March/April 2013 VOL. IV No. 2
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
A day to inspire us all Smashing inequality By Rabbi Charley Baginsky
WHAT ARE YOU looking forward to this year? I hope it is Liberal Judaism’s Day of Celebration, which takes place on Sunday June 9 at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue. The conference is held every two years and this year’s theme is Looking Forward. This theme encapsulates the opportunity the event presents to get Liberal Jews together from all over the country not only to celebrate the achievements of Liberal Judaism, but also to look ahead to the future. It is a chance to think about what we would like to achieve and how this might be possible. The Day of Celebration is carefully planned and designed for everyone: from the youngest to the oldest; from those who want to spend their time learning a new tune for their congregation to those who would rather hear what the rabbis have to say; from those who want to share an idea that has helped shape their community to those who want to know what others have done and be inspired. You are all invited. This year delegates will be offered a choice of four tracks, which can either be followed throughout the day or mixed and matched.
Sessions on offer, to name a few, will include Pregnancy and Mythology, Mixed Faith Parenting, The Prophetic Roots of LJ’s Vision, Architecture of the Sanctuary and How Music Can Create and Preserve Communities. This year we’re proud to be launching LJ’s resource bank and the event will also feature a musical choral extravaganza. As always, there will be an exciting youth programme, as well as a qualified staffed crèche. Arguably the highlight of the day will be the LAFTAs (Liberal Academy of Film and Torah Awards), which will see our cheders and youth clubs battling it out in a short film competition. Most importantly, the event will give YOU the chance to meet members, chairs, treasurers and headteachers from other communities. Tickets cost £20 for adults and £10 for students and those under 18. A family ticket (maximum two adults and unlimited children) can be purchased for £40. The price includes lunch and refreshments. You can book your place(s) online at http://jewi.sh/doc2013 or by calling Liberal Judaism on 020 7580 1663. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
Rabbi Charley Baginsky is chair of the Day of Celebration organising committee
Jodie Mullish and Samantha Goldberg smash the glass in front of Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu
LIBERAL JUDAISM is delighted that ALL members will soon have the right to get legally married by a rabbi, after an overwhelming vote in the House of Commons in favour of equal marriage. The news follows a campaign by Liberal Judaism and other progressive religions – including Quakers, Unitarians and now Reform Judaism – for full equality. Liberal Judaism produced the first liturgy for same-sex ceremonies in 2005. After the historic vote for the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill, Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich gave evidence to the Public Bill Committee that is now examining the proposed legislation. Danny told lj today: “I rather enjoyed myself and the Committee seemed to appreciate both the tone and the facts of the arguments I put.”
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News
Ba’alei Tefillah into third year By Rabbi Richard Jacobi
WITH THE START of the third Ba’alei Tefillah (‘leaders of prayer’) programme, a total of 22 Liberal communities have now invested in their spiritual and religious well-being. Liberal Judaism is, at its core, a synagogal movement. Although some of our smaller communities do not have their own building, all still fulfil the three age-old functions – prayer, meeting and learning. As a programme, Ba’alei Tefillah addresses all three. Individual congregants join with their peers from other communities on a personal learning journey that they share with others, and the purpose of that journey is to become better able to lead their home community in prayer. On Sunday February 10, people from Edinburgh, Norfolk, Bristol and West, Eastbourne, Essex, Hertfordshire and, yes, London gathered to launch the programme. Despite lengthy commutes for some, energy levels were high and conscientious, nervous enthusiasm was the order of the day. Previously to that, at the Liberal Judaism Council meeting on Sunday December 9, members of the second group received their graduation or completion certificates in a deeply meaningful ceremony, pictured above. Directing this programme has been an inspiration. Over the last three years I have spent time with 46 people – the youngest in her teens, the oldest in their seventies – all learning from, and supporting, each other. This is Liberal Judaism in action. More than anything, I have learned that we often belittle our own Judaism or are too defensive about it. Liberal Judaism is just as legitimate as any other successor to the Judaisms of the Bible and of the Rabbinic to Early Modern eras. If we can double or triple the number of people who come through programmes such as Ba’alei Tefillah, then we really will strengthen ourselves to be the Judaism of the 21st Century.
March/April 2013
Liberals at Limmud LIBERAL JUDAISM enjoyed a very active role at this year’s Limmud Conference with rabbis, staff and lay members all getting involved. Rabbi Sandra Kviat, Rabbi Ariel Cantor Gershon Silins Friedlander, Student Rabbi Benji Stanley, Sam Grant, Robin Cooke and Cantor Gershon Silins all led sessions – with Rainbow Jews project manager Surat Rathgeber Knan and LJYNetzer members also playing key roles.
In total, Liberal Jews presented 27 sessions and panel discussions. Rabbi Sandra said: “This was my first Limmud and it was a real eye-opener. It was an amazing experience to meet and learn with so many different people from across the Jewish spectrum.” A pluralistic debate on samesex marriage, in which Rabbi Ariel participated, drew a large crowd. She said: “I was pleased to sit on a panel that included an Orthodox rabbi. This meant that Jews who would normally not come to hear a Liberal rabbi were present, and saw rabbis from the four mainstream groups show how to discuss a difficult subject with respect for each other.”
