LJ Today March/April 2012

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.

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Chairman’s Actions

March/April 2012

A model for building a better world Lucian J Hudson on why Liberal Judaism has adopted a policy of Considered Engagement DIPLOMACY has always about keeping your eyes on the road ahead – a mix of permanent interests and tactical alliances. Liberal Judaism is developing an approach, which could be used by any government or organisation that seeks to both look inward and take its people with them and outward in terms of winning friends and influencing people.

Judaism has never been monolithic, and Liberal Judaism affirms the pluralism and diversity of our tradition.

We cannot begin to experience difference without an encounter. Our greatest enemy is our self-absorption.

In the spirit of the old Heineken adverts, Liberal Judaism is recognised by colleagues on the UK’s Jewish Leadership Council as getting to the parts other Jewish communities often cannot

reach. There is a growing acceptance that Liberal and Reform movements can add value by deeper and wider engagement with those who we do not necessarily share common ground. Might this be our destiny?

Liberal Judaism calls this a policy of Considered Engagement. Engaging on the issues that matter and engaging with others, who may be sceptical if not critical of our own standpoint. We cannot accept every invitation to speak at events, and need therefore to develop clear criteria on when and when not to engage.

Rabbi Danny Rich is in demand, because he is a great speaker and occupies a special, though not unique, place in the Jewish community: a supporter of Israel and a two-state solution, and a robust champion for human rights. Credibility is critical to make engagement work.

Engagement also has to have a purpose. Liberal Judaism has a threeyear strategy to harness what comes out of this year’s Biennial Weekend and better direct Danny and his team’s efforts so that we not only build on our success in growing our community, but make an even more distinctive contribution to our national life and the development of Progressive Judaism worldwide.

At the European Union for Progressive Judaism conference, held in Paris in 2010, the noted historian Dr Diana Pinto encouraged us to reflect on six different arenas in which Progressive Judaism can play a role. We need to be in different spaces to keep our tradition alive.

Part of this strategy must be how we become a more ‘political’ movement, certainly not in a party political sense, but in the age-old sense of understanding that ‘power relations’ matter. “Speaking truth to power” is integral to what Liberal Judaism is about. We can do this working with others, or working on our own, but do it we must.

This world is as real and good as it gets. Our task is to make the most of it.

Like a painter or composer, every stroke counts. The transformative power of spirit and character can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Drawing on Affirmation 29 of the Affirmations of Liberal Judaism, I end on this note: the Messianic Age comes about through the small steps that each of us takes, and from the bigger steps we can take together through the acceptance of God’s will by all humanity.

Lucian J Hudson is chairman of Liberal Judaism and an accredited mediator

SleepOut aids New Routes Winter Survival

Shabbaton is a great success

NORTHWOOD AND PINNER LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE (NPLS) held a SleepOut to aid World Jewish Relief’s Operation Winter Survival campaign on one of the coldest nights of the year.

The 12-hour event on January 28 saw participants sleep outdoors, in freezing temperatures, in order to raise money and awareness for those forced to do the same in Eastern Europe every single day.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein of NPLS said: “It felt incredibly cold in our tent. It was only three degrees, but that’s so much warmer than the temperatures in Eastern Europe right now. WJR’s work saves lives and I’m glad our community had the opportunity to contribute.”

MORE THAN 60 Liberal and Reform Jews joined together for the ninth annual Leo Baeck College Communities’ Shabbaton last month, hosted by Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community (GLJC).

A day of culture, learning and prayer, the Shabbaton featured a range of activities to suit every taste including a study breakfast led by Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, services, practical leadership workshops and art, dance and music sessions.

GLJC’s Rabbi Anna Gerrard said: “The Shabbaton is a celebration of small communities and an opportunity to share ideas, bring new learning opportunities and be inspired by each other.”

IN DECEMBER, Liberal Judaism launched Routes – a new programme for young adults – with a Chanukkah party in central London. The evening was a fantastic success and was followed by the Routes January Jam and February’s Film and Falafel night.

Three brand new events have now been announced and are listed below.

For details, contact info@ljroutes.org Craft Café - March 22, 7-10pm Relax with happy hour drinks and delicious food. Try fun and frivolous Jew-ish crafts. Pay per craft project.

Passover Pursuit - April 9, 12pm-4pm What to do when Easter falls on Pesach? Join our freedom-focused treasure hunt, racing across London to find the Afikomen! £10 hunt & lunch.

Friday Feast - May 18, 8pm-11pm Gather round the table with friends for a cosy, traditional home-cooked Friday night meal. £12 dinner.

Biennial

March/April 2012

LJ Today Page 3

Rabbi Pete’s Biennial preview The programme RABBI PETE TOBIAS has taken on many important roles in Liberal Judaism over the years, from being the rabbi at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree to chairing Rabbinic Conference to regularly representing the movement on national radio. On April 20-22, he is embarking on yet another challenge – as part of the organising committee for the 2012 Biennial Weekend. Below, Pete chats about his plans for this year’s event and memories of Biennials gone by.

Why did you decide to get involved with organising this year’s Biennial?

During my time as chair of Rabbinic Conference, my colleagues began to formulate an idea that we needed to redefine Liberal Judaism and its place in people’s lives at the start of the 21st century. As we considered this, we realised that a new vision, theology and approach was required. I believe that in order to achieve this, the movement needs to re-evaluate its relationship with Judaism’s history and tradition: looking backwards in order to move forwards.

How have the preparations been going?

I have been fortunate that some wonderful and enthusiastic volunteers have signed up to be part of the organising committee. Had it been left to me, the planning would have started the day before the Biennial! But thanks to their effort and dedication, a superb programme has now taken shape.

What are you most looking forward to?

I have always valued Liberal Judaism’s creative and dynamic approach to learning and education. Without wishing to give too much away, we will be introducing some more creative educational experiences into this year’s Biennial which will, I hope, stimulate and educate participants in new and challenging ways.

