May/June 2011 VOL. XXXVIII No. 3
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
No limit to our achievements with more funds
R
ABBI DANNY RICH has promised that Liberal Judaism will become more assertive in its fundraising efforts, in order to build on the success and growth we have seen over the last decade. Speaking at the Seventh Annual Dinner of the Council of Patrons, held at the House of Lords, Liberal Judaism’s chief executive laid out his plans for the year ahead. Those goals include creating and supporting new communities across the UK and appointing the first full time Liberal chaplain to the Hillel Chaplaincy Board, to help tackle antisemitism on university campuses. He also paid tribute to many notable recent achievements including the increased coverage of Liberal Judaism in the media, a greater influence in the British Jewish community and society at large, the publication of highly regarded books and pamphlets and the affiliation of a new congregation every year for the last three years. Danny said: “Our successes and confidence, reflected in so many diverse ways, do not happen overnight and neither are they free in cash terms or in the demands made upon Liberal Judaism’s professional staff and its volunteers, particularly the Board of Officers. “First, I would like to thank our existing Patrons and trust you will renew and even increase your pledge. Second, if you are not yet a Patron let me say this – I am seeking your support for an organisation, and also for the ways and means to deliver on what I promise you they will. Three new Gold Patrons at £11,000 each per annum would fund the chaplain, two new Silver Patrons at £5,500 each per annum would fund a new community and two new Bronze Patrons at £2,200 each would buy a scroll for a new community.
Liberal Judaism deputy chair Amanda Grant, chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, chairman Lucian J Hudson, Lord Fink, Lady Fink and Lord Haskel at the Council of Patrons’ Dinner
Danny shares a joke with Lord Haskel, as Lucian presents Dan Patterson with an unusual gift
“Friends, Liberal Judaism is not known for its aggressive fundraising, and in any case it is not permitted here in the House of Lords. Nevertheless, I am going to become a little more assertive in my fundraising efforts because we have the values, the ideas, the commitment, the ongoing success, and it is only a shortage of funds which threatens our achievements and deprives men, women and young people in this country of a great jewel in their lives… Liberal Judaism.” Another highlight of the evening, hosted by Lord Simon Haskel, was guest speaker Dan Patterson. The television comedy writer had the crowd – which
included Lord Stanley and Lady Barbara Fink, Baroness Julia Neuberger and Brooks Newmark MP - in stitches with a quickfire succession of Jewish jokes. Also among the 80 people in attendance were event organiser Joan Shopper, Liberal Judaism chairman Lucian J Hudson, deputy chair Amanda Grant, treasurer David Pelham, Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein, who is the outgoing principal of Leo Baeck College, and LBC’s newly elected chairman Alasdair Nisbet. For information on how to become a Patron, email d.rich@liberaljudaism.org
Words by Simon Rothstein Pictures by John Bernard
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News
May/June 2011
News
May/June 2011
LJ Today Page 3
Israel Month just the start New editor
Looking backwards, moving forwards
By Daniel Needlestone, Israel and the Diaspora officer
Rabbi Pete Tobias previews Liberal Judaism’s 2012 Biennial Weekend
SINCE taking on Liberal Judaism’s Israel portfolio, I’ve started to feel a bit of extra empathy for those tasked with bringing peace and negotiations to the Middle East. In our own movement, nobody really knows for sure what people think about Israel, how they want to engage with Israel or how many even do engage. What we do know is that there are lots of people who care passionately and others who are keen to learn. This led to us planning to put on a day-long Israel Conference which, after three meetings, gave way to the idea of holding a month of national activities. LJ Israel Month had four parts – weekly Shabbat readings carefully prepared by Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah, a shared calendar of community events, a series of online actions and a blog to tie it all together. The readings and blog can be found at www.israelmonthlj.blogspot.com - with more photos, videos and reports still being added. Although I wasn’t able to get to all 12 events, the ones I did attend were of a very high calibre.
Anat Hoffman, executive director of the Israel Religious Action Centre, spoke at NPLS, LJS and Jewish Book Week. She was her normal inspiring self, briefing us on her partial success against segregated buses in Jerusalem and revealing what’s on her bookshelf. You can watch a video of her talk at www.tinyurl.com/ljanat Rabbi Stanley Davids, via webcam from Jerusalem, gave a moving presentation and led a discussion on what it means to be a Progressive Zionist, sharing a beautiful vision that anyone who cares for the future of Israel would find it hard to argue against. Our closing event with Israel journalist Dana Weiss, described as Israel’s Jeremy Paxman, was brilliantly led by Liberal Judaism chairman Lucian J Hudson. Dana gave her views and insight into Israel, politicians, peace and society and left the audience on a high at the end by slipping in that she was a member of a Progressive community in Israel. LJ Israel Month is over but the process of engaging ourselves and our communities with Israel has just begun. If you want to get involved please email me on dneedlestone@liberaljudaism.org
for lj today
SIMON ROTHSTEIN has been appointed as the new editor of lj today, Liberal Judaism’s bimonthly magazine. Simon has previously worked for The Sun, The Guardian and talkSPORT radio, and is an active member of Woodford Liberal Synagogue. He has taken over from Beattie Sayers, who had been at the helm for more than six years. Paying tribute to Beattie, Liberal Judaism chairman Lucian J Hudson said: “Every now and then, in our personal and professional lives, we are blessed with the presence of an exceptional person. Beattie Sayers has bequeathed a most special asset in this magazine. “Clear-thinking, resourceful and committed to producing quality, she has been an amazingly successful editor. We value her professionalism, insight and personal warmth, and look forward to her continued contribution in other ways.” • Simon can be contacted with news, pictures and story ideas by emailing ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org
Day that has something for everyone By Simon Benscher
THE PREVIOUS Liberal Judaism Day of Celebration – held in Birmingham in 2009 – was always going to be a hard act to follow. However I’m proud to say that a dream team of inspirational roses, with me as the token thorn, have put together what will be a memorable showcase of everything that LJ is so rightly proud of in 2011. This year’s Day of Celebration takes place on May 22 at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood. As a bonus, our generous hosts at the LJS are also celebrating their community’s 100th anniversary. They will have their much lauded exhibition on show, enabling us to see the rich history of the founding
synagogue of the Liberal Movement in this country and how both they, and we, have developed through the century. The event will start at 10am with a conversation and introduction by our chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich and Daniel Finklestein, executive editor of The Times and a Jewish Chronicle columnist. It will then be split into sessions that will engage, entertain, stretch and educate. The programme has themes including creative arts, Israel and the Diaspora, synagogue leadership and a celebration of all things Liberal. There will also be many and varied study sessions led by our rabbis, faculty staff and students from Leo Baeck College. The event is themed L’Dor Va-Dor - From Generation to Generation - and is aimed at all ages, with a crèche, activities for 5-8 year-olds and an LJY-Netzer programme for those aged 8-15. All of this will, of course, be interspersed with regular stops for lunch and refreshments throughout. The Day of Celebration will have something for everyone – an opportunity to meet and greet old friends, make new ones, join in activities with the whole family and be part of something special.
