January/February 2014 VOL. XLI No. 1
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
Fighting for a living wage LIBERAL JUDAISM has become the first synagogal movement in the UK to receive official accreditation as a ‘Living Wage Employer’. Below, Rabbi Richard Jacobi outlines our commitment to ensuring a fair salary for all: LIBERAL JUDAISM’S self-proclamation as the heir to the social justice ideals of the prophets cannot be achieved by words alone - it requires action. That action can be taken by you (yes, you, dear reader), as well as by your synagogue and by our national movement. When I attended a parliamentary reception to mark Living Wage Week in November, I heard some shocking facts and some inspiring ones. One shock was that since the National Minimum Wage was established in 1999, it has risen from £3.60 per hour to £6.31. However, if the National Minimum Wage had risen at the same rate as the pay of the directors of Britain’s top 100 companies, it would now stand at £19 per hour. One clear focus for Liberal Judaism is to ensure that anyone from whose work we benefit is paid a living wage. Internationally, the Fairtrade kite-mark has become well known for assuring us of this. Until recently, there was no similar way to know who in this country was receiving a living wage. Citizens UK and The Living Wage Foundation have been campaigning to change this. The national living wage is calculated at £7.65 per hour. The London living wage is £8.80 per hour. Both rates aim to enable an employee to achieve a basic but acceptable standard of living, something in line with the teachings of Judaism.
Liberal Rabbis Tanya Sakhnovich and Richard Jacobi meet with Rachel Reeves MP (centre)
One of the key laws of the ‘Holiness Code’ that we read every Yom Kippur afternoon relates directly to the wages of a hired servant, which must be fair and paid on time (see Leviticus 19:13). Maimonides set the highest level of tzedakah (meaning social justice) as being to enable someone to earn a living. At the time of writing, 480 companies have committed to be ‘Living Wage Employers’ and that number is growing rapidly. As well as receiving this official accreditation, Liberal Judaism has also participated in events designed to encourage other employers, such as Premier League football clubs, to improve their community relations and reputations by following suit. This is just the start of the process. Our aim is that by May, when our movement gathers for its Biennial Weekend, all our synagogues will also be recognised as Living Wage Employers. It would be even more wonderful if, at that point, every individual Liberal Jew could also say that everyone who is paid to provide goods and services directly to them receives a living wage. It’s only just!
JANUARY is your last chance to secure a discounted place on Liberal Judaism’s Biennial Weekend 2014. Early Bird rates end on January 31, so book now to save money and avoid disappointment. Read more about the Biennial on page 2.
ACCLAIMED artist Grayson Perry CBE was the guest of honour as Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) held a fundraising dinner to celebrate its 60th anniversary. The elegant evening, which took place at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, was the culmination of a year-long series of events. FPS member Viktoria Dorosz said: “Grayson gave a speech on ‘Why we should celebrate bad art’ that was both hilarious and thoughtprovoking. His flamboyant attire was much admired – he took the instruction to wear ‘celebratory dress’ to a whole new level!” Finchley’s Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk and Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich – pictured above with Grayson – also spoke at the packed event.
Page 2 LJ Today
News
January/February 2014
Eight reasons to attend the Liberal Sharing history Judaism Biennial Weekend 2014 By Rabbi Charley Baginsky AS YOU begin to read this article, the Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend will be just a few short months away. Taking place from May 9-11 in Reading, it is the flagship event of our movement. As this is also your last chance to take advantage of our Early Bird offer - reduced rates are only available until January 31 - I wanted each of you to see how the Biennial can be the perfect post-Chunakkah gift: 1. Emerging Leaders: This year, for the very first time in Liberal Judaism’s history, we have secured funding for each community to send one member of their congregation to the Biennial for a fraction of the cost. This is a chance for either an emerging leader to self-identify or for the council to choose someone they feel will play a significant role in the future of their community. Not only will this person have a chance to be enthused by the inspirational Biennial atmosphere, but we have created unique networking and learning opportunities for them. 2. Young Families: Every year we develop more ways for families with young children to enjoy the Biennial. A fully staffed crèche and children’s activities mean that parents are able to enjoy the workshops, time together and even a peaceful dinner. However, there is also plenty of time and space to spend quality moments as a family, enjoying Shabbat with Liberal Jews from around the UK. 3. LJY-Netzer Event: For the first time ever LJY-Netzer will run their own unique on-site event, which will bring the feeling of their camps to the Biennial. There will be all the classic LJY programmes for those aged 8-15, including informal education, discussions and games that are perfect for newcomers and old timers alike. What is especially exciting is that the LJY-Netzer event will be integrated with the main conference too - meaning that everyone will get a taste of what is so inspiring about our youth movement. 4. Rehov Biennial (Biennial Street): Another new innovation for this year’s event, the Biennial Street is a dynamic place where you can grab a coffee, network, recharge your phone, recharge your body (with our on-street masseuse), listen to a busker, check in with one of the LJ staff, browse resources or admire the art installations. Whatever your need, you will find it on the street.