Meet Charlotte Sunday Seminars
CHARLOTTE FISCHER has just been appointed as Citizens’ UK organiser with Liberal Judaism. We asked her to answer three key questions: Tell us about this new role? I’m a community organiser with London Citizens, working one day a week in the Liberal movement. Community organiser is a funny title that a lot of people will only know as Barack Obama’s first job but, in short, what we do is work with communities to build their ability to make changes in the world. What do you hope to achieve this year? Organising has a theory that the first step in any change is building relationships – within our institutions and outside of them. I aim to spend the first year helping Liberal communities with organising training, so that by 2014 we will have increased people’s participation in their community, helped them build relationships with their neighbours, enhanced their synagogue’s profile and got everyone working together on major social action initiatives. How can people get involved? Email charlotte.fischer@citizensuk.org.uk - and then come for a cup of tea!
THIS YEAR sees Liberal Judaism launch a series of practical seminars covering all the areas of community life. These will take place on one Sunday each month at the Montagu Centre from 11am-4pm. The seminars are free to all members of Liberal communities. We welcome a £5 donation towards the cost of a light lunch. For details and bookings, contact Alex Wakely on a.wakely@liberaljudaism.org March 10 - Breaking the Sound Barrier Learn what makes Jewish music Jewish, share and experiment with new tunes and old favourites and gain practical skills for introducing music to others. April 7 - Reaching Out and Reaching In Explore strategies for engaging your existing membership and attracting new members, as well as gaining an opportunity to share tried and tested initiatives with others. May 12 - Governance: Good, Bad & Ugly Explore the process of becoming a company limited by guarantee with advice from experts and communal leaders. June 16 - Safeguarding In line with recent legislation, review model policy for protecting children and vulnerable adults. July 14 - Getting the Word Out Gain practical advice on making sure people know about your community, from the more traditional to the ultra-modern: from press releases and pictures to Tweets and Mailchimps.
News
March/April 2013
LJ Today Page 3
Bringing Judaism back to Weymouth
Mayor Margaret Leicester, Reverend Chris Briggs, Morris Mendoza and Rabbi Pete Tobias led a ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day
LIBERAL JUDAISM is helping to bring Jewish life back to Weymouth thanks to a series of well-received events in the seaside town. Our movement has been working closely with Morris Mendoza over the last few months, aiming towards the goal of establishing a thriving Jewish community in Weymouth. Morris hosted a moving and uplifting Chanukkah celebration in December at his guest house, led by Liberal Rabbis Anna Gerrard and Pete Tobias. The next event was a cross-communal commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day and the planting of a tree in honour of the victims of Nazi brutality, replacing a previous tree which had stood for more than 10 years before being vandalised.
Council leaders liaised with Morris – who lost almost all of his family in the Holocaust – in arranging the ceremony, which was held on Friday January 25. Rabbi Pete returned to Weymouth to take part and was joined by more than 40 people. The event was hosted by Margaret Leicester, the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland. There were prayers from Reverend Chris Briggs and Rabbi Pete and some reflections from Morris. One of the elements of the day that was highlighted was the fact that National Holocaust Memorial Day 2013 coincided with Tu Bishvat - with the significance of planting a tree representing both an act of memorial and an expression of hope for the future.
Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich said: “Once again, Liberal Judaism’s pioneering work in small communities, based on the great groundwork laid by Morris, has seen this new group grow and develop. “Some people at the Chanukkah gathering hadn’t celebrated a Jewish festival for 20 years and were visibly moved by the experience. I’m really excited about the future for Judaism in Weymouth and many more events being held there.” The next event in Weymouth will be a communal Seder, led by Rabbi Pete, on Monday March 25. For more information on how you can get involved, contact Rabbi Pete on rabbi@rabbipete.co.uk
Liberal Judaism joins campaign to end hunger By Sam Grant THERE is enough food in the world to feed all its inhabitants, so the fact that one in eight people still go hungry is inexcusable. The Board of Deputies’ decision to tie in with Oxfam’s food project Grow/Tatzmiach has been echoed by another demonstration of Jewish social action, with Liberal Judaism and 80 other organisations signing up to the Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign. The campaign, which launched in January at Somerset House with Rabbi Janet Burden in attendance, is the largest ever in the UK to tackle the causes of hunger – and one in which we should all be proud to be playing an active role.
Our Liberal Jewish values teach us to be mindful of the needs of others, while ensuring that future generations can provide for themselves. The Talmudic tale of Honi encountering the old man planting a carob tree, of which only his grandchildren will eat the fruit, as well as the biblical injunction against cutting down fruit bearing trees in times of war, highlights the importance Judaism places on protecting nature and supporting people so that they can provide food for themselves and their families. It probably shouldn’t surprise us that so many Jewish values are articulated in relation to food! But not only should we enjoy the way food plays a part in our festivals and our humour, we should also
seek to apply the values of our tradition that push us to ensure others and future generations can feed themselves. The IF campaign message is simple. British aid can help poor families to grow nutritious food to eat and crops to sell, and prevent their children from going hungry. Rising global food prices can be tackled. Constrained resources can be managed more fairly. Poor countries can be helped to raise their own revenue to invest in ensuring their people don’t go hungry. And greater transparency can enable citizens to hold governments and companies to account. Find out more on the campaign’s website www.enoughfoodif.org or by following @EnoughFoodIF on Twitter.
