On the evening of Saturday 10 March, the beautiful and historic Great Hall at St John’s College, Cambridge resonated with the sound of around 140 people from the Jewish progressive community, including past and present residents, students and members of Beth Shalom enjoying a delicious meal and a wonderful atmosphere.

This major fundraising event, a celebration black tie dinner, included some illustrious guests such as Michael Grabiner, Chairman of the World Union for Progressive Judaism; the President of the Movement for Reform Judaism, Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield, CBE; and the Movement Rabbi, Laura Janner-Klausner.

After enjoying a chanpagne reception, the guests were welcomed by Mike Frankl, Chair of BSRS, and Frank Harris, Chair of the Building Committee. Speeches were given by Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield, who studied law at Cambridge himself, and Dr Edward Kessler MBE, Executive Director of Cambridge University's Woolf Institute, who stressed the importance of Beth Shalom acquiring its very first home after over 30 years

The evening buzz continued with an exciting auction of prizes such as holidays in Spain and the Cotswolds and an exclusive box at the Royal Opera House, plus a silent auction and a well-stocked and beautifully presented tombola.

Organiser, Professor Fiona Karet Frankl commented, “We are delighted with the support for this event, which has raised well over £30,000 towards our goal. It's a substantial sum, but we still have a long way to go.”

Report in the JC here