LJ Today March/April 2015

March/April 2015 VOL. XLII No. 2

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

www.liberaljudaism.org

ljtoday

The only response to closed minds is open doors

T

HE LEADERSHIP of Liberal Judaism has taken to the airwaves and newspapers to reassure members, and all Jews, in the wake of reports of rising antisemitism in the UK, fear among our community and people planning on leaving Britain for Israel.

In a letter to The Guardian, Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, chairman Lucian J Hudson and Rabbinic Conference chair Rabbi Charley Baginsky responded to an article in the same paper by reporter Robert Booth claiming that “UK Jews are braced for the worst” amid widespread concern.

They wrote: “While the Paris tragedy and the spike in antisemitic incidents during last summer’s Gaza conflict demand that we remain vigilant and support individuals who are feeling vulnerable, reports from Liberal Judaism constituents seem to affirm the truism that ‘Britain is good for the Jews and the Jews are good for Britain’.

“The challenge of reports like that of Robert Booth’s is that they do not constitute evidence of an actual increased risk of attack but rather they increase the risk of the Jewish community cutting itself off from the wider community and retreating to fortress synagogues, schools and community centres.

“It is impossible to contribute to an open, welcoming and inclusive society while locking ourselves away; and we cannot confront prejudice if we see only malevolence in our neighbours. The only meaningful response to antisemitism is to reach out to those of other faiths and of none, to study and work together, and – through our openness – give the lie to the ignorance and hatred which lurks behind sealed doors.

“That is why, this Shabbat as every other, strangers will be particularly welcome in our communities. The only response to closed minds is open doors.”

Rabbi Danny Rich made the same strong case in his appearances on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, BBC2’s Daily Politics Show and Channel 4 News, while Liberal Judaism’s student and young adult chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan was featured on ITV News and NBC News in America. Liberal leaders were also quoted extensively in the Jewish press, with Leah, Lucian and Bedfordshire Progressive Community president Geoffrey Ben-Nathan all penning commentary pieces for The Jewish News.

Leah wrote: “People are naturally feeling a little afraid. I’ve had students confide in me that they are a bit more frightened attending synagogue, whether

Progressive or Orthodox, than they usually would be. As a chaplain, that makes me angry. We are dealing with real evil. These terrorists are making the world darker and more frightening. You can’t turn a blind eye to that, but also you must continue to live your life. This is something we have to fight, both as the Jewish community and society. We have to show that we are not afraid.”

She concluded: “The simple truth is that we live in one of the best places to be Jewish. We are not going to solve this problem by moving from London to Tel Aviv – we’re going to solve it by continuing to make Britain one of the most tolerant and integrated societies on earth.”

LIBERAL JUDAISM chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich teamed up with Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth Ephraim Mirvis to help launch a new Czech scrolls travelling exhibition at the Jewish Museum in Camden (picture by Rabbi Ariel J Friedlander).

Nearly 100 people - also including Liberal Judaism president Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, Magda Veselska from the Jewish Museum in Prague and Ruth-Anne Lenga from the Institute of Education – joined the trustees of the Memorial Scrolls Trust (MST) for the event. If your community is interested in receiving this free travelling exhibition and education pack about the Czech scrolls, please contact the MST on info@memorialscrollstrust.org

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Comment

March/April 2015

‘We must not allow the extremists to divide us’

‘Silence is what we should fear most’

Imam Monawar Hussain on how we can defeat hate

REFLECTING ON events in France more than 200 years ago, philosopher and politician Edmund Burke said: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”. Recent events, again in France, bring Burke to mind. Violence and terrorism are not acceptable in the 21st century. There are many possible responses to the outrages at Charlie Hebdo and the kosher supermarket.

The easiest are to cast around for someone to blame, crack down further on the militants and look for ever more restrictive ways to counter terrorism. Such responses would be understandable, but they would be wrong.

For now, at least, France seems set to take a different route: to reaffirm its commitment to freedom of speech and liberty and to avoid the trap of restricting freedoms supposedly in its defence. The rally at the Place de la République was a remarkable statement of defiance, a rejection of violence and an act of solidarity with both Jews and Muslims who, for very different reasons, feel threatened and vulnerable.

We need to be alert to terrorism and to its corrosive consequences. We must learn from these attacks or we risk being Burke’s proverbial “good men”.

The outcry in defence of Charlie Hebdo’s right to cause offence is more than a principled defence of free speech.

It is also a practical recognition that our own freedoms depend upon defending the freedoms of others. Once one legitimises the silencing of opinions that upset us, the right to free speech ceases to be universal and becomes merely the right for the majority to impose its views and mores on the minority.

Over the past year, many in our community have been made to feel uncomfortable by attacks in the media and by others on Israel. Some have been quick to shout antisemitism, with a view to silencing Israel’s opponents. If events of this year teach us anything, it is that what we have to fear most are not the barbs and accusations of lively debate, but fundamentalists who seek to impose a deadly silence on us all.

The correct response to events in France is not to retreat or to seek to silence our opponents, but to reach out, to engage and find common ground.

I BELIEVE we live in one of the most wonderful and enriching countries in the world. Our richness of cultures, faiths (or no faith) and ethnicities is an immense strength and adds to the vibrancy of contemporary Britain. I also recognise, and have done so since my days at Oxford reading theology, that there is a very real and growing threat from extremism, from both religious and secular ideologies.

As I write this article, I am still trying to comprehend the recent tragic and senseless deaths of the Japanese and Jordanian hostages. How can those claiming to be guided by Islam, a religion at whose very heart is love of God and the love of thy neighbour, act with such barbarism? The violent extremists do terrible violence to the teachings of a great world religion.

My work can be divided into two main areas. Firstly, through interfaith dialogue, to create safe spaces through which young people can enter into thoughtful, respectful conversation with each other, thereby deepening understanding and friendships. Secondly, to challenge violent extremism in all its manifestations, through our educational programmes and strategic partnerships with like-minded individuals and organisations.

