May/June 2019 VOL. XLVI No. 3
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
Hot Potatoes are cooking LJ’s Daniel
gets the gold
Hot Potatoes participants (L-R) Dr Edie Friedman, Charlotte Fischer, Tasnime Akunjee, Rabbi Danny Rich, Callum May and Adam Langleben have engaged in open and passionate debate
A
NEW series of dialogue events covering controversial topics has won high praise from all who have attended and taken part. Titled Hot Potatoes, each event features experts from within and outside the Jewish community debating a hotlycontested issue. The conversations are wide-ranging, passionate and respectful. The series began in February, selling out the sanctuary area of the Montagu Centre for a panel discussion on the Labour Party and Antisemitism. The debate was chaired by the BBC’s Callum May, who praised the evening as “an enjoyable, thought-provoking and well-timed discussion”. The panellists were human rights barrister Adam Wagner, Young Labour chair Miriam Mirwitch, former Labour councillor Adam Langleben, former director of the Jewish Labour Movement Ella Rose and journalist Michael Segalov. All spoke with passion and integrity. This was followed in April by a discussion entitled Citizenship: Privilege, Right or Something In Between. Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, was joined on the panel by Tasnime Akunjee, a criminal lawyer who represents Shamima Begum, and Dr
Edie Friedman, the founder of the Jewish Council For Racial Equality. It was chaired by Charlotte Fischer of Citizens UK. Tasnime said: “I cannot compliment Liberal Judaism enough. The company and dialogue were the epitome of civilised discourse. Our political class could learn much from it.” Both debates were recorded and can be watched in full on www.youtube.com/ liberaljudaismmedia Reflecting on the controversial nature of the events, Liberal Judaism chair Simon Benscher said: “I am so proud of the discussions I have seen take place. Liberal Judaism has both the vision to hold such a series and the courage not to shy away from subjects that, for most, are too uncomfortable even to mention, let alone to discuss in an open forum.” The next Hot Potatoes event will be held on Thursday 19 September, just after the start of the new school year. It will examine feelings and experiences around faith schools – including asking whether they create an important sense of identity or encase children in a bubble that doesn’t represent modern society. For more information, and to register for alerts when tickets go on sale, please visit www.liberaljudaism.org/hot-potatoes
DANIEL BERNARD, an active member of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (TLSE), was part of the Team GB men’s basketball side that won the gold medal at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games. Daniel, who has learning difficulties and autism, played a key role in the event in Abu Dhabi where Team GB beat the USA in the final. The 25-year-old was among more than 7,000 people from 170 countries competing in the games, which are like the Olympics or Paralympics but for athletes with intellectual difficulties. Liberal Judaism has played a key role in Daniel’s life. Both sets of his grandparents were active at Finchley Progressive Synagogue where his parents – Jacqueline Silver and David Bernard – met and married. The family later joined TLSE where they remain very involved. Mum Jacqueline said: “We are immensely proud of Daniel and the entire Special Olympics GB men’s basketball team. All the players and coaches have trained tirelessly to reach this moment. The gold medal is deservedly theirs. “Liberal Judaism continues to be a big part of Daniel’s life. He enjoys attending Rabbi Pete Tobias’s services where he joins in with the prayers and sings loudly. “TLSE and Liberal Judaism is where he feels included, safe and valued, where his autism and learning difficulties are not a barrier and where he feels like a full member of the community.”
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Comment
May/June 2019
Religion should reach beyond the rational Rabbi Margaret Jacobi writes the first in a series of pieces looking at changing Liberal Jewish rituals AS a teenager, I remember attending the Liberal Jewish Synagogue. The only people wearing a tallit were members of the youth movement and the rabbi. One reason was that Liberal Judaism emphasises rationality and sincerity so, in the early days, rituals which appeared to have no rational basis were rejected. But in recent years we have come to realise that religion should reach beyond the rational by engaging our heart as well as our brain. We have again found meaning in an ancient ritual. The third paragraph of the Shema tells us: “Speak to the people of Israel, and command them to make them fringes in the borders of their garments… that you may look upon them, and remember all the commandments of the Eternal God, and do them.” The fringes serve as a reminder of our obligations to God and help us to focus on them. It is a beautiful feeling to wrap oneself in the tallit at the start of prayer. It can help to separate ourselves from the distractions of the outside world and feel enveloped by God’s presence.
It is also a marker of Jewish identity, as it symbolises our acceptance of the mitzvot. In this way, we have reclaimed a ritual to enrich our religious lives. Another ritual also being rediscovered within Liberal Judaism is that of tefillin. Although, as they are not worn on Shabbat, their return is less visible. This mitzvah was foremost amongst the rituals our founders rejected for understandable reasons. Tefillin were called ‘phylacteries’ in English, related to the word ‘prophylaxis’ or prevention. They were regarded by some as a sort of amulet to ward off evil. This was the sort of superstition that early Progressive Judaism rejected firmly. But there is more to tefillin than superstition. The blessings for putting on tefillin were included in Siddur Lev Chadash (p. 549) because we realised that, like the tallit, tefillin help us to focus on prayer and God. There is a moving moment when you wrap the strap around your finger and recite words from the prophet Hosea, concluding: “I will betroth you to me in faithfulness and you shall know the Eternal One.” If you approach this moment with kavvanah (intention) it can help you feel close to God. The founders of our movement might be surprised at the rediscovery of tefillin but they would probably not be shocked. They always remained open to the possibility of reintroducing rituals. Rabbi Nathan Godleman, in his rabbinic dissertation, showed that they were far from rigid about religious practice.
