LJ Today Jul/Aug 2023

Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism

www.liberaljudaism.org

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Progressive Judaism is coming together

THE co-creation of one Progressive Jewish movement has taken a series of big steps forward. Throughout this edition of lj today, you will read about joint Liberal and Reform Judaism celebrations, services, conferences and events.

At the LJ Biennial Weekend 2023, hundreds of Liberal Jews came together to reflect on what matters most to them and used that to look ahead to a unified future with Reform Judaism.

Guest speakers included Reform Judaism CEO Rabbi Josh Levy, who delivered a session with Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky to outline their vision for Progressive Judaism and the process ahead as it becomes a reality.

He said: “This is a time that is calling out for Progressive religion. We live in a liberal and tolerant country and together we have a unique religious offering which speaks to that.

“There is a calling for us to create something different and be something different. This is our moment and we are best placed to do this if we do it together.”

Liberal Judaism Chair Ruth Seager ran a session with Reform Judaism Chair Paul Langsford where delegates could share their excitement, thoughts and feelings about this shared future.

She said: “The Biennial was warm, engaging and meaningful. People told me they were excited that a single Progressive Judaism will have a strong voice and clear brand. There is much that I will take away from the Biennial as we continue to develop our new movement.”

Another key part of the process was the first joint meeting of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors with the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors. More than 30 Progressive clergy gathered in London, with a similar number joining via Zoom from all parts of the country.

Assembly Co-Chair Rabbi Kathleen Middleton said: “There was a tremendous sense of excitement in the room as the rabbinic bodies came together to discuss the future of our new, joined movement.”

Conference co-chair Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel added: “Our new Progressive Judaism has so much to offer the world.”

The last two months have also seen Liberal and Reform Officers attend each others’ Board meetings and a ‘get to know you’ joint staff lunch.

Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy have spoken with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Shadow Health Minister Wes Streeting at the Jewish Care Annual Dinner, met with CST to discuss the concerns of our communities and were invited to Lambeth Palace by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

The invitation from the Archbishop was an acknowledgement of the changing demographic of the Jewish community and the role Progressive Judaism – which will represent around 35% of UK Jews –will play in British religious life.

The meeting, which lasted an hour, included the start of an important dialogue on how the Archbishop and Church of England can support the diversity of the British Jewish community. There were also discussions around how Progressive Jews engage with scripture, our core beliefs and response to modernity, and the situation in Israel.

Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky with Archbishop Justin Welby, and a meeting of Liberal and Reform Judaism clergy (photo by Yakir Zur)

Biennial Weekend 2023 in pictures

Rebecca Soffer – CEO of www.modernloss.com – explored practical, meaningful and often humorous ways to address grief in her keynote conversation with Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky

Rabbis, lay leaders and musicians from Progressive communities all around the UK, and abroad, joined together for Shabbat services showcasing the very best of our Judaism in prayer and song

Rabbi Larry Hoffman and Dr Joel Hoffman delivered talks throughout the weekend, offering in-depth and highly entertaining insights into everything from the development of the Hebrew language to the future of prayer to all the bits that were cut out of the Bible

Speakers at the Biennial included Co-Chairs of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors, Rabbis Rebecca Birk and René Pfertzel

The Biennial featured an Emerging Leadership track - to develop, inspire and support a new generation of Progressive Judaism leaders

Pictures by Richard Bloom / www.tigerpink.co.uk

LJY-Netzer ran a full parallel Biennial Weekend programme of activities, talks, crafts and games for young Progressive Jews

“I felt right at home amongst you”

Paul Langsford on attending the Biennial Weekend as Chair of Reform Judaism

I LOVE going to movement and synagogue conferences, weekends, chagigahs, call them what you will.

My first was back in the 1980s. I’m a veteran of Harrogate, back when the Movement for Reform Judaism was called RSGB (Reform Synagogues of Great Britain) and we flocked to the Majestic Hotel - where you would find Rabbi Hugo Gryn (of blessed memory) sitting in the sun on a Shabbat afternoon in Harrogate’s Valley Garden.

Why I love conferences has little to do with the programmes – although they give us the necessary purpose, structure and learning.

For me, it’s all about those shared conversations and new friendships. It’s discovering what Progressive Judaism looks and feels like in say Oxford, Kent or Edinburgh. It’s understanding that community comes in different forms, modelled and inspired by individuals who have found a common commitment to Progressive Jewish values.

As a first timer to a Liberal Biennial, I was asked on several occasions what struck me. Here’s what I said:

• I felt warmly welcomed and included.

• The atmosphere was very friendly.