From 2004-08 I spent a great deal of time reflecting on how, as a British Muslim, I could contribute towards challenging violent extremists claiming Islamic legitimacy for their indiscriminate violence. I developed an educational programme at Eton College, where I’m the Muslim tutor, entitled, ‘Oxford Muslim Pupils Empowerment Programme (OMPEP)’. This can be downloaded free at www.theoxfordfoundation.com

In 2008 I began to pilot the OMPEP programme at Cheney School, Oxford, and engaged pupils through assemblies and inviting those who were interested in exploring Islam to join me during their lunch. There was a real hunger to learn and the young people were thoughtful, articulate and had bags of empathy.

My idea was simple. Young people were accessing material - on the internet, through social media and through extremists within their own communities - that needed to be challenged. So we created a safe space within the school where we could engage, discuss and debate the extremist ideas they were coming across. Some of the key questions that were raised during our discussions included the meaning of jihad, misinterpreted Qur’anic verses, what Islam says about suicide bombings and how should we deal with people of other faiths or of none.

In September 2014, I was a signatory, along with 125 Sunni scholars from across the Islamic world, to an Open Letter to the leader, supporters and fighters of the group calling itself the Islamic State. The Open Letter, point by point, undermines the theology that underpins these groups and demonstrates clearly the mainstream position on IS and similar organisations.

This is an excellent resource for educationalists, faith and civic leaders and anyone interested in a mainstream position on these violent extremist groups which claim Islamic legitimacy for their actions. We are distributing this nationally and are planning to launch events to coincide with another initiative that I’m very passionate about - United for Peace: Communities United against Extremism.

If you would like to find out more or get involved, then I would love to hear from you at www.theoxfordfoundation. com/#!united-for-peace/cbfl The way to defeat violent extremists is for all our communities to stand united in love, mutual respect and in support of each other. These are enduring values that will defeat the voices of division, hatred and violence. We must not allow the extremists to divide us.

Imam Monawar Hussain is founder of The Oxford Foundation, which helps educate young Muslims to counter extremism

By Lucian J Hudson

Lucian J Hudson is chairman of Liberal Judaism and a former BBC executive

News

March/April 2015

LJ Today Page 3

Meet Liberal Judaism’s new deputy chair LIBERAL JUDAISM chairman Lucian J Hudson comes to the end of his term this summer. As part of succession planning, Liberal Judaism’s Council elected Simon Benscher as deputy chair. Simon – previously vice chair of Liberal Judaism – will now shadow Lucian until the AGM in June, when an election will take place.

Below, Lucian and Simon chat to lj today about the road ahead: Lucian - Are you sad to be saying goodbye to your role as chairman and what do your last few months in office have in store?

LJH: Yes, I am sad that six years as chairman are coming to an end, yet pleased that it has been a successful and meaningful time for our movement.

I want to consolidate as much as I can so that we have that an appropriate combination of continuity and change.

Planning for my succession and developing our chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich’s role in UK Jewry is part of that, as well as strengthening our relationship with the Movement for Reform Judaism (MRJ).

Lucian - What have been some of the movement’s highlights over your six years in the role?

LJH: Each of the three Biennial Weekends went from strength to strength, bringing together so many in our movement and acting as a catalyst to take Liberal Judaism forward as an ideology. We built our influence within UK Jewry, especially with the media, and survived the economic recession, expanding to 40 communities and legally incorporating Liberal Judaism. The introduction of the Chairman’s Awards as a regular feature of our Biennials serves as a constant reminder that so much of our achievement should be credited to active members in our communities.

Finally, with support from Reform and Liberal Jews, I established the Alliance framework that, if built on, will achieve even more impact and influence for both movements in years to come.

What is the position of deputy chair and why has Liberal Judaism created it?

LJH: If we are to attract professional people with busy jobs as lay leaders of our movement, we need to create the conditions for collaborative leadership.

The deputy chair role supports the chair and adds real value to the leadership of our movement. I hope that this role can survive the transition period and become a lasting feature.

Liberal Judaism chairman Lucian J Hudson (left) welcomes new deputy chair Simon Benscher

Simon - You’ve been involved in Liberal Judaism all your life. Can you tell us a bit more about your background and roles within the movement?

SB: That’s right. I started attending Woodford Liberal Synagogue when I was nine years old. There I was barmitzvah and confirmed, I met my wife and we were married. Our son was blessed as a baby and then stood on the same bimah, as I did, for his barmitzvah 13 years later. I have proudly served Woodford on various committees, culminating in serving as chair twice. I have been on the Board of National Officers at Liberal Judaism for a long time, enjoying and valuing all my connections with, and visits to, so many of our congregations.

What is your joint vision for Liberal Judaism over the next 10 years?

SB: I’m convinced that there is so much for us to achieve. With the enormous energy and drive that our Board of National Officers has in abundance, alongside our inspiring rabbis, Liberal Judaism will continue to grow and remain a massive influence within both the Jewish and wider world.

LJH: Ideas and values transform the world if they are put into practice and lived. We need to become even more of a spiritual, cultural and intellectual influence in our national life, demonstrating that Judaism has never stood still and has a radical edge. We have yet to rediscover our voice, although we are on our way.

What challenges do you think Liberal Judaism faces and what opportunities are there for us?

SB: Our challenges are the same as all faith organisations. Relevance has to be the biggest. As our lives become so full and everyone is so time poor, synagogue

membership and volunteering within our communities has to slot in with work and family commitments. Liberal Judaism’s challenge is to assist our congregations to move with the changing times and requirements of their members. One of my personal challenges is to persuade the congregations that have yet to include Liberal within their titles to do so. We value the differences between Liberal and other Progressive synagogues.

LJH: All that I would add is that as well as being relevant, Liberal Judaism needs also to be meaningful and distinctive.

David defeated Goliath with a sling, and Liberal Judaism has to discover or rediscover its equivalent of David’s sling. For me, that’s not just an ethical take on the big challenges of our day, but an emotionally intelligent response to the spiritual vacuum and confusion of a Western society increasingly torn between consumerism and fundamentalism.

How do you see our relationship with other branches of Judaism, specifically the Movement for Reform Judaism, developing?

SB: The inspirational work that Lucian and Danny, along with their counterparts within MRJ, have put in to create the Alliance can only benefit both organisations. There is so much for us to gain from working in some areas with our Progressive Jewish cousins - and we have just begun this process. It is a win-win for both movements.