For example, Claude Montefiore wrote: “Liberal Judaism does not mean identity of outward forms. The forms… constitute only a very secondary part of it. Its essence and life are its ideas, its teaching, its doctrines.” And Lily Montagu wrote: “Today we are modifying our religious practices and refining them until they can make a more direct appeal to the spiritual life. We believe that our religion will become more vital as it loses some of its material trappings, but in God’s name let us beware lest we refine it away.” For them what mattered was that the rituals we kept helped us to develop a spiritual life and observe the ethical and moral teachings of Judaism. Rabbi John Rayner, who was the most important link between the founders and our own generation of rabbis, equally emphasised the value of ritual, if used wisely, and the need to be open to it. Ritual can appeal to our emotions in a way that mere words cannot. As our founders would have warned, we must beware lest ritual become a means in itself. But if a ritual helps us to be more devoted in our prayers and more dedicated in our deeds, then it is to be welcomed. What matters is that we observe rituals with kavvanah, with intention, so that our prayers may find meaning and fulfilment in the lives we live. • Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi is rabbi at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue
Why Czech mates are so important to Israel Rabbi Andrew Goldstein on a new exhibition that explores a key international relationship REGULAR readers will know how the Czech Torahs from the Memorial Scrolls Trust at Westminster Synagogue led to my close connection, for over 40 years, with the Czech and Slovak Republics. Even now, stories keep cropping up and this year I noticed that our annual Czech Memorial Shabbat at Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS) fell the day after Israel Independence Day.
This led me to recall an exhibition I had seen with our Dublin community in Brandys nad Labem about the military help given by the Czechoslovakian Government between 1947 and 1951 to the emerging State of Israel. Without this help it is debated whether Israel could have survived in the War of Independence in 1948. Among the equipment sent were 61 fighter planes and it is said that the first six to arrive were vital in the first days of the war. That exhibition, titled ‘Hvezda Pod Tíhou Hvezdy’ (Star Under the Weight of a Star), is being shown at NPLS from 10-29 May. It will be opened by the Israeli and Czech Ambassadors and all are welcome. There is no doubt that today the Czech Republic is the most supportive of the State of Israel of all the European
countries; and it is a privilege to celebrate this friendship. There will also be other events at NPLS exploring the theme of the exhibition. For full details, please visit www.npls.org.uk A year ago the European Union for Progressive Judaism held a most successful conference in Prague which, among other things, led to the initiation of a new Progressive group led by the inspirational Czech Student Rabbi David Maxa. Its first event attracted over 100 people including, of course, the Israeli Ambassador Daniel Meron. Israel and Czech Progressive Judaism are the best of friends; and at the moment the State of Israel needs all the friends it can make. • Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein is president of Liberal Judaism
Purim
May/June 2019
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Purim 5779 in pictures
Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community celebrated Purim with quizzes and games
Rabbis Aaron Goldstein and Lea Mühlstein dressed up at Northwood & Pinner Liberal
The youth of Finchley Progressive Synagogue put on a spiel called Estherella - a cross between the Purim story and Cinderella - with a carriage made from a hamentaschen, not a pumpkin
Everyone from Marshmello to Spongebob came to South Bucks Jewish Community
There was a fancy dress parade, tea and spiel at East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue
Kingston Liberal Synagogue came together to present a riotous Purim spiel enjoyed by all
Behind The Mask at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue saw speakers Rabbi Indigo Jonah Raphael, Izzy Posen, Hilary Totterman and Dex Grodner examine risk-taking and identity transformation
Wessex Liberal Jewish Community’s Purim included crafts and play time for all ages
The community came together to hear the Megillah at South London Liberal Synagogue
York Liberal Jewish Community’s Purim party included fancy dress and Israeli dancing
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Communities
May/June 2019
Tamara inducted in North Community London and Northwood updates
Cantor Tamara Wolfson at NPLS with Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Rabbi Lea Mühlstein, Cantor Zoe Jacobs and Rabbi Andrew Goldstein (left) and at Kehillah with Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu (right)
CANTOR TAMARA WOLFSON was inducted to her two communities, Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS) and Kehillah North London, in a weekend of special events. A Friday evening induction service took place at NPLS led by Rabbis Dr Andrew Goldstein, Aaron Goldstein and Lea Mühlstein and Cantor Zoe Jacobs, along with the talents of Ruth Colin, the NPLS choir and a small multigenerational ensemble of singers. VIPs in attendance for the upbeat and moving musical service included the Mayor and Mayoress of Hillingdon, the Mayor of Harrow and the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss CBE. Saturday morning’s service at Kehillah was taken by a lay leadership team that together crafted a service celebrating both Tamara’s induction and the musical and spiritual traditions of the community. The community’s Emeritus Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu inducted Tamara with poignant words in front of the open ark.
