May/June 2012 VOL. XXXIX No. 3
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
On top of the world
The future of Liberal Judaism By Rabbi Pete Tobias
Rabbi Stephen Fuchs leads a shiur, supported by Rabbi Danny Rich and Lucian J Hudson
T
HE PRESIDENT of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) has praised Liberal Judaism after visiting our London headquarters. Rabbi Stephen Fuchs led an inspirational shiur (study session) on the story of Cain and Abel at the Montagu Centre, which was attended by Liberal Judaism’s chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, chairman Lucian J Hudson and more than 40 rabbis and members. He also had warm words for the other major Progressive Jewish institutions who hosted him on his trip from America, including The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, Leo Baeck College and the Movement for Reform Judaism. Speaking to lj today, Rabbi Fuchs said: “My trip to London left me very impressed. Progressive Judaism in Britain is very strong and I am excited about its leadership – both rabbinic and lay. Having the opportunity to visit and meet the key people involved in Liberal and Reform Judaism was especially meaningful for me. The World Union’s goal is to be there as a resource and to add value where necessary, and I hope we can be helpful moving forward.” The WUPJ is the world’s largest synagogue grouping with 1.8 million
members in 1,200 communities spread over more than 45 different countries. The global body was established at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in 1926 and Liberal Jews continue to play a key role in its running. During his visit, Stephen highlighted the WUPJ’s current work in support of emergent communities in places such as South America, Russia and Eastern Europe. Explaining why he wants British Liberal Jews to be as active as possible in the WUPJ, he told us: “The World Union provides a vehicle to connect each of us to other communities around the world, to the land of Israel and, perhaps most importantly of all, to one another as individuals. “The World Union also provides opportunities, and I consider them sacred opportunities, for those of us who are living in more fortunate circumstances in places such as the UK and USA to help our Progressive co-religionists in developing countries. We can do this through our experiences, programming and, hopefully, financial support.” If you would like to get more involved with the WUPJ, take part in one of its many activities or seminars or make a gift, please go to www.wupj.org
THIS EDITION of lj today is a special Biennial issue. If you’re one of almost 300 people reading this at the 2012 Biennial Weekend, then you won’t need to be told that you are taking part in an in-depth exploration of the development of Judaism – from its earliest biblical days to the emergence of Liberal Judaism – and what can be done to shape the future of that heritage. By the end of the weekend you should, along with your fellow delegates, have helped to map out the future direction of our movement If you’re not at the 2012 Biennial, then fear not. Because this is just the start of a process intended to reinvigorate Liberal Judaism and give it a direction and purpose that will breathe new life into Judaism as a whole. Whatever is decided at the Biennial will be a map for Liberal Judaism’s development in the coming years. We need to redefine our theology, our liturgy, our community and ourselves. And that can only be done in consultation with all Liberal Jews. So delegates will bring the Biennial’s thoughts back to their communities and Liberal Judaism will initiate a process of ensuring that the conversations that take place in congregations, at Rabbinic Conference and throughout the movement are shared and combined to shape our future. So if you’re at the Biennial – welcome to the start of that process. And if you’re not, then don’t worry; whatever happens at the Biennial will come to you.
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Chairman’s Actions
May/June 2012
Think big, go deep – and lead the way Lucian J Hudson shares his vision on what Liberal Judaism can achieve in the years to come LIBERAL JUDAISM Biennial Weekends are about having a great time and coming away inspired by a sense of vision and common purpose. Is expecting one weekend to produce a vision too ambitious? I think not. A new musical production of Top Hat has just started in the West End and its co-producer Ted Hartley, an elderly American, adapts an old joke about the commodity markets: “How do you make a small fortune in show business? Start with a large fortune.” The same could be true of a vision for Liberal Judaism. We can be open to the Biennial freeing up our creativity and dreams. Thinking big - and entertaining some crazy ideas - will produce some small, decisive steps which will turn into bigger steps. But we need to use the occasion to recapture some of our founding zeal.
• THE LARGEST ever European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) Conference took place in Amsterdam from March 15-18. Entitled Generations 2012, more than 300 participants came from throughout Europe, the Former Soviet Union, Israel, North America, Australia and South Africa. There was a large representation from Liberal Judaism at the four-day event, including Rabbis Dr Andrew Goldstein and Janet Darley. There will be a full report on the EUPJ Conference in the next lj today. • LIBERAL JUDAISM is delighted to announce seven new appointments to its Board of National Officers, overseeing a range of areas including social justice, marketing, PR, outreach, interfaith and movement governance. Liberal Judaism’s chairman, Lucian J Hudson, welcomed the “exceptional group” of Dr Howard Cohen, Rosie Comb, Ed Herman, David Hockman, Gillian Merron, Tamara Schmidt and Amelia Viney, who will bring fresh perspectives to our movement.