How would you explain the Biennial to someone who has never been?

The Biennial is a unique opportunity to meet with like-minded Jews, to share opportunities to learn and to discuss issues that are vital for the future of our Jewish community and identity. There are religious services for everyone together, smaller sessions on various themes that allow for reflection and discussion, entertainment and stimulating conversation. It embodies all the best qualities of a Jewish community: intellectually challenging, friendly, supportive, uplifting and inspiring.

FRIDAY APRIL 20 From 15:00 - Arrive and check in 16:45 - Shabbat music rehearsal 18:30 - Erev Shabbat service 19:15 - Shabbat dinner 21:15 - Choose the Jews 22:15 - Late night sessions

For Biennial regulars, how will this year’s event differ from previous ones?

This Biennial is quite deliberately spending more time studying the history and origins of Judaism. Of course, the intention and requirement is for Liberal Judaism to restate its vision for the future. The Biennial will provide a solid background of study and knowledge from which that process can be launched.

Will there be lots of things to keep the kids occupied?

Absolutely! LJY-Netzer will be running a parallel programme for the children, which will dovetail and overlap with the adult sessions at various points during the weekend. If Liberal Judaism is engaged in a process of mapping out its future, how can our young people not be part of that? There will also be child care for the very youngest participants.

What are your memories of your first Liberal Judaism Biennial?

Somehow I managed to gatecrash my first Biennial almost 30 years ago. I have no idea how I blagged my way in or why no one challenged my presence – or ever charged me for it. I hope that our registration system is a little more rigorous this year, but if you’re thinking of trying something similar for the 2012 Biennial, be warned – look what that experience did to me! The discussions, the friendliness of the participants, the atmosphere of creativity and excitement that filled the weekend – all that was part of the journey that took me into the Liberal Rabbinate. I’m not saying that the Biennial has that effect on everyone, but it certainly inspires a sense of connection with, and dedication to, the joy, the potential and the wonderful family that is Liberal Judaism.

Finally, how can someone book a place?

Places are filling fast so please contact Yael on yaels@liberaljudaism.org or 020 7580 1663. You can also book online via www.liberaljudaism.org/biennial

SATURDAY APRIL 21 07:45-09:00 - Breakfast 09:15 - Project Babylon - how the Torah came to be written 10:30 - Coffee 11:00 - Shabbat morning service 12:00 - What did the rabbis do for us?

13:00 - Lunch followed by free time 15:00 - Tea 15:30-16:40 - Session 1 God in the book of Job; Liberal Judaism and traditional rituals; Project Babylon; Yitro: the world’s first management consultant; Nusach Tefillah/prayer modes: the sacred sound of time; “All my limbs shall say: Who is like you, o God?” 17:10-18:20 - Session 2 God who sees and is not seen; What did the rabbis do for us?; Verbal abuse in Jewish tradition; How Liberal was the Talmud?; Medieval texts; Holy congregations - past, present and future; The sacred sound of text; Handmade Midrash 19:00 - Dinner 21:00-22:00 - Daniel Cainer entertains!

22:15 - Late night sessions SUNDAY APRIL 22 07:45-09:00 - Breakfast 09:10 - Services for Yom ha-Sho’ah 09:40 - Coffee 10:00-11:10 - Session 3 Spinoza for today; Including non-Jews in Talmudic and medieval prayer; Celebrating Shabbat as Liberal Jews; The role of women in Judaism; The legacy of Rabbi John D Rayner; Rabbi Israel Mattuck; Debates in North American music; DIY bead Kippot 11:30-12:40 - Session 4 The future of rational Judaism; New liturgy/forms of worship; Eishet Chayil; Trouble-making Judaism; Re-framing Esther - spiritual counselling through Jewish texts; An embarrassment of riches; This Is Not The Way: Jews, Judaism and Israel 12:45 - Lunch 14:00 - Trouble-Making Judaism 14:40 - A Liberal Talmud 15:00 - Looking forwards: LJY-Netzer and children’s presentations 15:45 - Conclusion

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History

March/April 2012

The amazing life of Israel Mattuck Trip to the EAST Pam Fox continues our look at the first Liberal rabbi

WHEN Rabbi Dr Israel Mattuck died in April 1954, tributes were paid to his life and work across the world. Obituary notices appeared in leading newspapers in Britain and overseas and, such was his prominence, Mattuck’s death was announced by the BBC. The high regard in which he was held at this time could not have been more different from the situation he faced when he came to Britain in 1912. As the first rabbi at the newly formed Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS), Mattuck encountered strong opposition from the rest of AngloJewry. This was not only because of his American accent and style, but for what were regarded as his radical views.

During his first decade at the LJS, he was lampooned in the Jewish press, made to feel unwelcome socially and had his status as a rabbi constantly questioned.

However, due to his dogged determination, articulacy and powers of persuasion, he gradually gained more respect. Even those people who remained opposed to his religious views - including the editor of the Jewish Chronicle with whom Mattuck regularly sparred - publicly praised his skills as a congregational leader and his oratory.

By the 1930s Mattuck had built a very high profile in the UK, America and many other countries. His activities were regularly reported in both the Jewish and non-Jewish press, he was in demand as a speaker and he socialised with wellknown public figures. Although his views were still seen as highly controversial, and he continued to be vociferously denounced in public, his opinions were often sought privately, including by the Orthodox chief rabbi Joseph Hertz.

Mattuck was particularly esteemed for his devotion to helping the victims of the rise of Nazism in the lead up to the Second World War. Due to his valiant efforts in maintaining the dispersed LJS community, Mattuck emerged from the war a tired and sick man. Although he gradually transferred his congregational responsibilities to his son-in-law, Leslie Edgar, he did not retire completely. During the last decade of his life, he achieved even greater notoriety and admiration in his capacity as vice president of the Liberal Jewish movement and chairman of the World Union for Progressive Judaism.