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Communities
March/April 2013
A gala night in Birmingham Joe Seager on Birmingham Progressive Synagogue’s first President’s Dinner
Members of BPS and their guests celebrate the inaugural President’s Dinner, photos by Charles Davis of www.professionalphotography.me.uk
THE INAUGURAL President’s Dinner at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS) was widely acclaimed by members and guests as a major success. Everyone enjoyed fine food, wine and entertainment, as well as the joy of being part of a new and exhilarating BPS venture. It also enabled them to fully acknowledge the significant part played by the synagogue’s current president, Frank Maxwell. Guests of honour at the black tie dinner included Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi, former BPS minister David Zucker and Liberal Judaism vice president Corinne Oppenheimer. Corinne – who served as Birmingham president before moving to London – praised both the community and Frank’s ability to reach out and help those who needed encouragement. Leading a toast to the current president, Corinne said: “His commitment and knowhow has been evident in the growth and development of BPS.”
• THE NEXT Liberal Judaism Regional Shabbaton will be hosted by Eastbourne Progressive Jewish Congregation on Saturday March 2 from 10am. The Shabbaton is a relaxing day of Jewish learning, services, workshops and great food for Jews and their friends, particularly those in the South East or involved with smaller communities. Tickets cost £20 for adults and £10 for children. To book your place, please contact Alex Wakely on 0207 580 1663 or a.wakely@liberaljudaism.org
Helga Loeb, another former president of BPS, acknowledged the guidance and commitment applied by the congregation’s leaders and membership to create the fine synagogue that had become their new home. She told those gathered: “It is a pleasure to be sharing this festive occasion safely gathered in a building truly of our own making.”
Frank Maxwell and Corinne Oppenheimer
• CONGRATULATIONS to Rabbi David Hulbert and Marguerite Wimborne of Bet Tikvah Synagogue, who were both recipients of the Mayor of Redbridge’s Annual Awards for 2012/2013. These prestigious awards are given to local individuals or groups, who carry out exceptional work in the borough in their own time. Marguerite was honoured for a lifetime of volunteering for many different charitable causes, while Rabbi David was given a special award for outstanding service to the community.
Huge contributions to the evening were made by Amanda Grant, Liz Sellman, Lesley Fifer and Isobel Gregory, who displayed her best box office skills by selling all 80 tickets in record time. The night began with a jazzaccompanied champagne reception, followed by a lavish five-course meal, which Amanda and Liz devised and cooked. It created the kind of ambience that made the synagogue’s Harold Inglis Suite the perfect setting. Entertainer Daniel Cainer then raised the laughter levels with his inimitable and hilarious brand of Jewish humour. Daniel Johnson generously provided gifts for the ladies, Charles Davis kept his camera clicking all night and a massive tidy up operation was spearheaded by Liz, Amanda, her husband Brian and David and Rachel Key. And when all was said and done everyone agreed on one thing… it was a marvellous party!
• BEIT KLAL YISRAEL are holding a special event on Friday March 15, when author Ian Thomson will be speaking about his biography of Primo Levi. The brilliantly-written, detailed book is both highly scholarly and very accessible, and illuminated by Ian’s own relationship with Primo and his sister. The discussion will take place after a Shabbat service, which commences at 7pm. There will also be a shared vegetarian supper. For more details, please email bkymailing@gmail.com
Communities
March/April 2013
LJ Today Page 5
A new rabbi for Southgate Lively debate at EAST 2012 By Rabbi David Hulbert
Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Claire Keren, Rabbi Yuval Keren, Mandi Dobias and Rabbi Danny Rich at Southgate Progressive Synagogue, along with Rabbi Yuval’s children Alana and Daniel Keren
RABBIS AND DIGNITARIES from all over the UK converged on Southgate Progressive Synagogue (SPS) on Sunday February 3, for the induction ceremony to celebrate the appointment of Rabbi Yuval Keren. More than 180 people attended the Shabbat morning service, which was led by Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich and Southgate’s Emeritus Rabbi Harry Jacobi. The service was followed by a kiddush, where the attendees were able to leave a personal message in a memory book.
Those welcoming Rabbi Yuval to Southgate included the Mayor and Mayoress of Barnet, the Mayoress of Enfield and Liberal Judaism chairman Lucian J Hudson. SPS chair Mandi Dobias said: “We are honoured to welcome Rabbi Yuval, his wife Claire and their children Alana and Daniel into our community and very much look forward to working with them. Rabbi Yuval’s inaugural address was full of humility and humour and affirmed his dedication and commitment to the future of our synagogue and community.”
MEMBERS of several smaller communities from Essex and East Anglia – including Bet Tikvah, Woodford Liberal Synagogue and Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community – gathered in December for the East Anglian Synagogues Together (EAST) Residential Conference 2012. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Kehillot Kedoshot: Jewish Communities Around the World’ and the lead speaker was the sociologist Dr Keith KahnHarris, the author of a number of books analysing the contemporary Jewish community in Britain. Dr Kahn-Harris is particularly interested in the changing attitudes of British Jews towards Israel – a topic that provoked very lively debate. Other speakers at EAST 2012 included Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris, the principal of Leo Baeck College, two academic historians Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein and Dr Barry Davis, Reverend Malcolm Weisman and five rabbis from participating communities. Shabbat services were lifted by Masorti Cantor Jaclyn Chernett. Nearly 40 participants, including several children, really enjoyed their Jewish weekend away in the company of stimulating people, in comfortable surroundings and with plenty of delicious food. They are all keenly looking forward to EAST 2013.
Finchley Progressive Synagogue at 60
The children of Finchley Progressive Synagogue joined their peers from Northwood & Pinner and Birmingham for a Kabbalat Torah Shabbat
FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE (FPS) is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2013 with a year of special events. The festivities began with the congregation’s children planting trees around the synagogue and bulbs for pots on the Bimah. A Tu Bishvat Seder followed, including a fruit-only kiddush and plenty of storytelling.
