19/20 June 2026

This week was a fantastic moment for us as a community. We celebrated becoming the first Synagogue of Sanctuary, a title in recognition of our ongoing efforts to bring justice to this world we share.

So many fabulous FPS folk over the past 11 years have been part of this work. I think particularly of Charlotte Fischer, community organiser and long time friend of FPS and our initial collaborator in pursuing justice. (Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof as Deuteronomy reminds us.) She said this to us and I wanted to share it:

“Many people rightly spoke last night about the impact you’ve made on migrant and refugee communities. But I want to add the gifts you’ve given the Jewish community. I think you’ve done something that gives people hope in the world, and whilst it’s done good for so many communities, it particularly builds a sense of possibility and joy for Jews. Every time something hard happens — every time something less good is in the news, everyone who knows FPS and their story remembers people can reach out across difference, synagogues can be centres of hope and home to our own and other communities, we can take risks (and it’s easier when we do it with each other and with friends). You chose winning rather than feeling either rage or despair or self righteousness. The fruits were so visible last night.”

Our sanctuary was packed with our Mayor, many local Councillors, local religious groups, our partners we work with and so many of our own from FPS. “Pause and mark” is what Jewish tradition teaches us. And so we did.

Student Rabbi Margeaux was part of this, as she has been part of all things at FPS these past five weeks. She has been a gift in all ways: her voice, her strong learning, her competent skills and her sweet energy. How proud I am for us at FPS to be the centre of excellence and receive these brilliant students to train with us. How lucky we have been. Do come and see Margeaux leading her last Shabbat with us this weekend.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rebecca

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יוֹדוּךָ יְהֹוָה כׇּל־מַעֲשֶׂיךָ וַחֲסִידֶיךָ יְבָרְכוּכָה׃ תהילים קמ״ה

All Your works shall praise You, Eternal One, and Your faithful ones shall bless You.
Psalm 145 (Ashrei)

What a blessing it has been to spend the last month and a half here at FPS! Despite some logistical challenges in the early stages of the planning process, Rabbi Rebecca worked overtime to make this internship a reality – so as my time here comes to an end, I want to take stock of all I have to be grateful for! To learn from and with all of you – b’nei mitzvah families, Taste of Torah attendees, kids in Ivriah, Friday and Saturday service participants, Delvers into Judaism, Council members, those of you involved in social justice, young adult programming, and so much more – has helped me feel so integrated into this community and pushed me to grow in my path to the rabbinate.

I have also quickly been educated on the rich world of British Jewry: becoming familiar with a new prayerbook, hearing from clergy and laypeople about the impact of the Progressive merger, observing life cycles and the Liberal Beit Din, celebrating our Synagogue of Sanctuary award, and living the daily rhythm of Jewish life here. I look forward to sharing my experience with all my American colleagues at HUC – and a delegation of us will be back in January, so I look forward to diving in again (and coming to visit!) in 2027.

Most of all, it has been a such a joy to collaborate with John Rubenstein, Sarah Wendy, and Rabbi Rebecca on a new version of the Friday night prayerbook (siddur) with transliteration and expanded liturgy/reflective readings – hopefully it will enrich (and simplify) the Kabbalat Shabbat experience at FPS and leave all of you something to remember me by!
I head on to my next adventure inspired by the deep compassion and engagement I have seen in all corners of this community – you have welcomed me so warmly and should be so proud of all that FPS has to offer and all that each of you contribute.

L’hitraot,
Margeaux