January/February 2024 VOL. LI No. 1
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
Historic lightings show Progressive growth
Rabbi Charley Baginsky lights the chanukiah in the Houses of Parliament and Rabbi Josh Levy at the Livery Hall in two landmark moments
T
HIS Chanukah was a significant one in the growth and development of Progressive Judaism in the UK. Leaders from our movements were guests and lit candles at a number of major civic celebrations, including in a historic first at Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament. Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky were at different events every night of Chanukah. These included celebrations hosted in 10 Downing Street, Speaker’s House, Wembley Stadium, the Guildhall, the residence of the American Ambassador and by the Jewish Labour Movement and Standing Together. At the Parliament event – the first ever to take place in the 900+ year old Westminster Hall – Rabbi Charley was one of those who lit candles, alongside Home Secretary James Cleverly, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey, event organiser Lord (John) Mann and Chief Rabbi of United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth Sir Ephraim Mirvis.
She said: “This moment was historic for so many reasons. Representing the diversity of the political and religious spectrum at the heart of Parliament was unbelievably powerful. It showed how it is possible to have a multitude of voices within shared values, or in this case a shared chanukiah. “It also illustrated how far Progressive Judaism has come since we announced our plans to unite into one movement in April – that working together we are so much more than the sum of our parts.” Rabbi Josh lit the candles at events including the City of London Corporation celebrations in the historic Livery Hall. He added: “One of the aims of our new united Progressive Judaism is that, when people see Jews at events like these, they see themselves. This Chanukah, the Jewish world recognised and celebrated the wonderfully diverse breadth and depth of our community. This is vital not only for our members but for all those who have yet to walk through the door.” Others who represented Progressive Judaism included Liberal Judaism Acting
Chair Karen Newman, Movement for Reform Judaism Chair Paul Langsford, Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors Co-Chairs Rabbis Rebecca Birk and René Pfertzel, the Movement Workers of RSY-Netzer and LJY-Netzer, and Rabbi Mark Goldsmith of Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue. Meanwhile, Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain MBE of Maidenhead Synagogue, Convener of the Reform Beit Din and Chaplain to the Jewish Police Association, lit the chanukiah at New Scotland Yard alongside Metropolitan Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, as well as joining the Downing Street celebrations. Rabbis Charley and Josh also enjoyed the weekend of Chanukah in Manchester and Leeds, as they brought Progressive Judaism Community Forums to the North West and Yorkshire. They were joined by members of Menorah Synagogue, Manchester Reform Synagogue, Sinai Synagogue and York Liberal Jewish Community to discuss their vision for the future, answer questions and celebrate the festival.
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Chanukah
January/February 2024
United at Elstree A bright future for Progressive Judaism
Rabbi Rebecca Birk brings in the last night of Chanukah at the Progressive Judaism celebration
MORE than 70 supporters and donors of Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism came together to celebrate the end of Chanukah at a special candle lighting evening. Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky, the CEOs of the two movements and Co-Leads of the project to create one Progressive Judaism, hosted the event at Kapara Restaurant. They spoke of their total commitment to help build this new Progressive movement and why ongoing support is vital for their plans. Rabbi Josh said: “Since our two movements started working together, we are already in places we wouldn’t have been otherwise. We are speaking with a clear and different kind of Jewish voice. “We look at the story of Chanukah and while we are grateful for the wonders of the past, we are also grateful for the wonders of this time as well. And we’re grateful for the ability to make wonders happen in the future.” Rabbi Charley added: “We want to be a force for good in the world – to play an active role in shaping a society that reflects our Jewish values. “We want to strengthen Jewish life in the country so that it is rich, inclusive, innovative, and can grow. And we want the generations to come after us to enjoy a Progressive Jewish life with thriving communities and a strong public voice.” Dr Ed Kessler MBE, the Chair of the Progressive Judaism Advisory Board, spoke of the historic nature of what is taking place.
He said: “This is the most significant change in the history of Anglo Jewry since the end of the Second World War. “I see this Chanukah event as the first event of Progressive Judaism. We now stand under one umbrella and have a new voice for these challenging times. “If we work alongside each other, we can create a movement that has dynamism and energy - combining the best practices of Liberal and Reform Judaism. Our country needs our message.” The Chanukah candles were lit by Rabbi Rebecca Birk and the event ended with speeches of sincere thanks from Paul Langsford and Karen Newman, the Chairs of Reform and Liberal Judaism. Director of Fundraising Amit Handelsman said: “Strengthening our communities has to be our focus and we’re humbled by the generous backing we receive which is key to our ambition of unifying our Progressive voice in the UK.”
