July/August 2018 VOL. XLV No. 4
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
Learning from the past Looking to
the future
The National Holocaust Centre CEO Phil Lyons is presented with a donation by Northwood and Pinner ’s Mimi Konigsberg, Paul Kustow and Rabbi Lea Mühlstein Picture by Victor Shack
A
UNIQUE project to teach school children all over the UK about the dangers of intolerance and hatred is being launched by Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS) and the National Holocaust Centre and Museum. The two organisations have teamed up to bring the ‘Journey Exhibition’ – the Centre’s education programme for 9-11 year olds – into schools for the first time. The exhibition is currently part of an immersive programme at the Centre, which is based in Nottinghamshire. It was created for those in school years 5 and 6 and follows the story of Leo Stein, a 10-year-old German Jewish boy living with his family in Berlin in 1938 and the growing persecution the family suffer. The exhibition has won praise for the way it introduces difficult concepts to young children but many primary schools have been unable to take students there due to distance, time and cost factors. A new one-day version, titled ‘Journey Outreach’, has therefore been devised and, after a successful pilot in a small number of schools around Northwood, will now be rolled out fully in the area and then across the rest of the country.
Paul Kustow – a member of NPLS and an advocate for the Centre – said: “The aim is to bring this important programme to virtually every primary and junior school in the country over time, using trained volunteers and a small number of employed educators to deliver it.” “It will be seen by children of all faiths, and none, and from all walks of life.” Paul will soon be contacting all Liberal Judaism communities, offering to meet with members who wish to get involved and seeing any links they have with local schools which would provide a natural initial base for Journey Outreach. NPLS is also raising money to fund the project, most recently presenting a cheque for £12,280, which was donated by members during the synagogue’s High Holy Days appeal. Phil Lyons, CEO of The National Holocaust Centre and Museum, said: “We are enormously grateful to members of Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, not just for their generous donation to the Centre, but for their outstanding commitment to Holocaust education and their leadership and support in bringing our programmes to new audiences.”
LIBERAL JUDAISM made another piece of history as Lincolnshire (Liberal) Jewish Community filled its ancient synagogue for the region’s first Jewish coming of age ceremony for more than 700 years. Jodie Renaud celebrated her batmitzvah - reading her portion beautifully and then giving a moving speech about her late and greatly missed grandfather Allan Levene, the long-term secretary and pillar of the community. The service was held at Jews’ Court and led by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, the chair of The Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors (pictured with Jodie). Aaron said: “Everyone at Liberal Judaism is so proud of both Jodie and our Lincolnshire community, which is bringing Judaism back to a place where it hadn’t existed for centuries.” There was a thriving Jewish community in Lincoln in the Middle Ages, holding their services at Jews’ Court, until the expulsion of Jews from Britain in 1290. Judaism only returned fully to the area when Lincolnshire Jewish Community was founded in 1992 under the auspices of Nottingham Liberal Synagogue.
Biennial Weekend Preview: Page 7
Page 2 LJ Today
Comment
July/August 2018
‘Our disputes must be for the sake of heaven’ Rabbi Charley Baginsky looks at the best way to handle our differences when it comes to Israel THE last month has been a difficult one for Liberal Judaism, as violence on the border between Israel and Gaza highlighted the strong and differing opinions held by many of our movement’s rabbis and members. These natural tensions were inflamed by an event at which around 50 young Jews said Kaddish for the Palestinians who had died in the violence, the majority of whom Hamas claimed were members of their terrorist group. There is no shying away from the fact that the Kaddish was led by Rabbi Leah Jordan and that a handful of Liberal Jews were in attendance – however it is equally worth stressing that everyone involved was doing so in a personal capacity. I want to make it absolutely clear, despite social media claims to the contrary, that this was not an event supported by Liberal Judaism. There was no organisational-sponsored involvement and no one considered themselves to be there representing Liberal Judaism or our affiliated youth movement LJYNetzer. I personally would not have participated in this event and know that many of our members are disturbed by the actions of this group. We cannot go backwards but we can use this as an opportunity for learning and self-examination. From my perspective there are three explicit areas which need exploring: 1. How do we create spaces so that all the different voices within Liberal Judaism can be heard and hear each other with respect and openness? 2. Is our Israel education as vibrant, diverse, critically-thinking and relational as it could be and how can we ensure it is as good as it possibly can be?
THE NLPS TRUST FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM is holding its next meeting in September. The Trust provides funding for projects of all sizes and welcomes applications from Liberal congregations.
3. What do we need to consider when Liberal Judaism leaders are attending public events or making public statements in a private capacity? Liberal Judaism must continue to be a movement that supports the right of individual members and rabbis to voice their personal opinions, even when they differ from others. This spectrum of views is possibly the most visible in regard to Israel and Palestine. Our ability to hear different voices and respect the other continues to be one of our strengths. During this recent incident, debate within our movement has, in the main, stayed polite and constructive. But those outside our congregations have threatened violence and hurled some of the most horrendous abuse and insults. We must not get drawn into this. We can embrace the diversity of views, we can disagree with each other, we can walk into the grey areas and along the blurred lines together, but our disputes must be for the sake of heaven, for the right reasons. Once we stop talking, discussing, learning and struggling with each other we have little left. Judaism has never espoused a unilateral acceptance of truth without question. Our relationship with Israel is like that which we have with our family; its foundations are solid and based on positive experiences in the past, present and future. Yet, just as we may not always be uncritical of our family’s behaviours and we recognise their complex personalities, so with Israel. However, we also have a responsibility to come to any criticism with a clear understanding of what we are critical of; the difference between government and individuals for example. Additionally, I absolutely believe that unless we have a relationship with Israel, then that critique loses its power. We have a responsibility to ensure we see Israel face to face, to know the people, to feel the land, to feel part of who she is. I am a dual British and Israeli citizen, who has chosen to live in the UK. Much of my decision to live here was based on a deep commitment to the Liberal movement and a belief that we have a
If you would like to apply for funding for a particular project, please download a copy of the Trust’s application form and return it fully completed by Friday August 31 for consideration.
