September/October 2018 VOL. XLV No. 5
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
Biennial finds the perfect formula
A weekend of discussion, prayer, music and fun for all ages showed why so many have found a home for their Jewish story in Liberal Judaism
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IBERAL JEWS from all around the UK and beyond took part in an inspirational and invigorating Biennial Weekend – discussing the next steps in liturgy, theology, policy, outreach work and shared values that will drive Progressive Judaism forward both in Britain and around the world. The event - which had the theme of ‘The Formula for Truly Progressive Judaism’ - was completely sold out with more than 300 delegates representing 37 communities and eight countries and not one spare room in the St Johns Hotel. One third of the delegates were attending their first ever Biennial Weekend.
Rabbi Danny Rich, the senior rabbi of Liberal Judaism (pictured above left with some of Progressive Judaism’s student rabbis), said: “The Biennial Weekend had a very special atmosphere and spirit. Every person I met over the three days – covering all ages, areas and backgrounds – had their own different Jewish story but all had the same thing in common… finding their home in Liberal Judaism. “This event was a sign of a Liberal Judaism that has a real confidence going forward – one with inspirational music, liturgy and rabbinic leadership and a radical message of true modernity and inclusivity to take out into the world.”
Keynote speaker Rabbi Danny Freelander - the president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism - praised Liberal Judaism’s work welcoming mixed-faith families, patrilineal Jews and Jews by choice, as well as its outreach work setting up new communities in farflung areas and campaigns for equality. Other speakers included Reuven Marko and Anna Kislanski, the chair and chief operating officer of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism; Board of Deputies chief executive Gillian Merron; and activist Barbara Winton. • Page 6-8: Biennial Weekend special
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Comment
September/October 2018
Getting ready for 5779 Riding to Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein on preparing for the High Holy Days after a turbulent and difficult year MOSES BEN ABRAHAM of Premsla wrote: “The wise prepare themselves with teshuvah, prayer and charity during the month of Elul”. I am thinking about the coming High Holy Days two weeks earlier than usual, in the middle of Av, to meet the deadline for this issue. It is strange to be thinking of our autumn festivals in the middle of summer (and what a hot summer it has been) but that’s how quickly things come around and years go by. Indeed, this will be the fifteenth year since we started using Machzor Ruach Chadashah. Perhaps these opening thoughts tell us to slow down a moment and do what Rosh Hashanah has long demanded of us: to spend time looking back before moving into the New Year. The year 5778 has been quite a turbulent and often confusing one, no more so than on the political front in the UK, Israel, USA and parts of Europe. Old certainties seem to be disappearing and we have seen a resurgence of antisemitism. There have been a number of significant anniversaries and weddings to celebrate, though often the joy has been countered by bad news and the new phenomenon of ‘fake news’. As Jews we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration
and the 70th of the establishment of the State of Israel. Yet new terrorist threats against Israel give us cause for concern and its internal politics make us, as Progressive Jews, more than uneasy. Within our own Liberal movement we had the joy of more than 300 delegates spending a highly successful Biennial Weekend together, validating our belief in the authenticity of our form of Progressive Judaism. We felt and shared the encouragement that comes out of community and surely this should be the experience we get from our congregations gathering on the High Holy Days and festivals. Way back in the late 1960s, the late Rabbi Hugo Gryn taught me a trick for High Holy Day sermons – to see if there is any hint in the word formed by the Hebrew year. For 5779, the only hint I can find in my dictionary is a link to shatnez, that strange law in the Torah forbidding the mixture in clothes of linen and wool. Hardly relevant to Liberal Jews and yet maybe a reminder that life itself is so often made up of a mix of often opposing emotions, situations and experiences. How we deal with bad and good news is a test of our maturity and sanity and happiness. Our tradition teaches us that it is within the family and community that we find strength to cope in a sometimes confusing and conflicting world. May the New Year be a good year for your community, your family and friends. And may it bring a sense of peace to Israel and the world. • Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein is president of Liberal Judaism. He can be contacted on agoldstein@f2s.com
Spend the High Holy Days with us… wherever you may be LIBERAL JUDAISM has once again teamed up with Reform Judaism for the upcoming High Holy Days to make sure that every Progressive Jew has a home for their Jewish story over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Any member of a Liberal or Reform community who cannot attend their own synagogue – for example because they are in a different part of the country – is welcome at any other Progressive congregation, as long as notice is given to the host community.