Mattuck’s rise to fame and the increasing regard for his contribution is now clearly charted - as a result of the research that has been carried out over the last six months for the biography that is being written by myself and Rabbi Danny Rich. Although there is a great deal of work still to be done, the story of Mattuck’s life that is emerging is a fascinating one. Not only do we have a much better understanding of Mattuck the man, but also of his views and achievements.

If you’d like to know more then please contact me on pamfox@virginmedia.com AS PESACH approaches, here are two books that every family should own.

The first is Liberal Judaism’s Haggadah (published 2010) – co-written by Rabbi Pete Tobias and Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein – and priced at £8.50 + p&p.

The second is a brand new children’s book, written by Rabbi Pete Tobias, to help explain the Passover Seder.

The Question of the Hidden Matzah tells the story of how a young blind girl deals with her frustrations at not being able to participate fully, before finding a mysterious piece of matzah that has a unique way of explaining the significance of the Seder. It’s priced at just £3.95 + p&p. For copies, please email montagu@liberaljudaism.org

By Warran Rolnis Woodford Liberal Synagogue IN DECEMBER I attended my seventh annual EAST (East Anglian Synagogues Together) weekend. The idea of the Hertfordshire retreat is to have a relaxing break, away from the secular seasonal razzmatazz, and listen to some inspiring speakers. The theme for this year’s events was ‘Jews, pagans and heretics – encounters between Judaism and other religions in Babylonia and Europe’.

Those involved included Rabbi David Hulbert of Bet Tikvah Synagogue and Liberal Judaism’s chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, as well as extremely talented people from outside our movement such as Masorti’s Chazan Jaclyn Chernett and Reform’s Rabbi Larry Becker.

An early highlight, following Friday night dinner, was an informal session chaired by Orly Kenig, shlicha at the Redbridge Jewish Community Centre.

All the rabbis in attendance were invited to tell the conference something of their background and pursuits outside of work.

The most compelling speaker was Rabbi Harry Jacobi, who gave an insight into his astonishing life story.

On Saturday there were many sessions on offer, including discussions on the surprising history of familiar Jewish melodies, the recent Israeli/Palestinian prisoner exchange and the multicultural origins of the Judaism of Ancient Israel.

Renée Bravo, the well-known Essex Jewish News columnist, delivered a fun presentation looking at what some of the women who appear briefly in the Bible would have said to us, had they been given the chance. Leo Baeck College’s Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein spoke on ‘Jewish heresies of the 17th century’, a time when traditional rabbinic authority was challenged by radical new ideas.

Sunday’s keynote speaker was Dr Irving Finkel, of the British Museum, who gave a presentation on ‘Babylonian exile and the foundations of Judaism’. Dr Finkel is a true giant in his field and the audience were treated to a fascinating talk, which was expertly and humorously delivered.

The final item saw Rabbi Danny Rich share a platform with Reverend Malcolm Weisman, the United Synagogue’s emeritus minister for small communities.

Despite differing affiliations, there was a strong consensus on their perceptions of current trends in Anglo-Jewry and the future paths that could be taken.

Thus ended another highly enjoyable and informative weekend and one which I urge everyone to try and attend in 2012.

News

March/April 2012

LJ Today Page 5

‘Let us remember for their sake and for ours’ Liberal communities throughout the UK commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27. Here Loretta Cohn describes the moving events in Birmingham BIRMINGHAM PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE (BPS) opened its doors to five local schools and the public during the week of Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), displaying two exhibitions supplied by the HMD Trust. ‘My Family’ recounted the story of five survivors who were pictured with their grandchildren, while ‘Absence and Loss’ by Marion Davies gave a moving photographic interpretation of the impact of the Holocaust on the Jews, especially of Berlin, and of how Germans today are coming to terms with the past.

The pupils, mostly Christian and Muslim, were directed by guides and addressed by four survivors, including Mindu Hornick.

Val Harrison, one of the guides, said: “My three groups engaged with the exhibits, making thoughtful comments and asking searching questions. The young people from an inner-city school listened raptly to Ruth Shire’s account of the Kindertransport and the kindness of strangers. The girls from a Birmingham suburb found great interest in Helga Loeb’s talk about leaving Austria and coming to England. The class from the

• A LETTER from Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein: Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS) are holding a Czech Torah Memorial Shabbat on Saturday June 9. The service is open to all, and we are especially inviting those Liberal Judaism congregations with a Westminster Czech Memorial Torah to consider bringing their scroll and taking part in the service. After lunch we are organising a Czech Torah seminar, where communities can share their research with others.

NPLS is also organising a short tour to the Czech Republic on the following Shabbat. We would welcome members of other congregations and can explore the possibility of visiting “your town”.

For details, please contact Sharon Goldstein on sgoldstein@f2s.com • ANDREW JAY, the hugely popular founder and chair of the Eastbourne Progressive Congregation, died in December. The thoughts of all of Liberal Judaism are with his wife, Angela, children Fiona and Simon, and grandchildren Samuel and Josh.

Rabbi Harry Jacobi pictured at the BPS event

local Rudolph Steiner school appreciated Lia Lesser’s story of the loss of her family and embracing by her foster family.”

The adult audiences heard three presentations. Sybil Ruth spoke about her mother, who came to England with her parents. She and her mother became Quakers after the family was succoured by them. Sybil learned about what “being Jewish” meant from outside sources and feels that she has a “one-sided take” on Judaism, comprising sadness, dispersion, loss and oppression, but missing out on its values and celebrations.

Presenting memoirs written by the late George Jonas, Pat Brown emphasised that there was another side to ‘Absence and Loss’, namely ‘Presence and Gain’: those who came as refugees contributed

hugely to Britain. George was involved in the Midlands Arts Centre and was chair of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, as well as being a solicitor.