This is a good time for Liberal Judaism to reassert itself and make a difference by taking a few steps back to move further forward. As the French say, “Reculer pour mieux sauter”. Marcel Proust understood this well when he dipped his madeleine into his cup of tea. The past is important, because without understanding it, and better appreciating what we have kept and what we have lost, we cannot make more of the present and the better world to come. Simon Benscher, Liberal Judaism’s co-chair of communities, and Rabbi Pete Tobias, have done a magnificent job planning this year’s event, with outstanding support from the Biennial committee, Rabbi Danny Rich’s team at the Montagu Centre and rabbis and members from all across our movement. They have shown method and madness in giving the event a deep focus, which paradoxically generates a broad programme of activity. Three years on as chairman of Liberal Judaism, I am proud of what our movement has accomplished and hopeful about what it will achieve in years to come. It is an organisation that connects the past, present and future, the head and the heart, the light touch with the serious.
• LIBERAL COMMUNITIES around the country celebrated Passover in early April in many unique and different ways, including a chocolate model Seder hosted by South London Liberal Synagogue. Rabbi Janet Darley said: “We thought this would be a fun way to teach the children about the idea of symbolic foods, as well as giving them a chance to demonstrate what they have learned about the festival.” • TWENTY congregants at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (TLSE) took part in the Sport Relief Mile in March. The community’s ‘Mitzvah Goreret Mitzvah’ fundraising youth group also held a bake sale for the charity. In total TLSE raised £250 for Sport Relief, which will go towards helping people living incredibly tough lives in both the UK and some of the world’s poorest countries. • WOODFORD LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE is compiling a history of its community. If you can help please contact alisondobias@hotmail.com
It can be stubborn and difficult, apart from mainstream and a part of the mainstream, but at its best Liberal Judaism is a movement defined by its values yet open to change and adaptable. It is not afraid to stand up for its beliefs and to embrace an exciting yet uncertain future. Rabbi Danny Rich and I want this to be a movement that leads the debate. It is the quality of ideas that drives change, because ideas inspire people. I am reading Ernst Bloch’s The Principle of Hope, which was written during the 1930s in the United States, where Bloch lived in exile from Nazi Germany. After developing the idea of the not-yet-conscious – the anticipatory element which he sees as integral to the human spirit – Bloch offers a prescription for ways in which humanity can reach its proper “homeland”, where social justice is combined with being open to change and to the future. No other religious or cultural movement can quite speak to Bloch’s terms in the way that Progressive Judaism can. Let us grasp this opportunity to exercise leadership.
Lucian J Hudson is the chairman of Liberal Judaism
• A PANEL debate at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue entitled ‘Why is slavery still thriving?’ was attended by more than 200 people. The audience, which contained many notable anti-slavery activists, heard that while human rights legislation is mostly in place in this country, the resources to police and enact it are woefully inadequate. Leading campaigner and former MP Anthony Steen vividly described the growing and vibrant UK trafficking industry, while economist Brian Pomeroy focused on work poverty and servitude in Britain. Others involved with the event included human rights experts Geraldine Van Bueren and Hazel Summerfield, as well as Rabbis Alexandra Wright and Neil Janes. • LIBERAL JUDAISM is now on LinkedIn. We have set up a group to provide a forum for discussions and networking, both professional and personal, with fellow Progressive Jews from the UK and abroad. You are invited to join the group by visiting www.linkd.in/Hb9ygV
Friends
May/June 2012
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Become a Friend of Liberal Judaism Rabbi Danny Rich on how you can make a meaningful contribution to Liberal Judaism’s development and work, while enjoying benefits and valuable savings LIBERAL JUDAISM offers both young and old many ways to engage with their heritage and tradition, while also recognising the present and being a force for good in the world today. To help our movement grow and develop, a new fundraising initiative is launching at the 2012 Biennial Weekend called Friends of Liberal Judaism. There are many significant activities that this scheme will enable us to undertake. Opening Doors to Judaism will provide an outreach programme to ensure that all Jews can connect, or reconnect, with Jewish life in some way. The programme will also support Young People’s Access to a Jewish Experience. This might be in the form of Machaneh Kadimah (summer camp) bursaries, a place on a Jewish student seminar in Israel or a Jewish book discussion led by a university chaplain.