Student Rabbi Anna Posner chanted from the Torah and the Kehillah North London cheder assisted throughout. Saturday evening saw the sanctuary and balcony of NPLS packed to the brim as Tamara presented a cantorial concert which featured the vocal talents of Ruth Colin, Cantor Zoe Jacobs, Mich Sampson, Robin Samson, Cantor Gershon Silins and Rabbi Mark Solomon with accompaniment by Franklyn Gellnick. As well as showcasing music talents from various communities, the concert also highlighted the emerging role of the cantor in British Progressive Judaism. Tamara said: “I am so wordlessly grateful to all involved for the truly perfect induction services. I was proud to be part of this weekend of events that showcased the strength of Liberal Jewish prayer, music and community. “It also showed the bond between NPLS and Kehillah, with congregants and leadership from both synagogues attending each others’ services.”
• DUBLIN PROGRESSIVE JEWISH SYNAGOGUE emerged victorious at the 2019 Liberal Judaism InterCommunity Cyber Quiz. Organised by South Bucks Jewish Community (SBJC), six other Liberal congregations – from Brighton, Leicester, Gloucester, Kent, York and Dublin – participated. All entrants answered the same questions at the same time on their own premises – whether the community’s hall or a member’s home – and kept abreast of the scores at the other locations via an internet connection. Dublin ended up on 101 points, with South Bucks and York tied for second place on 88. SBJC’s David Silverstone said: “Dublin were the winners on the night, but the true success was that far-flung communities, mostly small, were able to join together in friendly rivalry and enhance their feeling of belonging to Liberal Judaism.” • EAST LONDON & ESSEX LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE has announced the upcoming dates for its pioneering Shabbat Shelanu service. The inclusive morning service is open to all and celebrates Shabbat through music, multisensory experiences and prayer. It is designed to be accessible and sensitive to a variety of needs. Shabbat Shelanu will take place on 27 April, 15 June, 31 August and 19 October. For details, contact June Bradbury on jupeterbev@gmail.com or 07743 580 083.
Bereaved parents speak at SLLS World Congress By Rabbi Nathan Godleman SOUTH LONDON LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE (SLLS) in Streatham welcomed Bassam and Robi from the Bereaved Families Forum, along with organiser, Sana on a March Shabbat. Of the 40 or more people present after the service, who can forget their words? Robi spoke of the loss of her son, an Israeli reservist killed at a checkpoint on the West Bank; Bassam of his daughter, shot dead outside her school.
Their grief has brought them together with several hundred other such parents to seek an end to the violence, so that no other families are bereaved. Urging empathy for The Other, the thirteenth century Persian poet, Rumi, was quoted. “Between right and wrong there is a field, and I will meet you there.” A message for life. • The Bereaved Families Forum is a joint Israeli and Palestinian organisation of more than 600 bereaved families.
RABBI ELLI TIKVAH SARAH gave the opening address at the 25th Jewish LGBT+ World Congress, which took place in Sydney, Australia, in March. Elli, who is rabbi at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue, was one of more than 20 international and local presenters at the event. The Congress is the premier global gathering of LGBT+ Jews. Highlights also included a Pride Kabbalat Shabbat service and ‘Feigele on the Roof: The Queerest Gender-Bending Purim Spiel on the Planet’.
Communities
May/June 2019
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Two for one on Liberal arks Wessex double birthday bash
Wessex member Nat Roseman and Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel with the community’s travelling ark
TWO Liberal communities were the beneficiaries of a single grant from the NLPS Trust for Progressive Judaism and now both have new arks. The Trust – which was established following the closure of North London Progressive Synagogue in 2004 – received an application from Stevenage Liberal Synagogue last year. The Stevenage community were looking to support the purchase of a new ark, as their existing travelling one was no longer big enough for a recently acquired Torah scroll. As part of their application, they said that if they were successful they would be happy to pass on their old ark to another developing Liberal community.
At the same time, as luck would have it, Wessex Liberal Jewish Community, were on the lookout. The community usually meets in a hall in Bournemouth but sometimes holds services at other venues and therefore needed an ark that could be transported with them. Stevenage’s application was successful and they now have their new ark. The Trust then put them in touch with Wessex who were delighted to take possession of Stevenage’s previous travelling one. At a service in Ringwood, Hampshire, Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel led a delighted congregation in saying the shehecheyanu as the new ark was used by Wessex for the first time.
THERE was another reason to celebrate at Wessex Liberal Jewish Community in early 2019 with the 90th birthdays of two of its founder members. As well as two Shabbat services to mark their birthdays, and helping to unveil the new ark, Nat and Joan also held a 180th party for far-flung family. Nat and Joan (pictured) were both brought up in Orthodox synagogues, met in London through a mutual friend and were married in 1955. They lived first in south west London and then in Leeds, where they and their two sons were involved with Sinai (Reform) Synagogue and hosted a monthly Bible reading group. They moved to Bournemouth a few years before Nat retired from his role as a business consultant, attracted initially by the Reform Synagogue, kosher butcher, wonderful orchestras and manageable property prices. Once settled they were then instrumental in setting up Wessex Liberal Jewish Community, with the support of Liberal Judaism, and have remained actively involved in its growth ever since. Nat and Joan told lj today: “Being part of this community is such a positive experience for both of us. We receive such support and friendship from members of Wessex and are delighted to contribute to its activities.”
