July/August 2016 VOL. XLIII No. 3
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
A lifetime of Liberal Judaism Welcome to
By Rabbi Danny Rich
I
AM as proud to be the senior rabbi and chief executive of Liberal Judaism today, as I was on my appointment more than 11 years ago. Coming from a Liberal Jewish family, I sought to make a contribution to a movement which, I still believe, offers so much to its adherents and has the potential to make a great contribution to the wellbeing of society. Liberal Judaism has, in my view, two great attributes: its principles combined with a pragmatic way of treating members and others who encounter it, whether at a local community level or in a national context.
This edition of lj today includes a four page central pull-out taking the reader through the stages of life, from the usual joy of birth to the frequent sadness of death. Human beings seem to desire to mark significant stages on that great journey, and these pages offer specific Liberal Jewish ways including circumcision and the welcoming of a child into the community, education at all ages including bar/batmitzvah and Kabbalat Torah, relationships including marriage, and death including funeral, burial, cremation and the woodland alternative. In any or all of these, Liberal Judaism’s rabbis and communities operate within a number of principles: egalitarianism, justice and compassion over rules, care regardless of status and the desire to assist with, rather than tell the details of, the preparation for a lifecycle event. If you have participated in a spiritual, meaningful and thoughtful Liberal Judaism celebration, or other type of moment, why not share it with your family, friends, neighbours and others so that they too may enjoy the gift and jewel of Liberal Judaism?
the Biennial By Rabbi Charley Baginsky MANY Liberal Judaism members will be reading this issue of lj today just prior to, or at, the Biennial Weekend. If you are with us in the Midlands for Liberal Judaism’s biggest event of the year, then welcome. We can’t wait for you to be part of a conference that urges everyone to ‘think outside the book’ and about the many different ways we engage with our Judaism and our communities. You will get to pray, learn and debate with Liberal Jewish rabbis, leaders and members, as well as hearing from speakers and scholars from outside our movement including writer and broadcaster Cole Moreton, Guardian journalist Jessica Elgot, Imam Sayed Ali Razawi and Rabbi Dr Dalia Marx. Those who can’t attend can still follow the conference on the Liberal Judaism Twitter and Facebook pages, with videos posted regularly on YouTube too. Go to www.liberaljudaism.org for the details.
KINGSTON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE’S Sue Warner won a bronze medal in the 50m backstroke at the Invictus Games in Orlando, USA. Sue, who has a passion for swimming, also placed well in the breaststroke and front crawl events. She said: “I can’t believe it, everyone was cheering so loudly and I had to pinch myself that it was for me. I’m so happy and it is a moment to cherish.” The Invictus Games are a multi-sport event, created by Prince Harry, in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and veterans take part. Sue sustained multiple fractures in an accident during service in 2009, Sue swimming and with Prince Harry (inset), pictures by Roger Keller and Julian Warner following a 36-year Royal Navy career.
Page 2 LJ Today
Communities
July/August 2016
Liberal Judaism in Ireland Liberals plan is more vibrant than ever WM Limmud
DUBLIN JEWISH PROGRESSIVE CONGREGATION (DJPC) celebrated its 70th anniversary with a jam-packed weekend of services and events, designed to include every age group. Dignitaries (pictured above left) included leaders of the Irish Roman Catholic, Anglican, Romanian Orthodox, Unitarian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Bahá’í communities, as well as the British, Israeli and Austrian ambassadors. Liberal Judaism was represented by its president Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, and chair Simon Benscher.
Events included a Yom HaShoah commemoration, Shabbat service, kiddush, gala dinner, performance by the DJPC Anniversary Choir (pictured above right), ‘Tots on the Bimah’ and the inauguration of Rabbis Dr Charles Middleburgh as DJPC rabbi emeritus. In one highlight of a weekend which showed the continued vibrancy of Liberal Judaism in Ireland, the community’s youth planted apple trees in the garden DJPC president Dr Helen Marks said: “We are blessed to be part of this community and to be able to celebrate what that means together.”
THREE members of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS) are helping to organise the city’s first oneday Limmud. The celebration of Jewish learning and culture will take place at Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s educational facility on Sunday July 10. A programme of sessions will be presented by prominent figures, covering a wide range of subjects. BPS members Michal Arrowsmith, John Boulton and Joe Seager are part of the Limmud West Midlands (WM) team. Joe said: “This ground-breaking Limmud will allow delegates to enjoy all the wonders of Jewish culture and learning, as well as engaging with visitors from other wide-reaching communities.” For more details, and to attend, please contact birminghamwm@limmud.org • TIKVAH CHADASHA in Brentwood has an Ivrit class that meets every other Wednesday. There are currently 20 participants, from beginners to fluent speakers. If your community would like to set up a group, you can find out more by emailing tikvahchadasha@gmail.com
Woodford service MLJC concert Fond farewell for marks 50 years connects faiths Charley at KLS
THREE RABBIS, two Christian clergy and a police officer were among 100 people celebrating the 50th anniversary of Woodford Liberal Synagogue’s building. Woodford’s Rabbi Richard Jacobi put together a special civic service, featuring some of the community’s favourite prayers from the last half century. Rabbis Harry Jacobi and David Hulbert attended, along with Canon Ian Tarrant, Father Francis Coveney and Redbridge faith community officer Shahnaz Meah. The service ended with a touching speech by Simon Benscher, the chair of Liberal Judaism, who has spent his entire life as part of the Woodford community.
MANCHESTER LIBERAL JEWISH COMMUNITY worked with Cross St Chapel Unitarian Community to put on A Cornucopia of Jewish Music. The concert was built around a visiting cantor, Cantor Susan Berkson from America, who joined MLJC’s Cantor Gershon Silins, Cross St’s Rev Cody Coyne and members of both communities. MLJC treasurer Phyllis Alden said: “Over the 10 years that MLJC has been meeting at Cross St we have built a strong relationship and working together to produce this event has made it even stronger.”