very important part to play in creating a vibrant and creative Jewish life. Deeply embedded in this is a belief that we do not stand alone but are rather part of Klal Yisrael, the worldwide Jewish community, in which Israel, with its 6.5 million Jews, has to play a major part. Over the last year Liberal Judaism has established an Israel Desk, in partnership with Reform Judaism. The theory behind this desk – which has been part-funded by Israeli Progressive institutions – is to increase our engagement with Israel and furthermore to build a new model of Zionist relationship founded in mutuality. For the last two summers, a record number of our young people have gone on Israel Tour. We currently have six 18-year-olds spending a gap year there as part of the Shnat Netzer programme. But this cannot be the end of the story. In the next issue of lj today I hope to be able to report on a leadership delegation to Israel and the subsequent development of resources for our communities. On our Biennial Weekend you will be able to see an entire track dedicated to Israel. I am honoured that we will hear from Anna Kislanski and Reuven Marko of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), as well as speakers from the Leo Baeck Education Centre in Haifa (see page 7). My personal passion is to develop a lay network between the leaders of the IMPJ and Liberal Judaism. I know we have so much we can learn from each other and we need to create a pathway to get to know each other as colleagues and then as friends. When Israelis from these communities visit the UK we want them to feel at home in our synagogues; and conversely I want every Liberal Jew to know there is a congregational home for them when they visit Israel. This passion that I know so many of us feel – whichever side we take or if we struggle in the grey – is because we remain convinced that Israel matters and feel we have something important to say that can support our Progressive Jewish family in the country.
• Rabbi Charley Baginsky is Liberal Judaism’s director of strategy and partnerships
A copy of the application form, as well as examples of projects previously funded by the NLPS Trust, can be found on the www.nlpstrust.org.uk website or by emailing admin@nlpstrust.org.uk
News
July/August 2018
LJ Today Page 3
Liberal Judaism’s Daisy Welcoming to study for the rabbinate a new ally
FORMER Liberal Judaism staff member and LJY-Netzer leader Daisy Bogod (pictured) is one of four new Progressive Judaism student rabbis to be accepted to study at Leo Baeck College (LBC). The four - who encompass an eclectic range of backgrounds and nationalities - will now embark on LBC’s acclaimed five-year rabbinic programme. Leo Baeck College is a preeminent institution of Jewish scholarship and learning. Almost every serving Liberal and Reform rabbi in the UK, and many abroad, trained there. Daisy is currently the Hebrew coordinator at Alyth (Reform) Synagogue’s Youth and Education Hub, having previously worked in both the education and administration teams at Liberal Judaism’s head office. She studied English literature at the University of Leeds and Birkbeck College. Daisy is passionate about social justice and inspired by the values she gained as a participant and leader in LJY-Netzer.
Daisy has deferred her place and will start at LBC in September 2019, alongside Martina Yehudit Loreggian. Philosophy graduate Martina was born in Italy and, since 2011, has been a cantor, teacher and public speaker for the Progressive community of Lev Chadash in Milan. She has also worked with the Beth Hillel community in Rome. Two further students - Mati Kirschenbaum and Dr Tali Artman Partock - will start their studies this year. Mati will become the first Polishborn Jew to study for the Progressive rabbinate since the fall of communism. He devoted his early professional life to working at Jewish organisations in Poland and started his journey towards the rabbinate at Abraham Geiger Kolleg in Germany. Prior to the commencement of his studies at LBC, Mati has spent a year in Jerusalem studying at the Conservative Yeshiva, Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion and Shalom Hartman Institute. Tali is an associate lecturer at the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, as well as teaching Rabbinic literature at LBC. Born in Israel, she holds a PhD in Rabbinic literature, awarded by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and specialises in Aggadah (non-legalistic rabbinic literature) and Jewish-Christian dialogue in late antiquity. Her transition into the rabbinate is inspired by a wish to bridge the gap between academic Jewish studies and the modern practices of Jewish life. Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh, dean and director of Jewish studies at LBC, said: “I look forward to welcoming our new students. They are a gifted group with much to offer the rabbinate and Progressive Judaism in Europe.”
SHAVUOT provided plenty of study sessions and cheesecake at Liberal Judaism communities. Here is Rabbi Pete Tobias’s ‘schnitzelborscht’ – an interactive, hyperactive quiz on a variety of Jewish topics – at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree
RABBI DANNY RICH, Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, returned to work early from his six-month sabbatical in order to welcome the new president of the Board of Deputies to the Montagu Centre. Danny met with Marie van der Zyl at Liberal Judaism’s London head office (pictured) to discuss matters of mutual interest, including fighting antisemitism and working alongside other faith groups. Marie, who was elected as president last month, serves on the management board of West London Reform Synagogue and becomes only the second female to hold the position, following Jo Wagerman. Danny said: “Marie wanted to come to the Montagu Centre early in her tenure as president and I am delighted that she has. While the Board represents all sections of the Jewish community, through her role at West London she is very aware of and sympathetic to Progressive issues. “We discussed a number of topics, especially our shared interests in: interfaith matters; inspiring young people to get more involved in the Jewish community; and combatting antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, including the actions of the coroner who tried to delay Jewish funerals.” Danny also sent congratulations to Stuart MacDonald, a member of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, who was re-elected unopposed as the Board of Deputies’ treasurer. Marie and Stuart will be joined on the Board of Deputies officer group by vice presidents Sheila Gewolb, Amanda Bowman and Edwin Shuker. The Board of Deputies’ chief executive Gillian Merron is another member of Liberal Judaism, attending both Lincolnshire (Liberal) Jewish Community and Finchley Progressive Synagogue. Danny’s formal return to work will be at the Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend.
