Officers for 2019/2020:
President: Miriam Levene
Chair: David Bartram
Treasurer: Denise Bergman
Honorary vice-president: Alex Keller
Who are we?
In 1948—49 a small group of Jews of Leicester were seeking an alternative to Orthodox Judaism. In 1950 the Liberal Jewish Group affiliated to the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues, later renamed Liberal Judaism. Initially services were held in members’ homes and hired halls.
In the 1960s the name was changed to the Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation and bi-weekly services were held in the Friends Meeting House until the present building was bought in 1995 and refurbished to become a synagogue.
Our building
Our building dates from 1885 and was used as school until the community purchased it in 1995. It has been adapted to be fully accessible, a ramp for wheelchairs and a loop system for the hard of hearing.
Our building is sometimes made available for hire at reasonable charge. Please note that alcohol may not be sold, nor may it be provided at any event where an entrance fee is charged.
We have a full calendar of activities and weekly services: Click here to see our services.
The building is available for hire subject to consultation. The following groups use the premises regularly:
- The Shalom Club – weekly luncheon club for older Jewish residents of Leicestershire
- Singing for Pleasure
- Pre and post natal exercise
- Musical activities for pre-schoolers
Whom do we welcome?
LPJC extends a warm welcome to everyone including:
- Jews by birth (matrilineal or patrilineal) and by choice
- Jews in inter-faith relationships; non-Jewish partners are invited to become friends of the congregation
- single Jews, couples or families
- LGBT Jews – lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender
- Secular and cultural Jews who may feel estranged from their roots
LPJC Neve Shalom Building developments.
We are delighted with the building works that have been taking place during the last year or so. Our new side annexe is complete and now used for a variety of activities in addition to our own community. Users include the youngest with baby massage, through violin lessons to rag rug making — and the addition has proved invaluable during the winter night shelter. We are also enjoying the updated lighting in the whole building and improved toilet facilities.
All this has been made possible with the support of several grant making bodies. Sums awarded by Biffa, The Lottery and The 342 trust went towards the building work. CST contributed towards extending security measures and the North London Progressive Trust contributed towards the lighting and internal equipment for the annexe. in addition local ward grants have helped with kitchen improvements in the past and more recently with replacement of some of the chairs. Our community has been fund raising for many years but it is these grants that have made the realisation of plans possible.
Neve Shalom