Finally, Lucian - Are you staying involved with Liberal Judaism and, if so, how?

LJH: If Council and the Board of National Officers so wish, I am happy to stay on as a national officer to support the new chair, especially to guide strategy and communications.

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Communities

March/April 2015

Tributes as Beverley retires Tali makes her family proud

By Joe Seager

Rabbi Danny Rich, Beverley Taylor, Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh and David Marchant at KLJC

THE RETIREMENT of Beverley Taylor as Kent Liberal Jewish Community’s (KLJC) lay leader was marked at a special Shabbat morning service by Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh, dean of Leo Baeck College, an institution where Beverley has worked and studied in the past.

Charles paid tribute to Beverley’s long service both as KLJC’s leader and in her various roles including PA to the late Rabbi Sidney Brichto, former chief executive of the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues (ULPS - the former name of Liberal Judaism).

Charles recalled how, at a time when there was a severe shortage of congregational rabbis, the ULPS had decided to set up a training programme for lay leaders. It was his task to devise and implement the programme.

Beverley, who at that time was already leading services at South London Liberal Synagogue (SLLS), was an obvious candidate to become one of the first Ba’alei Tefillah. She was the last graduate of that first course still active in the community.

At the conclusion of the service, KLJC chairman David Marchant, presented Beverley with a challah board and knife and a certificate of appreciation of her long service which reads: “Presented to Beverley Taylor on your retirement as Ba’alat Tefillah of Kent Liberal Jewish Community – Ohel Rachel, with gratitude and our thanks for your guidance and leadership and in appreciation of your long and dedicated service as lay leader to the past and present chairmen, officers, committee and members of the community.”

Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, who as a small boy was taught by Beverley at the SLLS religion school, also attended and paid tribute to Beverley’s dedication to Liberal Judaism.

After the service, the sizeable congregation, which included past KLJC chairmen Tony Kreit and Colin Silver, and a representative of Chatham Memorial Synagogue where Beverley has also participated in services from the bimah, retired to enjoy a substantial kiddush provided by KLJC members.

FOUR RABBIS helped to raise levels of joy and celebration at Tali Ehrlich’s batmitzvah at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS). Tali’s well-displayed measure of competence and composure made it a proud day for her parents, Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi, of BPS, and David Ehrlich.

Tali read beautifully, having been well taught by Cantor Gershon Silins, and brought her own original thoughts into a well-composed D’Var Torah. Family members and many friends packed the synagogue for a ceremony that fulfilled all expectations. Margaret’s father and brother - Rabbis Harry and Richard Jacobi - and Rabbi Sybil Sheridan, David’s cousin, also took part in the service.

Tali reached her coming of age in a way that fully conveyed her deep regard for Jewish teachings, a clear determination to learn more about her religion and, as she has often demonstrated, an active involvement in the life of the community.

It wasn’t easy for Margaret to avoid embarrassing her daughter, when paying tribute during her sermon. She gave Tali full credit for her hard work in preparing for her batmitzvah and marked her out as “such a special person”. She also praised Tali’s ability to engage with all ages and respond instinctively to them.

Thousands attend Northwood HMD events

BY THE TIME you receive this edition of lj today, pupils in years 9 to 13 from three Northwood schools will have joined many others throughout Middlesex and Hertfordshire to mark Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD).

The events, hosted by Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue in conjunction with Northwood United Synagogue, are part of a bigger programme of HMD activities involving almost 3,000 pupils representing 48 schools from Hertfordshire, Harrow and Hillingdon.

During the sessions, students attend an educational workshop and have the rare opportunity to listen to a Holocaust survivor recount their personal experiences. As well as hearing this moving testimony, pupils participate in a workshop relating historical facts about the Holocaust to contemporary issues such as racism, discrimination, persecution and citizenship. All conclude with closing reflections from each synagogue’s rabbi and the lighting of a memorial candle.

The annual programme, now in its 14th year, aims to educate students about the Holocaust, make a connection between the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and consider their individual personal responsibility to promote tolerance in today’s world. More than 20,000 people have attended these HMD events since the programme’s inception.

This year’s event is particularly poignant as January 27 marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.

Communities

March/April 2015

LJ Today Page 5

Dignitaries ‘moved to tears’ at Nottingham anniversary

NLS president Peter Strauss, Rabbi Tanya Sakhnovich, Prof Karrar Khan Rabbi Danny Rich and Chris Leslie MP celebrate a half-centenary

DIGNITARIES WEPT when they saw a rescued Torah scroll at a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Nottingham Liberal Synagogue (NLS). Pauline Allan, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I was moved to tears when the Ark opened and I saw the scrolls and how they represent the survival of the Jewish people after the Holocaust.”

Pauline’s awe was matched by Nottingham East MP Chris Leslie, who was keen to learn more about the community’s Torah scrolls and how one had come from Austerlitz (also known as Slavkov u Brna) in the Czech Republic, having been hidden from the Nazis.

Luton remembers MORE THAN 150 people commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2014, on Sunday January 26, at Luton Town Hall council chamber. The programme was varied and included songs, film clips highlighting different journeys undertaken by victims and survivors, plays and personal stories.

Debra Barnes, a Holocaust survivor’s daughter told the moving story of her late mother Paulette’s escape from the Nazis in Paris. Plays were performed by local schools and the 1984 massacre of 3,000 members of India’s Sikh community was remembered. Gavin Shuker MP spoke of his recent trip to Israel and the many horrors our world faces today.

The lighting of candles in memory of the 11 million victims of the Holocaust by community representatives was followed

by Kaddish, led by Lawrence Benjamin of Luton United Synagogue and David Young of Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue.

The day ended with the opening of a memory box where guests had deposited their own memories for all to peruse.

Rabbi Danny Rich, chief executive of Liberal Judaism, was among the public figures at the service and congratulated the community on its half-centenary.

Others in attendance included vice lordlieutenant of Nottingham Tim Richmond, Nottingham South MP Lilian Greenwood, chief constable for Nottinghamshire Chris Eyres, Nottingham police and crime commissioner Paddy Tipping, Lord Mayor Ian Malcolm, councillors, rabbis and Christian ministers. Rabbi Leonid Bimbat, of L’dor Vador Synagogue in Moscow, flew to the UK especially for the event.

