Progressive rabbis on air at BBC’s MediaCity

The BBC’s MediaCity in Salford Quays was alive to the sound of not one but two Progressive clergy when Rabbis Kath Vardi and Robyn Ashworth-Steen both appeared on the Simone Riley show on BBC Radio Manchester.

Rabbi Kath discussed her new role as Rabbi of Menorah Reform Synagogue. She succeeded Rabbi Fabian Sborovsky earlier this year and described her appointment as coming home, because she and her husband were members before her rabbinic career at North West Surrey Synagogue (NWSS), following ordination from Leo Baeck College.

She described the challenges of leading a community of 900 and emphasised how building a strong, Progressive shul where members can engage with Judaism in a variety of ways, but always with shared core values. Born to non-Jewish parents, she spoke warmly about her decision to convert and what it means to her life.

Meanwhile, Rabbi Robyn delivered the programme’s ‘Thought for the Week’, sharing how learning squash with her son during the school holidays offers more than exercise. She said it’s a source of connection and respite from everyday pressures for both of them.

Rabbi Robyn also, in the context of learning a new sport, offered a powerful reflection on anger. To be angry is to care, she said, and a signal to discuss feelings and expectations. Embracing rage can be constructive and necessary to propel us to action, she added. Robyn also joined the presenter in a review of the Sunday papers. 

You can hear both interviews in full here. (Rabbi Kath starts at 1:39:00 and Rabbi Robyn from 2:17:00).