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Our story

The Lyons Learning Project developed during the 175th anniversary of the West London Synagogue. The synagogue received a very generous legacy which was disbursed among various beneficiaries. Out of some of this money the Lyons Learning Project was founded. The name is taken from the legator who remembered us in her will.

Our Founder and first Executive Director, Rabbi Neil Janes, developed a rich programme that encompassed all aspects of Jewish life, from text study, to ritual, to history, to culture. He aimed to make learning meaningful, to emphasise the conversation we have through our learning as much as the 'subject' matter, and to develop our literacy of Jewish texts.

In October 2020, the leadership of the Lyons Learning Project was taken up by Rabbi Sybil Sheridan, who now has the task of making a previously in-person, Central London-based project for adult education, a space for online learning in the context of the global pandemic. While this presents many challenges, being able to reach people across the UK and beyond is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the Lyons Learning Project.

To keep up to date with all things Lyons Learning, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Meet the team

Rabbi Sybil SheridanExecutive Director

Rabbi Sybil Sheridan

Executive Director

Lenka KohliAdministrator

Lenka Kohli

Administrator

Emma BrandPR and Social Media Assistant

Emma Brand

PR and Social Media Assistant

Our Trustees

Stephen Moss (Chair)

Stephen Moss (Chair)

Rabbi Julia Neuberger

Rabbi Julia Neuberger

Mark Fox

Mark Fox

‘I hope to create a programme of Jewish learning that is dynamic and accessible to everyone…an environment that is open minded, egalitarian, and enquiring. Ours is a space - both virtual and actual - that will give the opportunity to extend our Jewish knowledge and engage in serious debate.’

Rabbi Sybil Sheridan, Executive Director