November/December 2023
VOL. L No. 6
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
Israel - responding to this moment By Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, CEOs of Progressive Judaism
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HAT should have been a day of joyful celebration – as Jews in the UK, Israel and around the world marked Simchat Torah – instead became one of horror, fear and sadness. The barbaric terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel have left us all in mourning. Liberal Judaism and The Movement for Reform Judaism stand in solidarity with the people of Israel. We pray for the immediate return of those taken hostage, the safety of those still under attack and members of the IDF, which includes those we love. We share in the pain of those who have been injured and bereaved. Through our tears and our personal grief and fear, we also look to those innocent civilians in Gaza who are suffering. We know that recognising the agony of others does not diminish the reality of our own pain.
At home we have seen a rise in antisemitism and a need to increase security at our synagogues and our schools, and we are grateful for the support of CST and the police, with whom we have met and spoken regularly over these weeks. We have also seen the whole Jewish community come together as never before, at vigils at Downing Street and JW3, and in the extraordinary gathering to focus on the plight of hostages that took place in Trafalgar Square. At our meetings with the most senior leadership in the Jewish world, since that attack on 7 October, there has been only one word to describe everyone, us included… exhausted. We are all feeling a level of responsibility for our communities and our constituents, in a way no one could have imagined or even really prepared for. At the same time, as we all well know, from whatever place we are coming, this also feels deeply deeply personal. Were we not supporting thousands of members, we would still not be sleeping.
Rabbi Charley Baginsky recites a prayer at the London rally in support of the Israeli hostages
This copy of lj today went to print on 27 October 2023. For updated information on Israel, visit www.liberaljudaism.org
This moment asks of all of us that we use our words gently, in ways that allow the silences between the words to be heard; that we are there for one another and find ways to hear each other’s voices so we can be a source of support for each other in these moments of trauma and pain. Our phones and inboxes are full of requests for statements from communities, individuals and the press. These times require statements of this sort - clear, unequivocal words to express the need of the moment. They also ask of us that we use our influence more quietly behind the scenes to express a diversity of views to those in power, and to build the relationships with others that will allow us to live together after this crisis has passed. Progressive Jewish leadership is being in the midst of the particular and the universal in the same moment. It is about being able to hold the suffering and fear of those who look to you. It means recognising we are Zionists; who are committed to Israel and the values upon which she was founded and wanting her to be true to those. It means that we are committed to continuing to live meaningful Jewish lives in the country we call home. Alongside this, it is also about seeing, naming and highlighting the suffering and tragedy of others, or to paraphrase Elie Wiesel, to hear the call of Judaism as being committed not to making the world more Jewish but more human. It may be that this is not yet the moment for dialogue, that it’s too painful to contemplate, but we can acknowledge pain without trying to compare and proportion indiscriminate blame. We can be the voices of nuance. We can connect and grieve and commit again to live and love and build community.
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Israel
A prayer for Israel By Rabbi Alexandra Wright
November/December 2023
Support from political leaders
Eternal God, shelter of peace for all nations, we turn to You in shock, pain and sadness at this time of war and danger for the State of Israel and all who live there. We mourn the loss of life and associate ourselves with all those who, in a few short violent days, have lost family members and dear ones. Strengthen those who are bereaved and console them with the warmth of your compassion and love. Bind up the wounds of those who have been hurt; be with them in their pain and help them towards healing and recovery. We pray for those who have been abducted or held hostage, for those who are fearful and traumatised, for those from whom there is no news, for families and communities who live in anguish and uncertainty. We acknowledge with gratitude those who serve in the armed services in Israel, the police and emergency services, all at the front line of this war, fearing for their own lives and mourning their own losses. We stand together with all those who cherish a vision of freedom, justice and peace, who work for equality and understanding and seek to remove enmity and hatred. Eternal God, we pray in the words of the prophet and psalms: Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they learn war any more. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May peace be found within her walls and safety within her borders. V’yiggal ka-mayyim mishpat,u’tzedakah k’nachal etan – Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. And let us say: Amen. • Rabbi Alexandra Wright is Senior Rabbi of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue and President of Liberal Judaism. This prayer was written for Shabbat Bereshit 5784.