Students can also attend services at any Progressive congregation of their choosing, even if they are not currently members of any Jewish community. Again notice must be given. Full details of all Liberal Judaism services, talks and events over the High Holy Days and other upcoming festivals can be found on the Liberal Judaism website at www.liberaljudaism.org For more information on attending services, please contact Yszi Hawkings on yszi@liberaljudaism.org
remember By Alasdair Nisbet
THE SUN lit up the Frank Meisler statue in Berlin. I was one of 42 cyclists stood listening to representatives from the British and German governments urging us to speak openly about our cause. We were about to set off on a cycle ride organised by World Jewish Relief, whose predecessor The Central British Fund was integral in arranging and funding the extraordinary rescue effort that saved 10,000 children from Nazi Europe between 1938 and 1939. Our route would trace the journey made by these Kindertransport children - following the tracks across Germany and into Holland. We would catch the overnight ferry before finishing at London Liverpool Street, which was the first destination in England for many of the children before they went to their new homes. Some of the riders had a direct connection to the Kindertransport and over the six days we heard their families’ stories. One of the cyclists, Paul Alexander, was just 19 months old when his mother put her only child into the arms of a stranger to be taken to safety. Now 80 and living in Israel, he cycled alongside his son and grandson to celebrate his life. One of the most special moments was meeting Liberal Judaism vice president Rabbi Harry Jacobi, who twice escaped the Nazis. He captured the moment with choice words and then led Kaddish “for our parents”. All in all, it was a magnificent and unforgettable experience bringing this important historical event to life through the ride and the stories it revealed. We have raised more than £170,000 towards World Jewish Relief’s work saving lives today, just as it did all those years ago. You can still donate at www.worldjewishrelief. org/alasdairberlin2london
News
September/October 2018
LJ Today Page 3
A spectacular Chuppah protest highlights dinner to fund call for equality in Israel our future By Rabbi Charley Baginsky FOLLOWING on from the success of the Biennial Weekend, we are proud to present ‘101 Reasons to Celebrate Liberal Judaism’ – our movement’s first ever fundraising dinner. The evening will provide the chance to share stories and memories from the last 70-something years of our Liberal Jewish youth movement, be it LJY-Netzer, ULPSNYC-Netzer or FLPJYG. It promises to be a wonderful night and will feature the announcement of Liberal Judaism’s new ambassadors, a phenomenal speaker, a delicious three course meal and a chance to hear the stories of your peers. The dinner takes place on Tuesday 27 November from 7pm. It will raise money for the LJY-Netzer Bursary Fund and Liberal Judaism’s brand new education department – helping the next generation of Liberal Jews and investing in the future of our movement. It will be held at the exclusive Goldsmiths’ Hall, located near St. Paul’s Cathedral. An incredible Grade I listed venue dating back to 1835 this really is one of London’s hidden treasures. We will be dining in The Livery Hall, a magnificent room with Corinthian columns and a richly decorated moulded ceiling in gold leaf. The hall boasts four matching chandeliers of English glass from 1835 with each holding 48 candles. You don’t want to miss this chance to enjoy an evening underneath the twinkling candlelight… celebrating the past and future of Liberal Judaism. Above all come and celebrate your own memories of being part of Liberal Judaism’s youth movement whether as a participant, a leader, a parent or all three. Ticket prices are £75 for an individual ticket or £750 to host a table, including 10 tickets. Table sponsorship opportunities are also available starting from £1,000. For more information on the event, and to buy tickets, please visit www. liberaljudaism.org/calendar/annualfundraising-dinner For sponsorship and advertising opportunities, please contact me on c.baginsky@liberaljudaism.org or Tom Rich on t.rich@liberaljudaism.org Book your place today and join with old friends and new for a truly spectacular and important evening.
British rabbis demonstrate under a chuppah outside the Israeli Embassy. Picture by Keith Gold
LIBERAL JUDAISM rabbis came together with Reform and Masorti colleagues to erect a chuppah outside the Israeli Embassy in Kensington. The demonstration was held to protest against the detention of an Israeli Conservative (Masorti) rabbi for performing non-Orthodox weddings and to also make a call for full equality of Jewish denominations in Israel. The British rabbis smashed a glass – the symbolic ritual that occurs at the end of all Jewish wedding ceremonies – under the canopy to demonstrate their outrage and defiance after Rabbi Dov Haiyun was detained in Haifa. Israel is the only democracy in the world where a Progressive Jew cannot marry in the way that they wish.
