July/August 2017 VOL. XLIV No. 4
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
Faith and politics mix at Day of Celebration
Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin with Rabbis Danny Rich and Dr Andrew Goldstein (left) and a Q&A with Lord Dubs hosted by Rabbi Rebecca Birk
N
O TOPIC was off the table at the Liberal Judaism Day of Celebration 2017, as 250 impassioned Jews of all ages debated everything from the impact of the recent UK general election to fighting antisemitism to how to use faith as a force for good. Delegates from 32 communities around England, as well as Edinburgh and Copenhagen, packed into Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS) for the event, which tackled the question ‘Is Liberal Judaism Political Judaism?’ The first keynote speaker Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin – chaplain to both the Queen and the Speaker of the House of Commons – challenged delegates to live their faith, arguing that helping others and speaking up for the vulnerable was even more important than attendance at synagogue or church. She said: “It is better to live according to religion’s values than to preach religion on street corners. When we live what our faith means... that is when we will change the world.” The second keynote speaker Lord (Alf) Dubs – who came to Britain on the Kindertransport in 1939 and is a renowned campaigner for today’s
refugees – spoke passionately on pressuring our politicians to do more to help those fleeing persecution abroad. He said: “The Liberal Jewish community’s unswerving support of the rights of vulnerable children has been critical and impressive. We must always remember that every child brought to safety is a victory for humanity.” Other speakers at the Day of Celebration included Lord (Danny) Finkelstein, associate editor of The Times; academic David Hirsh; Board of Deputies’ chief executive Gillian Merron; and Emily Holzhausen OBE, director of policy and public affairs at Carers UK. The key sessions in the main hall were also broadcast to homes around the world, via the NPLS live streaming service. Rabbi Danny Rich, senior rabbi of Liberal Judaism, said: “As you would expect, Liberal Judaism set itself a difficult and controversial topic. But its rabbis, lay congregants and staff approached it with depth, breadth, thoughtfulness, inclusiveness and a determination to transform thinking and talking into practical ways of bringing Liberal Jewish values and the Liberal Judaism message to our needful society.”
The day also included a full LJY-Netzer programme of youth events, including song, dance, discussion and games. The results of the LAFTAs – a short film contest for cheders – and Music Composition Competition were announced, with Crouch End Chavurah and Phyllis Alden of Manchester Liberal Jewish Community victorious. As well as the Day of Celebration itself, a whole weekend of events included a Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday night at East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue and Saturday’s Day Celebrating Liberal Jewish Music at NPLS. After the event concluded, many delegates went next door to Northwood Methodist Church to enjoy the play 2067 – Hard New World. The show, written by NPLS members, with a cast made up of members from both the synagogue and the church, did indeed, to quote a line from the play, prove to be a real “interfaith love-in”. Rabbi Rebecca Birk, chair of the Day of Celebration organising committee, said: “The Day of Celebration showed Liberal Judaism once more punching above its weight, as 250 of us recognised the progress and tradition that animates our prayer, learning, music and action.”
Page 2 LJ Today
Communities
July/August 2017
Kingston Liberal at 50 Artists keep the faith
THE CONGREGATION at Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS) held a whole weekend of activity to celebrate the community’s 50th anniversary. Festivities began with a Friday night chavurah supper, followed by a Shabbat morning service with choir (pictured), and a Sunday afternoon event which included a powerful speech from a Holocaust survivor. There was also an exhibition of photos from down the years. Dignitaries in attendance included the local MP, the mayors of Kingston and Elmbridge, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and leaders from all the other local faith communities. Liberal Judaism’s chair Simon Benscher, and senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, attended, as well as members of other communities.
KLS was founded in 1967 by a small group of local people who wanted to establish a Progressive community in Kingston. They met for the first time in April 1967, with an attendance of 120 people. The first Shabbat evening service was held at Tudor Hall, Kingston, and conducted by Rabbi Sidney Brichto – then director and executive vice president of the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues (the former name for Liberal Judaism) – and Rabbi Lionel Blue. KLS chair Steve Farrer said: “The anniversary weekend was a proud reminder and celebration of the joyful and welcoming community that our founders created 50 years ago, and that succeeding generations of dedicated members have continued to develop.”
A tale of two quizzes
CONGRATULATIONS to Liberal Judaism treasurer Rosie Ward and her family (pictured left), who won the 50th anniversary quiz at Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue (BPS). The night was organised by Hilary Corfan, with her husband David doing the scoring.
The BPS quiz raised £370 for the Abraham’s Tent project to turn part of South London Liberal Synagogue into a flat for a refugee family. The community also enjoyed success, with a BPS team winning the Stevenage Liberal Synagogue quiz (pictured right).