A prayer for peace By Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah El Malei Rachamim, God Full of Compassion, who heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds, we ask You to show all Your children the way of love and compassion, so that hatred ceases to scar their lives. Ein Ha-Chayyim, Source of Life, we call upon You to send Your abundant blessings into every home, Israeli and Palestinian, so that new hope may overcome old fears. Adonai Tzadik, Righteous One, who exhorts us to pursue Justice, we fervently pray that a spirit of righteousness may prevail, so that both peoples find the courage to reach a just settlement of their differences. Oseh Shalom, Maker of Peace, who teaches us to be seekers of peace, we entreat You now to spread Your tabernacle of shalom-salaam over all the inhabitants of Your land, and to support the peacemakers among both peoples in their efforts to walk the path of reconciliation, so that a just peace may reign supreme at last – bimheirah b’yameinu, speedily in our own day. And let us say: Amen. • Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah is Emeritus Rabbi of Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue.
Mayor Sadiq Khan embraces Rabbi Josh Levy
THE leaders of Progressive Judaism have met with Ministers, Mayors and MPs from across the political spectrum, all of whom have shown support for Israel and the Jewish community in the UK. Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy were warmly greeted by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, as they discussed the impact of the terrorist attacks in Israel on our community, our synagogues and our young people – both now and in the weeks and months ahead. They also spoke about the diversity of the British Jewish community and how important it is for the members of Progressive Judaism to be heard. The Progressive Judaism CEOs then joined other senior members of the Jewish community at a meeting with Michael Gove MP – Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The meeting included discussions around security, reassurance and community cohesion, as well as the diversity of Jewish life and what the future will look like. Rabbi Charley Baginsky – who also spoke at both the London vigil and solidarity rally for Israel – said: “In our meetings with the London Mayor and the Secretary of State, we emphasised the need for us to continue to lead Jewish lives after this moment and continue to build interfaith relationships, especially for our members who are often the only Jew, or one of few Jews, in their workplace, school or university.” In Manchester, Rabbi Robyn AshworthSteen was joined for Shabbat dinner by Lisa Nandy MP and Furqan Naeem, from the Muslim community. The Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, who also visited a local mosque, spoke about the importance of listening and being together – as well as listening to the concerns of both the Jewish and Muslim communities in the UK at this time.
News
November/December 2023
LJ Today Page 3
‘One united Progressive Judaism opens up a world of possibilities’ Annabel Hervey-Bathurst reports from the first Progressive community forum EARLIER this year, Liberal Judaism (LJ) and the Movement for Reform Judaism (MRJ) announced that they would “work in close partnership to create a new movement to represent all of Britain’s Progressive Jews”. Since then, the Progressive Project has made giant strides. This summer, St John’s Wood was the scene of a historic moment for British Judaism as Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy – the CEOs of the new movement – came to The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) to run their first joint community forum. With further gatherings due to be held around the country, to cover all 83 Progressive Jewish communities, this first forum gave them the chance to present their vision, awaken us to the opportunities it will bring and listen to the hopes and concerns of those present. Excitement and optimism hummed quietly through the Montefiore Hall – and beyond, to the 40 of us accessing the meeting via Zoom – as the coming together of Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism seemed really to be underway for the first time. There was gravitas, too. We were standing at the brink of a new world, gazing out at the opportunities, challenges and uncertainties that entails. At the same time, we were looking behind us, honouring the legacies and memories
of those who had done so much to lay the foundations for this historic moment. Rabbi Alexandra Wright, of the LJS, began by reviewing earlier attempts at collaboration between our two movements, from the founding of LJ (then called the Jewish Religious Union) in 1902 through to greater – though limited – post-war co-operation. Hearteningly, she reminded us that on so many of the issues over which discussions have foundered in the past, “Now there is a hair’s breadth, if that, between us.” Indeed, as Rabbis Charley and Josh launched into their presentation, it was uplifting to see their almost seamless collaboration after just a short time working together on this project. Key to the project’s success is the idea of “diversity within shared values”. Both CEOs emphasised that this is not a merger – rather, the creation of an entirely new entity, and all 83 communities will be consulted and engaged with throughout the process. Above all, there was a sense that we can be stronger together and that one united Progressive Judaism opens up a world of possibilities. This new movement will represent 35% of British Jews and will also perhaps be able to support and attract some of the 75,000 non-affiliated Jews in the UK.
RABBI Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy met with the Metropolitan Police and other Jewish organisations at New Scotland Yard. They said: “This was a positive meeting in difficult times. The police are committed to working with us and being with us and inside our communities for the long term – in order to help us feel as safe as possible and ensure that we can keep living Jewish lives.”