Rabbi Josh Levy, Advisory Board Chair Dr Ed Kessler MBE and Rabbi Charley Baginsky
THE Chanukah candles did their job and the smiles on the children’s faces did the rest as The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (TLSE) shared the festival with their twinned community of V’ahaveta Shoham Reform Synagogue in Israel. Joining together via Zoom, the childfocused event included a candle lighting, songs in Hebrew and English and even online tea and doughnuts. Rabbi Rinat Safania Shwartz of V’ahaveta Shoham said: “It was very moving to light candles both in Israel and England, especially in these difficult days when darkness seems to take over all that is good. The tiny candles are our great hope today; only the light can overcome the darkness.” TLSE’s Rabbi Gershon Silins added: “We are planning many future events to bring our communities even closer together, learning from each other and celebrating together.” And how much did the children enjoy it? “I had an amazing day at the synagogue,” beamed eight-year-old Raff.
MORE than 50 Progressive Jews living in North Hertfordshire came together to celebrate Chanukah at an intergenerational party full of food, song, craft and the lighting of multiple chanukiot The event marked the launch of a new entity – North Herts Progressive Jewish Community. This collaboration, supported by Stevenage Liberal Synagogue and Radlett Reform Synagogue, will promote festival celebrations and social events for Progressive Jews in the area regardless of their synagogue affiliation.
Chanukah
January/February 2024
LJ Today Page 3
Around the communities... Chanukah 2023
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue held a MultiFaith Celebration with guest speakers Julie Siddiqi and Laura Marks of Nisa-Nashim
York Liberal Jewish Community hosted an emotional event inside Clifford’s Tower, the site of the infamous pogrom of 1190
Fifty members of Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community, of all ages, celebrated Chanukah with a game show themed party
East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue put on a fun event where the children joined Rabbi Richard Jacobi to light the menorah
LJY-Netzer and RSY-Netzer held a joint online event. The Movement Workers also attended the American Ambassador’s party
The Liberal, Reform and Masorti Synagogues that make up the Mosaic Jewish Community held a lighting on each night of Chanukah
At Ealing Liberal Synagogue’s Chanukah Tea Party, members and friends made chanukiot from a variety of materials - including Lego
A joint Progressive celebration at Finchley Reform Synagogue featured musicians from seven communities. Cantor Zoe Jacobs said: “We focussed on finding light in the darkness. Each musician taught or led different songs, with everyone else adding harmony throughout.”
Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue held a family Chanukah party, bringing together more than 150 children and their parents
Bradford Synagogue celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding by Rabbi Joseph Strauss with an interfaith and civic service
Alyth Synagogue combined Chanukah with a tour of the new space being created - hosting a giant menorah on the construction site
Events across South East London, organised by Bromley Synagogue, included a lighting in a local pub for members and their friends
The Ark Synagogue’s Care Team threw a Chanukah Party full of song and cheer
Finchley Progressive Synagogue members celebrated the festival in shul and at home
The Jammin’ Jews provided entertainment at North West Surrey Synagogue’s event
Editor’s note: As we move towards one Progressive Judaism, you will start to notice more pictures and stories from Reform Judaism communities in lj today (and the name of this magazine will at one point change). With 80+ congregations, it is hard to feature everything we are sent – but over time we will be fair so everyone is able to show off their wonderful community.
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Israel
January/February 2024
Standing together in solidarity A statement of Jewish values
Faith leaders with their lanterns for peace at the Together for Humanity vigil in London
PROGRESSIVE clergy and members were among the thousands of people of all faiths and none who took part in the Together for Humanity vigil in London. Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu (pictured above) and Rabbi Rebecca Birk stood alongside other senior faith leaders as they lit lanterns in a stand against antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate, and to mourn all the civilians who have died in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Rabbi Shulamit said: “The vigil offered a simple opportunity as we stood together, without slogans or flags. “Many of the people I met have dedicated their lives to building bridges and healing from their grief. “This was a moment to take back the conversation, into the centre, away from extremism, and to focus on ordinary people who are so deeply affected here in the UK. I hope that the vigil will inspire us in our small acts of courage in our everyday lives.”
Rabbi Rebecca added: “This vigil, and its expressions of concern and collaboration, offered hope and strength as we navigate these events. We need such solidarity and shared values – and the lanterns and candles we held in our hands gave a literal and metaphorical light in these dark days.” The event also featured speeches from family members bereaved by the conflict, both Israeli and Palestinian, as well as British politicians of all parties. Magen Inon, whose parents were both killed in Israel by Hamas in the terrorist attacks of 7 October, spoke at the vigil. He said: “It is unbelievable that, while mourning the murder of my parents, I have to witness extremists use our grief and tragedy to promote their hatred. “My parents would have wanted the society in which their grandchildren grow up to be based on humanity and solidarity. We must continue their legacy – for them, for us, and for our children.”
MEMBERS of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors sent a message of love and support to their colleagues in Israel from the annual Kallah (retreat).