The organising committee, the officers of LJ and our rabbis are so looking forward to seeing you all and are excited to be able to display why Liberal Judaism is the ever increasingly visible face of Anglo Jewry.
How to join the Celebration The Day of Celebration takes place on Sunday May 22 from 10am-5pm at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, 28 St John’s Wood Road, London, NW8 7HA. Tickets cost £6 for adults or £1 for students and those under 18. Professional crèche places are available for children under 4 at no charge, but advance booking is essential. Tickets can be booked online at www.tinyurl.com/ljdocform or by calling 020 7631 9830. Lunch can also be pre-booked for £4 per person. Travel subsidies are available for congregational group travel - please email a.wakely@liberaljudaism.org for details.
THE YEAR is 1983, the scene a hotel in Bournemouth. A scruffy teacher in his mid-twenties has finally found a place to lay his head – a spare mattress on the floor of another young delegate to the ULPS Biennial Conference. The teacher has not actually registered, so his younger friend has smuggled him into his room. Almost three decades later, these same two individuals are busy planning the Liberal Judaism 2012 Biennial Weekend, as chairman of Liberal Judaism’s Rabbinic Conference and its chief executive respectively. The focus of the 2012 Biennial is an exploration of our Jewish roots and the shaping of our Liberal Jewish future. In order for a progressive movement to move forward in a genuine and meaningful way, it must know from what it has progressed, as well as the direction in which it wishes to progress. We need to have an awareness of where we have been as well as a vision of our destination. Taking place from Friday April 20 Sunday April 22, at Tortworth Court Hotel, the 2012 Biennial Weekend will be an opportunity to re-engage with our Jewish heritage, studying the history and the texts that shaped our traditions, ancient and modern. Delegates will be encouraged to explore Judaism’s development from its earliest roots, guided by scholars and teachers.
‘Scruffy teacher’ Pete Tobias (far right) with the Kadimah football team in the early 1980s
These special guests, along with our rabbis and other session leaders, will remind us how Liberal Judaism reached the place it currently occupies at the start of the 21st century and, having secured our understanding of our past, help us to contemplate and shape the future. The exciting and challenging programme is beginning to take shape, but it is never too late to come on board and be part of the organising committee. If you would like to take an active role in the planning of the 2012 Biennial Weekend then please contact that erstwhile scruffy teacher by emailing rabbi@rabbipete.co.uk. There is always room for those who are interested in sharing in the inspiring and entertaining monthly meetings that have mapped out the 2012 plans so far.
And put the date in your diary now – booking details will be available in the coming weeks, including an early bird discount scheme, the opportunity to spread your payments over several months and subsidies to ensure that you won’t need to sneak in unnoticed… though former ULPS Conference organiser Rosita Rosenberg assures me that she was fully aware of everyone who was at that 1983 Biennial! Who knows what may lie on the road ahead for Liberal Judaism – and what role you can play in that journey – as we look back at our past and ahead to our future?
Pete Tobias is rabbi at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree and chairman of the Rabbinic Conference
LJ chair chosen Happy birthday Gay marriage for JLC role bill praised LIBERAL JUDAISM’S chairman Lucian J Hudson has been asked by the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) to head its Strategic Communications Task Force. The JLC brings all the major organisations of the Jewish community together in order to encourage cohesion and co-operation. The Task Force has been created to devise a programme of communications focussing on the positive impact the JLC is making. Lucian said: “Liberal Judaism plays an active role in both the Board of Deputies and the JLC. Our communications as a community can be too short-term and defensive. This is a critical time to engage the Jewish community on what it can positively achieve together.”
KINGSTON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE helped Rabbi Danny Rich celebrate his 50th birthday in style – and donated £500 to charity in his honour. The chief executive of Liberal Judaism was joined by his family for a special celebratory chavurah supper, where he was presented with a cake bearing his portrait. KLS raised the money for the Sir Charles Clore Jewish Arab Community Centre, which members of the congregation visited on a recent trip to Israel. Chairman Mike Barnato said: “This donation is a token of Rabbi Rich’s enthusiasm for the Centre’s efforts and comes with the best wishes of Kingston Liberal Synagogue.”
MOVES by the British Government to allow religious groups to conduct civil partnership ceremonies have been welcomed by Liberal Judaism’s Rabbinic Conference. The Conference praised the legislation as an important step on the road to equality and re-affirmed its support for the right of all couples in a committed and exclusive relationship, of any gender and sexual orientation, to enter into a civil partnership or marriage. Rabbi Danny Rich, chief executive of Liberal Judaism, said: “This is, in the final analysis, a matter of justice, and the experience of the prophetic voice is that it is not always easily heard. Nevertheless I am confident that justice will prevail.”