It was reassuring, too, that Rabbis Charley and Josh asked to hear our concerns. Questions were asked regarding the possible loss of much-loved liturgies. Any fears were swiftly allayed by reassurance that each community will retain its own individual culture and ritual life. Other worries centred on the potential loss of Liberal Judaism’s radical edge; how to balance relationships between large and small communities; divergent policies on mixed-faith marriage and wedding ceremonies; and the potential creation of a Progressive Chief Rabbi. Many of these concerns will hopefully prove unfounded. The CEOs stressed the opportunity for “crossover and crosspollination” rather than the closing down of options, with communities making their own decisions at their own pace. “I am excited by…” was the sentence we were then asked to complete, discussing our ideas in small groups; the responses were many, varied and enthusiastic. They included showing the non-Jewish world that Progressive Judaism is not marginal within British Judaism, and that we can create a solid intellectual and spiritual foundation for a Progressive Jewish voice, together with a strong platform for social action. There was enthusiasm for closer collaboration between the LJY-Netzer and RSY-Netzer youth movements to create more opportunities for our young people, as well as for being able to support our clergy more effectively and allowing them the freedom and resources to provide thought leadership. The hope was expressed that the union will bring a strong Progressive focus to some of the great spiritual debates of our time, and perhaps inspire a burst of intellectual and spiritual creativity. I was left reflecting on how the power of this shared vision is energising our two movements as they stride forward to meet new challenges – but also on the way that both our movements are strengthened by our diverse histories, and the roots put down by our founders which still nourish us today. There is clearly much to look forward to! • This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in LJS News.
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Communities
November/December 2023
City of York welcomes its Noah finds a first rabbi in centuries home at BPS
Councillor Katie Lomas, Mayoress Joy Cullwick, Lord Mayor Chris Cullwick, Rabbi Dr Elisheva Salamo, Sheriff of York Sue Hunter, Sherriff’s Consort Nigel Patrick Goodwin and York Liberal Jewish Community Chair Lilian Coulson at the historic meeting at York’s Mansion House
IN a historic meeting, York Council welcomed the area’s first rabbi in more than 800 years. Rabbi Dr Elisheva Salamo was appointed earlier this year by York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC). The city has not had a resident rabbi since the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290. Her appointment coincides with research by the University of York which sheds light on York’s once-thriving Jewish community of the 13th century, including the homes of several leading Jewish citizens and the location of the city’s first synagogue. This new insight, issued last month, shows that the Jewish population of York had rebuilt a community in the city in the years following the 1190 massacre at Clifford’s Tower, an infamous pogrom that left more than 150 Jews dead. As Jews returned to York in recent times, YLJC was founded in 2014 with the aim of providing a friendly and inclusive home for all who identify as Jewish. FROM LEO BAECK COLLEGE: In 2024, Leo Baeck College (LBC) will proudly be celebrating the 35th anniversary of the ordination of our first openly LGBTQiA+ rabbinic alumni (Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah and the late Rabbi Sheila Shulman), their legacy and the ongoing contribution of all of our LGBTQiA+ alumni. Rabbis Elli and Sheila were not our first LGBTQiA+ ordinands; that honour goes to the late Rabbi Lionel Blue. During the 1950s, when he trained at the College, he was unable to be open about his sexuality.
