Liberal, Reform and United Synagogues in south London have joined forces to tackle issues that “have far too long been taboo in the Jewish community”.

Seminars focusing on depression, cancer and drugs and alcohol abuse are launching the venture, organised primarily by Kingston Liberal Synagogue and the Weybridge-based North-West Surrey Reform community, with the backing of the Kingston United congregation.

The opening meeting on depression was addressed by Aviva Trupp of Jewish Care and the audience also included Wimbledon Reform members. Subsequent seminars will be led by representatives from Chai Cancer Care and Drugsline.

Kingston Liberal’s Rabbi Charley Baginsky — who conceived the project with Jenny Jankel of North-West Surrey — is “very excited about these events. We felt there was a need in the Jewish community to provide a forum outside north London where people could talk about difficult issues in a safe and confidential environment.
“More importantly, it recognises that there are resources available to the Jews of south London and Surrey to help them in times of need,” Rabbi Baginsky added.