September/October 2019 VOL. XLVI No. 5
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
After the Celebration
Those addressing the Liberal Judaism Day of Celebration 2019 included Rabbi Danny Rich, Dame Margaret Hodge and Vivi Aisen, while Jackie Richards led the dancing and LJY-Netzer ran youth activities including art, games and a Kindness Olympics Pictures by Owen Tetley
By Rabbi Charley Baginsky
A
s regular readers of lj today will know, this year’s Liberal Judaism Day of Celebration was themed to focus on the multitude of different ways communities support their members, as well as showcasing the excellent practice that is happening across our congregations and in the Jewish world. All those who attended the event will also know that it delivered all that and more - as 180 Progressive Jews of all ages came together at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue to discuss care, community and social justice with plenty of song, dance, food and fun along the way. However, what is perhaps less well known is that when we design these conferences we also try and think about our overall strategic aims and how we can integrate them into the programming. So, with that in mind, what happens next? Over the last few years Liberal Judaism has been working hard to shape a relationship with Israel that is centred around a deep appreciation for the mutual benefit of engagement.
We have been thinking not only about what we can learn from Israel, but also what we have to offer. It should be obvious that we have much to contribute in terms of our thinking on mixed-faith families, inclusive communities and creative liturgy, but there are also some deeper questions we can tackle together. At the Day of Celebration we were privileged to have Vivi Aisen, the Israeli Embassy’s director of public diplomacy, run a session on Israel’s Mashav programme, which aims to achieve worldwide sustainable development and social equity with a strong emphasis on leaving no one behind. Later this year a delegation of our rabbis will be visiting Israel to explore these issues in greater depth. The aim is to learn together and look at how we can deepen our relationship in mutually beneficial ways. Yes, the Day of Celebration was just one day, but it is surrounded by much thinking, planning and sustained action. Please stay tuned as our communities and national movement now follow up with more ideas and initiatives that have emerged from this truly inspiring day.
Kabbalat Torah for everyone LIBERAL JUDAISM has launched a Kabbalat Torah scheme for 14-16 year olds in small communities so that they can continue their Jewish education past bar/bat mitzvah. Kabbalat Torah (also known as confirmation) is unique to Liberal Judaism and undertaken at a time when it is felt students are able to affirm their commitment to Judaism as a consequence of a personal decision. While popular in larger communities, some smaller ones can find it hard to get the numbers, meaning young people may miss out on the opportunity. This new national programme, entitled Judaism in Plain Sight, seeks to rectify this. Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, said: “It is vital that we offer Kabbalat Torah to all young Liberal Jews - no matter where they are in the country nor how big their community is. I look forward to welcoming our first class.” For details, visit www.liberaljudaism. org/judaism-in-plain-sight
RABBI IGOR ZINKOV (left) and Rabbi Cantor Gershon Silins (right) were among the four new Progressive rabbis ordained by Leo Baeck College. Igor is part of the rabbinic team at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue while Gershon supports communities including Norwich, Lincolnshire and Stevenage.
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News
High Holy Days wherever you are WE know that our members often find themselves away from home over the High Holy Days, whether visiting family in a different part of the country or on holiday in a different part of the world. That is why we ensure that, as part of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), Liberal Jews can spend Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur at any WUPJ member congregation without charge. In the UK and Ireland that means any one of more than 80 Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism communities in all regions. Globally it gives access to 1,200 congregations in 50 countries including the United States, Israel, Australia and throughout Europe. To take advantage of this, you must contact the community you wish to attend in advance so that they know to expect you. On the day, please bring photo ID and the High Holy Days ticket from your home community with you. To find the nearest community to where you will be, please visit the WUPJ website at www.wupj.org/find-a-community/ This reciprocal agreement also means that you are likely to have Progressive Jews from other movements and countries in your synagogue over the High Holy Days – so please do welcome them into the Liberal Jewish family.
Build a Legacy LIBERAL JUDAISM’S heritage project manager Shaan Knan has urged more communities to get involved with our movement’s latest landmark project Lily’s Legacy: The Radical History and Heritage of Liberal Judaism in Britain. Speaking at the AGM in July, Shaan explained how Lily’s Legacy is hoping to record all aspects of Liberal Jewish history and heritage in the UK. Shaan and his team are looking for a range of items that tell a story about Liberal Jewish life past and present including recordings and transcripts, congregational archives, photos and any other memorabilia. They are also keen to record the stories of Liberal Jews of all ages and from all walks of life. Together these will form a permanent record at the London Metropolitan Archives and other national heritage institutes. Shaan also used the AGM to encourage each Liberal congregation to organise a heritage event at their premises. For details and to get involved, email lilyslegacyproject@liberaljudaism.org
September/October 2019
Liberal Passport Scheme launched at Patrons’ Dinner
Rabbi Danny Rich (left) and Rabbi Charley Baginsky (right) with Patrons’ Dinner guests who will benefit from Liberal Judaism’s new Passport Scheme Picture by Zoë Mendelson
LIBERAL JUDAISM has announced a new form of centralised membership for young adults – providing them with access to all events and services at Liberal communities across the country for an affordable cost. The new Passport Scheme was unveiled at this year’s Patrons’ Dinner: the annual event for the movement’s key supporters held at the House of Lords. It seeks to fill the hole in support for young people once they have outgrown LJYNetzer and/or left university. Passport holders will be able to attend services at all communities, including on High Holy Days, take part in specific events designed just for them, enjoy networking opportunities and have access to a centralised burial scheme. The cost is just £15 a month (£180 a year) and young adults remain members until their next lifecycle event. Liberal Judaism is currently raising money to fund the scheme with the goal of opening it early 2020. Speaking at the Patrons’ Dinner, Liberal Judaism’s director of strategy and partnerships Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “I wholeheartedly believe that my experience in Liberal Judaism’s youth movement was formative but after leaving, and until I became a student rabbi, I was not a member of a congregation. While I continued to identify as a Liberal Jew, my nomadic existence made it difficult to build a relationship with one community. Although some 20 years have passed since then, not much has changed for young adults today.
