The Liberal Jewish Congregation, Gescher LaMassoret e.V., was founded in Cologne in March of 1996. The name chosen for our congregation, Gescher LaMassoret, was planned from its inception, as this means "Bridge to Tradition".

Aside from seeking to attract members who come from Liberal (Reform. Conservative, Reconstructionist) Jewish families or those who do not feel at home in Orthodox Congregations, Gescher LaMassoret places great value on creating an atmosphere in which people, who for one reason or another are not familiar with Jewish traditions, can find a "way home."

At that time, the Congregation immediately began work on the necessary infrastructure. A prayer book for Friday evenings was developed, which was based on a traditional service, but with a new and modern translation, as well as a host of further changes and additions, which were compiled from other progressive prayer books.

Regular services on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings have become the centerpiece of the Congregation, just as eating together at Kiddush following each service has become the focal point of the social community in the Congregation. Guests and members alike regularly emphasize the intensity of the experience in their reactions to our services. Religious instruction and Hebrew lessons have begun for adults.

Some people who have lived their entire lives as Jews, some with Jewish fathers, whose attempts at conversion with the existing congregations were unsuccessful, have now been prepared for conversion under the supervision of the European Bet Din, of the World Union of Progressive Jews, the world's largest Jewish religious organization.

Naturally, the Congregation has taken on all religious functions from observing holiday services throughout the entire year, to the building of a Succah and conducting the Passover Seder.

Over time, our program has expanded to include religious and Hebrew instruction for children as well as preparing our growing young members for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Further milestones have been the consecration of the "New Jewish Cemetery of Cologne," the engagement of Rabbi Rothschild as our supervising rabbi and the move to our own space in Cologne-Riehl.

As a highlight in our development, surely the acquisition of our own Torah, financed exclusively by our members, should be mentioned. The Liberal Jewish Congregation of Cologne is committed full scale to a Progressive Jewish outlook. Even as tradition may have the greatest influence on our interpretation of Judaism, we realize that the rabbis of the past changed religious observances when it was appropriate for their time. In this way, we are guided by the discussions of progressive rabbis from around the globe. This is evidenced by many of our principles. Women and men are equal members of our religious congregation - both sexes may participate in our religious services without any limitations.

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