NLS chairman Dr Peter Gordon told the congregation: “This has been a very

York racks up another first YORK LIBERAL JEWISH COMMUNITY welcomed new convert Tim Harris, marking another first for the congregation, which made history earlier this year by holding Jewish services in York for the first time in more than half a century.

At the admission service, Tim was welcomed into the community as a full member, where he will play an active part as the new adult education coordinator. His conversion was confirmed by the Beit Din (Rabbinic Court) of Liberal Judaism, after he spent two years studying with great assistance from Hull Reform Synagogue.

Tim said: “I felt it very apt that the Torah reading should be about dreams, as all morning I felt I was in a long held dream - except thankfully it was fantastically real.”

significant day in the life of NLS. It has been our pleasure to share our joyful occasion with the wider community.”

Nottingham Liberal Synagogue started life in 1965, as a small gathering in private homes. It has now grown to a thriving congregation of several hundred, with a purpose-built building in Sherwood and services led by the excellent Rabbi Tanya Sakhnovich.

NLS recently held a joint fast with representatives of the city’s Muslim community, in response to the Charlie Hebdo murders in France. Further events are planned throughout the year to celebrate the 50th anniversary.

SLLS elects a new president

By Cedric Briscoe AT ITS AGM, South London Liberal Synagogue (SLLS) unanimously elected Louise Freedman as president. This is a thoroughly deserving honour. Louise has been a stalwart of our synagogue since joining 50 years ago, displaying her love of the congregation and willingness to take on many different tasks and duties.

Membership, burial and publicity were her areas of interest and, in 1986, she became chairman. All in all, Louise has shown an urgent and lasting desire to play a full part in every facet of congregational life. She has also played an important role in Liberal Judaism as a whole, attending international events and meeting with other like-minded people.

In all this, Louise has been supported ably by her husband, Jeromé, and together they have been an outstanding force in the Liberal Jewish movement.

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Events

March/April 2015

Leading rabbis to address Day of Celebration Rabbi Charley Baginsky reveals details for the key Liberal Judaism event of 2015 AS I HOPE you know by now, this year’s Day of Celebration theme is Israel. The key Liberal Judaism event of 2015 will be held in central London at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue on Sunday June 7.

We can now reveal that one of our keynote speakers will be Rabbi Miri Gold.

It is a real privilege for Liberal Judaism to play host to such a prestigious guest.

Rabbi Miri Gold really represents the close relationship between the Diasporic Progressive world and the Israeli one.

Her presence at the event is a wonderful model of the potential significance of this relationship. Rabbi Gold, who serves Kibbutz Gezer, is the first non-Orthodox rabbi in Israel to have her salary paid by the government after a long, and ultimately successful, legal battle.

The second Progressive rabbi to join us will be long term friend of Liberal Judaism, Rabbi Ofek Meir. As well as

being the shliach (emissary) to Liberal Judaism in the 1990s, Ofek is currently the rabbi of Leo Baeck Education Centre.

Ofek was also responsible for founding and directing the work of the Lokey International Academy of Jewish Studies until 2006 and he is an inspirational teacher, rabbi and musician.

In addition we will be joined a senior Israeli VIP and Reut Michaeli, the Chief Executive of the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants in Israel.

All four guest speakers promise to ensure that the Day of Celebration will be an inspiring and creative event, which will challenge us to develop our unique Liberal Jewish relationship with Israel.

There will also be a fantastic array of sessions suitable for a mix of knowledge and interest. Some will be text based and others rooted in creative media, such as music, dance and food.

Topics will include how the Israeli media portrays Europe, Israel after the elections, Israelis in LJ communities and details of projects that you can get involved in. Sessions will also be suitable for those in school years 8 and above.

No Liberal Jewish event would be complete without a full programme run

by LJY-Netzer for those in years 1 to 7 – mirroring the main conference – and a professionally run crèche.

Finally, the day gives the chance to meet people from other communities and feel part of a national movement.

Adult tickets are priced at £25, with children’s at £12. Family tickets are available for up two adults and up to four children at £50. You can book by visiting www.tinyurl.com/LJDOC2015

Rabbi Charley Baginsky is chair of the Day of Celebration committee

Rainbow Jews exhibition heads to Brighton

Rabbi Elli with Surat at the exhibition launch

By Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah THE TITLE of the Rainbow Jews project tells us something crucial about the journey of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Jews since the days before the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, which decriminalised ‘homosexual acts’ between two men in private. As the project booklet puts it: “Fifty years ago being Jewish and LGBT meant that you were invisible and unwanted.”

Since that time, legal and social developments in Britain, and changes in attitudes and policies within the Progressive movements, and in particular within Liberal Judaism, which hosted the Heritage Lottery funded project, have meant that at long last LGBT Jews have something to celebrate.

The Rainbow Jews exhibition, the fruit of the Rainbow Jews project, tells the story of that journey from secrecy, fear and loneliness to solidarity, pride, and celebration and the role played

by LGBT Jews in liberating ourselves, and fostering and promoting inclusion and equality within Jewish life. As the symbol of the rainbow proclaims, LGBT is an identity of many colours, defying stereotypes. And so, the exhibition demonstrates that LGBT Jews, like Jews in general, come from a variety of different backgrounds across the denominational and cultural spectrum, and encompass diverse Jewish and LGBT perspectives and experiences.

Ordained in 1989, as one of the pioneer LGBT rabbis, I had personally been tripped up by many hazardous bumps on the road to equality when I arrived in Brighton in March 2000. Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue (B&HPS) took a chance on me and the rest, as they say, is history.

Since I commenced working as rabbi of B&HPS in December 2000, the congregation has got fully behind Liberal Judaism’s equality and inclusion agenda.

In March 2006 when, my partner, Jess Wood and I celebrated our chuppah at the synagogue, following our civil partnership, the building was packed beyond capacity.

More recently, as the redevelopment of the synagogue building gets under way, a commitment has been made to install gender neutral toilets, an important signal that inclusion extends from LG and B to T: transgender Jews.