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WUPJ
May/June 2011
WUPJ
May/June 2011
‘We must become the Judaism of first resort’
Making global Connections
Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein received a rapturous reception at the World Union for Progressive Judaism conference in San Francisco, for his sermon on the founding and future of the movement. Below is an extract from his speech:
Josh Dubell on youth activity at the WUPJ conference
IN FEBRUARY I took part in a historic service in London to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue. It featured the inspiring words of the founders of the synagogue and Liberal Judaism in Britain: Claude Montefiore, Lily Montagu and Rabbi Israel Mattuck. In 1926, 15 years after dedicating the synagogue, the same three individuals called a conference in London that led to the establishment of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ). The character and values of this trio are still the principles to guide us into the future, as we set course towards the centenary of our worldwide movement. Claude Montefiore (1858-1938) was the great nephew of Sir Moses Montefiore and very much part of the Anglo-Jewish nobility. He was raised in the West London Synagogue, the first Reform congregation in Britain, founded in 1840. He was educated at Cambridge and came under the influence of the leading Christian theologian of the day, Benjamin Jowett. Montefiore was one of the first Jewish scholars to write authoritatively and sympathetically, but not uncritically, on Christianity. He visited Germany and no doubt had contact with the growing Reform movement there. He studied Rabbinics with Solomon Schechter, and co-authored A Rabbinic Anthology with Orthodox scholar Herbert Loewe. The Honourable Lily Montagu (1873-1963) was the daughter of Lord Swaythling who, as president of the Federation of Synagogues, was a prominent Orthodox Jew. Miss Lily – as she was lovingly known by her followers – was therefore raised in the Orthodox tradition, but realised that, at the end of the 19th century, it was out of touch with the modern world. Miss Lily was a deeply spiritual person with a great concern for the working class, especially women. She was a brilliant and tireless organiser. Rabbi Israel Mattuck (1883-1954) was born in Lithuania, but studied at Harvard and for the rabbinate at HUC in Cincinnati. When the Liberal Jewish Synagogue needed its first rabbi, Montefiore sought the help of Kaufmann Kohler and Stephen Wise in America and Mattuck was enthusiastically recommended for the job. He brought to London the liberal and creative liturgy of the Union Prayer Book as the basis of
his prayer books and also the burning commitment of the American Reform Movement to the pursuit of social justice through Prophetic Judaism. The core values of these three individuals came to colour the very nature of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue and the world movement they founded in 1926. From Claude Montefiore: an intellectual honesty and commitment to scholarship, as well as openness to other religions. From Lily Montagu: a passion for prayer and spirituality, as well as a devotion to the social welfare of those less privileged than herself. And from Israel Mattuck: the need for creative liturgy and the teaching that Judaism demands tikkun olam, the reform of general society and mending of its inequalities, not just the chauvinistic concentration on the Jewish people alone. At the second WUPJ Conference in Berlin in 1928, Rabbi Dr Caesar Seligmann of Frankfurt am Main said in his sermon: “Liberal Judaism has preserved Judaism during the past 100 years, in a time of indecision and perplexity. It has been, and is still, the saving element and if there were no Liberal Judaism it would have to be created, if Judaism is to be preserved.”
If the first century of Reform Judaism saw times of indecision and perplexity, then the 83 years since Seligmann spoke has surely added to these conditions – with genocide, nihilism, global warming, overpopulation and insecurities of many kinds. Today Judaism – and yes Christianity, Islam and religion in general – faces constant attack in many of our countries. Yet I must agree with the words of Seligmann that if there were no Reform, Progressive, Liberal Judaism, it would have to be invented. This is the case in Europe and I’m sure it applies in the other regions of the WUPJ. We are growing, opening new congregations all over the European continent because the values demonstrated by our founders are needed now as never before. These are the values of intellectual honesty, a search for spiritual satisfaction and truth, tikkun olam, interfaith dialogue and equality between women and men. To these we must add our inclusivity, welcoming in Jews who do not fit into other Jewish communities, welcoming non-Jews who wish to make our God their God and our people theirs, welcoming interfaith families and giving equal rights to gays and lesbians. But sadly so often we are the Shul of last resort, where you go when you can’t get what you want elsewhere. The founders of our world movement wished to make it the Judaism of first resort, the place where you really want to be, the place you are proud to belong. This is the task we must take on as we build our Jewish future, as we build the future of the Jewish people. As with the 34 conferences that have preceded this one, I’m sure we will all go away from San Francisco knowing it’s good to be a Reform or Liberal Jew, enthused to work harder for our movement in the future. The challenge and the charge is to retain the commitment and enthusiasm we have experienced here, to light a ner tamid every day in our hearts and minds, to take from this conference a light and be motivated to increase the light in our own religious lives, in the life of our congregations and our national movements.
Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein is chair of the European Union for Progressive Judaism
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Another side of America By Rabbi Harry Jacobi
Josh Dubell (far left) with Netzer head Maoz Haviv (centre) and representatives from Argentina, Spain, Poland, the former Soviet Union, South Africa, Germany and Australia
THE WUPJ conference this year was titled Connections 2011 – and connect is exactly what I did in San Francisco. I was part of a delegation that spanned some eight countries from Argentina to Australia and, while our group may have started as strangers, we left after five days as firm friends for life. I work for LJY-Netzer, a youth movement, so I was primarily interested in the participation of young people at the conference. Luckily, there was plenty. I sat on a panel about tikkun olam in our community, with the former head of the Reform Movement and the Mazkira of Netzer Australia. Our Netzer delegation also ran a morning shacharit service and a Havdalah. A highlight for me was hearing our very own chief executive Rabbi Danny
Rich debate Liberal Judaism’s stance on patrilineality with rabbis from America, Mexico and South Africa. This was real thought-provoking stuff and certainly reaffirmed that my values align with Liberal Judaism’s. Another special moment was a discussion on Zionism and the daily struggles that Jews around the world have in regards to Israel, led by Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Rabbi Laura Janner Klausner and Julian Resnick. These are just a few of the amazing, inspirational talks and experiences that made the Connections conference a really worthwhile experience for a young person. I left truly inspired.
