September/October 2017 VOL. XLIV No. 5
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
New Patrons scheme will help Shaan urges everyone find their Jewish home Liberal values
in PM meeting
Past and present members of LJY-Netzer are pictured at Liberal Judaism’s Patrons’ Dinner
L
IBERAL JUDAISM has launched a brand new fundraising project to truly make the movement a home for everyone’s Jewish story. Liberal Judaism’s director of strategy and partnerships, Rabbi Charley Baginsky, told lj today: “In order to fulfil our responsibilities and bring Judaism to those people and places others cannot reach, we need to be confident, wellorganised and well-resourced. “The wonder of Liberal Judaism is that we are a movement in the truest sense of the word. We understand that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. “We are fundraising from a shared belief that just as we found a home for our own Jewish stories, we now have the responsibility to help others find their Jewish home too.” Charley added: “I would like to thank our existing patrons, who have done so much to help our movement over the last decade. We hope this new scheme will now see more people join their ranks and help us reach new highs.”
Liberal Judaism’s Patrons Scheme, launched at this year’s annual House of Lords Patrons’ Dinner, has four levels of commitment available – Young Patron (a donation of £1,000 per annum), Bronze Patron (£4,000 per annum), Silver Patron (£10,000 per annum) and Gold Patron (£20,000 per annum). One-off donations are also encouraged to fund specific projects such as providing a small community with prayer brooks, enabling young members to attend LJYNetzer events, camps and Israel Tour, and employing a part-time northern development worker. Patrons will receive VIP invitations to Liberal Judaism events including the Patrons’ Dinner and Biennial Weekend, regular updates and an input into the movement’s strategic development. For a private conversation about supporting Liberal Judaism, please contact Charley on 020 7631 9824 or c.baginsky@liberaljudaism.org • Pages 5-7: Fundraising special
LIBERAL JUDAISM’S Shaan Knan spoke with Prime Minister Theresa May at a 10 Downing Street reception to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community. Shaan highlighted Liberal Judaism’s trailblazing work on equality and human rights, especially the oral history projects which he manages. Shaan (pictured right) said: “I spoke about how our movement led the way on the fight for equal marriage, as well as our pioneering Rainbow Jews, Twilight People and Rainbow Pilgrims projects. “I also stressed how I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister speak about the Conservative Government’s commitment to equality, and pointed out that funding and support was much needed when it comes to minorities within minorities such as LBGTQI+ people of faith.” The annual reception, which was first held in 2009 by then Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown, was attended by leading figures from the LGBTQI+ community and allies. This year’s event also marked the 50th anniversary of the law that partially decriminalised homosexuality in England and Wales.
Page 2 LJ Today
Communities
September/October 2017
Ealing fun day raises £5,425 Three reasons to celebrate
Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich (far right), attended a special Friday night service in Ealing where members presented South London Liberal Synagogue with a cheque
MEMBERS of Ealing Liberal Synagogue (ELS) raised £5,425 at a special fun day event, with the money going to the Abraham’s Tent project to turn part of South London Liberal Synagogue into a self-contained home for a refugee family. The fun day included everything from a bake off and bridge lessons to kids’ board games and a meet and greet with Elsa from Frozen. There was also live music, singing and a table tennis tournament. A silent auction was the biggest fundraiser of the day, with people bidding for a signed Gareth Bale football shirt, £1,000 to spend in luxury fashion retailer Rag and Bone, holidays, jewellery, shopping vouchers and more. Guests at the event included local MP Stephen Pound, who successfully bid for West End theatre tickets in the auction. Ealing’s Rabbi Janet Burden said: “The Abraham’s Tent project is so inspiring – in terms of both its intent and practicality – that we wanted to do as much as possible to raise funds for it. Organisers Emma Nicolet and Linda Fraser did a wonderful job and everyone was so generous.”
The ELS donation - presented at a special Friday night service - means that South London Liberal Synagogue (SLLS) has now raised more than half of its £50,000 target for Abraham’s Tent. The project will see part of the synagogue building, that was formerly used as a caretaker’s flat, refurbished to provide a much needed self-contained home for a family of Syrian refugees. There have been more than 150 donors so far, and the community is working closely with Lambeth Council. Simon Noah Etkind, part of the Abraham’s Tent Project team, said: “We’ve been amazed by how much support there has been from across the Jewish community, as well as from other faith groups and organisations. It has really inspired people. “We were overwhelmed by the fundraising efforts of ELS – thanks to their donation we have now passed the threshold where we can start renovation work and make the project a reality.” To make a donation to Abraham’s Tent, please visit www.southlondon.org
Fighting cancer the SBJC way
A TEAM from South Bucks Jewish Community (SBJC) raised more than £4,500 for Cancer Research UK, by walking for 24 hours in this year’s UK Relay for Life in Aylesbury.
The SBJC Strollers team took it in turns to walk through sun and rain from midday on one day to the same time on the next. They also sold jewellery at their stall. They have now raised £16,000 over the last few years, choosing to take part in the annual relay after seeing friends and family members with cancer benefiting from recent advances in treatment. Team captain Amanda McFeeters said: “The event combines fun and friendship, with the opportunity to celebrate and remember those we have lost.”
THE COMMUNITY at Tikvah Chadasha (Shenfield, Brentwood and District Synagogue) celebrated at a very special bar/batmitzvah ceremony with triplets Nathan, Isabella and Amelia. The triplets, along with parents Karen and Andy, joined the community not long after its formation in 2010. Grandparents Judith and Geoff are among the founder members of the congregation and Karen now serves as its chair. The community’s Jan Feldman said: “Having attended cheder from age five, these wonderful children give their all in everything they do. Our synagogue was packed with community, family and friends, including two greatgrandmothers, for this special event.”
