LJ Today March/April 2012

Page 1

March/April 2012 VOL. XXXIX No. 2

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

www.liberaljudaism.org

ljtoday

Looking forward to the Biennial

L

IBERAL JUDAISM’S 2012 Biennial Weekend, which takes places from April 20-22, is almost upon us. With the theme of ‘looking back, moving forward’, its aim is to establish the direction our movement should take as Judaism heads into an unpredictable and difficult future. In theory that means a weekend of inspiring study and passionate debate; learning about our past and planning our future. In practice it will also mean lots of wonderful socialising with fellow Liberal Jews from all over the UK and Ireland – working together, dining together and relaxing together in a brilliantly restored Victorian mansion, set in acres of beautiful parkland, not far from Bristol. The Biennial starts on the afternoon of Friday April 20 with a reception, innovative Shabbat evening service and formal Friday night dinner. It ends two days later, on Sunday afternoon, with a summation of all that will have been achieved. In between those points, there will be a series of services, workshops, discussions and presentations. There’s also plenty of free time to eat, drink and be merry with friends both old and new. You can see the provisional programme on page 3 of this issue of lj today, along with details of how you can join in. The workshops at the Biennial Weekend have been devised, and will be led, by key figures within Liberal Judaism, including our rabbis, lay leaders and youth movement workers from LJYNetzer.

During the sessions, Jewish texts, events and beliefs from throughout history will be looked at and debated. You will be taken on a journey covering the view of God and religion from the Biblical and Talmudic eras, through the Middle Ages and Enlightenment and eventually up to modern and post-modern times. There’s plenty of entertainment too, including a Friday night sing-along, spontaneous late-night sessions and a performance by the highly acclaimed Jewish comedian Daniel Cainer, pictured above right, on Saturday night. Young people will also play a much greater role in this Biennial than they have previously, with an LJY-Netzer programme for 8-15 year-olds that will mirror its adult counterpart in theme, but will be delivered through team-based activities, giant board games, art, crafts 85 people converted through Liberal Judaism in 2011, setting a new record. 2 Liberal Jews were awarded MBEs in the 2012 Honours List. Congratulations to Jess Wood and Leslie Moss!

and more. There will also be activities for those under eight, as well as child care facilities to ensure that all parents can take part fully in the conference. The high point of the Biennial Weekend will undoubtedly be when everyone comes together on Sunday afternoon to consolidate all the outcomes of the workshops and discuss conclusions. It will truly be an exhilarating and uplifting time. See you there!

Words by Alan Lester Daniel Cainer picture by Chaim Bacon 596 of you follow Liberal Judaism on Facebook or Twitter. 75 people attended the launch of LJ Routes, the first in a series of exciting events aimed at young adults.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.