Page 4 LJ Today
Communities
July/August 2018
French Liberal Jews enjoy British welcome
Fourteen members of Keren Or Lyon spent a Shabbat in Kingston (left) and East London (right)
THE French Progressive community of Keren Or Lyon came to London for their annual trip abroad, with 14 members spending Shabbat at two synagogues. The visitors were invited to enjoy Friday night at Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS), as they were Kingston’s Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel’s previous community in France. An Erev Shabbat service was brought to life by Tammy Rich on the piano and a delicious chavurah supper. The French guests then headed to East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) on Saturday where, after a warm welcome from Rabbi Richard Jacobi in both French and English, a Shabbat morning service took place taken from the draft of Liberal Judaism’s new siddur.
During the service, Rabbi David Hulbert said the blessing for both Queen Elizabeth and France’s President Macron to make sure everybody felt included. The service was followed by a study session facilitated by Rabbi Jacobi and Student Rabbi Daniela Touati – who is a member of Keren Or currently working with ELELS – and then a chavurah lunch. Daniela said: “There is nothing like commenting on a Torah portion to break the ice and language was not an obstacle to the lively discussion. We have promised to stay in touch and continue to share and learn more about each other.” Keren Or Lyon have invited members of both communities to pay a return visit to their synagogue in 2019.
Members enjoy electoral success MEMBERS of Liberal Judaism were elected to local council positions for all four major English political parties at May’s local elections. Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, and Finchley Progressive Synagogue member Gill Sargent will now both represent the Labour Party on Barnet Council. Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue provide five councillors with Jonathan Bianco and John Riley representing the Conservative Party in Hillingdon, Lynda Seymour winning for the Tories in Harrow
and Janet Davies and Harry Davies both voted onto the Three Rivers District Council for the Liberal Democrats. Dany Louise, an author and active member of Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue, has become a Labour councillor in Hastings. Members of Kingston Liberal Synagogue and Kehillah North London also won election, including Kingston’s Andree Frieze and Kehillah’s Sue Lukes – who will represent the Green Party in Richmond and the Labour Party in Islington respectively.
NATHAN GODLEMAN (pictured), who has served South London Liberal Synagogue as its student minister for the last two years, has been appointed as the synagogue’s full-time rabbi following his ordination. Nathan, a member of Mosaic Liberal Synagogue and a former teacher, began the rabbinic programme at Leo Baeck College in 2012 and has worked across both Progressive movements. His MA dissertation was on ceremony in Liberal Jewish worship.
Around the communities • SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE (SLLS) welcomed Mohammed Fahili for a moving talk about his life and work. Fahili, as he likes to be known, is director of the Sir Charles Clore Jewish-Arab Community Centre in Akko/Acre, to the north of Haifa. The centre has been active for many years in providing all kinds of social and educational opportunities for disadvantaged people in Israel, particularly children, regardless of religion or ethnicity. South London’s minister, Nathan Godleman, said: “Fahili was motivated and continues to be inspired by his own experiences growing up and by the help he received from others. We, in turn, were inspired by his story.” • KINGSTON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE will hold a Pride chavurah supper on Friday July 6, led by Rabbis Dr René Pfertzel and Janet Darley. René said: “Each year, the LGBTQI+ community celebrates the freedom gained in some places of the world, but sadly that work is far from being complete. While in some countries we have seen real moves to full equality, in others people are persecuted and even killed because of their sexual orientation. This event will celebrate our achievements and reflect on the current situation.” • LIBERAL JUDAISM’S 2018 Annual Memorial services will take place on Sunday 2 September. Please visit www.liberaljudaism.org for details. • AS lj today went to print, 23 members of five different Liberal Judaism communities were returning from a tour of Israel - led by The Liberal Jewish Synagogue’s Rabbi Alexandra Wright and tour organiser Sue Bolsom. The trip included a visit to the Leo Baeck Education Centre in Haifa. At the centre the group participated in morning prayers and song in one of the nursery classes, led by Rabbi Na’ama Dafni-Kellen, followed by a discussion about Progressive Judaism in Israel and the centre’s programmes. See the next issue for a full report.
Communities
July/August 2018
LJ Today Page 5
Mayor’s award Taste Ramadan Lord Dubs in in Peterborough Kingston plea for Michael
Picture by Simon O’Connor SOUTHGATE PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE member Michael Henriques was honoured by the Mayor of Barnet at the annual Barnet Civic Awards ceremony. Michael was one of 22 people recognised for their hard work and dedication to their community. He was nominated by fellow members of the Barnet Borough Sight Impaired (BBSI) group for his work helping others who are blind, partially sighted or experiencing problems with their sight. Michael was presented with a special certificate scroll by the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Brian Salinger (pictured). Michael said: “I was totally shocked and surprised to be nominated, as the things that I do for BBSI are because I enjoy them. I love the events, fundraisers and trips we put on, and especially the chance to meet new people.”
MEMBERS of Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community shared an iftar meal with local Muslims at the UKIM Masjid Khadijah Islamic Centre, as part of the Taste Ramadan initiative. Di Nicholas, Vivienne Fleet and Johnny Richardson took part in the meal, which is eaten by Muslims after sunset during Ramadan – the religion’s month-long period of fasting, prayer, reflection and good deeds. Taste Ramadan is a national project to let people of other faiths or none experience something of the meaning of the Muslim holy period. Di said: “This was a fantastic experience and opportunity to learn all about the Muslim faith in good company and break the fast with delicious food provided by our friends at the mosque. Events such as this are vital in creating dialogue between our communities.”