On Sunday May 12, FPS will be holding a Founding Families Tea organised by Lionel Lassman and open to all. Please email him on lionel.lassman@gmail.com if you have anecdotes, photographs or other memorabilia of the synagogue’s founders – Joshua (Dick) Levy, Jack Mundy and Derrick Zimmerman – that can be used on the day.
On Sunday June 16, the community are holding a concert titled Our Melodies: 60 Years of Jewish Music with Cantor Gershon Silins, Franklyn Gellnick and Dean Staker. Tickets cost £15 per person and £25 per couple. Anyone wishing to take part in the FPS anniversary celebrations should contact the synagogue office on 020 8446 4063.
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Friends
March/April 2013
Liberal Judaism on the verge of first fu ARE YOU A TZADDIK? It is said that in every generation there are 36 righteous people that in their own quiet giving way sustain the world. If even one of them were missing then the world would come to an end. We need not 36 but 120 Liberal tzaddikim, because we are aiming to support countless worlds – the many lives of all our Liberal students on campus. Our young people need you to give so that they can be confident modern Jews during the challenging years of university, and for the rest of their lives. If 120 people sign up as Friends of Liberal Judaism – donating £500 a year – then we’ll raise the £60,000 needed for a full-time university chaplain. We have candidates who are ready and willing to serve as a full-time chaplain, and students all over the country in need of help. We just need the funds to make this a reality. You can sign up as a Friend by cutting out the form below or calling the Montagu Centre on 020 7580 1663. Liberal Judaism is already active on campus. Rabbi Ariel Friedlander is our part-time university chaplain, assisted by our student and young adult coordinator
Student Rabbi Benji Stanley. These current chaplaincy endeavours are supported by the NLPS Trust and Shoresh Charitable Foundation Ariel and Benji visit universities all over the UK, focusing on reaching out to students who are Liberal Jews – visiting them on campus, treating them to lunch, listening to their problems or bringing them to J-Soc. As well as helping individuals, Ariel and Benji have been supporting egalitarian activities so that both men and women are fully included in Jewish campus life. Another crucial function is to provide a Liberal Jewish perspective on campus in order to remove possible prejudices against us, and thereby make the student Jewish communities more understanding and respectful towards Liberal students. But this is not enough. Now it’s time to take the next step. There are currently 12 full-time university chaplains. Not one is a woman, and not one is a Progressive Jew. They’re all Orthodox men. A fulltime Liberal Jewish chaplain would give confidence to Liberal Jews on campus, represent Liberal Judaism to ALL young
Jews, support egalitarian objectives, make Liberal Judaism a home away from home and be an advocate for young members facing problems. Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich says: “When I visit congregations, parents often ask me what we are doing for students: to help them with their identity; counter antiIsrael sentiment that sometimes become antisemetic; and to offer them a modern alternative for their Judaism. “Our current student chaplain Rabbi Ariel Friedlander (part-time) and current student and young adult coordinator Benji Stanley (part-time) are both doing great jobs, but their time is clearly limited and the demand for their services outstrips their physical ability to get to all the campuses on which they are needed. “If 120 Liberal Jews – perhaps grandparents or parents of current students – made a commitment to become a Friend of Liberal Judaism, I would earmark the money for student chaplaincy and by the summer Liberal Judaism could have appointed our first full-time student chaplain.”
Friends
March/April 2013
LJ Today Page 7
ull-time student chaplain Learning for ‘Rachel imagined her brother walking into her J-Soc – and she felt like crying’ RACHEL recently sat at a J-Soc meal in which some other students laughed about an article in which a Liberal rabbi argued for equal marriage. Her older brother is gay and has talked about becoming more involved in Judaism. Rachel imagined her brother walking into her Jewish Society at that moment – and she felt like crying. Rachel loves being Jewish. She identifies as a Liberal Jew and has often felt a little lonely at J-Soc, as
she is the only Progressive Jew there. On one hand, she wishes more likeminded Jews would come; on the other hand she understands that, in an atmosphere in which other views are sometimes demeaned, they may not want to join. Rachel needs a full-time student chaplain at Liberal Judaism to help bring more Liberal views and Jews to J-Soc, and to make time for her when being a committed Liberal Jew feels difficult.
‘Liberal Jewish students need confidence that they will not be mocked or dismissed’ LAST YEAR on a university campus with a big J-Soc there was not a single nonOrthodox Jew on the committee. To her great credit a student, who has been brought up in LJY-Netzer, decided to take on a leadership role and won the vote to become the head of education. She arranged for Rabbi Danny Rich to give a talk to the J-Soc on the Middle East. Not only did Danny bring an important perspective on an important issue, but he also provided the prompt for some of the Orthodox heads of J-Soc to approach Liberal students as the talk ended and to ask more about their Judaism. It felt good for those Progressive Jews to feel welcomed. LJStudents is now working with the J-Soc’s head of education to support her in making it more Liberal-friendly.
We pay for students’ meal at J-Soc, visit campus and join students at J-Soc to make them feel at home. It is not always easy. Students need to know that there will be Liberal points of view at education events. Students need confidence that they will not be mocked or dismissed. Thanks to some very hard work, Liberal and Reform Jews have been warmly welcomed at this university but it’s also become obvious how far we are behind. While Orthodox outreach organisations are offering free meals every week with the carrot of a free overseas trip for attending a learning course, all Liberal Judaism can currently offer, at best, is a visit or two each term. This is why we need a fulltime student chaplain.