The scheme will also fund Nurturing Our Communities, supporting Liberal Judaism’s Rabbinic Team, who travel the country to communities old and new offering assistance with status and conversion, music and creative liturgy, students and young adults. As well as helping Liberal Judaism, the scheme provides many great benefits, savings and exclusive events for you and your family. You can save hundreds of pounds if you have children or grandchildren, with Friends offers on LJY-Netzer tours and camps. These include a 10% discount on Europe and Israel tours and 5% off the price of Kadimah. Other savings include a 15% discount on all Liberal Judaism publications and tickets for the next Biennial Weekend in 2014. Friends will also get free tickets to the Day of Celebration.
There will be invitation-only events giving our Friends the chance to meet each other, as well as a Friends Network providing you with a valuable resource for personal and professional connections across the UK. This might help finding work experience for your children, a place to stay during the Olympics, a friendly Friday night for a student away from home or even the opportunity to rent out a holiday cottage to a trustworthy source. For £45 per month/£500 annually, you can make a difference to the current and future generation of Liberal Jews, while also saving hundreds of pounds. If you are interested in becoming a Friend of Liberal Judaism, please sign up at www.liberaljudaism.org/friends or by cutting out the form below.
Rabbi Danny Rich is the chief executive of Liberal Judaism
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Campaigns
May/June 2012
‘Why the Government’s welfare reform is unjust’ Nigel Bowness on the end of social security and the challenge for Liberal Jews THE COALITION GOVERNMENT’S huge, complex and highly controversial Welfare Reform Act is the biggest shake up of the Welfare State in more than 60 years. It is also a very significant move away from the inclusive British system of ‘social security’ to American style ‘welfare’. As a disabled person living with a lifelong chronic illness, and someone with direct experience of what is happening, I hope to be able to persuade you why we, as Liberal Jews, should care. The Government’s raison d’être for these changes is eliminating the deficit. As part of this process it is reducing the amount spent on benefit payments, with a disproportionate amount of the £18 billion of cuts it intends to make falling on those of working age. This is the case regardless of whether or not they can actually work and whether or not there is suitable work available. Rising unemployment does not bode well for those trying to find or hold on to a job. The proposals themselves reflect the prevailing ideology of our times and
populist notions of what is ‘fair’. But what is considered to be ‘fair’ is not necessarily ‘just’. Many people find the reforms themselves to be mean-spirited and bound to make inequality worse. Should the most vulnerable in society really be the hardest hit, especially in light of recent scandals about huge corporate salaries, MPs’ expenses and a pervasive air of corruption among our elite? The Jewish community knows and appreciates the importance of hard work. For most people the right kind of work – for which they are paid a decent living wage and given a sense of purpose and validation – is a very positive thing for both themselves and society at large. But ‘work’ per se is not always good for you and we rightly oppose exploitation. Regardless of what one thinks of the reforms, there are also some very serious problems with the reform process itself. The Torah commands us “justice, justice shall you pursue” (Deut 16:20) and, especially for Liberal Jews, this means ‘social justice’. But it is unjust to be economical with the truth to make the case for change – this is about cuts, not helping people. It is unjust to take part in and collude in stigmatising people, creating a climate of fear further marginalising those already excluded in society. It is unjust for consultation to be meaningless, as
Ministers persistently ignore legitimate, informed and constructive criticism. It is unjust to rush changes through before everyone has had time to consider or care about their impact. It is also unjust to put vulnerable people through a chaotic, incompetently-managed process in a constant state of flux, while seeking to restrict their rights of appeal. Many people have no idea of the extent of the changes underway, others are confused or frightened, some look ahead with grim determination. It’s better to face things together, which is why Kulanu – the initiative set up by Leon Charikar aimed at ensuring our communities are inclusive of disabled people – is so vital. There are many barriers to inclusion. Some can be remedied through kindness, consideration and creative thinking, while others like stigma present greater challenges. Poverty is the biggest challenge of them all and this welfare reform is systematically impoverishing so many in our society. It requires a response from us all. If you’d like to find out more then log on to www.disabilityalliance.org/ welfarereformact.htm for a summary of the Act and a regularly updated timeline of the changes. For an excellent and comprehensive resource, giving disabled people’s own views on welfare reform, go to www.wearespartacus.org.uk
Join the Equal Marriage Consultation Organ donor drive LIBERAL JUDAISM is urging all its members and friends to take part in the Government’s Equal Civil Marriage Consultation, which has been opened online by the Home Office. While supporting many of the proposals, Liberal Judaism is very clear that the Consultation does not go far enough in one crucial respect – because it does not propose any changes to marriages conducted on religious premises. For us, this means that Liberal rabbis will still be banned from officiating over same-sex marriages and, in this way, the two-tier discriminatory marriage system is perpetuated. We therefore encourage you to answer “disagree” to question five of the Consultation, which asks: “The government does not propose to open up religious marriage to same-sex couples. Do you agree or disagree with this proposal?”