KINGSTON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE (KLS) was filled with old and new members, as the community bid farewell to their rabbi of 10 years, Rabbi Charley Baginsky. Charley, who wrote a special service for the occasion, said: “There is no place like KLS. It is the most supportive, inventive, welcoming and inspiring community that a rabbi could ask for.” Charley is now the rabbi for South Bucks Jewish Community and the coordinator for the Alliance for Progressive Judaism. Kingston is in the process of recruiting a new rabbi and, in the meantime, will be supported by its lay leadership and Rabbi Danny Rich.
News
July/August 2016
LJ Today Page 3
New features on Harry leads child refugee fight new LJ website IN APRIL, Liberal Judaism launched a brand new website. While still offering the same high level of thought, news and information, www.liberaljudaism.org now also has the following new features: Find your community Using an interactive map, visitors can find their nearest Liberal community simply by typing in their post code. Each community now has its own page with contact details, rabbi(s) and a summary of services, religion school and events. Ask the rabbi This page features the answers to all those things frequently asked about the movement, as well as giving visitors the opportunity to submit a new question to be tackled by a Liberal rabbi. Opinion and comment As well as the latest news, there is now an opinion and comment section, featuring inspiring and thought-provoking articles from Liberal Jewish leaders.
News and notes • LIBERAL JUDAISM has renewed and increased its contract with Educare. Educare is an online training package, with courses including safeguarding, food hygiene, fire safety and more. To get an account, or any further information, please email becca@liberaljudaism.org
Liberal Judaism vice president Rabbi Harry Jacobi in Calais with Lord Dubs (left), and as part of a Citizens UK group including three other Liberal rabbis. Pictures by Unicef UK/Greg Jones
RABBI HARRY JACOBI has been praised by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams for his role in pressuring the Government to allow child refugees to join their families in the UK. As part of the battle, Harry and Lord Dubs, who were both given sanctuary in Britain when they fled Nazi-occupied Europe as children, travelled to Calais to meet the refugee children there and deliver school books and dictionaries. They were joined by leaders from all faiths on the Citizens UK visit - including Liberal Rabbis Richard Jacobi, Dr Margaret Jacobi and Janet Darley - and accompanied by a BBC television crew. Citizens UK has identified 157 children in Calais who have a legal right to be with their British-based families, while their asylum claims are assessed.
Remembering Student Pesach together as one packs are a hit
• NOTTINGHAM’S Salaam Shalom (SaSh) Kitchen, celebrated its first anniversary in June. The unique project – a collaboration between Nottingham Liberal Synagogue and Muslim charity Himmah – provides a hot meal every Wednesday to around 100 people. As well as helping those in need, the SaSh Kitchen brings the city’s Jewish and Muslim communities together. • RABBI JANET DARLEY is retiring this summer, after seven successful years serving South London Liberal Synagogue. The community is celebrating with two special events. • THE NEXT meeting of the NLPS Trust for Progressive Judaism will be held on Tuesday September 27. Should your community wish to apply for funding, please contact Sandra Greenberg on admin@nlpstrust.org.uk to request a grant application form.
Harry, a vice president of Liberal Judaism, joined Lord Dubs in writing to the current Home Secretary, Theresa May, to ask her to speed up family reunification for children stuck in Calais. They wrote: “When we arrived in Britain, fleeing the Nazi occupation of Europe, one of the most precious gifts given to us was to be able to continue our education. The education we were provided with enabled us, and many others, to give something back to Britain, and we were proud to do so. “The Prime Minister has already promised to speed up family reunification for refugee children trying to reach their loved ones in the UK. The evidence we have seen shows that it is still taking too long. We ask you to take action to reunite these 157 children with their families in time to start school in September.”
MONIQUE BLAKE represented Liberal Judaism at the national Yom HaShoah UK commemoration in May. Monique is pictured above together with Bergen Belsen survivor David Peterson and third generation survivor Georgia Selby. Many other Liberal Jews, including a delegation from LJY-Netzer, were at the event, which remembers the six million Jewish lives lost in the Holocaust. For more details on Yom HaShoah: The Annual Jewish Remembrance Day for Victims of the Holocaust, please visit www.yomhashoah.org.uk
STUDENTS around the UK celebrated Passover with a pack from Liberal Judaism containing a Haggadah, matzah, Seder plate and more. Jennifer Harper (pictured) wrote from the University of Northampton to say: “My grandparents are leaders in Stevenage Liberal Synagogue, but unfortunately I couldn’t join the community Seder. So, this year, I did it on my own and shared my Seder with my non-Jewish girlfriend, who was experiencing it for the first time. “Both what I was sent in the package by LJ, and what I had learned in Stevenage, helped immensely for this successful first go at preparing my own Seder night.”
Page 4 LJ Today
News
July/August 2016
Two months in the life of Rabbi Danny Rich RABBI DANNY RICH, Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, is constantly travelling around the UK, and the rest of the world, promoting the movement and supporting its members. The last two months have been no different, taking Danny everywhere from Bosnia and Tunisia to the Good Morning Britain and BBC Radio Five Live studios. Here are a few highlights from a very busy period:
Remembering Srebrenica
Celebrating The Queen’s 90th Danny played an important role in the faith celebrations surrounding the 90th birthday of Her Majesty The Queen. He was part of a group of rabbis and imams presenting a birthday card at St James’s Palace, took part in the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and wrote an article celebrating her life for The Jewish News.