“We know that while our LJY-Netzer graduates and even movement workers finish their time in the ranks committed to Liberal Judaism, they struggle to express that identity afterwards. “Liberal Judaism prides itself on being the home for everyone’s Jewish story. This scheme is an opportunity for us to be the home for a group that we know have often been marginalised and whose voice we have not prioritised until now.” Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, added: “We believe this membership will not only enable young adults to maintain their connection to Liberal Judaism, but will also provide them with the opportunity to stay involved in the community, express their Jewish identity and ensure that when their next lifecycle event comes around they choose membership at one of our synagogues.” The Patron’s Dinner keynote speaker was the writer, critic and academic Adam Roberts FRSL, an associate member of Kingston Liberal Synagogue. Adam gave a hilarious speech covering everything from his love of sci-fi to being a non-Jewish member of a Liberal Jewish family and community. Others addressing the dinner included the Ambassador of Israel to the UK Mark Regev, chair of Patrons Nicola Nathan, event host Lord Haskel and Liberal Judaism chair Simon Benscher. • If you would like a private conversation about supporting Liberal Judaism and the Passport Scheme please contact Rabbi Charley Baginsky on 020 7631 9824 or c.baginsky@liberaljudaism.org
Pride
September/October 2019
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‘Best ever’ Shaan at No10 A shared Pride at FPS celebration
A PRIDE Shabbat service at Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) honoured the trailblazers of LGBTQI+ rights in the Jewish community and around the world. More than 150 people attended the service, which was themed l’dor v’dor (from generation to generation). It was led by Rabbi Rebecca Birk, Cantor Tamara Wolfson, Student Rabbis Lev Taylor and Anna Posner and Student Cantor Rachel Weston. It also included participation from representatives of Beit Klal Yisrael, the Jewish LGBT+ Group and Laviot – a community for queer women. The keynote speaker was Adam Eli. Adam is the founder of Voices4 - a nonviolent direct action group committed to advancing global queer liberation. He takes inspiration from Torah and Talmud as the framework for his activism. FPS member Peggy Sherwood MBE said: “I have been to more than 20 Pride Shabbat services but never, ever, one like this. I have never felt such a buzz, such a feeling of warmth and love, nor such a feeling of pride in our synagogue.”
LIBERAL JUDAISM’S heritage project manager Shaan Knan attended a Pride event at 10 Downing Street (pictured), as the Prime Minister held a special reception to mark the Government’s progress on its LGBT Action Plan. Shaan was a guest of Stonewall, the world’s largest LGBTQI+ campaigning organisation and one with which Liberal Judaism often works side by side. Penny Mordaunt, who hosted the event on behalf of then Prime Minister Theresa May, said: “Everyone deserves the freedom to love whoever they love and to be themselves. The LGBT Action Plan is vital in our efforts to tackle prejudice and promote a diverse, tolerant society and it will continue to be an utmost priority.” Shaan said: “I feel extremely honoured to have been invited again to this very special occasion and spread the word about Liberal Judaism’s ground-breaking work on inclusion and diversity.”
MANY Liberal Jews took part in Pride parades and ceremonies around the UK, including members of our youth movement LJY-Netzer (pictured above).
By Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah FOR the past few years, Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue (BHPS) has held a pre-Brighton Pride Erev Shabbat shared meal and celebration. This year our event included a special photo exhibition of Jewish Rituals - created by LGBTQI+ Jews as part of the Ritual Reconstructed project funded by the Heritage Lottery and hosted by Liberal Judaism - and the screening of a film of South London Liberal Synagogue’s 2015 Pride Seder. We were very pleased that Ritual Reconstructed project manager Shaan Knan could be present together with Mary Humphrey, who took the wonderful photographs. Shaan talked about the initiative and the other LGBTQI+ projects he has managed under Liberal Judaism’s auspices: Rainbow Jews, Twilight People and Rainbow Pilgrims. It was also lovely to welcome the creator of the SLLS Pride Seder Haggadah, Rabbi Janet Darley, and filmmaker Searle Kochberg – both of whom addressed the gathering of around 40 participants. Having advertised the evening in the wider community of Brighton and Hove, we were also delighted to welcome the newly-appointed Mayor of the city, Councillor Alexandra Phillips, and Lloyd Russell-Moyle, the MP for Brighton Kemptown. Local MPs Peter Kyle and Caroline Lucas sent messages of support. Our Shabbat celebration, in prayer and song, included special celebratory prayers for Pride and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, as well as a blessing for twilight and ‘Twilight People’ and prayers for remembrance. Among those we remembered: loved ones no longer alive to share the moment and LGBT Rabbis Lionel Blue, Sheila Shulman and Ehrlene Wahlhaus, and Student Rabbi Andreas Hinz.
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Comment
September/October 2019
‘Liberal Judaism is flourishing’ Rabbi Andrew Goldstein gives his High Holy Days greetings and reflects on the year gone by THE past year of 5779 has certainly been traumatic for the United Kingdom. Who knows whether we will leave the EU on the 2nd Cheshvan soon after the coming High Holy Days. Meanwhile antisemitism has been a real issue and we have reason to be concerned about its rise and even existence not just in this country, but in Europe and America too. We can only pray that in a year’s time our anxieties will have lessened. But I want to look back on a good year I have had as president of Liberal Judaism. I have been invited to a number of significant services in our movement and my wife Sharon and I have had positive experiences all over the country. We started with Leicester for Rosh Hashanah and Edinburgh for Yom Kippur. We spent Tu Bishvat in Ealing.