Rabbi Bernard Hooker’s life celebrated
RABBI DAVID HULBERT, together with his wife Fiona, travelled west to visit the Herefordshire Jewish Community (HJC) and lead a special service on the 20th yahrzeit of Rabbi Bernard Hooker.
Rabbi Hooker was an inspiration to the Herefordshire community in its early days so it was very appropriate that the service – which was held in conjunction with the Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community – took place in Ledbury, where he had lived during his retirement. David, who is spending his sabbatical as the ‘Rambling Rabbi’, lived up to his moniker by taking a ramble of his own with Fiona in the Malvern Hills. They were hosted by Cherry Wolfe and Julian Brown. Rabbi Bernard Hooker served in Jamaica and in Birmingham Progressive, Wembley Liberal and North London Progressive Synagogues.
Along with his wife Eileen, he moved to Ledbury after his retirement and they were among the founders of Herefordshire Jewish Community. In her memoir, titled In Retrospect, Eileen Hooker wrote: “We had been living in Herefordshire for a year or two and became aware of a number of Jewish people living in the surrounding area. Almost before we knew it we had new people to serve and the Herefordshire Jewish Community was established. “It was very touching for us to see people at that very first meeting, who had all thought that they were isolated, realising they were not alone any more.”
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Events
May/June 2019
If I am only for myself… Where next? THIS YEAR’S Liberal Judaism Day of Celebration will focus on the role of communities to support their members in a variety of different ways. We will look at how we can directly support individuals as well as how we empower our members to support others in turn inside and outside the synagogue walls. We are honoured to be joined by our keynote speakers, Dame Margaret Hodge and Jean Gaffin OBE, who will be in conversation about how communities help to build the fabric of society. The programme – published for the first time on the page to the right – also includes many of Liberal Judaism’s most senior rabbis, lay leaders and educators.
So come and celebrate current best practice, the Jewish textual basis for community relationships and the deeper questions around community responsibility vs state responsibility. The event will also include a performance from the Day of Music, the announcement of the winning LAFTAs entry a full LJY-Netzer youth programme and an interactive social justice journey. The Day of Celebration takes place on Sunday 23 June 2019 from 9:30am 4:30pm at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in London. Please email t.rich@ liberaljudaism.org for details of travel subsidies. To book your place, visit www. liberaljudaism.org/day-of-celebration
Join our Education Hub classes LIBERAL JUDAISM’S Education Hub hosts classes on a wide range of topics that are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Classes are only £5 and are the perfect way to take a break from your busy week and invest in yourself. Term 3: 10 April - 8 May You can choose from: An Introduction to Judaism and Biblical Hebrew with Rabbis Janet Burden and Danny Rich; Hope and Anger in Our Texts with Rabbi Sandra Kviat; and Second Temple Texts and Traditions with Rafe Thurstance.
Your stories LIBERAL JUDAISM prides itself on being open and inclusive - providing a home for everyone’s Jewish story. In each issue of lj today going forward, one member will tell how our movement became the home for their own story. And whether you are a rabbi or a member of our youth movement, a fourth generation Liberal Jew or a new convert, we want to feature you. Maybe we became your home because you couldn’t be who you wanted or love who you wanted elsewhere. Or maybe you just remain inspired by our values. We now want you to tell the world - or at least the readers of this magazine how you found a home in Liberal Judaism and how the movement has helped to inspire you. Read others’ stories and submit your own at www.liberaljudaism. org/the-home-for-your-jewish-story/
Term 4: 22 May - 19 June During this term you will be able to choose from yet more fascinating topics: An Introduction to Judaism and Biblical Hebrew with Rabbis Janet Burden and Danny Rich; Jewish History with Rabbi Thomas Salomon; and Theology with Rabbi Charley Baginsky. Classes take place on Wednesday evenings at the Montagu Centre. A light supper is provided. Please log on to www.liberaljudaism.org/hot-potatoes for class descriptions, dates and booking.
By Rabbi Lea Mühlstein IN a sermon in 1970, Rabbi John Rayner charged Liberal Jews to embrace a special navigational role on the journey of humanity towards its ultimate goal: an age of freedom and Rabbi Lea Mühlstein justice, compassion and peace. Looking back now, almost 50 years later, we can proudly celebrate our movement’s strong track record - but we cannot be complacent. The road to that messianic age still stretches beyond the horizon as we look at our society riddled with injustice. And there is so much to address that sometimes it’s hard to focus for long enough to make a difference. This is why during the Day of Celebration we want to take a moment over lunch to help us decide what issue we want to focus on during the next year until the 2020 Biennial Weekend. Where can we make the biggest difference? How can we best embrace our special navigational role to achieve a little more justice in our world? The session will take you on a journey to explore some of the issues that we might want to pick up and give you an opportunity to cast a vote to help us decide where to go next.