Fighting antisemitism
Danny was part of the Joseph Interfaith Foundation’s Council of Imams and Rabbis visit to Srebrenica, the site of the first genocide on European soil since the Second World War. This ground-breaking trip was the first time that such a group, of very senior imams and rabbis, have visited Srebrenica together. He said: “The trip was both depressing and exhilarating. It was depressing because, despite the Shoah and the pledge ‘never again’, the treatment of Bosnian Muslims by the Serbs reminded me how much had not been learnt. “On the other hand, I met a Mother of Srebrenica – who lost both her sons and her husband in the barbarity – and yet, as she explained, for the sake of her daughter she has decided to make something positive of her life.”
A pilgrimage to Tunisia
Danny spoke out on antisemitism and the Labour Party, after he was left shocked by comments made by former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, including Livingstone’s assertion that Hitler had been a Zionist “before he went mad and ended up killing six million Jews.” Danny’s strong condemnation was picked up by publications including The Guardian, Newsweek, Times of Israel, Daily Mail and Jewish Chronicle. He was then interviewed by ITV’s Good Morning Britain, BBC Radio Five Live and local BBC radio stations all across the country. Danny, who is a long-term Labour Party member in a personal capacity, told Good Morning Britain: “Ken Livingstone’s comments really were so offensive to the vast majority of the Jewish community – whether politically on the left or the right – it calls into question some of what is happening in the party. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn should now be reflecting, in my view, about whether to have a commission to look at this.” RABBI PETE TOBIAS has written to lj today to praise The Liberal Synagogue Elstree member John Bernard’s contribution to the movement. Pete writes: “In addition to showing up at LJ events to take pictures - like the wonderful one of all us rabbis at the recent Patrons’ Dinner (right) - John also used his skills as a former tailor to produce the three dozen tallitot that were sent to participating congregations prior to the Biennial. John set up a production line in his home, with his sewing machine, and his hard work is greatly appreciated by us all.”
Pesach in hospital... and Denmark Danny and the Liberal Judaism staff team ran a stall about Passover in the foyer of Kingston Hospital. Learning materials and food were given out, in the first of a new hospital initiative to celebrate festivals from all faiths. He also ran the Seder at Shir Hatzafon, Liberal Judaism’s new community in Copenhagen. Questioning the candidates Danny and Liberal Judaism were part of the Citizens’ Mayoral Assembly, prior to the London elections, announcing the 2,500th Living Wage employer.
Danny was one of 2,000 people who took part in an annual pilgrimage to the Ghriba Synagogue, on the island of Djerba in southern Tunisia, for the Lag B’Omer festival. He also visited the Great Synagogue of Tunis. During his stay, Danny met with Tunisia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (pictured) and Minister of Culture. He also took part in a workshop on the possibility of having a museum of Tunisian Jewry, along with the directors of the Jewish museums in Istanbul, Paris and Casablanca. Danny said: “Jews have lived successfully in Tunisia for centuries and the authorities seem determined to ensure that the ancient Jewish communities in Djerba and Tunis are both safe and able to thrive. I was privileged to attend a round-table conference, at which the Minister of Culture promised support for a museum to celebrate this history.”
Lifecycle
July/August 2016
The start of the cycle THE CEREMONIES that surround the birth of a child serve many purposes. They are the first in a series of lifetime rituals that can mark significant moments in their life and begin a journey of linking the child to their Jewish past and commit them to a Jewish future. Furthermore, they are a chance for parents to thank God and reinforce the values that define their Judaism and Jewish life. The three most common ceremonies in Liberal Judaism are brit milah (circumcision), the initiation of a girl into the covenant and baby blessings. Below is a Q&A to help guide you through the start of the lifecycle, with answers provided by Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Liberal Judaism officer and mohel Dr Howard Cohen. What is the reason for circumcision? The circumcision of a baby boy symbolises God’s covenant with the Jewish people. For many Liberal Jews the observation of brit milah is confirmation of a particularly ancient practice, deeply embedded in Jewish emotion. When does brit milah take place? A brit milah normally takes place on the eighth day after the child’s birth, even if it falls on Shabbat or a holiday. The ceremony is performed by a mohel (circumciser), who has been specially trained in the traditional Jewish way of doing it. Postponements are permitted, if the health of the child warrants. It can take place at home or at a surgery. What does the ceremony entail? The mohel will gather everyone together and explain the significance of the brit. There will be opening prayers, then the circumcision – which usually takes two or three minutes only, including the time to put a small dressing on. Further prayers are then said, including a blessing over wine and the naming of the baby. There are various ceremonial aspects and designated roles. For full details, please see Dr Howard Cohen’s website at www.mohel-circumcision.co.uk How should I care for my son before/ after the circumcision? Circumcision is a small operation and what your son needs most from you is lots of cuddles and tender loving care. Keep him well fed, well winded and all should be well. Although the baby will experience pain during the procedure, a straightforward circumcision takes less than a minute and the baby usually settles down quickly.