Summarising differing Jewish reactions to the Holocaust, Rabbi Harry Jacobi drew on examples from his family and public figures. Some celebrated survival by throwing themselves into rebuilding their shattered communities.

Others became completely secular, wanting nothing to do with a God who allowed such suffering. Some, like Paul Oppenheimer, devoted themselves to preventing future genocides. Others, like Leo Baeck, set aside their own personal suffering and worked towards reconciliation with Germany to build a safer world.

Harry rejected traditional responses that the Holocaust was a punishment for our sins or a ‘chastisement of love’ by God. Instead, he told how the Holocaust has given him deeper and more compelling reasons to maintain his faith, not least in honour of his parents and grandparents who perished. He concluded, quoting Elie Wiesel: “Let us remember for their sake and for ours.”

Limmud offers lessons for us all

By Ysabella Hawkings LIMMUD CONFERENCE 2012 was the biggest in its history thanks to a programme filled with everything from Joshua Nelson’s Jewish gospel singing to comedy with Robby Hoffman to lectures from top speakers including Anat Hoffman and Jeremy Leigh.

The key to Limmud’s ongoing success, however, is not any one session or speaker – but that it’s a place where everyone feels comfortable to voice their beliefs without being judged, engage in discussion for the sake of discussion and to listen to the opinions of others.

Liberal Judaism’s presence was strong with many of our rabbis and members there as speakers and/or delegates. All got involved with the central Limmud ethos of ‘volunticipation’. For me, volunticipation can be summed up by my experience on the Saturday night.

People were asked to volunteer to help complete the welcome packs that are given to attendees when they arrive on

campus. Despite the many other fun and interesting sessions taking place at the same time, so many people came to help that we had to turn some away!

In combination with a notice board offering people lifts home and the feeling of instant community, Limmud is unfortunately a very unique space.

Why unfortunate? Because as soon as you leave the campus you remember that the rest of the world is not like the welcoming, helpful and embracing community you have just come from.

Limmud can give us all a glimpse into what the world, or at least our community, could be – full of different people living side by side, talking, debating, helping and welcoming all with a huge smile.

People come from all over the globe to see how special Limmud is. And while it’s great to volunticipate at Limmud, enjoy the fantastic entertainment, speakers and people - the most important thing is to take what we’ve learned and volunticipate in our own lives too.

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March/April 2012

Around the communit

Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue held a Shabbaton, featuring candle lighting, food, song and one member’s moving account of his recent return to the German town he fled in 1939

Finchley Progressive Synagogue put on a whole variety of activities, including this doughnut-eating challenge. Have you ever tried to eat a doughnut without licking your lips? Go on, we challenge you!

Young Jacob shows how to be a menorah at the Birmingham Progressive Synagogue celebrations, which were attended by more than 50 people and included a treasure hunt around the building

The children at Kingston Liberal Synagogue spent their Shabbat morning making Chanukkah cards and dreidels, which they then shared with the rest of the community during a special service

The community at South London Liberal Synagogue enjoyed a lively afternoon of Chanukkah crafts, which included making everything from dreidels and stained glass candles to delicious doughnuts

Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community put on a party with a difference – with congregants of all ages betting with gold chocolate pieces of gelt (money) so that they could win lovely prizes

Kent Liberal Jewish Community combined Chanukkah and Shabbat celebrations, as the cheder children learned how to spin the dreidel before the whole congregation enjoyed a bring and share supper

Crouch End Chavurah held a huge Chanukkah party, led by the congregation’s new student rabbi Leah Jordan. The older children from the Hebrew classes put on a cake sale in aid of Greenpeace

March/April 2012

LJ Today Page 7

ties - Chanukkah 5772

It was standing room only at Woodford Liberal Synagogue, as members of nearby Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue joined the community for an evening of games, candles, food and pantomime

The congregation at Bet Tikvah, currently celebrating their 30th anniversary, got into the spirit of Chanukkah with some good oldfashioned latke making and, of course, latke eating

The Israeli and American ambassadors, pictured here with Rabbi Alexandra Wright, were among the 200 people who attended the Open House interfaith service at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue

Wessex Liberal Jewish Community’s Rabbi Ariel Friedlander joined with leaders from all branches of Judaism in the Bournemouth area for a special candle lighting ceremony in the Mayor’s parlour

Beit Klal Yisrael held a packed fundraiser, featuring a set from top comic Ivor Dembina (pictured), singing from the Tav Rishon choir and more latkes and cheesecake than it was possible to consume

The children at the South Bucks Jewish Community cheder, with their parents and siblings in tow, enjoyed a whole morning of activities, including making their own latkes and icing doughnuts

Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue welcomed more than 200 congregants and friends over the festival period. This picture is of the sixth night candle-lighters performing their mitzvah

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Anniversaries

March/April 2012

Southgate club is 40 years young

Southgate Progressive Synagogue’s youth club at its official opening (left) and the community celebrating four decades of success (right)

By Tony Halle FORTY YEARS AGO Southgate Progressive Synagogue decided to make provision for the congregation’s young people.

There hadn’t been a youth club at the synagogue for some time and, after much deliberation, a group was started for those in the 13-16 age range. That turned out to be a huge success, averaging a regular weekly attendance of 50. Such was the demand for activities for those in other age categories that a club was then started for the 16+ group, soon followed by leagues for the juniors.

As things were flourishing, the older members of the club felt they should

do some positive work in the wider community. They started a volunteers group, adopting the Tottenham Jewish Home as a charity and carrying out regular visits to meet the residents.

In addition, they did work for a local children’s home, arranging Christmas parties and other events.

On the club’s 30th anniversary, 10 years ago, inspired by youth leader Natalie Dulin, members started an Israel folk dance group that became known as Rikud. Again the initiative was very successful, with regular performances at local schools and festivals, before eventual appearances on television and at a youth show at the London Palladium.

