November/December 2012
VOL. XXXIX No. 6
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
Starting the New Year with a bang
F
OLLOWING a unanimous vote at the Liberal Judaism council meeting on Tuesday October 2, our movement will soon be registering as a company limited by guarantee. Here, Liberal Judaism chairman Lucian J Hudson explains the importance of this move: DOCTOR WHO may be a Time Lord, but Liberal Jews seek to find meaning in the process of continuity and change - a true mastery of time. Judaism is about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, and one way it does this is by marking the moment. In every generation, every moment contains potential for learning. Freshness of perspective is the great liberator. Not surprisingly, the concept of a Jewish New Year must resonate for all Jews, especially Liberal Jews. I’m proud to say that Liberal Judaism has started this New Year with a bang. The decision to register our union as a company limited by guarantee is an important step in putting Liberal Judaism on an even sounder legal and organisational footing. At a stroke it deals with concerns from those who might not volunteer to be trustees or directors for fear they would be personally liable. This has never been an issue for us and our finances are in a healthy state, despite the pressures on the budget. But in taking this decision we adopt good practice from across the civil society sector and preserve the governance that we value as a movement. We are a blend of constituent parts where reflection, deliberation and decision define the character of the movement as a whole. The chairman’s role is to make timely decision-making possible, choosing the moment when we confront difficult choices or make the most of opportunities.
We should distinguish between Liberal Judaism the ideology or body of thought and practice, and its organisational embodiment. One reflects and informs the other, but they are not identical, hence the importance that we put on the union of synagogues and communities. Each community has its own character and autonomy. The strength of Liberal Judaism lies in its appreciation of its shared purpose, where diversity is not just tolerated, but warmly embraced. The test of leadership for us is collaboration, finding common ground while tackling issues honestly and constructively. The move to becoming a company limited by guarantee was marked by careful consultation at Liberal Judaism chairman Lucian J Hudson, pictured here speaking at the dedication of newly acquired burial land in every stage, culminating Edgwarebury Cemetery. Photo by Phil Stone in a clear identification of which issues were the most important to resolve. We are the challengers of the default Liberal Judaism shares this insight reaction of those who automatically from theoretical physics: through defend the status quo: “It was ever thus.” every interaction, something emerges, I am now into my 10th year as chairman often unforeseen, a fresh challenge of a civil society organisation and, with or opportunity. So planned strategies this latest change agreed, shall now be are laudable but empty if we do not looking to other ways to strengthen our respond appropriately to the emergent. movement so that we can better serve Affirmation 23, to which I attach special our members and develop in influence importance, reinforces the dynamic and impact. character of Judaism. Dynamism is not just energy, but purposeful change. It is often accompanied by a sense of awe and • Lucian J Hudson is chairman of Liberal enthusiasm, an openness to the wonder Judaism. You can contact Lucian by of the world and its possibilities. emailing l.hudson@liberaljudaism.org
Page 2 LJ Today
News
November/December 2012
Outreach Team Bulletin Board AS REPORTED in the last edition of lj today, Liberal Judaism has created a new Outreach Team for 5773 in order to fulfil the movement’s commitment to throwing open its doors to more members and friends from every kind of background. In each issue going forward you can catch up with the highlights of the Outreach Team’s work on this Bulletin Board. Read on to find out what we have been up to across Liberal Judaism’s communities and beyond.
AFTER a wonderful year working with Eastbourne Progressive Jewish Congregation, my final visit to the South Coast was extra special - the wedding of Justin Etkin to Fiona Burfield-Haar (pictured below left), the daughter of EPJC founders Andrew (z”l) and Angela Jay. The marriage represents a new era for the community, who are still recovering from the shock of losing their beloved chairman and are determined to continue the legacy that Andrew left.
I STARTED my new role as community youth coordinator with a bang and have already run activities at FPS, BHPS, KLS (pictured below right), Crouch End and the LJS, with lots more exciting events coming up in many other communities very soon. I have also been busy restructuring leadership training within the movement to make sure it is more youth club-focused, which can only benefit the communities where our young leaders are based.
The Outreach Team
Rabbi Anna
Sam
I PRESENTED a concert at Southgate Progressive Synagogue in September, marking the start of a movementwide discussion about music in Liberal Jewish synagogues. This discussion is the core of a project that is intended to draw all of our congregations into even closer unity through concerts, recordings and printed musical resources. You can read about the Southgate event – which featured music from a wide variety of sources – on Page 9.
I JOINED Rabbis Janet Darley and Walter Rothschild in Bratislava in September to sit on the European Beit Din. We met with 10 candidates, who had come from Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic. Since none had English as a first language, much of the discussion was in German - finally I was glad for my German A-Level! It was a privilege to listen to the story of each journey, and an honour to be able to confer Jewish status upon people for whom it meant so much.
THIS SUMMER, I was lucky enough to be part of LJY-Netzer’s summer camp, Kadimah. I served as welfare officer, working alongside the medical team and movement workers to ensure that camp was a safe and happy environment. And I had my very own assistant in baby Elias! We created two welfare rooms away from the hustle and bustle of camp, providing a space where everyone could come to get support, offload their worries or just have a chat.