5. Keynote Speaker: For many, the keynote speaker is the highlight of any Biennial and 2014 will be no exception. We are honoured and excited to welcome the senior vice president of the Union for Reform Judaism (our American sister movement), Rabbi Jonah Pesner. Not only is Rabbi Pesner an inspirational and eloquent speaker but his passions speak to the ethics and values of Liberal Judaism. He is responsible for devising new strategies and innovations to advance the goals of the Reform movement in the US, working on projects as diverse as youth engagement, health care access, affordable housing, public education and LGBT rights. 6. Workshops: This year the theme of the Biennial Weekend is the radical roots of Liberal Judaism and the way in which they shaped the early leadership’s practical responses to society, combined with a push to us – the current and future generations - to ask ourselves some tough questions about the future shape of Liberal Judaism. We have brought together incredible rabbis, experts and lay leaders to help navigate this field and provide you with material and ideas to take back to your community. 7. Evening Entertainment: As well as all the serious stuff, it is always our aim to provide you with a chance to socialise and kick back. This year we have secured the very funny Rachel Mars for our evening entertainment. We will also be joined once again by the wonderful Daniel Cainer, who will be talking and singing about the art of storytelling. 8. The Venue: We are moving to a new venue which provides the perfect combination of luxury hotel and fullyequipped conference centre. For those more comfortable on the golf course, bring your clubs, and for those wanting state of the art technology and internet access – bring your iPads. And for all of those of you wanting to get away from it all, bring your walking boots and swim suits (for the on-site spa). To prove we have everything covered, the hotel will even be showing the last game of the football season after the final Biennial session so there is no need to rush off! • Liberal Judaism is offering £50 off for all those who book their places on the Biennial Weekend 2014 before January 31. Find out more by visiting www. liberaljudaism.org
RAINBOW JEWS – Liberal Judaism’s ground-breaking LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) oral history project – is set for a special exhibition throughout February at the London School of Economics (LSE). Launching on Thursday February 6 at the LSE Atrium Gallery, the exhibition will include the world premiere of the Rainbow Jews oral history documentary series. Produced by Portsmouth University and Rotunda Studios, the short films and discussions, pictured above, capture the voices and experiences of Jewish LGBT people in the UK from the 1950s to today. Coinciding with the annual LGBT History Month, the exhibition will be complemented by a variety of events such as a Jewish LGBT History Tour through Soho, a music concert, a launch party and a very special ‘Chavurah’ closing event in collaboration with the Jewish Gay and Lesbian Group. Actor Stephen Fry is among those promising their support. The Rainbow Jews archives collection, which will be launched shortly after the exhibition, will be the first ever source of Jewish LGBT history in Britain. Rainbow Jews is an oral history project supported by the National Lottery through the Lottery Heritage Fund, and hosted by Liberal Judaism. More information about the exhibition and events can be obtained via www.rainbowjews.com
Football crazy
RABBI ARIEL J FRIEDLANDER, pictured above, is featured in a new exhibition exploring the story of football and British Jews. Ariel’s past work as Queens Park Rangers’ official photographer and a fervent fan is on display as part of Four Four Jew: Football, Fans and Faith at the Jewish Museum in Camden. The event, which runs until the end of February, also features perspectives from fans, players and managers.
Media
January/February 2014
LJ Today Page 3
LJ makes the news, again and again Alex Ben-Yehuda on how our movement is making a splash in Britain and beyond DO TOO many cooks spoil the broth when it comes to developing and executing a PR strategy for the cutting edge of Judaism? I actually think the opposite is true. Having the benefit not only of the wise guidance of our chairman Lucian J Hudson, himself a communications director, and the integrity of our chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, but also key input from Board of National Officers member Ed Herman and seasoned PR consultant Ben Rich, I’ve hugely enjoyed ramping up Liberal Judaism’s media presence over these last few months. There has been no shortage of opportunities for some chest-busting kvelling, with several very big ‘hits’ in the Jewish, national and international media, in which we shared our mission of prophetic justice and social action with the world. Articles I am especially proud of include Rabbi Danny Rich’s commentary in Israeli daily paper Haaretz, in which he argued that religion is the key social definer of our time and advocated more rigorous religious education in schools as an essential element for future peace. This came about after I read a story about the crisis in RE in this country, and pitched the idea to the editor at Haaretz. LIBERAL JUDAISM’S outreach director Rabbi Anna Gerrard was one of the stars of Jews on Bikes - a Sky Atlantic HD series following a group of Jewish bikers crossing North America in remembrance of the Holocaust. Below, Anna speaks to lj today about the show:
How did you get involved with this fascinating series? Steven Taylor, the president of British biking group Yids on Bikes, rang Liberal Judaism as Sky were looking for a rabbi who could ride for a six-part documentary. After some research and much soul searching, I agreed to attend a screen test in Brighton that weekend. Four weeks later, I was on an aeroplane headed for Canada with seven other very excited British bikers.
In late November, a survey by the Board of Deputies showed that in the next 10 years the majority of Jewish marriages will be ultra-Orthodox. Danny responded in his characteristically trenchant style, claiming: “The Charedim don’t preserve Judaism, they pickle it.” I instantly knew this line would be a winner and distributed it to all key media contacts. This gave rise to the Jewish News’ cover story and headline ‘In a Pickle’, in which the paper intimated a feud between Liberal Judaism and the Charedi community. The following week, Danny penned a comment piece in the same paper, in which he expounded his earlier comments and argued his case for a more inclusive Judaism. Meanwhile, the whiff of a row had piqued the interest of The Times’ religion correspondent, Ruth Gledhill, who commissioned Danny to write a stonking piece for The Times faith blog. Many of you will have heard about the furore in October surrounding the Daily Mail’s article about Ed Miliband’s father, and you will no doubt be unsurprised to hear that once more Danny didn’t hold back in his response, claiming that the paper was “playing with fire”. His comments were picked up by The Where did the show take you? We began our adventure in Ottawa and took part in the annual Ride to Remember event, in which thousands of Jewish bikers ride together across North America to commemorate the Holocaust. Some highlights of the trip, included visits to Niagara Falls, New York and Washington DC. What do you think viewers will take away about Liberal Judaism? After all the stereotyped depictions of the Jewish community that we have seen in the media recently, I was so glad that Sky wanted to make a programme about atypical Jews and, as they described me, a ‘very unusual rabbi’. Although I do not consider myself or our movement unusual, I know that there are still people, Jews and non-Jews, in this country who do not realise that modern-thinking, egalitarian strands of Judaism exist. Taking part in Jews on Bikes was a great way to showcase Liberal Judaism, both through my interactions with the group and the snippets you see of a Liberal Jewish
Observer, Evening Standard and Sky News, and also appeared on the front page of the Jewish Chronicle. Most recently, Mick Davis, the chairman of the Jewish Leadership Council, of which Liberal Judaism is a member, stated in a Haaretz opinion piece that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was hampering peace efforts and making it difficult for the diaspora to defend the Jewish state. Liberal Judaism’s chairman, Lucian J Hudson, spoke out fearlessly in support of the piece, while many in the British Jewish community attacked Davis. Lucian’s comments were quoted in the Jewish Chronicle, which also ran an article on his calls for the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council to merge. This is just a small taste of the coverage Liberal Judaism has enjoyed recently, which also includes articles in regional newspapers, websites and blogs. If you ever hear the rumblings of a debate that cries out for the sanity of our Liberal Jewish voice, I would love to hear from you. You can contact me on alexandra@ liberaljudaism.org or 020 7580 1663. Alex Ben-Yehuda is Liberal Judaism’s PR and communications officer life in my backstory footage. I hope this series will have made a few people realise that there are as many different types of Jew as there are Jews in the world and that we do not all live in Manchester or north London. Finally, how did you feel watching the series and have you been recognised? When the programme was released, I was filled with dread. How had they edited the footage? How would we come across? But I needn’t have worried as I think they have done a pretty fair job and have focussed on some interesting insights into Jewish American life rather than the fallings out - trust me, there were even more than you see on TV! I haven’t exactly been recognised in the street but I have received a number of lovely emails - from old friends with whom I had lost contact, from Progressive Jews delighted to see our take on Judaism in the media and from a couple of people who have been inspired by the programme to reconnect with their Judaism. If nothing else, the experience was worth it, just for that!