MORE than 500 people of all faiths, and none, attended an open house interfaith art exhibition, which ran at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue (BHPS) throughout May. BHPS has a long-standing commitment to interfaith work in the local area and, as part of the Brighton Festival this year, hosted the exhibition, welcoming visitors over the four Sundays during the month. Titled ‘Reflections of the Divine: artwork inspired by sacred art traditions’, it included an array of multimedia works – inspired by Jewish, Islamic, Daoist and Christian traditions. The works by Andrew Franks, Jess Wood, Tracy Wideman and Sandra Hill (pictured above) represented contemporary expressions of the sacred using traditional methods and materials brought to life through four artists’ unique perspectives of the divine. Jess, who also acted as curator, said: “We artists have been so blessed to have worked in partnership with the amazing BHPS to put on this unique exhibition. “Lots of visitors commented on how special it was to see such beautiful sacred artwork inside a synagogue.” One of the purposes of the exhibition was to show how the use of traditional Elijah and the Raven techniques by Jess Wood enables the artist to explore theological ideas through their work, and especially in the earthly and animal materials used to make them. Jess added: “It was inspiring to see artists, working with different sacred traditions, coming together to create beauty, peace and harmony in a Jewish space open to all.”
Communities
July/August 2017
LJ Today Page 3
Czech mates help us remember Manchester founder is city’s new lord mayor
Dignitaries from Kolín, including the mayor (with certificate), at NPLS Pictures by Victor Shack
THE MAYOR of Kolín, Vit Rakušan, was the guest of honour at a Memorial Shabbat at Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS) to remember the Jews murdered in the Holocaust from the towns where the congregation’s Czech and Slovak Torah scrolls originated. An annual event, this year’s service focussed on Kolín, in the Czech Republic. The mayor and his partner were joined at the service by Aleš Opatrný, from the Czech Embassy, and local politicians from the Hillingdon area. Miles Laddie, from the Memorial Scrolls Trust, presented the mayor with a certificate of appreciation recognising the dedicated work he, and others in Kolín, have done over decades to preserve, research and promote the heritage of the town’s lost Jewish community.
Susie shines at FPS BODIES, psyches and Judaism were all on the agenda in A Conversation with Susie Orbach at Finchley Progressive Synagogue. More than 80 people gathered for the event, where the writer and psychotherapist spoke of her concerns about social media and the pernicious era of ‘selfies’ and ‘likes’ that inform young girls about their appearances. Susie also talked about the almost mystical power of the relationship between therapist and patient, ageing, and her own childhood memories. Susie became friends with Finchley’s Rabbi Rebecca Birk after Rebecca gave a Jewish blessing at her marriage to Jeanette Winterson two years ago.
Michael Heppner was also honoured for his dedicated work for almost 40 years in inspiring NPLS, and many other congregations, to honour their Memorial Scroll through active involvement in the town from which it came. The service included special songs written by young members Sam Finkelstein and Lydia Boffey, following their Kabbalat Torah class visit to Kolín, and a song from Judi Herman’s musical Stones of Kolín. The NPLS Choir also sang the Czech national anthem. Liberal Judaism president, and rabbi emeritus of NPLS, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, said: “The Czech and Slovak Torah scrolls have inspired our congregation, and the towns whence they came, to keep alive the memory of the Jews murdered in the Shoah.”
Say cheese
A SHAVUOT cheesecake competition at York Liberal Jewish Community featured on BBC Radio York when the station’s Jonathan Cowap judged the event (pictured above). Around 40 members attended the evening, which was held at the home of York chair Ben Rich and his wife Rachael, and included a service led by Student Rabbi Deborah Blausten. The competition winners were Yara Nuuman and Catriona Munster.
A FOUNDING member of Manchester Liberal Jewish Community (MLJC) has been inaugurated as the Lord Mayor of Manchester. Eddy Newman, who is still very active within the community, Naomi and Eddy Newman has devoted almost all of his working life to public service. He has served as both an elected councillor in Manchester and an MEP. Eddy’s oldest daughter, Naomi, is a member of MLJC too and will take the role of mayoress until November. Then Eddy’s wife, Sheila, who is also a senior councillor, will take over the position for the second half of Eddy’s mayoral year. Eddy said: “I am proud to be able to represent Manchester, a welcoming, inclusive city that celebrates all of its diverse communities.”
Yuval’s charity walk RABBI YUVAL KEREN, of Southgate Progressive Synagogue (SPS), walked 103km and raised more than £2,000 in memory of congregant Simon Cooper. Yuval began his trek at Bletchley and finished at Paddington Basin. He spent 24 hours walking, over two days. He said: “Of the entire 103km, I only walked 20km on my own. For the rest, I had company including, for the last stretch, 13 members of SPS and a dog. “The walk was physically and mentally tough. What kept me going throughout was the friendship of those who joined me, and the memory of Simon Cooper’s absolute determination at achieving his goals, often against all odds.”