Cantor Gershon
Rabbi Ariel
Rabbi Sandra
News
November/December 2012
LJ Today Page 3
Liberal Judaism launches ‘Rainbow’ Project
LIBERAL JUDAISM is delighted to welcome a new project manager to the Montagu Centre to spearhead a landmark initiative. Su Rathgeber Knan, pictured above, will co-ordinate the Heritage Lottery funded project ‘Rainbow Jews’ – recording and celebrating Jewish Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) history. Earlier this summer, Liberal Judaism received a grant of nearly £60,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund in order to document the voices and experiences of Jewish LGBT people in the UK.
That money will be used to record an oral history and create an archive. The discoveries and resources developed by the ‘Rainbow Jews’ project will be made available to the public via free, easilyaccessible channels, including an audiovisual website, a booklet, educational materials for schools and a touring exhibition. The aim is to create a legacy. Liberal Judaism’s operations director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer said: “We were worried about the history of LGBT Jews in the UK being lost, because the generation from the 1950s are dying out. This archive is a way to make sure that never happens.” Chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich added: “Liberal Judaism values the diversity not only of its own 35 communities across the country, but also of the UK Jewish community as a whole. This project is the perfect way for us to celebrate that.” Su Rathgeber Knan is a familiar face in the Liberal Jewish community. In 2008, she was part of Liberal Judaism’s social action team and has recently represented the movement at a number of high-profile events, including the Salford University Faith and Sexual Orientation Conference (see page 9).
Su is an active member of Beit Klal Yisrael and has volunteered for numerous LGBT projects and activities within the Jewish community. She told lj today: “I am very excited and can’t wait to get going! Having approached Liberal Judaism to create this project, and having played a major part in shaping it, I feel honoured to have been chosen to run ‘Rainbow Jews’. “It’s been a very tough process to get to where we are now and I have learned so much. It’s also shown me that volunteering really does pay off, as does drive and commitment.” Su is now seeking a small group of volunteers to work on this project, which is due to be completed by summer 2014. In return for their time, successful applicants will benefit from professional training in areas such as archiving, oral history recording and processing, transcribing and exhibition curating. Su added: “Your contribution will make a huge difference, and this will be a rewarding and fun experience for everyone involved”. Anyone interested in joining the team should send their CV and a covering letter to Su at s.knan@liberaljudaism.org by Monday November 12.
Benji begins student and young adult role Student Rabbi Benji Stanley has joined the Liberal Judaism Outreach Team as student and young adult coordinator. Below Benji introduces himself and explains how you can get involved: MORE THAN 10 years ago, my parents drove me to Oxford for my first day of university. I cannot remember everything that my mum said to me that day. I imagine she told me she loved me and that I needed to work hard. However there is one thing I am certain she said, and distinctly remember the exact words: “…and Benji, do go to J-Soc, to Jewish Society.” Perhaps you too remember saying or hearing - ambivalently, and hoping none of your potential new friends could hear - these famous parting words. I did not go to J-Soc, not much anyway. So, right now, as I begin to work with students and young adults for Liberal Judaism, I must admit that I do not have the secret to ushering in an idealised age of Jewish participation for my generation. As for my own journey, I have always loved people, texts and social action.
This combination eventually found expression in a strong commitment to Judaism. I am in my fifth and final year of rabbinic training at Leo Baeck College. My professional experiences have included working for RSY-Netzer, the youth wing of the Reform Movement, and involvement with a number of Progressive congregations all across the UK. If you want to talk about student and young adult work then please contact me on benji@liberaljudaism.org or 020 7580 1663. We, at Liberal Judaism, hope to offer meaningful content and creative collaboration for both LJ Students and our LJ Routes young adult programming. This means listening to what people want and need, and working with you to provide it, while also offering real options, socially, spiritually and intellectually. In the area of LJ Students I am lucky to be working with our university chaplain, Rabbi Ariel Friedlander, in supporting Progressive Jewish students. We have already started planning an imminent visit to Oxford, to help establish a fully egalitarian prayer option there, and a trip
to Birmingham for afternoon tea. Many more important campus visits will follow and whenever possible I will reach out to Reform as well as Liberal students to help grow strong, Progressive-minded communities on campus.. As for young adults, I am proud to be continuing the great work begun by Rabbi Anna Gerrard on LJ Routes. We will now be hosting a Friday Night Supper Club every month and I will also be working with anyone who wants to develop their own ‘Grass Routes’ initiatives. So if you have an idea, whatever it may be, then please do get in touch. Although I have no magic answers for working with my peers, I hope to offer strong content and build important relationships. I will also make sure that what we do centrally at Liberal Judaism compliments the strong work already being undertaken by our Liberal communities, and by the Reform Movement too. In that spirit of collaboration, I suspect I may even be taking a much greater interest in J-Socs than I ever did as a student.
Page 4 LJ Today
News
November/December 2012
Meet the Progressive rabbis of the future LEO BAECK COLLEGE has announced an intake of six new students for its rabbinic programme, including two members of Liberal congregations. The class of 2012 is made up of Hannah Kingston, Naomi Goldman, Haim Casas, Robyn AshworthSteen, Daniel Lichman and Kath Vardi. Hannah Kingston, pictured left, is a fourth generation Progressive Jew. Growing up in Southgate Progressive Synagogue, Hannah is now an active member of Finchley Progressive Synagogue, where she has set up an Israeli dance troupe and a youth club. She was also part of the original Shabbat Resouled band and was heavily involved in Progressive Jewish activities while a student at the University of Birmingham.