KT class lead Essex service
A GROUP of 15-year-olds led a fun and spiritual service at East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (EL&ELS), as the new community enjoyed their first Kabbalat Torah celebration. During their studies, the EL&ELS group (pictured with Rabbi Richard Jacobi) looked into ethics, morals and what it means to be Jewish in the 21st century. The course included a trip to Amsterdam. East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue was formed in January this year when Woodford Liberal and Bet Tikvah Synagogues voted to unite.
Communities
September/October 2017
First batmitzvah for a generation in Preston
Rachael Dable is presented with a certificate by Lynn Frank in a moving batmitzvah ceremony
RACHAEL DABLE helped Liberal Judaism make another piece of history in the North, by becoming the first batmitzvah girl in Preston since the early 1980s. Rachael celebrated her big day in the presence of family, friends, members of the Lancashire & Cumbria Liberal Jewish Community and the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Brian Rollo. Rachael, who suffered brain injuries at birth, was commended by Rabbi Robert Ash for the hard work and effort she put in over many months to learn her Torah portion and blessings. In a touching moment, Rachael was presented with a certificate by Lynn Frank. Lynn was one of the batmitzvah girls in the old Preston Synagogue, where her family were prominent members but which closed in 1982. Rabbi Robert Ash said: “The whole day was very special and I was proud once more to see the continuity and revival of Jewish life in Preston.”
Rachael and members of her family recited the prayers and blessings to welcome Shabbat on Friday night in Preston. Rachael and her father, Jeremy, then both read from the Torah at Menorah (Reform) Synagogue in Manchester on Saturday morning. The Lancashire & Cumbria Liberal Jewish Community was launched nearly three years ago and serves Liberal Jews across the North West. Members also recently presented a tree to the people of Preston as part of the replanting of Moor Park (pictured below).
LJ Today Page 3
Bedfordshire golden jubilee
MORE THAN 40 past and present members of Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue (BPS), travelling from as far away as Devon and Spain, came together to celebrate 50 years of the community. A special service was held at Clophill Village Hall, in Bedfordshire, to mark the golden jubilee and also welcome the community’s newly-repaired Torah scroll. Guests included the Bishop of Bedford Richard Atkinson, the Mayor and Mayoress of Luton and Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich. Highlights of the event included a passionate address from Gillian Merron – who spoke about her journey from being a Labour MP to becoming chief executive of the Board of Deputies – and a presentation of gifts by Natu Solanki, the vice chair of Luton Council of Faiths, to BPS chair David Young (pictured above). The service, was followed by a large lunch. Surplus food was then taken to Bedford Night Shelter, a charity BPS regularly supports. Vice chair Naomi Fellerman said: “Over the last 50 years BPS has developed from a handful of people into a thriving and welcoming community. We are looking forward to a bright future with young families recently moving to the area.”
Friday night winner MORE THAN 70 people attended Friday night dinners all over the South West of England in a unique project coordinated by Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community (GLJC). Rabbi Anna Gerrard and Karen Reynolds organised the venture, which saw members of GLJC attend one of eight dinners, all taking place on the same evening. Karen said: “The allocation of guests to hosts was a joint venture, made harder by the wide geography of our membership – covering eight meals in three counties! “It was great for so many members of the community to get to know each other, whether in person at the dinners or over email as we organised them all.”
Page 4 LJ Today
News
September/October 2017
LJY-Netzer tour is a record breaker
Members of Liberal Judaism’s youth movement get ready to leave for Israel Tour (left) and enjoying their first day at the Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa
LIBERAL JUDAISM sent its largest ever delegation of young people on Israel Tour, with 49 participants from youth movement LJY-Netzer, along with five leaders, spending a month in the country. The group, aged 16 and 17, are members of communities from all over the UK, including London, Hertfordshire, Harrow, Birmingham, Nottingham, Bristol and Buckinghamshire. There were also international participants with Liberal Jews based in Milan and Los Angeles joining the trip.
Liberal Judaism’s director of youth, Rebecca Fetterman, said: “The numbers, which were up 50 per cent on last year, are a real tribute to our LJY-Netzer movement workers, who have spent the last year promoting Israel Tour in our communities and showing young people how it really is an inspirational and lifechanging experience. “It also proves the growing interest among young British Jews for a truly egalitarian and inclusive Israel Tour that looks at all sides of the country.”
The teenagers visited Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Bahá’í holy sites and places of worship, learning and praying together and discovering more about Israel. They also swam, danced, partied, hiked, created artwork and mingled with people of all faiths from all over the globe. Volunteering is also a key part of LJYNetzer Israel Tour, fulfilling the Liberal Jewish values of social action and tikkun olam (repairing the world), with the group performing charitable tasks from packing food parcels to agricultural work.
Lunch and learn with Dalia Marx
RABBI DALIA MARX, a visiting academic from Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, led a special Mishnah study session at Liberal Judaism’s London head office. Dalia took a group of 10 people through two texts, one from Pirkei Avot and one from Berachot, leading into a discussion about whether the Mishnah’s attention to detail on the Temple was an attempt to give rabbis authority, via attachment to that period, or a necessary public evil. The class was part of our regular lunchtime Mishnah study sessions. They are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Montagu Centre, 21 Maple St, London, W1T 4BE, and run by Liberal Judaism and the Lyons Learning Project.