After the meeting, Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Chris Cullwick, said: “I was delighted to invite Rabbi Elisheva to the Mansion House to welcome her to our wonderful city and to express my delight at this significant milestone for the Jewish community in York. I hope she quickly feels at home here and I very much look forward to working with her.” Rabbi Dr Elisheva Salamo responded: “I am honoured and privileged to become York’s first Progressive Rabbi, working with the existing community to develop our programme of learning and worship for all age groups, to encourage and inspire those who wish to live a modern Jewish life in harmony with our neighbours and Interfaith friends. “We share values with so many and, as our community grows, we look forward to welcoming new members from within York and from wider Yorkshire, as we continue to enjoy working with you and standing together in this City of Sanctuary.” On Monday 12 February 2024, a few days after what would have been Rabbi Lionel Blue’s 94th birthday, we will be hosting a fundraising dinner to celebrate this historic moment, at the Kimpton Hotel in Russell Square. We want to celebrate publicly where we are and what we have achieved, especially at a time when LGBTQIA+ issues still are not addressed with equanimity in many faith communities. Tickets and further information will be available later in November so, for now, save the date and look out for more details very soon on our website www.lbc.ac.uk
BIRMINGHAM Progressive Synagogue (BPS) welcomed over 50 people of different faiths and none, including many asylum seekers and refugees, into their Sukkah as part of an event called Noah Finds Home (pictured above) on Simchat Torah. Organised by the synagogue’s Refugee Support Group, in partnership with The Dialogue Society, the event was centred around Noah’s Pudding, a sweet, chickpea-based dish based on the story of the food left over when the Ark landed on Mount Ararat. It is eaten by some Muslim communities during the festival of Ashura and some Jews during Tu B’shvat. Visiting Rabbi Robyn AshworthSteen spoke about the refugee themes in Sukkot and Judaism more widely, which are also represented in the story of Noah. She also addressed the horrific events which had been unfolding in Israel, on that very same day, stressing how meaningful it was for different faith groups to be coming together. In a moving moment, everyone stood for a minute’s silence for peace This was the latest in a series of events bringing together different communities and asylum seekers at BPS. The Refugee Support Group received an Interfaith Award from the Birmingham Council of Faiths last month, presented by the Lord Mayor (pictured below).
Communities
November/December 2023
LJ Today Page 5
A long awaited double induction MOSAIC Liberal Synagogue (MLS) held a delayed service to formally induct two new rabbis. Rabbi Rachel Benjamin has actually served the congregation for the last three and a half years. When she joined MLS in 2019, they had been without a rabbi for six months. She then successfully steered the community as they contested with both the pandemic and being homeless – moving out of their old home, while waiting for their new one to be ready. Mosaic Liberal Synagogue is part of Mosaic Jewish Community (MJC) - a unique association in north-west London consisting of Liberal, Reform and Masorti Synagogues. Last October, MJC finally moved into a new joint state-of-the-art, multi-functional and sustainable building on Stanmore Hill. Rabbi Anna Wolfson was appointed to serve both Mosaic Liberal Synagogue and Mosaic Jewish Community as their Development Rabbi almost two years ago – introducing innovative ideas including Shabbat Beiteinu (Friday evening services in people’s homes and now in the synagogue with a potluck supper), special events for young adults and Shabbat activities for tots. Mosaic Liberal’s Alan Solomon said: “We are thriving in the new building and were delighted to finally be able to properly recognise our ‘new’ rabbis.
Rabbi Anna Wolfson and Rabbi Rachel Benjamin at their joint Mosaic induction service
“Rabbi Rachel’s long-term friend, and former MLS minister, Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh, carried out her induction, during which he reflected on her great leadership skills and knowledge, and remarked how fortunate our synagogue was to have her as their rabbi. “Rabbi Rachel then inducted Rabbi Anna, describing them as rabbinic
New book from the LJS THE PROPHETS – a new book published by The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) – is a collection of essays written by LJS rabbis and members, and edited by Rabbi Michael Hilton and Alasdair Nisbet. The idea came out of the very successful ‘Learning with Texts’ Shabbat morning discussion classes which began in 2009. They were led for many years by Bernie Bulkin and, since 2017, by Michael Romain. The book is based on the classes held in the summer of 2021, which Michael organised and chaired. The result is an eminently interesting, illuminating and readable collection of essays, with an introduction by Bernie Bulkin. The beautiful painting on the cover is by Effie Romain. The book is dedicated to the memory of the late David Lazarus, a much-loved member of the Shabbat morning classes. To purchase a copy of The Prophets, please visit www.ljs.org/form/theprophets.html
partners. She reflected on the many wonderful events that Rabbi Anna had organised and how they had contributed to all three Mosaic communities seeing increases in our membership.” The double induction service was attended by a large number of people who were delighted to officially welcome the two rabbis to Mosaic.