At our Reading congregation, I spoke about their Czech Memorial Torah scroll that came from the Pinkas Synagogue in Prague which has the 80,000 names of the Czech Jews murdered in the Holocaust inscribed on its walls. Most recently, in Hereford with our new Three Counties congregation, I led a special Anne Frank service (pictured below) on the 90th anniversary of her birth.
The year gone by also saw a number of significant anniversaries celebrated. The Liberal Synagogue Elstree marked its 50th year and Southgate Progressive its 70th. I so enjoyed taking part in a special service to mark the 80th anniversary of South London Liberal consecrating its
building. It was great fun as its rabbi, Nathan Godleman, came up with the idea of dressing in the manner of 1939 and he and I adopted old fashioned ministerial garb. Many congregants were kitted out in the correct period costume too. Nathan also recently unearthed a sermon that the late Rabbi John D Rayner (who started his career at South London) gave on the 50th anniversary of the congregation. It contained the names of the rabbis who had once ministered there, as well as lay ministers, most of them now dead. It brought home to me the sadness of this year with the deaths of Rabbis Harry Jacobi and David Goldberg, who both contributed so much to Liberal Judaism over so many decades. My peregrinations around the country made me realise how vibrant and creative our congregations are. Liberal Judaism has a long successful history and it is certainly flourishing today too. May 5780 bring you and your family health and contentment, your community success and progress, and our country and Israel a sense of harmony and peace.
Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein is president of Liberal Judaism
‘We have a responsibility to speak out’ Jane Drapkin on why Liberal Judaism is campaigning for the Uyghur community “I HAVEN’T heard from my family for two and a half years. I don’t know what has happened to them. I fear for their safety. I am afraid they may have been taken to one of the camps.” These are not the words of a Holocaust survivor speaking in the 1940s. They were said to me by a member of the Uyghur community in London in 2019. This is what led myself and Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, to take part in a Jewish protest outside the Cultural Section of the Chinese Embassy this summer (pictured below).
The Uyghurs are a Turkic minority. Approximately 11 million Uyghurs live in Xinjiang in north western China. Many practice Islam, and most do not speak Mandarin as their first language. Since 2016, they have suffered statesponsored persecution at the hands of the Chinese Government, including the building of camps in which an estimated three million adults are being detained and ‘re-educated’. A BBC investigation also exposed the practice of separating Uyghur children from their parents, detaining them in boarding schools and kindergartens, educating them to adopt Han Chinese culture and eradicating any signs of their Uyghur background. Outside the camps, the Chinese government has banned the Uyghur language from schools and public places and forbidden expressions of Islamic culture. ‘Crimes’ such as refusing to eat pork or drink alcohol, or having contact with family overseas, can be enough to get you deported to one of the camps.
As Jews, I believe we have a particular responsibility not to ‘say nothing’ when a people are persecuted because of their religious or ethnic identity. Although it may seem a tall order to take on the Chinese government, here are some things you can do: • Talk about what is happening to the Uyghur community in China. Tell your family, friends and colleagues. And learn more about the situation yourself at www.renecassin.org/?s=Uyghur • Write to your MP. A template and guide to finding your local MP are available at the link above. • If you live in London, you can attend the weekly protest, 6-7pm every Tuesday, outside the Cultural Section of the Chinese Embassy in Hampstead.
Jane Drapkin is the Liberal Judaism officer for social justice
Comment
September/October 2019
LJ Today Page 5
Victory for #JewsForLoos A partnership with Israel By Adam Ognall
By Michael Austin IT IS not often that something can unite different synagogues, churches and all the political parties; but that is what happened in Brighton and Hove – thanks to the #JewsForLoos campaign led by Citizens Brighton and Hove (CitizensBH). Five years ago Brighton Council shut the toilet facility at Hove Cemetery North, which is used by all faiths including Liberal Judaism’s Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue (BHPS) and Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue. The closure was ostensibly because of vandalism, but actually it was to save money. There is a disabled toilet at Hove Cemetery South but that involves a walk of a third of a mile and negotiating a dual carriageway that doesn’t have a pedestrian crossing. Mourners and officiants possibly coming a long distance are also considerably inconvenienced (please excuse the pun). Despite representations to the council by BHPS president Sandra Walker, whose husband needs to use a wheelchair, pleas for dignity at funerals and stone settings were ignored. That is until Frida Gustafsson, newly appointed coordinator of CitizensBH, came along. Citizens is a non-partisan organisation which brings together different sections of local communities and empowers them to bring about change locally by, for example, reducing homelessness, increasing affordable housing and improving mental health services. These are, of course all things involving social justice, one of the tenets of Liberal Judaism, and BHPS is proud to be a founder member of CitizensBH. With Frida’s prompting, together with the use of social media, we were
energised to campaign at the first CitizensBH hustings in April when the Conservative, Labour and Green leaders of Brighton Council pledged to work with us to solve the problem. We then took action – including in May when CitizensBH, featuring many BHPS members together with our Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah, presented invitations wrapped in toilet rolls to councillors and key heads of departments, asking them to meet with us at the cemetery to see exactly what the difficulties are. I am pleased to say our efforts have paid off. Brighton and Hove City Council have reopened the disused toilet facility for inspection. Our campaign will now ensure that the Council keeps its commitment to fully surveying the building and getting estimates for the installation of an accessible toilet. We are very excited at this first big step in making our cemetery equally accessible to all its users. We have had an offer from the Bloom Charitable Foundation of at least £5,000 towards the cost of reinstatement, which shows how communities can come together for the common good. Throughout this all, we have learnt three things. Firstly we are stronger when we come together with other local organisations and faith groups. Secondly BHPS is lucky in having so many committed members willing as necessary to lead, research and make suggestions and always working as a team. And finally that dialogue with local authorities proves far more constructive than confrontation… and is also great fun.