Naomi Goldman, pictured right, has been a member of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue for the past five years and was previously part of Beit Klal Yisrael. She is also a founder of the Jewish Renewal community, the Ruach Chavurah, which has been in existence for 24 years. Before deciding to train as a rabbi, Naomi worked as a journalist for BBC News for 19 years. Haim Casas was born 30 years ago in Cordoba, Spain, into a Catholic society. He discovered that part of his family was descended from Jews who converted to Christianity 500 years ago. On coming to England, Haim found out that a Jewish Museum was going to be opened in Cordoba. Despite never planning to work within the Jewish world, he was
appointed as the programming director of the Jewish Museum and became deeply involved in the recovery of Jewish life in Spain. This led to Haim embracing his Jewish heritage, in a city where there had been no Jewish life since 1492, and then deciding to train for the rabbinate. Manchester-born Robyn AshworthSteen is a solicitor at a human rights firm in London, specialising in immigration law and actions against the police. She is a social justice activist and involved in various charities and social projects. Daniel Lichman has been involved in the Reform Movement since childhood, including a year of movement work with RSY-Netzer. For the last two years, he has been a co-manager of Alyth Reform Synagogue’s youth and education team focusing on curriculum development. Mum-of-five Kath Vardi completes the new intake. She is married to an Israeli kibbutznik and the family spent some time living in Israel on the kibbutz before returning to the UK in early 2002.
Rave reviews for LJS book News and notes IT IS COMING up to one year since the book on the history of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS), A Place to Call My Jewish Home, was published. It has sold well, particularly after it was featured at Jewish Book Week, where it was introduced by Lord Michael Grade. Here is some of the feedback that author Pam Fox has had from all around the Jewish community about her work: “I very much enjoy dipping into A Place to Call My Jewish Home. It is full of interesting facts about the synagogue and the people who have inhabited it for the last 100 years. It evokes memories of happy times at the LJS, which John [Rabbi John Rayner] and I had over so many years, and of good friends, many of whom have now sadly passed away. It is a delightful book.” Jane Rayner “As someone who has only participated in the last decade of the LJS’s history, it was great to read this book. The anecdotes conveyed such a vivid image of all the milestones of the first 100 years of the community, both personal and of national historic significance. What a joy to have it on our bookshelf!” Harriett Goldenberg
“The book made me realise even more sharply than before, that I am part of a historic and esteemed community that maintains its vibrancy through the extraordinary contribution of its members, who care so deeply about Liberal Jewish values.” Rabbi Alexandra Wright “Looking again at A Place to Call My Jewish Home, I am struck once more at what a tour de force it is. Pam Fox has so cleverly and professionally woven in her own most expert research with the personal reminiscences of members to make an extremely readable book.” Liberal Judaism vice president Rosita Rosenberg “It’s easy to dip in and out of this wonderful book, so there are many sections I will likely read and re-read as my involvement with the LJS deepens.” Trixi Blaire “Every synagogue should have a book such as this.” Rachel Kolsky, author of Jewish London • A Place to Call My Jewish Home is available to buy by calling Monica Clark at the LJS on 020 7432 1280.
• THE FIRST EVER bar/batmitzvah ceremony at Shenfield, Brentwood & Districts Synagogue attracted a congregation of more than 200 people. Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich said: “It was an immense privilege to officiate. I am amazed how far this fledgling community has come in a couple of years.” • NORTHWOOD & PINNER LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE and The Liberal Jewish Synagogue are co-hosting a concert on November 3 in aid of the Leo Baeck Education Centre, Haifa. The event will take place at the LJS from 7.30pm and include performances of arias by Puccini, Vivaldi and Mozart. To buy tickets, contact Brian Sass on b.sass@blueyonder.co.uk or 01923 820 024. • RABBI STEPHEN FUCHS has left his post as president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. WUPJ chairman Michael Grabiner said: “Rabbi Fuchs has been a strong advocate for the values and ethos of Progressive Judaism around the world and we wish him only the best” • THERE ARE still some spaces left on Kingston Liberal Synagogue’s planned visit to Prague and Budapest in April. Email jen@osorio40.plus.com for details.
Day of Celebration
November/December 2012
Looking forward to a fun, exciting and dynamic event
LJ Today Page 5
Celebrating a special Sukkot
Rabbi Charley Baginsky on the Day of Celebration IN THE LAST edition of lj today, Liberal Judaism’s chairman Lucian J Hudson wrote a very interesting article about the challenges that our movement faces in today’s developing society. Lucian argued: “At our best, we reveal an independence of spirit and a radical take on society as we find it.” While I certainly agree with him, I also feel that we need to articulate our authentic and original voice more clearly. But the only way we can do this is with your help. Every single one of you has a part to play in this exciting journey. What does being a Liberal Jew mean to you and, most importantly, what do you want it to mean to you in the future? This year we ran one of the most successful Biennial Weekends ever. We examined our history, the world out of which Liberal Judaism emerged. Now we look forward to the Day of Celebration 2013 and a chance to take the next step and ask: “What now?”