Josh Dubell is a movement worker for LJY-Netzer
Rabbi Fuchs is new WUPJ president FOLLOWING hot on the heels of the successful Connections 2011 conference, the WUPJ has appointed a new president. Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs – who has enjoyed a long and successful career as a congregational leader across America – will take up the post in early July. Rabbi Fuchs now heads the international umbrella organisation of the Liberal, Progressive, Reform and Reconstructionist movements – representing more than 1,200 congregations with 1.8 million members all over the globe. He commented: “To work for the advancement of Progressive Jewish life in Israel and around the world is the opportunity for which I have been preparing my entire life. I know that
working together as a team, a dedicated staff with a deeply committed group of lay leaders can, and will, make the World Union’s wonderful work even more effective in the years ahead.” WUPJ chairman Mike Grabiner added: “I am very excited by the opportunity that the appointment of Rabbi Fuchs will give to us. He is a visionary leader, an excellent speaker and advocate, and is passionate about the development of Progressive Judaism.”
FOUNDED in 1889, the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) is the oldest and largest rabbinic organisation in the world. It has a membership of 1,900, about 40 per cent of who are women, and I was lucky enough to be one of the 450 rabbis in attendance at their 122nd annual convention. Held at the end of March in New Orleans, the choice of sessions was broad and tantalising. I particularly enjoyed those by Professor David Ellenson on the problems of conversion, Andrea Weiss on Isaiah’s dictum to “be a light unto the nations” and David Saperstein on politics in the pulpit. The CCAR, like our Liberal Judaism, has encouraged and implemented many changes since I first encountered them more than 60 years ago. Then, no one wore kippah or tallit and services were conducted almost entirely in English. Now, nearly all wore kippah and tallit and the service was sung almost entirely in Hebrew. The changes were most obvious in the shacharit T’filah Convention Service held on Monday morning. The traditional parasha of Tazria, dealing with plagues and diseases, was read with three aliyot. At the second aliyah, rabbis marking 50 years since their ordination were honoured – I, happily, among them. The Torah was paraded and kissed and misheberachs (blessings) were bestowed. The CCAR has also become increasingly involved in and supportive of Israel. Although 3,000 miles apart, we have much more in common in ideology and rituals than with our colleagues 20 miles across the Channel, who tend to be rather conservative. Like Liberal Judaism, the CCAR also recognises patrilineal descent and shares our insistence on complete equality of women in theory and in practice, our acceptance of gays and lesbians and our welcoming of proselytes. Most members agree to officiate at blessings of mixed marriages. Liberal Judaism’s relationship with the CCAR has proved mutually beneficial over many years and I’m delighted to report it is still blooming. The CCAR’s strong collegiality, unity and camaraderie were especially in evidence during the convention and proof of the words of the psalm we sang at the opening: “Hine Ma Tov – behold, how good and pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity.”
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May/June 2011
May/June 2011
LJ Today Page 7
Around the communities - Purim celebrations 5771
Classes Aleph to Bar Mitzvah at the Religion School of Kingston Liberal Synagogue came in fancy dress for a quiz, then wrote and performed spiels before a family service including all the parents
Everyone at Rodef Shalom was given a noisemaker to shake each time the name Haman was read out – providing a loud soundtrack to a Megillah reading that involved the whole community
South London Liberal Synagogue became Miss Lily’s Nightclub – with talented singers Maya Jaffe, Simon Frais and Michele Freedman performing jazz favourites and songs from the shows
Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue celebrated with artist in residence, Emil Fuer. More than 150 adults and kids made masks reflecting their moods before a crazy recitation of Megillat Esther
It was standing room only in Woodford Liberal Synagogue for the Cheder’s annual Purim spiel, which this year mixed the traditional story with Star Wars – all set to a soundtrack of Queen songs
Purim at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree was celebrated together with the Progressive Jewish Community in Lutsk, Ukraine. TLSE has been twinned with the Lutsk congregation for five years
All the money raised at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue’s Purim spiel and hamantaschen bake was sent to help buy food for the pupils at a school that the synagogue has adopted in Gambia
At Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation’s celebrations, more than 100 people attended a mega Megillah reading followed by a Purim spiel performed by Cheder students and adults together
The community at Finchley Progressive Synagogue all got together to produce homemade noisemakers, known as graggers, before a Purim spiel and party that put their new toys to very good use
Rabbi Michael Standfield led the adults and children at Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation in a reading of the Megillah with a modern twist
The Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community got artistic for Purim making Mishloach Manot charity bags. The bags, full of goodies, were delivered to the children’s ward at the local hospital
Mazkirut, the forum for LJY-Netzer graduates to meet and make decisions about the movement, took place in Cardiff over Purim weekend and featured two days of discussion, celebration and rugby
Bet Tikvah Synagogue really meant business this Purim – putting on an exclusive one night only performance of Joe ‘The Bard’ Fajerman’s new masterpiece ‘The Dragon’s Apprentice’
Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue enjoyed a zany dressedup alternative service featuring a glamorous fairy godmother, some very scary monsters and 20 people reading from the Megillah
The Purim spiel at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue was titled ‘The Bible Lesson’ and featured a whole host of characters from throughout Jewish history including this scene with Noah’s family
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News
May/June 2011
Are you keen Oxford debate does Liberal Judaism justice on communal living? By Gary Bloom
Michael Kirwan, Rabbi Danny Rich and Lucian J Hudson at Oxford’s Corpus Christi College