All marriages in Israel must be conducted in a religious manner and Jewish marriages may be conducted only under the auspices of the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate. There is no civil marriage and anyone conducting a Jewish wedding that isn’t strictly Orthodox could face up to two years in prison. Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, chair of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors, said: “Whilst we can celebrate the continuity of Judaism in the diaspora, it is ironic that in the Jewish State, rabbis outside of a tight cabal are forbidden. “A rabbi being woken by police at 5am for performing a wedding is not Shem Ha’Shamayim - for the sake of heaven. “We must all join together and fight these attempts to police Judaism.”
LIBERAL JUDAISM officer Jackie Richards (pictured) represented the movement at this year’s Royal Garden Party. Jackie said: “It was quite a surreal experience but a really enjoyable one. It was lovely mingling with so many happy people.”
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Communities
September/October 2018
Kingston Seder is Pride of London The magnificent seven celebrate Reading at 40
A SPECIAL ‘Pride Seder’ at Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS) attracted 30 people from all over London. This joyous occasion – led by Rabbis Dr René Pfertzel and Janet Darley – saw KLS members joined by guests from both north and south of the river. KLS holds a welcome Shabbat dinner on the first Friday of every month and the July one coincided with the final weekend of the Pride Festival. This led to the idea of holding a Seder to welcome and celebrate London’s LGBTQI+ community.
Attendees brought a variety of rainbowcoloured food dishes to share and the room was decked out in rainbow banners. Songs included a version of Hinei Ma Tov specially adapted to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQI+ community. KLS chair Craig Simmons said: “The Shabbat evening service and dinner celebrated the fact that we live in an area that is accepting and open, but acknowledged that there is still much work to do to achieve this in other parts of the world.“
Birmingham president honoured
By Joe Seager FRANK MAXWELL, the president of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS), has won a Lifetime Achievement Award for turning a home-grown family business into a global enterprise. He was chosen from 14 finalists at the prestigious Family Business of the Year Awards, which acknowledge significant contributions made by family firms to the British economy. He was presented with his award by Paul Andrews, founder and MD of Family Business United (pictured).
Frank pioneered the production of espresso machines in the UK – launching his company, Fracino, in 1963 after stripping down a coffee machine bought on a family holiday in Italy. He made his first machine in his garden shed. Forced to self-fund the company after a bank refused to lend him £300, Frank has since served up scorching cupfuls of record-breaking results. Fracino has achieved almost doubledigit sales growth year-on-year since 2009 and exports to more than 70 countries world-wide. It is the UK’s sole manufacturer of cappuccino and espresso machines, a market traditionally led by Italian and Spanish companies. Frank is chairman of the third generation family business which employs 70 people at its Birmingham factory. His son Adrian is managing director and his daughter Rebecca is service support manager. Frank, 82, said: “I am honoured and humbled to receive this accolade. I am also immensely proud that the business I launched in a garden shed now provides one of the world’s most advanced and efficient facilities of its type”.