May/June 2019
Events
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History
May/June 2019
‘We love minutes’ By Alison Turner Liberal Judaism Archivist THE LIBERAL JUDAISM archives at the Montagu Centre include printed material, manuscripts, photographs, t-shirts, scrapbooks and spoken word recordings. Not all of this has stood the test of time well, so I considered various options for preservation and access, while keeping any necessary material confidential. One approach is digitisation, which is still a possibility in some cases. Another option was to add to our archive at the London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) in nearby Farringdon. The LMA already had papers on some prayerbooks, papers from Rabbi John Rayner, study courses and a substantial amount from the North London Progressive Synagogue after its closure, as well as separate deposits from other congregations in London. They told me “we love minutes” and were happy to take part of our collection, though there would be cost implications for a large amount. In November 2018 they took copies of and material on various prayerbooks and songbooks. There were also committee and council minutes, annual reports and student and youth items including the Federation of Liberal and Progressive Jewish Youth Groups’ magazine FedOration. Finally I sent audio-visual material, audio cassette tapes, video cassette tapes and even long playing (LP) vinyl records. The audio tapes include oral history interviews from the 1990s, a memorial service from 1962, ULPS services and Biennial Conferences. Video tapes include the opening of the new Montagu Centre, the launch of Siddur Lev Chadash, Israel Tours and Kadimah summer camp. The LPs are of Dr Claude Montefiore’s reading of the book of Jonah, a highlight of Yom Kippur services at the time. I am delighted with this move as it means that, in the long run, our material will be more accessible than it has been, as well as better preserved.
It’s also important to note that these audio-visual items are intended to be part of the Heritage Lottery funded project Unlocking our Sound Heritage, led by the British Library. In Greater London, the British Library is working in partnership with the London Metropolitan Archives so having material already on site at the LMA will make our participation easier. The London Metropolitan Archives are free to use and open to everyone. They have a lot of material available online as well as for personal visitors. You can find out about the collections by searching on their website. In due course the LMA will catalogue this new Liberal Judaism material. While the items I have sent remain uncatalogued, they will still be accessible by anyone who has my catalogue list. People will need to give at least 48 hours’ notice before a visit and must also tell the LMA exactly which items they wish to see. I have reissued the catalogue of holdings at the Montagu Centre, complete with sections on what has gone to the LMA and when it went. Please contact me on a.turner@liberaljudaism.org for a copy. If you are part of a congregation in Greater London, the LMA could also take on this archive function for you, storing your material, cataloguing and preserving it for the future. Principal archivist Nicola Avery says the LMA would be very happy to be contacted by London congregations. Nicola will discuss with you what you have, what they would be willing/able to take and any cost implications. You will still retain copyright and can limit access if required, or get your material back for exhibitions and such purposes. Contact her on Nicola.Avery@cityoflondon.gov.uk to find out more. An additional consideration for congregations is that I hold archive material on many communities at the Montagu Centre. I would be happy to be able to add new or old items of historical significance to them. I will write more about this in a future issue of lj today.
DI NICHOLAS of Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community received a Civic Award from Peterborough City Council for her contribution to developing interfaith relations in the city. Di - who was presented with the award by the Mayor and Mayoress of Peterborough - has had a huge impact locally through her work with other religions. She serves on the local interfaith council, set up a branch of the Jewish/Muslim women’s network Nisa-Nashim and even led a crowd in Peterborough’s city centre in Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu... without any backing music.
Lily’s Legacy needs you OUR new project Heritage Lottery Fund supported project - Lily’s Legacy: The Radical History and Heritage of Liberal Judaism in Britain - will research, document, map and showcase more than 115 years of Liberal Judaism by means of oral history, photography, film, publications and digital media. And there are two ways YOU can help… 1. Lily’s Legacy is hoping to record all aspects of Liberal Jewish history and heritage in the UK. Do you have materials you can contribute? We are looking for a range of items that tell a story about Liberal Jewish life past and present including recordings and transcripts, congregational archives, photographs, leaflets, posters, letters, emails, banners, badges, videos, ritual objects, artwork and any other relevant memorabilia. At the moment we just want to find out what you have to offer. After we have a better idea of what materials we have available we will contact you to discuss how your items can be included, displayed and credited. If you would like to donate items to the archive for safekeeping please let us know and we can discuss the options available. Even the smallest item can be a fantastic addition to the project - nothing is too insignificant. 2. We are keen to capture Liberal Jewish voices from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds. This will include people who have met one of our founders or pioneers or escaped/ experienced the Holocaust, either recounting their own experience or that of a family member. While seeking to record the past, we are equally mindful of ‘history in progress’. Lily’s Legacy would therefore also love to hear other diverse stories from, for example, youth movement members, ‘Jews by choice’, patrilineal Jews, mixed faith families and LGBTQI+ people. All stories and materials will form a permanent record at the London Metropolitan Archives and other national heritage institutes. Email Shaan Knan on lilyslegacyproject@ liberaljudaism.org if you can help.