“WHAT is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Israel?” In my talks at Liberal communities I often start with this question. The answers are as fascinating as they are diverse – from childhood memories and favourite foods to political considerations and grappling with identity. They remind us that whilst Israel remains at the centre of communal identity, for individuals this relationship is a unique combination of head, heart and hands. As we look towards Rosh Hashanah, Israel is gearing up for elections. These point to a values-driven and forwardlooking way to engage with Israel. The immediate reason for these elections was disagreement about drafting ultra-Orthodox citizens into the IDF. Yet this is only one of many disputes over the role of Judaism in public life – LGBTQI+ equality, freedom of choice in marriage, recognition of non-Orthodox Judaism and the status of Shabbat. These issues are at the core of the New Israel Fund’s mission and are important concerns which matter to Liberal Jews. The previous election, held in April, exposed two worrying divisions. The first is the growing racist incitement against ‘the other’, whether Arab citizens, Ethiopian Israelis or asylum seekers. We also learnt how democracy itself is being challenged through threats to the independence of the Supreme Court and a trampling of minority rights. Despite these worrying trends, there is a good news story to tell, one which can inspire and deepen our connections to Israel. Through the New Israel Fund’s grants and projects, we are proud to support Israelis who are safeguarding the country’s democratic institutions, protecting minority rights and defending the rule of law. They stand for civil society and for a robust Arab-Jewish partnership on behalf of a democratic future for all. These Israelis share many of the values that Liberal Judaism stands for. They deserve our attention and support. Their approach is to grapple with issues rather than passively walk away, taking an optimistic path that speaks to the truth on which Israel was founded. The New Israel Fund represents a partnership of Israelis and supporters of Israel that is now more crucial than ever.
Michael Austin is a trustee of Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue
Adam Ognall is chief executive of the New Israel Fund
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Communities
September/October 2019
International Strollers raise Honours for leaders at KLS thousands Liberal Jews
KINGSTON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE (KLS) hosted a study session for 50 students from 28 countries as part of the Emerging International Leaders Programme run by Cumberland Lodge. Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel spoke to the group about the history of Judaism, how Progressive Judaism blends tradition with modernity and the importance of interfaith dialogue. He showed the postgrads, who are all currently studying in the UK, a Torah scroll and chanted the weekly Torah portion. René said: “It was wonderful to spend time with a group of such inspirational and amazing young leaders. We had great conversations on many topics and I was impressed with the level of their questions and the depth of their interest.”
Almost £5,000 has been raised for Cancer Research UK by members of South Bucks Jewish Community (SBJC), who took part in the Relay for Life at RAF Halton. In the run up to the event the SBJC Strollers, led by their captain and Liberal Judaism officer Amanda McFeeters, organised numerous fundraising activities including a sponsored cycle and supermarket bag packing, raising £3,000. On the day, a tombola and ‘guess the amount of money in the jar’ competition garnered a further £1,500. The SBJC Strollers take part in the 24hour continuous walk each year. The team told lj today: “Despite a few light showers this year, everyone who took part had a thoroughly good time raising money for such a vital cause.”
FIVE members of Liberal Judaism were given awards in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Professor Sarah Broadie (pictured) of Sukkat Shalom: Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community received an OBE for services to classical philosophy. Sarah is professor of moral philosophy at St Andrews University. Regarded as the world’s foremost authority on Aristotle, her 50-year career has included publishing seven books and 75 articles and reviews. She said: “It’s a great pleasure that the subject of classical philosophy should receive this recognition.” There were British Empire Medals for Bob and Ann Kirk of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, Mosaic Liberal Synagogue member George Vulkan and Walter Kammerling from Wessex Liberal Jewish Community - recognised for their contribution to Holocaust education and remembrance in the UK. All four escaped the Nazis as children and today dedicate a large portion of their time to educating school pupils and others about the dangers of antisemitism, racism and prejudice. Along with other survivors, it is estimated they have shared their testimony with more than 100,000 children around the UK. Holocaust Memorial Day Trust chief executive Olivia MarksWoldman said: “They give so much of their time to speak in memory of the millions who were murdered. It is wonderful to see their impact celebrated with these honours.”
WILLIE KESSLER, a vice president of Liberal Judaism and much-loved former president of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, has died. He leaves his wife Jo and children George, Charles, James and Ed. Rabbi Alexandra Wright officiated at Willie’s funeral, which was packed with family and friends. A full obituary will run in the next lj today. Our thoughts are with all those who mourn.
Communities
September/October 2019
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Around the Rabbi David Hulbert retires communities after 30 wonderful years • THE Lincolnshire Jewish Community will be hosting a Green Shabbat service every month after their initial attempt started in disaster but ended in triumph. The congregation invited a speaker and arranged for a film to be shown after the service, but the speaker had to cancel… and he was bringing the film with him. However, not to be defeated, immediately after kiddush members simply sat and discussed what they as individuals could do in their lives and as a community to help the environment. Ideas ranged from political campaigning to buying locally-produced vegetables not wrapped in plastic. The discussion was so positive that members agreed to hold a Green Shabbat in Lincolnshire every month and add a page dedicated to environmental issues to their newsletter.
RABBI DAVID HULBERT, the longest serving rabbi in Redbridge, has retired after three decades in the pulpit. A special service was held at East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) to mark the occasion, where it was standing room only as rabbis and faith leaders from around the region and the wider Liberal movement (pictured) joined with David’s family, friends and congregants to say goodbye. David is beloved by the ELELS community having spent his entire 30year career there. He joined Barkingside Progressive Synagogue as a student rabbi and remained there after ordination, guiding it as it became Bet Tikvah before then merging with Woodford Liberal Synagogue to form ELELS. He will now become the synagogue’s first ever emeritus rabbi. David led most of the service alongside his family including wife Fiona. Rabbi Danny Rich, Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, who was in the same graduating class as David at Leo Baeck College, praised him as “a kind and caring man”.
