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Our Committee

Lucy Skelton-Meech
Chair
I joined York Liberal Jewish community because I was drawn to its warm, inclusive, and progressive approach to Judaism. From the moment I became involved, I felt a strong sense of community and belonging, where tradition and modern values come together in a meaningful way. Being part of a congregation that embraces diversity and encourages open discussion about faith, identity, and social justice has been incredibly fulfilling.

Accepting the position of Chair is both an honour and a responsibility that I take seriously. I believe in the importance of fostering a vibrant and welcoming Jewish community, and I am excited to support the growth of York Liberal Jewish community. In this role, I hope to contribute to strengthening our congregation, supporting our members, and helping to ensure that our values of inclusivity, education, and engagement continue to thrive
Sarah Hubbard
Focus on York Interfaith & Co. Vice Chair
I currently have responsibility for interfaith work on the YLJC committee I moved to York from Birmingham in 2020. When I was younger, our family was a member of various reform synagogues in North Manchester, including Jacksons Row. I drifted away from Judaism when my children were young. When we moved to York I was determined to reconnect with Judaism and was very warmly welcomed by YLJC. I quickly felt that the community was my Jewish home. We truly are a lovely bunch of people. I wanted to make a bigger contribution and joined the committee.

I am extremely excited by the journey that Rabbi Elisheva is taking our community on. I feel it presents an incredible opportunity to develop our existing relationship with other faith groups in York. There is so much we can gain by reaching out to others in York and so much we can give too! I am also looking forward to the spiritual journey we have embarked upon as a community. The togetherness and sense of wholeness it is already generating between, and within us, is an antidote to our fractured world. I find it nourishing, strengthening and inspiring.
Jules Beaumont
Co. Vice Chair
I’m deeply grateful to have found a home in York’s Progressive Jewish Community. Since joining YLJC in 2020/21, it has become an uplifting and important part of my life: a warm, welcoming and accepting community where I feel safe and valued. I’m honoured to give back to YLJC as Co Vice-Chair, working alongside our Rabbi, fellow trustees, the wider committee and our members. Supporting the community in this way is a Mitzvah and a privilege. I have a particular interest in building connections within our community and supporting each other. Much of my work for YLJC happens behind the scenes, but you will also see me at Services and Seders, occasionally accompanied by one of my grown-up children. As Co Vice-Chair, I hope to help YLJC continue to be a progressive, inclusive and supportive community in which everyone can participate, build relationships and feel that they belong.
Owen Power
Committee Member
I am a D/deaf queer Progressive Jew living in Salford. I love being a member of the York Liberal Jewish Community with its extraordinarily wonderful historical significance and its desire to be an inclusive community for Jews in York and beyond.

I am a member of Liberal Judaism Board of National Officers with the Communities, Communications and Social Justice portfolios. In addition, I am the community’s representative on the Board of Deputies which is a wonderful opportunity to promote disability, LGBTQ+ and regional inclusion as well as promote our community’s achievements.

I am delighted to be elected at the AGM to the committee to serve the community and I am ready to serve with energy and enthusiasm as the community continues to grow.
Rosie Fulton
Committee Member
I joined YLJC in 2021, after being drawn to its warm, welcoming and inclusive community. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 5 years and the studying, praying and eating I've done with YLJC. As the newest member of our committee, I am so excited to get stuck in and help contribute to everything that makes our community so lovely. Outside of shul, I live in York with my wife and our two cats, Pepsi and Fanta. I am a sewist, knitter, tap dancer, (very bad) climber, and am currently undertaking a part time degree in religious studies.
Rachel Ralphs
Treasurer
More information coming soon...
Howard Duckworth
Warden (Gabbe)
More information coming soon...
Pete Simms
Focus on Social Action
Despite the fact that I live in Salford Greater Manchester my true Jewish home has been YLJC for a number of years now. Since joining I have found wonderful people whom I now consider my spiritual family. As a community it feels unique in its acceptance and understanding and the warmth of its welcome to everyone. I'm honoured to lead on Social Action for YLJC and bring my experience of Mental Health, LGBTQ+ and food poverty advocacy to the table. This has been a challenging and exciting role for me and one I hope benefits not only the YLJC community but also the wider community in York as our community builds bridges. With the help of Rabbi Elisheva and steering committee I look forward to Social Action being able to bring more exciting events to our community, as well as, our interfaith partners and York. Away from York I am part of the management team for Salford Food Parcels and I am the lead on This is Me, an LGBTQ+ initiative in Salford.
Chloe Smith
Committee Member
I moved to York in 2016 and joined YJLC about a year later--by coincidence my new neighbour was a founding member of the community. I feel so fortunate to have been able to raise my children in this friendly and supportive community. YJLC's progressive and inclusive values are such a good fit for me and my family, and I've felt much more connected to my Judaism in York than I did growing up in a more conservative community in Toronto. I previously served on YJLC's committee in 2019-21 and I'm looking forward to being able to contribute again at such an exciting time for our thriving community.
Finley Hamilton
Committee Member
More information coming soon...