The course offers an introduction to rabbinic literature, focusing each month on an aspect of the Mishnah edited by Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi in 200 CE. Sessions are led by Rabbis Danny Rich and Neil Janes, along with guests. Danny is the senior rabbi of Liberal Judaism. Neil is part of the rabbinic team at West London Synagogue and executive director of the Lyons Learning Project. Neil said: “These sessions are a chance for us to think about our literary heritage as Progressive Jews and how we can create a Judaism relevant for today.” People can attend all sessions, or just one. They are free. For full details, email Tom Rich on t.rich@liberaljudaism.org
RABBI DR RENÉ PFERTZEL is the new rabbi at Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS). René, who was born in Strasbourg, France, joins KLS from The Liberal Jewish Synagogue. He has also served Finchley Progressive Synagogue and Wessex Liberal Synagogue, as well as teaching at several Progressive Jewish communities in France.
Fundraising
September/October 2017
LJ Today Page 5
Renowned musicians to play fundraising concert
David and Abigail Dolan will play at the LJS
A SPECIAL fundraising concert to mark 115 years of Liberal Judaism will be held at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS), St John’s Wood, on November 23. It will feature renowned pianist David Dolan and his guests, critically acclaimed flautist Abigail Dolan and cellist and conductor Thomas Carroll. Praised for his classical improvisation, David Dolan has performed at major venues and festivals all over the world and made live recordings for radio and TV.
Away from the stage, David is a researcher and educator who devotes an important part of his career to the revival of the art of classical improvisation. He was praised by Yehudi Menuhin for “giving new life to classical music”. Described by The Strad Magazine as a player of “authority, passion, full of colour and underpinned by a clear musical intelligence”, Welsh cellist Thomas Carroll launched his career when he won both Young Concert Artists Trust and Young Concert Artists, New York. Since then he has performed in leading concert venues and appeared as concerto soloist with orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Orchestras and London Philharmonic. Praised for her imaginative performances, Abigail Dolan’s career combines solo and chamber music performances worldwide. She also takes a leading role in the innovative Symphonova Orchestra.
Born in Israel, David and Abigail are proud Liberal Jews and active members of Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS). They are particularly passionate about the plight of non-Orthodox Jews in Israel, and joined our movement after being attracted by “the warmth with which we were welcomed and the openness for new thinking about Judaism.” Entitled Beyond Text: Interpretation as Meaning, the concert programme will present well-known repertoire with a personal twist, including classical improvisations inspired by the masterpieces performed; and multiple performances of Debussy’s muchbeloved Syrinx. We encourage all Liberal Jews to celebrate our movement by attending this event. We are also looking for sponsors and items for a silent auction. For more information, to buy tickets or offer to help in other ways, please email Tom Rich on t.rich@liberaljudaism.org
Six ways you can help us open doors
3
ONE of the most important parts of Liberal Judaism’s new Patrons Scheme is that it pinpoints exactly where the money goes. While all funds will help our movement fulfil its remit to welcome people who wish to (re)discover and enliven their Judaism and create a fairer and more equal society, patrons’ money will be used for six specific goals:
1
We would like every young person who wishes to participate in an LJYNetzer event to be able to. To achieve this, we need to increase our bursaries for young people to be able to attend our events, camps and tours. Not only is the amount required growing every year, as family budgets are put under more pressure, but we are aware that some families will not ask for help, so we must reach out more effectively. Synagogue and rabbinic discretionary funds are also diminishing, and we can’t rely on grant income alone. Liberal Judaism’s director of youth, Becca Fetterman, said: “It is an honour to work with LJY-Netzer and be inspired daily by their passion, dedication and the incredible opportunities they create. They take people from where they are, then go the extra mile for them, making sure that every individual’s needs are met, that they feel camp is for them and they can join in every part of it.”
2
We will create effective working partnerships between synagogues with the addition of a part-time northern fieldworker. In total, across the North of England and Scotland, there are at least 400 active Liberal Jews. More than 120 of them from Nottingham northwards - recently gathered in York (pictured above) to form the Liberal Judaism Northern Alliance and share best practice, resources and occasional events. This current level of activity clearly shows a significant demand, while at the same time indicating that the region is not yet fulfilling its potential. Culturally and socially these communities have much in common despite the distance between them. The northern fieldworker will build a common identity so that they can support each other further and grow together.
We plan to increase our publications catalogue and create a new Liberal Judaism Siddur, because we have something to say that is worth hearing. We have an incredible group of rabbis within Liberal Judaism. It is therefore essential that we expand the books, leaflets and other publications they are able to write, both in terms of platform and diversity of topics. A new Siddur will develop an inspiring, radical and transformative Liberal Jewish liturgy for the 21st century.
4
We will launch specific programming and mentoring for young adults, building a practical link between leadership, identity and personal growth. We will help them develop their engagement with both Judaism and the working world. Our goal is that young adults will see Liberal Judaism as part of their future, and see their future in Liberal Judaism.
5 6
We will facilitate closer links between all our communities, large and small, because we know that we work best when we work together. We need to build our reserves so that we can continue to fulfil our aspirations, insulated from external factors which could hinder our progress.