• Everyone was straightforward, unpretentious and seemed comfortable in their own skins.

• I was with like-minded people with whom I had shared values and ideals.

Essentially, I felt at home; that I belonged in this setting and at this wonderful gathering.

In truth, it’s what I thought and expected. Otherwise, I’d got things horribly wrong!

In fact, it was even more than I hoped for. The conversations and experience taught me that Liberal and Reform Jews have so much in common and are so similar. Yes, we have variations in practice and minhag, but no more than we have within our own synagogues and movements. We all fall under the same inclusive ambit of Progressive Judaism and have so much that is mutual, to share and to celebrate.

And that’s exactly what exuded from every pore of those gathered in sunny Daventry. An undiluted enthusiasm and positivity at the prospect of creating one unified Progressive Movement.

It would be wrong to suggest there weren’t questions and a chewing over of the answers Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Rabbi Josh Levy, Ruth Seager and I gave in our sessions and in the informal

mealtime and breaktime chats. Not a doubt seemed present, more a desire to be sure we get it right this time.

There’s no going back, we must make it work. This opportunity is too great.

We can give British Jews – affiliated, unaffiliated or lapsed – a modern alternative to mainstream Orthodoxy and a presence, heft and voice we have only dreamed of before.

Over the weekend I had some 30 to 40 different conversations with rabbis, lay leaders and congregants. I listened and learned. I wanted to know who you were and what your Liberal Judaism is.

I felt right at home amongst you and was excited by your passion and commitment. I left more confident than ever that we are on the right journey.

LJS members’ barmitzvah at WUPJ Connections

TWO members of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) had an adult barmitzvah at the egalitarian section of the Western Wall at the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) Connections conference.

A moving service – led by Rabbi Ruben Shternschein and Cantor Irena Altshul – also saw Luis Crestani (Brazil), Jerusa Cavalheiro Fontana (Brazil), Andre Liberman (Brazil), Victor Gonzales (Guatemala) and Eszter Hegyi (Hungary) become bar/batmitzvah.

David grew up in a Jewish family in Chile but, with no strong community around him, did not have a barmitzvah. Gar converted to Judaism. They have been supported by Rabbi Igor Zinkov.

Gar said: “This egalitarian ceremony represented the interaction between tradition and modernity and underpins what it means to be a Progressive Jew.”

In his keynote speech, President Rabbi Sergio Bergman committed the WUPJ to inclusivity, innovation and grassroots community leadership.

Addressing more than 250 Progressive Jewish leaders attending from around the world, including many from Liberal and Reform Judaism in the UK, he said: “All of us are community builders, and the challenge is now building a global Progressive Jewish community.”

Paul Langsford, Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Ruth Seager and Rabbi Josh Levy

Gar Davies, Rabbi Igor Zinkov and David Ben Alon at the egalitarian section of the Kotel

Rabbi Sergio Bergman (picture by Yoav Nir)

Welcoming refugees at Birmingham Progressive

BIRMINGHAM Progressive Synagogue (BPS) welcomed asylum seekers, refugees and members of the local Muslim and Christian communities for two unique events.

A ‘Three Faiths Iftar’ was held to mark the rare coinciding of Ramadan, Passover and Easter – the last time this will happen for 33 years. An inclusive interfaith Shabbat service was then put on as part of Refugee Week in June.

Birmingham is home to more than 3,250 asylum seekers, more than any other local authority in England.

The Iftar event was opened by BPS President Val Harrison, who read out a message of support from local MP Shabana Mahmood. Attendees then heard from speakers including Cedric, a refugee who shared his experiences.

As Muslims traditionally break their fast with dates, the synagogue provided the symbolic Passover food of date charoset on matzah at sunset. Islamic prayers were then led in the synagogue sanctuary, as a special act of faiths coming together.

The Iftar meal was provided by a refugee-run catering company, alongside food brought by attendees.

At the Shabbat service, a craft event was run for the refugee and asylum seeker children to make orange hearts –the symbol which represents compassion for people fleeing war and persecution.

Muslim community leader Dr Ibrahim Varsani said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to Birmingham Progressive Synagogue for hosting these two special events.

“It was a deeply moving and spiritually uplifting experience for me to see such hospitality, generosity and kindness.

“We have some amazing people in our city doing outstanding work and I hope and pray that this effort blossoms and results in closer working together to benefit ourselves spiritually and our wider community in Birmingham.”

The Iftar was organised in partnership with the Al-Abbas Islamic Centre and Carrs Lane, a United Reformed Church. It was also supported by Birmingham Near Neighbours and the Birmingham Council of Christians and Jews, along with a number of local charities working with asylum seekers.