The club, which became known as SPY, has just proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary with a number of special events including an afternoon tea and a service. SPY’s success over the years has been mainly due to the philosophy of allowing its young people to be involved in decisions affecting the running of the club. And, of course, not forgetting the many adults who have given both their time and knowledge to help the club become one of the best of its kind.

All of us at Southgate Progressive Synagogue hope that SPY will continue to provide a valuable service to the community and go on to reach its half century.

Bet Tikvah turns 30 in style

By Shirley Forbes

Rabbi David Hulbert (third from left) is joined by the Mayor of Redbridge Chris Cummins, local MPs Lee Scott and Mike Gapes, Bet Tikvah life president Joe Swinburne, chair Shirley Forbes and synagogue officers

NEVER ONES to miss an opportunity for a party, the members of Bet Tikvah Synagogue celebrated their Liberal community’s 30th anniversary in style. A moving service was full to bursting with regular shul goers joined by some very special guests, as you can see in the picture on the left.

While it is 30 years since the community took a new name and moved to its own premises, its history goes back to April 1975 when, as the Ilford Group of North London Progressive Synagogue, it began to hold regular services in the local area. Premises in Perrymans Farm Road were acquired in 1980 but it took a lot of time, effort and loving commitment for the dilapidated former primary school to evolve into the spacious, bright, fit for purpose synagogue seen today.

In his welcome address at the anniversary service, honorary life president Joe Swinburne paid personal tribute to those early visionaries whose

determination and hard work paved the way for Bet Tikvah.

A Shabbat morning service followed, led by Rabbi David Hulbert, which was cleverly adapted so that every mitzvah and aliyah was shared between founder members and the younger generation.

It was a great way to remind everyone present that while we honour history, we must always keep an eye on the future.

To round off the event a splendid buffetstyle luncheon was served in the shul’s function hall. As you can imagine, this was enjoyed almost as much as the more formal part of the proceedings!

Finally, the significance of the anniversary was brought full circle by the timely installation in the synagogue’s foyer of doors that were formerly part of the ark at the North London Progressive Synagogue. These striking doors will now serve as a poignant memorial to the community’s roots as the ‘child’ of the NLPS, and an inspiration as we look forward to the next phase of our growth and development.

Books

March/April 2012

LJ Today Page 9

A lesson in generosity of spirit Recipes for life TROUBLE-MAKING JUDAISM by Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah ISBN: 9780954848293 Reviewed by LUCIAN J HUDSON EXACTLY a decade ago Jonathan Sacks wrote a most important book, The Dignity of Difference. Lord Sacks introduced a new paradigm into the pursuit of coexistence, arguing that we need to do more than search for common values; we must also learn to make space for difference. For Sacks, the global future requires something stronger than earlier doctrines of toleration and pluralism.

To understand the full import of this powerful message, one needs to go beyond that book and read the newly published TroubleMaking Judaism, by one of Liberal Judaism’s finest and most engaging rabbis – Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah.

With Rabbi Elli, as she is affectionately known, there is the grit in the oyster which produces the pearl. As a congregational rabbi – who takes pride in having built a thriving and welcoming community in Brighton & Hove – Elli can truly explain what the dignity of difference is about when it is lived and practised day in, day out. She possesses that quality of experience that resonates with all Jews, whatever their denomination.

The book is a revelation, not least about Elli herself. Her partner, her wife, Jess Wood, who is a distinguished community leader in her own right, designed the eyecatching cover.

One of Elli’s most memorable childhood incidents was going away to a three-week summer camp next to Beachy Head, which is of course in her current catchment area (God does indeed move in mysterious ways). Early morning before breakfast, the eightyear-old bespectacled Elli managed to fell a tall 12-year-old, who had made antisemitic comments. She also recalls “the puzzlement and pain and fierce anger” when a school acquaintance told her that Jews had killed Jesus. “Even at the age of nine, I knew it wasn’t true and the injustice of it made me wild.”

Elli turned trouble-making into a virtue and a gift. Her book is an inspiration to

any of us who are troubled by what makes us different, but who take the small yet crucial steps to express it and make something of it. This call to courage is Elli’s most far-reaching contribution. We are not just Liberal Jews, but Liberating Jews.

Every sentence in her 300 page book exudes that basic enthusiasm and authenticity that make a congregational rabbi successful. Of course, being a rabbi is about teaching, especially Jewish teaching. Elli’s insights are thoughtful and erudite, a salutary reminder of the value of the Progressive rabbinic education provided by Leo Baeck College. Not one of Elli’s arguments is short of diligent and discerning rabbinic scholarship, informed by a rich hinterland of other spiritual, political and intellectual influences.

Virginia Woolf and other feminist writers pervade her work. She is also generous in attributing ideas to other rabbis, including the great Hugo Gryn, Reform’s Rabbi Tony Bayfield and our own Rabbi Alexandra Wright. Elli’s book promotes Progressive Judaism and reflects the thinking of a generation of Liberal and Reform rabbis, whose intellectual contribution has previously been undervalued.

Although Elli does not say it of herself, I found reading this book a lesson in generosity of spirit and, that much neglected soul trait, awe. There is an innocence about Elli that never goes away, and we would all be poorer without it. That absence of guile and calculation is refreshing and, not surprisingly, it is persuasive. In generations past, the heart was the seat of learning, and it is still for me – and I suspect Elli too – the shortest route to the soul. This flame is kept alive in Elli’s life and work. My message, derived from Lech Lecha, is Go Out and Buy this Book!