In a moving speech, ELELS chair Stewart Spivack said: “David has served our community, in its various guises, for 30 years. He has been our rabbi, our teacher and, above all, our friend. “He has been there with us to celebrate the good times through our lives. And when we face difficulties, either at work or in the health of ourselves or those close to us, David is always there too.” David told lj today: “I was very pleased to see so many lovely people and hear so many lovely things said. Among the gifts I was presented with was a certificate saying they had named a star after me. So now, at long last, we can say ‘Rabbi David Hulbert is a star’.”
A service everyone should try • MANCHESTER LIBERAL JEWISH COMMUNITY (MLJC) celebrated their first same-sex marriage with a wedding blessing officiated by Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich. The grooms, Liam and John, are both members of MLJC and enjoyed a moving ceremony which drew upon many traditions including breaking the glass. MLJC secretary Owen Power (pictured above with Danny, Liam and John)said: “Danny officiated with style and warmth, explaining the traditions so non-Jewish guests felt fully included.” • RABBI WILLY WOLF returned to visit Reading Liberal Jewish Community more than 40 years after he originally helped to set up the congregation. The Shabbat service for his return was given added meaning as it was led by Rabbi Rachel Benjamin, who was herself ordained by Willy in 1998. Reading’s Hannah Rudenski said: “It was so moving to hear him address us all once more with loving words.”
By Simon Rothstein THE foremost thing on my mind as my first trip to a Shabbat Shelanu service at East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) came to a close was that this is something every community should do. The idea of the Shabbat is to fully include those who happen to be affected by a disability through the use of visual aids, singing, acting, interaction and regular explanations of what is happening. What this means, in practice, is that the service immediately becomes accessible to absolutely everyone in attendance... and a whole lot of fun too.
Young children, mine included, love all the active elements and that they are positively encouraged to be noisy, while older children enjoy being able to show their knowledge and assist the rabbi. Occasional shul goers appreciate always knowing what is happening and the regulars get something new and very different to the norm. Through the hard work of a team of people – including Rabbi Richard Jacobi, Mich Sampson, Alice Wilcock, June Bradbury and Zara Fryer – the service is all about bringing people together and giving life to Liberal Judaism’s motto of being the home for your Jewish story. As ELELS member Jo Pinney so eloquently put it afterwards: “This beautiful, sensitive service meant so much to me and, I’m sure from what we could all feel, to every person present. It was touching, poignant and enriching, with signing instead of speaking and the ability to take part in inspired depictions that really brought the Torah to life. I felt very privileged to be present.” • Shabbat Shelanu takes place regularly at ELELS. For details, please visit www. eastlondonandessexliberalsynagogue.org
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Events
September/October 2019
Overdose Music, song, food and sunshine Awareness Day By Peter Phillips SATURDAY 30 August is commemorated as International Overdose Awareness Day - a time when those of us who have lost family and friends to drug overdoses remember our loved ones and seek positive change in the way that the larger society responds to them. For me this is personal, having lost my father to a heroin overdose when I was 17. Although that was more than 30 years ago, I often think about my father again these days, in the year that he would have been 70. He died when he was 35, more than half a life ago, and it’s somewhat odd to realize that I’ve already had 16 years more life than he did. I wonder how things might have been, how we would or wouldn’t have got on, how both our lives would have been the same or different. Sadly, today, opiate overdoses are still increasing, with some variability over the last decade. And the ‘war on drugs’ (in fact a war on drug users) has left hundreds of thousands of other children without a parent and vice versa. The UK has the highest rate of drug use, and drug deaths, and also the most repressive policies concerning drug use in Europe. Despite the Government’s own expert committee pressing for change there is still inaction. This has always been a matter of injustice to me and my Judaism reinforces a desire to try to change that. The way that people who use drugs in the UK are treated is not based in healing but rather in punishment and prejudice. Along with Rabbi Janet Burden, I will be leading a commemoration for International Overdose Awareness Day at the Montagu Centre on the evening of Friday 30 August. All are welcome to join us to remember friends and family who have died through drug use and to recommit ourselves to campaigning for a thorough revision of our drug laws and an information-based approach to this growing problem. For details please email me on refael.phillips@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATE: Jami’s Mental Health Awareness Shabbat takes place on 31 January/1 February 2020. It aims to raise the profile of mental health in the Jewish community and to give a focal point for mental health and wellbeing activities. Register by visiting www.jamiuk.org/mhas
By Rachael Block and Sue Bard TAKING place 24 hours before the Day of Celebration, the Liberal Judaism Music Day 2019 started with a warm welcome from volunteers helping to orientate attendees. Of course there were also refreshments – and the little pastries were especially welcomed by those who had travelled some distance to Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Viv Keiles set the tone for the morning by leading a vocal warm up which united delegates and prepared us for an active role in the shacharit (morning) service. Viv has a particular interest in the arts and health and leads singing groups focused upon wellbeing. She certainly left us in good spirits. There were three options for us to prepare to sing during the service: formal choir, guitar-led or a cappella group. I (Rachael) chose the formal choir since I had enjoyed this session so much two years ago at the last Music Day and hoped it might improve the quality of my vocal contribution at services generally.