LIBERAL JUDAISM played a major role in this year’s Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival, by hosting a key event on justice. Chairman Lucian J Hudson spoke alongside leading Catholic thinker Dr Michael Kirwan, who is Head of Theology at Heythrop College. The session at Oxford University’s Corpus Christi College was hosted by Rabbi Danny Rich, the chief executive of Liberal Judaism. During the speeches - and the 30 minute question and answer session that took place afterwards - the theme of restorative justice emerged strongly. This is the practice of a victim and perpetrator of a crime meeting face-to-face, along with supporters and an impartial facilitator, to decide an appropriate response. Lucian told a busy Oxford lecture theatre: “Restorative justice practices have proved to be successful in the UK. They have cut re-offending, saved public spending, empowered communities and
empowered crime victims. However it is currently available for less than one per cent of UK victims. “More than ever ministers, particularly in this government, civil servants and police officers are now supporting restorative justice – in both principle and practice. A seven year research programme by the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice found that restorative justice saved £9 for every £1 spent. “At the last General Election, all three major parties pledged to expand its use and more than 6,000 police officers have received training. Studies by police have also shown that restorative programmes improve victim satisfaction with the justice system as a whole, even for very serious crimes.” • Hear the Oxford speeches in full at www.liberaljudaism.org. Find out more from www.restorativejustice.org.uk
Rabbi Kahn-Harris made LBC principal RABBI DEBORAH KAHN-HARRIS has been named as the new principal of Leo Baeck College (LBC), Europe’s leading centre for the training of Progressive Jewish rabbis and teachers. Rabbi Kahn-Harris takes over from Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein, who has completed a successful five-year term as principal. He will stay at the College in an academic role, teaching
Jewish history and homiletics. An ex-student of LBC, Rabbi KahnHarris said: “For more than half a century Leo Baeck College has stood at the heart of Progressive Judaism in Europe. I am both humbled and thrilled to be offered this opportunity to lead the College into the next chapter of its history.” The College’s newly elected chairman, Alasdair Nisbet, added: “Deborah is one of a new generation of leaders of the Progressive Jewish Community. I believe that she is one of the first women to be appointed to lead a rabbinic college anywhere in the world. I look forward to working closely with her.”
WHEN Al Green sang So Tired of Being Alone, he couldn’t have imagined that today one in three households in the UK would have a single occupant. If you’re fed up of lighting Shabbat candles alone and slurping chicken soup for one, then read on - as the next few minutes could change the rest of your life irrevocably. Back in my dim and distant past, communal living was all the rage. I shared mouldy damp houses with other students and ne’er-do-wells, forming great friendships which still linger to the present day. All the members of that house moved on, got married, had children and now, in turn, their kids are moving on. For many that brings some much deserved peace and a healthier bank balance. But what of the huge number of forty and fifty somethings whose kids have flown and who find themselves alone through separation or bereavement? Or those couples who’d like a social life again? Communal living for people of a certain age is growing in popularity, however there seems to be little around for those who would like not only to live communally, but also wish to live a life based on Liberal Jewish values. Here’s what I have in mind - a fairly large property for about 10-15 people somewhere in the south of England. The property would afford individual living and privacy, but also provide communal areas where we could light Friday night candles, have a Seder, munch on Sunday morning bagels and become a centre for other like-minded folk. Living this way can have many benefits. There is less waste, eating and heating communally is cheaper, and then there are the huge social pluses. No one need be lonely, or be ill, or suffer emotional or physical pain in solitude. I’m keen to hear from Housing Associations, investors, landlords, charities, property developers and your average Isaac and Miriam who want to help create and live a communal life. I seek to build a community based on respect, tolerance and basic Jewish values. Anyone care to join me? • To contact Gary Bloom on this topic email ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org with the subject line ‘communal living’
Chairman’s Actions
May/June 2011
Remembering Ivor Miskin By Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah, Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue
IVOR MISKIN was born on March 15 1939, the eldest son of Gertie and Ben Miskin, who lived in South Tottenham. His brother, Michael, came along four years later. Ivor married his beloved wife Francine on March 22 1964, after a courtship of three years. Because London was so expensive, they went to live in Southend, which was where their two sons, Stuart and David, were born. The family moved several times and finally settled in Woodingdean in 1973 – in the house which has been their home ever since. Although they were both brought up in families that were affiliated to United synagogues, not long after moving, Ivor and Francine decided to join BHPS. Ivor enjoyed being part of the community and was keen to help shape and guide its activities. He quickly joined the synagogue council, and then became chairman and later president. He was also a vice chair of the ULPS. In recent years, both he and Francine also donated their time as volunteers in our L’Chayyim project, which focuses on the pastoral care of our older members We all know how seriously Ivor took his shul responsibilities. But he wasn’t just committed and hard-working, he was also a wonderful Ivor and Rabbi Elizabeth ambassador for our congregation. So it’s not surprising that the loss of Ivor is felt by everyone in the Jewish and wider local community of Sussex as a whole. As a co-chair of the Sussex Jewish Representative Council, and a member of the Sussex Jewish News editorial team, Ivor’s interpersonal skills and leadership ability enabled everyone involved in these important arenas of communal activity to contribute to the best of their ability. Ivor will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. We will always remember his qualities as a person – as a husband, a father, a grandfather and a friend – and his kindness, integrity, loyalty, conscientiousness and generosity.