CLERGY and members from across the Jewish community have signed a statement of Jewish values and core principles in response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The statement – which Progressive Judaism leaders helped to draft – can be read at www.ourjewishvalues.org.uk It begins: “We are Jews who believe wholeheartedly in the right of Israel to exist and flourish and the right of Palestinians to self-determination in a state of their own. We refuse to give up on the vision of Israel and a Palestinian state one day existing side-by-side. This is the only long-term solution that will not involve untold bloodshed.” The statement lists five core principles, based in Jewish teaching, to guide our responses to the grave challenges of the current moment and ensure that out of this horror comes a commitment to a future in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in mutual peace and security. It also speaks out against rising antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred. The website has recently been updated with each principle developed with resources and links to organisations that help explore further the values within the statement. They are: Pursue Peace: What peace might look like for Israelis and Palestinians, beyond an end to the immediate violence and towards a durable plan that will ensure lasting safety and security for all. Value Life: How we can live up to Judaism’s belief that we are all created in the image of God and that every life has value. Israelis and Palestinians are peoples with their own experiences and histories. Their lives are full and worthy of respect and consideration. Uphold Law: Expertise from human rights lawyers, who argue that international law cannot be seen as an “unnecessary burden” that can be dismissed in the face of tragedy. Indeed, it is at these times that it is most important. Admit Complexity: Details of the Together for Humanity vigils (also see story to the left) and how we can widen our gaze and expand our conversations by entering into dialogue wherever possible. Hopeful Future: Links to organisations – such as the New Israel Fund UK, Standing Together and Rabbis for Human Rights – who are supporting a safe shared future for Israelis and Palestinians, and amplifying the voices of Arabs and Jews working together through this crisis.
News
January/February 2024
LJ Today Page 5
Welcoming a Two Royal appointments new Bishop
Richard Dale and the Bishop of Lincoln
THE President of Lincolnshire Jewish Community, Richard Dale, represented non-Christian faiths at the Enthronement of the new Bishop of Lincoln, presenting him with an inscribed leather-bound copy of Siddur Lev Chadash. Rt Revd Stephen Conway became the 73rd person to hold the role in a joyful and celebratory service at a packed Lincoln Cathedral. Richard said: “The Enthronement provided a pinnacle of warmth and cooperation over a weekend which celebrated the friendly and respectful relations between the Church of England, Judaism and other faiths. “It was a great honour to represent not only the Jewish community, but other religions, in the formal ceremony welcoming the new Bishop to our city. I was proud to give him the Siddur, supplied by Liberal Judaism. He told me that he would treasure it.” Another key moment for Lincolnshire Jewish Community took place the same day, when documentary maker Michael Cockerell gave the Memorial Lecture for Professor Brian Winston – an active member of the congregation and pioneering media academic, who died last year. Richard said: “Michael had known Brian for 70 years, since they were pupils at Kilburn Grammar School and taught history by Dr Walter Isaacson, a German Jewish refugee who felt indebted to the UK and instilled a passion for his subject. “Brian was much loved by our community and led many Seders and other services. He was still working at the university, right up until his final illness, and was known as a campaigner for the right to free speech”.
King Charles III warmly greets Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel at New Malden Methodist Church
PROGRESSIVE Judaism’s Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel met King Charles III when the Monarch visited New Malden. Rabbi René, of Kingston Liberal Synagogue, was asked to represent the area’s Jewish community at the event, which took place at New Malden Methodist Church. The purpose of the visit was for the King to find out more about the area’s Korean population, the largest in Europe. Rabbi René said: “I was invited in my role as Chair of the Kingston Faith & Belief Forum. In the time we had, the King asked me about how, as a Jewish community, we are coping in the current circumstances. He assured us of his support. It was such an honour to be introduced to him, and I was delighted to meet a man with such humanity.”
The King also attended an Inter Faith Week event, hosted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at Lambeth Palace Library, where he spoke with Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky. The day provided the opportunity for the 30 faith leaders present to discuss what their communities are experiencing in the light of current global conflicts. Rabbi Charley said: “This was a real opportunity for the King to bring people together, to mark both Inter Faith Week and his 75th birthday. “We spoke about the role of women in interfaith work, the current situation in Israel/Gaza and how important it is to build relationships and friendships between faiths – in order that we can stand together even when we disagree.”