Can we give pain relief if we wish to? There is no prohibition in Liberal Judaism against pain relief. Your mohel can talk to you about a combination of techniques to reduce the trauma of the procedure. How can I best celebrate the birth of a daughter? Originally, within Judaism there was no specific home celebration to welcome female infants into the covenant. So, over time, Liberal congregations have created their own ceremonies for girls. Ceremonies that celebrate the birth of a daughter and her entry into the covenant have been called many names, most popular is a ‘Brit-Bat’. They are a wonderful opportunity to thank God for the child, to celebrate her birth and recognise Liberal Judaism’s egalitarian approach to Jewish tradition. They can take place in the synagogue or at home. What is a baby blessing and how do I organise one? A baby blessing ceremony is usually performed as part of a Shabbat service and enables parents to celebrate together with relatives and friends. It also allows members of the community to share the moment and welcome the child. To organise a blessing, please speak to your community’s rabbi or chair. Should I give my child a Hebrew name? Most Liberal Jewish parents follow this ancient custom. The rabbis of Liberal Judaism are always glad to help parents find appropriate Hebrew equivalents for names, or to find out the meaning and English equivalents of Yiddish or Hebrew names traditional in their family. THE REFORM & LIBERAL ASSOCIATION OF MOHELIM is a well-established professional group dedicated to providing a high quality circumcision service to families in the UK, writes Dr Howard Cohen. We meet regularly, appraise our work and peer review each other. We promote safe practice and offer support. We can provide training to medically qualified practitioners wishing to perform circumcisions for their communities, and are keen to hear from potential recruits. If you feel you can offer this important service to our community, your talents are definitely needed. Please contact Alexandra Simonon, on a.simonon@liberaljudaism.org
LJ Today Page 5
Coming of age By Rabbi Sandra Kviat FOR A CHILD, the age of bar/batmitzvah is an interesting milestone, somewhere between the land of childhood and the unexplored shores of adulthood, with the elusive teenage life right at their fingertips. It is not a destination on the map of a person’s life, it is not a gateway or a test, rather it is part of the skillset that enables a young person to read the map and find their own way. As parents you are also gazing at a new horizon, at times the sky is bright and blue with promise, and other times full of dark clouds of worry and frustration. Your child’s bar/batmitzvah can be a bittersweet experience – your little one is not so little after all, but raring to explore and make their own decisions. Until the late Middle Ages, at the age of 12 and 13 respectively, girls and boys would become adults on the occasion of their birthdays. Adulthood meant an adherence to the halacha (Jewish law) that bound all Jewish adults. Today we see bar/batmitzvah – which both take place at 13 in Liberal Judaism – as part of the process of becoming an adult, where children learn to take responsibility for themselves and their Judaism. As time went on, it became traditional for boys to mark their entrance into adulthood by reading part of the weekly Torah portion. Liberal Judaism affirms the equal status of boys and girls in religious education and, accordingly, offers both bar and batmitzvah ceremonies in our communities as part of a Shabbat morning service. The ceremony is part of a larger journey. Children and their parents or carers are expected to commit to regularly attending their synagogue’s religion school and services. Many communities will also encourage involvement in a social action project. What also separates our movement from others is that the learning doesn’t stop there. Many of our young people then go on to study for Kabbalat Torah. KT, as it is affectionately called, is a group experience. The whole class of post-bar/batmitzvah students (usually in school year 9 or 10) learns together, often including trips, projects and an emphasis on “doing” Jewish life rather than just “observing” it. They then prepare, and lead, Shabbat services together. KT proves that with the right combination of empowerment, opportunity and us adults “letting go” just a bit, we can create powerful Jewish experiences for our teens.
Page 6 LJ Today
Lifecycle
July/August 2016
Love and A Liberal Jewish fune marriage By Rabbi Leah Jordan LIBERAL JUDAISM’S rabbis and communities delight in celebrating the love of any two people. Marriage has always been a central part of Jewish life. The term for marriage, kiddushin, comes from the Hebrew word for holiness and marriage is often seen as a way to experience holiness in our everyday lives. All the things that people enjoy about a traditional Jewish wedding – including chuppah, ketubah (marriage contract), Hebrew phrases and songs, breaking of glass and drinking of wine – are all also key parts of a Liberal Jewish wedding. The main distinction is that a Liberal wedding is fully egalitarian, meaning that both participants – whether of the same or opposite genders – say and commit themselves to the same ritual Jewish phrases and they exchange rings. For many, the chuppah represents the most important step they take on their Jewish lifecycle journey, and we look forward to accompanying the couple during whatever else life brings their way. Liberal Judaism also recognises that love often knows no religious boundary, and Jews do not always fall in love with other Jews. Rather than see this as a negative, we see it as an opportunity. We hope that instead of the Jewish partner ‘marrying out’, the non-Jewish partner will be encouraged to ‘marry in’, whether figuratively or literally. We do this by welcoming non-Jewish partners into our congregations as valued friends and sometimes as converts. British law stipulates that when a couple wishes to be married under Jewish auspices, both partners must be Jewish. While the law does not authorise rabbis to solemnise mixed-faith marriages, most are happy to perform blessings. This requires a commitment from the couple to create a Jewish home and to raising any shared children as Jews. Mixed-faith blessings do not take place under a chuppah, and are different in structure and content from the Jewish marriage ceremony - while still recognising the importance of Judaism to the couple and celebrating their love. Liberal Judaism understands that some couples may choose to have a civil partnership instead of a wedding and also has services for these. To find out more, contact your local rabbi or the Liberal Judaism head office.
LIBERAL JUDAISM holds dear the traditional principle of kavod ha’met (honour/dignity in death). Our movement, therefore, works to ensure, through the Liberal Judaism Edgwarebury and Cheshunt Burial and Cremation Scheme, and via individual communities, that the end of a person’s life is as appropriate and meaningful as possible. People vary considerably in the sort of funeral they would like, and in how traditional they want the rituals and service to be. For this reason, Liberal rabbis and Liberal Judaism staff offer advice on Jewish tradition and Liberal Jewish practice but enable a bereaved family to decide how it wants to carry out the wishes of the deceased, to hold the funeral and to mourn afterwards. Respecting individual choice, Liberal Judaism offers traditional burial and woodland burial or cremation, without any pressure being applied. We recognise that death and mourning can be a distressing time, as well as a very difficult one, so this article seeks to explain the different options available to Liberal Judaism members, non-members and their families. If you need any more information on anything in this article, or wish to arrange a funeral, please contact Liberal Judaism’s lifecycle manager, Alexandra Simonon, on 020 7631 9829 or a.simonon@liberaljudaism.org
style’ scheme for a certain period of time before death, for example two years, and there may be a surcharge for people who join after the age of 50. For someone to receive a member funeral, they must be a member of a Liberal Jewish community when they die. If you are moving from one Liberal community to another, then there will be a transfer arrangement to stay within the Liberal Judaism burial scheme. If however, for any reason, a person chooses to no longer be a member of a Liberal Judaism constituent community then, at that point, all burial rights usually cease.