Page 4 LJ Today
WUPJ
July/August 2017
United in our Progressive Judaism Three senior Liberal Jewish rabbis report from the WUPJ Conference in Jerusalem By Rabbi Richard Jacobi Co-Chair of Rabbinic Conference QUESTION: What do SodaStream, the Arava Power Company, the daughter of Shimon Peres and the Western Wall all have in common? Answer: All of them featured in the most exciting and interesting World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) Connections Conference for a long time. Throughout the event, it became very clear that Progressive Jews are among those leading many good things in Israel. SodaStream challenges the conventional soft drinks industry. Instead of buying prepared drinks in the sorts of plastic bottles that are polluting the world, people prepare them at home in reusable bottles. And how have SodaStream been so successful? By adding what we might call chutzpah. It’s the attitude that matters, chief executive Daniel Birnbaum told us. This spans being able to survive failure with grace through to being impatient to turn ideas into realities. I came away wondering what might happen in our synagogue communities if we could do this.
By Rabbi Charley Baginsky Director of Strategy and Partnerships “PROGRESSIVENESS is one of the clear characteristics of the next generation... change is possible.” So spoke the youngest Minster of Israel’s Knesset, Stav Shafir (pictured), at an inspiring WUPJ Conference. This year it was held in Jerusalem, a city described by WUPJ president Rabbi Danny Freelander as “the epicentre of the Jewish world both symbolically and spiritually.” I am not sure that previously I would have been able to agree. After all, the news about Progressive/Reform Judaism from Israel is not always good. Progressive weddings are still not legally recognised, our communities receive little or no state funding and we cannot bury our own dead. Our request for an egalitarian prayer space at the Kotel has turned into an almighty fight.
Elsewhere, we celebrated the importance of equality between men and women. In Jerusalem, we joined 11 South American women, aged between 40 and 60, in celebrating their batmitzvah at the southern wall of the Temple Mount and it was a wonderful experience. Not only that, but we then succeeded in taking five Torah scrolls onto the main Western Wall plaza, defying the ultra-Orthodox rabbinic controller of the complex, especially when having one read by a woman rabbi. Lastly, in the space I have available, I must mention Tzvia Walden, who is a professor of linguistics in her own right, but who shot to wider international fame last September. Then, she not only gave a eulogy for her father, Shimon Peres, at his state funeral, but she also led the recitation of the Kaddish, something virtually unknown in Orthodox Judaism, AND added the concluding phrase that appears in our Liberal siddur. Respecting her father’s and her own pluralism, she felt she could do nothing else. Tzvia shows what we all can do – let’s follow her example and show some of the same chutzpah in promoting Liberal Judaism at home and abroad!
And yet, coming away from the WUPJ Conference, I find myself agreeing with Rabbi Danny Freelander, not only as a Jew but as a Liberal one. The Progressive community in Israel is growing in numbers and influence. They are shifting the paradigm of Israel and Diaspora relations, recognising how much we can learn from each other and developing programmes that have the support of the Ministry for Diaspora. Congregations have spread across the country, and are no longer simply associated with the expat community. The Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem has substantially increased the number of students it is ordaining, under the leadership of Rabbi Ofek Meir. And, as Richard and Harry report on this page, we made history as Progressive Jews throughout the WUPJ Conference. Stav Shafir reminded us that, while the fight to have Progressive Judaism recognised in Israel continues, it is more than possible to see that we are not only providing an alternative for those Jews who are looking for a different expression of Judaism, but we are also helping the State be the best it can possibly be.
By Rabbi Harry Jacobi Liberal Judaism Vice President THE World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) was founded by Lily Montagu in 1926. Its sixth International Conference, and my first, was held in London in July 1949, with the title The Mission Of Judaism: Its Present Day Application. I came as a youth delegate from Holland, accompanied by Otto Frank, two of the 100 delegates from 13 countries who attended. Shabbat Eve services were held at five congregations and, after that, private hospitality was offered. I had the fortune to be invited by ‘Miss Lily’ to her home, which also served as the administrative office of WUPJ. Continental Liberal congregations are more traditional, so I was surprised that at the Shabbat service at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue no one, except the officiants, wore kippah or tallit. There was only one aliyah (call-up), no procession of the Torah, very little Hebrew and Havdalah was unknown. The president, Rabbi Dr Leo Baeck, challenged and inspired us and ended both his speeches with the words: “God waits for us!” Contrast 2017. This time more than 450 delegates from 32 countries participated. Erev Shabbat was celebrated in an open tent at the former railway station in Jerusalem. One thousand people joined in joyful Hebrew songs and dances. Shabbat morning at Beit Shmuel, overlooking the old city, was also most joyful and enthusiastic (pictured). Five musicians led the service. Whilst at previous conferences passages were read by delegates in their own language, this time the whole service was all in Hebrew with seven aliyot. The Torah was processed, accompanied by singing and dancing. The popular new WUPJ president, Rabbi Danny Freelander, gave a challenging sermon. The greatest contrast between 1949 and now is one of mood. Soon after the trauma of the Shoah the mood was sober, anxious and contemplative. Now I was delighted to see a proud, confident and optimistic worldwide movement.