Laura Marks, Akeela Ahmed, King Charles III, Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Julie Siddiqi
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News
• BREAKING NEWS: Rabbi Alexandra Wright and Rabbi Anna Wolfson have been elected as the new Co-Chairs of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors. They take over from Rabbi Rebecca Birk and Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel at the start of 2024. We will have a full story and interview in the next edition of lj today. • APPLICATIONS are welcome from Liberal Judaism communities for the next round of funding from the NLPS Trust. The closing date is 21 February. Guidance on how to apply and examples of recent awards can be found at www.nlpstrust.org.uk • LIBERAL and Reform Judaism invite you to join us on Sunday 7 January for the Progressive Judaism Education Revolution Conference 2024 - an enlightening experience focused on exploring fresh approaches to Jewish education. This is your chance to be part of a dynamic gathering of educators and leaders, expand your knowledge, forge new connections and share teaching experiences with likeminded professionals and experts. Book today at www.tinyurl.com/ EducationRevolution2024
January/February 2024
Trust in memory of LJY member hits milestone A CHARITABLE trust set up in memory of Zohar Dean Collins – a young LJY-Netzer leader who died last year aged just 22 – has already raised £10,000. Backing causes that were close to Zohar’s heart, it supports young people to have enriching experiences by issuing grants to non-profit organisations. These currently include: Youth First, a charity running clubs and services for young people in Lewisham; In2Science, promoting social mobility within the STEM sector; and LJY-Netzer. A fundraising party was held in early December to celebrate the milestone with a pub quiz, disco and raffle. Nearly £3,000 was raised at this event alone. The Zohar Dean Trust is led by young people between the ages of 21 and 26, a community of friends and family of Zohar. Trustee Rosa Slater, a former LJYNetzer Movement Worker, said: “It’s hard to comprehend all we’ve managed to achieve this past year, which stemmed from a place of immense grief at the loss of Zohar – a wonderful youth leader, award-winning physicist and beloved son, brother and friend.
Zohar’s friends and sister Sapphire celebrate raising £10,000 to help causes he cared about
“His name, which quite literally translates to ‘brightest spark’, is the perfect way to describe who he was. “The £10,000 we have raised has been possible through nine special events, from a yoga fundraiser to a half marathon. This achievement is a testament to the love and support of so many people, channelling their care and grief into a way to remember the incredible person Zohar was and give him a lasting legacy. Everything we do is for him and championing all that he was about and unique for. We hope to continue cherishing Zohar’s memory through this Trust for many years to come.”
A bump in Robin’s road to remission A FAMILY from The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, who have been raising money for life-preserving treatment for their baby, have reported mixed news. Rachel and Nick Samuel have been fundraising to help their son Robin, who has high-risk neuroblastoma cancer. They said: “Robin’s specialist treatment abroad had been going well. The MRI and bone marrow scans and tests he had were clear of cancer. But we hit a bump in the road when a PET scan revealed a stubborn 2.8cm lesion on one of his ribs. “The rest of the road is clear and leading us to remission but, for now, we need to pause our journey to fix this.” The family are now raising further funds. To find out more and donate, follow @SaveBabyRobin on social media.
News
January/February 2024
LJ Today Page 7
Side by Side at the AJEX Parade Judith’s Diaries “Together, people from across our entire Jewish community marked decades of solemnly building Jewish-British connections and the sacrifices made.” Others taking part included Rabbi Alexandra Wright, Rabbi Aaron Goldstein and Rabbi Nathan Godleman, a Chaplain in the Royal Naval Reserve. Many Rabbi Rebecca Birk with her uncle Edward Green at the Parade Progressive Jews – including Fiona Hancock PROGRESSIVE Judaism’s rabbis and of East London and Essex Liberal members came out in force for the AJEX Synagogue – were standard bearers at Remembrance Parade and Ceremony. the parade. Taking place at The Cenotaph, the The week before, Progressive Judaism theme for this year was ‘Side by Side’ – Co-Lead Rabbi Josh Levy represented our inviting people of all ages right across movements at The Cenotaph, standing the community to march, walk or watch, together with other senior faith leaders, side by side, in honour of the thousands veterans, politicians and members of the of Jewish people who fought for our Royal Family, to commemorate all those freedom. in the Armed Forces who died serving Rabbi Rebecca Birk represented both our country. the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Rabbi Josh said: “It was an Cantors and Assembly of Reform Rabbis extraordinary privilege to be able to and Cantors. remember and pay respect, on behalf of She said: “Standing at the AJEX Parade Britain’s Progressive Jews, to all those on behalf of both of our movements was who gave their lives so that we could live particularly poignant this year. ours. May we never forget their sacrifice.”
LIBERAL Judaism Vice President Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein has published his latest book, Judith’s Diaries – Four Early Travel Diaries of Judith Montefiore. It records the travels she and husband Moses Montefiore made around the continent of Europe between 1816-1828. The Montefiores were probably the most famous Anglo-Jews in Victorian times and were constant travellers all over Europe and to the Holy Land. These rare early manuscript diaries have been transcribed by Rabbi Andrew with full notes added about all the places they visited and sights they saw – churches and synagogues, museums and natural wonders. They are fascinating to read and could give itineraries to be replicated in our time, comparing conditions then and now. They also give an insight into the personalities of this couple. On one occasion, they walked 15 miles over a mountain path, in the rain, because it was Shabbat and they couldn’t use their famous coach. They climbed Vesuvius, travelled to Venice in a gondola, saw the Pope in Rome and needed protecting from bandits in the Alps. The 254-page book costs £15 including postage; email agoldstein@tovmod.co.uk to obtain a copy. A full review will appear in the next issue of lj today.