Page 4 LJ Today
Communities
January/February 2014
Mitzvah Day 2013 in pictures
Mitzvah day at Oxford Jewish Congregation was centred around the kitchen, as challah was made to be sold for World Jewish Relief
Gloucestershire Liberal Community worked with the Phoenix Day Centre for people with disabilities to create a special wall hanging
The children and parents of Bet Tikvah Synagogue visited Aztec House, where they made lunch for all the retired residents
Liberal Judaism’s Yszi Hawkings brought Mitzvah Day to Canada as Moishe House Vancouver took part in a mixed faith event
North Herts Liberal Jewish Community held a tea for the residents of Shefford, in thanks for them sheltering Holocaust refugees in WWII
Woodford Liberal Synagogue donated food items to a local hostel for the homeless and sent toys and games to World Jewish Relief
A team from The Liberal Jewish Synagogue spent the day collecting food and toiletries for the Doorstep Homeless Families Project
Members of Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation visited a local care home, where they sang and chatted to the residents
Southgate Progressive Synagogue donated toys to the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and food to the North Enfield Food Bank
Finchley Progressive Synagogue cleaned up Highgate Cemetery, sang at Rosetrees Care Home and collected gifts for Camp Simcha
Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation held a Family Fun Fair in aid of LauraLynn House, Ireland’s first and only children’s hospice
Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue teamed up with Bedford Council of Faiths to decorate Bedford Nightshelter - and help in the garden
Communities
January/February 2014
Herefordshire Torah returned after 80 years A SEFER TORAH, which had been hidden in the vaults of a Hereford museum for 80 years, has been returned to the local Liberal Jewish congregation. Herefordshire Jewish Community (HJC) has officially received the Torah on semipermanent loan from the Herefordshire Museum Service. The community welcomed the Torah with a special day of celebration that included a procession through the streets of Hereford, singing, dancing and a ceremonial handing over of the scroll. A Shabbat service followed, led by Rabbi Anna Gerrard. Those in attendance included Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, the Mayor and Mayoress of Hereford, members of the Herefordshire Museum Service and a representative of the NLPS Trust. The congregation also comprised past and present members of HJC, including founder Josephine Woolfson, and many guests from the neighbouring Gloucestershire community. HJC member Julian Brown said: “Receiving the scroll was a very poignant event as the medieval Jewish community of Hereford, like those in many other English cities, was expelled more than 700 years ago in 1290.”
HJC chair Mark Walton receives the historic Torah from the museum’s Sarah Skelton
HJC chair Mark Walton added: “This was a momentous occasion for our small but active community. I was especially moved by the beautiful service and music, accompanied at times by the sounds of the local cathedral choir wafting in.” The origins of the sefer Torah are partly unknown. It was gifted to Herefordshire Museum Service in 1935 by Colonel Tudor Fitzjohn, a distinguished First World War veteran. However, where he obtained the scroll is still a mystery. Repairs were made to the fabric by the Herefordshire Records office, funded by a grant from the NLPS Trust, as well as generous donations from members of HJC.
Kingston tutor Kristallnacht commemorated scores a century
By Ruth Selo “With every knot we’re further from our darkest, darkest night,” sang the children from north London’s Akiva School choir at the Association of Jewish Refugees’ Kristallnacht Service. The moving song, Sun Rising on Another World, came from Carl Davis’ new composition Last Train to Tomorrow. The renowned composer and conductor accompanied the children on the piano, pictured above, for the piece from his work, for which lyrics were written by Hiawyn Oram. The memorial service took place at Belsize Square Synagogue.
ROBERT MARKLESS led a special service at Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS) to celebrate tutoring 100 of the community’s barmitzvah and batmitzvah students since 1955. Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Danny Rich – pictured above with Robert – paid tribute to his achievements in front of a packed KLS congregation. Robert was presented with an album of photos and messages from his 100 former pupils and his landmark achievement was also commemorated by a mosaic, designed and made by students, parents and teachers.