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News
November/December 2023
Opening a new woodland cemetery
Rabbis Andrew and Aaron Goldstein lead the consecration service (left) as Phil Stone speaks in the Woodland Hall - pictures by Yakir Zur
LIBERAL Judaism consecrated our first new cemetery in many years, as rabbis and members gathered for a special service to open a new woodland burial site at GreenAcres Chiltern. Prayers were led by Liberal Judaism Vice President Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein and Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, one of The Ark Synagogue’s Senior Rabbis – combining the consecration with a celebration of Sukkot. GreenAcres Chiltern is a unique, natural cemetery and ceremonial park in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside. Even at a time of great sadness, the setting allows families to mourn in a tranquil and beautiful space, and take great comfort from knowing that this landscape will be sustained, enhanced and preserved for future generations. Its Woodland Hall, where funeral services for burials and cremations can be held, looks out to a view of the forest. The address is Potkiln Lane, Jordans, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2XB. It is close to the M25 and the M40, near Gerrards Cross. Located to the north and west of London, it is therefore nearer to Liberal Judaism communities in Elstree, Northwood (The Ark) and South Bucks than our sites at Edgwarebury and Cheshunt.
Rabbi Aaron Goldstein said: “It might seem strange to rejoice in consecrating a burial space, but as we walked round this new plot singing psalms and waving the arba minim (the four species otherwise known as the lulav and etrog), it could not have been more appropriate. “This was our chance to rejoice in life and fulfil our duty to provide for the dead, comfort the mourner and ensure the future planet for generations to come.” Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein is the most senior member of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors, having been in the rabbinate for 53 years. He said: “I have done countless babyblessings, b’nei mitzvah, weddings and funerals, so it was extra special after all this time to add another experience – dedicating a burial ground; and what an inspirational place this is!” The last brand new burial site Liberal Judaism opened was Edgwarebury, which was consecrated back in 1975. Since then there have been services held for further land for a second cemetery at Cheshunt - conducted by Rabbis Harry Jacobi, Charles Middleburgh and Frank Dabba Smith - as well as cemeteries in regions including Eastbourne and Manchester. At GreenAcres Chiltern, members of Liberal Judaism will be able to have
a ‘green burial’, allowing the body to naturally decompose and return to the earth, with natural habitats remaining undisturbed. Such woodland burials are also offered at Cheshunt. Liberal Judaism provides a wide range of options - including cremation - at our grounds. Please contact Tanya on t.garfield@liberaljudaism.org for details. Phil Stone, a Liberal Judaism Vice President and the Chair of the Cemeteries Committee, said: “Members of Liberal Judaism who attended the consecration service were overwhelmed with the beautiful surroundings of GreenAcres Chiltern and the sense of peace they provide. “Bereaved families will find this new cemetery to be a refreshing and inspiring place to visit a loved one, at one with nature and its healing powers.”
News
November/December 2023
LJ Today Page 7
GreenAcres Chiltern: Q&A on our new site LIBERAL Judaism Vice President and Chair of the LJ Cemeteries Committee, Phil Stone, has put together this Q&A for members and synagogues wishing to find out more about our new woodland burial site at GreenAcres Chiltern and what we can offer: What kind of coffins are used? The main proviso is that all materials used in a coffin are natural and, eventually, fully biodegradable. Therefore no metals or plastics may be used, including for fastenings and handles. The wooden coffins normally used by Liberal Judaism’s funeral director for traditional, non-woodland, burials comply with GreenAcres’ requirements. Some families may prefer to use wicker coffins at GreenAcres at an additional charge. Can my partner or another loved one be buried in a double-depth plot with me? Yes. Just as at Edgwarebury and Cheshunt, all first burials in a plot are made at double-depth, meaning that a further burial may be made in the same plot later. However, this is subject to the legal agreement that Liberal Judaism has made with GreenAcres. Under this arrangement each plot is leased for an initial period of 30 years (more or less a full generation) from the date of the first burial in a plot, unless the lease is extended. This lease may be extended by the family, in five-year increments, on payment of a charge made by GreenAcres. Once a plot lease has ended, no further burials may be made. Can mixed-faith couples, where one partner is Jewish and the other not, be buried together? Yes, in the same double-depth plot. Can plots be reserved in advance? Reservations for a new plot can only be made once the first person to be buried in a double-depth plot has passed away. Reservations for the second burial will be accepted and registered by Liberal Judaism following the first burial. Can a memorial be arranged? Memorials are permitted, however GreenAcres does not allow marble or granite memorials such as are traditional in Jewish cemeteries. They allow natural wooden memorials with inscriptions.
How long will a memorial remain?
Can the woodland burial supplement be paid in advance?