As a very experienced music teacher and choir director, Ruth Colin was the perfect choice to take us on a musical journey covering 21 pieces in 30 minutes. The real joy occurred when the three groups were singing harmoniously together during the service. After lunch, it was time for the Big Sing - led by Mich Sampson, director of music at Finchley Reform Synagogue. Anyone who thought that they couldn’t sing, or might be able to sneak in a postprandial snooze, was quickly disillusioned as we were coaxed into singing together within moments of arriving. During the afternoon there were three further sessions with options for each time slot; difficult choices as they were all appealing. I (Rachael) chose:
Haftorah Trope – a fascinating insight into the symbols that show how texts should be chanted, led by Rabbi Mark Solomon. Nusach - where Cantor Tamara Wolfson demonstrated how different musical modes typify Jewish liturgical music Service Accompaniment – A lively discussion with a panel of musicians exploring the tension between preserving tradition and fostering creativity to allow for the evolution of new musical genres. Shabbat was brought to a close by celebrating Havdalah in the sunshine, before a relaxed evening with open mic performances and more delicious food.
Events
September/October 2019
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Join our Youth Mental Health Prepare for the High Holy Days First Aid Training course THIS TERM, the Education Hub will also feature a special class looking at the upcoming High Holy Days, what they mean, how we can prepare for them and some new interpretations of the stories we read at this time of year. Please join us for one or all of the following: Wednesday 28 August: Jonah - A good or bad example for us at this season? Studying and discussing the text through the eyes of rabbinic and modern commentaries with Rabbi Jackie Tabick. Wednesday 4 September: Rosh Hashanah Torah readings - Genesis 21 and 22 with Rabbi Alexandra Wright. Jami’s Emma Dorman and Philippa Carr led a mental health session at the Day of Celebration
LIBERAL JUDAISM has teamed up with Jami to offer a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training course for all those who want to help the young people in their care navigate a world where an increasing number are being affected by mental health problems. Our Education Hub will host the Jami course, which has been described as the gold standard in equipping adults to provide a ‘first aid response’ to children and adolescents in distress. Jami is the mental health service for the Jewish community. The charity places a focus on recovery; moving from lack of control and autonomy to becoming an active member of the Jewish and wider community, taking responsibility and having control over one’s life. This internationally accredited training course is suitable for parents, guardians, teachers, youth workers and all those who work with or care for children.
Those taking part will learn about a variety of mental health conditions, treatments currently in use and how wellbeing can change over time – increasing their confidence in supporting young people. It is open to all, not just members of Liberal Judaism. The course will take place over two weeks – on Wednesday 30 October and Wednesday 6 November from 6.30pm to 9.30pm – at the Montagu Centre in Central London (near Warren Street, Euston Square, Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road stations). It costs £55 and includes a course manual, light supper and refreshments. All those completing the course will receive a Mental Health First Aid Champion certificate accredited through Mental Health First Aid England. To book please contact Jami at headroom@jamiuk.org or call Emma Dorman on 020 8458 2223.
Faith schools – is isolation splendid? ARE faith schools the best place to nurture strong religious identities, or do they create division between faiths and wider society? Join us for the next in our Hot Potatoes series to hear from a range of important voices on this complex issue. The event will take place on Thursday 19 September at 6:30pm at the Montagu Centre in Central London. For more details please visit www.liberaljudaism.org/hot-potatoes The Hot Potatoes dialogue events cover a number of the hotly debated issues within the Jewish community while creating a ‘safe space’ where there is more debate than judgement.
Wednesday 11 September: The Akedah: Did Abraham really do it? Some new thinking on one of Judaism’s oldest stories with Rabbi Danny Rich. Wednesday 18 September: Symbols and vocabulary of the High Holy Days with Rabbi Janet Burden. Wednesday 25 September: Travail and Triumph: Maternal cries in the sound of the Shofar with Rabbi Mark Solomon. Wednesday 2 October: Only a week to go... repent now! Customs and meanings between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein. For details on Liberal Judaism’s Education Hub - which also includes Rabbi Janet Burden’s Introduction to Judaism & Biblical Hebrew and various online courses - visit www. liberaljudaism.org/education-hub
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Books
September/October 2019
The most significant Hebrew and Jewish Studies publication of the century The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary by Robert Alter (ISBN: 9780393292497) REVIEWED by Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh THE completion of Robert Alter’s decades-long exercise in translating the entire Hebrew Bible is both a monumental event and achievement. Arguably this is the most significant Hebrew and Jewish Studies publication of the 20th century, and certainly the 21st. Several parts of this mammoth endeavour have been published over the years but none prepares the reader for the impact of the full set. Sumptuously boxed, the covers of each volume are taken from the vibrant tapestry The Creation by Mordecai Ardon. The pages are all cream, enabling sustained study without too much damage to the eyes. Alter’s structure is straightforward. Each book of the Tanakh is prefaced by an introduction which summarises the content as well as containing comments from Alter. The biblical text translation occupies the upper half of the page and the lower has Alter’s explanatory notes, which are highly informative and include text-critical, comparative cultural and linguistic points. The three volumes are divided as per the Tanakh: The Five Books of Moses, The Prophets and The Writings.
The first volume contains an introduction entitled The Bible in English and the Heresy of Explanation. Here, Alter outlines his approach and the reasons for it. This is set against a reflection on the translations that have gone before. He is not afraid to point up the shortcomings of those previous works and his most sustained and trenchant comments are reserved for what he entitles “the heresy of explanation”. Alter writes: “One of the most salient characteristics of biblical Hebrew is its extraordinary concreteness, manifested especially in a fondness for images rooted in the human body. The general predisposition of modern translators is to convert most of this concrete language into more abstract terms that have the purported advantage of clarity, but turn the pungency of the original into stale paraphrase.”
