LJ Today July/August 2015

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July/August 2015 VOL. XLII No. 4

Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism

www.liberaljudaism.org

ljtoday

‘Hope is a mitzvah’ A SUCCESSION of speakers at Liberal Judaism’s Day of Celebration urged British Liberal Jews to get more involved in Israel. Rabbi Miri Gold – the ‘poster girl’ of the fight to recognise non-Orthodox rabbis in Israel – and Anat Hoffman, executive director of the Israel Religious Action Center, both stressed how important the support of the Diaspora was to those fighting for religious pluralism and human rights inside of the country. Keynote speaker Miri said that support from the UK greatly helped as she battled to become the first Progressive rabbi to have her salary paid by the Israeli government, as well as in the continuing fight for equality for non-Orthodox Jews. She poignantly added: “I remind myself that hope is a mitzvah, a commandment, and one which sustains me.” Anat, who is also a founding member of Women of the Wall, then urged British Jews to write to Israeli Ministers and the Embassy to add to the growing pressure for a pluralistic, open and inclusive Israel. Responding to the issues raised, Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “Israel and the Diaspora need to seek a new relationship that has at its core mutuality. A sense not only that we need each other but that this relationship has the potential to be mutually beneficial and creative.” Three hundred people from more than 30 communities gathered at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) for the Day of Celebration. It was the first ever Liberal Judaism event to be streamed over the internet, with members watching via a live feed in America, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic and all around the UK. Guest presenters from Israel included Reut Michaeli, the CEO of the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants, and Gusti Yehoshua-Braverman and Nir Cohen from the World Zionist Organisation.

Liberals elected to key positions

Rabbi Danny Rich continues his global role

Anat Hoffman at the Day of Celebration 2015

Other speakers included Liberal Rabbis Harry Jacobi, Shulamit Ambalu, Sandra Kviat and Alexandra Wright, as well as representatives from the New Israel Fund, UK Task Force, Yachad, JW3, UJIA, the Centre for the Study of Jewish Culture at Durham University, Leo Baeck College and the Movement for Reform Judaism. An engaging, educational and fun youth programme, run by LJY-Netzer, saw young Liberals enjoy ‘Israel Tour in a Day’, while Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community were celebrating after their cheder won the LAFTAs competition for best short film. Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich said: “This was Liberal Judaism at its best. A sizeable but friendly crowd came together to discuss an issue, the Israel/Diaspora relationship, that can be divisive and controversial, but which we all agree needs to be examined. “As a result of this day, Liberal Judaism’s policy towards Israel will continue to be supportive but nuanced, principled and occasionally critical.” • Pages 6/7: Picture special

LIBERAL JUDAISM chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich and Liberal Jewish Synagogue member Stuart MacDonald have been voted into key roles in world Jewry. Danny was re-elected to the Executive Board of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), while Stuart has been elected as treasurer of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. Stuart said: “The Board of Deputies is the primary public voice of the Jewish community in Britain. Its activities encompass areas as diverse as interfaith work, defending against antisemitism, opposition to the campaign to delegitimise Israel by boycott and other means, the promotion of women and support for smaller communities. “The voluntary communal levy that appears on our annual synagogue subscriptions is not paid by all Liberal congregants. Equally, not every Liberal community takes up its full rights to send representatives. If we want to have appropriate influence within the Board, it is essential that these gaps are filled.” The WUPJ serves 1,200 Progressive congregations with 1.8 million members in more than 45 countries. Danny was re-elected to its operational, decisionmaking body, at the WUPJ’s Connections 2015 conference, which was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There will be a full report in the next issue of lj today.


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LJ Today July/August 2015 by Liberal Judaism - Issuu