LJ Today Page 5
• THE Association of Jewish ExServicemen and Women (AJEX) Annual Remembrance Parade took place at The Cenotaph on November 17. The reviewing officer was Prince Michael of Kent and the ceremony was conducted by the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth Ephraim Mirvis, HM Forces chaplain Rabbi Reuben Livingstone and Liberal Judaism vice president Rabbi Harry Jacobi. • LIBERAL JUDAISM officer, former Government minister and Lincolnshire Jewish Community member Gillian Merron joined Boris Johnson and Ephraim Mirvis in addressing more than 5,000 people at Chanukkah in the Square in London. Gillian was speaking in her role as vice president of the Jewish Leadership Council. Gillian said: “It was an honour to be part of such a wonderful event and to light the menorah in Trafalgar Square. My late parents could never have dreamt that it would be possible for their daughter to one day speak up for the Jewish community alongside the Mayor of London and the Orthodox Chief Rabbi.” • RAINBOW JEWS project manager Surat Knan has just returned from a 10 day tour of Israel, courtesy of US-based organisation A Wider Bridge. Surat told lj today: “For me, as a Liberal Jew from a secular background, the most significant experiences were studying at a Yeshiva, having an Orthodox Shabbat and praying at the Kotel. I feel so blessed that A Wider Bridge gave me the opportunity to be part of this life-changing journey. What a gift to experience the beauty and complexity of Israel as an LGBT person.” A Wider Bridge’s executive director Arthur Slepian added: “Our connection to Israel must not be primarily political, but rather ‘umbilical’. The group travelled all across the holy land, visiting sacred sites and meeting with Israel’s diverse LGBT community.” Learn more about Surat’s trip at www.tumblr.com/blog/rainbowjews • THE NEXT Liberal Judaism Learning Network event will be a special safeguarding seminar on Sunday February 9 at the Montagu Centre in central London. For more details contact Rabbi Sandra Kviat on s.kviat@liberaljudaism.org
Page 6 LJ Today
January/February 2014
Meet the Liberal Juda Rabbi Danny Rich, Chief Executive d.rich@liberaljudaism.org
Rabbi Anna Gerrard, Outreach Director a.gerrard@liberaljudaism.org
My role as professional leader of Liberal Judaism is to work with rabbinic colleagues, officers, staff, patrons and community leaders to ensure that our message - the radical combination of Jewish and modern values - reaches the widest possible audience.
My role includes coordinating the work of the Outreach Team with and for LJ’s communities, including youth and young adult work, education and chaplaincy and projects such as the Resource Bank and Sunday Seminars.
Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer, Operations Director shelley@liberaljudaism.org
Rabbi Sandra Kviat, Education Coordinator s.kviat@liberaljudaism.org
My role involves overseeing all of Liberal Judaism’s services and activities, with a particular focus on project delivery, finance and governance issues. Contact me if you would like to talk about the services and support that we offer.
My role involves running initiatives such as the LJ Learning Network and Ba’alei Tefillah, advising head teachers and communities, updating curriculum, developing programming for our major events and working with LJY-Netzer.
Yael Shotts, Services Manager y.shotts@liberaljudaism.org
Gershon Silins, Music Coordinator g.silins@liberaljudaism.org
My role includes overseeing some of the administration at our head office, ensuring value for money, looking after The Board of National Officers and managing Liberal Judaism’s major events. My goal for 2014 is to make our Biennial the most successful to date.
My role involves consulting on music for Liberal Judaism and for individual member congregations, as well as providing music resources, concerts, workshops and seminars. Contact me if you are interested in any musical aspect of your community.
Janet Manderson, Finance Officer finance@liberaljudaism.org
Rabbi Leah Jordan, Student and Young Adult Chaplain l.jordan@liberaljudaism.org
My role is to look after Liberal Judaism’s money - maintaining receivable and payable accounts and assisting our staff with their finance enquiries. I am currently in the middle of implementing a new accounting system, which will help us run more efficiently.
My role as chaplain means I run both LJ Routes - Liberal Judaism’s young adult social space - and LJ Students, visiting and working with Progressive Jewish students around the UK. I aim to visit every major university campus in 2014.
Tracy Harris, PA to Chief Executive t.harris@liberaljudaism.org
Abigail Jacobi, Outreach Coordinator
My role involves the management of Rabbi Danny Rich’s diary, as well as providing support to our Patrons, Rabbinic Conference and Beit Din. My goal for 2014 is to keep smiling while learning each new aspect of the job with the fabulous team at our head office.
My role involves supporting the Outreach Team in all their work and running Liberal Judaism’s Resource Bank. Contact me if you would like to participate in any of the outreach programmes listed on this page or have ideas you wish to share with other LJ communities.
a.jacobi@liberaljudaism.org
January/February 2014
LJ Today Page 7
aism 2014 staff team Sam Grant, Communities Youth Coordinator sam@liberaljudaism.org
Alex Ben-Yehuda, PR and Communications Officer alexandra@liberaljudaism.org
My role involves working with all our communities to make our youth provision more dynamic, as well as strengthening links between the congregations and LJY-Netzer. Contact me to discuss engaging young people.
My role is the handling of Liberal Judaism’s publicity, as well as advising communities on their PR. This includes pitching articles, distributing press releases, writing copy for the LJ website, Facebook and Twitter and delivering training.
Graham Carpenter, Bethany Stone and Tom Francies, LJY-Netzer graham@liberaljudaism.org bethany@liberaljudaism.org tom@liberaljudaism.org
Simon Rothstein, lj today Editor ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org
Our role involves running the official youth movement of Liberal Judaism, LJY-Netzer. Contact Graham if you are aged between 14 and 16 and interested in youth activities, including going on our fantastic Israel Tour at the end of school year 11. Contact Bethany if you/your children are in school years 7-8 and want to join us, or if you’re in school year 13 and are interested in Kayitz, our summer Europe Tour. Contact Tom if you/your children are in school years 3-4 and 5-6. He also has responsibility for ShnatNetzer, LJY’s inspiring gap year programme in Israel.