All change at the Reform Beit Din THE Movement for Reform Judaism has appointed Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain MBE as the new Convener of the Reform Beit Din. One of Britain’s Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain leading and most wellknown rabbis, he will work closely with Rabbi Mark Solomon, Chair of the Beit Din of Liberal Judaism, as the work of bringing the two movements together as one Progressive Judaism continues. Rabbi Mark welcomed the appointment, saying: “Jonathan has long been one of the most forward-thinking rabbis in the Reform Movement, especially in areas of personal status and family structures. I look forward to working with him in a creative and exciting collaboration.”
Rabbi Jonathan, who currently serves Maidenhead Synagogue, added: “Together Mark and I will make sure that anyone – not just our own members – can find rabbinic help that marries Jewish values with individual needs.” Rabbi Jonathan will follow in the footsteps of Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick, who has retired after 11 exceptional years in the position. As Britain’s first female rabbi, ordained by Leo Baeck College in 1975, Rabbi Jackie was a pioneer and mentor for the many women who followed her into the Progressive clergy. She worked for many years at West London Synagogue with Rabbi Hugo Gryn and then at North West Surrey Synagogue and West Central Liberal Synagogue. She has always been a passionate supporter of interfaith work, becoming co-President of the World Congress of Faiths and helping to deepen religious understanding, respect and co-operation. It is estimated that as Reform and European Beit Din Convenor, she has overseen more than 1,600 conversions.
Rabbi Jackie was presented with a number of special gifts on her retirement. She will continue at the European Beit Din for another year. Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick with a She said: leaving gift from colleagues “I have always regarded my rabbinate as a time to try to reach out and to be as helpful as I can to others on their Jewish journey. Being with wonderful, inspired, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and committed individuals as they begin their ‘official’ journey as part of our people has been an absolute mitzvah, a chance to share this sacred moment in their lives.”
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News
January/February 2024
EcoShabbat Passing stories of survival THIS year’s EcoShabbat – timed to coincide with COP28 – saw EcoJudaism communities from across Progressive Judaism, and all denominations, reflect on the environment, take positive steps towards greater sustainability and enjoy fun and meaningful environmentally friendly projects. Events included a diverse range of environmental activities to highlight different aspects of sustainable living, especially around reducing food waste. Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (3CLJC) joined forces with the Springhill Cohousing Community. The Cohousing Community is a development of houses and apartments in Stroud that forms its own little neighbourhood, with car-free streets and lanes, green spaces and playgrounds, and a central building that includes a communal kitchen and dining hall, and a big communal lounge. It was in this lounge that members of 3CLJC gathered with current and former residents of the Cohousing Community, seated on cushions, big squishy sofas and an assortment of chairs. Rabbi Anna Gerrard led the EcoShabbat service, leavening the usual order with some ecoappropriate readings and prayers. The community were also treated to a tikkun olam presentation by upcoming barmitzvah boy Isaac, who gave a relaxed and engaging talk about his adventures in accessible eco-activism. Amusing photographs illustrated his performance of 10 simple steps to live more sustainably, from litter picking to wild foraging, which he related to core Jewish values around caring for the environment, with some short readings from inspirational Jewish texts. A kiddush and a vegetarian lunch were hosted after the service Joel Levy of the 3CLJC EcoTeam said: “It was a fascinating and convivial EcoShabbat, and we were enormously grateful for the generosity and warmth of the welcome we received from the Springhill community.” Other congregations taking part included Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue, Kol Chai Hatch End Reform Jewish Community and Southport and District Reform Synagogue. They put on a series of events and projects ranging from alternative services to talks on reducing waste, to bring and share plant-based dinners. Edgware’s Rabbi Tanya Sakhnovich said: “We only have one home that we all share – our beautiful Planet Earth. It is our shared responsibility to look after it.”
from Generation to Generation Vivienne Cato on continuing Holocaust education ELEVEN Holocaust survivors, 11 stories of survival. Stories very fortunately passed on to their children, all members of Liberal or Reform synagogues who now are part of a 34-strong presenter team for Generation 2 Generation (G2G). Roughly 30 years ago, when interest in capturing the testimony of survivors peaked, Lela Black, Eva Cato, Stella Curzon, George Garai, Lieselotte Katz, Lushka Kelly, Helga Lemer, Eva Urbach and Ulli Adler, Sascha Kester and Albert Kester agreed to be interviewed and filmed professionally. Like them, many thousands of others were recorded by Stephen Spielberg’s USC Shoah Foundation (55,000 testimonies), the Fortunoff Video Archive at Yale (4,400), the British Library and the Association of Jewish Refugees. Other survivors perhaps just spoke into a tape recorder for a relative or family friend. Some held onto diaries kept at the time or wrote memoirs. By telling their personal experiences of the worst genocide in human history, they were cheating time. Although they themselves were mortal, their stories would live on. Whilst it is so important that these voices have been captured and will outlast their owners’ lives, they also need to be heard, and not just by Holocaust researchers and academics. That is where Generation 2 Generation comes in. By empowering second and third generation Holocaust survivor descendants to present their family histories to a wide variety of audiences, we aim to keep these Holocaust stories alive and promote the importance of inclusivity and human rights. And even within just these specific eight speakers’ presentations (which collectively feature the 11 survivors) there is remarkable variety. These survivors came from Germany, Greece, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Austria and France. Some arrived here before the war, on the Kindertransport or on a domestic visa. Others outlasted the Shoah in hiding, in ghettos, forced into slave labour, or in concentration camps. With such a range, we are able to match a speaker to any audience. Our bank of eight Liberal and Reform Jewish speakers has, over the five years of G2G’s existence, spoken at quite a number of member communities.
