I was brought up as a Liberal Jew in London, and my values have always been Liberal Jewish even though my family were infrequent synagogue-goers. The ethos of Liberal Judaism is what I feel most reflects the kind of person I aspire to be. Liberal Judaism focuses on the ethical emphasis of the prophets, and requires us to think about what that means for our personal and our public life to work towards a just society.

Religious observances are a means of forming a connection with the history and practice of Judaism, and has modern significance in that they are performed either in the home (particularly for Shabbat, with family and friends) or with community, which gives a holiness to our connection with family, friends and our community.

When I first came to the Wessex area there was no Liberal community, so when the Wessex Liberal Jewish Community started in Bournemouth, I joined as a founder member. It is my spiritual and community home. I love the "DIY" collaboration of all of us pitching in because we have no paid staff, and our Rabbi who is both a down-to-earth human being and also attuned to emotions and spiritual needs.