Lucian J Hudson is chairman of Liberal Judaism and editor of Zionism: A Jewish Communal Response from the UK

DOING IT ALONE by Elaine Borish and Sheila King Lassman ISBN: 9780956851703 Reviewed

by RABBI ALEXANDRA WRIGHT THE LOSS of a partner, through death, divorce or separation, can leave a person bereft of confidence and wondering whether they will ever again be able to entertain or meet others socially with ease.

Many retreat into a shell of isolation and loneliness, hurt by the realisation that half of what used to be an entertaining couple is no longer compatible with the usual rounds of dinner parties and intimate suppers.

But help is on the way for those who have taken refuge in the Motzei Shabbat TV dinner, thanks to a recipe book with a difference. Finchley Progressive Synagogue’s Sheila King Lassman has teamed up with academic Elaine Borish to help people on their own clamber back on to the social merry-go-round.

Unlike most recipe books, this one begins with a number of brief profiles of individuals who have been abandoned, bereaved, are separated or divorced. No one is quite the same, but they have all been encouraged to try out the different recipes in order to begin the task of creating a new life.

Recipes are not bound by budget or food speciality, but are chosen for their simplicity and to reflect the stages of healing and mood as confidence is regained. Four different categories of recipes signify four stages of healing, from the dark colours of dishes such as tapenade or chilli con carne, to the more uplifting lighter Mediterranean colours of lentil and tomato moussaka or cherry and cream dessert.

Whether one can move on in life with this book alone, I’m not sure. But perhaps, those of us who still relish a simple TV dinner from time to time can test ourselves to see where we are on the ‘Doing it Alone’ graph. As a vegetarian, I quite like the sound of the courgette and mushroom bake, which is located in the ‘Feeling Comfortable’ section. So perhaps I’m not doing too badly after all!

Alexandra Wright is senior rabbi at the LJS

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE: Read reviews of the books A Place to Call My Jewish Home: Memories of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue 1911–2011 by Pam Fox and This is Not the Way: Jews, Judaism and the State of Israel by Rabbi David Goldberg

Page 10 LJ Today

March/April 2012

Spotlight on Kingston When was your community created?

Kingston Liberal Synagogue (KLS) was formed in April 1967 with just 50 families, who had responded to an advert in the local newspaper. Some were new to Liberal Judaism, while others had been members of South London Liberal Synagogue and were looking for a place of worship closer to home.

The community originally met in the local Quaker meeting rooms before, in 1976, moving to our own premises in Rushett Road, just outside Kingston upon Thames. Over the years we have transformed our home from an old school into a beautiful synagogue of which we are very proud.

How would you describe KLS today?

We are a thriving community, which has grown and developed on a belief that Jewish tradition can be coupled with a progressive and modern outlook. We pride ourselves on being known as a welcoming and inclusive community, whose diverse membership ensures a dynamic and creative environment.

Who is your rabbi?

Rabbi Charley Baginsky has been our full-time rabbi since 2008 – and she has a long relationship with KLS! Rabbi Charley actually took her first service in the synagogue back when she was aged just 15, under the watchful eye of Rabbi Danny Rich, our emeritus rabbi who is now, of course, the chief executive of Liberal Judaism.

Do you have many lay leaders?

Yes. As well as having a full-time rabbi, an emeritus rabbi and two other rabbis as members – Rabbi Janet Darley and Rabbi Cliff Cohen – the community is very supportive of lay leaders, who take at least one service a month.

What different services do you hold?

We try to offer services that are as dynamic and creative as possible and this past year has seen many innovations. One example is our Shabbat Olam services, which have all their music from a different part of the world, with a kiddush to match. This month is Baghdad! If you come to KLS on a Saturday you might be lucky enough to catch the He-Brew cafe, where you can have a coffee and a bagel, read the papers or join the book club while your children enjoy the youth club.

Three very different sides of KLS as Rabbi Charley Baginsky’s baby is named, a Comic Relief fundraiser is held in the synagogue and Holocaust survivors unite to tell their stories

What other youth activities do you run?

As well as youth club for the kids, we have just launched Beiteinu (Our House), a religion school headed by former LJYNetzer movement worker Ben Baginsky.

Each week sees a different theme being taught through the lenses of Hebrew, music and art. Last term each child built their own Shabbat box. For the tinies, there is Shabbatots with a specially designed room and activities where they can join Rabbi Charley’s two young children in celebrating Shabbat.

What about adult education?

Education is an important part of the synagogue life and, for adults, we have a thriving basic Judaism class, Hebrew classes and regular education courses on topics such as Jewish theology, spirituality and texts. Our highlight this year will be ‘wrestling with Israel’, a series of workshops designed to help people talk about and explore their emotions regarding Israel.

Are there any recent events you’d like to tell us about?

For many of our members, the synagogue is also at the heart of their Jewish social lives. We recently had a wonderful fundraiser with the comedian Daniel Cainer, whom we’re looking forward to seeing again at the Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend. On any given day, you will see all manner of wonderful things taking place in the shul – from table tennis and bingo to quiz nights and salsa dancing! We are also very proud that we have three rescued Czech scrolls – from Blatna, Rychnov and Tabor – and hold an annual memorial service for those communities. Last month, we joined forces with Kingston United Synagogue for a moving Holocaust Memorial Day event that saw survivors speak to more than 800 school children.

How do I find out more?

Email office@klsonline.org or go to our website www.klsonline.org

Youth

March/April 2012

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

Netzer’s monster year

Book now for Machaneh Aviv

By Sam Cohen

By Adam Francies AS LJY-NETZER heads into an actionpacked 2012, this is also a great chance to look back over 2011. Or, as we like to call it, the year that LJY-Netzer took off.

The last 12 months saw the launch of a new website, a renewed Facebook and Twitter presence, more events run and more leadership opportunities than ever.

But how do you end a year like 2011?

Well how about with the biggest Veidah EVER! In late December, 59 people engaged in Veidah – our annual decisionmaking body for those in school year 11 and above. Yes, that’s right, 59 active and inspired young Liberal Jews taking part in deciding what their movement does next.