They include Wimbledon Reform, Bournemouth Reform, Kol Chai, Finchley Progressive, Finchley Reform, Kingston Liberal, Mosaic, Alyth and Crouch End. We would love to access more audiences and are open to speaking anywhere, especially within Progressive Judaism. Or maybe you can join us? Perhaps your own parent, grandparent or close family friend was a witness to the Holocaust, like the 11 mentioned above, whose testimony has been captured on video or audio? Or who wrote their testimony as a diary or memoir? Do you have wartime letters from members of your family that are evidence of what happened? If so, you might be interested in working with G2G to turn this material into a professional and captivating presentation for schools (age 10+) and adult groups. We are very much looking for speakers outside North London, and for those of the third generation, to join our team, to reach – ideally! – every secondary school in the UK. Whilst the second and third generation were not ‘there’, they are the next closest thing. It’s now becoming our task to ensure that this terrible part of history is not forgotten and that our survivor relatives still have a voice, from beyond the grave. Their stories are harrowing, but it is uplifting to have groups such as G2G who will not let the memory of these atrocities die out. • If you are second or third generation and have a family story from the Holocaust, with first-hand testimony, that you would like to tell, please email office@generation2generation.org.uk • If you would like to book a speaker (no charge) for your synagogue, workplace, school or community group, please email bookings@generation2generation.org.uk
Mitzvah Day
January/February 2024
LJ Today Page 9
Coming together on Mitzvah Day Rabbi Charley Baginsky at 10 Downing Street
Rabbi Josh Levy at JW3
Kingston Liberal Synagogue The Liberal Synagogue Elstree
York
Edinburgh
Southgate Progressive Synagogue
Finchley Progressive
East London & Essex
The Ark PICTURED above are just some of the incredible good deeds that happened in our communities on Mitzvah Day. Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy led the way, linking with Muslim leaders and volunteers for two unique events. At 10 Downing Street, Rabbi Charley joined Akshata Murty, the wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Mitzvah Day Chair Laura Marks CBE and young Jewish leader and charity founder Laurie Shone, as well as architect and social worker Ahmereen Reza OBE, award-winning campaigner Elizabeth Arif-Fear and community cohesion expert Hadiya Masieh from the Muslim communities.
Brighton
Together they decorated and wrote Christmas cards as a thank you to the incredible team at St John’s Hospice, which provides care to people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Rabbi Charley said: “This was a really beautiful event to build relationships between our Jewish and Muslim communities. In these extremely difficult times for faith relations, it was a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.” At the JW3 Community Centre, Rabbi Josh was featured on Sky News and the BBC News at Ten as he helped to pack and sort items for the JW3 Foodbank, alongside Jewish and Muslim volunteers.
He said: “The power of Mitzvah Day is that it puts our values into action. And, as I saw first-hand, it also helps to create, develop and deepen vital connections both within and across faiths. This work is now more important than ever.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey joined Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel at Kingston Liberal Synagogue, where they helped people from many different faith groups pack bags of crafted and donated goods to support those most at risk this winter, through the charity RBKares. Rabbi René said: “This Mitzvah Day, it seemed so important to celebrate the diversity of our society in a time of high tensions and divisions.”
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Leo Baeck College
January/February 2024
Leo Baeck College and the long road to inclusion Rabbi Elli Tikvah-Sarah on the history of Progressive Judaism’s LGBTQI+ clergy TOWARDS the end of 1983, two radical feminist lesbians applied to the Leo Baeck College (LBC) rabbinic training programme. Sheila Shulman and I met in January 1982 when, following the first Jewish Feminist conference, we formed a group with other Jewish lesbians. The Jewish Feminist movement emerged in response to the marginalisation felt by Jewish women in the WASP milieu of the Women’s Liberation Movement (WLM). Later that year, Israel invaded Lebanon, and the WLM got caught up in anti-Israel sentiment, expressed chiefly through its weekly Xeroxed newsletter and the monthly journal, Spare Rib. Our Jewish Lesbian Group began to write letters. We also started reading Jewish writers. One of the books we tackled was Emil Fackenheim’s The Jewish Return Into History. After we read about his 614th commandment, “Thou shalt not give Hitler a posthumous victory”, I began to feel compelled to commit myself to Jewish communal existence.