Page 6 LJ Today
Fundraising
September/October 2017
‘British society needs our voices and values’ Rabbi Danny Rich outlined his vision for Liberal Judaism at the Patrons’ Dinner Tonight I am delighted to see a number of newer - and dare I say, in some cases, younger – possible advocates and supporters. This is due to the hard work of Nicola Nathan, our new chair of patrons, and Rabbi Charley Rabbi Danny Rich with Liberal Judaism’s chair of patrons, Nicola Nathan Baginsky, Liberal Judaism’s director of strategy and partnerships. I AM proud to declare that Liberal Together they have created, for the first Judaism has remained consistent in time, an appropriate fundraising strategy one single task throughout its 115 year for Liberal Judaism. history: to combine the best of Judaism Let me now turn to the two major with the best of modernity, and to do so projects we are asking you to support. by the application of Jewish values to the I am going to begin with a true story. challenges of the day. Recently our director of youth, Becca It is perhaps inconceivable that, more Fetterman, received a call about a than a century ago, our movement’s 16-year-old boy, who has a Jewish founders would have grappled with the maternal grandfather and decided he question of equal marriage. But they will wanted to go on Israel Tour and explore have recognised why we led the fight for it when they understood that it was based what it means to be Jewish. He was having problems finding a place upon a modern understanding of human with other Jewish youth movements, as sexuality and a founding principle of he was not the child of a halachically Liberal Judaism… inclusion. Jewish mother. LJY-Netzer immediately On the other hand, the first Liberal welcomed him in accord with the Liberal rabbi in this country, Rabbi Dr Israel Jewish principles that we include all Mattuck, was instrumental in welcoming those who want to explore their Jewish German refugees to England in the identity and we really do treat children 1930s and in the campaign against slum of Jewish fathers or grandfathers in the housing in the East End of London. He same way as those with Jewish mothers might well have been proud of the lead or grandmothers. Liberal Judaism has taken over the What an irony that, at a time when the last few years on the Syrian refugee Jewish media yields pages to complaints issue or of our success in being the first about young people not affiliating, when synagogal movement to go ‘Living Wage’. a 16-year-old makes his first decision to Many of the patrons at tonight’s event engage in a Jewish activity, much of that have remained constant supporters for community meets him with questions of more than a decade now. status instead of open arms. With your help we changed the It is for young people like that young perception of our movement within man – and hundreds of others whose the wider community by our enhanced opportunities to be Jewish are restricted media presence. We re-invigorated by status issues, geographical distance Liberal Judaism with our social justice from a large Jewish community or simply campaigns and supported our students the financial means of their parents – by providing Rabbi Leah Jordan, the that we are seeking to establish a bursary only Progressive Jewish chaplain in the fund for LJY-Netzer/Liberal Judaism UK. And we have brought Judaism – youth activities including weekend events, Liberal Judaism – to places others had camps and tours. not been able to reach with the opening When looking over the list of of 11 new communities in Durham, communities founded in the last decade, Lancashire, York, Wessex, Stevenage, you do not need a degree in geography Gloucestershire, Shenfield, Suffolk, to see that Liberal Judaism will take its Crouch End, Manchester and Edinburgh.
values and practices to all parts of the UK. Nevertheless, the detective in you will have observed that Durham, York, Lancashire and Manchester are all in the North of England. We already have a few hundred Liberal Jews affiliated to our communities there, and daily enquiries indicate the desire for more. That is why I have vowed that Liberal Judaism will hire a part-time northern development worker to prepare the ground for our first full-time rabbinic appointment in the region in three years or so. The cost of the part-time worker is £20,000 per annum and a full-time rabbi some £45,000 per annum. We know that when we invest in personnel then membership, activity and morale all rise. Help me fulfil my rash promise. I could also talk about our service leadership course, student packs, plans for a new Siddur, online music resource and ideas to bring communities closer together for shared activities. Risky though it is, I could even explain why, after more than a decade of balanced budgets and no financial reserves, we need to be a little more prudent. What all of these activities have in common is our shared purpose: to create a Judaism based on compassion not legalism; on welcoming not closing doors; on going to the Jews rather than forcing them to move to us; on helping people create vibrant and inspiring worship, study and social events. We do it not only for ourselves, nor only for those Jews who have yet to discover the vitality and beauty of Liberal Judaism. We do it because it fulfils the Jewish mission to create a better world and because if we do not, then who will? British society needs the voices and values of Liberal Judaism. We must join with others of all faiths, and none, to change the trajectory of our world. I want to ask you to consider how you can help us achieve these objectives. Perhaps you can become a patron and make a regular donation; perhaps you can afford a more modest contribution. Whatever you can do I promise you this: it will contribute to the advance of Liberal Judaism and give those who have yet to find it the opportunity to discover a Judaism fit for the 21st century. Just as you perhaps found a home in Liberal Judaism, help us to help others find their Jewish home too. • Rabbi Danny Rich is Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi
September/October 2017
Fundraising
LJ Today Page 7
Patrons’ Dinner 2017 in pictures More than 120 people – including Liberal Judaism patrons, rabbis, officers, youth workers, staff and members – enjoyed an evening of entertaining and rousing speeches at the House of Lords. Below are our favourite photos from the event:
(L-R) Rabbis Alan Mann, Deborah Blausten, Richard Jacobi, Charley Baginsky, Aaron Goldstein, Rebecca Birk, Danny Rich, Peter Luijendijk, Harry Jacobi, Dr Andrew Goldstein and Lea Mühlstein at the 13th Annual Dinner of the Liberal Judaism Council of Patrons. Pictures by Yakir Zur
Liberal Judaism’s director of strategy and partnerships, Rabbi Charley Baginsky, welcomed the Board of Deputies’ Gillian Merron
A speech by Lord Haskel opened the event, with the night’s other speakers including the award-winning poet David Harsent
The Alliance for Progressive Judaism was in full flow, as movement chairs Geoffrey Marx, Robert Weiner and Simon Benscher bonded
LJY-Netzer’s Hannah Stephenson (left) - pictured with Anna Craven and Rosie Ward - led Grace After Meals with Rabbi Rebecca Birk
Page 8 LJ Today
News
September/October 2017
Alliance creates Israel Desk Aaron is new THE Alliance for Progressive Judaism has appointed Carrie Shaw as its Israel Desk coordinator, the first ever position in UK Reform or Liberal Jewry to be funded by partners in Israel. The Israel Desk brings together a table of partners – Liberal Judaism, Reform Judaism, the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, Pro-Zion, Friends of Leo Baeck Haifa and Friends of Progressive Judaism – to work together on education, engagement and the co-ordination of messages and campaigns. Here Carrie introduces herself and talks more about the role: What are the goals of the Israel Desk? The focus of the Israel Desk will be education, engagement with our members and the co-ordination of Reform and Liberal Judaism messages. We will work hand in hand with the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism and our other partners.