The Day of Celebration will take place at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (pictured above) on Saturday June 9. It will be a fun-packed, exciting and dynamic day, giving everyone a chance to explore what we do and think and how we might do and think ‘Liberal Judaism’ differently; ensuring that it remains fresh, relevant, exciting and yet ever rooted in Jewish and Liberal Jewish tradition. The Day of Celebration is designed to be enjoyed by everyone - no matter what your age, level of involvement or length of membership. There will be activities to stimulate and enthuse you - enabling you to study text with fantastic Liberal scholars, explore bringing your children up as Liberal Jews and/or experiment with the future of Jewish music.
As it only lasts one day, the event will be at a price that all can afford and there will be subsidised transport for those who require it. There is simply no excuse for not joining us in Birmingham. In the next issue of lj today you will find a more detailed programme and a booking form, but in the meantime here are some highlights. The Day of Celebration will feature a concert of music performed by choir and cantor. Since its beginnings in the mid-19th Century, Progressive Judaism has featured powerful and sophisticated music. We will hear music from this tradition sung by the Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue members’ choir and the Kol Kinor choir of Birmingham, along with Montagu Centre Outreach Team member Cantor Gershon Silins. There will be songs from Germany, North America and Great Britain, which will not only inspire us, but also provide a launch pad for discussing the significance of music within our communities and the opportunities we have for developing it. We will also see the launch of the first annual LAFTAs (Liberal Academy of Film and Torah Awards). The LAFTAs are an opportunity for the young people of each community, through their religion school or youth club, to compete in a short film competition. Every congregation will be tasked with creating a mini movie with the theme of ‘LJ: 2113 – What will Liberal Judaism look like in 100 years?’ The best entries will be shown at the Day of Celebration and a prize for the winning community will be awarded by a famous mystery guest. We’ll be sending out the exact details and guidelines for the competition soon. The Liberal Judaism Day of Celebration promises to be an incredible event and one that you won’t want to miss. Certainly if you are not there, then YOUR voice will be missed!
Rabbi Charley Baginsky is joint chair of the Day of Celebration 2013
• RABBI DR DEBORAH KAHNHARRIS, the principal of Leo Baeck College, was a special guest at Woodford Liberal Synagogue during Sukkot (pictured above). Deborah, who attended with her family, joined 40 children and their families in decorating the sukkah with garden greenery, fruit and vegetables. Rabbi Richard Jacobi said: “The visit of Deborah and her family to Woodford emphasised the principle of hospitality associated with the festival of Sukkot.” • ON SHABBAT CHOL MOED SUKKOT, South London Liberal Synagogue held an open service for members of the local community and opened a photography exhibit, titled Home Sweet Home. The project is a joint venture involving Women for Refugee Women and Women Asylum Seekers Together. Rabbi Janet Darley said: “This exhibit sheds light on the experiences of women seeking asylum in the UK using photographs taken by the women themselves, some of who joined us for the service. The photos capture moments of everyday life that are too often unseen and unheard, drawing out some of the key issues affecting female asylum seekers in the UK, including fear, destitution and isolation.”
• TEWKESBURY ABBEY opened its doors for Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community, who celebrated Sukkot and Simchat Torah in the historic venue (pictured above).
Page 6 LJ Today
November/December 2012
LJY-Netzer Machaneh K
LJY-Netzer plagim (school years 5 & 6) and tsevet (staff) enjoy camp
Nechalim (school years 7 & 8) girls dorm with leader Issy Schmidt
Getting messy! It’s time for gangaschlaff (team competition)
Spirits run high after another great night at Machaneh Kadimah
All the participants and staff at LJY-Netzer’s Machaneh Kadimah summer ca
The Kadimah welfare team with resident baby Elias Kviat-Driscoll
Services at Netzer camps are always fun, spiritual and very original
November/December 2012
LJ Today Page 7
Kadimah 2012 in pictures
Yamim (school year 9) boys dorm with Dan Aron and Josh Pugh
Chalutzim (school year 10) girls dorm try out some creative poses
Chalutzim Night: What happens in Netzer Vegas, stays in Vegas!
camp got together for this very special picture - can you see yourself?
Here is the famous LJY-Netzer avocado song, complete with actions
The ‘Last Night Show’ gave everyone the chance to get creative
LJY-Netzer’s movement workers celebrate a successful Kadimah
Page 8 LJ Today
Comment
November/December 2012
Ensuring that we never forget Anita Parmar on why it’s so vital to listen and learn from Holocaust survivors
Holocaust survivor Hermann Hirschberger MBE tells his story to young Liberal Jews at LJY-Netzer’s Machaneh Kadimah summer camp
ANY HISTORY TEACHER will tell you the same thing - no matter how many books their students read about the Holocaust, no matter how many films or documentaries they watch and no matter how many museums or memorials they visit, nothing can compare to hearing the first-hand testimony of a Holocaust survivor. Innovative educational tools certainly have their place and their impact is not in doubt. However, these things will never quite have the power of hearing a survivor’s account of the horrors of Nazi persecution. They represent one of the most effective ways of ensuring the next generation can never forget what happens when prejudice is left unchecked. It was with this reality in mind that the Holocaust Educational Trust was set up in 1988 and developed its outreach programme, which sets out to give as many young people as possible the opportunity to hear the first-hand testimony of a survivor. This carries with it a huge responsibility, but the programme has grown steadily and last year made sure that 60,000 students from across the UK were able to hear from a Holocaust survivor. This summer, among those students, were around 35 young Liberal Jews at the Machaneh Kadimah summer camp, who had the privilege of hearing the deeply moving first-hand testimony of Hermann Hirschberger MBE.