WUPJ
July/August 2017
LJ Today Page 5
My first trip to Israel Key dates to get me to put on tefillin - for the first and last time - and failing? We carried on having an excellent lunch in one of the small restaurants in a hole in one of the walls, before Lois and I eventually persuaded Danny that we would like to head back to our hotel to prepare for that evening’s opening ceremony of the WUPJ Conference. I have little to add to the excellent and insightful reports from our rabbis THE PLANE doors open and… you are on the previous page, except that seeing denied the opportunity to do a Papal Progressive Jews parade and read from style of arrival, by kissing the ground at the Torah at the Kotel was a highlight for the bottom of the stairs, thanks to the everyone involved. HSBC bridge thingy that has come out During the conference, I finally decided to greet your plane. Before you know it to address my previous worries. I spoke you’re straight inside the terminal and to Rabbi Charley Baginsky and expressed then, after an hour-long wait for your some disappointment with myself in that transport, sharing a ride and getting a we had been in Israel for a number of guided tour of Israel on-route from a days, but I wasn’t getting the emotion of Chasidic couple and their newborn. being there. I admitted to her that lots of Despite being a it, to an extent, left Liberal Jew for all me cold. six decades of my Charley told me life, actively involved to look around and in the movement tell her what I saw. and now proud to What I could see be its chair, this were hundreds of was not only my people, most of first World Union them obviously for Progressive Jewish. The guy Judaism (WUPJ) sweeping up Conference, but litter, the police, also my first trip to the couples, Israel. It was also the youngsters the first visit for my playing… all Jewish. wife Lois. That was my So we were lucky epiphany moment. that, soon after I had spent six arrival, we were decades as a joined by Liberal minority, and all of Judaism’s senior a sudden I was the rabbi, Rabbi Danny majority. What a The senior rabbis of Liberal and Reform Rich, who was difference! Judaism, Rabbis Danny Rich and Laura raring to go and With such a Janner-Klausner, parade scrolls at the Kotel give us our first large delegation at tour of the Old City. the conference – Danny’s knowledge and enthusiasm had including our president Rabbi Dr Andrew us trailing around Montefiore’s windmill Goldstein, officers, rabbis, student rabbis and the Artists’ Quarter, and then onto and youth leaders – Liberal Judaism was the WUPJ offices and Hebrew Union certainly there in numbers. And it was College – the design of which cannot fail wonderful seeing more than 450 people to impress. Next it was off to the shops, from 32 countries all coming together to with me vowing to raise my fitness levels learn, eat, celebrate, eat, study and eat before our next visit. with a single cause. But this was just a taster of what was to As I said to one of the Israeli rabbis on follow the next day. We toured three of the my departure: “Thank you for sharing four quarters and visited the Church of your country with me”. His reply was: the Holy Sepulchre. But then a worrying “No, thank you for sharing your country thought crossed my mind – I was suitably with us.” unimpressed by any of it. Am I such a heathen that I wasn’t even impressed by Simon Benscher is chair of Liberal the Kotel and the observant Jews trying Judaism
Simon Benscher on a conference and holiday that showed him a brand new side of the Holy Land
• AFTER the success of the Day of Celebration (see front page), attention now turns to the Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend 2018. Our movement’s flagship event will again be held in Birmingham, running from Friday June 29 to Sunday July 1, 2018. Please save the date and pick up the next issue of lj today for more details on what’s in store. • THE Liberal Judaism Memorial Services 2017 will take place at: Western Cemetery (Cheshunt) Sunday September 17 at midday Led by Rabbi David Hulbert The Liberal Jewish Cemetery Sunday September 17 at midday Led by Rabbi Alex Wright Edgwarebury Cemetery Sunday September 17 at 1pm Led by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein Golders Green Crematorium Sunday September 17 at 3pm Led by Rabbi Lee Wax • THE NEXT meeting of the NLPS Trust for Progressive Judaism will be held on Tuesday October 3. Should your community wish to apply for funding, please email the Trust’s administrator, Sandra Greenberg, on admin@nlpstrust.org. uk to request a grant application form. Application forms must be returned by Friday September 1 to be considered. More details can be found at www.nlpstrust.org.uk
A marathon achievement LINDSEY BLOCK, of Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS), completed the London Marathon, raising more than £4,000 for the Karen Morris Memorial Trust. Karen Morris was the sister of Lindsey’s best friend, Debbie. She died in September 1998, after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia. The Karen Morris Memorial Trust has raised almost £2million towards setting up homes at leukaemia hospitals, so that families can be together in dark times.