Where did you work before this role? I was born in Wisconsin and have lived and worked all around America, including in Jewish communities in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. My most recent role was as the student leadership and programming coordinator for Central Florida Hillel. I have also lived, studied and worked in Israel, including an internship at Beit Daniel: The Center for Progressive Judaism in Tel Aviv-Jaffa.
What brought you to England? I recently relocated here with my husband Ben, who grew up as a member of Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue, and our pup Bella. What are your interests? I am personally passionate about Israel, studying Torah and making Judaism as inclusive as possible by ensuring that women, LGBTQI+ people, interfaith families and everyone else can play a full role in services and our community. Outside of work, my loves are the beach in Tel Aviv, the Green Bay Packers and, most recently, Brighton & Hove Albion. How can members get in touch with you? If anyone wants more information, please email allianceisraeldesk@gmail.com
New officer group forms at AGM Deputy chair Lucian J Hudson has left BoNO and becomes a vice president. Liberal Judaism chair Simon Benscher said: “Ruth has always been a driving force in our movement and I know she will now help us achieve great things as my vice chair. “It’s been a pleasure working alongside Lucian for many Liberal Judaism chair Simon Benscher with (L-R) Rosie years. As both a former chair Ward, Amanda McFeeters, Ros Clayton and Ruth Seager and deputy chair, Lucian helped make Liberal Judaism what it is today and he continues to be a RUTH SEAGER was elected as the new source of support and advice.” vice chair of Liberal Judaism at the AGM. Amanda McFeeters and Ros Clayton Ruth is a member of East London were elected as new Liberal Judaism & Essex Liberal Synagogue and has officers at the AGM, held in July, dedicated most of her life to Liberal while Rosie Ward was re-elected as Judaism. She has taken on various treasurer and Robin Moss as officer with roles, including serving on the Board of responsibility for youth and education. National Officers (BoNO) for the last five Liberal Judaism’s other officers are years. She replaces Jackie Richards, who Dr Howard Cohen, Graham Carpenter, has stepped down as vice chair and been Amelia Viney, Tamara Schmidt, Ed elected as officer with responsibility for Herman and David Hockman. small communities.
rabbinic chair RABBI AARON GOLDSTEIN is the new chair of Liberal Judaism’s Rabbinic Conference, after being unanimously voted into the role by his peers. Aaron succeeds previous co-chairs Rabbis Alexandra Wright and Richard Jacobi, and takes on the prestigious position once held by his father, and current Liberal Judaism president, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein. Rabbinic Conference is where Liberal Judaism’s rabbis meet, on a monthly basis, to discuss pressing issues, learn from and support each other and forge religious and spiritual messages. Aaron, senior rabbi at Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, said: “I could not be more excited and energised. Following the incredible Day of Celebration – which reinforced for me my father’s words that ‘I am a Jew, a Liberal Jew’ – I am honoured that my colleagues have entrusted this role to me for the next two years. “In partnership with the Board of National Officers, the Rabbinic Conference drives Liberal Judaism as a movement. In turn we are driven to serve our communities and my vision is that together we continually innovate so that Liberal Judaism is at the forefront of Anglo Jewry. We are Jews, Liberal Jews, and have a vital role to play in the growth of Judaism, a truly sacred task.” He added: “I am grateful to have the support of the outgoing chairs, Rabbis Alexandra Wright and Richard Jacobi, who will continue as my vice chairs for the next year. Together, they have guided us through the last few years, for which I thank them on behalf of all our colleagues. “Liberal rabbis are an immensely loyal group of passionate and talented individuals that form a strong whole. From that group we will identify my successor so that they take over as vice chair in a year. This new model will ensure continuity into the future.”
International
September/October 2017
LJ Today Page 9
A Progressive fightback in Israel LIBERAL JUDAISM – working with other Progressive movements around the world – has expressed outrage regarding the Israeli Government’s decisions to abandon the plan for an egalitarian prayer space at the Kotel (Western Wall) and to progress a Conversion Bill that would mean only Israel’s UltraOrthodox Chief Rabbinate could carry out conversions in the country. On hearing that the Israeli Government, under pressure from the Ultra-Orthodox, had reversed its promise to allow men and women to pray together at the Kotel, the new Alliance for Progressive Judaism Israel Desk released a statement saying: “This is a betrayal of Israeli and Diaspora Jewry. The majority of Jews in Israel, and all around the world, believe in egalitarianism, and the rights of people to pray in the manner they wish. “The Diaspora stands with Progressive Jews in Israel in continuing the fight for an egalitarian prayer space at the Kotel.” Rabbis covering the spectrum of British Progressive Jewry also met with Mark Regev, Israel’s ambassador to Britain, to voice their alarm. After listening to their concerns, the ambassador expressed his understanding and empathy for the position of the Progressive Jewish movements and assured the group that “Israel is a homeland for all Jews including Orthodox, Reform, Liberal, Progressive, Masorti and non-believers.” He said that he will convey British concerns directly to the Government of Israel.