My role involves editing and designing Liberal Judaism’s bimonthly magazine, which is then sent to all of our communities. Contact me if you have an article or picture you would like to see published in lj today or wish to get involved in its production.
Yszi Hawkings, ebulletin Editor ebulletin@liberaljudaism.org My role is creating and sending out the ebulletin - the weekly email round-up of all the great things that are going on in Liberal Judaism and our communities. I also assist with some of LJ’s design work and creating content for the website and social media.
Selina O’Dwyer, Internal Services and LJY-Netzer Administrator selina@liberaljudaism.org
Surat Knan, Rainbow Jews Project Manager s.knan@liberaljudaism.org
My role includes the administration of burials and cremations, applications for LJY-Netzer events and the printing and sale of Liberal Judaism’s publications. I also maintain contact lists and minute LJ council meetings.
My role is running Rainbow Jews, the UK’s first and only LGBT Jewish oral history and archive project. This initiative is supported by the National Lottery, through the Heritage Lottery Fund, and hosted by Liberal Judaism.
Chris Walters, Receptionist
chris@liberaljudaism.org
Rabbi Mark Solomon, Interfaith Consultant
My role includes running the reception at Liberal Judaism’s head office, sending out invoices, logging and franking the post, security duties, ordering supplies, setting up meetings, answering the main office phone and dealing with enquires from our members.
My role includes organising interfaith events, chairing the London Society of Jews and Christians, representing Liberal Judaism at conferences and meetings and teaching about Judaism to groups around the UK.
m.solomon@liberaljudaism.org
Page 8 LJ Today
Comment
January/February 2014
The European blues Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein on the challenges and opportunities for Judaism and Jews in Europe I AM a failed “progressive” Jew in that my computer skills have never progressed at the same rate as the increasingly rapid changes in the world of technology. I still don’t use Twitter or Facebook and daily invites to LinkedIn are deleted. However I am converted to email and, though I do not surf the web, I do value Mosaic (www.mosaicmagazine.com) – a website composed of articles selected from the whole gamut of world publications on topics of Jewish interest, be they on Israel, the Bible, literature or travel. Of late there has been a dominant theme: is there a future for Jews in Europe? Demographic reports repeatedly tell us that, except for the ultra-Orthodox, our numbers are declining all over the continent with smaller communities becoming increasingly unsustainable. Even large congregations are vulnerable, due to the effects of inter-marriage, secularisation and low birth rates. Hanging over everything is the scourge of antisemitism. There have been a number of recent articles about the real difficulties of being a Jew in the once liberal countries of Scandinavia. Shechita has been outlawed in Norway since 1930 and there are now moves to ban the import of kosher meat. You’re told to avoid wearing a kippah in the street in Sweden and avoid Malmö totally if you are a Jew. Circumcision is under threat and anti-Israel propaganda rampant. Even in the tolerant UK, antisemitic attacks are reportedly on the rise. Cynics say such stories are overexaggerated, Jewish paranoia – and I have no doubt there is some truth in this view. However I am also convinced that for many reasons Jewish communities across Europe, and beyond, have increasing cause for concern. But does this mean that there is no future for Jews and Judaism in Europe? I am currently the rabbinic advisor to the European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ), giving me the privilege of seeing the other side of the story. I am able to witness a remarkable renewal of Judaism across the continent – the birth and revival of Progressive Judaism.
As I write, I have just returned from 24 hours in Berlin where I attended the inauguration of the School for Jewish Theology at Potsdam University. A statefunded institution that is an adjunct of the Abraham Geiger Kolleg, the German Progressive rabbinic training college, it was founded by the inspiration and hard work of Rabbi Dr Walter Homolka. A host of local and national politicians and religious leaders were part of a wonderful and inspiring event. That night in Potsdam signalled that there was great hope for Judaism in Europe. The next day I had a few hours to wander round Berlin, seeing signs of Jewish past, present and future everywhere; memorials round many a corner and in the pavement, yet also Jewish restaurants and bookshops and adverts for fans of Jewish music aplenty. I also visited a new initiative and saw plans to erect a building that will contain a synagogue, mosque and church and become a concrete symbol of tolerance. The weekend before I shared my time between Vienna and Bratislava for the Global Day of Jewish Learning, during which more than 400 centres around the world studied the same topics of Jewish knowledge. Saturday was spent at Or Chadash, the Liberal community in Vienna, with the sessions repeated the next day in Bratislava – officially an Orthodox community, but who have long welcomed me as their Liberal rabbi. It was very satisfying to do a session in English while, in next room, the Chabad Rabbi Baruch Myers taught the same subject in Slovak. Although the greatest satisfaction came in seeing sessions led by young adults from both communities. Berlin, Bratislava, Vienna – just three signs that there is a future for Judaism and Jews in Europe. I could tell you similar stories about the success the EUPJ is having in Spain and Poland, reviving Jewish life where two decades ago we would have written it off. If you want to hear more of these stories and get a glimpse of the growing Progressive Jewish life across Europe, then do consider coming to the Biennial Conference of the EUPJ. It is in the beautiful city of Dresden from April 24-27 and is the perfect complement to the Liberal Judaism Biennial you will have read about on page 2 of this issue of lj today. If your computer skills are better than mine then you can find out more and book your place via www.eupj.org
Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein is president of Liberal Judaism
What would Montefiore do? TO CELEBRATE a century of Liberal Jewish publications, lj today will spend this year looking back at the newsletters and pamphlets of old. In the first of this series, Bryan Diamond examines an article by Claude Montefiore: AS THE honorary archivist of Liberal Judaism, I have been looking through some of the pamphlets published by the Jewish Religious Union – the original name for Liberal Judaism – to see how the priorities of our movement and its leaders have changed. A pamphlet by Claude Montefiore, one of the three founders of our movement, is particularly revealing. It is addressed to a young man of about 25 who is disaffected with Orthodox Judaism and asks what Liberal Judaism requires of him. Montefiore focuses on the question as “what special and distinctive things does Liberal Judaism ask me to do?” One demand is to live a “decent and honourable life”, in close connection with our religious teachings. Montefiore asks what religion and especially Judaism can add to this, and suggests the “ideal or dedicated and consecrated life”, a distinctively Jewish thing even if it seems unreal, since the impossible ideal can drive, fortify and constrain us. Because it is the ideal of Judaism, it must also be the ideal for us. Montefiore then considers one “specifically religious act”: prayer, both private and public. He explains that to go to synagogue is a religious act, though Liberal Jews should be especially particular about private prayer; they may have to depend on it almost entirely. This piece came at a time when there was only one established Liberal congregation, The Liberal Jewish Synagogue. Montefiore is keener on prayer than on study and had no space to discuss the important matter of social work. Finally during a brief discussion of kashrut, he takes a neutral view. The terms I have italicised above are ones that I have not heard used by Liberal leaders in recent years. This seems about more than simply a different use of words; nowadays we do not hear exhortations about the totality of our lives or private prayer. Instead, the new goals are for members to be part of one of the growing number of Liberal communities, to observe Shabbat and festivals, to study as both children and adults and to do mitzvot, alone and as part of communal projects.