This expresses the kernel of the entire exercise and Alter’s motivation throughout, and his intention is thus to enable “readers to sense why these ancient texts have been so compelling down through the ages”. He exemplifies it by citing part of Genesis 24 where Rebecca waters the camels of Abraham’s servant Eliezer. The biblical Hebrew contains a plethora of the conjunction ‘and’ which Alter faithfully replicates in his rendition. To contrast he also cites the Revised English Bible version, in what he calls with heavy irony “sensible modern English”. The latter is smooth and makes the meaning of the Hebrew clear enough, but it lacks the energy and action conveyed by the Hebrew and is bland by comparison. All of us who work with and study the Hebrew Bible have a tendency to smooth over the language when we translate, and this is a powerful corrective and an encouragement to try Alter’s approach. I encourage anyone who loves the Hebrew Bible to get and study this set of books. Present and future scholarship will long be in Robert Alter’s debt.
An extraordinary and controversial life Perlzweig: Pioneer of British Zionism by Maurice L Perlzweig (edited by David Caute) (ISBN: 9781910383957) REVIEWED by Alison Turner THE life of Revd Dr Maurice L Perlzweig was extraordinary and at times controversial. He was an active Zionist who was adopted as a bright star by the anti-Zionist Claude Montefiore - one of the founders of Liberal Judaism. He was chosen as apprentice minister at both The Liberal Jewish Synagogue and North London Liberal Synagogue before he had even started his studies at Cambridge in Hebrew and Aramaic. After graduation in 1924, he continued to serve both congregations until 1938, when he went to Alyth North Western Reform Synagogue and from there emigrated to America in late 1940. A lifelong Zionist activist, lobbyist and organiser, Perlzweig led the British section of the World Jewish Congress.
His position led him to meet many important figures and the story of his increasingly frantic attempts to rescue Europe’s Jews in the 1930s is especially well told. He tried to get Jewish refugees to safety through Franco’s Spain, and met the King’s mistress, Magda Lupescu, in Romania, aiming to reduce antisemitism. The final chapter tells his postwar story and his pride in assisting the United Nations in finding a way for Holocaust survivors to get on with their lives by declaring dead those they had lost. These oral history interviews were already available online. Maurice Perlzweig’s nephew, the historian David Caute, has added footnotes, a preface and no less than five appendices, which provide useful context and clarifications.
Caute has also edited out digressions and repetitions and split up one interview so that confusion is minimised between Perlzweig’s first visit to America in 193940 and his emigration there in late 1940. All changes are clearly documented and a full bibliography and sources list is provided. This work will appeal to many former and current members of the synagogues that Perlzweig served and it will be valuable to historians, researchers and all those with an interest in early Progressive Judaism and its relations with Zionism and international issues. • Liberal Judaism members can get 20% at www.vmbooks.com by using the code PERLZWEIG19 (offer ends 31 October).
Youth
September/October 2019
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LJY-Netzer is Liberal Judaism’s Zionist youth movement. It gives young people the opportunity to develop a strong Progressive Jewish identity, make lasting friendships and have loads of fun
‘We will continue to retain our faith, our culture and a determination to remember’ Fran Kurlansky on learning about the Holocaust first hand on a trip to Europe IT IS quite hard to put into words the experience that was had by the 12 Bogrimot who ventured from the UK to Riga and Vilna this summer. Although many of us have had extensive engagement with the history of the Holocaust, nothing could quite prepare us for what we learned. Beginning in Riga, and then getting the bus across to Vilna, we were told about the death of 90% of Latvia’s Jewish population and 95% of Lithuania’s Jewish population during the Holocaust. We learned about the shootings of whole communities and visited their mass graves. We heard the testimony of a child who hid under the dead bodies of their family members for 17 hours and we were told about the burning of all the synagogues with people still inside. We saw the remnants of the charred Torah scrolls and the art of a young person trapped in a ghetto and smuggled out in a sack. We also learned about the near millennium of Yiddish culture annihilated over a mere six years. The once proud shtetlekh are now towns which have no trace of Jews ever having been there. It was hard to comprehend how rabbis who were changing the face of Jewish text study were tormented, tortured and then murdered. Or how the scholars of the community, who were attending universities and bringing secular thought to our Jewish tradition, were also killed. We said kaddish for our ancestors and remembered them as the great artists, dancers, shopkeepers, intellects and homemakers that they were.
But we also learned about the use of art-nouveau architecture as an architecture of resistance by occupied nations, and the rise of Jewish nationalism through ideologies such as Zionism and Bundism. We read stories of Lithuanians and Latvians hiding Jewish children and then raising them as their own after the war. We also had time to bond as a group as we paddled in rivers and swam in seas. We ate food together and stayed up late playing games and talking. We studied Talmud in the city in which it was first printed and learned about the rabbis who were debating it in the 18th century.
Throughout the trip, we mourned what was lost. A thriving Jewish culture that had revolutions of thought, politics and study. Movements to embrace the nationhood of the Jewish people and beautiful synagogues where people gathered to pray and do business. We will forever be mourning the loss of what once was… and what could have been. But we will also continue to be a generation of young Jews who retain our faith, our culture and a fierce determination to honour the memories of our murdered ancestors. We will remember them forever. May their memories forever be a blessing.
Meanwhile in Israel...
FROM rafting down the Jordan River to learning about the history of Zionism, LJY-Netzer Israel Tour was once more full of activities and trips that were deep, meaningful, fun and engaging - giving participants the summer of their lives!
WE have a brand new movement work team for 5780. Please make sure to give Fran Kurlansky, Rosa Slater and Jacob Swirsky a warm welcome when you see them on our events - and pick up the next lj today to find out all about them and their plans.