When given an opportunity to comment later, we suggest a response along the lines of: “The current proposals restrict my rabbi from exercising his/her religious freedom, because they prevent him/her from being able to joyfully officiate over same-sex marriages in a synagogue in accordance with Jewish law as he/she would wish to do so.” It is not Liberal Judaism’s view that a religious organisation or individual should be forced to officiate over a samesex marriage, however we passionately believe that those who wish to do so – like Liberal Judaism, the Movement for Reform Judaism, the Quakers and Unitarians – should be allowed. Therefore, while we welcome this Consultation, we feel that the long-term goal has to be equal marriage for all – both civil and religious. • The consultation can be completed at www.tinyurl.com/ljequalmarriage
RABBI DANNY RICH, the chief executive of Liberal Judaism, has called on Jews of all denominations to register as organ donors. Danny was a keynote speaker at the UK’s first national Organ Donation Congress, held by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), appearing alongside representatives from Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim, Jain and Christian communities. Danny also helped to launch NHSBT’s new leaflets on organ donation and religious beliefs. For more details go to www.organdonation.nhs.uk
News
May/June 2012
Humbling and uplifting A look at the Ba’alei Tefillah residential weekend Norman Conroy writes: I took part in Liberal Judaism’s Ba’alei Tefillah (service leadership) residential weekend at the beginning of March, along with 15 others from all around the UK. It was led by Rabbi Richard Jacobi, Cantor Gershon Silins, actor/voice coach Robin Samson and tutor Hana Schlesinger. We all received voice and presentation coaching, which was particularly useful for me as I am softly-spoken and tend not to project my voice. There was also the chance to deliver a D’var Torah (short talk based on the Torah reading) and enjoy study and song sessions. The weekend was a great opportunity to gain confidence, learn new skills and grow personally within a small group. Jill Rosenheim writes: It was with some trepidation that most of us approached the Ba’alei Tefillah residential, as we knew that it would include leading prayers in both Hebrew and English and delivering a D’var Torah. It was the thought of singing that most filled me with dread, since I have been brought up to know that I cannot sing a note in tune!
In the event, we all contributed throughout the weekend. Sharing services and working together in this way resulted in the delegates forming a sense of community that will support us all as we complete our individual journeys. SH Cedar writes: The material aspects of the weekend were fine, the food was good and the water was cold! But these were immaterial to the experience of being there in our Tent of Meeting. Session after session built us up and helped us all prepare to serve our communities better. I think everybody got something out of the weekend and many of us got a lot more than we had imagined possible. My best lesson was how wonderful all the other participants were - it was very humbling and uplifting. • Liberal Judaism is seeking participants for the next Ba’alei Tefillah programme, which starts in October. For information and an application form, contact Alex Wakely on a.wakely@liberaljudaism.org or 020 7631 9830. All completed applications must be received by June 15.
