January/February 2018 VOL. XL No. 1
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
First Liberal fundraising Mitzvah magic concert hits the right note
Rabbi Danny Rich and family with Mike Gapes
Abigail Dolan, David Dolan and Thomas Carroll (centre) wowed guests with their performance
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iberal Judaism raised £12,000 at a special fundraising concert, the first time such an event has been held in our movement’s 115 year history. The evening took place at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS). World renowned musicians David Dolan, Abigail Dolan and Thomas Carroll, assisted by LJS music director Cathy Heller-Jones, received a standing ovation for their programme of classical music and improvisation. The event also included a champagne reception and silent auction. As well as ticket sales and donations on the night, a high number of guests also signed up as ‘Friends of Liberal Judaism’ - a scheme where people can commit to a monthly direct debit to suit their budget. The concert was part of a new fundraising drive centred around the theme ‘a home for your Jewish story’ and highlighting how Liberal Judaism welcomes people of all backgrounds.
David Dolan told how the event was especially meaningful to him and wife Abigail as they found their Jewish home at Finchley Progressive Synagogue, after moving to the UK from Israel. Speaking after the performance, Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Liberal Judaism’s director of strategy and partnerships said: “During our 115 year history we have achieved great things - however we are ambitious. There is more we believe we can be doing and more we should be doing to ensure that not only does Liberal Judaism live up to its central ethic of being a vibrant, cutting edge and inclusive movement, but that we can truly be a home for everyone’s Jewish story. But in order to achieve these ambitions we need your support.” To find out more about becoming a Friend or Patron of Liberal Judaism, please contact Tom Rich on 020 7580 1663 or t.rich@liberaljudaism.org
LIBERAL JEWS from all over the UK gave their time, not their money, on Mitzvah Day to support the elderly, homeless, refugees and some of the poorest and most vulnerable in British society. Mitzvah Day is the UK’s biggest faithbased day of social action. The theme for 2017 was inspired by the Jewish value of L’Dor Vador: From Generation to Generation with many participants doing good deeds alongside their families. Volunteers included Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich. Danny was accompanied by wife Laura Lassman, children and a grandchild to entertain residents at a care home as part of the East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue project, along with local MP Mike Gapes. Danny said: “Helping one’s neighbours was something I learned from my aunts, through their example, when they took me volunteering as a child. On Mitzvah Day, I was delighted to be joined by my family in the hope that they, in turn, will make the world a better place.” Other faith leaders taking part in Mitzvah Day included Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Imam Ibrahim Mogra. • Pages 6-7: Your Mitzvah Day pictures
BIENNIAL TICKETS ON SALE: See page 4 for details of Liberal Judaism’s flagship event