Contact LJY-Netzer: Fran Kurlansky (fran.kurlansky@liberaljudaism.org), Rosa Slater (r.slater@liberaljudaism.org) and Jacob Swirsky (jacob.swirsky@liberaljudaism.org); Director of Youth - Rebecca Fetterman (r.fetterman@liberaljudaism.org)
September/October 2019
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Liberal Judaism congregations Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue T: 0845 869 7105 E: info@bedsps.org.uk W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk
Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community T: 0131 777 8024 E: info@eljc.org W: eljc.org
Beit Klal Yisrael (London) E: bkymailing@gmail.com W: bky.org.uk
Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8446 4063 E: fps@liberaljudaism.org W: fps.org
Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue T: 01923 822 592 E: npls@liberaljudaism.org W: npls.org.uk
Kehillah North London T: 020 7403 3779 E: kehillah.northlondon@yahoo.co.uk W: kehillah.org.uk
Norwich Liberal Jewish Community E: nljc@liberaljudaism.org W: norwichljc.org.uk
Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 07952 242 432 E: enquiries@kljc.org.uk W: kljc.org.uk
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue T: 0115 962 4761 E: nls@liberaljudaism.org
Kingston Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8398 7400 E: kls@liberaljudaism.org W: klsonline.org
Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community T: 07561 331 390 E: info@pljc.org.uk W: pljc.org.uk
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue T: 0121 634 3888 E: bps@liberaljudaism.org W: bpsjudaism.com Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue T: 01273 737 223 E: info@bhps-online.org W: bhps-online.org Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0117 403 3456 E: bwpjc@bwpjc.org W: bwpjc.org Crawley Jewish Community T: 01293 534 294 Crouch End Chavurah E: info@crouchendchavurah.co.uk W: crouchendchavurah.co.uk Dublin Progressive Congregation E: djpc@liberaljudaism.org W: djpcireland.com
Ealing Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8997 0528 E: admin@ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue T: 0208 989 7619 E: eastlondonandessexliberal@gmail.com W: eastlondonandessexliberal synagogue.org Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community T: 07497 401 280 E: eljc.contact@gmail.com W: eljc.org.uk
Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0116 271 5584 E: chair@lpjc.org.uk W: lpjc.org.uk The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood) T: 020 7286 5181 E: ljs@ljs.org W: ljs.org
Mosaic Liberal (Harrow) T: 020 8864 5323 E: office@mosaicliberal.org.uk W: mosaicliberal.org.uk
W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com
Reading Liberal Jewish Community T: 0118 942 8022 E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@ gmail.com
W: readingljc.org.uk Shir Hatzafon (Copenhagen) E: shir@shirhatzafon.dk W: shirhatzafon.dk
The Liberal Synagogue Elstree T: 020 8953 8889 E: office@tlse.org.uk W: tlse.org.uk
South Bucks Jewish Community T: 0845 644 2370 E: sbjc@liberaljudaism.org W: sbjc.org.uk
Lincolnshire Jewish Community T: 01427 628 958 E: ljc@liberaljudaism.org W: lincolnshirejc.co.uk
Southgate Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8886 0977 E: sps@liberaljudaism.org W: sps.uk.com
Manchester Liberal Jewish Community T: 0161 796 6210 E: mljc@liberaljudaism.org W: mljc.org.uk
The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street London, W1T 4BE T: 020 7580 1663 E: montagu@liberaljudaism.org W: liberaljudaism.org
Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge of modern Judaism. It reverences Jewish tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the past, while giving them contemporary force. Charity Number: 1151090
lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein s.rothstein@liberaljudaism.org Printed by Precision Printing. www.precisionprinting.co.uk
South London Liberal Synagogue (Streatham) T: 020 8769 4787 E: slls@liberaljudaism.org W: southlondon.org
Stevenage Liberal Synagogue T: 01438 300 222 E: stevenageliberalsynagogue@gmail.com W: stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) T:01473 250 797 E: sljc@liberaljudaism.org Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (Gloucestershire and Herefordshire) T: 07900 612 058 E: TBC W: TBC Tikvah Chadasha Synagogue (Shenfield) T: 01277 888 610 E: tikvahchadasha@gmail.com W: tikvahchadasha.com Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (Bournemouth) T: 01202 757 590 E: info@wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk West Central Liberal Synagogue T: 020 7636 7627 E: office@wcls.org.uk W: wcls.org.uk York Liberal Jewish Community T: 0300 102 0062 E: info@jewsinyork.org.uk W: jewsinyork.org.uk Developing and affiliated Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam) T: +31 23 524 7204 E: bhc.informatie@gmail.com W: beithachidush.nl Lancashire & Cumbria Liberal Jewish Community T: 0777 531 0944 W: northwestjews.org Oxford Jewish Congregation T: 01865 515 584 E: connections@ojc-online.org W: ojc-online.org
President Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein Chair Simon Benscher Deputy Chair Ruth Seager Vice Chair Karen Newman Treasurer Paul Silver-Myer Secretary Amanda McFeeters Israel and the Diaspora Graham Carpenter Strategy Robin Moss Social Justice Jane Drapkin Youth Hannah Stephenson National Officers Ros Clayton and Jackie Richards Vice Presidents Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Lord Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Sharon Goldstein, Lucian Hudson, David Lipman, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Joan Shopper, Phil Stone, Beverly Taylor and Ken Teacher Chair of The Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors Rabbi Aaron Goldstein Senior Rabbi and C hief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Director of Strategy and Partnerships Rabbi Charley Baginsky Music Rabbi Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Community Partnerships Rabbi Sandra Kviat Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer Director of Administration Alexandra Simonon Fundraising and Events Thomas Rich Strategy and Communications Project Manager Yszi Hawkings PR Simon Rothstein Archivist Alison Turner PA to the Senior Rabbi Rafe Thurstance Director of Youth Becca Fetterman LJY-Netzer Fran Kurlansky, Rosa Slater and Jacob Swirsky