July/August 2017
Page 6 LJ Today
Liberal Judaism Day of Ce
A Weekend of Celebration started on Friday night, as East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue hosted a special Kabbalat Shabbat
The event opened with new songs and tunes learned at the Day Celebrating Liberal Jewish Music, which was held on the Saturday
Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein questioned Lord (Danny) Finkelstein on whether recent political events were good or bad for Liberal Jews
BICOM chief executive James Sorene and Rabbi Charley Baginsky led a thought-provoking session on ‘chaos in the Middle East’
LJY-Netzer leaders taught our young Liberal Jews song and dance throughout the day... coming to a synagogue near you soon!
Proving that you’re never too old to get down and have fun, LJYNetzer leaders also ran a class of song and dance for adults
A series of Citizens UK 1-2-1s ran throughout the day, encouraging delegates who had never met before to get to know each other
The cheder at Crouch End Chavurah were named as the 2017 Liberal Academy for Film and Torah Awards (LAFTA) winners
LJ Today Page 7
July/August 2017
elebration 2017 in pictures
Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin delivered the first keynote speech of Sunday’s Day of Celebration, hosted by Rabbi Danny Rich
Some of our youngest Liberal Jews enjoyed ‘getting to know you’ games as part of LJY-Netzer’s full parallel youth programme
Groups of engaged and committed teenage Liberal Jews attended sessions on the main programme throughout the Day of Celebration
Lunch time gave a chance to browse the Jewish book stall - which had everything from children’s stories to Talmud to LJ prayer books
Gillian Merron and academic David Hirsh delivered a hard-hitting session on antisemitism and the issues faced by Jews in the UK
Rabbi Rebecca Birk presented Lord (Alf) Dubs with Liberal Judaism books after his keynote speech on ‘the power of empathy’
The Weekend of Celebration carried on into the evening as many delegates headed next door to watch 2067 - Hard New World
Day of Celebration pictures by Yakir Zur, Victor Shack and Simon Rothstein
Page 8 LJ Today
Books
July/August 2017
A fresh perspective on the Prophets The Prophets of Israel: A Sideways View by Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh Hadassa Word Press (ISBN: 9783639795196) REVIEWED by Rabbi Pete Tobias IF Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh and I had lived in Biblical times, I think it is fair to say that we would both have yearned to be Prophets. In fact, we would probably both have been Jeremiah, which might have created a problem for whatever Time Lords were managing our respective destinies, but that is a different issue. My personal belief is that the main issue for the people who either described themselves as Prophets, or who were regarded as such by those to whom they passed their divinely inspired message, was justice: its absence from Biblical society and their perceived duty to remind their kinsfolk of God’s demand for it and call them to account. What caused them to do this and how they achieved it (or not) is often difficult for us to grasp.
The author’s description of the fate of Hosea and his wife Gomer might be applied to all these Biblical figures: “It is as if their lives were mere vehicles for a message, and once that has been communicated and understood they disappear, like vapour, into the mists of history.” That vapour underpins our Liberal Judaism, but it is often too difficult for us to grasp. As Charles points out in his introduction, the Biblical Prophets use language that “their audiences would probably have appreciated but which can grate on or even embarrass us.” The intent of this book is, I believe, to cut through the impenetrability of some of that language, as well as to place the Prophets’ words in their historical, geographical, political and social context, thereby offering the reader a fresh and accessible perspective on these often mysterious and enigmatic characters. For my part, this approach gave me several insights and previously unknown details that had me reaching for my Hebrew Bible, often in disbelief. Did Elisha really make bears come out of the woods to attack children who mocked
him? Indeed he did – 2 Kings 2:2324. And, probably due to Yom Kippur afternoon torpor, I had never noticed that the cattle also put on sackcloth in Nineveh in response to Jonah’s words. I do have some questions. At times I found myself wondering whether an aerial perspective – a map of the region – might have been of use. Or a historical one perhaps, a timeline of the various Prophets placed alongside the rulers of Israel and Judah in whose reigns they practised their prophetic art. And there did seem to be a number of places where more questions were posed than answers provided – especially the passing references to the significance Christianity places on various verses. Are they interpreted differently or wrongly? But the book is deliberately brief, intending to whet the appetite and encourage the reader to take a look at the Prophets of Israel from as many perspectives as possible. As such, Charles’s sideways view provides an excellent opportunity to glimpse them anew, and engage in further study of their genius from whatever angle one might prefer.