SEVERAL local mayors and dignitaries including Liberal Judaism chair Simon Benscher (pictured left) helped to celebrate 10 years of Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community (GLJC) at a special anniversary service. Led by Rabbi Anna Gerrard (pictured far right), almost the whole community attended the Shabbat service - which also honoured those who were involved in the community’s inception and who have contributed significantly to the growth and success of Liberal Judaism in the area. GLJC offers Shabbat services, Jewish learning opportunities and festival celebrations for people of all ages. For more information on the community, please visit www.gljc.org.uk
LORD (ALF) DUBS made an impassioned plea to the British Government to help bring more vulnerable child refugees to safety, as he spoke at the Kingston Liberal Synagogue AGM. The Labour peer urged support for his ‘Dubs Amendment’, which helps unaccompanied refugee children come to live safely in the UK. Kingston’s Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel said: “Lord Dubs is an inspiring speaker and someone who has done so much to help others. Our Government could be closing a vital route for child refugees in Europe to reach Britain and we need to do all we can to prevent that.” Around 50 synagogue members attended the AGM. Other guests included Liberal Judaism’s Rabbi Janet Darley (pictured with Lord Dubs), a tireless campaigner on behalf of refugees.
Page 6 LJ Today
EUPJ
July/August 2018
Liberals join European effort to build a better future David Pollack reports from an inspiring EUPJ Conference in the Czech Republic
Rabbis Dr Andrew Goldstein, Lea Mühlstein and Harry Jacobi were among the 20 Liberal Jews at the EUPJ Biennial
MORE THAN 350 delegates from 28 countries – including 20 Liberal Judaism rabbis, officers and members – assembled in Prague to celebrate the Biennial Conference of the European Union for Progressive Judaism. An opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries from around the world including Daniel Meron, the Israeli Ambassador to the Czech Republic. It included a performance by the children’s choir of the Lauder School, a short video history of the Jews in the Czech Republic, a fascinating address by the worldrenowned illustrator and artist Mark Podwal and the world premiere of an organ arrangement of Smetana’s Vltava by organist Ian Shaw. The ceremony was enhanced by a nostalgic welcome to the stage of one of the children saved by Sir Nicholas Winton, as well as his son and grandson. After such an uplifting opening, the conference went into full swing on Friday. Sixteen workshops were offered covering subjects ranging from antisemitism in Europe to leadership across the generations. Needless to say, with so many people from such a diverse selection of backgrounds, the discussions that took place were thought-provoking, provocative and inspiring.
Friday came to a rousing conclusion with a service in the truly awesome setting of the world-famous Spanish synagogue. The synagogue has rarely, if ever, witnessed a service such as this, attended by more than 350 worshippers. The theme of the conference, ‘Regeneration – Building the Future’, could not have been more appropriate. On Saturday, after morning study sessions, we celebrated Shabbat once again in the Spanish synagogue. Liberal Judaism’s Rabbi Aaron Goldstein led the service – along with Cantor Zoe Jacobs – while his father and Liberal Judaism president Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein delivered the D’var Torah. There was also the historic handing over of a Torah Scroll, provided by Rabbi Katz of Hendon Synagogue, to the president of one of the two local Progressive synagogues. The morning service was truly magical. After lunch, tours set out across Prague and beyond and the day was brought to a triumphant close with Havdalah, led by delegates who had attended the New Generation Leadership Seminar prior to conference. After that, there was only one way to complete the day and that was at the traditional Saturday late-night cabaret featuring a wide a variety of great acts.
Pictures by Dale Lazar
Sunday morning offered a lively discussion and debate reflecting on the 70 years since Israel’s independence and questioning whether the State has fulfilled the promise of its foundation. A star-studded panel of Ambassador Meron, World Union for Progressive Judaism president Rabbi Danny Freelander, Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism chair Reuven Marko and Liberal Judaism’s Rabbi Lea Mühlstein all combined to defend, justify and, on occasions, apologise for the activities of the State of Israel. Those attending the Liberal Judaism Biennial are in for a real treat, with Danny, Reuven and Lea all set to speak. After the presentation of an honorary fellowship to Rabbi François Garaï, made by the dean of Leo Baeck College Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh – it was time to say goodbye. We bade a fond farewell to outgoing EUPJ chair Miriam Kramer and welcomed a new chair in Sonja Guentner. The Conference was then concluded by Liberal Judaism vice president Rabbi Harry Jacobi, who delivered a closing prayer in his own inimitable style.
• This is an edited version of a longer report by David Pollack, the EUPJ Biennial Conference chair
René is new chair of European Rabbinic Assembly LIBERAL JUDAISM’S Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel is the new chair of the European Union for Progressive Judaism Rabbinic Assembly (ERA). René, a French-born rabbi who serves Kingston Liberal Synagogue, was voted into the position when more than 40 ministers from across the continent came together for the annual ERA Kallah (rabbinic gathering) in Prague.
Created two years ago, the ERA includes all Progressive European rabbis. It works alongside the national assemblies for each EUPJ member. The ERA has four missions: to express the Jewish Progressive voice in Europe; to promote exchanges between rabbis; to offer a space where rabbis can share their views and cooperate; and to support the work of the European Beit Din in
countries where no national Progressive Beit Din is yet established. René is joined on the ERA board by Rabbi Menno Ten Brink from Amsterdam, Rabbi Marc Neiger from Brussels, Rabbis Colin Eimer and Jackie Tabick from England, Rabbi Pauline Bebe from France, Rabbi Ruven Bar-Ephraim from Switzerland and Rabbi Ira Goldberg from the EUPJ office in Brussels, Belgium.