They listened in stunned silence as Hermann explained how he managed to narrowly escape the events of the Holocaust via the Kindertransport and also how he lost both of his parents at the extermination camp, AuschwitzBirkenau. Hermann’s testimony had a tremendous impact on the group, who were visibly moved by what they had heard and asked many questions. In many ways, hearing this type of testimony and understanding what can happen when hatred and intolerance are allowed to take hold of a society, should be looked upon as a responsibility for the next generation. We must ensure that in the future we are all equipped to learn the lessons of history so that we do not repeat its mistakes. The Holocaust Educational Trust is fortunate to be able to call upon a number of deeply inspirational survivors who travel to all corners of the UK to speak about their experiences. Indeed we still hear from remarkable people who feel that, even now in the late stages
of their lives, they would like to begin sharing their stories with young people. Nevertheless we also know that sadly, as time passes, the number of speakers is declining. As a result, Holocaust education today is largely a race against time to ensure that while we have the privilege of living alongside Holocaust survivors, young people are encouraged to fulfil their responsibility to listen and learn from them. Our outreach programme is just one of a number of projects we hope will ensure that the memory of what happened in Nazi Europe serves as a constant lesson to the next generation of the dangers of hatred and intolerance. We can be very proud that this year, LJY-Netzer members made time to hear Hermann’s testimony - our challenge is to encourage the many thousands both within and beyond the Jewish community to follow their example.
Anita Parmar is deputy head of education at the Holocaust Educational Trust
The Holocaust Educational Trust was established in 1988 with the aim of educating young people from every background about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned for today. The Trust works in schools, universities and the community to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust, providing teacher training, an outreach programme for schools, teaching aids and resource material. For more information about the Holocaust Educational Trust’s work and programmes, please visit www.het.org.uk
Events
November/December 2012
LJ Today Page 9
Friday nights will never A musical be the same again journey By Cantor Gershon Silins
MORE THAN 40 young adults attended the first LJ Routes Friday Night Supper Club on October 5. Everyone enjoyed a three course Italian meal, along with wine, challah, singing and a warm Shabbat atmosphere. Participants ranged in age from 20 to 40 and came from a diversity of backgrounds, with people just discovering their Judaism sitting next to those who have enjoyed Friday night meals their whole lives. Described by those in attendance as “really lovely” and “a wonderful event”, the night was hosted by Benji Stanley,
Liberal Judaism’s new student and young adult coordinator. You can find out more about Benji on page 3 of this issue of lj today. Speaking after the event, Benji said: “The amazing turnout shows just how much hunger there is for vibrant, adult events like this.” Routes Supper Club will continue on the first Friday of every month. You can get more information by emailing benji@liberaljudaism.org or ‘liking’ the LJ Routes Facebook page. You might want to sign up soon though, as the venue can only hold a maximum of 42 people.
Fighting for full equality
Mayoral role for Bet Tikvah rabbi
LIBERAL JUDAISM was again at the forefront of sharing messages about equality and diversity, as LGBT delegate Su Rathgeber Knan (pictured above, centre left) took part in the Salford University Faith and Sexual Orientation Conference 2012. Su’s keynote speech on dialogue and reconciliation from a Liberal Jewish perspective was very wellreceived by those in attendance. Conference organiser Rosie Qureshi said: “Su showed us what a progressive, sensible and reasoned organisation Liberal Judaism is.”
BET TIKVAH SYNAGOGUE’S Rabbi David Hulbert has been appointed as chaplain to the Mayor of Redbridge, Councillor Mohammed Javed. David’s first duty was leading prayers at a full council meeting prior to the High Holy Days. He said: “I got all the councillors to apologise to any of their colleagues who they may have offended over the past year and then blew the shofar. I guess his was the first time the shofar had ever been heard in the council chamber. “I feel deeply honoured and have the highest respect for the mayor.”
IN SEPTEMBER, I presented a concert at Southgate Progressive Synagogue (SPS), alongside musicians Dean Staker and Franklyn Gellnick. A special feature of the concert was music of a more serious character from North America. North American Jewish music is a very rich resource for Liberal Judaism here in the UK. It includes music by songwriters whose work is well known in Liberal congregations. Often accompanied by the guitar, it might be a part of any service, but is particularly suitable for informal services where singing along would be encouraged. There is also a long history of more sophisticated music for the synagogue, which is typically accompanied by piano, organ or, in some cases, an ensemble of instruments. This style of music provides a more contemplative moment in the service. It is the musical equivalent, one might say, of a serious sermon intended to do more than simply entertain. Ben Steinberg, who I worked alongside for many years in Toronto, is one of the main composers of such music. His music is most commonly written for cantor, organ and choir, and it is imbued with a Jewish character that comes from Ben’s own life history – the son of a prominent Toronto cantor, he learned cantorial improvisation and nusach (traditional prayer modes) while studying organ and composition at the same time. The event at Southgate was a crosscommunity effort and a great success. Special thanks go to Jane Greenfield of SPS, who took the lead in making the whole experience delightful for the performers and exciting for the audience. The concert marked the beginning of an initiative aimed at providing musical resources for all our congregations. We will create exciting recordings that demonstrate the richness of Jewish music, as well as providing examples for congregations to learn from so that they can bring new and exciting songs to their services. We will also bring together resources of printed music, including favourites from every congregation in Liberal Judaism and the broader Jewish community in the UK and abroad. We plan to present more concerts in Liberal congregations very soon, so I look forward to meeting you all and hearing your feedback.