The above is an extract from the eulogy given at Ivor’s funeral on March 29 2011
LJ Today Page 9
Arab Spring and a test of leadership Lucian J Hudson on an inspiring talk by Shimon Peres about developments in the Middle East IF we ever needed a living example of the distinction between ‘statesman’ and ‘politician’ then Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel, provides it. His recent visit to the UK gave him an opportunity to reflect on fast-moving developments in the Middle East. I attended his speech at Chatham House and took away three messages. First, that the protests sweeping Arab countries were spontaneous, neither planned nor organised by any single group, political party or religion. Second, that Israel has to welcome the changes, even if the risk and uncertainty will be challenging in the short or medium term. Finally, as much as Shimon Peres understands the importance of public opinion, for him it is like perfume – “nice to smell, dangerous to inhale!” Demonstrating a youthful spirit and confidence, the President also spoke of the need for urgency in securing a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He told his audience: “If a galloping horse goes past your home, jump on it!” Peres is a man who inspires by example. An important test of leadership is to be informed by people’s views, but not to be dictated by them. Judgement and discretion – as well as the courage to act – are required of all of us, whatever leadership role we exercise. Unfolding events in the Middle East can fill us with optimism or apprehension. But in the face of uncertainty, the message from those who do business in the region is that specific, practical, steps need to be taken to focus on the promise of peace and prosperity. The recent conference on the role of the economy in peace-building between Israelis and Palestinians, held at the Said Business School, serves as a call to action. Building on the gains made possible by the Palestinian Authority’s success on security and Israel’s easing of restrictions, is an increasingly compelling proposition. The known challenges now look more attractive against a
growing number of unknown challenges elsewhere in the region. Israelis and Palestinians should be natural allies, whatever political issues remain unresolved. Business leaders from both sides say that they can take advantage of what room for manoeuvre exists, in order to develop a joint economic opportunity that is in everybody’s long-term interests. The EU and the Arab world are partners in this growing collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians, but they need to grasp the opportunity. Because Israel effectively controls the pace of Palestinian economic development, it needs to recognise the big prize in working even more closely to support its neighbours. This collaboration in three main sectors – tourism, agriculture and housing – can produce economic benefits, as well as international diplomatic advantage.
“Israelis and Palestinians should be natural allies” If Israelis and Palestinians co‑operate in the marketing of joint holiday packages, tourism numbers can be increased from 2.8 million to 5 million a year. Lord Andrew Stone’s recent initiative helps Palestinian farmers improve their practices to produce quality products that sell competitively in British supermarkets. Israel holds the key to relaxing restrictions further so that products can be more easily transported. Legally sanctioned expansion of housing for Palestinians in East Jerusalem grows Israel’s economy, and takes the political heat out of demolishing illegal dwellings. If there is a single science which articulates what is so enlightening about Liberal or Progressive Judaism, it is complexity science, which is born of theoretical physics. It teaches us to make sense of the continuous interaction between people, objects and systems, and to be particularly attentive to what emerges from that interaction, much of it often unforeseen, inexorably producing fresh challenges and opportunities. Israel and its Diaspora need leaders who can not only plan, but adapt – and have the courage to act.
Lucian J Hudson is chairman of Liberal Judaism and a global business consultant
Page 10 LJ Today
May/June 2011
Youth
May/June 2011
Spotlight on Finchley When was the community formed? Finchley Progressive Synagogue started life in 1953 and has been going strong ever since. There is now a growing number of children whose greatgrandparents were founder members, alongside an interesting and diverse congregation drawn from many different countries and backgrounds. FPS prides itself on a warm welcome to all, a breadth of activity and a willingness to facilitate start-up projects. Do you often ever get all the generations together? Yes, for example in February we celebrated the baby naming of a fourth generation member. The grandparents and great-grandparents of Gaby Katz joined a Shabbat Resouled congregation in an occasion that demonstrated all that is good about FPS. Tell us more about Shabbat Resouled Shabbat Resouled is a musical service held on the third Friday of each month, attracting 150 to 200 people. The songs are mostly composed by Daniel Staker, who leads a band of 15 musicians that again spans the generations. What type of music is featured? While acknowledging contemporary Jewish music pioneers such as Jeff Klepper and Debbie Friedman, Shabbat Resouled takes its inspiration from artists including The Beatles, Cat Stevens and Pink Floyd to establish an ‘AngloJewish sound’ that is loved by young and old alike.