The Liberal Judaism Edgwarebury and Cheshunt Burial and Cremation Scheme Fifteen Liberal Judaism communities (and consequently their thousands of members) – based in Greater London and the Home Counties – are members of the Liberal Judaism Edgwarebury and Cheshunt Burial and Cremation Scheme These communities pay Liberal Judaism an annual ground fee (currently £40) for every member over the age of 21, thereby giving every one of those members the right to be buried in either the Edgwarebury or The Western (Cheshunt) Cemeteries or to have the relevant cremation fee paid for.
Funerals for members Liberal Judaism consists of 40 communities in four countries: England, Scotland, Ireland and Denmark. All Liberal Judaism communities offer support at the time of death and afterwards, and many operate, for paidup members only, an ‘insurance style’ scheme which invariably covers the cost of funeral undertaking including a simple, wooden coffin and the services of a rabbi. Each community invoices members in different ways, some including the ground fee and any ‘insurance style’ premiums in the subscription but others may itemise these separately. Your community should have a burial officer to whom you can direct detailed enquiries. If not, then your rabbi will help. Most Liberal Judaism communities offer associate memberships to nonJewish partners, allowing them to be included in burial and funeral arrangements in exactly the same way as the Jewish partner. Some communities require new members to be part of their ‘insurance
Edgwarebury Cemetery (pictured) Edgwarebury Cemetery is located in Edgwarebury Lane, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 8QP. It was opened in 1974, with the first burials taking place a year later. Edgwarebury Cemetery is jointly owned by Liberal Judaism, West London Synagogue (Reform), the Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation and Belsize Square Synagogue (Independent) and is operated by the Edgwarebury Joint Burial Board (EJBB). Liberal Judaism has three representatives on the EJBB, including Phil Stone of Northwood &
Lifecycle
July/August 2016
LJ Today Page 7
eral: honour and dignity in death Pinner Liberal Synagogue and Joan Shopper of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree and Finchley Progressive Synagogue. As lj today went to press, Phil Stone was elected the new chair of the EJBB. Watch out for our interview with him in the September/October issue. Mixed-faith couples can be, and often are, buried together in the Liberal Judaism sections at Edgwarebury. Edgwarebury offers the following three options: 1) Burials: All burials at Edgwarebury are double-depth, which means two close relatives are buried one above the other. Liberal Judaism recently purchased new land at Edgwarebury, giving many further years of capacity. There is also a special area for children. 2) Burial of ashes following a cremation: Ashes can be buried either in the Rose Garden, where plaques may commemorate the deceased, or there is the option of erecting a stone in an alternative section. Alternatively, it may be possible to inter in an existing grave. 3) Woodland burials: Woodland burials are becoming more popular – as they are environmentally friendly and take place in natural and beautiful surroundings. The place of burial is usually marked with a simple plaque or the planting of a tree or flowering bushes. All woodland burials are double-depth and there is a supplementary charge, which changes annually. The charge is because the woodland area belongs to West London Synagogue. Although the EJBB is run jointly by four synagogal organisations, each one (including Liberal Judaism) is able to do as it wishes in its designated section. Additional services offered by Edgwarebury Cemetery include maintenance of memorials, memorial benches and rose trees. The Western Cemetery (Cheshunt) The Western Cemetery is located in Bulls Cross Ride, Cheshunt, Herts, EN7 5HT. It was originally owned by the Western
Charitable Foundation, an independent Jewish Orthodox burial society. The following three options are offered: 1) Burial in the new section: Liberal Judaism has 1,000 spaces in the new section of Cheshunt, which is the furthest section from the entrance and nearest to the M25. In this part of the cemetery, Liberal Judaism offers double-depth burials for either two Jewish people or a Jew and their partner. This section is owned and managed by the Jewish Joint Burial Society, which serves Liberal, Masorti, Reform and Independent communities in England. 2) Burial in the old section: Liberal Judaism has a couple of hundred spaces in the old section, which is the front section of the cemetery nearest to the prayer hall. This space is still owned, and managed, by the Western Charitable Foundation. Liberal Judaism may bury anybody in this section who is Jewish according to Liberal Jewish practice. However, it is not permitted to bury non-Jewish partners here. This section only offers side-by-side burials, with an additional fee charged for an adjacent reserved grave. 3) Woodland burials – Double-depth woodland burials are available for Jews and mixed-faith couples for an additional charge. Please note, the additional charge is around twice that of the cost at Edgwarebury. No ashes may be scattered or interred at the Western Cemetery at present. Non-member funerals Liberal Judaism is often contacted by families who wish to have a Liberal Judaism funeral and burial for a loved one, who was not a member of a Liberal synagogue. This may be because they wish for them to be buried with a partner or simply that they want a sympathetic, first class and inclusive funeral – conducted by a Liberal rabbi. For a set cost (which changes annually), Liberal Judaism can conduct non-member funerals. Please contact Alexandra Simonon for more information. While Liberal Judaism does its utmost to help non-members and their families, the only definite way to guarantee a plot is to join a Liberal Jewish community. In cases of mixed-faith couples, please note that when a Jewish partner dies
first the family is not purchasing the plot, but only the right for the second, nonJewish, partner to be buried either as a non-member or as a member if he or she decides to become one. Liberal Judaism would strongly suggest that, at this point, the second partner joins a Liberal synagogue to be buried as a member in the same plot. If the non-Jewish partner dies first then he or she could be buried as a non-member and then the upper part of the plot would be reserved for the Jewish partner. Undertaking at Edgwarebury and Western (Cheshunt) Cemeteries Liberal Judaism licences only one firm of undertakers to carry out Liberal Jewish burials in its sections of the cemeteries. At present the Liberal Judaism undertaker is Ronnie King, of Michael King Funeral Directors, who may be contacted 24 hours a day by calling 020 8368 7453. The Liberal Jewish Synagogue Cemetery (Pound Lane) The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) operates its own cemetery, at Pound Lane, Willesden, London, NW10 2HG. The cemetery, which has a War Memorial and a Holocaust Memorial was opened in 1914 and should remain active for another 50 years. Space is available for burials and interment of ashes for members and non-members of the LJS. Other schemes Around 80% of Liberal Jews are covered by either the Liberal Judaism or Liberal Jewish Synagogue burial schemes. The other 20% are in communities which have their own provisions, including Liberal Judaism congregations in Brighton, Birmingham, Gloucestershire, Leicester and Nottingham. Please contact your synagogue’s burial officer or rabbi to find out the full details. Stone consecration Most families will wish to mark the grave of a loved one with a stone. This will take place 6 to 12 months after the funeral, giving time for the land to settle after burial. There is a separate charge for the tombstone. Arrangements must be made through Alexandra Simonon in the Liberal Judaism head office.