And they’re all pictured above.

The event was held at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue with participants coming from all over the UK. Alongside Chanukkah celebrations and a pure rock ‘n’ roll performance from the LJY-Netzer band, the serious business was also a fantastic success.

Issues discussed ranged from the use of Hebrew within the movement to giving younger participants more responsibility on events. A ‘Kadimah Book’ was introduced, social action projects planned and the educational theme of ‘God and Spirituality’ selected for 2012.

LJY-Netzer is also extremely proud to announce our new Charity of the Year as the Parents Circle Families Forum (PCFF), chosen by both those on Veidah and Kinus – a similar event for younger members. The PCFF’s inspirational work on co-operation and interfaith dialogue in the Middle East is directly in line with LJY-Netzer’s Reform Zionist ideology and we look forward to working with them throughout the year.

Veidah is the linchpin of what makes LJY-Netzer so special; empowering our young people to take hold of their movement. The quality of both the participants and the discussions once again showed the strength of LJYNetzer and our passionate, ideological, empowered members.

MACHANEH AVIV, LJY-Netzer’s annual spring camp, is almost here. Taking place between March 31 and April 5, Aviv offers six days of non-stop fun as part of a warm, inclusive community of young Liberal Jews in the beautiful surroundings of Cottesmore School.

A full programme of creative activities is planned by the LJY-Netzer madrichim (leaders), all of who have been through our hadracha (youth leadership) training course. Also on the tsevet (staff) are the LJY-Netzer movement workers – full-time professionals who collectively have decades of experience – and a medic to keep everyone healthy.

A typical day on Aviv will see you playing the craziest games you can imagine, heading off to the art room to get creative, nipping for a swim in the indoor pool and singing your heart out. That will be followed by time for reflection in one of our creative services and a large helping of delicious food. Then you’ll join an informal educational session and watch a film before heading off to your dorm for some relaxation before bed.

In order to provide the best possible experience for all the chanichim (participants), Machaneh Aviv is split into four shikvot (age groups). Each shikva has its own timetable that is age appropriate and mind-blowingly exciting, as well as joining in massive whole-camp activities that are always highlights of Aviv.

The all-inclusive price for Machaneh Aviv is £300 and, as with all LJYNetzer events, bursaries are available.

For more information please go to www.ljy-netzer.org

Contact the LJY-Netzer team: Adam (a.francies@liberaljudaism.org), Sam G (s.grant@liberaljudaism.org), Sam C (s.cohen@liberaljudaism.org) and Anna (a.posner@liberaljudaism.org) or telephone 020 7631 0584

Page 12 LJ Today

March/April 2012

Rabbi Pete’s quick quiz

Liberal Judaism congregations

Chairman Lucian J Hudson Vice Chairs Simon Benscher and Jackie Richards Treasurer David Pelham Social Action and Disability Leon Charikar Communications Ed Herman Social Justice Amelia Viney National Officer Dr Howard Cohen Vice Presidents and Honorary Vice Presidents David Amstell, Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Nigel Cole, Geoffrey Davis, Stanley Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, 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 Chairs of Rabbinic Conference Rabbi Aaron Goldstein and Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich University Chaplain Rabbi Ariel Friedlander Education Rabbi Sandra Kviat Outreach Rabbi Anna Gerrard Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer PR Alexandra Ben-Yehuda Shlicha Adva Sapir LJY-Netzer Sam Cohen, Sam Grant, Anna Posner and Adam Francies (Student Worker)

lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein The deadline for the next edition is March 26.

Please email your news to ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org Printed by Precision Printing. www.precisionprinting.co.uk

Associated congregations

Beit Ha’Chidush Postbus 14613, 1001 LC Amsterdam, Netherlands, 00 31 23 524 7204; bhc.informatie@gmail.com; www.beithachidush.nl Oxford Liberal Jewish Services: 01865 515584 or 01865 765197; www.ojc-online.org

Developing communities

North Herts Liberal Jewish Community (based in Stevenage) 01438 300 222; northhertsljc@gmail.com; www.northhertsljc.org The Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (based in Ipswich) 01473 250797; sjc@liberaljudaism.org

According to gematria (the numerical value of the Hebrew letters) the words for ‘Blessed is Mordechai’ are the same as ‘Cursed be Haman’. Look in the Book of Esther to answer these questions.

Chapter/verse references are in brackets.

1. How many provinces were ruled over

by King Ahasuerus? (1:1) 2. For how many days did Ahasuerus display the wealth of his kingdom? (1:4) 3. How many months of beauty treatments did Esther go through? (2:12) 4. How many years had Ahasuerus been on the throne when Esther was brought to him? (2:16) 5. What was the number of the lot that was drawn to decide the month in which Haman’s plan would take place? (3:7) 6. On which day of the first month were the King’s scribes summoned? (3:12) 7. For how many hours did Esther ask the Jews to fast? (4:15) 8. How many cubits high was the stake that Haman erected for Mordechai? (5:14) 9. What were the dates of the two days in Adar that the Jews were required to observe days of merrymaking? (9:23) 10. What is the total of all the answers to this quiz? Why is this significant?

Sidney’s bridge magic The contract is 5 Diamonds by South.

West leads the three of Clubs. At first sight this doesn’t look too problematic – but you can restrict it to only one loser.

Make a date ...........

March 15 (Thursday) ‘Why is Slavery Still Thriving?’ debate at the LJS, from 6.15pm.

March 22 (Thursday) - Routes Craft Café at Elixir Bar, London, 7pm-10pm.

March 31 (Saturday) - April 5 (Thursday) LJY-Netzer Machaneh Aviv (spring camp) at Cottesmore School.

April 20 (Friday) - April 22 (Sunday) Liberal Judaism’s 2012 Biennial Weekend at Tortworth Court Hotel in the Cotswolds.