• Picture courtesy of Kevin Snyman, United Reformed Church

Elstree and Southgate appoint rabbis

RABBI Gershon Silins is the new rabbi of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (TLSE).

Ordained by Leo Baeck College in 2019, he has led Progressive Judaism communities in Lincolnshire, Norwich, Stevenage and Manchester. Before becoming a rabbi, he worked as a cantor in congregations in the US and Canada.

TLSE chair Leigh Renak said: “Since joining TLSE in December, at that point as our interim rabbi, Gershon has fully engaged with the trustees in our commitment to take TLSE forward. Members have been most impressed by his enthusiasm and dedication.

“He is devoted to strengthening our community by sharing his enthusiasm for Jewish music, language, culture and wisdom in its many forms.”

Rabbi Danny Rich has been appointed as the Senior Rabbi of Southgate Progressive Synagogue (SPS). A former Chief Executive of Liberal Judaism, he had previously been serving as the community’s interim rabbi.

Chair Mark Shaw said: “I am delighted that Danny has now joined us on a permanent basis and I look forward to working closely with him for the benefit and future prosperity of Southgate Progressive Synagogue.”

Rabbi Gershon Silins at WUPJ Connections in Israel and Rabbi Danny Rich at a Coronation event

Ambassador at The Ark

The power of collaboration

THE Ark Synagogue welcomed Czech Ambassador Marie Chatardová for a Memorial Shabbat and the launch of a new book about the congregation’s twinned Czech town.

The book – entitled Years of Sorrow and Hardship: Remembering the Fates of the Kolín Jews During the Holocaust – tells how this once thriving Jewish community was all but wiped out by the Nazis.

For more than 40 years, the Ark, in Northwood, has held a Memorial Shabbat to remember the Jews murdered in the Holocaust from the towns where the congregation’s Czech and Slovak Torah scrolls originated.

This year, the focus was on Kolín and the new book, which has been produced by the town’s museum and tells its story through the words of the small number of people who survived.

The Ambassador, who was accompanied by her husband Benoit Chatard, said: “I would like to thank everyone here for all the work you have done to keep alive the memory of the Jews of Kolín and for building friendship between our country and your congregation, especially with Kolín.”

Many Kolín residents – including the Mayor Michael Kašpar and the book’s authors Ladislav and Mirka Jouza –joined the service online.

The Ambassador was given a tour of the synagogue by Rabbis Aaron and Andrew Goldstein, including seeing the Czech and Slovak Torah Scrolls which were saved from the Nazis and are now cared for by congregations around the world. The Ark (then called Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue) received their first scroll back in 1965.

Addressing the congregation, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein spoke about one of the Kolín survivors, Erna Meissner, who often came to the Ark Synagogue’s Memorial services. Erna survived 10 Nazi concentration and work camps and later fled to England due to family tragedies and difficulties in Communist times. Returning to Prague in later life, and surviving Covid in her care home, she lived to celebrate her 100th birthday. Erna died in 2021 and is remembered fondly.

For copies of the book, or to find out more about the Czech and Slovak Scrolls, please contact the Ark Synagogue via www.arksynagogue.org

ADVICE and support were at the top of the agenda at the Honeycomb Project Care Conference 2023.

At this joint venture between Reform and Liberal Judaism, attendees enjoyed workshops dealing with a range of issues for care professionals and volunteers. Reform Judaism’s Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing Sharon Daniels, who organised the event, said: “The Conference illustrated the power of our collaboration as we addressed the important area of community care.

“We hope the information on the day will highlight another way our new collective will benefit both movements.”

One of the keynote sessions was delivered by Barbara Altounyan, founder of the charity Stories for Life, whose mission is to give everyone nearing the end of their life the opportunity to record their stories and memories on audio.

Other key areas of discussion at the event included special educational needs, ageing communities, postnatal depression and tackling loneliness.

The Honeycomb Project takes its name from the Proverbs: “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet for the palate and a cure for the body.”

PROGRESSIVE Jews united at Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) for an all-night Shavuot celebration.

The EHRS community were joined by rabbis (pictured) and members of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, Kol Chai Reform Synagogue, Radlett Reform Synagogue and Mosaic Reform, Liberal and Masorti Synagogues.

More than 150 people attended the evening service and dinner, which were followed by a series of study sessions throughout the night and dawn prayers in the EHRS courtyard.