Books
May/June 2019
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A gem that sustains both soul and mind Pirkei Avot: A Social Justice Commentary by Rabbi Dr Shmuly Yanklowitz (ISBN: 9789655241563) REVIEWED by Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh PIRKEI AVOT, the Ethics of the Sages, is probably the most popular, as well as being the most approachable, of all the texts that comprise the corpus of rabbinic literature. As such there have been countless commentaries with new ones being published almost every year. I read my first such commentary in the mid 1970s and have bought and read those published since. Now Rabbi Dr Shmuly Yanklowitz - an Orthodox rabbi with an extraordinarily supra-traditional career - has produced this edition published by the CCAR; the juxtaposition of an Orthodox rabbi and the press of the Central Conference of American (Reform) Rabbis offers a hefty hint that this will be a commentary that appeals across the spectrum of Jewish opinion and observance. And so it does. As the subtitle indicates, Yanklowitz uses the wisdom of the sages as a platform and an incentive to all Jews to think creatively about the ways in
which we interact with society and our world; but he goes further than this, by illuminating the ancient text not just with insights of his own but also those of a multidisciplinary host of others. This is the only commentary on Pirkei Avot of which I am aware that juxtaposes the teachings of medieval and Chasidic sages with academic luminaries such as Martha Nussbaum, Lawrence Kohlberg, Yochanan Muffs, Michael Walzer and Carol Dwek. This is the only such text which gives equal voice to Rav Kook, Joseph Soloveitchik and Abraham Joshua Heschel. The only one that also includes the words of Toni Morrison, John Donne, Maya Angelou and Rainer Maria Rilke. However, what makes this the edition of Pirkei Avot against which I shall in future compare all others is the passion of the commentator. This is exemplified in the commentary to Avot 3.21, which begins: “If there is no Torah, there is no worldly occupation. “
It occupies more or less the centre of the book and is the very heart of the commentary. Shmuly Yanklowitz’s passion for social action, his openness to the wisdom of the world, his understanding that a Judaism which does not engage with the world is a closed and narrow life choice that barely reflects the openness of Jewish tradition, is powerfully expressed here. This new edition of Pirkei Avot is an absolute gem: it sustains the soul as well as the mind. For Liberal Jews, it is also a powerful reminder that however great our commitment to tikkun olam, there is always more that we can do.
Two books that deserve to be widely read The Stakes of History: On the Use and Abuse of Jewish History for Life by David N Myers (ISBN: 9780300228939) and Rooted Cosmopolitans: Jews and Human Rights in the Twentieth Century by James Loeffler (ISBN: 9780300217247) REVIEWED by Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh THE STAKES OF HISTORY is the latest publication in Yale University’s Franz Rosenzweig Lectures series. Author David N Mayers, professor of Jewish History at UCLA, is a disciple of the late scholar Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi, with whom he studied at Columbia University. The book is a fascinating analysis of the role of the modern Jewish historian and the perspectives on history that inform and misinform our view of the present and future. It is an impeccably researched and highly readable text, ideal for anyone who wants to have their own concept of Jewish history challenged; and in view of the ways in which historical memories are being used and traduced across the world, a very timely read. In Rooted Cosmopolitans, James Loeffler, associate professor of history at the University of Virginia, introduces five heroes who played an extraordinary role in the development of international
human rights and whose life work has profoundly affected the modern world. The five men are: Hersch Zvi Lauterpacht (familiar to readers of Philippe Sands’ East-West Street); Jacob Blaustein, an oil man; Rabbi Maurice Perlzweig, a UK Zionist leader; Jacob Robinson, a Lithuanian Zionist; and Peter Benenson, a UK Zionist activist who converted to Catholicism. Respectively, these five drafted early versions of the International Bill of Human Rights, brought human rights into US foreign policy, created the modern international NGO at the League of Nations, helped design the UN Commission on Human Rights and founded Amnesty International. This highly important book, which should by no means be dismissed as a ‘scholarly read’ – exemplary though its scholarship is – draws together many threads and challenges perceptions.
The hard-hitting epilogue states the sad truth that the five heroes of human rights never saw their vision fully realised, and that they, and the values they stood for, are not remembered and cherished by their co-religionists. At times it feels as if 21st century life is again hurtling in the direction it took a century ago. That is a terror-filled thought, yet we have been this way before. None of us can say we do not have clear precedents of the outcomes of callous disregard for fellow human beings and uber-vaunted nationalism. The Stakes of History and Rooted Cosmopolitans are immensely valuable contributions to early-21st century Jewish thought which deserve and demand to be widely read. • Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh is dean and director of Jewish studies at Leo Baeck College
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Youth
May/June 2019
Today a reader, tomorrow a leader A guest column from our friends at PJ Library on the books they gift to families Lauren Hamburger, director of PJ Library in the UK, said: “Most kids love finishing the day with a story – whether it’s the chance to step into another world, learn something new or just enjoy five special minutes with a parent in an otherwise hectic day. “We hope that our stories spark Jewish conversations in the home and make bedtime meaningful for everyone… whatever their age!” PJ Library works with Liberal Judaism, creating events and programmes at communities throughout the UK. Here are PJ Library’s five top tips, beyond bedtime stories, to strengthen Jewish identity in the home:
THE HAGGADAH, the Megillah and, of course, the Torah – Jews love a good religious book. If you’re an English Lit grad you may appreciate the beautiful poetry in Psalms. For the rest of us, it can be challenging to find meaning, especially for younger members of the community. PJ Library, an organisation that gifts books to more than 6,500 children across the UK, celebrates Jewish values and traditions through colourful and creative stories. This spring they have been distributing four fantastic books about Passover, including the one pictured above. Each uses high-quality illustrations, informative inside covers and gripping narratives to inspire both children and parents alike.
