Wessex Liberal Jewish Community

The Wessex Liberal Jewish Community is a nonprofit organization and registered charity (Charity number 1160082) based in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. It serves as a liberal Jewish congregation welcoming Jews, their partners, prospective converts, and visitors primarily from the Bournemouth area and surrounding towns such as Poole, Christchurch, Weymouth, Salisbury, Southampton, and Havant.

History and Development

The community was established in July 2010 and operates under a constitution adopted in December 2014. It is run by an elected committee known as the Council, composed of trustees who oversee the organization’s activities and governance. The congregation was officially registered as a charity on 22 January 2015.

Wessex Liberal Jewish Community is affiliated with Liberal Judaism and participates actively in broader Jewish communal life. The community runs regular religious and social activities including fortnightly Shabbat services, High Holy Day observances, and educational support for children. A Rabbi, typically Rabbi Miri Lawrence, visits monthly, while a team of dedicated lay leaders regularly leads services.

Activities and Community Life

The community emphasizes a "DIY" approach, with members taking responsibility for preparing and leading services, managing organizational tasks, and fostering community development. Key volunteer roles include:

• Leading and organizing religious services
• Managing Kiddush and communal meals
• Supporting educational programs for youth
• Newsletter and website editing
• Providing security during events
• Organizing charitable initiatives such as regular food collections for local food banks

Wessex Liberal Jewish Community is a member of the Bournemouth Jewish Representative Council and contributes to regional Jewish news and activities. The community also participates in Mitzvah Day, the UK's largest faith-led day of social action, reflecting its commitment to social justice and charitable work.

Burial and Membership Services

The congregation is a member of the Jewish Joint Burial Society (JJBS), ensuring provisions for burial or cremation according to Jewish traditions. It possesses its own burial plot, supporting the community's lifecycle needs.

Affiliations

Wessex Liberal Jewish Community is affiliated with Liberal Judaism in the UK and is listed among European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) communities. It maintains strong ties with other regional Jewish organizations to promote cultural, religious, and social cohesion.

The Wessex Liberal Jewish Community continues to provide a warm and inclusive environment for liberal Jews and those interested in Jewish life in the Wessex region, fostering religious observance, education, and community engagement in a welcoming setting.

[1] https://www.wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5047459 [3] https://jscn.org.uk/wessex-liberal-jewish-community/ [4] https://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/community/bou4-wessex/index.htm [5] https://eupj.org/congregations/