‘My frustration is that there is so much more wonderful work we could be doing’ STUDENT RABBI BENJI STANLEY has been visiting campuses up and down the country throughout the last year, as part of his rabbinic internship at Liberal Judaism. Benji is only with Liberal Judaism for one and a half days a week and also has to use that time for young adult work and gaining general rabbinic experience through synagogue, hospital and prison visits.
Benji says: “It is my privilege to meet Liberal Jews on campus, to help students who are running crucial egalitarian groups and to bring a Liberal perspective to all Jews. My only frustration is that there is so much more wonderful work that we could be doing. I always wonder what amazing, transformational work could be done if only we had the resources.”
everyone
LIBERAL JUDAISM, with the support of the NLPS Trust, is launching a guided curriculum titled ‘Access to Liberal Judaism’, which is ideal for small and medium communities without a fulltime rabbi or as an additional learning programme for any of our congregations. It can be used as part of a conversion course or as a learning opportunity for those who wish to explore more about being Jewish. This is a modular curriculum that gives an approachable and thoughtprovoking introduction to the main areas of Jewish life and knowledge: focusing on history, time, practice, texts, life cycle and thought. Students are pointed towards reading material and then asked to discuss, study, reflect, write and engage in practical tasks and in Jewish communal life. Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich said: “This is an important piece of work, as it allows us to offer Jewish learning in areas of the country where we could not do so before. We want to make sure that everyone has access to high quality Liberal Jewish education.” Rabbi Aaron Goldstein has been trialing the new curriculum at Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue. He added: “The materials are fresh and easily supplemented to the interests of the individual and congregation. As we have many participants who travel from far and wide, it also allows everyone access to materials and web-based content that provide a Progressive understanding of Judaism. We will use this curriculum well into the future.” For more details, contact Rabbi Sandra Kviat on s.kviat@liberaljudaism.org • LIBERAL JUDAISM is now offering woodland burials at Cheshunt Cemetery, with negotiations continuing to offer them also at Edgwarebury Cemetery. Members wishing to opt for a woodland burial will be able to do so via the existing Liberal Judaism funeral scheme. Because they require more land than traditional interment – due to tree root and tree spread – a woodland burial levy will be made: in 2013 this will be £1,600. Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich said: “Woodland burial has been on my agenda for some time. It is one aspect of the Liberal Judaism environmental agenda. We are now are able to offer choice – a Liberal Judaism mantra – in death as well as in life.”
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Comment
March/April 2013
What is Jewish marriage? Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu welcomes the news that Liberal synagogues will soon be able to hold same sex weddings and considers what makes marriage so special IN FEBRUARY, an overwhelming majority of British MPs voted in favour of the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill in the House of Commons. The vote came after a high level of public debate and discussion on what marriage actually ‘is’. Is it only a bond between a man and woman? If two men or two women can form this bond, does this ‘weaken’ the reality of marriage? Yet how can we be sure about what marriage ‘is’? How might a 19th Century marriage, for example, differ from today? When we speak about marriage we assume we all know what we mean, yet it has always changed. This debate isn’t only about the nature of marriage. It is also, crucially, about true social equality. It is deeply important for the children of the future that same-sex relationships can also develop in the direction of marriage. Young lesbians and gay men will know that they are not second best. Now that same-sex couples will be able to contemplate Jewish marriage, it is also time to consider what Jewish marriage actually ‘is’. Its origin, in the bible, is very straightforward and simple – ‘When a man takes a woman’ (Deuteronomy 22:13). We do not know what this ‘taking’ meant. There may have been music and celebration. The people involved are the man and the woman, although men could have this bond with more than one woman. There is no mention of anybody ‘marrying’ them. The rabbis, in their much later period, took this bond and shaped it into what is clearly a mutual contractual agreement, a covenant. This covenant begins when the groom offers his bride a ring, and declares, ‘harei at mekudeshet li b’ta’ba’t zo’ – ‘behold, you are sanctified to me with this ring’. As the bride takes the ring, she signals her acceptance. This part of the ceremony is called kiddushin, or sanctification. Sanctification means, literally, setting apart. The bride is set apart for her husband. The seven wedding blessings that follow imagine the couple at the centre of the world, like the very first couple at the beginning of creation. The rabbi or officiant does not ‘marry’ the couple, they marry each other. It is amazing to think that as long ago as 1869 in Philadelphia, and 1871 in Augsburg, Liberal rabbis and laity called for a change. Women, they said, should no longer play a passive role. The
bride should be able to make her own declaration and to offer the groom a ring. 1869 - long before women had full social equality, religious leaders were imagining change. It would take another 100 or so years for full equality to follow. In around one year from now, if the Bill is voted into law, we will be performing same-sex weddings. From a legal point of view this means our ceremony, when it is properly registered and witnessed, will admit same-sex couples into the social institution of marriage. So now we must ask, what is the ceremony that can best ‘marry’ two lesbians or gay men? Here is what I think. It begins with our progressive understanding of our relationship to halachah, which I understand as a matrix of Jewish law, theology, philosophy and practice. There are two ways of seeing this relationship, and to help us ‘see’ the way forward we will look at marriage through two different windows. Let’s take a look through window number one. This is the window of a post-halachic outlook. In the posthalachic worldview, we have broken with halachic history. Jewish reformers have always been inspired primarily by the ethical activism of the biblical prophets, who lived centuries, if not millennia, before the rabbinic period. Post-halachic thinkers, rooted in this ethical activism, see kiddushin as symbolic and can read its symbols freely. Since they are purely symbolic, the ring and the words spoken can express full mutuality. What they might once have meant is not really relevant, because this is not what the couple mean. When they say, you are mekudeshet, it means ‘you are holy’; not, ‘you have been set apart exclusively for me’. Kiddushin, or setting aside, now means something closer to kedushah or holiness. I believe that the theology of Brit Ahavah, Liberal Judaism’s liturgy for celebrating civil partnerships published in 2005, captures this idea perfectly. It is a move of creative liturgical transformation, and we should be proud to be part of the first publication in the world, of any faith, of such a liturgy. Now let us look through the second window. This is the window of progressive halachah, which continues to develop. Progressive halachists actively engage with the halachah of the past, to push its creativity in the direction of the future.