1. Speak their language: If your child knows more about swiping than synagogue, download Jewish content on their screens. Jewish Interactive, a global charity based in London, creates Jewish apps for children. Check out their Hebrew reading series Learning the Aleph-Bet, which invites children to make their own games and puzzles. 2. Bring books to life: While we are all for children reading about Judaism, why not bring the stories to life? Earlier in the year, one PJ parent took her children to a local garden centre on Tu Bishvat to plant some seeds and read a story together. Another family, on a holiday to Israel, used the PJ Library book Ella’s Trip To Israel to inspire their itinerary. Yet more joined us for fun projects on Mitzvah Day.
3. L’dor v’dor – from generation to generation: Grandparents have great stories about how they celebrated Jewish festivals when they were young - often in different cities or countries. PJ Library stories like Tea with Zayde emphasise the importance of inter-generational connections, while in The Bagel King Eli and his grandpa have a cherished Sunday outing to the bagel shop. 4. Food glorious food: We are blessed to be part of a religion that has such a colourful and meaningful food history. Make hamantaschen at Purim, charoset at Pesach and/or challah one Shabbat and use that time together to talk about what you are making and why it is special. 5. Lead by example: Make Friday night dinner a no-phone time for the family to light candles, eat challah and catch up. Or if your child attends a non-Jewish school, offer to read the class a story about a forthcoming festival. With over 500 titles, email the PJ Library team if you need to borrow a book or are looking for a simple craft or activity suggestion. PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children aged from six months to eight years. If you’re not signed up yet, then visit www.pjlibrary.org.uk today and follow the simple on-screen steps.
Focus on wellbeing at student retreat
A RESIDENTIAL weekend organised by Progressive Jewish Students (PJS) provided a getaway for those looking to connect with their Jewish identity through spiritual practice and learning.
Participants experienced musical Shabbat services, country walks, meals and workshops led by the Alliance for Progressive Judaism’s chaplain Rabbi Daniel Lichman and PJS student fieldworkers Maya Skaarbrevik and Francesca Kurlansky. Francesca said: “It was wonderful to see how keen the participants were to engage with their Judaism as a tool for creating optimum wellbeing.
“We chanted, learned, sang and ate together and all in the beautiful Peak District. We cannot wait for next year!” Daniel added: “We wanted to create this unique weekend retreat to equip the students with tools to help them with their day to day resilience and connection with something bigger through Jewish spiritual practices that can be brought into everyday life.” Participants described feeling refreshed and ready for the new term afterwards with student Tilly Grossman saying: “The weekend gave me the tools to deal with the stress and challenges of university in a mindful and resilient way.” PJS is a joint initiative between Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism.
Youth
May/June 2019
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
Eight reasons to attend Machaneh Kadimah Ben Combe on why kids and their parents will love LJY-Netzer’s summer camp
1. A welcoming space for all: LJY-Netzer prides itself on inclusivity. We provide a welcoming environment and truly believe in making space for everyone who wishes to come on our events. Our staff are trained to ensure that everyone feels welcome and to build a community that cares for all of its members. 2. More fun than you can imagine: Whether you enjoy building rocket ships out of cardboard, having intense conversations about your favourite superheroes or throwing water balloons at your friends, you’ll have a great time at Machaneh Kadimah. 3. An all-encompassing Jewish environment: For many of our members, LJY-Netzer is the first time they have experienced a Jewish environment. As someone who grew up as the only Jew in the village, this experience changed my life in more ways than I knew. Whether it’s the energy, the little bits of Hebrew or the shared cultural understanding, being in a truly Jewish space was a first for me; one I wish I could have stayed in forever.
4. The Wide Game: Do you like water fights? Do you like paint fights? Do you like water fights that turn into paint fights? Then our all-out crazy Wide Game - which leaves everyone, including the leaders, covered in water, paint and massive smiles - will definitely be for you.
7. Art, swimming, sport and even ultimate ironing: LJY-Netzer is a community of incredibly talented leaders and members, all with their own skills and passions, and they bring it all to Machaneh Kadimah. Join in on sessions of sport, art and adventure this summer.
5. Shabbat like no other: There’s nothing quite like an LJY-Netzer Shabbat. We cover all the traditional bases - from Kabbalat Shabbat to shacharit to a delicious seudah (pre-sunset meal) - but Shabbat on LJY-Netzer is so much more than that. On Kadimah it becomes a day of peace, community and outdoor fun, when all year groups come together to celebrate the most holy day of the week.
8. Friends that last a lifetime: All of LJY-Netzer’s expertly planned, enthusiastically delivered sessions are a joy to behold - but the real joy of LJY is the friends you make along the way. We get new people joining every year, so whether you’re eight or 18, you’ll become an instant part of the LJY-Netzer family.
