Who are we?

We are a community of people who recognise the true diversity of Jewish experience and who welcome all new members and participants, especially those who are distanced or estranged from many facets of contemporary Jewish community life. We are a community committed to a creative engagement with contemporary Judaism, which recognises the true diversity of Jewish experience. BKY does this by encouraging participation in, and contributions to, our services and numerous non-service, secular events.

Whom do we welcome?

Everyone, but especially:

Lesbian and gay Jews

Patrilineal Jews

People who are for one reason or another on their own and who would feel more comfortable in a community which emphasises individual presence and participation

Jewish women who want to work out an independent and challenging relation, as women, to Judaism and to being Jewish

Jewish women and men who may not think of themselves as formally religious, that is, as pious or observant, but who do have Jewish issues, questions and concerns (spiritual/existential/ethical/moral) they want to engage with

Jewish women and men whose partners, though not Jewish, wish to be supportive and participate in the life of the community.

What do we do?

Shabbat - we hold regular services on the first and third Friday evening and second and fourth Saturday morning of each month.

Festivals - we celebrate all the major festivals, including a communal seder on the second night of Pesach. Our festival celebrations are known for their richness and the warm welcome we extend to all who come along.

Socials - after each Friday evening service we hold a social where we bring along and share vegetarian food. A discussion or other type of event is sometimes also organised.

Cultural programme - we offer a varied programme including discussion groups, speakers, folk dancing, singing and lesbian group events.

Study - there are opportunities for Jewish study and learning, which allow you to encounter Judaism freshly, or for the first time, as an adult.