They look at kiddushin. They see the offer of the ring, they hear the declaration. Even if the words are spoken by them both, and two rings are exchanged, even if the couple mean this mutuality in their hearts, the act itself never quite escapes from its biblical and rabbinic origins. The contemporary progressive halachist Rabbi Dr Rachel Adler saw this problem and wrote about a completely new way of initiating equal Jewish partnerships. You can read about this in her book, Engendering Judaism: Inclusive Theology and Ethics. Adler says that an alternative exists. Rather than setting aside each other, the couple can jointly acquire a symbol of their partnership: a third presence that exists under the chuppah. Yet, some gay men and lesbians are unhappy with this. Why should they not celebrate their love like everybody else? Why have a ceremony derived from business partnership? Why not adopt the wedding ceremony we already have? I would be horrified if a synagogue or rabbi insisted that every same sex couple could only have this ceremony. Perhaps you can guess, by the argument in this article, where I stand in this debate! I think that marriage is so crucial and so deeply fascinating, because it is utterly real, and a perfect example for exploring what it is to be a Progressive Jew. I also suspect that the rituals we enact are a sort of outer clothing of the inner or underlying dynamic in how we relate to each other. This is why I do not think that a version of the traditional wedding is always entirely suitable for a lesbian or gay couple, or for that matter, a heterosexual couple. As a congregational rabbi who sees her role in teaching and empowering Jews, I prefer to study with every couple what these ceremonies actually might mean and support them to choose the one that is right for them. As just one voice in the history of progressive values and action, we must never simply drift along with the tide of history. We should openly discuss and shape our rituals, our traditions and our shared sense of meaning. Because as we shape them, they too do their work in shaping us.
Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu is co-chair of Liberal Judaism’s Rabbinic Conference
Chairman’s Actions
March/April 2013
• LIBERAL JUDAISM is delighted that one of its national officers – former Labour MP Gillian Merron – has been elected as a vice president of the Jewish Leadership Council. Gillian was involved with Labour Friends of Israel and The Holocaust Education Trust while serving in Parliament. She also has a commitment to volunteering, and to improving public health provision across Europe. • HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY (HMD) services were held by Liberal congregations across the UK, as we remembered those communities which were destroyed during the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution and the subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Jeromé and Louise Freedman attended the UK 2013 HMD Commemoration on behalf of Liberal Judaism, which was hosted by British historian Simon Schama and Rwandan-born journalist Yoletta Nyange. A survivor of the Holocaust and a survivor of the Rwandan genocide both spoke movingly about their experiences, while six candles were lit in memory of all those who were murdered. • THANK YOU for all the feedback we’ve had in reply to Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah’s article in the last issue of lj today. Her thoughtprovoking piece on Israel, Palestine and the need for compromise inspired too many letters to reprint on these pages, but you can read the responses at www.liberaljudaism.org
LJ Today Page 9
Building on Strategy Day Lucian J Hudson discusses the hard work that lies ahead for the leadership of Liberal Judaism THE COLLECTIVE LEADERSHIP of Liberal Judaism started 2013 with a Strategy Day, an important start in bringing together members of the Board of National Officers, representatives of Rabbinic Conference and local communities and some of our vice presidents. This is the model of collaborative leadership that best fits the character of our movement – independent-minded yet co-operating on shared values and objectives. The timing could not be better. Liberal Judaism is on a roll with 39 communities, a thriving youth movement, a balanced budget and the national organisation legally incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. The inspiring outreach programme of Rabbi Anna Gerrard and her team is a strong example of delivering results on the ground. Last year’s Biennial Weekend was a resounding success. Yet many of us feel that we could do better still, particularly in three areas: developing our vision and voice; making an even more distinctive contribution to Judaism and wider society; and supporting our communities and individual Liberal Jews in their journey. The three areas are, of course, intimately connected.