Biennial
July/August 2018
LJ Today Page 7
The best of everything that Liberal Judaism has to offer
Andrew Keene (left) will represent America at the Biennial, which will also hear from Samia Diab (centre) and Reuven Marko (right) from Israel
YOU will most likely be reading this issue of lj today as you pack your bags for Liberal Judaism’s Biennial Weekend, or as you consider whether to book a last minute place for our movement’s biggest event of the year. The Biennial Weekend takes place from Friday June 29 to Sunday July 1 at the St Johns Hotel in Solihull. A few tickets are still available and can be purchased by contacting Tom Rich on t.rich@liberaljudaism.org or 020 7580 1663. We do not want financial constraints to prevent anyone from taking part in the Biennial Weekend. For information about financial assistance, please also contact Tom. If you cannot attend the event, but still want to be part of it, then the whole of the conference will be streamed live online and can be viewed on the Liberal Judaism website at www.liberaljudaism.org We are excited that Liberal Jews will be coming from all over the country to attend – and will be joined by others travelling in from around the world. A delegation from Israel will be led by Reuven Marko, who is chair of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) – our sister organisation. He will deliver the weekend’s Shabbat sermon, as well as leading a session with Liberal Judaism’s Rabbi Charley Baginsky titled ‘The Missionary Position’, looking at how our movement can reach out beyond its current scope.
Reuven will be joined by Anna Kislanski, the IMPJ’s chief operating officer who has seen the number of Progressive Judaism congregations in Israel more than double since she took up the role in 2010 – as well as Samia Diab and Student Rabbi Dahlia Shaham from Israel’s Leo Baeck Education Centre. The Leo Baeck Education Centre began as a small nursery in 1938 but today includes schools catering for pupils up until 18, a Progressive synagogue and various community and sports facilities serving 35,000 people of all faiths and promoting peace and democracy. Samia is director of the organisation’s community centre in Haifa, making history by becoming the first and only Arab Muslim woman to head such a facility in Israel. Anna, Samia and Dahlia will all be part of a special track on Israel, looking at how our diaspora community can connect with the Jewish State and how we can work together and learn from each other. The Biennial will also welcome two distinguished guests from America. Rabbi Danny Freelander, the president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), will deliver a keynote speech laying down a challenge for our movement to continue evolving our global Judaism so that we can truly claim it is liberal in all areas. Andrew Keene is a WUPJ board member and co-chaired its successful
Biennial last year in Israel. He will host a session with Liberal Judaism president Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, giving an outsider’s view on where our movement leads from the front but also where we may lag behind. Adding to the international flavour, Barbara Winton will speak about how we can build on her father’s legacy via a live Skype link from Athens where she will be visiting a refugee camp. Barbara is the daughter and biographer of the late Sir Nicholas Winton (1909-2015), who organised the Czech and Slovak Kindertransport in 1939 to rescue children from the Nazi threat. Her session at the Biennial will be titled ‘Sanctuary Sukkot and the 80th Anniversary of the Kindertransport’. Delivered in partnership with Citizens UK and Safe Passage, it will examine how our communities can take action at Sukkot, and throughout the year, to help today’s child refugees and secure a permanent legacy of welcome in the UK. There will also be plenty of opportunity to hear from British Progressive rabbis and leaders including Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, who will be making his full return from sabbatical. Danny said: “The breadth, scope and outreach of the Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend has grown exponentially with each conference. This year’s event will showcase the best of everything that Liberal Judaism has to offer.”
Page 8 LJ Today
Charity
July/August 2018
Helping families across the whole community Naomi Cohen on Camp Simcha’s incredible services for seriously ill children
“EVERYTHING we dreamed of for our life, for our children, was wiped after my son was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. His needs are ever-changing and life feels constantly out of control. Camp Simcha immediately understands that and give us back some normality, particularly for my other children.” The words above are from Kerry. To hear about stories like hers really brings home the importance of Camp Simcha’s services to the Jewish community and the strength of our two-fold approach of practical and emotional support, together with powerful positive experiences. I am the new community liaison coordinator for the charity and I’d like to introduce you fully to Camp Simcha and the services we offer to the whole Jewish community, including all those in Liberal Jewish families. We help families across the UK with children aged 0-18 years, where at least one parent is Jewish. Most of our services are supplied in their homes, schools or at hospital. You may be aware that we send a group of seriously ill children to summer camp in America, as we have done for the past 25 years. It’s how we got our name. But we also do so much more… supporting the whole family day-in dayout with more than 20 different services and bespoke care geared to their needs. The days out, retreats and parties that we organise are so important because when a child is diagnosed with a serious or life-threatening illness, parents feel that the joy has been taken from their and their children’s lives.
You may also not know that 70% of the children we support have medical conditions other than cancer, including: • Premature babies, who may be in hospital for many weeks and undergo major operations. • Type-1 diabetes, which can cause significant stress and anxiety for parents immediately after diagnosis. • Genetic disorders and chronic diseases, where we support families for many years as they cope with life with a seriously ill child. • Serious surgery, with which we offer both counselling and support in hospital and at home. The charity’s holistic approach takes in the whole family: for siblings, life can be very hard when a child is ill. They may feel very anxious or as though they have been ‘forgotten’ and that suddenly there is no space for them. This can often lead to emotional issues. Camp Simcha’s Sibling Programme mitigates against this with Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers to give them time and attention, as well as support sessions like the Sibling Art Group. Family liaison officers are also on hand to put in place bespoke support, including counselling or therapeutic art sessions. They will look at where pressure is building up for the family and find the valve to let off steam. It might be meeting mum for a coffee so she can talk or something as simple as ensuring there is a meal for the rest of the family when parents have had to rush to the hospital.