I am therefore particularly delighted that the Rainbow Jews exhibition is being held in Brighton during LGBT History Month 2015 – an annual festival of celebratory and educational activities highlighting the history and lives of LGBT people. Another milestone has been reached: the acknowledgement and inclusion of Rainbow Jews in LGBT life.

Rainbow Jews project manager Surat Shaan Knan said: “The launch event attracted more than 50 history and heritage connoisseurs from all walks of life. The exhibition space was packed; the atmosphere was fantastic, there was a real buzz in the room.”

Elli Tikvah Sarah is rabbi at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue The Brighton Rainbow Jews exhibition is hosted by Jubilee Library and the reception was sponsored by Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah and Barefoot Wines.

Find out how you can support this ground-breaking initiative by going to www.rainbowjews.com

Events

March/April 2015

LJ Today Page 7

Grassroots and ‘establishment’ combine at Limmud

By David Walsh AFTER a difficult year for the Jewish community, there was much food for thought as we headed into Limmud 2014 – the conference on all things Jewish that brings together more than 2,500 people.

The programme was diverse and featured many Liberal Jewish rabbis and leaders, from Robin Moss chairing a panel on whether West Bank settlements are the biggest obstacles to peace to Surat Shaan Knan hosting the Rainbow Jews exhibition on Jewish LGBT history (both pictured above). Rabbis Danny Rich, Leah Jordan, Richard Jacobi, Margaret Jacobi, Harry Jacobi, Lea Muehlstein and Dr Charles Middleburgh were all heavily involved, along with the LJY-Netzer movement worker team, musician Dean Staker and Gwendolen Burton. Liberal Judaism’s outreach coordinator Abigail Jacobi was the conference’s co-chair of programming.

Gillian Merron chaired a Question Time panel featuring David Lammy MP, Matthew Offord MP and Baron Palmer in a packed hall, enabling the community to question leading politicians on matters of Jewish interest and concern.

Ed Miliband also backs LJ on Israel ED MILIBAND, the Leader of the Opposition, has followed Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg by giving his support to Liberal Judaism’s position on Israel.

Writing to chairman Lucian J Hudson, Mr Miliband said: “We greatly appreciate the clear, concerned and generous indication of your support for the continuing efforts to establish a lasting settlement that meets the needs of both Israelis and Palestinians.

“I also want to encourage your desire to see that the full diversity of opinion in the Jewish community is heard. I have no doubt that the voice of Liberal Judaism has a vital role to play in placing public debate onto a constructive footing.”

We saw inspirational movements such as Keshet UK – the organisation working to make the Jewish community more inclusive of LGBT individuals across the religious spectrum – Grassroots Jews, Mitzvah Day, JDOV (Jewish Dreams Observations and Visions) and others rubbing shoulders with figures from more established organisations.

Some of my favourite sessions included discussions on conversion, the cost of Jewish living, innovations in Progressive Judaism and the future of Modern Orthodoxy. Progressive halachah, youth engagement and outreach sessions also featured; informative discussions which enabled people with mutual concerns to meet and connect. The conference also featured lighter moments such as Strictly Limmud Dancing!

And then, of course, there was the Limmud bar, the food and the friendships and connections formed.

Limmud International, which brings together Limmudniks from all over the world including Turkey, Bulgaria, and China, added another exciting dimension to the conference. Not only did these participants take back positive impressions of our vibrant community • NOTTINGHAM LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE is organising a trip to Israel from March 9-19, open to all. The price of £1,599 per person sharing a room (£385 single supplement) includes flights, half-board accommodation and a full sightseeing programme – taking in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and all the key areas and experiences. For details please contact Rabbi Tanya Sakhnovich on tanyas@fastmail.fm or Catherine Strauss on catherine@capatex.com • THE NEXT Liberal Judaism Sunday Seminar will take place on March 1 and covers the topic of grief - how we grieve, supporting those who are dying and what communities can do to help their grieving members. To confirm your attendance, please email Abigail Jacobi on a.jacobi@liberaljudaism.org

in the UK, they also brought with them different ideas, perspectives and opinions, enriching the whole experience.

Working for the Board of Deputies, I’m used to dealing with cross-communal sensitivities, often walking a tightrope to ensure a consensus is achieved and reflected. The refreshing thing about Limmud is that it’s not about consensus, policy or labels: it is one huge space where we can all come and just ‘be’.

Limmud’s popularity and standing are the result of our most vital asset – the communal grassroots.

The support shown for Limmud by the established organisations and their leaders – including Liberal Judaism, the Movement for Reform Judaism, the United Synagogue, Masorti Judaism, the Board of Deputies, the Jewish Agency and other communal organisations – shows just what a force to be reckoned with the Jewish community can be when the efforts of the grassroots and the ‘establishment’ combine.

David Walsh is a member of Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation and international affairs officer for the Board of Deputies • SAVE THE DATE: The Liberal Jewish Synagogue will host this year’s LJ Quiz on the afternoon of Sunday May 17.

• IF you, or someone you know, is in year 12 then don’t miss out on a unique opportunity to visit Eastern Europe as part of Kayitz Netzer. For information, please visit www.ljy-netzer.org • IF YOU would like to mark the loss of a child, or the prospect of a child, a recent loss or one that has stayed with you for many years, please join our communal memorial service at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, 28 St John’s Wood Road, London, NW8 7HA on Sunday April 19 at 3pm. For more details, you can contact Rabbi Alexandra Wright in confidence on a.wright@ljs.org or 07976 930 112.

Page 8 LJ Today

History

Twilight People begins in style LIBERAL JUDAISM’S new Heritage Lottery funded interfaith transgender project Twilight People (TP): Stories of Faith and Gender Beyond the Binary is well under way.

A diverse steering committee has been put together, made up of activists and campaigners from the various faith strands, archive professionals, academics, artists and young LGBT people. TP social media channels have been launched on Facebook and Twitter and a mailing list set up. The website www.twilightpeople.com is also currently being built. The volunteer-led project is now enrolling people from all walks of life as interviewers, transcribers, exhibition organisers and archivists. Professional training will be provided.

Rabbi Danny Rich, chief executive of Liberal Judaism urges everyone to participate. Danny said: “Just like the very successful Rainbow Jews project, it is important to record the unheard voices from within the Jewish community and other faiths. Liberal Judaism is proud to host yet another trailblazing diversity project and I believe that everyone should show their support.”