On the Kotel, Regev added that, despite the difficulties, he recognised that all parties will need to return to the table and strive for a “workable compromise” and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu understands this need. Those at the meeting were Rabbi Danny Rich (representing Liberal Judaism), Rabbi Mark Goldsmith (Reform Judaism), Rabbi Jeremy Gordon (Masorti Judaism), Rabbi Lea Mühlstein (Pro-Zion), Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein (European Union for Progressive Judaism), Rabbi Charley Baginsky (Alliance for Progressive Judaism) and Carrie Shaw (Alliance for Progressive Judaism Israel Desk). Liberal Judaism president Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein – who sits on both the Liberal Judaism and European Batei Din, which oversee Progressive conversions – spoke of the concerns of converts “to whom both the Nazis and the Communists denied their Judaism”, questioning “how can we rob them now?” Rabbi Lea Mühlstein stressed that: “The task of Progressive Zionists is already a difficult one – having to convince our congregants and our youth that we must positively engage with the State of Israel, rather than focusing solely on the occupation, and that we must do so from within the Zionist institutions. “The Prime Minister’s decision to reject a compromise that was reached across religious and political divides undermines not just our position but the whole idea of a Diaspora Zionist voice being heard by the Government of the State of Israel.”
By Rabbi Danny Rich THE current situation in Israel reflects a dangerous view – the view that some Jews are not Jewish enough, or not even Jews at all. While the Kotel reversal is the most newsworthy aspect of the official state discrimination against Progressive Judaism and Jews in Israel, it is certainly not the only one. Israel remains the only democracy in the world where my Progressive rabbinic colleagues and I may not freely marry and bury congregants. That means a very large number of Israelis – including many who have fought wars on the country’s behalf – are unable to access, in a manner acceptable to them, the right to marry, divorce and be buried. Just as serious, through the proposed Conversion Bill, is the threat to remove from individuals in Israel the right to convert to Judaism in accord with their way of life. There is now a real danger that what might have been a single national Jewish identity will become two Jewish peoples. For me that would mean the whole raison d’être of Zionism will have disappeared. Israel stands at a crossroad. It can remain a modern democracy or it can become just another theocratic backwater in the Middle East.
Haim makes history in his homeland SEVEN new European Liberal and Reform rabbis have been ordained by Leo Baeck College (LBC), including the first ever Spanish-born Progressive rabbi. Rabbi Haim Casas (pictured left) will make history when he returns home to begin work in communities in Spain, as well as France and Switzerland. The ordination of Haim, who was born and raised in Córdoba, was especially poignant as the Jewish community in Spain has only re-emerged very recently. Jewish people were expelled from the country, or forced to convert to Christianity, in 1492 and it has taken five centuries for Judaism to return in a meaningful way – either through Spanish people discovering their Jewish roots or Jews from other countries moving there.
Haim was one of the class of seven new Progressive rabbis (pictured below with LBC’s principal and dean) ordained in front of 500 guests at West London Synagogue, after studying for five years on the College’s acclaimed Rabbinic Programme. The other six new rabbis are currently working in various Reform Judaism positions around the UK.
Page 10 LJ Today
Interfaith
September/October 2017
Saints, simchas and soakings Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein on a Christian event that made him think about our High Holy Days SUMMER started with a soaking at Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, as it was my turn to have wet sponges thrown at me during the end of term cheder fun day. Such is the lot of an emeritus rabbi and the president of Liberal Judaism and, though I suspect that some of my more illustrious predecessors would have found it less than acceptable, for me it was great fun. Fortunately, a few days later, I went on holiday to Gozo, Malta, and dried out. I loved the island. The summer heat had left the small fields dry and bare, but the towns and villages were full of colour for a succession of Saints’ Days. I witnessed the villagers all pitching in with their talents. Some decorating the local church with huge drapes, so the walls became deep red instead of plain marble. Others erecting coloured lights, flags and overarching banners along the streets, or making the fireworks that punctuated the evening celebrations with enormous explosions.
I believe it is the feeling of belonging One Saturday we discovered that a to a larger than usual group that creates new priest, born in the village, was the special atmosphere we enjoy at this holding his first mass that evening. We time. And as one year ends and a new one missed the service but, later at 10pm, begins, when we have increased anxiety joined hundreds of people of all ages in about so many events and trends in our the square. Everyone was dressed for a society, country and the world…. we need simcha, and that is what it was. the comfort and hope that comes from Evidently the young priest’s family had belonging to an historic and colourful paid for the celebration: a great band, community. This is why we create trays of foods being offered, a free bar congregations and celebrate festivals. and, in the middle, a huge cake. May the new year of 5778 bring to you No doubt the villagers had felt proud and your community success and growth as one of their own conducted his first and in that community may you find service. It was followed by the grandest meaning and consolation and hope. kiddush I have ever been to. And we were made to feel very welcome indeed. The whole experience made me Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein is president of think of the power of community: many Liberal Judaism. He can be contacted on offering their talents for the benefit of all; agoldstein@f2s.com generous hospitality; and people of all ages just enjoying being together, worshipping together and celebrating together. Surely this is the aim of our own congregations as they gather in large numbers for the High Holy Days and Tishri Festivals. We might not get fireworks, but there The children at Northwood & Pinner have fun soaking LJ’s president are shofar blasts!