New book celebrates 50 years of a special club DURING 2017, the Out and About Club, based at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) in St John’s Wood, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The club was set up with the twin aims of providing activities and support for disabled people and an opportunity for young people, mainly from societies based at the LJS, to work collectively in a socially useful endeavour. Over the course of its half century, the club has consistently fulfilled both aims… and so much more. It has touched and enhanced the lives of so many, as well as leading to long-lasting friendships. As part of the golden jubilee celebrations, a book has been produced to tell the club’s inspirational history. Fifty Years Out and About, which has been written and edited by Pam Fox, contains a detailed history of the club and ‘pen portraits’ of each of its current members. Based on close to 100 interviews with members, current and former voluntary helpers, and others connected to the club, as well as rich archival material, the
book contains many poignant memories and both moving and amusing anecdotes. It identifies the reasons why the club has endured for so long: the mutuality of the relationship between members and helpers; the availability of transport; the generosity of the LJS congregation and other benefactors; the leadership provided by the chair, Jenny Nathan, and the time and energy she has devoted to the club over four decades; the skill, expertise and knowledge of the helper team, built up cumulatively since the club’s inception; and the continuing format of meetings and outings, which lend a reassuring sense of tradition. Research and interviews uncovered many interesting but long-forgotten details of the club’s development and surprising facts about its members. As Jenny Nathan comments: “Who would have thought that we had in our midst a darts champion, or a doctor who treated the grandchild of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie?”
What shines through from the second part of the book is the enormous contribution that members make to the club with their willingness to share their skills and life experiences, their determination to turn up to meetings on the coldest of nights and in spite of their disabilities, and their sheer zest for life. As one comments: “We might sometimes miss some of the other clubs we go to, but we don’t like to miss this one! I give it 10 out of 10.” Copies of the book are available by emailing LJS@LJS.org.uk or calling 020 7432 1281. Due to generous funding, the book is not being sold but donations to the Out and About Club are welcome.
News
July/August 2017
LJ Today Page 9
Liberals form backbone of new Leo Baeck intake
Gabriel Webber, Lev Taylor, William Carver and Anthony Lazarus Magrill will start their rabbinic training at Leo Baeck College in September
FOUR Liberal Jews are among the latest intake of eight student rabbis at Leo Baeck College (LBC). The quartet will start on LBC’s fiveyear Rabbinic Programme in September. The depth and intensity of the course is a reflection of the centrality of the College in the life of the Progressive Jewish community in Britain and Europe. Almost every serving Liberal and Reform rabbi in the UK, and many abroad, are graduates of the College. Gabriel Webber grew up at Kingston Liberal Synagogue, and then taught there for three years until he went to read politics and international relations at Sussex University. While on the south coast he became cheder head teacher at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue, before returning to London to spend a year as an LJY-Netzer movement worker. Gabriel is also a keen Limmudnik, where he regularly presents sessions, and has recently worked for both Mitzvah Day and Finchley Progressive Synagogue.
Lev Taylor grew up in Reading, as a member of the town’s Liberal Judaism community, and has since been part of synagogues in Oxford, Barcelona, Istanbul and London. He previously worked in the charity and education sectors. William Carver is a member of both The Liberal Jewish Synagogue and Bournemouth Reform Synagogue. He comes to LBC after a successful business career, which saw him work in the City, industry and, most recently, running his own business. William studied PPE at Oxford University, followed by an MBA at London Business School. Anthony Lazarus Magrill was born in London and attended The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, continuing a family tradition of English Progressive Judaism that reaches back close to 200 years. Anthony will join Leo Baeck College after completing his MPhil in English literature from the University of Cambridge, where he attended services at the city’s Traditional and Reform communities.
The four Liberal Jews will be joined by campaigning French journalist AnnGaelle Attias, French actor and theatre director Matthias Elasri and the current head of youth at New London (Masorti) Synagogue David-Yehuda Stern. The eighth new student is already a familiar face at the College. Dr Annette M Boeckler grew up in the Rhineland, Germany. Annette has led services and taught in Progressive congregations in Berlin, London, Basel, Madrid, Montpellier and Lisbon, and was the librarian and senior lecturer in Bible and liturgy at LBC from 2007-2017. Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh, the Leo Baeck College dean, said: “In our 60th anniversary year, we are delighted to welcome a strong incoming group with diverse backgrounds and interests. We look forward to their development across the five years of our rabbinic programme and hope, through the interaction between the British and French students, to do our bit for the entente cordiale.”
A glorious decade of Shabbat Resouled
MORE THAN 200 people celebrated 10 years of Shabbat Resouled at Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS), with music, song and a chavurah supper. Shabbat Resouled was set up by Rabbi Neil Janes and Dean Staker a decade ago, becoming the UK’s first dedicated Jewish ‘prayer band’.