Page 10 LJ Today
November/December 2012
Spotlight on Herefordshire How was your community formed? Hereford was an important centre of Judaism in medieval England, but there were only fitful attempts to re-establish a Jewish presence here until the early 1990s. At that point two key events occurred. The late Rabbi Bernard Hooker chose to retire to Ledbury, coinciding with an invitation by Josephine Wolfson to Jews in Hereford to a meeting at which, to her surprise, more than 50 people attended. Rabbi Hooker adopted this fledgling group in its early years, providing religious leadership as it met in members’ houses and church halls. How did Herefordshire Jewish Community (HJC) develop from there? As with many provincial Liberal communities, HJC had great support from Rabbi Aaron Goldstein in its early years culminating in a very successful barmitzvah service and celebration in 2004. Since then HJC has benefitted tremendously from the visits of student rabbis, notably Marc Naiger and Esther Hugenholtz. Rabbi Margaret Jacobi has also been kind enough to make an annual visit from Birmingham. Recently, Rabbi Anna Gerrard has combined her duties in Gloucestershire with visits to HJC, which has energised the community. We are also fortunate to have the talented lay leadership of Julian Brown, ably supported by his wife Cherry and daughter Maya, to call upon. Where do your members come from? HJC’s congregants are spread from Abergavenny in the west to Leominster in the north and all points in between. Although our membership is small and scattered, it is very loyal and we can count on around 20 people attending our regular Shabbat services. Where do you hold services? Our spiritual home is in Colwall, in the wonderful Malvern Hills. We meet at The Old Ale House, a beautiful sixteenth century timbered building next to the parish church where parishioners would retire for liquid refreshment after their services. It is used today as a church hall and provides an excellent venue for our monthly Shabbat services, where we are only interrupted by the clatter of horses hooves and the occasional inquisitive tourist. We also hold services in Hereford and have access to a dedicated Jewish section in Hereford cemetery.
The Old Ale House provides a beautiful sanctuary for Herefordshire Jewish Community
What services and events do you put on during the year? We have been very fortunate that Julian Brown and his family have led our annual High Holy Days services. Our communal Seders at Pesach are always well-attended and, this year, Rabbi Anna introduced us to the concept of a Tu Bishvat Seder. We had a successful klezmer evening in Hereford and recently enjoyed a very instructive visit to the Josef Herman art exhibition in Bristol. Our unique selling proposition is the concept of Shabbat services followed by a chavurah lunch and (optional) walk in the Malvern Hills. Do you have a Torah? Rabbi Hooker bequeathed us his demonstration Torah, which members have kindly embellished with donations of an embroidered binder and a yad. However, reading from the miniature scroll is a challenge for Julian and visiting rabbis. If any community would like to lend or donate us a small Sefer Torah, we would be extremely grateful. What do you do in the wider community? Cherry Wolfe has taken an active role in interfaith work in schools and is a member of the local SACRE group. Our Rosh Hashanah service last year was filmed for a local documentary on different faiths. Mark Walton, our chair, has developed a strong relationship with the Catholic community in Monmouth, leading Seder evenings and Chanukkah parties. Our members are also often invited to give talks to schools and scout groups.
What challenges do you face? The biggest problem is our small membership. We had our last bar/ batmitzvah five years ago and there are no further candidates that we know of. As we cover such a wide area, it is difficult to get everyone together but all our members are very loyal and travel considerable distances to attend. How do you see things developing? Rabbi Anna’s enthusiasm has helped to keep us together and the council feel it important to continue to maintain our presence in the area. How do I find out more? If you live in Herefordshire, Worcestershire or Monmouthshire and would like to visit and/or join us, please contact Mark Walton on 01594 530 721.
Julian Brown with the miniature Sefer Torah
Youth
November/December 2012
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
‘A personal, unique and life-changing trip’ Isaac Cohen writes about his amazing month as part of LJY-Netzer’s Israel Tour THE BEST WAY to sum up my month in Israel with LJY-Netzer is to say that it was a truly incredible experience which I will never forget. As a young Liberal Jew, I wanted to visit Israel as so much of our heritage is centred around the state. I am very pleased I chose to do this with LJYNetzer, as it was so much more fulfilling than simply travelling there on holiday. Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum and research centre, had an especially big impact on me. The way the guide explained every picture made me realise that behind each photo in the museum was a tragic personal story. The children’s memorial also really affected me and was incredibly well thought-out. I saw millions of candles in a darkened room, with the names of children reverberating around the area. Then when it was explained that there were only actually five candles and mirrors were used to show the loss of potential life as well as the dead, it really hit home just how big a crime against humanity the Holocaust was. The political side of Israel was also extremely interesting. We were able to take part in lots of talks about the issues going on there, both from Jews and Arabs. I found that, in particular, helping out at a day care centre for Jewish and Arab children was unforgettable.