Rabbis Aaron and Andrew Goldstein show Czech Ambassador Marie Chatardová and her husband Benoit Chatard one of The Ark’s Czech Torah Scrolls (picture by Victor Shack)

Barbara Altounyan and Jenny Jankel of North West Surrey Synagogue (picture by Yakir Zur)

A SUMMER camp for families of Exeter Hebrew Congregation was supported by Liberal Judaism. Rabbi Aaron Goldstein said: “Connecting to Creation is easy to do in such awesome surroundings.“

Nottingham’s new rabbi inducted

LOCAL faith and civic dignitaries joined the community at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue (NLS) to celebrate the official induction of Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu.

The service was led by Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky, who praised her colleague as “a creative and brilliant teacher and leader.”

Her words were echoed by all those at NLS. Member Alison Bromberg said: “Having Rabbi Gili as our leader over the past nine months has been something to celebrate and appreciate every day.

“This wonderful, moving ceremony begins a new phase in our relationship, and it has been a privilege to be here.”

Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu was ordained in 2008 at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem and served several communities in her native Israel. She came to Nottingham in September 2022 to join NLS, along with her two children, Naomi,16, and Elam, 13 – who recently celebrated his barmitzvah in the community. The rabbi’s partner, Michal Dayan, who has had to remain in Israel for professional reasons, comes to Nottingham as often as she can. Addressing the congregation at the induction service, she said: “I am honoured and inspired to be the rabbi of this wonderful community.

Happy birthday Salaam Shalom

SERVING more than 8,000 meals in this past year to those in need, and involving over 100 volunteers, Salaam Shalom Kitchen (SaSh) celebrated its 8th birthday with a volunteers’ afternoon tea.

During the event, co-Chairs Karen Worth of Nottingham Liberal Synagogue and Sajid Mohammed from local Muslim charity Himmah (pictured with their fellow Steering Group members) spoke about the hope the project brings. They told how it provided a weekly community café and a hot vegetarian meal for those in need, as well as creating meaningful volunteering opportunities.

Since the project started in 2015 it has gone from strength to strength, even managing to provide food in takeaway containers during the pandemic.

“I am a progressive rabbi and I am always a work in progress, exploring how I can grow into this role and how the role can allow me to be there for others.”

Guests at the induction ceremony included Lillian Greenwood MP; Cllr John Ogle, Chair of Nottinghamshire County Council; David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council; Dame Elizabeth Fradd, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Nottingham; Caroline Henry, Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner; representatives of other Liberal congregations; and leaders from the local Christian, Sikh, Hindu and Muslim communities (pictured).

Najam Hussain (Council of Mosques), Rev Richard Byass (Sherwood Methodist Church), Rev Sue Pendenque (St Martin’s Church), Rev Monica Doering (Hospital Chaplaincy), Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu, Rev Tracey Byrne (St John’s Church) and Professor Harminder Dua (Sikh community)

RABBI Gili Zidkiyahu joined other faith leaders in a message of solidarity and unity at a vigil in Nottingham for those murdered in the recent tragic attack. Picture courtesy of Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror.

Progressive Judaism in Belfast

Paula Tabakin reports back from Northern Ireland

WHEN I arrived in Belfast in 2002, I answered an advert in The Jerusalem Post looking for a teacher for a teenager preparing for her batmitzvah. This was my first experience of what I fondly remember as a Progressive Jewish presence in Northern Ireland.

The only synagogue in Belfast (Orthodox) is welcoming of everyone but, as Progressive Jews, a few of us felt that we were not able to express our Judaism as we would have liked to.

We started meeting in each other’s houses and supported friends to source matzah or Chanukah candles.

Then, a conversation three years ago over lockdown prompted the start of the ‘Progressive Jewish Link Northern Ireland’. This name was chosen as the whole Jewish community in Northern Ireland is so small and we wanted to reflect that this was complementary to the existing Orthodox congregation and not there to replace it.

We advertised our events on social media and have celebrated festivals including Purim, Pesach, Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah. We are inclusive, and we acknowledge and celebrate all our members’ ways of being Jewish in all their beautiful diversity.

When Belfast Pride resumed last year, post-pandemic, 20 of us marched together as the only non-Christian faith group in the parade (pictured).

The group is growing fast through word of mouth and by placing social justice and inclusion at the heart of our Jewish practice. We are now also working with Alexandra Gellnick of Liberal Judaism to grow membership and create links with other Liberal communities.

The Pride march this year is on Saturday 29 July and we would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to join us. To take part, or find out more about Progressive Judaism in Belfast, please email us on progressivejewishlinkni@gmail.com

Reading tree

MEMBERS of Reading Liberal Jewish Community (RLJC) visited the tree they planted last year in the garden of the Quaker Friends’ Meeting House.