I also did this in order to help make Jewish life and teaching inclusive of lesbians, and of all LGBTQI+ people. Sheila and I didn’t discuss together our individual decisions to become rabbis. From the very outset, it was a struggle for us both. During the interview process, we were subjected to two psychological assessments, rather than the usual one. Once accepted, we were put on probation for the full five years of the programme. Enquiring about what might constitute a breach, we were told it depended on the Liberal and Reform movements and we might be asked to leave at any time. Our situation remained precarious right up to ordination, prompting our insistence that the names of the ordinands should appear on the invitation, so the College couldn’t back out at the last moment. Leo Baeck College has come a long way in the past 35 years. Looking back, I still feel honoured to have had the late Rabbi Lionel Blue as my tutor, and then as my ordaining rabbi. Entering the College in 1956 - as part of the first intake of LBC rabbinic students when Sheila and I began training in 1984, Lionel was the UK’s only out gay rabbi.
By the time Leo Baeck College organised a Day of Celebration in June 2014, to mark the 25th anniversary of our ordinations, more than a fifth of the Progressive clergy was LGBTQI+. It is a blessing that Sheila reached that milestone. Already in poor health, she died on 25 October 2014, a week after her 78th birthday. Founder-Rabbi of the inclusive congregation Beit Klal Yisrael, Sheila spent many years as a much-loved teacher of LBC rabbinic students. For my part - having felt the full force of homophobia in the early years of my rabbinate - when I retired in 2021, after 20 years at Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue, the congregation was a beacon of inclusivity. LGBTQ rabbis have made an important contribution to Progressive Judaism over the past 35 years. But we cannot be complacent. There is more work to be done, in particular at the local level, to connect with and enable LGBTQI+ Jews to bring the offerings of their lives and their experience to congregational life, so that the Progressive movement as a whole becomes transformed by the gifts of all its LGBTQI+ rabbis and congregants.
Youth
January/February 2024
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
‘Being a leader opened my eyes’ Inspired by
Mazkirut
Holly Bell (left) leading on Machaneh Shamayim (spring camp) after the Hadracha course
THE LJY-Netzer Hadracha leadership training programme marks a turning point in each young person’s LJY journey. We had an incredible time training the next generation of leaders in October, and feeling inspired by their creative visions for our movement’s future. Here Holly Bell, who took part in the course previously, writes about her experience moving from a chanichol (participant) to a madrichol (leader): INITIALLY, scribbling down session ideas about the circles of tikkun olam on a whiteboard in a chilly room filled with some of my best friends on Hadracha seemed a long way off from the responsibility of leading on Machaneh Shamayim (spring camp). The following year felt worlds apart again, when myself and the same friends were no longer leading on camp but screaming songs in a minibus around Andalucia, Spain, when we were led for the last time on LJY’s Europe Tour, Kayitz, which in Hebrew means ‘the end’.
Despite these contrasts, the beauty and joy of all of these experiences lies in the shared identity of Judaism, and the community that blossoms as a result. Being a leader opened my eyes. I had the ability to shift from leading thoughtprovoking discussions about Reform Zionism with a group of 15-year-olds, to giggling with fellow madrichols and feeling more child-like than ever. It also strengthened my original friendships and allowed me to form new ones. I also feel lucky to have had the experience to learn more about myself and my role in leadership in an environment outside school. I loved being able to have command over a room, but was also surprised at my ability to be a secondary leader to my peers. I realised that finding out how you truly feel about personal issues and important causes is never made more clear than when you teach others about them. I look forward to leading again and becoming more intertwined with this beautiful cycle.