Page 8 LJ Today
Lifecycle
July/August 2016
The view from Israel Lifelong
learning By Robin Moss
RABBI GILAD KARIV (pictured above) is the executive director of Liberal Judaism’s Israeli sister organisation, the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), and was the guest speaker at this year’s Liberal Judaism Patrons’ Dinner – held at the House of Lords in June. In this exclusive article, Gilad writes powerfully about the battle for lifecycle equality for Progressive Jews in Israel:
“TO EVERY THING there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3;1). Jewish history teaches us that the marking of major events in life has always been a central component of our faith. From the circumcision of a baby boy – “and he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations” (Genesis 17;12) – to the mourning of the dead, we make a point of recognising the important moments that shape our being. In a country with no separation of religion and state, over the past five decades, the Israel Reform Movement has fought against the Orthodox monopoly on wedding ceremony officiation and on conversion, through local and national courts and through public advocacy. It has done so while still offering Israelis from all walks of life an alternative to Orthodox-controlled lifecycle event ceremonies. Today, almost 1,000 Israeli couples each year choose to get married through an Israeli Reform ceremony. Secular families, many of whom have never stepped into a synagogue, choose a Reform one in their hometown to celebrate their son’s barmitzvah or their daughter’s batmitzvah. And more than 200 immigrants each year go through a Reform conversion process at our Beit
Din in Tel Aviv; conversions which are recognised for the purpose of registering them as citizens. Despite the need to travel to Cyprus or Greece to have a civil wedding in order to be recognised as married by the State, despite the unpopularity at school and despite the scrutinising by state authorities, over the past several decades, a growing number of Israelis are “voting with their feet” and choosing lifecycle event options which fit their needs and belief systems. Three years ago, an extensive survey by the Israel Democratic Institute found that seven per cent of participants chose either Reform or Conservative Judaism as the denomination with which they most affiliate… even if they do not practice it daily. This translates to almost half a million people who no longer see the Orthodox option as the only way to be Jewish in Israel. Alongside continuing to conduct chuppot (weddings), prepare bar/ barmitzvahs, convert Israelis who have chosen to enter the Jewish faith and so much more, we will continue working towards total religious equality on all national and municipal levels. Over the next five years, the Israel Reform Movement plans to reach one million Israelis who choose a liberal option; it will do so, among other ways, through the continued growth of Reform congregations, as has been done over the past decade and now having reached 45 communities across the country. Two years ago, the Israel Reform Movement celebrated its Jubilee year – 50 years of Israeli Reform Judaism in the making. So much has been accomplished over the past 50 years, and so much more is yet to be achieved; the journey is never short, but the Promised Land is always a place we can aspire to reach.
IT WAS, by the standards of the Jewish world, a fairly normal Shabbat. But in the Liberal Judaism communities I engaged with on a cold March Saturday, something extraordinary was going on. I am the Liberal Judaism officer with responsibility for youth and education. And that day, I had two experiences that made me proud. In the morning, I made my way to Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, my community, for the annual Kabbalat Torah weekend. I watched the class of 11 teenagers, after their two-year programme, take the service. Guided and supported by rabbis and student rabbis, they stood up in front of a couple of hundred adults and... led us in prayer. There is a narrative within the community that Jewish life and meaning are very hard to sustain in young people’s teenage years. We in Liberal Judaism, though, have found a gift. Kabbalat Torah is one of the best things we as a movement do. Those 11 young people have had an experience that will stand them in good Jewish stead going forward. That evening, on the other side of London, I was invited to run an Israel education session for a bunch of adults from Woodford Liberal Synagogue and Bet Tikvah. It was one of my ‘set piece’ presentations – The History of Israel in 18 Objects. On a Saturday night, competing with the rugby, Ant & Dec and the many other distractions of modern life, two dozen people chose to spend time engaging in-depth with a multivocal narrative history of Israel. Their questions were many, incisive and open-minded. We all came away having learnt much from each other, and with a thirst to explore more. Reports of the death of adult education within the Liberal movement are, I think, misplaced. The young can lead the old, the old can learn from the young. Liberal Jews will nurture a new generation of engaged Jews, and Liberal Jews will strive to understand more about the world we find ourselves in.
Communities
July/August 2016
Pesach 5776 in pictures
Bedfordshire
Bet Tikvah
Brighton & Hove
Eastbourne
LJY-Netzer
Crouch End
Manchester
Mosaic
Northwood & Pinner
Norwich
Stevenage
Wessex
Woodford
Nottingham
York
LJ Today Page 9
Page 10 LJ Today
Comment
July/August 2016
The time is right for a Montefiore biography Bryan Diamond on why he is writing a book about Liberal Judaism’s founder AFTER my exhibition at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) in 2013, and articles in 2014, on Claude Montefiore’s Portraits – as well as the two books that were published about Rabbi Dr Israel Mattuck in 2014 – I felt a full biography of Montefiore (18581938) was needed. Despite being one of the three founders of Liberal Judaism – along with Mattuck and Lily Montagu – the only book about Montefiore’s life was Recollections, written by his cousin Lucy Cohen in 1940 and based largely on her letters from him. This was far from comprehensive about his activities and lacks references. Two other books, by Kessler and Langton, are largely about Montefiore’s thoughts and writings, while Bermant in The Cousinhood has 14 pages about Montefiore and his ancestry. I believed that much more should be in a full biography.