READING LIBERAL JEWISH COMMUNITY proudly celebrated its 40th birthday with a Shabbat service and lunch. The small community’s numbers were swelled for the event as current members were joined by old friends, officers and dignitaries of Liberal Judaism and seven rabbis who have all played a part in the community’s history. The service was led by Reading’s Rabbi Miri Lawrence with the sermon delivered by Rabbi Danny Rich, the senior rabbi of Liberal Judaism. Rabbi Rachel Benjamin led the singing, alongside Liberal Judaism Board member Graham Carpenter, while Rabbis Richard Jacobi and Hadassah Davis shared their memories of serving the community in times past. Liberal Judaism vice president, Rosita Rosenberg, read an excerpt about what was then the Thames Valley Progressive Jewish Community from her book Liberal Judaism: The First Hundred Years. Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, president of Liberal Judaism and one of the first ministers to take services at Reading, led Kiddush with the younger members of the community. Liberal Judaism Board member Ros Clayton also attended. Many members of the Reading community were actively involved in the service. Maddy Gozman welcomed the congregation to the special day and Paul Kennet read a moving message from Rabbi Alexandra Wright, who delivered her first ever sermon in Reading. Finally, after a delicious lunch, the community’s oldest member Ann Selinger cut the celebratory cake with Rabbi Harry Jacobi (pictured). The community’s Jane Carpenter said: “We were honoured to have so many rabbis and senior members of Liberal Judaism play a role in our special day, as well as lots of current and past members – who carried the scroll and read various prayers. All in all, it was another joyful Shabbat at the home of our small yet beautiful congregation.” To find out more about the community, please visit www.readingljc.org.uk
Communities
September/October 2018
LJ Today Page 5
Welcoming two new rabbis and a cantor
Rabbis Roberta Harris-Eckstein and Nathan Godleman were inducted by Leo Baeck College, while Cantor Tamara Wolfson joins from America
TWO NEW Liberal Judaism rabbis were ordained by Leo Baeck College in a moving ceremony held at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS). Rabbi Roberta Harris-Eckstein has now become the first ever rabbi at Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community, while Rabbi Nathan Godleman joins South London Liberal Synagogue. They were ordained by Leo Baeck College’s dean, Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh, after spending five years together studying for the rabbinate. Many leading figures in Progressive Judaism played a role in the ordination service at the LJS, including Rabbis Danny Rich and Laura Janner-Klausner, the senior rabbis of Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism. As part of the College tradition, the new rabbis were presented for ordination by teachers and loved ones who had shared their journey. Nathan was presented by Rabbi David Hulbert, Dr Linda McDonald and Rabbi Mark Solomon, with Roberta presented by Jeremy Eckstein, Pamela Neil and Prudence Tyler.
Roberta joins the small but growing Eastbourne congregation, which attracts members from all over East Sussex. The community was founded in 2001 with financial support from Liberal Judaism. Nathan has been appointed as South London’s full-time rabbi after spending two years there as a student minister. Dean of Leo Baeck College, Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh, said: “I was told time after time during kiddush how those present felt this was the most moving and inspiring ordination they had ever attended. We are deeply grateful to all who contributed to making our 2018 ordination service so very special.” Cantor Tamara Wolfson is another minister being welcomed into the Liberal Judaism family. Arriving from America over the summer, Tamara has been appointed as the new part-time spiritual leader of Kehillah North London and part-time cantor of Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue. At Kehillah, Tamara will inherit the role held for many years by her friend and mentor Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu.
New Yorker Tamara was brought up with a passion for Progressive Judaism. She graduated from the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, California, with a degree in Jewish studies and then entered cantorial school at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. She said: “Being a cantor brings together so many of the things I care deeply about: synagogue life, prayer, education, pastoral care, music, and most importantly community. I am overwhelmed with joy and excitement at being part of this sacred work in the music and prayer of Liberal Judaism.” Rabbi Danny Rich, senior rabbi of Liberal Judaism, added: “I have got to know both Nathan and Roberta over the last five years and I am delighted that they will now both serve Liberal Judaism communities - along with Tamara. “The fact that three such talented people are joining the religious leadership of Liberal Judaism is testament to the continuing partnership between our movement and its congregations.”
...as Rabbi Leah Jordan says farewell in Norwich NORWICH LIBERAL JEWISH COMMUNITY (NLJC) said farewell to Rabbi Leah Jordan in an emotional service at the Old Meeting House in Colegate. Leah, who was also Liberal Judaism’s student chaplain, has left the UK to embark on a study programme in Israel. Originally from Kansas City, the 31-year-old studied for the rabbinate at Leo Baeck College in London and has served Norwich since graduating in 2013.
NLJC chair Annie Henriques said: “Leah has proved to be inspirational, with a very wise head on her young shoulders. Her bravery on speaking out on human rights issues has underpinned her compassionate leadership of our community. We have more than doubled in size during her time with us.” Among the gifts given to Leah during the service was a book of photographs of her time with the community.