Memorials are allowed to decay naturally and will remain in place, during the plot lease period, until they do so. Once a lease has ended, any inscribed memorial will be removed. As described before, families can extend the lease in five-year increments. For those who choose not to have a memorial, or where a lease has expired, GreenAcres records the position of graves very carefully and uses traditional mapping to ensure that there is a permanent record of each person who is buried and their precise location.
Yes, Liberal Judaism will accept advance payment of the woodland supplement, at the current rate, for future use, and provide a receipt. If the plot is for a couple who will be buried together in a doubledepth plot both names will be noted on the receipt. Following pre-payment of a woodland burial supplement, on the first death and also on the second death in the same double-depth plot, there will be charges for the interment and for the hire of the prayer hall.
Will there be any charges to pay for a burial at GreenAcres?
Will there be any other charges to be paid for before or after a funeral?
The first burial in each double-depth plot will require the payment of a woodland supplement for the plot, just as it is for a woodland burial at Cheshunt. This supplement must be paid by the bereaved family. Liberal Judaism will accept a payment in advance for the woodland supplement. In addition, for each burial in a double-depth plot, GreenAcres makes a charge for the interment and for the prayer hall for the funeral service. Liberal Judaism is preparing an updated list of charges to include GreenAcres. It will be published shortly on www.liberaljudaism.org. Neither the woodland supplement nor the per burial charges are included in the LJ Burial & Cremation Scheme. The supplement must be paid to Liberal Judaism by the family before the first burial in a double-depth plot. Synagogues in the LJ Burial and Cremation Scheme, which operate a funeral expenses scheme, will need to decide which charges their schemes will cover and which they will ask the families to pay, as they do for burials at Edgwarebury and Cheshunt. For members of synagogues without a funeral expenses scheme all of the charges will be paid by the families.
In the same way as for burials at Edgwarebury and Cheshunt, and cremations at Hoop Lane, families may ask the LJ Funeral Director to arrange one or more additional services (for example live streaming or a Sunday cremation), or there may be additional services required for which the charges are not met by Liberal Judaism (for example a long-distance journey). The funeral director will always explain to the family how much the additional charges will be and when they will be invoiced.
Can non-members request to be buried in the Liberal Judaism area at GreenAcres? Non-member funerals should be available at GreenAcres from early 2024. Liberal Judaism will issue an announcement in due course, and at the same time the answer to this question will be updated on the Liberal Judaism website. Liberal Judaism does offer nonmember funerals, burials and cremations at other sites.
Are cremations available at GreenAcres? Yes. The service is conducted at GreenAcres. The actual cremation is undertaken following the service, at a crematorium. Again charges can be found on the Liberal Judaism website. Can ashes be interred at GreenAcres? Yes they can, whether or not the cremation service is held at GreenAcres. All the plots for the interment of ashes will be double depth so that they can take one or two sets of ashes. There are charges for interring ashes. Will Liberal Judaism use the same funeral director, Kings, for GreenAcres? Yes. Kings is LJ’s appointed and sole funeral director. All the arrangements must be made through Kings, in the same way as they are for burials at Edgwarebury and Cheshunt, and as for cremations at Hoop Lane, Golders Green. What if I have any further questions? Please email Tanya Garfield at Liberal Judaism at t.garfield@liberaljudaism.org
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Communities
November/December 2023
Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot 5784
Rabbi Anna Gerrard reads the Torah at Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community
Members of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue at the opening of London Zoo’s first Sukkah
Guests celebrate the festival in the beautiful Sukkah at Finchley Progressive Synagogue
All ages, and all animals, took part in the services at Ealing Liberal Synagogue
South Bucks Jewish Community combined Sukkot with a multi-faith charity auction
The sun shone on the congregation of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree this Sukkot
There were multiple shofar blowers at the South London Liberal Synagogue (left) and East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue (right)
Mitzvah Day
November/December 2023
LJ Today Page 9
Repairing the world one meal at a time
MEMBERS of Liberal Judaism joined the Reform congregation of Maidenhead Synagogue to help tackle hunger and food poverty in the local area, in an early Mitzvah Day 2023 project. Taking on board this year’s Mitzvah Day theme of Repair the World, around 30 Progressive Jews and guests, of all ages, got together for the giant cook – making 150+ portions of pasta bake for the Brett Foundation and Foodshare charities. The Maidenhead cooking group meets quarterly and, in 2023 alone, have already made more than 500 servings of hot and healthy food to support those in need. Nigel Cohen, a member of the community and representative for the charities, explained the issues. He said: “Over the last year, the Brett Foundation and Foodshare have helped 1,000 families – including 1,200 children – who have reached that level of abject poverty where they can’t afford to eat properly.