To get involved, please contact TP project manager Surat Shaan Knan on s.knan@liberaljudaism.org

LJ chairman at Jewish Book Week LIBERAL JUDAISM chairman Lucian J Hudson will host a discussion with author, journalist and military historian Patrick Bishop at Jewish Book Week on Sunday March 1. For details on the event, and all the different sessions planned, please visit www.jewishbookweek.com

Lancashire IN THE November/December 2014 edition of lj today, we reported on the setting up of a new Liberal community in Lancashire and Cumbria. Unfortunately the report contained an error, as can happen.

We would therefore like to clarify that the existing non-affiliated, and wellestablished, Lancaster and Lakes Jewish Community will continue to offer a range of activities for its vibrant membership, alongside the new Liberal congregation.

March/April 2015

An Orthodox Liberal Jew Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein on the life and times of the inspirational Israel Abrahams and his family AT A TIME when efforts are being made to bring Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism closer together, and when Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis seems open to closer cooperation between Jews of all Anglo-Jewish movements, I have been looking back on an era where there was much cross-communal activity.

The initiative came from reading the two excellent books on Rabbi Dr Israel Mattuck, one written by Rabbi Danny Rich and the other by Pam Fox. It made me look again at the other two “M’s”, Lily Montagu and Claude Montefiore, who founded our movement along with Mattuck. This led me to the Orthodox minister, Israel Abrahams, who was also inspirational in the setting up of the Jewish Religious Union (JRU - the forerunner of Liberal Judaism).

Israel Abrahams’ father, Barnet Abrahams, was born into a rabbinic family in Warsaw and came to England in 1837 aged six. He studied at City of London School and was one of the first graduates of London University. By the age of 23, Barnet, an Ashkenazi, had become a dayan (religious judge) of the Sephardi Beit Din and four years later the interim haham (chief rabbi) of the Sephardi community. He married a Sephardi and in 1858 was a teacher at the Ashkenazi Jews’ College, becoming principal in 1861. He died two years later, it is said of overwork and rheumatic fever.

Barnet Abrahams had two daughters and four sons, three of whom became Orthodox ministers, studying at Jews College. All were brilliant students in secular, as well as Jewish, subjects and their mother made them into fine English “gentlemen”. Israel, like his father, attended University College London gaining an MA in 1881 and the same year becoming a lecturer at Jews’ College and eventually senior tutor.

It should be remembered that the United Synagogue at this time was very much an Anglicized Orthodoxy.

Orthodox synagogues were built like cathedrals with glorious stained glass windows and the pulpit in front of the Ark. Ministers (reverends not rabbis) wore dog collars, there were mixed choirs and the high point was the sermon in English.

Israel Abrahams became a lecturer in homiletics at Jews’ College and his sermons were full of humour and easy to read. He preached at United synagogues and at the early Liberal services, as did the Reverend Simeon Singer who composed the Authorized Daily Prayer Book, also known as Singer’s Prayer Book, which became the standard United Synagogue siddur for almost a century.

The cost of the original was covered by Claude Montefiore’s mother and Claude is credited with helping with the English translation. A commentary on the siddur was composed by Israel Abrahams and this was often bound with the prayer book itself. Abrahams married Singer’s daughter.

Abrahams worked closely with Montefiore on many projects. They founded and co-edited the Jewish Quarterly Review in which, in 1898, Lily Montagu wrote an essay that led to the establishment of the JRU. In 1902 Abrahams left Jews’ College to become reader in rabbinics and Talmudic literature at Cambridge University. The subject of his public lectures at Cambridge University, and at Jews’ College, was wide indeed and many were reprinted in his weekly column in The Jewish Chronicle and collected in several books. He also published scholarly works; all of them deeply researched and very readable.

He travelled three times to America and lectured at Hebrew Union College and many Reform temples, yet was a regular preacher and reader at the Orthodox synagogue in Cambridge.

So far I can find no definitive biography of Israel Abrahams. He died in 1925. His daughter Phyllis was the librarian at Leo Baeck College when I was there in the late 1960’s and I would love to hear from readers who can tell me more about her and her father. Her grandfather was an Ashkenazi who became haham to the Sephardim, her father was equally at home in Orthodox and Liberal synagogues. Those were the days, let us hope we might see such an era again!

Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein is president of Liberal Judaism

Communities

March/April 2015

LJ Today Page 9

Chanukkah 5775 in pictures

Chanukkah was a double celebration at Stevenage Liberal Synagogue, as the community formerly known as North Herts marked their change of name. The service and chavurah super were attended by the local mayor (left), who said she found the evening most interesting

More than 115 people packed into Woodford Liberal Synagogue for a party, which included candles, songs, dreidel and lots of lovely food

Members between the ages of three and 86, including a visitor from America, had fun at Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue’s party

Rachael Silver (centre) entertained at Bet Tikvah’s family Chanukkah party, which also featured candle making and face painting

Caitlin Emerson and Ben Occadi lit candles at Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community, watched by Student Rabbi Hannah Kingston

The community at Finchley Progressive Synagogue enjoyed musical performances by members of all ages and a challenging quiz

Members of Nottingham Liberal Synagogue, young and old, enjoyed eating doughnuts and spinning dreidels at the community’s party

Crouch End Chavurah celebrated a special Shabbat Chanukkah with songs, prayers interpretations and a mass candle lighting

Ealing Liberal Synagogue added a new twist to their Chanukkah tea party, with the cheder inviting all comers to breakfast the next day

The Liberal Jewish Synagogue hosted an interfaith Chanukkah celebration with 250 guests including Buddhists from the London Fo Guang Shan Temple and Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, as part of the Citizens UK campaign to resettle Syrian refugees

Page 10 LJ Today

Obituaries

March/April 2015

Remembering Tony Halle Herbert Richer

By Robert Dulin

TONY HALLE, one of the towering figures of Southgate Progressive Synagogue (SPS), sadly passed away in January after a prolonged illness. The large number of people who attended his funeral, and shiva prayers, was a testament to the high esteem in which he was held.