In addition to his extensive scholarship and work for the Liberal movement, Montefiore served in many organisations, including as president of the AngloJewish Association and its Conjoint Committee, University College, Southampton, the Froebel Institute and the Jewish Association for the Protection of Girls and Women. The May/June issue of lj today had an article by Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein on the World Union for Progressive Judaism with three mentions of his role there. Thus he served the Jewish and the wider communities, both in the UK and abroad, driven by a feeling of moral purpose. As for sources, I have found mention of Montefiore in over 60 books, and in numerous articles and websites. I have visited several archives in England and Jerusalem, and have to make more visits. His grandson Alan has given me some material. I am assembling much information about aspects of his life; my book is structured around these rather than chronologically. To mention a few discoveries: I have letters he wrote to his daughter-inlaw Muriel around the time of her marriage, he was very fond of her, addressing as “My Dear Princess”. I
visited his impressive country mansion ‘Hopedene’ in Surrey, built in 1873 from designs by Richard Norman Shaw with stable block and large grounds. Oral reminiscences by Rabbi Perlzweig of the LJS have numerous candid references to Montefiore, not noted in the previous histories, for example that “he always treated the clergy of the synagogue with the utmost respect and consideration.” I was surprised to find out, from press reports, that Montefiore was a vice president of the little-known Jewish Peace Society and joined in a call for peace at the time of the Naval Conference in 1935, because he was not known to be a pacifist. I did not know of his cofounding and membership for 17 years of the London Society for the Study of Religion, meeting in the dining room of his Portman Square home, one of his greatest pleasures. Another discovery was an archive photo, showing him in a group of LJS Alumni Society ramblers. I have many more months work to do to complete this book. I hope it will be found informative to Jews, historians and the general public, as a picture of a remarkable man who played an important role, in his 80 years, through a period of great change in thought and society.
LJ’s local MP joins our fight for assisted dying By Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain WHEN Sir Keir Starmer MP came to the Montagu Centre recently it was a double first: the first time he had visited the Liberal Judaism head office, which is in his constituency as MP for Holborn and St Pancras, and the first time he had addressed the Interfaith Leaders for Dignity in Dying (pictured), which I chair. Sir Keir’s work in the area of assisted dying, in his previous position as Director of Public Prosecutions, was highly significant and came to public attention through three high profile cases. You can read about them in the longer version of this article on www.liberaljudaism.org In 2009, he issued guidelines that there would be no prosecution in cases where there was no financial gain by the person assisting the suicide, the person assisting was acting wholly out of compassion and not as a regular procedure, and that the individual who died had a settled intention to commit suicide.
Dignity in Dying believes that the guidelines marked a significant step forward for patient choice and control at the end of life. However they do not change the law and assisting a suicide is still a crime, with a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment. After his term of office came to an end, Sir Keir was elected as a Labour MP in 2015. It meant that he was able to speak in the House of Commons in favour of the Bill to make assisted dying legal, sponsored by Bob Marris. He admits he was surprised at the heavy defeat it suffered. He put this down to several different factors coming together: some MPs not fully understanding the Bill and its limits; others fearing political repercussions; well-organised religious opposition; those not wanting to ‘rock the boat’ and preferring the fudge of the status quo.
However, Sir Keir had no doubt that eventually a form of assisted dying will become legal in the UK, as it is morally right to give individuals options over their own life and death. He predicted that with time and greater understanding, as well as reassurance of fears, opposition would crumble. He concluded: “In the end, this will give, and people will look back and say: ‘why did it take so long?’”
Youth
July/August 2016
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
Netzer changed my life... now let it change yours Tom Francies on his last spring and summer camps as a youth movement worker
LJY-NETZER’S Machaneh Aviv spring camp, pictured above, was not only the best in my three years as a movement worker, it was also my last. It was the last time I would engage in a crazy few days in the middle of the school year, where I would see so many of our younger participants, whose parents were worried about five days away, having time of their lives. And it was the last time that I will see nervous first time leaders step up and do things that they didn’t even know they were capable of. The camp theme of ‘rebellion’ was embraced by both chanichim (participants) and madrichim (leaders). It led to sessions on everything from the French Revolution to an amazing paint fight, as the participants grappled with what it means to be a Jew in the diaspora. Something that I find special about LJY-Netzer is that we have members who, while maybe not engaging in their Judaism on a regular basis, come together at our events to create an inspirational Jewish atmosphere. There was no better example of this on Aviv than the Shacharit (morning) service, where two 16 year olds ran an engaging,
thought-provoking and fun service based on the children’s book The Worst Princess, including reading from the Torah to 80 people. When you see a community of youth, aged from six to 25, singing loudly and praying together, you can’t help but feel good and spiritually uplifted. But while this was my last spring camp, luckily it wasn’t my last ever event as an LJY-Netzer movement worker. That dubious honour falls to the upcoming Machaneh Kadimah – the amazing two week summer camp that takes place from August 15-28 at the beautiful Sandroyd School, located on the Wiltshire/Dorset border. Kadimah brings together more than 130 young Liberal Jews from across the country and abroad for a range of amazing activities, including a day trip and a surprise – in the past this has been roller-skating and a foam pit! It is my job to go into communities and ‘sell’ LJY-Netzer and Kadimah. When I go, I talk about the amazing sessions, potential for individual personal development, the growth of Jewish identity, inclusion and lots more.