As Kerry explains: “My children enjoy regular visits from Big Sister and Brother volunteers, as well as art sessions, a weekly visit from a Camp Simcha Pets as Therapy dog, outings and retreats for the whole family. Just because they have a sibling with a rare disease, doesn’t mean our other children need any less of our attention and time, but I am not always able to provide it. “I can be having a bad day and I will speak to my family liaison officer. A few hours later the doorbell will ring and volunteers will whisk my children off to do something fun.” Camp Simcha is there 24/7, sharing the load and bringing respite, fun and emotional and practical support into the lives of the families we help. If you would like to learn more about Camp Simcha, or if you know of a family who might benefit from our services, please contact me in complete confidentiality on 020 8202 9297 or Naomi@campsimcha.org.uk There are also lots of ways you can support and fundraise for us. Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue cheder supported our Toy Drive last Chanukah, when we collected almost 10,000 toys from schools, nurseries and cheders to give to children in hospitals all over London. Our Digital Detox is a new initiative for children celebrating their barmitzvah, batmitzvah or Kabbalat Torah. Teens are sponsored to lock away their phones, electronic games and devices for 48 hours and then fill the time with positive contributions to the community instead. Or you can ‘share your simcha’ with us. This is when, to give your special occasion even more meaning, you ask your friends and family to make a donation to Camp Simcha, instead of giving presents. We will provide you with wording to go on your invitation and feature your simcha on a dedicated page on our website. Each donor will be thanked personally and you will be kept informed as donations are received, without disclosing individual amounts. After your simcha we will send you a beautiful commemorative certificate to mark the occasion. Finally, we have a range of challenges both in the UK and abroad that you can do to support Camp Simcha. Whether you want to run, climb, cycle, skydive or just get very muddy - we have lots of options. For more information on any of this, please contact me or visit our website www.campsimcha.org.uk
News
July/August 2018
Rainbow Pilgrims’ grand finale
LJ Today Page 9
Jewish life explained
Shaan Knan in Brighton with Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah, and on London march with Peter Tatchell
LIBERAL JUDAISM’S cutting edge Rainbow Pilgrims pop-up exhibition is currently finishing its UK tour. The landmark project, which discovers the hidden history of LGBTQI+ migrants in the UK past and present, is coming to an end. A key stop was at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue (BHPS), as part of the community’s migration-themed Shavuot all-nighter. BHPS members and friends enjoyed the Rainbow Pilgrims pop-up, which features an innovative smart phone audio installation that captures the voices and experiences of more than 40 LGBTQI+ migrants, refugees and travellers in the UK. Brighton’s Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah said: “The Rainbow Pilgrims exhibition is superb and the format is so ingenious. It’s the perfect pop-up. “It was also lovely to meet some of the project volunteers and to see how inspired and supported they are by their involvement in the project. It’s very good to know that after it is completed, all the materials collected will go into the archive, and so will be continue to be accessible for future generations.” Another tour highlight was also taking place as lj today went to print, with a special showing at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum as part of Refugee Week. Finally, those who have yet to see the pop-up exhibition on one of its scheduled tour dates can catch its grand finale at the Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend at the end of June. In the meantime, Rainbow Pilgrims volunteers are busy preparing the collection for archive deposit. After extensive training, the volunteer team, headed by University of Sheffield student placement Sally Eales, is working closely with the London Metropolitan Archives to get the collection finalised. For more details on how to view it, please visit www.rainbowpilgrims.com
The Rainbow Pilgrims team have also been involved in an important campaign for equality, calling for the repeal of antigay laws in the Commonwealth. To coincide with the discussions on overturning global homophobic and transphobic legislation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London, Rainbow Pilgrims teamed up with Queer London Tours for a heritage journey through iconic spaces that contribute both to the oppression and freedom of LGBTQI+ people worldwide. Working with other partners – including Micro Rainbow International, African Rainbow Family, African Equality Foundation and the Peter Tatchell Foundation – a passionate crowd, equipped with placards and flags, marched from the Indian High Commission to the Commonwealth Headquarters stopping at embassies and hearing stories from LGBTQI+ artists and activists from places of conflict. Rainbow Pilgrims project manager Shaan Knan said: “With 36 out of the 53 Commonwealth member states criminalising same-sex relationships, it is a gruesome fact that 70% of Commonwealth nations are bastions of homophobic and transphobic prejudice, discrimination and violence. “It was a life-changing experience listening, for example, to the story of a Nigerian lesbian in front of the Nigerian Embassy and marching with a diverse group through the streets of London.” During the tour, Peter Tatchell told those gathered that at least 100 million people living in Commonwealth countries are at risk of imprisonment, violence and social discrimination. Rainbow Pilgrims is supported by the Heritage Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and proudly hosted by Liberal Judaism.
HUNDREDS of schoolchildren and members of the public, in areas with few Jews, will be learning about the Jewish way of life thanks to a unique partnership between Liberal Judaism and the Board of Deputies of British Jews. Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, joined with Board of Deputies vice president Sheila Gewolb and Mayor of Carlisle Trish Vasey (pictured) to launch a new version of the Jewish Living Experience, which will be seen across Cumbria, the North West and Scotland. The exhibition is aimed primarily at school groups and enables visitors to gain an insight into Judaism as a living faith. It now includes a special exhibit explaining the differences between Liberal Judaism and other denominations. The exhibition, organised by the Board’s education development manager Sara Perlmutter with assistance from Liberal Judaism’s fundraising and events manager Tom Rich, supports the teaching of Judaism in line with agreed religious education and citizenship curriculums. Danny said: “Liberal Judaism is proud to be part of such an important project, especially as this was a first for the Board of Deputies in working with any other organisation to deliver the Jewish Living Experience. “The fact that this Liberal Judaism version of the Jewish Living Experience is being taken to Cumbria, Lancaster, the Lake District and Edinburgh reinforces our movement’s commitment to smaller Jewish communities.”