It seemed almost surreal to think that the parents of these children won’t mix because of the cultural differences between them, and yet here the kids were playing, laughing and singing together. The talks we had from ArabIsraeli children of our own age were also very illuminating. The fact that people the same age as me have to deal
with acceptance issues in the country they were born in made me put my own problems into perspective. Some of the fun activities we did during Israel Tour were amazing. We went kayaking down the Jordan, water-hiking, watched the sunrise from the top of a mountain, saw the stars in the desert and enjoyed so many more incredible things that I would need the whole of this issue of lj today in order to list them.
Visiting Kibbutz Lotan was another high point for me, particularly the eco campus. It was amazing to think that a solid structure for someone to live in could be made from clay, straw, sand and water. I found it so interesting that I hope to go back there for a few months during my gap year. The whole feel of Israel was completely different from what I was used to. Having to haggle for a reasonable price if you wanted to buy something, for example, was not a process I was familiar with. The heat was obviously much more extreme than it is in the UK and even things such as the size of the insects reminded me that it was a very different place from the one I am used to. Overall I would say that Israel Tour was a personal, unique experience because no two first impressions of Israel are the same. I love the country and I can easily see myself returning someday. It is incredibly difficult to sum up such a life-changing experience in 600 words because you do so much over the course of the month, meet so many people, travel to so many important places and see so many amazing things. Instead I will say that I think the Israel Tour programme is a very good way to get the most out of Israel and I’m glad I did it, and I’m especially glad that I did it with LJY-Netzer.
Contact the LJY-Netzer team: Robin Cooke (r.cooke@liberaljudaism.org), Sam Cohen (s.cohen@liberaljudaism.org) and Anna Posner (a.posner@liberaljudaism.org); telephone 020 7631 0584 or email office@ljynetzer.org
Page 12 LJ Today
November/December 2012
Rabbi Pete’s quick quiz
Liberal Judaism congregations
Chairman Lucian J Hudson Vice Chairs Simon Benscher and Jackie Richards Finance David Pelham Israel and the Diaspora Tamara Schmidt Communications Ed Herman Social Justice Amelia Viney National Officers Dr Howard Cohen, Rosie Comb, David Hockman, Gillian Merron and Ruth Seager Vice Presidents Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Nigel Cole, Geoffrey Davis, Lord Stanley Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, Sharon Goldstein, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Jeremy Jessel, Willie Kessler, David Lipman, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Joan Shopper, Beverley Taylor and Clive Winston Chairs of Rabbinic Conference Rabbi Aaron Goldstein and Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Outreach Director Rabbi Anna Gerrard University Chaplain Rabbi Ariel Friedlander Education Rabbi Sandra Kviat Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer PR Alexandra Ben-Yehuda Shlicha Adva Sapir Community Youth Coordinator Sam Grant Student Coordinator Benji Stanley LJY-Netzer Sam Cohen, Robin Cooke and Anna Posner
lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein The deadline for the next edition is December 1. Please email your news to ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org Printed by Precision Printing. www.precisionprinting.co.uk
Associated congregations
Beit Ha’Chidush Postbus 14613, 1001 LC Amsterdam, Netherlands, 00 31 23 524 7204; bhc.informatie@gmail.com; www.beithachidush.nl Oxford Liberal Jewish Services: 01865 515584 or 01865 765197; www.ojc-online.org
Developing communities
North Herts Liberal Jewish Community (based in Stevenage) 01438 300 222; northhertsljc@gmail.com; www.northhertsljc.org The Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (based in Ipswich) 01473 250797; sjc@liberaljudaism.org
Take our special Chanukkah challenge, by answering these questions. Siddur Lev Chadash, pages 393-401, may be helpful! 1) For what purpose are we allowed to use the lights of Chanukkah? 2) According to the Sages, why do we celebrate Chanukkah for eight days? 3) According to the Book of Maccabees, why did Judah Maccabee and his followers celebrate for eight days? 4) What was the oppressive empire that rose against Israel? 5) How long did the struggle against the oppressor last? 6) How many candles are needed to light the Chanukkiah on each of the eight days of Chanukkah?
Pete Tobias is rabbi at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree
Sidney’s bridge magic The contract is 4 Hearts by South. West leads the ten of Spades. Looking at dummy, you have two immediate Spade losers and have nothing to discard a losing Diamond on. Things start to look a little worrying on the third Spade from East, as West’s high-low signal means that a low ruff by South will be overruffed, while ruffing high will promote West’s trumps to a definite winner – and there’s still the Diamond to lose. So how do you avoid going down?
Make a date ........... October 28 (Sunday) Exodus 2000 anniversary tea at the Montagu Centre, 3pm. November 12 (Wednesday) ‘Meet the Imams’ interfaith event at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, London, 10.30am-1pm. November 18 (Sunday) Mitzvah Day 2012. 2013 April 21 (Tuesday) - April 28 (Tuesday) Kingston Liberal Synagogue trip to Prague & Budapest. May 1 (Wednesday) - May 5 (Sunday) World Union for Progressive Judaism Connections 2013 Convention, Jerusalem, Israel. June 9 (Sunday) Liberal Judaism’s Day of Celebration 2013, Birmingham Progressive Synagogue. See page 5 for full details. For more information on any of these events please email montagu@liberaljudaism.org Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge of modern Judaism. It reverences Jewish tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the Judaism of the past while giving them contemporary force. Registered charity number 236590.