6. You want day trips? We got day trips: Right in the middle of Machaneh Kadimah, when you feel like you can’t do anything more, we scatter across the south west for a variety of day trips. Our younger years go to a theme park or zoo, while Nechalim (years 7 & 8) go to Bournemouth beach, and year 9 go on an epic two-day hike to Stonehenge.
• LJY-Netzer Machaneh Kadimah takes place from 12-25 August in Wiltshire. It costs £885 for Liberal Judaism members and £925 for non-members. We are committed to making sure that everyone who wants to come to our events is given the opportunity to do so and have bursaries for those who need financial assistance. To find out more, and book your place on our summer camp, visit www.ljy-netzer.org/machaneh-kadimah/
Contact LJY-Netzer: Ben Combe (b.combe@liberaljudaism.org), Helen Goldhill (h.goldhill@liberaljudaism.org) and Ellie Lawson (e.lawson@liberaljudaism.org); Director of Youth - Rebecca Fetterman (r.fetterman@liberaljudaism.org)
Page 12 LJ Today
May/June 2019
Liberal congregations Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue T: 0845 869 7105 E: info@bedsps.org.uk W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk
Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community T: 0131 777 8024 E: info@eljc.org W: eljc.org
Beit Klal Yisrael (London) E: bkymailing@gmail.com W: bky.org.uk
Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8446 4063 E: fps@liberaljudaism.org W: fps.org
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue T: 0121 634 3888 E: bps@liberaljudaism.org W: bpsjudaism.com Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue T: 01273 737 223 E: info@bhps-online.org W: bhps-online.org Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0117 403 3456 E: bwpjc@bwpjc.org W: bwpjc.org Crawley Jewish Community T: 01293 534 294 Crouch End Chavurah E: info@crouchendchavurah.co.uk W: crouchendchavurah.co.uk Dublin Progressive Congregation E: djpc@liberaljudaism.org W: djpcireland.com
Ealing Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8997 0528 E: admin@ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue T: 0208 989 7619 E: eastlondonandessexliberal@gmail.com W: eastlondonandessexliberal synagogue.org Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community T: 07497 401 280 E: eljc.contact@gmail.com W: eljc.org.uk
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 Kehillah North London T: 020 7403 3779 E: kehillah.northlondon@yahoo.co.uk W: kehillah.org.uk Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 07952 242 432 E: enquiries@kljc.org.uk W: kljc.org.uk Kingston Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8398 7400 E: kls@liberaljudaism.org W: klsonline.org Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0116 271 5584 E: chair@lpjc.org.uk W: lpjc.org.uk The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood) T: 020 7286 5181 E: ljs@ljs.org W: ljs.org The Liberal Synagogue Elstree T: 020 8953 8889 E: office@tlse.org.uk W: tlse.org.uk
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 s.rothstein@liberaljudaism.org Printed by Precision Printing. www.precisionprinting.co.uk
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
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
Mosaic Liberal (Harrow) T: 020 8864 5323 E: office@mosaicliberal.org.uk W: mosaicliberal.org.uk
Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) T:01473 250 797 E: sljc@liberaljudaism.org
Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue T: 01923 822 592 E: npls@liberaljudaism.org W: npls.org.uk
Tikvah Chadasha Synagogue (Shenfield) T: 01277 888 610 E: tikvahchadasha@gmail.com W: tikvahchadasha.com
Norwich Liberal Jewish Community E: nljc@liberaljudaism.org W: norwichljc.org.uk
Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (Bournemouth) T: 01202 757 590 E: info@wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue T: 0115 962 4761 E: nls@liberaljudaism.org W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com
Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community T: 07561 331 390 E: info@pljc.org.uk W: pljc.org.uk Reading Liberal Jewish Community T: 0118 942 8022 E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@ gmail.com
W: readingljc.org.uk Shir Hatzafon (Copenhagen) 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
West Central Liberal Synagogue T: 020 7636 7627 E: office@wcls.org.uk W: wcls.org.uk York Liberal Jewish Community T: 0300 102 0062 E: info@jewsinyork.org.uk W: jewsinyork.org.uk
Developing and affiliated Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam) 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 Chair Simon Benscher Deputy Chair Ruth Seager Vice Chair Karen Newman Treasurer Rosie Ward Secretary Amanda McFeeters Israel and the Diaspora Graham Carpenter Data Ed Herman Social Justice Jane Drapkin Strategy Robin Moss National Officers Ros Clayton and Jackie Richards Vice Presidents Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Lord Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Sharon Goldstein, Lucian Hudson, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Willie Kessler, David Lipman, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Joan Shopper, Beverly Taylor and Ken Teacher Chair of The Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors Rabbi Aaron Goldstein Senior Rabbi and C hief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Director of Strategy and Partnerships Rabbi Charley Baginsky Community Partnerships Rabbi Sandra Kviat Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer Director of Administration Alexandra Simonon Fundraising and Events Thomas Rich Strategy and Communications Project Manager Yszi Hawkings PR Simon Rothstein Archivist Alison Turner Acting PA to the Senior Rabbi Rafe Thurstance Director of Youth Becca Fetterman LJY-Netzer Ben Combe, Helen Goldhill and Ellie Lawson