I had the privilege of knowing Tony for more than 30 years as a friend and colleague, working alongside him on the synagogue council and numerous committees. He loved his family above all else, but there was also room in his heart and soul for his other great passions, including music, opera, Arsenal and SPS. While other people said things, Tony did things. He was not a glory seeker and never went after high office. Whatever he did was out of conviction and for the benefit of others. He volunteered for everything, whether it was taking services if no rabbi was available, leading shiva prayers or organising events and trips.

Straight forward, dedicated and passionate in his beliefs, serving the community was of utmost importance to Tony. He held many roles at SPS, was a committed delegate to the Board of Deputies, raised money for local projects and was youth coordinator and youth director for the wider Liberal movement.

SOUTHGATE PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE has made a decision to move its religion school to Saturday mornings and wishes to appoint a head teacher. The synagogue is also looking to recruit a teacher of children in years 6-8 - teaching Jewish knowledge and Hebrew.

For an application form, please email Barbara Martin in confidence on secretary@sps.uk.com

Despite many notable achievements, Tony’s greatest contribution was the leadership of his beloved Southgate Progressive Youth (SPY); he was its heart and soul. Founded in 1971, from small beginnings it grew into one of the leading Jewish youth clubs in the country. There were times when the club was struggling, but Tony would never give up and SPY always blossomed again.

During the halcyon days of SPY there were three different age groups, a club magazine, third night Seders, weekends away and sleepovers, where nobody slept.

The highlight of the year was the annual club show, attended by local MPs and mayors. These were lavish productions with Tony in charge of the lighting, as in an earlier career he worked on TV and film sets, including Lawrence of Arabia.

Even though Tony was the guiding light, he put together a formidable committed group of youth leaders to help him run the club. There is also no doubt in my mind that without the help and support of his wife Josie, Tony would not have accomplished all that he did.

Tony had an uncanny knack of finding potential in young people and, if he thought they could make something of themselves, he was lion-like in his determination that they would succeed.

Eventually Tony stepped down, but SPY was always dear to his heart.

There were times when I thought Tony never received the recognition he deserved, but eventually he was made an honorary vice president of the synagogue and, in 2011, was honoured for 40 years of dedicated service. He also received accolades from Enfield Borough Council.

I have lost a dear friend, and the synagogue has lost someone who is irreplaceable, we will never see his like again. Even though Tony is not with us in life, as long as there is an SPS, his legacy will endure. Knowing him as I did, he will be chairing every committee in the heavenly world and working out a way to still find out the Arsenal results.

A HEARTY MAZEL TOV TO...

• TWILIGHT PEOPLE and Rainbow Jews project manager Surat, who has received his Gender Recognition Certificate and is from now on known as Mr Surat Shaan Rathgeber Knan.

• LIBERAL JUDAISM archivist Alison Turner and her husband Marc on the birth of their son.

By Rosita Rosenberg

RABBI HERBERT RICHER, who died recently at the age of 91, was a friend and inspiring mentor, who engendered a great deal of loyalty and affection.

From an Orthodox background, he had served as a navigator in the Second World War, then in peacetime as a clerk, but was encouraged by Rabbi Rudi Brasch at North London Progressive Synagogue to train for the Liberal Jewish Ministry.

He was ordained by Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues (ULPS - the former name of Liberal Judaism), several years prior to its entry into the Leo Baeck College.

Before that, in 1953, Herbert had taken on the role of organising secretary to the ULPS, so was at the very centre of Liberal Jewish activities. Once ordained, he became rabbi of North London, and remained there until 1969, when he moved abroad and was, for several years, rabbi of Temple Israel, Johannesburg.

Herbert was best known within ULPS for two activities. For many years, he ran the successful North London residential annual holiday school for children across the movement. This was the forerunner of Kadimah and the first Progressive Jewish summer school in the country.

Secondly from 1959 onwards, at a time when the Liberal movement was not known for its Zionist sentiments, he organised trips to Israel and encouraged Liberal Jews to feel an affinity with it.

In 1956, Herbert’s strong Zionist opinions brought him into conflict with the then president of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, following a sermon he preached there, and he was banned from preaching there again! However, he was able to do so considerably later, in 2005, when he celebrated the 50th Anniversary of his ordination at St John’s Wood and gave as powerful a sermon at the age of 82 as he had done as a young man.

Herbert loved travel and from his home in Malta – where he was involved in many multi-faith projects – toured the world.

We offer condolences to his wife Dorien.

Youth

March/April 2015

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

LJY-Netzer members use their votes wisely Tamara Silver on fun, bonding and formidable ideological engagement at Veidah new theme of ‘Liberal Judaism Today’, which will allow us to explore further what it means to be a Liberal Jew in an ever-changing world. Our members also voted that, where possible, we should aim to use gender neutral prayer and that LJY-Netzer should purchase a bike trailer in our continued effort to be environmentally friendly.

Following in traditions of Veidah past, on the final night of the event we stayed up until the small hours discussing hot movement topics such as dugma ishit (leading by example) and Reform Zionism. A great time was had by all.

THIS YEAR’S LJY-Netzer decision making forum, Veidah, featured a passionate discussion about voting age with a decision to encourage and educate on the importance of using your vote as a young person. And our members certainly did that over the course of four days at Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, in a series of discussions and decisions about the future of Liberal Judaism’s youth movement.

There were both asefot (structured discussions) to pass resolutions and, introduced for the first time this year, informal discussions that allowed people to raise issues that were interesting, but didn’t necessarily need voting on.

Members voted in our charity of the year as Machsom Watch, a feminist organisation that monitors and ensures ethical conduct at checkpoints along Israel’s Green Line. We decided on a

CONGRATULATIONS to LJY-Netzer’s Miriam Steiner, who has been named on The Huffington Post’s list of ‘Young People Who Helped Change Britain for the Better in 2014’.

After leading on Machaneh Kadimah summer camp in 2013, Miriam began studying at Sussex University and set up the ‘Access Sussex’ campaign aimed at making the campus more accessible to those with mobility issues. The campaign received national media attention and put the spotlight on the difficulties that many students face.

Are you ready for Machaneh Aviv?