What other Shabbat services do you have? We meet every Friday night and Saturday, with full family services, alternative children’s services and Play & Learn. Shabbatots has also just started for our youngest members. Every Saturday, before the prayers begin, we have a breakfast shiurim organised by Tony Rose. Tony has a gift for finding highcalibre guests to lead these lively debates on evocative subjects – and also makes a pretty mean breakfast! In the afternoon, the synagogue becomes full of dancers who are trained by Denny and Alex Kingston, followed by a youth club which is co-ordinated by our own young adults. Are there any other special services to look out for? Once a month we are joined by Gwendolen Burton, whose beautiful singing enriches a traditional ceremony. That is a real highlight for the whole congregation. How involved are your younger members? Students do not want to leave Ivriah, our cheder, so we are overflowing with assistants and volunteers. So much so, that there is practically one-to-one teaching on a Sunday morning. The friendship groups that are emerging bode well for the future of the congregation. Who is your rabbi? Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk joined us on January 1 2011 and, within a few months, has already formalised the variety of
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
Going full tilt over the half term Adam Francies reports on eight action-packed days spanning three locations
The FPS community prepare for Pesach in an unusual way – by holding a chocolate Seder
forms of worship. Rebecca has ensured that rich and varied services - which endeavour to meet the needs of all our members - remain at the heart of FPS. What are your plans for the year ahead? We will be doing more to bring in the many children in the congregation who attend Jewish day schools and ensuring that the morning services appeal to them, without losing the elements that are so familiar to the long-standing members who grew up with a more formal Liberal structure. What clubs and activities do you put on? We have a book club, film club, music group, bridge club, art classes and even yoga. There is also a Rosh Chodesh group, allowing the monthly opportunity to meet, reflect, study and create in a co-operative structure. All of these are only possible due to the dedication of individual members, who open up their passion to create a space for like-minded others to join them. How do I find out more? Explore our website by going to www.finchleyprogressivesynagogue.org or check out the Shabbat Resouled site at www.shabbatresouled.org
The Shabbat Resouled group after a successful performance at the 2009 Limmud Conference
LJ Today Page 11
THE FEBRUARY half term was certainly a busy one for LJY-Netzer, starting with a flight over to Ireland to see all our favourite Dubliners. On the Friday night we joined the community there for Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner, followed by a performance by a rock band featuring Morris Epstein, a member of the Dublin community. Let’s just say it was a very memorable evening. The next day we took in everything from Dublin’s Viking museum to a beautiful morning service led by two of our madrichim (youth leaders) Tom Francies and Bethany Stone. On the Saturday night, after Havdalah, we were treated to some classic Irish folk music and dancing – with the LJYNetzerniks doing their best to keep up with the pros. The Monday saw us return to the UK for the Hadracha (Leadership) Seminar for those in school year 13. It was a roaring success, with most of the event being run
by the participants themselves. It also saw our return to the Moat Mount site – a classic LJY-Netzer location over the years. Finally, LJY-Netzer visited The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (TLSE) for PAW, the Plagim Activity Weekend, for those aged 8-11. Everything went smoothly except for the weather, which prevented a planned trip to Aldenham Country Park. But fear not readers – we had the animated movie
The Prince of Egypt to fall back on. Now, we can’t wait for our flagship summer camp Machaneh Kadimah. It is being held at the beautiful Cottesmore School once again, for those in school years 3-10. Kadimah combines a fantastic mix of Judaism, fun, education, prayer and creativity in two weeks of lifechanging experiences. There are still places left, just get in touch with us using the contact details at the foot of this page.
• WE ARE proud to announce that LJ Students and LJY-Netzer sent out more than 300 Pesach packs to Liberal Jews aged 18-23 years-old, located all around the world. The packs contained a Haggadah, recipe book, alternative readings and an invite to our seventh-night Seder. • REMEMBER the amazing time you had as a Kibbutz volunteer? Come to The Great Kibbutz Meet-Up on May 15, from 5-8pm, at a Central London venue. Joining the party will be X Factor star Mary Byrne, who will be recalling some of her own Kibbutz experiences and treating us to a short performance. Tickets are free and all are welcome. To book go to www.kibbutzmeetup.org.uk
Contact LJY-Netzer: Josh (j.dubell@liberaljudaism.org), Adam (a.francies@liberaljudaism.org), Yszi (y.hawkings@ liberaljudaism.org) or Robin (r.moss@liberaljudaism.org); telephone 020 7631 0584 or email office@ljynetzer.org
Page 12 LJ Today
May/June 2011
Rabbi Pete’s quick quiz
Liberal Judaism congregations
The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street London, W1T 4BE Tel: 020 7580 1663 Fax: 020 7631 9838
www.liberaljudaism.org
Chairman Lucian J Hudson Deputy Chair Dr Amanda Grant Vice Chairs Simon Benscher and Jackie Richards Treasurer David Pelham Social Action and Disability Leon Charikar Israel and the Diaspora Daniel Needlestone Vice Presidents and Honorary Vice Presidents David Amstell, Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Nigel Cole, Geoffrey Davis, Stanley Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, Sharon Goldstein, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Jeremy Jessel, Willie Kessler, David Lipman, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Joan Shopper, Beverley Taylor, Clive Winston Chairman of Rabbinic Conference Rabbi Pete Tobias Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer PR Sophie Stern Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Shlicha Dana Friedman LJY-Netzer Josh Dubell, Adam Francies, Robin Moss Student Worker Ysabella Hawkings
lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein The deadline for the next edition is June 1. Please email your news and views to ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge of modern Judaism. It reverences Jewish tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the Judaism of the past while giving them contemporary force. Registered charity number 236590. Printed by Precision Printing. www.precisionprinting.co.uk
The Liberal Synagogue Elstree Elstree High Street, Elstree, Herts WD6 3BY; 020 8953 8889; tlse@liberaljudaism.org; www.tlse.org.uk Lincolnshire Jewish Community 01427 628958; ljc@liberaljudaism.org Manchester Liberal Jewish Community 08432 084441; mljc@liberaljudaism.org; www.mljc.org.uk North London Progressive Jewish Community 020 7403 3779; nlpjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.nlpjc.org.uk Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue Oaklands Gate, Northwood, Middx HA6 3AA; 01923 822592, npls@liberaljudaism.org; www.npls.org.uk Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation Lloyd Street, Sherwood NG5 4BP; 0115 9624761; npjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.npjc.org.uk Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community Enquiries: 020 7631 9822 The Progressive Jewish Community of East Anglia (based in Norwich); www.pjcea.org.uk Reading Liberal Jewish Community 0118 942 8022; rljc@liberaljudaism.org; www.rljc.org Shenfield, Brentwood & Districts Synagogue 01277 888610; info@roshtikvah.com; www.roshtikvah.com South Bucks Jewish Community PO Box 826, Amersham, HP6 9GA; 0845 644 2370; sbjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.sbjc.org.uk South London Liberal Synagogue PO Box 14475, London SW16 1ZW; 020 8769 4787; slls@liberaljudaism.org; www.southlondon.org Southgate Progressive Synagogue 75 Chase Road, London N14 4QY; 020 8886 0977; sps@liberaljudaism.org; www.sps.uk.com West Central Liberal Synagogue 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE; 020 7636 7627; wcls@liberaljudaism.org; www.wcls.org.uk Woodford Liberal Synagogue Marlborough Road, George Lane, London E18 1AR; 020 8989 7619; wps@liberaljudaism.org; www.woodfordliberal.org.uk
REMEMBER PESACH? It’s not that long since we celebrated it. Well hopefully you haven’t forgotten some of the things you learned at the Seder table. See if you can answer these questions – you won’t need a copy of the new Liberal Judaism Haggadah B’Chol Dor Va-Dor to solve them, but if you have one it might help! 1. What is the Hebrew name given to the green herbs, such as parsley, that we dip at Pesach? 2. How do Jewish people welcome special days in the calendar? The picture below, from the Children’s section of the Haggadah, may give you a clue.