April 22 (Sunday) Step by Step: An Arab-Jewish Musical of Hope UK premiere at West London Synagogue, 7:30pm.

June 9 (Saturday) Czech Torah Memorial Shabbat service and seminar at Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue.

For more information on any of these events please email montagu@liberaljudaism.org Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge of modern Judaism. It reverences Jewish tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the Judaism of the past while giving them contemporary force.

Registered charity number 236590.

Quiz answers: 1. 127 2. 180 3. 12 4. 7 5. 12 6. 13 7. 72 8.

50 9. 14 & 15 10. 502 - the numerical value of the Hebrew spelling out ‘Blessed is Mordechai’ and ‘Cursed be Haman’!

The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street London, W1T 4BE Tel: 020 7580 1663 Fax: 020 7631 9838

The Liberal Synagogue Elstree Elstree High Street, Elstree, Herts WD6 3BY; 020 8953 8889; tlse@liberaljudaism.org; www.tlse.org.uk Lincolnshire Jewish Community 01427 628958; ljc@liberaljudaism.org Manchester Liberal Jewish Community 08432 084441; mljc@liberaljudaism.org; www.mljc.org.uk North London Progressive Jewish Community 020 7403 3779; nlpjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.nlpjc.org.uk Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue Oaklands Gate, Northwood, Middx HA6 3AA; 01923 822592, npls@liberaljudaism.org; www.npls.org.uk Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation Lloyd Street, Sherwood NG5 4BP; 0115 9624761; npjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.npjc.org.uk Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community Enquiries: 020 7631 9822 The Progressive Jewish Community of East Anglia enquiries@pjcea.org.uk; www.pjcea.org.uk Reading Liberal Jewish Community 0118 942 8022; rljc@liberaljudaism.org; www.rljc.org Shenfield, Brentwood & Districts Synagogue 01277 888610; info@roshtikvah.com; www.roshtikvah.com South Bucks Jewish Community PO Box 826, Amersham, HP6 9GA; 0845 644 2370; sbjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.sbjc.org.uk South London Liberal Synagogue PO Box 14475, London SW16 1ZW; 020 8769 4787; slls@liberaljudaism.org; www.southlondon.org Southgate Progressive Synagogue 75 Chase Road, London N14 4QY; 020 8886 0977; sps@liberaljudaism.org; www.sps.uk.com Wessex Liberal Jewish Group (Bournemouth) info@wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk; 01202 757084 West Central Liberal Synagogue 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE; 020 7636 7627; wcls@liberaljudaism.org; www.wcls.org.uk Woodford Liberal Synagogue Marlborough Road, London, E18 1AR; 020 8989 7619; info@ woodfordliberal.org.uk; www.woodfordliberal.org.uk

Bridge answer: The one thing you don’t do is draw trumps!

The first seven tricks are ruff a Club, lead a Spade and repeat until the last Club is ruffed. Now play Ace, King and a third Heart – which West must take – and is forced to lead a Diamond to East’s Ace. East is now, at the 11th trick, forced to play either a Spade or a Club – which you ruff with the 10 (or Jack) – and West, holding only the Queen and nine of trumps, either over-ruffs with the Queen, which is itself over-ruffed with the King, making your Jack (or 10) master - or under-ruffs with the 9 leaving dummy’s King as master.

Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue (Rodef Shalom) 01234 218387; bedsps@liberaljudaism. org; www.bedfordshire-ps.org.uk Beit Klal Yisrael c/o The Montagu Centre, 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE; 07505 477459, bky@liberaljudaism.org; www.bky.org.uk Bet Tikvah Synagogue 129 Perrymans Farm Road, Ilford, Essex IG2 7LX; 020 8554 9682; bttkv@liberaljudaism.org; bettikvah.blogspot.com Birmingham Progressive Synagogue 1 Roseland Way, Birmingham B15 1HD; 0121 634 3888; bps@liberaljudaism.org; www.bpsjudaism.com Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove BN3 1FF; 01273 737223; bhps@liberaljudaism.org; www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation 43-45 Bannerman Road, Easton, Bristol BS5 0RR bwpjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.bwpjc.org Crouch End Liberal Jewish Chavurah info@crouchendchavurah.co.uk; www.crouchendchavurah.co.uk Crawley Jewish Community 01293 534294 Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation PO Box 3059, Dublin 6, 00 3531 2856241; djpc@liberaljudaism.org Ealing Liberal Synagogue Lynton Avenue, Drayton Green, W13 0EB; 020 8997 0528; els@liberaljudaism. org; www.ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk Eastbourne Progressive Jewish Congregation 01323 725650; fax: 01323 417645 epjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.epjcong.org.uk Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community 0131 777 8024; info@eljc.org; www.eljc.org Finchley Progressive Synagogue Hutton Grove, N12 8DR; 020 8446 4063; fps@liberaljudaism.org; www.fps.org Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community Enquiries: 01242 609311 or 01242 231877; shalom@gljc.org.uk; www. gljc.org.uk Harrow and Wembley Progressive Synagogue 39 Bessborough Road, Harrow HA1 3BS; 020 8864 5323; hwps@liberaljudaism.org; www.hwps.org Herefordshire Jewish Community 01594 530721; hjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.herefordshirejc.org Kent Liberal Jewish Community 07952 242432; kljc@liberaljudaism.org; http://tinyurl.com/kentljc Kingston Liberal Synagogue Rushett Road, Long Ditton, Surbiton, Surrey; KT7 0UX; 020 8398 7400; kls@liberaljudaism.org; www.klsonline.org Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation The Synagogue, 24 Avenue Road, LE2 3EA; lpjc@liberaljudaism.org The Liberal Jewish Synagogue 28 St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA; 020 7286 5181; ljs@liberaljudaism.org; www.ljs.org