September/October 2018
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Liberal Judaism Biennial W
Rabbi Danny Freelander laid down a challenge for Liberal Judaism to shout more about its successes and never be cowed by its critics
Gillian Merron, pictured with some of Liberal Judaism’s deputies, spoke about the role of the Board and power of working together
Barbara Winton Skyped from a refugee camp to discuss how we can assist today’s refugees as her father helped those fleeing the Nazis
Liberal Judaism’s LGBTQI+ project manager Shaan Knan brought the Rainbow Pilgrims pop-up exhibition to the Biennial Weekend
Rabbis Elli Tikvah Sarah and Lea Mühlstein led a Shabbat service from Liber a feedback forum, chaired by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, that collated a range of
LJY-Netzer ran a parallel youth programme with everything from learning about Jews around the world to crazy science experiments
Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi asks a question from the floor in one of the Biennial Weekend’s many jam-packed discussions and debates
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September/October 2018
Weekend 2018 in pictures
Carrie Shaw and Rabbi Aaron Goldstein ran a session with Samia Diab and Dahlia Shaham from Israel’s Leo Baeck Education Centre
Yszi Hawkings joined Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism chair Reuven Marko to talk about driving lay leadership
A special Relational Judaism track paired long-term members with new joiners to look at ways of increasing community participation
ral Judaism’s new draft siddur, which they are editing. This was followed by f views as Liberal Judaism seeks to produce its first new siddur since 1995
Jonny Hurst hosted the Biennial’s Got Talent competition where LJY-Netzer member Jules wowed everyone by singing Almost There
Rabbis Dr Judith Rosen-Berry and Charley Baginsky led a session on ways Liberal Judaism can now share the Biennial’s messages
Biennial pictures by Charles Davis of www.professionalphotography.me.uk
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Biennial
September/October 2018
Israeli guests give insight into Progressive life one’s homeland, with a session focused on the interconnectivity of Progressive Jews worldwide. Anna – who has seen the number of Progressive Judaism congregations in Israel more than Reading’s Jane Carpenter chats to Reuven Marko and Anna Kislanski double from 23 to 50 since she took THIS YEAR’S Biennial Weekend was the up her role in 2010 – also explained more first to have a dedicated two-day track on about the issues Progressive Jews face Israel, run by the Alliance for Progressive in a country traditionally split between Judaism’s Israel Desk. the Orthodox and secular. She told how Thanks to the year-round work of things are changing and introduced a the Israel Desk building relationships survey showing the strides being made with Progressive partners in Israel, the by Progressive Judaism in Israel in both Biennial was able to attract four high public perception and participation. calibre speakers from the country. Reuven and Anna then joined together Reuven Marko and Anna Kislanski for a late night Q&A, which allowed – the chair and chief operating officer delegates to learn more about what life is of the Israel Movement for Reform like as a Progressive Jew in Israel. and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) – The Biennial also welcomed two represented Liberal Judaism’s Israeli unique and dynamic representatives from sister organisation. the Leo Baeck Education Centre – the Reuven delivered a powerful Shabbat facility in Haifa that provides educational, sermon and led a busy session looking at community and sports services to 35,000 how to engage and empower lay leaders people of all faiths and backgrounds. within Liberal Judaism communities. Samia Diab is director of one of the Anna featured as a part of the Israel organisation’s community centres. She is track, speaking on how to have a the first and only Arab Muslim woman to meaningful Jewish experience outside head such a facility in Israel.
Student Rabbi Dahlia Shaham is a former graduate who has returned to work at the Progressive synagogue on the main campus. They came together for an Israel track session facilitated by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, who is chair of the UK Friends of Leo Baeck Haifa. Samia and Dahlia shared their personal stories of how they connect to Progressive Judaism and explained the vision and mission of the centre, which is currently preparing to celebrate its 80th anniversary. Dahlia later led an Israeli song group as part of the LJY-Netzer parallel youth programme – sharing new tunes with lyrics in Hebrew, Arabic and English. The Biennial also included a session on Israel Bonds and how they fulfil David Ben-Gurion’s vision of diaspora Jews investing in the State of Israel. A final Q&A with Israel Desk coordinator Carrie Shaw looked at how Liberal Judaism communities can reconnect with Israel and the resources available for them to do so. Carrie said: “It was amazing to see so many Liberal Judaism members, coming from all sides of the Israel conversation, engaging with the Israel track. “There was a real thirst to learn more about the opportunities that Liberal Judaism is able to offer.” To find out more about the Israel Desk and how your community can benefit please email Carrie on carrie@apjuk.org
Chair’s Award winners are shining lights LIBERAL JUDAISM chair Simon Benscher presented the Chair’s Awards during the Biennial Weekend - honouring those members who have gone above and beyond while serving the movement at a national and/or local level. This year’s winners were: Ruth Colin of Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue for her work with music and choirs both within her own community and across the Liberal movement. Judith Diamond of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue for her volunteering work supporting so many aspects of synagogue life, especially Singing for the Mind. Vivienne Fleet of Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community for helping to keep the congregation running during tough times and her fantastic interfaith work.