Comment
January/February 2014
LJ Today Page 9
Rabbis tackle a question of faith
By Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi
E
VERY YEAR, the rabbis of Liberal Judaism get together for a threeday break known as the Kallah. It is named after an ancient Babylonian institution, where hundreds of Jews gathered for a whole month of study. When Rabbi Anna Gerrard and I consulted with our colleagues in planning this year’s event, we felt that the four key elements should be study discussions, a time for reflection, an opportunity for our rabbis to get to know each other better and a chance to have a little fun. The Kallah took place in Birmingham, pictured above, and we achieved all of these aims, while also thinking about some important questions relating to our rabbinate and our movement. The theme of the Kallah was, ‘Is Faith our Foundation?’ On arrival, we worked in
pairs to look at texts which gave a variety of answers to this question – from the Talmud to legal decisions in the State of Israel. Afterwards, we shared our own personal journeys of belief and how they had led us to become rabbis. The next day, in a profound and honest presentation, Rabbis Alexandra Wright and Lea Muehlstein reminded us that it was not a question of ‘believe it or not’, but rather ‘fifty shades of belief’. After two days of intense discussion, it was a joy to escape to the nearby Lickey Hills, where we navigated our way through the woodlands. That evening, we had the fun part – a panel game medley. Liberal Judaism’s rabbis attempted to speak for a minute about matzah balls, identify Jewish tunes by their first chords and announce many late arrivals to the Rabbinic Ball (see I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue).
On the final morning, we considered whether we should ask those seeking to convert to Liberal Judaism if they believe. The Kallah then ended with scenes from the film Up – about a man who takes his entire home on a global journey – as Rabbi Charley Baginsky led us to think about our rabbinic foundations and our Liberal Jewish home. I left the Kallah feeling I had got to know my colleagues better, thanks to spending some precious time with them. We had discussed questions at a personal level, which we rarely touch on in our day-to-day relationships. It was also wonderful to have time to relax, pray and laugh together. The Kallah has enriched my rabbinate by making me aware of the varieties of faith we have as rabbis and how, even when that faith is hardest to find, it gives meaning to my life and work.
WELCOME TO THE CAVALCADE: A FESTSCHRIFT IN HONOUR OF RABBI PROFESSOR JONATHAN MAGONET edited by Rabbis Howard Cooper, Colin Eimer and Elli Tikvah Sarah £5 eBook, £12 paperback, £20 hardback Review by Lucian J Hudson I HAVE a very simple view of happiness, born out of my conversion to Judaism, and it is this: being able to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to consider that meaningful. Rabbi Jonathan Magonet has inspired this wonderful festschrift (collection), a veritable treasure trove of stories and perspectives. It perfectly captures his rich and diverse contribution to Judaism, spanning Jewish learning, biblical exegesis, liturgy, poetry and song, his critical role in exploring interfaith relations and, one of his biggest achievements, developing and growing Leo Baeck College for the training of future Jewish rabbis and teachers. Magonet’s search is for religious truthfulness, manifesting itself in so many different ways, combined with a
sense of celebration and an appetite for life, hence the call to join the cavalcade. We owe a collective debt to that generation who not only survived World War II and the Holocaust, but revived and revitalised Judaism, especially Progressive Judaism. The festschrift is not only a gift to him, but to all of us, providing evidence of the insight and legacy of that prodigious generation. Through their weaving, they reworked the tapestry that is today’s Judaism. Reading this collection is like getting pleasantly lost in an attic, and discovering and rediscovering the past in ways that still resonate with the present. I have not yet met Magonet, so this book serves as an introduction to a man who commands respect and affection among his peers and students, many themselves distinguished in their leadership and scholarship.
Magonet is a man after my own heart. Running alongside a deep seriousness is sense of play that pervades his work, and his effect on others. This book, released to celebrate Magonet’s 70th birthday, contains more than 40 articles from his colleagues and friends, including Jan Fokkelma, Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris and Reuven Silverman. Awraham Soetendorp, who survived the Nazi occupation as a “hidden child”, speaks movingly about friendship, praising Magonet as one of the great leaders who paved the way for a paradigm shift in interfaith dialogue. The editors are to be congratulated in trawling so wide and deep. As they rightly remark, Magonet has influenced believers and non-believers, traditionalists and progressives, to think afresh, think more deeply, more searchingly.