Over the last 10 years, the Shabbat Resouled band have played at Limmud Conference, the Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend and communities in England, Scotland and Switzerland. Dean and Beverley Aarons are the only founding members still in the band, although Michelle Facey comes a close second with nine years as a member. Most of the other members have been in Shabbat Resouled for at least five years. Three of the original line-up – Leah Katz, Jo Israel and Student Rabbi Hannah Kingston – returned for the celebratory service. Dean said: “Shabbat Resouled has reached this landmark through the extraordinary dedication of all the band members, past and present, and support of the FPS community.”
Shabbat Resouled services are held at Finchley Progressive Synagogue on the third Friday of every month at 6.30pm. All are welcome to attend. An album, called Shabbat Resouled, is available for download and streaming.
Pictures by Ariel Friedlander
Page 10 LJ Today
Communities
July/August 2017
Pesach 5777 in pictures
Manchester
LJY-Netzer
Elstree
Finchley
Durham
Bedfordshire
Gloucestershire
South Bucks
Northwood & Pinner
Crouch End
Birmingham
Stevenage
York
East London & Essex
Norwich
Youth
July/August 2017
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
We must never be bystanders Hannah Stephenson writes on the March of the Living THIS YEAR, I took part in the March of the Living – the project which brings together people from all over the world to march from Auschwitz to Birkenau – for a second time. I was accompanied by Liberal Judaism’s Israeli Shinshinit Hila Levisohn, who was also making her second visit to Poland. I found that the trip was more difficult for me this time, as I was able to take in all the small details that I could not swallow last time because I was too overwhelmed. After returning, a few things have definitely stuck with us both.
TWELVE LJY-Netzer members have been honoured for their volunteering work, receiving a v100 certificate for recording 100 hours helping others.
Firstly was the feeling from the March of the Living itself where we heard from many speakers including Edward Mosberg, a Holocaust survivor. His message was clear, he will never forget or forgive the actions that took place during the Holocaust. The power of his message was emphasised by his visible anger at the Nazis who took his family, community and everything he knew. Secondly we found that, with guidance from our educator Miriyam, it pushed us to think about our own Jewish Identity and what the core values of that were for each of us. This was a difficult discussion and self-reflection, as we felt that we were already being challenged by our surroundings. To then have to question what being Jewish is to us, added another layer to an already perplexing problem. Lastly we both came back knowing that we want to continue Holocaust education within LJY-Netzer. We must never forget and never be bystanders. As a youth movement, we must make sure we are creating leaders who will act when necessary. It is our movement that makes us strong.
The award is from vInspired – the UK’s leading volunteering charity for 14-25 year olds, which helps young people to make their mark on causes that they care about. The 12 LJYNetzer members and leaders honoured are Adam Rickayzen, Ben Rose, Daisy Bogod, Eric Stock, Hannah Stephenson, Jacob
Countdown to Kadimah OUR fantastic youth summer camp, Machaneh Kadimah, is around the corner and places are going fast. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Kadimah brings together hundreds of young people, aged between 8 and 15, from all over the country to enjoy the Liberal Jewish experience of their lives. This year’s camp will run from August 14-27, in the beautiful grounds of a Wiltshire school with full use of its sports facilities, swimming pool, rolling fields and fully-equipped art room. Kadimah prides itself on offering an inclusive environment where all participants can flourish, make friends and have fun. We run sessions ranging from swimming to singing, drama to den-building, discussions about Israel to debates about Jewish identity and dodgeball to discos. So don’t miss out and join us for two weeks of magical, creative, fun and engaging activities. Machaneh Kadimah truly is the place to be this summer. To find out more please email Becca on r.fetterman@liberaljudaism.org
Talbot, James Colman, Jessica Geneen, Lily Whear (pictured teaching sign language on camp), Ossie Goldhill, Saffyre Coutts and Sam Alston. Hannah said: “When I found out I could apply for the v100 award for the volunteering I did, before becoming a movement worker, I was thrilled. It gives all us an acknowledgement of the hard work we have put into LJY-Netzer. “I encourage everyone who has volunteered for LJY-Netzer to apply. There are also awards for anything from 10 hours of volunteering upwards.” For more information, please visit www. vinspired.com
Contact LJY-Netzer: Sam Alston (sam@liberaljudaism.org), Anna Craven (annac@liberaljudaism.org) and Hannah Stephenson (hannah@liberaljudaism.org); Director of Youth - Rebecca Fetterman (r.fetterman@liberaljudaism.org)
July/August 2017
Page 12 LJ Today
Liberal congregations Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue T: 0845 869 7105 E: bedsps@liberaljudaism.org W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk
Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community T: 01323 725 650 E: eljc@liberaljudaism.org W: eljc.org.uk