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Books
July/August 2018
An essential read for all who engage or agonise over Israel The Fragile Dialogue: New Voices of Liberal Zionism (ISBN: 9780881233056) REVIEWED by Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh IT IS ONE of the cruellest ironies of modern Jewish history that the State of Israel, one of the greatest Jewish unifiers in the past, is today one of the most divisive. The range of opinions on the Jewish State among Jews is broader than it has ever been. Those who support Israel, through thick and thin, are mirrored by those who see no right in the country, but only what is wrong. Into this extremely sensitive and fraught situation comes The Fragile Dialogue: New Voices of Liberal Zionism - published by the Central Conference of American (Reform) Rabbis. Bookended by its editors – Rabbis Stanley Davids and Lawrence Englander – The Fragile Dialogue contains 20 essays with contributing writers from North America, Israel and the UK. The writers are rabbis, academics and rabbinic and other students – and include Liberal Judaism’s Rabbi Charley Baginsky. Each wrestles with their chosen subject in a diligent, nuanced and informative way, and there is something to take away from all of them.
The essays come in five sections: Zionist Theory and Zionist Politics; In the Classroom and on Campus; Conversations Across Generations and Continents; Zionism, Liturgy and Theology; Zionism and Tikkun.
They reveal a general distance from Israel of young American Jews and a high level of ignorance about the country. This leads to new-on-campus Jewish students being unduly influenced by various political groups and often succumbing to a very negative view of Israel itself that may take years to shift. One of the student contributors challenges the community to recognise and respond to variations of Zionism that make perfect sense to their generation, but not to communal leaders and rabbis. Some British readers may wonder whether the focus of this book is so USAcentric as to have little to say to Liberal Jews here in the UK. Having read it, I can attest that while a few specifics may not be as important to us in Britain, the vast majority of the multiplicity of thoughts, ideas and experiences in the book are as relevant to us as they are in the States. No one who engages with Israel, who cares for it, agonises over it, is troubled by it or proud of it should fail to read The Fragile Dialogue.
A very different Holocaust story The Hidden Girl: The Journey of a Soul by Marika Henriques (ISBN: 9780856835223) REVIEWED by Rabbi Dr Thomas Salamon AT a time when antisemitism is raising its ugly head yet again, and when there are less and less of the generation of Holocaust survivors to pass on their stories as witnesses to what the world is capable of, I welcome Marika Henriques’s new book. The Hidden Girl: The Journey of a Soul is a powerful and moving tale. It’s a very different Holocaust story, because it expresses deeply buried feelings not only
in words but in the most extraordinary drawings, tapestries and poems. This is Marika’s personal story. Born in Budapest in 1935, she was separated from her family during the Holocaust, becoming the hidden child of the title. This is a work recalling the darkest period of European history and reminding us what happened and what can happen again, at any time and at any place, when people allow hatred to prevail. However the book is also about survival, determination and a statement of optimism in life and humanity. Marika, who arrived in Britain as a refugee in 1957, celebrated her batmitzvah at the age of 74 - as an expression of this optimism.
It was at the age of 72, after joining an enlightened and welcoming Reform Judaism community, that Marika was inspired to learn Hebrew and strengthen her Jewish knowledge, culminating in her batmitzvah and now this book. It is a must read for all, young and old, as each generation will be spiritually uplifted, gaining strength and hope from stories such as these. Marika’s tale is a timely reminder of the efforts we still have to make, realising and knowing that humanity has choices, and that those choices should be to create a better and more tolerant world. • To purchase this book, please call the Liberal Judaism office on 020 7580 1663.
Youth
July/August 2018
LJ Today Page 11
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
Why your kids (and you) will love Kadimah Steve says... Kadimah gave our children a chance to be free and independent at a very young age; to learn how to be part of a community; to understand more about Judaism, particularly Liberal Judaism, in a way that was organic; to think about what they were hearing rather than just taking it on board as dogma. The whole experience gives children a really good understanding of how to cooperate in a reasonably controlled environment and then to learn how to pass on that level of cooperation and guidance to others as leaders. Finally, it’s a fantastic opportunity to have some independence at a young age in an entirely safe environment, which is almost impossible nowadays.
For Ed and Jess Herman, LJY-Netzer’s Machaneh Kadimah summer camp was more than just the highlight of the school holidays. Judi Herman asks them to explain why - then she and husband Steve add some parental memories: Ed says... The thing about Kadimah is that it subtly teaches you about Liberal Judaism and keeps you invested in it. There are a lot of young people now who would not get a Jewish experience without LJY-Netzer in their lives. My first Kadimah was in 1989, when I was just nine years old. As I got older, Israel Tour, Kayitz Europe Tour and the Shnat Netzer gap year programme followed. And I am still deeply involved in Liberal Judaism today, including serving on its Board of National Officers. So what did I get out of Kadimah over the course of my life? Firstly, a strong group of friends including a best man. I also learned a lot about leadership. These are all skills I’ve taken into my current working life at a leadership development organisation, via a year as the LJY-Netzer camps organiser of course! And now when my two-year-old Dylan comes home from Nippers in Northwood singing ‘Bimbam… Shabbat shalom’ it’s sweet to hear because those were the songs I learned when I was young. I can imagine him going to Kadimah with his sister and I can’t wait for them to have all the wonderful experiences that I did. Jess says... I couldn’t wait to follow Ed to Kadimah. For an eight-year-old, the journey was quite profound. It was amazing to be introduced to LJY-Netzer and to what a summer camp is; to being away from my home and my parents; to singing Jewish songs and having Shabbat in that atmosphere; to learning more about my history and identity. It was also important for me to make Jewish friends - and as a pupil at a girls’ school, to meet and talk with boys.