“Mitzvah Day has had a huge impact on what we can achieve – both in terms of inspiring the congregation and the meals we are able to provide. Food is a very Jewish way of supporting people and this cooking event has always been something that the community have been excited and inspired to get involved with. “Typically, a food bank will provide tins of baked beans and tuna, which is fantastic but does mean that families can miss out on fresh and nutritious food. Through Mitzvah Day, we can provide those home-cooked meals that are full of vitamins and goodness, and also have the comfort associated with a hot dinner.” In an added element, the Brett Foundation will also be serving the meals at a new initiative called the ‘Soul Café’, where the people they help can meet and eat together – tackling the issues of loneliness and embarrassment that those in extreme poverty often face.
Maidenhead Synagogue and its cheder has been putting on Mitzvah Day activities for more than a decade, led by Alexandra Domingue. This year, members will also be joining with Muslim, Christian and Sikh neighbours for projects including knitting for those in hospital, tidying the local cemetery, litter picking and collecting items for families in need. Alexandra said: “With everything happening in Israel, there were moments leading up to this cook that felt difficult. But Mitzvah Day has always been about spending a bit of time doing something positive for someone else and trying to be that force for good in the world. “It’s also more important to us than ever that, over the next month, we reach out to our friends in different faith communities and invite them in on Mitzvah Day to build on those friendships and our shared values.” One of those taking part in the cook was Jonathan Anderson-Peled, who was celebrating his 17th birthday. The teenager, who has been taking part since he was eight, said: “I was so happy to spend my birthday here. It sounds like a cliché, but it feels good to help people and give back. Plus, I love cooking!”
Mitzvah Day takes place on and around Sunday 19 November. Sign up at www.mitzvahday.org.uk
Coming together within and across faiths MOSAIC Jewish Community took part in a unique interfaith and intrafaith project, organised by the neighbouring Orthodox Jewish synagogue. Led by Rabbi Rachel Benjamin (pictured on the right of the photo), members took on this year’s Mitzvah Day theme of Repair the World by preparing a garden for its winter slumber and ensuring it will be ready to bloom again. More than 40 green-fingered volunteers from local religious communities – also including Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue, Kenton Hindu Temple and St William of York Roman Catholic Church – partnered with the Friends of Canons Park for the activity. They were also joined by local MP Bob Blackman, Cllr Kantilal Rabadia and Mitzvah Day Founder and Chair Laura Marks CBE.
The tireless group of adults and children spent hours weeding, raking, planting, sweeping and generally tidying up a walled rose garden - leaving the area looking colourful and resplendent, to be enjoyed by local people throughout the year. Rabbi Rachel Benjamin said: “This was a wonderful opportunity for us to come together in friendship to form one community of people, working together to enhance the local environment.”
Organiser Corinne Linskell, of Stanmore and Canons Park (United) Synagogue, added: “This project was made all the more fulfilling by all our different communities uniting as one.”
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In Memory
November/December 2023
A tribute to one of Birmingham’s most committed and colourful characters
By Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi DAVID Harrison was one of the most long-standing and committed members of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS) and also one of its most colourful and engaging characters. David, who was born in July 1931, joined what was then Birmingham Liberal Synagogue in 1959, having got to know Progressive Judaism through the South London Liberal Synagogue. Its principles of equality, sincerity in worship and justice appealed to him and he found his spiritual home there for the next 64 years. Both his first wife Shirley, and later his second wife Val, joined him in the life of the congregation. His daughter Debbie, from his first marriage, was brought up attending its religion school. David was active in all sorts of ways, even at 92. As well as multiple interests outside the synagogue, he served on BPS council and various committees for a number of years and sang in the choir. His interest in the environment and experience in structural engineering were combined when he compiled an environmental audit of the synagogue and he represented the Jewish community on Footsteps, Birmingham Faiths for a Sustainable Future, from its beginning.