The Board of National Officers is now working through specific ideas that Strategy Day discussed, by stepping up the pace in developing a strategic plan and improving the functioning of its main leadership bodies, especially communication between them. The Torah is a source of eternal wisdom, especially when read in connection with contemporary and historical references. It invites a dialogue, not least in what it does not say. As Jews we tap into a particular tradition where every generation produces leadership of its time, and for its time – and sometimes ahead of its time. The Torah has a telling ‘strategy and management’ moment when Moses is challenged by his father-in-law, Jethro, to ease the burden of his leadership and delegate. This encounter carries at least three lessons: Moses could not lead or manage alone; it took an outsider to tell him; and Moses was wise and shrewd enough to realise he had to change. Moses was humble and imperfect in his leadership, yet a credible and trusted leader who demonstrated courage and tenacity. He was shown the Promised Land, and told that he would never reach it. This is one of the most precious insights that Judaism has bestowed on Western civilisation: that sometimes enough is plenty, because the work is not just ours to do. Others in this generation, and future generations, will build on today’s achievements. . Lucian J Hudson is chairman of Liberal Judaism PESACH is coming and if you haven’t got your copies of Liberal Judaism’s Haggadah b’Chol Dor va-Dor with which to celebrate your Seder, now is the time to order them. This unique Haggadah offers a range of options for you to tailor your Seder to the needs and concerns of those celebrating with you. Open the book at the front and follow the ‘traditional’ order of the Seder or select alternative readings and songs from the facing pages. Or, if you have very young children at the table, open the Haggadah at the other end and discover a specially designed children’s Seder, which can guide them through the main elements of the Pesach celebration in just 20 minutes. Order your copies of Haggadah b’Chol Dor va-Dor for £8.50 (£8 for 10 or more) + P&P by calling 020 7580 1663.
Page 10 LJ Today
Outreach
March/April 2013
Outreach Team Bulletin Board As outreach director, I aim to meet with the councils of all 39 of our communities this year. So far I have joined 11 meetings, learning about the unique character of each community, hearing about their successes and their struggles and discussing what they most need from Liberal Judaism. It has been amazing to discover how each locality creates unique expressions of Liberal Jewish communal life and I look forward to many more meetings very soon.
Rabbi Harry Jacobi and I were honoured guests of the Mayor at the Stevenage Council Chamber for the observance of Holocaust Memorial Day, pictured below. The Mayor spoke movingly of a visit he had made with his wife to Auschwitz and Rabbi Harry shared stories of his childhood in Berlin, during the Nazi period. As the rabbi for the local North Herts Liberal Jewish Community, I said a few words and offered a prayer in memory of all those murdered in the Shoah.
A highlight from my last two months visiting and running youth clubs in our Liberal congregations was hosting a Tu Bishvat Seder for Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community. The Seder was themed on Dr Seuss’s Lorax story and took an environmental reading of the festival. The barmitzvah and batmitzvah group then made a presentation detailing their research into the Chernobyl disaster, which fitted perfectly into the theme of how we care for the environment as Jews.
Rabbi Anna
Rabbi Ariel
Sam
Thirty young adults attended the latest LJ Routes Supper Club event, held on Friday February 1, enjoying a three-course meal, discussion on the Book of Exodus and a great Shabbat atmosphere. These Supper Clubs have been a real success over the months – more than 60 different people have enjoyed getting to know each other, as well as taking a reflective step out of the working week. For details on future events, visit www.facebook.com/LJRoutes Student Rabbi Benji
I very much enjoyed taking part in an Advent/Chanukkah celebration at Lincoln Cathedral during December along with Rabbi Danny Rich, members of Lincoln Jewish Community and more than 200 other local people. The event was organised by the Council of Christians and Jews and the programme included a mixture of readings, blessings, music and meditations focusing on the way our two religions use light during the respective festivals.
The last Children’s Learning Circle of the year in Suffolk was well attended, by both children and adults. There were impressive challot being braided, beautiful wine glasses and candle holders decorated and a thoughtful discussion about what everyone’s favourite Shabbat would look like. We rounded off a great afternoon with dinner, before some of the adults rushed across town for a spirited service and discussion with the rest of the community.
Cantor Gershon
Rabbi Sandra
March/April 2013
Youth
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
The power of youth Initiatives introduced at Veidah included LJY-NETZER kicked off 2013 in mandating sessions for youth leaders successful style with Veidah – the annual on running text study and understanding decision-making forum for members in learning difficulties, as well as offering school year 11 and older. Hebrew lessons to students about to Taking place over three nights at embark on the Shnat Netzer gap year Birmingham Progressive Synagogue, more than 30 young people travelled from programme in Israel. Participants also vowed to shave movement worker Sam as far afield as Edinburgh and Brighton Cohen’s head, beard and chest(!) on to engage in creative prayer, informal Machaneh Kadimah 2013, our summer education, asephot (discussions) and camp for school years 3-10. LJYplenty of kef (fun). Netzer selected joint Israeli-Palestinian One of LJY-Netzer’s biggest organisation Windows: Channels for achievements in recent years has been Communication as its Charity of the Year, its commitment to youth empowerment. and ‘tzedek, tzedek tirdof (justice, justice Participants on Veidah really do have the opportunity you shall pursue)’ to shape the as its Theme of movement, the Year. making important Movement decisions about worker Robin its ideological Cooke said: direction and the “The members events it runs. of LJY-Netzer With a large ratio never cease to of school-aged impress me with participants, their ideological Veidah is commitment, a fantastic thirst for LJY-Netzer’s Charity of the Year strives for a demonstration informed future based on liberty, equality and democracy of the power of decision-making youth. This year, and capacity we were also visited (via Skype) by a for reasoned debate. The movement is younger member representing Kinus – a clearly in very safe hands for the longdecision-making forum for participants in term future.” school years 7-10, which sends motions With youth empowerment at its heart, to Veidah. LJY-Netzer has now committed to This year’s Veidah was exceptionally giving the vote to its youngest members productive, with 30 new motions passed. in school years 3-6, with an annual Ideological highlights included ending decision-making day on Machaneh LJY-Netzer’s boycott of the Coca-Cola Kadimah. Every motion passed by a twoCompany, reducing paper usage and thirds majority will now be taken to Kinus mandating an Ethical Consumerism with an automatic 25% yes vote. Kinus, in session for all longer events. Other turn, can send motions to Veidah with the successful motions saw more dates same 25% yes vote. added to the LJY-Netzer calendar. This For the first time ever, every single year LJY-Netzer will run a Party in the member from ages 7 to 25 now has the Park summer reunion, activities for the power to change LJY-Netzer for the High Holy Days and a tekes (ceremony) better. To get involved, simply contact us using the details below. for Israeli Independence Day.