Page 10 LJ Today
Outreach
January/February 2014
Outreach Team Bulletin Board SENDING out Chanukkah packs this year was a real team effort. Thanks to the help of everyone at the Montagu Centre and communities including The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, Northwood & Pinner, South London, Ealing and Nottingham, along with a generous grant from the NLPS Trust for Progressive Judaism, we were able to post more than 160 packs, pictured below, to students and young adults. We reached members in the UK, Europe and around the world, including our ‘Shnatties’ currently on LJY’s Shnat-Netzer gap year in Israel.
Several raucous assembly lines, fuelled by Chanukkah donuts and festive cheer, accomplished the packing of all 160 parcels. Each student received a menorah, candles and blessings for all eight nights, a dreidel, gelt, a card from LJY-Netzer and some Chanukkah learning from me, as Liberal Judaism’s student and young adult chaplain. As one student, from Durham University, wrote: “Best Chanukkah present. Ever.”
IN NOVEMBER, I made my first visit to Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS) for the Shabbat Island Discs choral service. The rehearsal, pictured below, went very well and I brought some music to the congregation and choir that I thought would contribute something new to the already rich mix of song at KLS. Many congregants took the opportunity to talk to me about the role that music has had in connecting them to Jewish life.
Rabbi Leah l.jordan@ liberaljudaism.org
Cantor Gershon g.silins@liberaljudaism.org
NOVEMBER was the first of my bimonthly trips to Shenfield & Brentwood Synagogue, a community I last visited when I was a student. It is a very special feeling to return to a community you haven’t worked in for years. We began the morning with a cheder discussion about the stories of Chanukkah, followed by a well-attended service with shared readings. I look forward to many more inspiring moments in the years ahead.
ARRANGING an Outreach consultation with the council of Reading Liberal Jewish Community, also gave me the perfect opportunity to celebrate Simchat Torah with this small but determined group. Crammed into the living room of member Hannah Rudenski, we talked about the community before turning our attention to the tiny Torah scroll that I had brought with me for an informal but very special service.
THE HIGHLIGHT of my month was a Friday night spent with the barmitzvah and batmitzvah students of Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) and Crouch End Chavurah. We all joined together for FPS’ rocking Shabbat Resouled and then had a pot luck dinner with the families of both sets of students. It was a great way for the young people, who are all going through the same process, to get to know each other and share stories.
Rabbi Sandra s.kviat@liberaljudaism.org
Rabbi Anna a.gerrard@liberaljudaism.org
Sam s.grant@ liberaljudaism.org
Youth
January/February 2014
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
Some New Year cheer Training the Tom Francies on what’s in store for our youth in 2014 ARE YOU READY for 2014? I know that LJY-Netzer is. If you are in school years 11 and above then the first date in your diary should be Veidah, the place where decisions are made. Running from Ananim (7-9 | School years 3-4) January 2-5 at Northwood & Pinner Plagim (10 | School years 5-6) Liberal Synagogue, Veidah is the perfect Nechalim (11-12 | School years 7-8) way to start the New Year. Along with Yamim (13-14 | School years 9-10) discussions and a chance to shape your Galim (15-18 | School years 11-13) youth movement through motions and Bogrim (18-25) votes, there will also be all the traditional fun, games, learning and prayer that makes LJY-Netzer so special. your parents are going or not, don’t miss During the February half term, we out on this unique event and book soon. will be running the Ananim and Plagim Find out more on page 2. Activity Weekend, Nechalim Activity Although it’s best to bring in the New Weekend and Yamim Activity Trip. These Year by looking ahead, I’d also like to look are a great way to meet up with old back at some of our successes from the friends and make new ones and give a end of 2013. October saw us take over great taste of LJY-Netzer. The Liberal Jewish Synagogue with 60 By the time we get to April, the first members in our four younger age groups camp of the year will be upon us – as participating in fun Jewish-centred everyone gears up for Machaneh Aviv activities, including bidding on parts of (spring camp). Aviv runs over five nights Israel and learning at the now legendary about social justice. Cottesmore School We also headed to from April 8-13. Bristol for Mazkirut, Giving you the which is a decision chance to pray, making and social play and learn with forum for Bogrim, young Liberal Jews from all around the and held Kinus, country, Machaneh where our 12-15 Aviv is the perfect year-old members opportunity to try a take a lead on LJY-Netzer camp for decision making, in the first time or, if the spirit of youth LJY’s young members enjoy a weekend away you’ve been before, empowerment. to get a booster shot If you’d like to of all the LJY-Netzer stuff you love. get involved in LJY-Netzer please drop We also have a brand new event this Bethany, Graham or I a line using the year. As we all know, the Liberal Judaism contact details below. We can’t wait to Biennial is running from May 9-11 and for welcome you into the family. the first time ever LJY-Netzer is running an event in conjunction with the adult Tom Francies is a movement worker for weekend. Places are limited so, whether LJY-Netzer
A guide to the LJYNetzer age groups
leaders of the future By Rebekah Henriques
THE START of November also marked the start of LJY-Netzer’s new Hadracha (leadership) Course for members, aged 15-18, who wish to become more involved with the running of the movement. I was part of this fantastic experience, which began with a three day residential seminar involving learning the basics of leadership. We were taught how to write sessions, develop teamwork skills, deal with discipline and welfare issues, plus much more. Future sections of the course will involve attending new individual Yemei Hadracha (leadership days) on the topics of respect and control, welfare, informal education and song-leading and prayer, as well as spending time helping in a local Liberal community. This new revised and improved process will enable young people to proficiently lead on LJY-Netzer events in the future, including the renowned Machaneh Kadimah summer camp. I enrolled on the Hadracha Course to develop my confidence and leadership skills in a secure environment. It has allowed me to do just that, while also continuing my amazing LJY-Netzer journey. As another member noted: “It was great learning alongside my friends. I would highly recommend this course to any teenager.” LJ Routes – Liberal Judaism’s programme of events for young adults in their 20s and 30s – will be hosting a Shabbat supper on Friday January 24. Follow www.facebook. com/LJRoutes for further details.