IT SEEMS like just yesterday that it was New Year’s Eve, but our first amazing Machaneh (camp) of the year is getting closer and closer. Machaneh Aviv (spring camp) is a great way to experience all that LJY-Netzer has to offer over an amazing five nights at the now legendary Cottesmore School in West Sussex.

There is no better way to spend your spring holiday than to pray, sing, learn and play with old and new friends alike.

Machaneh Aviv runs from Saturday March 28 – Thursday April 2. To find out more please get in touch with any of our movement workers, using the contact details below, or visit www.ljy-netzer.org

Contact the LJY-Netzer team: Tom Francies (tom@liberaljudaism.org), Tamara Silver (tamara@liberaljudaism.org) and Gabriel Webber (gabriel@liberaljudaism.org); office telephone 020 7631 0584

Page 12 LJ Today

March/April 2015

Liberal Judaism congregations Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue T: 0845 869 7105 E: bedsps@liberaljudaism.org W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk

Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community T: 0131 777 8024 E: info@eljc.org W: eljc.org

Beit Klal Yisrael (Notting Hill) E: bkymailing@gmail.com W: bky.org.uk

Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8446 4063 E: fps@liberaljudaism.org W: fps.org

Bet Tikvah Synagogue (Barkingside) T: 020 8554 9682 E: bttkv@liberaljudaism.org W: bettikvah.blogspot.co.uk Birmingham Progressive Synagogue T: 0121 634 3888 E: bps@liberaljudaism.org W: bpsjudaism.com Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue T: 01273 737 223 E: info@bhps-online.org W: brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation E: bwpjc@bwpjc.org W: bwpjc.org Crouch End Chavurah E: info@crouchendchavurah.co.uk W: crouchendchavurah.co.uk Crawley Jewish Community T: 01293 534 294 Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation E: djpc@liberaljudaism.org W: djpcireland.com

Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community T: 01242 609 311 E: shalom@gljc.org.uk W: gljc.org.uk Harrow and Wembley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8864 5323 E: hwps@liberaljudaism.org W: hwps.org Herefordshire Jewish Community T: 01594 530 721 E: hjc@liberaljudaism.org W: herefordshirejc.org Kehillah North London T: 020 7403 3779 E: knl@liberaljudaism.org W: nlpjc.org.uk Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 07952 242432 E: kljc@liberaljudaism.org W: tinyurl.com/kentljc Kingston Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8398 7400 E: kls@liberaljudaism.org W: klsonline.org

Ealing Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8997 0528 E: els@liberaljudaism.org W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk

Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0116 271 5584 E: lpjc@liberaljudaism.org W: lpjc.org.uk

Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community T: 01323 725 650 E: eljc@liberaljudaism.org W: eljc.org.uk

The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood) T: 020 7286 5181 E: ljs@liberaljudaism.org W: ljs.org

The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street London, W1T 4BE T: 020 7580 1663 E: montagu@liberaljudaism.org W: liberaljudaism.org

Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge of modern Judaism. It reverences Jewish tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the past, while giving them contemporary force.

Charity Number: 1151090

lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein Send your news to ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org Printed by Precision Printing. www.precisionprinting.co.uk

The Liberal Synagogue Elstree T: 020 8953 8889 E: tlse@liberaljudaism.org W: tlse.org.uk Lincolnshire Jewish Community T: 01427 628 958 E: ljc@liberaljudaism.org W: lincolnshirejc.co.uk Manchester Liberal Jewish Community T: 0161 796 6210 E: mljc@liberaljudaism.org W: mljc.org.uk Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue T: 01923 822 592 E: npls@liberaljudaism.org W: npls.org.uk Norwich Liberal Jewish Community E: nljc@liberaljudaism.org W: norwichljc.org.uk Nottingham Liberal Synagogue T: 0115 962 4761 E: nls@liberaljudaism.org W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com

Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community T: 020 7631 9822 E: info@pljc.org.uk W: pljc.org.uk Reading Liberal Jewish Community T: 0118 942 8022 E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@ gmail.com W: www.readingljc.org.uk

Shenfield & Brentwood Synagogue T: 01277 888 610 E: tikvahchadasha@gmail.com W: roshtikvah.com South Bucks Jewish Community T: 0845 644 2370 E: sbjc@liberaljudaism.org W: sbjc.org.uk

South London Liberal Synagogue (Streatham) T: 020 8769 4787 E: slls@liberaljudaism.org W: southlondon.org Southgate Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8886 0977 E: sps@liberaljudaism.org W: sps.uk.com Stevenage Liberal Synagogue T: 01438 300 222 E: stevenageliberalsynagogue@gmail.com W: stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) T:01473 250 797 E: sjc@liberaljudaism.org Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (Bournemouth) T: 01202 757 590 E: info@wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk West Central Liberal Synagogue (Central London) T: 020 7636 7627 E: wcls@liberaljudaism.org W: wcls.org.uk Woodford Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8989 7619 E: info@woodfordliberal.org.uk W: woodfordliberal.org.uk Developing communities and affiliated congregations Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam) T: 00 31 23 524 7204 E: bhc.informatie@gmail.com W: beithachidush.nl Oxford Jewish Congregation T: 01865 515 584 E: progressive@ojc-online.org W: ojc-online.org Weymouth, Portland and West Dorset E: wpwd@liberaljudaism.org York Liberal Jewish Community T: 07713 509 134 E: york@liberaljudaism.org W: jewsinyork.org.uk

President Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein Chairman Lucian J Hudson Deputy Chair Simon Benscher Vice Chair Jackie Richards Finance Rosie Ward Israel and the Diaspora Tamara Schmidt Communications Ed Herman Social Justice Amelia Viney Youth and Education Robin Moss National Officers Dr Howard Cohen, David Hockman, David Pelham and Ruth Seager Vice Presidents Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Nigel Cole, Geoffrey Davis, Lord Stanley Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Sharon Goldstein, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Jeremy Jessel, Willie Kessler, David Lipman, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Joan Shopper, Beverley Taylor and Clive Winston Chair of Rabbinic Conference Rabbi Charley Baginsky Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Outreach Director Rabbi Anna Gerrard Outreach Coordinator Abigail Jacobi Student & Young Adult Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan Education Rabbi Sandra Kviat Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer Archivist Alison Turner LJY-Netzer Tom Francies, Tamara Silver and Gabriel Webber