Hava Fleming of York Liberal Jewish Community for her contribution to the life and soul of this relatively new community.
Paula Scott of Nottingham Liberal Synagogue for an incredible 30 years of service and dedication to her community.
Annie Henriques of Norwich Liberal Jewish Community for her involvement in the unprecedented dynamism and growth of the Norwich community.
Hannah Stephenson of LJY-Netzer, Liberal Judaism’s youth movement, for enabling an enormous number of young people to enjoy the wonderful experience of LJY-Netzer events.
Andrea Narcin of Finchley Progressive Synagogue for her social action work. As well as organising Finchley’s Mitzvah Day for a number of years, Andrea is a highly committed coordinator of the Together in Barnet night shelter. Gerry Ostermeyer of Southgate Progressive Synagogue for his steadfast commitment to his community and the entire Liberal movement. There isn’t a facet of synagogue life that Gerry hasn’t been involved in.
IF YOU missed the Biennial then don’t worry. The key parts of the weekend were all streamed and are available to watch at www.youtube. com/LiberalJudaismMedia thanks to the wonderful work of Leo Mendel and his team. Leo is the technical director for the digital sports agency Sotic. You can find out more by following @sotic on Twitter.
News
September/October 2018
LJ Today Page 9
Patrons’ Dinner focuses on youth FPS full for play In an entertaining and wide-ranging speech, Robert – who is the UK’s only Jewish Lord-Lieutenant – talked of his work with young entrepreneurs and the development of teenagers and young adults. He then discussed why it is so important for Liberal Judaism to raise money to invest in its young people. He said: “The Young Liberal Jews at the House of Lords. Picture by Owen Tetley responsibility will fall on the shoulders THE FOURTEENTH annual Liberal of the young to ensure that Judaism Judaism Patrons’ Dinner was attended by continues to survive and prosper here the movement’s patrons, officers, rabbis, in the UK. No youngsters can be better staff and special guests. placed to encompass the diversity and Held at the House of Lords, the event integration that is the future of the UK was again hosted by Lord Haskel and than members of the Liberal community.” wonderfully organised by Joan Shopper. There are many ways to donate to Speakers included Nicola Nathan, Liberal Judaism and help with the the chair of the Council of Patrons, movement’s important work – from oneand guest of honour Robert Voss CBE. off contributions to becoming a patron. Robert is the Lord-Lieutenant of the To find out more or make a donation, County of Hertfordshire and a member of please visit www.liberaljudaism.org/ Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue. what-we-do/fundraising/
MORE THAN 70 people were wowed by a performance of Hyam Maccoby’s play The Disputation staged by members of Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS). The play is a powerful re-enactment of the Barcelona Disputation of 1263 when Rabbi Moses ben Nachman was pitted against a Christian opponent in a debate in the court of King James of Aragon. Directed by FPS member Stanley Volk, and featuring members of the synagogue as cast and crew, the play was preceded by a short service to mark Tisha B’Av.
Anne Frank Day AN IMPRESSIVE interfaith service was held for Anne Frank Day, hosted by Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish communities. Shabbat prayers were led by Rabbi Anna Gerrard who united and made accessible all the elements of the service. The second part was held around the Anne Frank memorial tree. Beautiful songs were sung by the choir from a local school and members of the communities. Many of the 100 people attending had never been to a Jewish service before and all were very positive in their comments.
How your synagogue can sponsor a refugee family Tamara Joseph on community sponsorship and how we can all get involved THE SIMPLE IDEA behind community sponsorship is that local communities can come together to support a refugee family to resettle in the UK. While taking on responsibility for a family can seem daunting, there are lots of ways of working with your wider community. A number of Liberal synagogues are already involved in community sponsorship and have developed a variety of models for working with other institutions. South London Liberal Synagogue (SLLS) has raised enough money, through its Abraham’s Tent project, to convert a disused caretaker’s flat in their building into a home for a refugee family. SLLS has entered into a partnership with West London Synagogue and Liberal Judaism to support a family in the flat through community sponsorship. The synagogue looks forward to welcoming a family by the end of the year. A full story will appear in the next lj today.
