The past two years have marked a significant shift in British Jewish society, driven by increased antisemitism, violence, and political debates over Israel, leading to heightened feelings of vulnerability, a generational divide in opinions about Israel, and a reevaluation of Jewish identity and community connections in the UK.
British Jews will mark the ascension of King Charles III to the throne on Saturday with specially issued prayers in their synagogues on Shabbat, making it the most Jewish coronation in British history. Reform Judaism issued a special addendum for synagogue services, while some synagogues will even start their services early to watch the coronation livestream. The Orthodox prayer for the coronation will include a Hebrew-language version of the British national anthem. Jewish personalities have attended previous coronations, but this will be the first time a Jewish representative will play an acting role in the ceremony.