Contact the LJY-Netzer team: Graham Carpenter (graham@liberaljudaism.org), Tom Francies (tom@ liberaljudaism.org) and Bethany Stone (bethany@liberaljudaism.org); office telephone 020 7631 0584
Page 12 LJ Today
January/February 2014
Liberal Judaism congregations Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue T: 01234 218 387 E: bedsps@liberaljudaism.org W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk
Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community T: 0131 777 8024 E: info@eljc.org W: eljc.org
Beit Klal Yisrael (Notting Hill) E: bkymailing@gmail.com W: bky.org.uk
Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8446 4063 E: fps@liberaljudaism.org W: fps.org
Bet Tikvah Synagogue (Barkingside) T: 020 8554 9682 E: bttkv@liberaljudaism.org W: bettikvah.blogspot.co.uk Birmingham Progressive Synagogue T: 0121 634 3888 E: bps@liberaljudaism.org W: bpsjudaism.com Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue T: 01273 737 223 E: bhps@liberaljudaism.org W: brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation E: bwpjc@bwpjc.org W: bwpjc.org Crouch End Chavurah E: info@crouchendchavurah.co.uk W: crouchendchavurah.co.uk Crawley Jewish Community T: 01293 534 294 Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation E: djpc@liberaljudaism.org W: djpcireland.com
Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community T: 01242 609 311 E: shalom@gljc.org.uk W: gljc.org.uk Harrow and Wembley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8864 5323 E: hwps@liberaljudaism.org W: hwps.org Herefordshire Jewish Community T: 01594 530 721 E: hjc@liberaljudaism.org W: herefordshirejc.org Kehillah North London T: 020 7403 3779 E: knl@liberaljudaism.org W: nlpjc.org.uk Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 07952 242432 E: kljc@liberaljudaism.org W: tinyurl.com/kentljc Kingston Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8398 7400 E: kls@liberaljudaism.org W: klsonline.org
Ealing Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8997 0528 E: els@liberaljudaism.org W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk
Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0116 271 5584 E: lpjc@liberaljudaism.org W: lpjc.org.uk
Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community T: 01323 725 650 E: eljc@liberaljudaism.org W: eljc.org.uk
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood) T: 020 7286 5181 E: ljs@liberaljudaism.org W: ljs.org
The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street London, W1T 4BE T: 020 7580 1663 E: montagu@liberaljudaism.org W: liberaljudaism.org
Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge of modern Judaism. It reverences Jewish tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the past, while giving them contemporary force. Charity Number: 1151090
lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein Send your news to ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org Printed by Precision Printing. www.precisionprinting.co.uk
The Liberal Synagogue Elstree T: 020 8953 8889 E: tlse@liberaljudaism.org W: tlse.org.uk
South Bucks Jewish Community T: 0845 644 2370 E: sbjc@liberaljudaism.org W: sbjc.org.uk
Lincolnshire Jewish Community T: 01427 628 958 E: ljc@liberaljudaism.org W: lincolnshirejc.co.uk
South London Liberal Synagogue (Streatham) T: 020 8769 4787 E: slls@liberaljudaism.org W: southlondon.org
Manchester Liberal Jewish Community T: 08432 084 441 E: mljc@liberaljudaism.org W: mljc.org.uk North Herts Liberal Jewish Community (Stevenage) T: 01438 300 222 E: northhertsljc@gmail.com W: northhertsljc.org Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue T: 01923 822 592 E: npls@liberaljudaism.org W: npls.org.uk Norwich Liberal Jewish Community E: nljc@liberaljudaism.org W: pjcea.org.uk Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0115 962 4761 E: npjc@liberaljudaism.org W: npjc.org.uk Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community T: 020 7631 9822 E: pljc@liberaljudaism.org W: pljc.org.uk Reading Liberal Jewish Community T: 0118 942 8022 E: rljc@liberaljudaism.org Shenfield & Brentwood Synagogue T: 01277 888 610 E: tikvahchadasha@gmail.com W: roshtikvah.com
Southgate Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8886 0977 E: sps@liberaljudaism.org W: sps.uk.com Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (Bournemouth) T: 01202 757 590 E: info@wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk West Central Liberal Synagogue (Central London) T: 020 7636 7627 E: wcls@liberaljudaism.org W: wcls.org.uk Woodford Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8989 7619 E: info@woodfordliberal.org.uk W: woodfordliberal.org.uk Associated congregations Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam) T: 00 31 23 524 7204 E: bhc.informatie@gmail.com W: beithachidush.nl Oxford Jewish Congregation T: 01865 514 356 W: ojc-online.org Developing communities The Liberal Jewish Community of Weymouth, Portland and West Dorset E: wpwd@liberaljudaism.org Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) T:01473 250 797 E: sjc@liberaljudaism.org
President Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein Chairman Lucian J Hudson Vice Chairs Simon Benscher and Jackie Richards Finance David Pelham Israel and the Diaspora Tamara Schmidt Communications Ed Herman Social Justice Amelia Viney Youth and Education Robin Moss National Officers Dr Howard Cohen, Rosie Comb, David Hockman, Gillian Merron and Ruth Seager Vice Presidents Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Nigel Cole, Geoffrey Davis, Lord Stanley Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, 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 and Clive Winston Chair of Rabbinic Conference Rabbi Charley Baginsky Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Outreach Director Rabbi Anna Gerrard Communities Youth Coordinator Sam Grant Outreach Coordinator Abigail Jacobi Student & Young Adult Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan Education Rabbi Sandra Kviat Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer PR Alexandra Ben-Yehuda Archivist Alison Turner LJY-Netzer Movement Workers Graham Carpenter, Tom Francies and Bethany Stone