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS) got involved in community sponsorship through Citizens UK and is part of an interfaith sponsorship group. This has worked well for BPS and they have found the level of work involved very manageable. Housing was provided by a housing trust and a family of two parents and two small children arrived in February. Volunteers have been helping the family to settle in. The family have attended BPS’s monthly tea for refugees and the community hopes that this will become a regular part of their lives. Nottingham Liberal Synagogue (NLS) are at an earlier stage in the process - exploring the potential for setting up an interfaith partnership to deliver community sponsorship in their area. NLS have held an initial meeting with the local Methodist church and representatives of Sponsor Refugees followed by one with other faith groups.
Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS) members are also working with other local faith groups. They have formed an organisation called Kingston Community Refugee Sponsorship (KCRS), which is chaired by KLS member Vince Daly. KCRS has been registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It is now working on: an application to the Home Office; fundraising; searching for suitable housing; and building a network of supporters. The other communities in Kingston involved to date are All Saints Church, the Church of St John the Evangelist, the Kingston and New Maldon Methodist Churches and Kingston Quakers. KCRS is also supported by individual Muslims living in the local area. The KCRS launch event in June was attended by the new Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Thay Thayalan, and his deputy, Councillor Olivia Boult, with the mayor pledging his personal support.
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Obituaries
September/October 2018
John Finkel: Cornerstone of Irish Judaism
JOHN FINKEL – who died in June at the conclusion of a cruise with family members – was a very well-known figure in Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation (DJPC). John and his late wife Joan were central to how the congregation developed. Along with their families, they were founding members of DJPC, with John serving in a number of roles throughout his life including president, honorary treasurer, executive committee member and choir singer.
John was born in London in 1930. His family emigrated to Dublin, Ireland, at the outbreak of World War II in 1939. In 1946, the family helped to start DJPC - the only non-Orthodox synagogue in Ireland. Joan and her parents were also founder members and, eight years later, the pair wed in one of the earliest marriage ceremonies at the current synagogue building. John acted as a lay leader when needed, in particular conducting many burials for the Dublin Jewish Burial Society (DJBS). He was an active board member of DJBS for nearly 50 years, retiring only when he and Joan moved to Wales in 2016 to be closer to family. John’s career was in the jewellery business, including starting and running Jon’s Jewellers for many years with Joan. His passions were sport, music, travel and charity. An active sportsman, John played rugby and was a scuba diver in his youth, later playing golf for most of the rest of his life. In 1987 he was captain of
Edmondstown Golf Club at the same time as Joan was lady captain. Up to his final days, John loved nothing better than watching almost any sport on TV. He also travelled the world with Joan visiting many countries far and wide. Music was another favourite pastime - especially composing and performing musical parodies in his younger days, and singing with choirs and choral groups which he continued throughout his life. He was also honoured for 50 years of service to the Masonic Order and his involvement in their charitable activities. John is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law Andrew and Ruth Finkel, Nigel Finkel and Rabbi Monique Mayer, Kelly and David Finkel and his beloved grandchildren Nathan, Benjamin and Aaron. Those wishing to make charitable contributions in John’s honour are encouraged to donate to the Dublin Jewish Burial Society via PayPal using the address djbs.no2@gmail.com
Bill Fleming: A wonderful life driven by the pursuit of knowledge
BILL FLEMING once wrote that his grandparents were born into the poorest family on the poorest street of the poorest town in England. So poor that during the 1930s they were sent food parcels from the rest of Britain. Bill attended Clegwell School, that great seat of unlearning, where you left with street survival skills rather than formal qualifications. His parents, John and Lena, didn’t have much choice.
Bill always said that he was saved from the inevitable future of a Jarrow lad by the kind librarians who would put aside books for this bright 10-year-old. He was not at all interested in books for children; he wanted the real thing. The spark of self-education was lit and blazed all through this wonderful life. Here he was introduced to science fiction, astronomy and mathematics. Soon he was devouring whole encyclopaedias. This love continued into adulthood – as he became fascinated by politics, philosophy, chaos theory and yet more science fiction. One auspicious weekend, Bill took out the only book in the library about Judaism. It was This is My God by Herman Wouk and he “was hooked”. His life was dedicated to self-education - driven by the search for the meaning of life and the pursuit of knowledge. He became involved in left-wing politics and was thrilled to be a card-carrying and leaflet-distributing member of the Communist Party. “Surprisingly,” he wrote, “the Party offered a lot of things that a religious community offers. A set of beliefs, a sense of belonging, a vision of a better future and dedicated men and women suffering for what they believe.”