Review: 2067 – Hard New World What did audiences make of the dystopian future projected by the sci-fi musical? NORTHWOOD METHODIST CHURCH (NMC) recently opened its doors to host 2067 - Hard New World, a joint production with Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS). Below a member of each gives their review: THE MULTIMEDIA production provided a thought-provoking look at life in 50 years’ time and a world struggling to meet the demands of a greatlyexpanded population with everdeclining resources. How would the population respond to the expectation that once you had reached the age of 70, you had to leave this world for another virtual ‘life’? What would be the effect of such practices on the individuals concerned
and their families? How could the world countenance such an approach to address the problem of ever decreasing basic resources such as food and water? 2067 - Hard New World addressed these issues. Live music and action combined with filmed scenes to hold audiences spellbound, entertain - and challenge them to think how life might be 50 years from now. Is it inconceivable that the world will be over-populated, facing shortages of food, water and power generation facilities to provide heat, light and warmth to help sustain life? The cast, drawn from members of NPLS and NMC, worked together tirelessly and enthusiastically to produce an event that was well
supported by the local community. It was a wonderful production and a terrific example of sharing across the religious divide. Will King George VII be on the throne in 2067? How will the Hard New World be? Think about it. Gill Bater (NMC) WITTY, entertaining and deep – this sci-fi musical perfectly illustrated the important place of liberal religion in our society. The musical tackled vital questions arising from an ageing society and highlighted the importance of cross-generational engagement and interfaith cooperation; not just through its plot but also through its intergenerational and interfaith cast. Rabbi Lea Mühlstein (NPLS)
Youth
September/October 2017
LJ Today Page 11
LJY-Netzer is Liberal Judaism’s Zionist youth movement. It gives young people the opportunity to develop a strong Progressive Jewish identity, make lasting friendships and have loads of fun
Meet the movement workers
The new LJY-Netzer team of Ellie Lawson, Simon Lovick and Hannah Stephenson spell out the name of their favourite youth movement
LJY-NETZER has two new movement workers. Ellie Lawson and Simon Lovick have joined up with Hannah Stephenson to form this year’s team. Based at Liberal Judaism’s London head office, the movement workers are the professionals who run LJY-Netzer with the help of a large group of volunteers. Below they introduce themselves: Name: Ellie Lawson Nickname: Bellina Interests: Feminism, LGBTQI+ education and activism, refugee support and food! First LJY-Netzer memory: My first event was Israel Tour and I vividly remember being on a hilltop and learning the song Wading in the Velvet Sea. Why are you a Liberal Jew?: Because I identify with the modern and logical approach that it takes - bringing ancient texts into the 21st century. I also deeply appreciate its values of inclusion. Goals for the year: I want to achieve a lot. I want to encourage our members to engage more with Jewish festivals, while also improving our education on Israel and Reform Zionism by creating an Israel Day with high profile speakers. All in all, I hope to build on what has been created by my predecessors and listen to our members to fulfil their needs.
Name: Simon Lovick Nicknames: Si, Psy, Big Si and Simey (though this is reserved for my mother and, more recently, my co-workers) Interests: Politics, which I spent four years studying at university, and cinema, which I’ve spent 22 years studying in my spare time. I found a perfect crossover in my dissertation, which was about the revolutionary possibilities of cinema. First LJY-Netzer memory: Waiting for the coaches with dread at Southgate Progressive Synagogue for my first spring camp, aged nine, and reluctantly leaving my mum, only to have one of the most memorable times of my life. Why are you a Liberal Jew?: I desire and thrive in an environment where everyone feels welcome and which keeps Judaism relevant at an age when it can seem less important. My parents first joined to accommodate my non-Jewish father, and as a result I have constantly been astounded by the movement’s generosity, open arms and open minds. Goals for the year: I have three things I want us to achieve. 1) To advance our tikkun olam (repairing the world) through enhanced social action. 2) Continuing to reach out to smaller communities. 3) Preserving ‘youth empowerment’ by investing in our young Liberal Jews.
Name: Hannah Stephenson Nickname: HanHan Interests: I am passionate about Holocaust education, anything musical and religion/theology. First LJY-Netzer memory: Visiting my sister on the last day of Kadimah summer camp and watching her having so much fun with all her friends. Like all younger siblings I was instantly jealous and begged my mum to sign me up for the next year’s Kadimah. Why are you a Liberal Jew?: Because the movement engages me to be a better person and has inspired me to help make the world a better place. Goals for the year: As I begin my second year as a movement worker there are many successes I now want us to build on. I am excited to see how our events and camps will continue to grow, and have set myself the target of having a large group go on Kayitz Europe Tour. Bring on 5778/9! • LJY-Netzer bids a fond farewell to Sam Alston and Anna Craven, who have moved on to pastures new after two fantastic years of movement work. We know they will be very successful in their chosen career paths and stay as regular participants in events.