Join interfaith Morocco trip
LIBERAL JUDAISM and LJY-Netzer will be running an interfaith trip to Morocco from Tuesday June 25 to Wednesday July 3, open to ALL members aged 18-24 at a cost of just £50, plus flights and some meals. The tour will be run in conjunction with Salaam Shalom Media, an interfaith youth council, and we’ll be joined by groups of British Muslims and Christians of the same age. The tour will explore the Jewish and Islamic history in the cities of Marrakesh and Fez, as well as featuring an excursion through the Atlas Mountain range and into the Sahara Desert. LJY-Netzer movement worker Sam Cohen, who is organising the trip, said: “We’ll spend an amazing eight days travelling, learning and breaking stereotypes. I would recommend signing up right away, as flights will go up in price as we approach the summer. Also the number of subsidised £50 places is limited.” While participants will have to buy their own flights, and bring spending money for some meals, the tour itself including all accommodation, travel, breakfasts and guides costs just £50. Flights are currently available via EasyJet for £100. For more information and to sign up, email samc@liberaljudaism.org or visit www.ljy-netzer.org/applyonline
Contact the LJY-Netzer team: Robin Cooke (r.cooke@liberaljudaism.org), Sam Cohen (s.cohen@liberaljudaism.org) and Anna Posner (a.posner@liberaljudaism.org); telephone 020 7631 0584 or email office@ljynetzer.org
Page 12 LJ Today
March/April 2013
Rabbi Pete’s quick quiz
Liberal Judaism congregations
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 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, 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 Outreach Director Rabbi Anna Gerrard University Chaplain Rabbi Ariel Friedlander Education Rabbi Sandra Kviat Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer PR Alexandra Ben-Yehuda Student Coordinator Benji Stanley Community Youth Coordinator Sam Grant LJY-Netzer Sam Cohen, Robin Cooke and Anna Posner
lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein The deadline for the next edition is April 1. 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
Liberal Judaism traces its ideological roots back to Ancient Israel’s prophets. But do you know which of those visionaries is the author of these famous prophetic quotes? 1) Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig-tree, and none shall make them afraid. 2) Let justice roll down like waters, righteousness like an everflowing stream. 3) They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Eternal One as the waters cover the sea. 4) On that day the Eternal God shall be One and known to be One. 5) Seek the welfare of the city to which I have exiled you. Pray to the Eternal One on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.
Pete Tobias is rabbi at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree
Sidney’s bridge magic South is in the contract of 6 Hearts and the lead is the Jack of Spades. There are nine easy top tricks in Clubs, Diamonds and Hearts – so what’s the problem? The problem is to avoid losing two tricks in trumps! See how you get on:
Developing communities
The Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (based in Ipswich) 01473 250797; sjc@liberaljudaism.org
Make a date ........... March 2 (Sunday) Regional Shabbaton at Kings Centre, Eastbourne, BN23 6PT, 10am-6pm. March 8 (Friday) - March 10 (Sunday) Hebrew Crash Course Weekend at Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, HA6 3AA. April 2 (Tuesday) - April 7 (Sunday) LJY-Netzer Machaneh Aviv (Spring Camp) at Cottesmore School, West Sussex. May 1 (Wednesday) - May 5 (Sunday) World Union for Progressive Judaism Connections 2013 Convention, Jerusalem, Israel. May 5 (Sunday) - May 13 (Monday) Liberal Jewish Synagogue trip to Israel 2013. June 9 (Sunday) Liberal Judaism’s Day of Celebration 2013, Birmingham Progressive Synagogue. See page 1 for more information. 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.
Sidney Barrat is bridge teacher at Woodford Liberal Synagogue
Quiz answers: 1) Micah 2) Amos 3) Isaiah 4) Zechariah 5) Jeremiah
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 Herts Liberal Jewish Community (based in Stevenage) 01438 300 222; northhertsljc@gmail.com; www.northhertsljc.org 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 www.pjcea.org.uk; enquiries@pjcea.org.uk Reading Liberal Jewish Community 0118 942 8022; rljc@liberaljudaism.org; www.rljc.org Shenfield, Brentwood & Districts Synagogue (Tikvah Chadasha) 01277 888610; tikvahchadasha@gmail.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: Some players would hope for a 2-2 trump break, which would enable them to make the contract with an overtrick. But why rely on luck when you can make what’s called a ‘safety play’, which guarantees your contract irrespective of the distribution of the four outstanding trumps. Take the first trick in hand with, say, the Queen of Spades – them lead a low trump to dummy. If West plays low, play dummy’s 9. Here the 9 will win and the Ace and King will leave only one winner with West. If the 9 loses to East’s Jack or Queen then the remaining trumps will later fall under the Ace and King. So only one trump is lost. If West plays a Jack or Queen, take the trick with the Ace and lead a low trump from dummy. This results in one trump only being lost. If West has no trumps (i.e. all 4 are with East) again play dummy’s 9, which will lose to East’s Jack. You will then be able to lead a trump from dummy to take a finesse through East – again losing only one trump.
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, bkymailing@gmail.com; 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, www.djpcireland.com; 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