that everyone has strengths and weaknesses
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt about...
Samuel: Commitment
Lesson Objective:
Understand the meaning of covenant and commitment
Learn about Samuel’s relationship with God
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have learnt ab...
Saul: What Makes a Good Monarch
Lesson Objective:
Determine the important qualities a monarch needs to have
Lesson Outcome:
By the end of the lesson, the children will have read about the way in which Saul disobeyed God...
Solomon: Wisdom
Lesson Objective:
Learn about the wisdom of Solomon
Discuss how we solve problems and think about conflict resolution
See through the Proverbs the wisdom of the Tanakh
Lesson Outcome:
By...
"From Yesterday, For Tomorrow": Holocaust Education Unit
Liberal Judaism strongly recommends this curriculum, which was developed by the organisation From Yesterday, For Tomorrow. Suitable for 11-16 year-olds, it looks at different aspects of the Holocaust...
Action
Action - Lesson Plan
Action - Teacher's Notes
Action - PowerPoint
Action - Resource B
Action - Resource C
Action - Resource D
Action - Resource E
Action - Resource F
Action - Resource G...
Bystander
Bystander - Lesson Plan
Bystander - Teacher's Notes
Bystander - PowerPoint
FYFT - Pledge Card (image opens in new tab)
Bystander - Resource A
Bystander - Resource B
Bystander - Resource C
Bystander...
Choices
Choices - Lesson Plan
Choices - Teacher's Notes
FYFT - Pledge Card (image opens in new tab)
Choices - Resource A
Choices - Resource B (1) , (2) , (3) , (4) , (5)
Choices -...
Dehumanisation
Dehumanisation - Lesson Plan
Dehumanisation - Teacher's Notes
Dehumanisation - Resource A
Dehumanisation - Resource B (1) , (2) , (3) , (4)
Dehumanisation - Resource C (1)...
Language
Language - Lesson Plan
Language - Teacher's Notes
Language - PowerPoint
FYFT - Pledge Card (image opens in new tab)
Perpetrator
Perpetrator - Lesson Plan
Perpetrator - Teacher's Notes
Perpetrator - Resource A
Perpetrator - Resource B
Perpetrator - Resource C
Perpetrator - Resource D
Perpetrator - Resource...
Victims
Victims - Lesson Plan
Victims - Teacher's Notes
Victims - Resource A
Victims - Letter Address
Community Events
One-off session plans for learning opportunities in your community, including festival activities, study sessions and inter-generational learning.
The Living Wage at Liberal Judaism
In 2014 Liberal Judaism took the decision to become the first UK Jewish Synagogul Movement to fully embrace and support the Living Wage Campaign. The documents below are taken from a pack that was produced...
Other Festival Events
Creative Suggestions for Particular Holidays
This information comes from a module of the LJ Ba'alei Tefillah (lay leadership training) programme. It gives some useful hints and tips with regard to...
Adult Learning
Resources for running adult learning programmes, a catalogue of learning sessions that you can book for your community and a complete A2LJ curriculum for conversion courses.
Adult Learning Catalogue
A catalogue of adult learning sessions, offered by Liberal Judaism Rabbis and educators, that you can book to be run in your community.
Adult Learning Programmes
Short courses and one-off sessions for use in your Adult Education programme, written by Rabbis and Educators in Liberal Judaism communities.
A2LJ Curriculum (Protected)
A full curriculum of guided study for those converting to Judaism and other adult learners. To request the password, email education@liberaljudaism.org (Please note the password was updated in January...
Library
Details of Liberal Judaism’s Reference Library, based at the Montagu Centre plus the DVD and Book Box lending service for Liberal Judaism communities.
Reference
Browse our catalogue of books, educational material and musical resources that can be found in the Reference Library at the Montagu Centre.
Book Boxes
Lendable boxes of 30+ books for adults and children that you can borrow from Liberal Judaism to enhance or become your community’s library.
DVDs
Borrow Jewish and Israeli DVDs to show in your community from our extensive catalogue, available free of charge to all Liberal Judaism communities.
Liturgy
Service booklets for every occasion, sermons to share, transliteration files and musical recordings of the prayers from Siddur Lev Chadash.
Service Booklets
Customised prayer booklets that have been made by Liberal Judaism communities for various occasions that you can adapt and use in your community.
Friday Night Table Blessings
Shabbat B'Yachad Service...
Transliterations
Standardised transliterations of the liturgy in Liberal Judaism’s prayer books for use when making prayer booklets for special occasions.
Shabbat Services:
Transliteration for Erev Shabbat Services
...
Divrei Torah
A selection of short sermons to start discussions, or for use when there is no one available in your community to give a sermon.
A Question for Each and Every Liberal Jew by Aaron Goldstein
A Question...
Liturgical Music
Music in Services – an article by Cantor Gershon Silins.
Page numbers in the relevant Liberal Judaism prayer book are referenced in the file names.
Please scroll down for recordings from Machzor R...
Music in Services
Article by Cantor Gershon Silins,
LJ Outreach Team with responsibility for Music
Music is one of the central elements of Jewish observance and communal life, preserving traditions, enriching and deepening...
Legal and Privacy
Liberal Judaism is a registered charity number 236590. This website is designed solely to provide you information about the Liberal Judaism and our activities. Although we try to maintain the accuracy...