Reading Council donated trees to various local individuals and organisations to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, and a member of RLJC was proud to receive one. It was then brought to the beautiful garden of the Quakers’ building, where the congregation hold their monthly services and were kindly allowed to plant it.

RLJC Co-Chair and Liberal Judaism Officer Ros Clayton said: “Everyone was delighted to see that the tree is thriving –it must like the peaceful environment!”

Suffolk’s first Torah - thanks to Kingston friends

He said: “Fifty-five years ago, when KLS was first formed, we were also a small community, meeting in someone else’s building. Now we are lucky enough to have our own synagogue, ark and scrolls - which is a real privilege. Being able to help a smaller community is also a privilege. The Shabbat morning service in Suffolk, at which we handed over the scroll from one community to another, was very special indeed and one which we will always remember”.

In a further show of communal support, a member of nearby Norwich Liberal Jewish Community has built a ner tamid (everlasting light) for the Suffolk ark that is being made to house the Torah.

A new banner was also created for the service under the auspices of local mental health project ‘Inside Out’, which develops art work appropriate to different cultural groups.

The banner was developed by a group at SLJC. The opportunity was created by Daisy Lees, of both Inside Out and SLJC, with the art work overseen by local artist Annabel Mednick.

SLJC Chair Beverley Levy said: “Now that the scroll is safely with us, we shall treasure it and use it to enliven our Shabbat services and inspire all those learning with us.”

SUFFOLK Liberal Jewish Community (SLJC) have their very first Torah scroll, thanks to a permanent loan from Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS).

Members of KLS, led by Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel, visited Ipswich for a Shabbat service where the scroll was presented.

The scroll swap was a real team effort, with support from Liberal Judaism’s Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer and Alexandra Gellnick, as well as Jeffrey Ohrenstein of the Memorial Scrolls Trust. KLS chair Craig Simmons and Ruth Stone of SLJC played key roles in organising the insurance and legal arrangements.

Alexandra Gellnick, Director of Development and Membership for Liberal Judaism, added: “Having a Torah is so important for every community, and we hope that this beautiful scroll will bring Suffolk much joy, renewed purpose and strength. Being a part of making this happen is what Progressive Judaism is all about: fostering strong relationships and collaborations between our communities.”

Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel hands the new scroll to SLJC chair Beverley Levy

Our VP makes Royal history

BARONESS (Gillian)

Merron of Lincoln (pictured), a Vice President of Liberal Judaism, made history as one of the first ever non-Christian figures to be involved in the crowning of a British monarch – by presenting the Robe Royal at the Coronation of King Charles III.

Writing in The House magazine, she said: “This was an honour beyond anything I could ever have imagined. I was humbled to be making history in a Coronation ceremony that validated Britain as a community of communities. Especially as, in his Coronation, King Charles demonstrated his commitment to protect the space for faith and its practice through religions, cultures, traditions, and beliefs. My participation was of deep significance and a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in an age where the Jewish community in this country is treated with dignity and respect.

“I have felt so much warmth, pride and support for my role in the Coronation. It was a wonderful thing and has meant so much, to so many. For that, I will always be deeply grateful.”

Muslim, Hindu and Sikh peers also presented the King with key pieces of regalia during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Hindu peer Lord Patel carried the Sovereign’s Ring; Lord Kamall, from the Muslim community, presented the Armills (bracelets); and Lord Singh of Wimbledon, who is Sikh, held the Coronation Glove.

• Rabbi Kathleen Middleton, Co-Chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors, represented Progressive Judaism as part of a delegation of Jewish communal representatives to petition King Charles III ahead of the Coronation.

She said: “It was a great privilege to be part of the delegation of the Board of Deputies and Anglo-Jewish Association to deliver a loyal address to the King.”

Liberal Jew plays key role in York service

MEMBERS of York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC) joined friends and neighbours of all faiths for a Coronation civic service at York Minster.

Led by the Archbishop of York and the Minster’s Dean, faith representatives stood together to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla.

Eight different religions, all members of York Interfaith Group, participated by offering gifts and lighting candles as part of the service, and then in the final procession down the transept.

YLJC Chair Lilian Coulson offered a Havdalah set as a recognisable representation of an item used weekly at the end of Shabbat.

Speaking after the York Minister event, Lilian said: “The Coronation, and our own civic service in York, show how our country, our monarchy and our society have evolved and changed.”

In 1189, Jews were banned from attending the Coronation of Richard I. Community leaders, wanting to show their allegiance and respect, tried to take gifts. In return, they were humiliated, thrown out of court and flogged.

Immediately following that Coronation, there was a pogrom. The following year, the infamous massacre York’s Clifford’s Tower left more than 150 Jews dead.