IN November, we spent the weekend in Yorkshire, at our annual event Mazkirut, where we connect with our bogrimot (graduates) studying at university. The weekend creates a space, a pause almost, in the chaotic, consuming life of being a student. It was held this year in the gorgeously autumnal city of York, where we learnt about the Jewish history of the area, walked around its streets and took time to vision for the year to come for LJY. Now, more than ever, it is a time for communities to come together. This weekend was a chance to treasure our community. We sang together long into the evenings, and lived Shabbat as a taste of the messianic age. Through the leaves on each tree, we were inspired to grow; through the roots of each tree, we felt grounded to each other and to our community. LJY-NETZER Machaneh Shamayim (spring camp) and Machaneh Kadimah (summer camp) are back and better than ever! Our camps provide a brilliant environment for young Jews to personally develop, and be welcomed into a very special community with friends they’ll make for life. Sign up now at www.ljy-netzer.org
Contact LJY-Netzer: Email Mia Bogod (m.bogod@liberaljudaism.org ), Mia Harris (m.harris@liberaljudaism.org) and Hannah Gellman (h.gellman@liberaljudaism.org) or visit our website www.ljy-netzer.org
January/February 2024
Page 12 LJ Today
Liberal Judaism congregations The Ark Synagogue (Northwood and Pinner) T: 01923 822 592 E: admin@arksynagogue.org W: arksynagogue.org
East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue T: 0208 989 7619 E: administrator@elels.org.uk W: elels.org.uk
Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue T: 0845 869 7105 E: info@bedsps.org.uk W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk
Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community T: 07376 916 920 E: eljc.contact@gmail.com W: eljc.org.uk
Beit Klal Yisrael (London) E: admin@bky.org.uk W: bky.org.uk
Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community T: 0131 777 8024 E: info@eljc.org W: eljc.org
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue T: 0121 634 3888 E: bps@liberaljudaism.org W: bpsjudaism.com Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue T: 01273 737 223 E: info@bhps-online.org W: bhps-online.org Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0117 403 3456 E: info@bwpjc.org W: bwpjc.org Crawley Jewish Community T: 01293 534 294 Crouch End Chavurah E: naomi@crouchendchavurah.org W: www.crouchendchavurah.org Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation E: djpc@liberaljudaism.org W: djpcireland.com
Ealing Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8997 0528 E: admin@ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk
Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8446 4063 E: fps@liberaljudaism.org W: fps.org Kehillah North London T: 07706 354 602 E: info@kehillah.org.uk W: kehillah.org.uk Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 07384 993 553 E: enquiries@kljc.org.uk W: kljc.org.uk Kingston Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8398 7400 E: kls@liberaljudaism.org W: klsonline.org Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation E: chair@lpjc.org.uk W: lpjc.org.uk The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood) T: 020 7286 5181 E: ljs@ljs.org W: ljs.org
The 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. Please send news to s.rothstein@liberaljudaism.org
The Liberal Synagogue Elstree T: 020 8953 8889 E: office@tlse.org.uk W: tlse.org.uk Lincolnshire Jewish Community W: lincolnsynagogue.com Mosaic Liberal Synagogue (Stanmore) T: 020 8864 0133 E: office@mosaicliberal.org.uk W: mosaicliberal.org.uk Norwich Liberal Jewish Community E: nljc@liberaljudaism.org W: norwichljc.org.uk Nottingham Liberal Synagogue T: 0115 962 4761 E: info@nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com
Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community T: 07561 331 390 E: info@pljc.org.uk W: pljc.org.uk Reading Liberal Jewish Community E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@ gmail.com
W: readingljc.org.uk
The South London Liberal Synagogue (Streatham) T: 020 8769 4787 E: office@southlondon.org W: southlondon.org Stevenage Liberal Synagogue T: 01438 300 222 E: stevenageliberalsynagogue@gmail.com W: stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) T:01473 250 797 E: sljc@liberaljudaism.org W: suffolkljc.co.uk Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire) T: 07900 612 058 E: info@3cljc.org.uk W: 3cljc.org.uk Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (Bournemouth) T: 01202 757 590 E: secretary.wljc@gmail.com W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk York Liberal Jewish Community T: 0300 102 0062 E: info@jewsinyork.org.uk W: jewsinyork.org.uk
Shir Hatzafon (Copenhagen) E: shir@shirhatzafon.dk W: shirhatzafon.dk
Developing South Bucks Jewish Community and affiliated T: 07377 157 261 E: info@sbjc.org.uk W: sbjc.org.uk
Southgate Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8886 0977 E: office@sps.uk.com W: sps.uk.com
Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam) E: info@beithachidush.nl W: beithachidush.nl Oxford Jewish Congregation T: 01865 515 584 E: connections@ojc-online.org W: ojc-online.org
Acting Chair Karen Newman Treasurer Leslie Moss Youth Hannah Stephenson Communities and Social Justice Owen Power Inclusion Alexandra Boyd Strategy Alex Kinchin-Smith Officers Penny Berel, Sue Head and Tommer Spence President Rabbi Alexandra Wright Vice Presidents Simon Benscher, Monique Blake, Nigel Cole, Lord (Stanley) Fink, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, Sharon Goldstein, Jane Greenfield, Lucian Hudson, Dr Edward Kessler MBE, Josie Kinchin, Ann Kirk BEM, Bob Kirk BEM, David Lipman, Frank Maxwell, Baroness (Gillian) Merron, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pick, Rabbi Danny Rich, Tony Sacker, Joan Shopper, Phil Stone and Beverley Taylor Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors Chairs Rabbi Alexandra Wright and Rabbi Anna Wolfson Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Charley Baginsky Chief Operating Officer Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer Director of Development and Membership Alexandra Gellnick Executive Assistant Tanya Garfield Finance Janet Manderson Lifecycle Administrator Lisa Godsal Digital Jess Mindel Honeycomb Project Coordinator Rabbi Eryn London Archivist Alison Turner PR Simon Rothstein Student Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan LJY-Netzer Mia Bogod, Mia Harris and Hannah Gellman