Jess and Ed Herman in their LJY-Netzer days
Learning songs was really important, as I later became a song leader. But I also loved all the seriously ridiculous fun, like running around the woods playing games - I remember dressing up as rabbis and all sorts. I also met new people who then became friends for life. I’m now 34 and we’re all still so close. I went to other events and camps throughout the year and got involved in the wider LJY-Netzer movement. When I became a leader, it gave me a whole new set of totally transferable skills and a whole new level of fulfilment – and exhaustion! I learnt a lot about being a youth worker, which I still am today, including about responsibility and boundaries, which will probably also be very useful when I have children of my own. And then there were the opportunities I had to discover Israel and Europe, as a participant and leader on LJY tours and then on the Shnat gap year in Israel. Kadimah really is a gateway event to a much bigger part of your Jewish life.
Judi says... So what did we get out of Kadimah, apart from a glorious annual fortnight to ourselves with the dog? The answer is that we got to see our children grow in so many incredible ways that they describe here themselves. Living close to Junction 5 of the M1, we got to be the hub where Kadimites from all over the country crashed overnight, so we got used to tripping over bodies in sleeping bags at weekends! We kvelled when our kids confidently led Birchat Hamazon (Grace after Meals) when they were barmitzvah and batmitzvah; and, then, over time, listening to Jess leading singing and both leading services. We waved them off on Israel Tour, Kayitz and then (more tearfully) for the year of Shnat – when we got to visit and share insights into life in Israel. We are if anything a little jealous because we never had the same Kadimah experience. So don’t hesitate to book your kids in this year. We can assure you that Kadimah brings joy to the whole family. • Machaneh Kadimah takes place from August 13-26 at a beautiful site in Wiltshire. To find out more, please visit www.ljy-netzer.org/machaneh-kadimah/
Contact LJY-Netzer: Ellie Lawson (e.lawson@liberaljudaism.org), Simon Lovick (s.lovick@liberaljudaism.org) and Hannah Stephenson (h.stephenson@liberaljudaism.org); Director of Youth - Rebecca Fetterman (r.fetterman@liberaljudaism.org)
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July/August 2018
Liberal 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 (Notting Hill) E: bkymailing@gmail.com W: bky.org.uk
Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8446 4063 E: fps@liberaljudaism.org W: fps.org
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: 020 8554 9682 / 020 8989 7619 E: eastlondonandessexliberal@gmail.com W: eastlondonandessexliberal synagogue.org Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community T: 01323 725 650 E: eljc@liberaljudaism.org W: eljc.org.uk
Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community T: 01242 260 497 E: shalom@gljc.org.uk W: gljc.org.uk Herefordshire Jewish Community T: 01594 530 721 E: hjc@liberaljudaism.org W: herefordshirejc.org Kehillah North London T: 020 7403 3779 E: megillah.northlondon@yahoo.co.uk W: nlpjc.org.uk Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 07952 242 432 E: enquiries@kljc.org.uk W: www.kljc.org.uk Kingston Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8398 7400 E: kls@liberaljudaism.org W: klsonline.org 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 The Liberal Synagogue Elstree T: 020 8953 8889 E: office@tlse.org.uk W: tlse.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 Send your news to ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org Printed by Precision Printing. www.precisionprinting.co.uk
Lincolnshire Jewish Community T: 01427 628 958 E: ljc@liberaljudaism.org W: lincolnshirejc.co.uk Manchester Liberal Jewish Community T: 0161 796 6210 E: mljc@liberaljudaism.org W: mljc.org.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
Mosaic Liberal (Harrow) T: 020 8864 5323 E: office@mosaicliberal.org.uk W: mosaicliberal.org.uk
Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) T:01473 250 797 E: sljc@liberaljudaism.org
Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue T: 01923 822 592 E: npls@liberaljudaism.org W: npls.org.uk
Tikvah Chadasha Synagogue (Shenfield) T: 01277 888 610 E: tikvahchadasha@gmail.com W: roshtikvah.com
Norwich Liberal Jewish Community E: nljc@liberaljudaism.org W: norwichljc.org.uk
Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (Bournemouth) T: 01202 757 590 E: info@wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue T: 0115 962 4761 E: nls@liberaljudaism.org W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com
Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community T: 07561 331 390 E: info@pljc.org.uk W: pljc.org.uk 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 South Bucks Jewish Community T: 0845 644 2370 E: sbjc@liberaljudaism.org W: sbjc.org.uk Southgate Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8886 0977 E: sps@liberaljudaism.org W: sps.uk.com
West Central Liberal Synagogue T: 020 7636 7627 E: wcls@liberaljudaism.org 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 W: www.northwestjews.org Oxford Jewish Congregation T: 01865 515 584 E: progressive@ojc-online.org W: ojc-online.org
President Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein Chairman Simon Benscher Vice Chair Ruth Seager Treasurer Rosie Ward Secretary Dr Howard Cohen Israel and the Diaspora Tamara Schmidt Communications Ed Herman Social Justice Amelia Viney Youth and Education Robin Moss Music and IT Graham Carpenter National Officers Ros Clayton, David Hockman, Amanda McFeeters and Jackie Richards Vice Presidents Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Lord Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Sharon Goldstein, Lucian Hudson, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Willie Kessler, David Lipman, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Joan Shopper, Beverley 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 Education Rabbi Sandra Kviat Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Events and Fundraising Thomas Rich Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer Director of Administration Alexandra Simonon Archivist Alison Turner Communications and Digital Simon Rothstein and Yszi Hawkings Director of Youth Becca Fetterman LJY-Netzer Ellie Lawson, Simon Lovick and Hannah Stephenson