3. What were the sixth and ninth plagues? 4. What is the name of the city we mention at the very end of the Seder? 5. What does the word Halleluyah mean? 6. How many items on this Seder plate can you recognise and name?
Associated congregations
Beit Ha’Chidush Postbus 14613, 1001 LC Amsterdam, Netherlands, 00 31 23 524 7204; info@beithachidush.nl; www.beithachidush.nl Oxford Liberal Jewish Services: 01865 515584 or 01865 765197; www.ojc-online.org Wessex Liberal Jewish Group (Bournemouth) info@wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk; 01202 757084
Developing communities
North Herts Liberal Jewish Community (based in Stevenage) 07507 947406; nhljc@ liberaljudaism.org; www.northhertsljc.org The Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (based in Ipswich) 01473 250797; sjc@liberaljudaism.org
Make a date ........... 2011 May 15 (Sunday) The Voice of the Cello Concert at the LJS, 7.30pm. www.ljscello.com
Pete Tobias is rabbi at TLSE
Sidney’s bridge magic South is in the contract of 6 No Trump and the lead is the King of Clubs. The contract is seemingly impossible to make. But can you, with the advantage of seeing all the hands, achieve the impossible?
May 15 (Sunday) The Great Kibbutz Meet-Up, London, 5-8pm. www.kibbutzmeetup.org.uk May 22 (Sunday) Liberal Judaism’s Day of Celebration at the LJS, 10am-5pm. See page 2 for full details. June 11 (Saturday) - June 12 (Sunday) Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations. July 3 (Sunday) UJIA’s Uni Seminar, Kentish Town Road, 10.30am-4.30pm. See page 11 for full details. July 4 (Monday) A Day to Study and Honour Rabbi John Rayner at the LJS. July 28 (Thurs) - August 11 (Thurs) Machaneh Kadimah, LJY-Netzer’s summer camp, at Cottesmore School. Please note revised dates. 2012 April 20 (Friday) - April 22 (Sunday) Liberal Judaism’s 2012 Biennial Weekend at Tortworth Court Hotel in the Cotswolds. See page 3 for full details.
Sidney Barrett is bridge teacher at WLS Quiz answers: 1. Karpas 2. Light the candles 3. Boils and darkness 4. Jerusalem 5. Praise God 6. Karpas (green herbs), Maror (bitter herbs), Charoset (sweet paste), lamb bone, roasted hard-boiled egg and lettuce Bridge answer: After taking the first trick with the Ace of Clubs, play the four top Spades – discarding the four top Hearts. Then finesse the Queen of Diamonds, take the Ace of Diamonds and then lead the 2 of Hearts. East takes his 10 and must then lead to South’s winners.
Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue (Rodef Shalom) 01234 218387; bedsps@liberaljudaism. org; www.bedfordshire-ps.org.uk Beit Klal Yisrael c/o The Montagu Centre, 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE; 07505 477459, bky@liberaljudaism.org; www.bky.org.uk Bet Tikvah Synagogue 129 Perrymans Farm Road, Ilford, Essex IG2 7LX; 020 8554 9682; bttkv@liberaljudaism.org; www.bettikvah.org.uk Birmingham Progressive Synagogue 1 Roseland Way, Birmingham B15 1HD; 0121 634 3888; bps@liberaljudaism.org; www.bpsjudaism.com Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove BN3 1FF; 01273 737223; bhps@liberaljudaism.org; www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation 43-45 Bannerman Road, Easton, Bristol BS5 0RR bwpjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.bwpjc.org Crouch End Liberal Jewish Chavurah info@crouchendchavurah.co.uk; www.crouchendchavurah.co.uk Crawley Jewish Community 01293 534294 Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation PO Box 3059, Dublin 6, 00 3531 2856241; djpc@liberaljudaism.org Ealing Liberal Synagogue Lynton Avenue, Drayton Green, W13 0EB; 020 8997 0528; els@liberaljudaism. org; www.ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk Eastbourne Progressive Jewish Congregation 01323 725650; fax: 01323 417645 epjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.epjcong.org.uk Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community 0131 777 8024; info@eljc.org; www.eljc.org Finchley Progressive Synagogue Hutton Grove, N12 8DR; 020 8446 4063; fps@liberaljudaism.org; www.fps.org Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community Enquiries: 01242 609311 or 01242 231877; shalom@gljc.org.uk; www. gljc.org.uk Harrow and Wembley Progressive Synagogue 326 Preston Road, Harrow HA3 0QH; 020 8904 8581; hwps@liberaljudaism.org; www.hwps.org Herefordshire Jewish Community 01594 530721; hjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.herefordshirejc.org Kent Liberal Jewish Community 07952 242432; kljc@liberaljudaism.org; http://tinyurl.com/kentljc Kingston Liberal Synagogue Rushett Road, Long Ditton, Surbiton, Surrey; KT7 0UX; 020 8398 7400; kls@liberaljudaism.org; www.klsonline.org Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation The Synagogue, 24 Avenue Road, LE2 3EA; 07875 123744; lpjc@liberaljudaism.org The Liberal Jewish Synagogue 28 St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA; 020 7286 5181; ljs@liberaljudaism.org; www.ljs.org