Lilian added: “Some 833 years after Richard I’s Coronation and 832 years after the York massacre, Clifford’s Tower opened its doors for its first Jewish ceremony in more than 800 years when YLJC held a Chanukah lighting in conjunction with North Yorkshire Police.

“It was attended by more than 70 guests from across the North of England, including representatives of our York Interfaith Group friends and the Archbishop of York.”

The Coronation service was a culmination of many Royal events over the past year hosted by the Archbishop and York Minster, where they regularly include their faith Friends.

YLJC also held a Shabbat morning service, which took place during the Coronation. It included the words of the special Coronation prayer for the King and Queen written by Liberal Judaism President Rabbi Alexandra Wright: “May he foster an environment in which people of all faiths and beliefs may live freely. May he find the freedom and strength to speak out against cruelty and injustice and to lead by example, living in harmony with nature, conserving its resources, diversity and beauty for future generations so that they too may reap in joy. May his reign be governed by truth, judgement and peace.”

York Liberal Jewish Community Chair Lilian Coulson at the city’s interfaith Coronation service

Hero finally gets his award

Joe Seager on a war honour for Birmingham’s Jake

PRINCE Albert Jacob (pictured) – better known as Jake to his many friends at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue – has been honoured for his service in World War II… after a wait of 80 years.

Jake left his home in Trinidad to take up ground crew duties with the Royal Air Force in 1943, one of thousands of West Indians who came to England to put themselves in line for military service.

They all became members of the ‘Forgotten Generation’. Although promised medals after the War, the valuable part these heroes played is only now being formally recognised after many decades of campaigning.

Jake, who turns 98 in July, received a War Medal, Defence Medal and Veteran’s Badge at an award ceremony at the RAF camp in Filey, Yorkshire.

Since gaining that recognition, Jake has made several television appearances and been profiled by the BBC. Plans are in place to give it even greater prominence with a TV documentary.

He said: “Many people in the West Indies were brought up to regard the United Kingdom as their Mother Country and I wanted to show my allegiance by taking part in the war effort.

Mission to Haifa

THE Trustees of the Friends of Leo Baeck Haifa (FOLBH) are delighted to invite you to join them on a Mission to Israel to experience the incredible work of the Leo Baeck Education Center (LBEC), Haifa.

You will be given special access to LBEC, including a tour of the School and Center; meet influential Haifa politicians and the LBEC Team; spend Shabbat with the Ohel Avraham Synagogue; join activists from the local Arab Israeli Community; and so much more.

There will be the opportunity to arrive a day early in Tel Aviv, joining Rabbi Aaron Goldstein - Chair of the Trustees, FOLBH, and Senior Rabbi of The Ark Synagoguefor a personal tour of his favourite (often hidden) gems of Tel Aviv and some of the best local eateries.

The trip will also offer a day in Jerusalem led by LBEC Alumni, some now VIPs themselves, to understand the complexity of the current situation.

The cost will be £1,000 including accommodation and most meals, based on four nights. Further details to follow.

Sing-a-long

“Fighting for King and country was an honour. I am proud to have, and to wear, these medals.”

Jake and his Jewish wife Mary met in England and were married in 1948. They found great happiness in life, but not before suffering blatant acts of racial prejudice because of Jake’s colour. Mary found some resentment in her family to the step she was taking to marry him.

They are long-standing members of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue and regularly attend services, with Jake still driving them from their home in Solihull.

A JOYFUL day of singing took place at Mosaic Liberal Synagogue.

The LJ Sing-a-long saw many varied types of Jewish music covered, led by Ruth Colin (The Ark), Rabbi Anna Wolfson (Mosaic), Rabbi Gershon Silins (The Liberal Synagogue Elstree), Rabbi Igor Zinkov (The Liberal Jewish Synagogue) and Rabbi Rachel Benjamin (Mosaic), along with Joseph Finlay (Mosaic). They were also joined by Cantor Tamara Wolfson of Alyth Reform Synagogue.

Rabbi Gershon Silins said: “Four hours of music making passed in what seemed no time at all. We all came away expecting this to be the first of many gatherings to share the beautiful, fun and exciting musical traditions that help make us what we are.”

Rabbis Igor Zinkov, Rachel Benjamin and Anna Wolfson at the LJ Sing-a-long event

‘Martin exemplified so much of what is best about Liberal Judaism’

MARTIN SLOWE, who died peacefully in hospital aged 82, was the embodiment of the English gentleman, and exemplified so much of what is best about Liberal Judaism.