The thing I find hardest to get across to people, who have never been on camp before, is how much of a community LJY-Netzer is. The atmosphere created on camp is genuinely special and not something I’ve experienced anywhere else. Coming together to create a bubble where co-operation, Jewish values and fun are a way of life – if only for two weeks – is something that I believe could improve the lives of all young people. The reason why I have given so much of my life to LJY-Netzer is because it has given my life so much, and on every event I attend I see participants to whom LJYNetzer gives so much too. It could be simply having a good time, it could be by getting in touch with their Judaism, it could be by learning about social action and human rights or it could be any number of other things. So if you are considering coming on camp, or considering sending your child, just remember this could be the summer your/their life changes and a world is opened up to so many amazing opportunities and experiences. To find out more, just contact me or one of my colleagues using the details below.
Contact the LJY-Netzer team: Anna Craven (annac@liberaljudaism.org), Sam Alston (sam@liberaljudaism.org) and Tom Francies (tom@liberaljudaism.org); office telephone 020 7631 0584
July/August 2016
Page 12 LJ Today
Congregations Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue T: 0845 869 7105 E: bedsps@liberaljudaism.org W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk Beit Klal Yisrael (Notting Hill) E: bkymailing@gmail.com W: bky.org.uk Bet Tikvah Synagogue (Barkingside) T: 020 8554 9682 E: bttkv@liberaljudaism.org W: bettikvah.blogspot.co.uk Birmingham Progressive Synagogue T: 0121 634 3888 E: bps@liberaljudaism.org W: bpsjudaism.com Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue T: 01273 737 223 E: info@bhps-online.org W: bhps-online.org Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation 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 Jewish Progressive Congregation E: djpc@liberaljudaism.org W: djpcireland.com Ealing Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8997 0528 E: els@liberaljudaism.org W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community T: 01323 725 650 E: eljc@liberaljudaism.org W: eljc.org.uk
Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community T: 0131 777 8024 E: info@eljc.org W: eljc.org
Manchester Liberal Jewish Community T: 0161 796 6210 E: mljc@liberaljudaism.org W: mljc.org.uk
Southgate Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8886 0977 E: sps@liberaljudaism.org W: sps.uk.com
Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8446 4063 E: fps@liberaljudaism.org W: fps.org
Mosaic Liberal Synagogue (Harrow) T: 020 8864 5323 E: office@mosaicliberal.org.uk W: mosaicliberal.org.uk
South London Liberal Synagogue (Streatham) T: 020 8769 4787 E: slls@liberaljudaism.org W: southlondon.org
Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue T: 01923 822 592 E: npls@liberaljudaism.org W: npls.org.uk
Stevenage Liberal Synagogue T: 01438 300 222 E: stevenageliberalsynagogue@gmail.com W: stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk
Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community T: 01242 609 311 E: shalom@gljc.org.uk W: gljc.org.uk Herefordshire Jewish Community T: 01594 530 721 E: hjc@liberaljudaism.org W: herefordshirejc.org
Norwich Liberal Jewish Community E: nljc@liberaljudaism.org W: norwichljc.org.uk
Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) T:01473 250 797 E: sjc@liberaljudaism.org
Kehillah North London T: 020 7403 3779 E: knl@liberaljudaism.org W: nlpjc.org.uk
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue T: 0115 962 4761 E: nls@liberaljudaism.org W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com
Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (Bournemouth) T: 01202 757 590 E: info@wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk
Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 07952 242 432 E: enquiries@kljc.org.uk W: www.kljc.org.uk
Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community T: 07561 331 390 E: info@pljc.org.uk W: pljc.org.uk
West Central Liberal Synagogue (Central London) T: 020 7636 7627 E: wcls@liberaljudaism.org W: wcls.org.uk
Reading Liberal Jewish Community T: 0118 942 8022 E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@
Woodford Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8989 7619 E: info@woodfordliberal.org.uk W: woodfordliberal.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: lpjc@liberaljudaism.org W: lpjc.org.uk The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood) T: 020 7286 5181 E: ljs@liberaljudaism.org W: ljs.org The Liberal Synagogue Elstree T: 020 8953 8889 E: tlse@liberaljudaism.org W: tlse.org.uk Lincolnshire Jewish Community T: 01427 628 958 E: ljc@liberaljudaism.org W: lincolnshirejc.co.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
gmail.com W: www.readingljc.org.uk
Shenfield & Brentwood Synagogue T: 01277 888 610 E: tikvahchadasha@gmail.com W: roshtikvah.com
York Liberal Jewish Community T: 07469 159 134 E: york@liberaljudaism.org W: jewsinyork.org.uk Developing communities and affiliated congregations
Shir Hatzafon (Copenhagen) T: +45 2370 9757 E: shir@shirhatzafon.dk W: shirhatzafon.dk
Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam) T: +31 23 524 7204 E: bhc.informatie@gmail.com W: beithachidush.nl
South Bucks Jewish Community T: 0845 644 2370 E: sbjc@liberaljudaism.org W: sbjc.org.uk
Lancashire & Cumbria Liberal Jewish Community E: robertash1954@gmail.com 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 Lucian J Hudson Vice Chair Jackie Richards Treasurer Rosie Ward 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 Dr Howard Cohen, David Hockman and Ruth Seager Vice Presidents Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Nigel Cole, Geoffrey Davis, Lord Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Sharon Goldstein, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Willie Kessler, David Lipman, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pelham, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Joan Shopper, Beverley Taylor and Clive Winston Co-Chairs of Rabbinic Conference Rabbis Richard Jacobi and Alexandra Wright Senior Rabbi and C hief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Student & Young Adult Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan Education Rabbi Sandra Kviat Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer Archivist Alison Turner Director of Youth Becca Fetterman LJY-Netzer Sam Alston, Anna Craven and Tom Francies