Bill trained as a refrigeration engineer, working in Iraq, the Phllipines and the UK. His studies at Newcastle University then led to a successful teaching career in mechanical engineering. He led the product design programme at Northumbria University and was regularly voted the most popular lecturer. His children were his greatest joy. First was Steve, born in 1979, who together with daughter-in-law Helen gave him a grandson, James Edward Fleming. His daughter Hannah was born in 1995 and son Benjamin in 1999. Bill then met Hava in 2009 when “their eyes met across a crowded synagogue”. They married in 2012 and he acquired more children - Eli and Tali - and a grandchild, baby Joel Kylewer. Together Bill and Hava played a key role in Progressive Judaism in the North – contributing greatly to Newcastle Reform Synagogue and York Liberal Jewish Community, as well as bringing Jewish services back to Durham for the first time in more than 60 years. He is so sorely missed. • This an extract of the tribute written by Bill’s close friend Alan Reid
Youth
September/October 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
New LJY-Netzer team aiming for a “stronger, better connected movement” Name: Ben Combe Community: Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue I am passionate about: Filmmaking, writing and activism. My first memory of LJY-Netzer: Picking my sister up from Kadimah when I was four-years-old. It took me a while to start coming myself, but I never looked back. I am inspired by: The incredible work other members of LJY-Netzer have done and continue to do. They are phenomenal activists, artists and people. I hope to achieve: A stronger, better connected movement that challenges itself and the Jewish community as a whole to do and be better. Incoming movement workers Helen Goldhill, Ellie Lawson and Ben Combe. Picture by Yakir Zur
LJY-NETZER is proud to announce its new movement worker team for 2018/19. Ellie Lawson is staying on after a very successful first year of movement work and will be joined by Ben Combe and Helen Goldhill. They will start at the end of the summer. Below they introduce themselves and outline their plans: Name: Helen Goldhill Community: Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue I am passionate about: Intersectionality within my Judaism, feminism and LGBTQI+ activism.
My first memory of LJY-Netzer: I joined when I was seven and my first memory is sitting down on the floor and refusing to leave after one particular summer camp, my arm covered in friendship bracelets. I am inspired by: My peers in the Progressive Jewish community who are leading the way in Judaism through inclusion and activism. I hope to achieve: A greater connection between the Liberal Jewish community and its youth, as well as empowering and supporting LJY-Netzer members to be involved in their communities and other invaluable positive projects.
TWO young LJY-Netzer members took part in the Maccabi GB Community Fun Run to raise money to help others attend Liberal Judaism youth events. Talya and Noa Fetterman completed the course – getting sponsorship for the LJY-Netzer bursary scheme which
Name: Ellie Lawson Community: The Liberal Jewish Synagogue I am passionate about: Feminism, LGBTQI+ education and activism, refugee support and food. My message for last year’s team: It was a true honour to work with Hannah Stephenson and Simon Lovick. They have been absolutely fantastic - travelling up and down the country, educating and engaging with participants. They have shown themselves to be caring, intelligent and dedicated members of our community who will be forever missed. I now hope to achieve: To build on last year and see even greater participation, engagement and good times in 2018/19!
assists families not able to pay the full cost of camps, tours and other events. Proud mum Becca, Liberal Judaism’s director of youth, said: “The girls have experienced the joy and togetherness of LJY-Netzer and feel very passionately that no one should miss out.”
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)
September/October 2018
Page 12 LJ Today
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: 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
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: 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
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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 Chair Simon Benscher Deputy Chair Ruth Seager Vice Chair Karen Newman Treasurer Rosie Ward Secretary Amanda McFeeters Israel and the Diaspora Graham Carpenter Data Ed Herman Social Justice Jane Drapkin Strategy Robin Moss National Officers Ros Clayton 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 Community Partnerships Rabbi Sandra Kviat Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer Events and Fundraising Thomas Rich Director of Administration Alexandra Simonon Communications and Digital Simon Rothstein and Yszi Hawkings Archivist Alison Turner Office Coordinator Rafe Thurstance Director of Youth Becca Fetterman LJY-Netzer Ellie Lawson, Simon Lovick and Hannah Stephenson