The immediate past President of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS), he was ever-present at the LJS on Shabbat mornings, welcoming visitors and members alike with his trademark smile and astonishing memory for faces and names, including those of people’s pets.

Martin cared deeply about Progressive Judaism in general, and the LJS in particular. In his quiet, persuasive way, he was a phenomenally successful fundraiser for the synagogue.

He was born in September 1940, during the Blitz, and was the eldest of three brothers born to Malcolm and Pat Slowe. Malcolm, of course, was a prominent member of the LJS, and Chair of Liberal

Judaism (then known as the Union of Progressive and Liberal Synagogues) before becoming its President from 1983 until his death in 1987.

Progressive Judaism was therefore in the blood for Martin. Indeed, in Pam Fox’s book A Place to Call My Jewish Home: Memories of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue 1911 – 2011, he is quoted as having said: “My mother and her family had been members of the LJS since the 1920s, being connected to the Salmons, Glucksteins and Josephs, who were founding members.”

Martin qualified as a chartered surveyor in 1958, and built up a thriving business in property and property management. He was a loving husband and dedicated supporter of the remarkable artist Vikki Slowe, whose loss he bore bravely in 2013.

I got to know Martin well in 2014, chatting to him at sessions of the LJS Drop-In for Asylum Seeker Families – a project which started as an idea in a sermon given by Rabbi Alexandra Wright that January, for which Martin spearheaded the fundraising that enabled it to open in the June of that year.

Martin’s enthusiasm for the LJS to commission a stained glass panel for the Rabbi John Rayner Room typified his approach to such projects.

He thought it important that the congregation as a whole felt ownership of the project, so he helped to design a successful fundraising campaign that encouraged relatively modest donations from many congregants.

He was delighted by the finished panel but, with his characteristic modesty, agreed only to a ‘walk-on’ part in the special Shabbat morning service the day the panel was unveiled, as an Arkopener. The following Monday, I awoke to an email from Martin asking me to provide the names of all of the people who should be thanked for the creation of the glass panel, so he could send them personalised letters that were speedily and diligently drafted and despatched. Martin is survived by two daughters, Emily and Hannah, and four granddaughters.

• Obituary by Karen Newman, Deputy Chair of Liberal Judaism and a member of the LJS. Picture by Trevor Haynes

Scholarship, slavery and the evils of Sellotape

Liberal Judaism Archivist Alison Turner on the wide-ranging ABTAPL conference

ONE of the best things about attending the Association of British Theological and Philosophical Libraries (ABTAPL) Spring Conference is the opportunity to visit interesting libraries in different parts of the UK, as well as networking with fellow information professionals.

This time we went to Liverpool.

We started at Liverpool John Moores University Special Collections and Archives, followed by the Liverpool Central Library including the Picton Reading Room.

We were shown the Femorabilia collection - comics and magazines charting the development of women’s reading journeys. Many of us found we were looking at Jackie, Bunty or other titles from our childhoods. It is sobering that these are now treasured archives.

Our first conference speaker was Rev Rick Ormrod, a Methodist Minister who used to be a library assistant.

He is a lifelong Doctor Who fan, and spoke to us on Christian theology in the programme. He apologised that he had not considered Jewish theology, though some of the themes he found were relevant. For example, the opposition to evil and the struggle between good and evil, though the emphasis on redemption and resurrection is very Christian.

Then Dr Leah Budke spoke on digital humanities and digital scholarship in general. Her students are often newcomers to digital research so she guides and signposts them through workshops, groups and individual sessions. These build community and expertise for early career researchers.

Dr Abraham Ng’ang’a followed, talking about Professor Andrew Walls – who went to do mission work in Sierra Leone in 1955 and realised he was in the presence of 2nd-Century Christianity, so his role was to learn rather than to teach.

Shorter session topics included disaster planning, sustainability and information skills research.

A seminar on book repair came with a warning on the evils of Sellotape and an instruction to use specialist products, such as Scotch Magic Tape, instead. Many of our old Liberal Judaism minute books have suffered from Sellotape use, which dries up and peels off over time.

After a session on Index Theologicus, a comprehensive bibliography for theology and religious studies, the final speaker was Professor Richard Benjamin on user engagement at the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool. He spoke on social justice, contested histories and narratives. It is through museums that societies represent their relationship to their own history, and that of other cultures and peoples.

All in all, this was a wide-ranging and very interesting event.

Your new movement workers

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

Rashim ready for Kadimah

WE are so incredibly thrilled to announce your three new fabulous LJY-Netzer Movement Workers (MOWOs). Taking over in September, the MOWO team for 5784 are Mia Bogod, Mia Harris and Hannah Gellman.