David loved putting his practical skills to use as building committee chair - fixing door hinges and trolley wheels - and was a member of the Minhag Committee, which organised services. A regular attender at services, he loved welcoming people, especially to what regulars knew as the Friday night family. He led visitors through the services and made them feel at home. Although at first visitors might have wondered about this man who wore sandals in all weathers and had a quirky sense of humour, they soon got to appreciate him. After Shirley passed away (nearly 30 years ago), David remarried. With his second wife Val, the current President of BPS, he volunteered to liaise with the synagogue’s Welshpool group as soon as it was formed and travelled every month to midWales to join the group. They were also members of the Community Group, which organised events like Cricnic, weekends away and quizzes. Around 11 years ago, David had a cardiac arrest. With support and care coupled with his own dogged determination
to do whatever was needed, he learned to write and walk again. His family call the years since his cardiac arrest, his ‘bonus years’ and as soon as he was well enough, he threw himself into life again, pursuing all his interests with typical enthusiasm and finding new interests too. He helped every month at the tea we held for refugees He also became particularly interested in his Sephardi Jewish heritage, tracing his ancestry and becoming involved in the Jewish Genealogical society. David will be greatly missed in our congregation, however our thoughts are first and foremost with Val and his daughter Debbie to whom David passed on his values and who in turn supported David. We think too, of David’s grandchildren Jack and Lucia, and his extended family who all brought David joy. He leaves a legacy of kindness and a passion for justice and integrity. He was true to himself, standing up for his principles and what he believed was right. As we remember him, we pray that his memory, as it is said of all the righteous, will remain as a blessing and an influence for good. Zecher tzaddik livracha.
Youth
November/December 2023
LJ Today Page 11
LJY-Netzer is Liberal Judaism’s Zionist youth movement. It gives young people the opportunity to develop a strong Progressive Jewish identity, make lasting friendships and have loads of fun
A look back at a special summer
AS the seasons begin to turn, we have all been settling back into our various routines at school, university and work. Sitting down at our desks, we can’t help but reflect upon the summer with a nostalgic and longing smile. It was filled to the brim with LJY-Netzer! Machaneh Kadimah, our biggest event of the year, a two-week residential camp, was a huge success. It was an absolute joy, filled with ideological debate, creative and energetic kef (fun) sessions, spiritual exploration and laughter with friends – as you can see in the photos above. Our new site overlooked the rolling hills of Somerset, never failing to display a gorgeous sunset that marked the end of each day. We had one hundred participants from all over the country, singing, dancing, running and learning together. Aged 8-15, these chanichimot were split into age groups for activities, coming together frequently for Shabbat celebrations, water fights, team games and prayer services.
Our theme of the year and educational focus has been ‘Solidarity’. We intended to spread the simple message that, irrespective of your own personal situation, you should always stand in solidarity with those who are oppressed, even if this provides inconveniences. We are stronger together, and our sessions aimed to educate, empower and inspire these young people, so that they not only felt the desire to stand in solidarity with others, but felt equipped to take action themselves. Each year group explored these ideas through different perspectives, examples and methodologies, learning about the power of union action throughout history and in today’s political climate. A plane ride away, Israel Tour this summer had a wonderful time. Travelling around the country, hearing personal perspectives and stories, seeing historical sites and immersing themselves in a communal, Jewish environment.
They visited Haifa, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat and Kibbutz Lotan, developing a nuanced, critical and productive understanding of the region. Our year 12 tour, Kayitz, this year explored Southern Spain. Travelling to different cities and learning about Sephardic Jewish history, this was a fantastic way of celebrating the contemporary Jewish diaspora, and connecting with different and alternative forms of Jewish identity. We look forward to seeing this year group leading on Kadimah next year, as they continue their Hadracha journey. And we look forward to seeing you all for lots more amazing LJY-Netzer events all year round.
Contact LJY-Netzer: Mia Bogod (m.bogod@liberaljudaism.org ), Mia Harris (m.harris@liberaljudaism.org), Hannah Gellman (h.gellman@liberaljudaism.org) and Director of Youth - Rebecca Fetterman (r.fetterman@liberaljudaism.org)
November/December 2023
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 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 Rebecca Fetterman Director of Development and Membership Alexandra Gellnick Executive Assistant Tanya Garfield Finance Janet Manderson Lifecycle Administrator Lisa Godsal PR Simon Rothstein Honeycomb Project Coordinator Rabbi Eryn London Archivist Alison Turner Student Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan LJY-Netzer Mia Bogod, Mia Harris and Hannah Gellman