Liberal Judaism has raised the most money in its history from a single event, bringing in £275,000 through a 36-hour fundraising campaign supported by over 1,000 donors.

Also celebrating the movement’s 120th anniversary, the fundraiser generated £145,000 in donations, with the other £130,000 pledged to match donations over the rest of this year.

“This has been an incredible achievement, five times more than we have ever raised before,” said Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky.

“The money has been amazing but what makes me most proud is that we had a whole army of people giving £10 and £20.

“In a time when many are really struggling, it’s amazing how people came out from across the country to donate and share their stories and messages with us.”

The money raised will go towards a series of initiatives to build Liberal Judaism for the future, with many focused on supporting youth.

They include a new online hub to support communities and individuals, a Progressive Jewish university chaplain, a social justice department and bnei mitzvah and Kabbalat Torah programming for smaller communities without a rabbi.

Liberal Judaism will also help families in need by providing bursaries for children wanting to attend LJY-Netzer youth camps and events, as well as sending Shabbat boxes to elderly community members in non-Jewish care homes.

The movement will now use the coming months to try to reach its target of £500,000 so it can fully implement its plans.

Events planned include a pre-Pride celebration with the Pink Singers, a nationwide sponsored bike ride and the president’s 120th anniversary ball.