Mia B has been going on LJY events more than 13 years and is taking up the role having just finished an English literature degree at the University of Manchester. A member of Ealing Liberal Synagogue, she says her passions are “trees, books and giggling”. She told lj today: “I am unbelievably excited and honoured - and can’t wait to get started!”

Mia H is a member of Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation and has just completed her studies in politics and international relations at Cardiff University. She said: “When I was 10 there was an LJY weekend at my synagogue – I went with my brother and was hooked. LJY has played a massive role in my life and I’m super excited to now be able to wholeheartedly

dedicate all my time to providing the next generation with experiences just as life changing as those I have had in LJY.”

Hannah grew up as a member of Finchley Progressive Synagogue and has been studying sociology at Cambridge University. She attended her first LJYNetzer Machaneh Kadimah summer camp aged 12. Hannah said: “LJY has been a huge part of my teenage years and journey into adulthood. I am looking forward to giving back to the movement that has brought me so much joy, confidence, community, knowledge of the world and a passion for social justice, all rooted in a strong sense of Jewish identity. I cannot wait to begin helping to facilitate the fun and learning of the inspiring, intelligent and principled young people who make up our community.”

After this summer, LJY will also say a fond farewell to the current MOWOs Sophie Leapman, Jess Mindel and Joe Shotton – thank you for all your wonderful work.

LJY-NETZER leaders attended a protest against archaic abortion rules that saw a mother imprisoned based on a law from 1861.

Movement Worker Joe Shotton, who was on the march, said: “It is easy to think abortion rights are under threat

MACHANEH KADIMAH, LJY-Netzer’s legendary summer camp for ages 8-15, is almost upon us.

Taking place from 14-27 August, it is LJY’s biggest event of the year bringing together hundreds of young Liberal Jews from all over the country.

In June, our rashim (camp leaders), came together to plan what’s in store (pictured). Over a weekend, they learned, prayed and shared ideas and inspiration.

Rabbi Anna Wolfson, a former LJYNetzer Movement Worker, joined them to help to develop the camp’s educational journey and how it will highlight LJY’s Theme of the Year – Solidarity.

After their weekend, the rashim have promised “this year’s camp is looking like it will be the best one yet”.

To book your place, please visit www.ljy-netzer.org/machaneh-kadimah/

elsewhere, but at moments like these we realise that it’s a problem here too.”

Stella Creasy was one of many politicians speaking out. She said: “Abortion laws must be based, first and foremost, on healthcare considerations, not criminal sanctions.”

Mia Bogod, Mia Harris and Hannah Gellman are the LJY-Netzer Movement Workers for 5784

Liberal Judaism congregations

The Ark Synagogue (Northwood and Pinner)

T: 01923 822 592

E: admin@arksynagogue.org

W: arksynagogue.org

Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue

T: 0845 869 7105

E: info@bedsps.org.uk

W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk

Beit Klal Yisrael (London)

E: admin@bky.org.uk

W: bky.org.uk

Birmingham Progressive Synagogue

T: 0121 634 3888

E: bps@liberaljudaism.org

W: bpsjudaism.com

Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue

T: 01273 737 223

E: info@bhps-online.org

W: bhps-online.org

Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation

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

East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue

T: 0208 989 7619

E: administrator@elels.org.uk

W: elels.org.uk

Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community

T: 07376 916 920

E: eljc.contact@gmail.com

W: eljc.org.uk

Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community

T: 0131 777 8024

E: info@eljc.org

W: eljc.org

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 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

Shir Hatzafon (Copenhagen)

E: shir@shirhatzafon.dk

W: shirhatzafon.dk

South Bucks Jewish Community

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

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

Developing and affiliated

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

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

Chair Ruth Seager

Deputy Chair Karen Newman Treasurer Leslie Moss Youth Hannah Stephenson

Communities and Social Justice Owen Power Inclusion Alexandra Boyd Strategy Alex Kinchin-Smith

Education and Complaints Susanne Szal Legal Governance and Small Communities Ros Clayton 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 Rebecca Birk and Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel

Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Charley Baginsky

Chief Operating Officer Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer

Director of Youth Becca Fetterman

Director of Development and Membership Alexandra Gellnick Fundraising & Events Tom Rich

Executive Assistant Tanya Garfield Finance Janet Manderson Lifecycle Administrator Lisa Godsal

Media & Communications Coordinator Sophie Stern PR Simon Rothstein Archivist Alison Turner

Fundraising Executive Katie Price Honeycomb Project Coordinator Rabbi Eryn London

Student Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan LJY-Netzer Sophie Leapman, Jess Mindel and Joe Shotton