Contact LJY-Netzer: Ellie Lawson (e.lawson@liberaljudaism.org), Simon Lovick (s.lovick@liberaljudaism.org) and Hannah Stephenson (h.stephenson@liberaljudaism.org); Director of Youth - Rebecca Fetterman (r.fetterman@liberaljudaism.org)
Page 12 LJ Today
September/October 2017
Liberal congregations Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue T: 0845 869 7105 E: bedsps@liberaljudaism.org W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk
Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community T: 01323 725 650 E: eljc@liberaljudaism.org W: eljc.org.uk
Beit Klal Yisrael (Notting Hill) E: bkymailing@gmail.com W: bky.org.uk
Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community T: 0131 777 8024 E: info@eljc.org W: eljc.org
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue T: 0121 634 3888 E: bps@liberaljudaism.org W: bpsjudaism.com Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue T: 01273 737 223 E: info@bhps-online.org W: bhps-online.org Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation E: bwpjc@bwpjc.org W: bwpjc.org Crawley Jewish Community T: 01293 534 294
Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community T: 01242 260 497 E: shalom@gljc.org.uk W: gljc.org.uk Herefordshire Jewish Community T: 01594 530 721 E: hjc@liberaljudaism.org W: herefordshirejc.org
Lincolnshire Jewish Community T: 01427 628 958 E: ljc@liberaljudaism.org W: lincolnshirejc.co.uk Manchester Liberal Jewish Community T: 0161 796 6210 E: mljc@liberaljudaism.org W: mljc.org.uk Mosaic Liberal (Harrow) T: 020 8864 5323 E: office@mosaicliberal.org.uk W: mosaicliberal.org.uk Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue T: 01923 822 592 E: npls@liberaljudaism.org W: npls.org.uk Norwich Liberal Jewish Community E: nljc@liberaljudaism.org W: norwichljc.org.uk
Crouch End Chavurah E: info@crouchendchavurah.co.uk W: crouchendchavurah.co.uk
Kehillah North London T: 020 7403 3779 E: knl@liberaljudaism.org W: nlpjc.org.uk
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue T: 0115 962 4761 E: nls@liberaljudaism.org
Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation E: djpc@liberaljudaism.org W: djpcireland.com
Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 07952 242 432 E: enquiries@kljc.org.uk W: www.kljc.org.uk
Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community T: 07561 331 390 E: info@pljc.org.uk W: pljc.org.uk
Ealing Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8997 0528 E: els@liberaljudaism.org W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk
Kingston Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8398 7400 E: kls@liberaljudaism.org W: klsonline.org
East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8554 9682 (Bet Tikvah) T: 020 8989 7619 (Woodford) E: eastlondonandessexliberal@ gmail.com
W: eastlondonandessexliberal synagogue.org
Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8446 4063 E: fps@liberaljudaism.org W: fps.org
The Liberal Synagogue Elstree T: 020 8953 8889 E: tlse@liberaljudaism.org W: tlse.org.uk
Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0116 271 5584 E: lpjc@liberaljudaism.org W: lpjc.org.uk The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood) T: 020 7286 5181 E: ljs@ljs.org W: ljs.org
The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street London, W1T 4BE T: 020 7580 1663 E: montagu@liberaljudaism.org W: liberaljudaism.org
Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge of modern Judaism. It reverences Jewish tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the past, while giving them contemporary force. Charity Number: 1151090
lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein Send your news to ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org Printed by Precision Printing. www.precisionprinting.co.uk
W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com
Reading Liberal Jewish Community T: 0118 942 8022 E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@ gmail.com W: www.readingljc.org.uk
Shir Hatzafon (Copenhagen) T: +45 2370 9757 E: shir@shirhatzafon.dk W: shirhatzafon.dk South Bucks Jewish Community T: 0845 644 2370 E: sbjc@liberaljudaism.org W: sbjc.org.uk
Southgate Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8886 0977 E: sps@liberaljudaism.org W: sps.uk.com South London Liberal Synagogue (Streatham) T: 020 8769 4787 E: slls@liberaljudaism.org W: southlondon.org Stevenage Liberal Synagogue T: 01438 300 222 E: stevenageliberalsynagogue@gmail.com W: stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) T:01473 250 797 E: sjc@liberaljudaism.org Tikvah Chadasha Synagogue (Shenfield) T: 01277 888 610 E: tikvahchadasha@gmail.com W: roshtikvah.com Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (Bournemouth) T: 01202 757 590 E: info@wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk West Central Liberal Synagogue T: 020 7636 7627 E: wcls@liberaljudaism.org W: wcls.org.uk York Liberal Jewish Community T: 07469 159 134 E: info@jewsinyork.org.uk W: jewsinyork.org.uk Developing and affiliated Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam) T: +31 23 524 7204 E: bhc.informatie@gmail.com W: beithachidush.nl Lancashire & Cumbria Liberal Jewish Community W: www.northwestjews.org Oxford Jewish Congregation T: 01865 515 584 E: progressive@ojc-online.org W: ojc-online.org
President Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein Chairman Simon Benscher Vice Chair Ruth Seager Treasurer Rosie Ward Secretary Dr Howard Cohen Israel and the Diaspora Tamara Schmidt Communications Ed Herman Social Justice Amelia Viney Youth and Education Robin Moss Music and IT Graham Carpenter National Officers Ros Clayton, David Hockman, Amanda McFeeters and Jackie Richards Vice Presidents Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Nigel Cole, Geoffrey Davis, Lord Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Sharon Goldstein, Lucian Hudson, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Willie Kessler, David Lipman, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pelham, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Joan Shopper, Beverley Taylor and Ken Teacher Chair of Rabbinic Conference Rabbi Aaron Goldstein Senior Rabbi and C hief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Director of Strategy and Partnerships Rabbi Charley Baginsky Student Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan Education Rabbi Sandra Kviat Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer Director of Administration Alexandra Simonon Archivist Alison Turner Communications and Digital Yszi Hawkings and Simon Rothstein Reception Thomas Rich Director of Youth Becca Fetterman LJY-Netzer Ellie Lawson, Simon Lovick and Hannah Stephenson