Beit Klal Yisrael (Notting Hill) E: bkymailing@gmail.com 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 E: bwpjc@bwpjc.org W: bwpjc.org Crawley Jewish Community T: 01293 534 294
Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community T: 01242 609 311 E: shalom@gljc.org.uk W: gljc.org.uk Herefordshire Jewish Community T: 01594 530 721 E: hjc@liberaljudaism.org W: herefordshirejc.org
Lincolnshire Jewish Community T: 01427 628 958 E: ljc@liberaljudaism.org W: lincolnshirejc.co.uk Manchester Liberal Jewish Community T: 0161 796 6210 E: mljc@liberaljudaism.org W: mljc.org.uk Mosaic Liberal (Harrow) T: 020 8864 5323 E: office@mosaicliberal.org.uk W: mosaicliberal.org.uk Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue T: 01923 822 592 E: npls@liberaljudaism.org W: npls.org.uk Norwich Liberal Jewish Community E: nljc@liberaljudaism.org W: norwichljc.org.uk
Crouch End Chavurah E: info@crouchendchavurah.co.uk W: crouchendchavurah.co.uk
Kehillah North London T: 020 7403 3779 E: knl@liberaljudaism.org W: nlpjc.org.uk
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue T: 0115 962 4761 E: nls@liberaljudaism.org
Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation E: djpc@liberaljudaism.org W: djpcireland.com
Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 07952 242 432 E: enquiries@kljc.org.uk W: www.kljc.org.uk
Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community T: 07561 331 390 E: info@pljc.org.uk W: pljc.org.uk
Ealing Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8997 0528 E: els@liberaljudaism.org W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk
Kingston Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8398 7400 E: kls@liberaljudaism.org W: klsonline.org
East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8554 9682 (Bet Tikvah) T: 020 8989 7619 (Woodford) E: eastlondonandessexliberal@ gmail.com
W: eastlondonandessexliberal synagogue.org
Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8446 4063 E: fps@liberaljudaism.org W: fps.org
The Liberal Synagogue Elstree T: 020 8953 8889 E: tlse@liberaljudaism.org W: tlse.org.uk
Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0116 271 5584 E: lpjc@liberaljudaism.org W: lpjc.org.uk The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood) T: 020 7286 5181 E: ljs@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 Send your news to ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org Printed by Precision Printing. www.precisionprinting.co.uk
W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com
Reading Liberal Jewish Community T: 0118 942 8022 E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@ gmail.com W: www.readingljc.org.uk
Shir Hatzafon (Copenhagen) T: +45 2370 9757 E: shir@shirhatzafon.dk W: shirhatzafon.dk South Bucks Jewish Community T: 0845 644 2370 E: sbjc@liberaljudaism.org W: sbjc.org.uk
Southgate Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8886 0977 E: sps@liberaljudaism.org W: sps.uk.com South London Liberal Synagogue (Streatham) T: 020 8769 4787 E: slls@liberaljudaism.org W: southlondon.org Stevenage Liberal Synagogue T: 01438 300 222 E: stevenageliberalsynagogue@gmail.com W: stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) T:01473 250 797 E: sjc@liberaljudaism.org Tikvah Chadasha Synagogue (Shenfield) T: 01277 888 610 E: tikvahchadasha@gmail.com W: roshtikvah.com Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (Bournemouth) T: 01202 757 590 E: info@wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk West Central Liberal Synagogue T: 020 7636 7627 E: wcls@liberaljudaism.org W: wcls.org.uk York Liberal Jewish Community T: 07469 159 134 E: info@jewsinyork.org.uk W: jewsinyork.org.uk Developing and affiliated Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam) T: +31 23 524 7204 E: bhc.informatie@gmail.com W: beithachidush.nl Lancashire & Cumbria Liberal Jewish Community W: www.northwestjews.org Oxford Jewish Congregation T: 01865 515 584 E: progressive@ojc-online.org W: ojc-online.org
President Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein Chairman Simon Benscher Deputy Chair Lucian J Hudson Vice Chair Jackie Richards Treasurer Rosie Ward Secretary Dr Howard Cohen Israel and the Diaspora Tamara Schmidt Communications Ed Herman Social Justice Amelia Viney Youth and Education Robin Moss Music and IT Graham Carpenter National Officers David Hockman and Ruth Seager Vice Presidents Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Nigel Cole, Geoffrey Davis, Lord Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Sharon Goldstein, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Willie Kessler, David Lipman, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pelham, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Joan Shopper, Beverley Taylor and Ken Teacher Co-Chairs of Rabbinic Conference Rabbis Richard Jacobi and Alexandra Wright Senior Rabbi and C hief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Strategy Rabbi Charley Baginsky Student & Young Adult Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan Education Rabbi Sandra Kviat Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer Director of Administration Alexandra Simonon Archivist Alison Turner Communications Aaron Abraham Website and eBulletin Yszi Hawkings Reception Thomas Rich Director of Youth Becca Fetterman LJY-Netzer Sam Alston, Anna Craven and Hannah Stephenson