Sidney Barrat is bridge teacher at Woodford Liberal Synagogue. He would like to hear your feedback on his bridge magic at sidney.barrat@ntlworld.com
Quiz answers: 1) To look at and remember 2) Because one day’s oil lasted for eight 3) It was a belated Sukkot 4) Greek 5) Three years 6) 44
The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street London, W1T 4BE Tel: 020 7580 1663 Fax: 020 7631 9838
The Liberal Synagogue Elstree Elstree High Street, Elstree, Herts WD6 3BY; 020 8953 8889; tlse@liberaljudaism.org; www.tlse.org.uk Lincolnshire Jewish Community 01427 628958; ljc@liberaljudaism.org Manchester Liberal Jewish Community 08432 084441; mljc@liberaljudaism.org; www.mljc.org.uk North London Progressive Jewish Community 020 7403 3779; nlpjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.nlpjc.org.uk Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue Oaklands Gate, Northwood, Middx HA6 3AA; 01923 822592, npls@liberaljudaism.org; www.npls.org.uk Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation Lloyd Street, Sherwood NG5 4BP; 0115 9624761; npjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.npjc.org.uk Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community Enquiries: 020 7631 9822 The Progressive Jewish Community of East Anglia www.pjcea.org.uk; enquiries@pjcea.org.uk Reading Liberal Jewish Community 0118 942 8022; rljc@liberaljudaism.org; www.rljc.org Shenfield, Brentwood & Districts Synagogue (Tikvah Chadasha) 01277 888610; tikvahchadasha@gmail.com South Bucks Jewish Community PO Box 826, Amersham, HP6 9GA; 0845 644 2370; sbjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.sbjc.org.uk South London Liberal Synagogue PO Box 14475, London SW16 1ZW; 020 8769 4787; slls@liberaljudaism.org; www.southlondon.org Southgate Progressive Synagogue 75 Chase Road, London N14 4QY; 020 8886 0977; sps@liberaljudaism.org; www.sps.uk.com Wessex Liberal Jewish Group (Bournemouth) info@wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk; 01202 757084 West Central Liberal Synagogue 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE; 020 7636 7627; wcls@liberaljudaism.org; www.wcls.org.uk Woodford Liberal Synagogue Marlborough Road, London, E18 1AR; 020 8989 7619; info@ woodfordliberal.org.uk; www.woodfordliberal.org.uk
Bridge answer: You simply don’t ruff East’s third Spade but discard a Diamond instead. Whatever East now leads to the fourth trick gives you no problems. If a Club, Diamond or Heart you win and draw all the trumps – and if a fourth Spade you ruff in dummy and draw trumps. The tactic used here is called ‘loser on loser’ play.
Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue (Rodef Shalom) 01234 218387; bedsps@liberaljudaism. org; www.bedfordshire-ps.org.uk Beit Klal Yisrael c/o The Montagu Centre, 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE; 07505 477459, bky@liberaljudaism.org; www.bky.org.uk Bet Tikvah Synagogue 129 Perrymans Farm Road, Ilford, Essex IG2 7LX; 020 8554 9682; bttkv@liberaljudaism.org; bettikvah.blogspot.com Birmingham Progressive Synagogue 1 Roseland Way, Birmingham B15 1HD; 0121 634 3888; bps@liberaljudaism.org; www.bpsjudaism.com Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove BN3 1FF; 01273 737223; bhps@liberaljudaism.org; www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation 43-45 Bannerman Road, Easton, Bristol BS5 0RR bwpjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.bwpjc.org Crouch End Liberal Jewish Chavurah info@crouchendchavurah.co.uk; www.crouchendchavurah.co.uk Crawley Jewish Community 01293 534294 Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation PO Box 3059, Dublin 6, www.djpcireland.com; djpc@liberaljudaism.org Ealing Liberal Synagogue Lynton Avenue, Drayton Green, W13 0EB; 020 8997 0528; els@liberaljudaism. org; www.ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk Eastbourne Progressive Jewish Congregation 01323 725650; fax: 01323 417645 epjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.epjcong.org.uk Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community 0131 777 8024; info@eljc.org; www.eljc.org Finchley Progressive Synagogue Hutton Grove, N12 8DR; 020 8446 4063; fps@liberaljudaism.org; www.fps.org Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community Enquiries: 01242 609311 or 01242 231877; shalom@gljc.org.uk; www. gljc.org.uk Harrow and Wembley Progressive Synagogue 39 Bessborough Road, Harrow HA1 3BS; 020 8864 5323; hwps@liberaljudaism.org; www.hwps.org Herefordshire Jewish Community 01594 530721; hjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.herefordshirejc.org Kent Liberal Jewish Community 07952 242432; kljc@liberaljudaism.org; http://tinyurl.com/kentljc Kingston Liberal Synagogue Rushett Road, Long Ditton, Surbiton, Surrey; KT7 0UX; 020 8398 7400; kls@liberaljudaism.org; www.klsonline.org Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation The Synagogue, 24 Avenue Road, LE2 3EA; lpjc@liberaljudaism.org The Liberal Jewish Synagogue 28 St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA; 020 7286 5181; ljs@liberaljudaism.org; www.ljs.org