Changes continue at Edgwarebury By Paul Van der Hulks APRIL and May are busy months for Edgwarebury Cemetery, involving rooftop repairs, path relaying and a complete overhaul of the car park with new drainage, a new surface, marked out bays and a traffic management system. Personally, I cannot wait to see the finished paths and car park, which will make the surfaces so much smoother for our new electric vehicles. We have now taken delivery of our electric shuttle bus and a utility vehicle, as well as an electric coffin bier to bring us well into the 21st Century. These vehicles are, of course, complemented by our two electric mobility scooters. These will make access to any part of the cemetery much easier for visitors. We are currently in the process of marking and staking out a new cremation rose garden for Liberal Judaism and a new area for ashes to be buried under memorial stones. We are also eagerly awaiting our summer
bedding to be delivered to bring some more wonderful displays of colour and complement the roses once they bloom. New facilities are being installed for the ground staff which will ensure that they can get everything they need under one roof, something they do not currently enjoy with a small building that is woefully inadequate. Our memorial wall is growing, we are amassing orders for rose trees and our annual maintenance of memorial stones is also proving very popular. We are setting a very high standard in restoring stones that have become blackened and all of the benches within the cemetery have also been renovated. If you would like to dedicate a bench, rejuvenate a stone or get more details of our annual maintenance contracts then email director@ejbb-jbc.org.uk or download the latest brochure from www.edgwareburycemetery.org.uk
Paul Van der Hulks is cemetery director at Edgwarebury and Hoop Lane
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Remembering David Amstell By Rosita Rosenberg DESCRIBED by a friend as “true, kind, loyal and someone who touched the lives of so many”, David Amstell, who died on March 15 at the age of 74, was a qualified chartered surveyor who gave his time and skills freely within Liberal Judaism. Receiving his Jewish education at the religion school of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, he later became an active participant in the youth group of the (then) Wembley Liberal Synagogue, where he made lifelong friendships. David was a member of Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue for more than 40 years, using his expertise in building projects to assist many of our communities. Not only did David help his own congregation in the purchase and development of the current building but also Birmingham Progressive Synagogue in its sale, move and new site development and Harrow & Wembley on its building sale, as well as the early acquisition in the 1970s of the land for Edgwarebury Cemetery. His contribution went far beyond an advisory capacity. David was as happy in old work clothes looking at pipes and wiring, or going on site in a hard hat, as he was in a business suit examining architectural drawings. For the national movement, during the 1980s and 1990s, David was central to the development of the Montagu Centre. He gave endless time, being infinitely patient when planning permissions were refused or interesting possibilities dissolved. In grateful thanks, he was appointed as a vice president of the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues, now Liberal Judaism. But David was never one to seek high office. He was quiet, caring and unassuming and content to be able to contribute in his own way to the Liberal Judaism in which he was steeped.
The above contains information taken from the moving eulogies given by David’s son Peter and Rabbi Aaron Goldstein • LIBERAL JUDAISM is also mourning the passing of Harriet Karsh, who died on March 27. Harriet - a member of South Bucks Jewish Community - was interim operations director of Liberal Judaism, before Rabbi Danny Rich became chief executive. She helped to keep Liberal Judaism running during a difficult period of transition, through which the movement emerged stronger.
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May/June 2012
Around the communities -
Woodford Liberal Synagogue’s crack team of Jonny Hurst and Ben Glassman reworked the music of Michael Jackson for a ‘Thriller Megillah’, which even featured a joke-telling monkey called Bubbles
At Ealing Liberal Synagogue’s Purim celebration, Pirate Rabbi Janet Burden and her trusty parrot led the service, which included a spiel written and acted by the younger members of the community
The children of the Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community led the way in showing that as much noise as possible could be made at the mention of a certain name during the GLJC Purim play
Members of South London Liberal Synagogue were as “busy as bees” as they “clowned around” during the Purim family service, with all ages taking part in the prayers and Megillah reading
All the children at Crouch End Chavurah got dressed up as characters from the Purim story for a spiel that kept the whole community entertained, before heading outdoors for fun and games
Inordinate amounts of hamantaschen were consumed at Shenfield, Brentwood & Districts Synagogue, as the congregation achieved their goal of making sure everyone left filled with both joy and sugar
Leicester Progressive Community celebrated Purim with a Megillah reading led by Rabbi Michael Standfield, a fancy dress contest for both adults and children and a delicious chavurah lunch
The wild celebrations at Bet Tikvah this year included a first look at new TV show The Only Way is Shushan, which uniquely featured both a jacuzzi and sauna set up on the synagogue’s Bimah
May/June 2012
LJ Today Page 7
- Purim celebrations 5772
An unusual highlight at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree saw Rabbi Pete Tobias - that’s him at the back with the pink hair - change a congregant’s wheel in the car park after the festivities were over
More than 200 children celebrated at Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue during Purim and the following Shabbat, enjoying craft activities, creative writing, skits and some very manic spiels
Purim at South Bucks Jewish Community had a theme of bling and tiaras, as Rabbi Rachel Benjamin led a rowdy Megillah reading, followed by a bring and share lunch with homemade hamantaschen
Downton Abbey met I’m A Celebrity when members of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue took part in their annual Purim spiel, in which director Nicky Margolis gave a new take on the Book of Esther
Finchley Progressive Synagogue had fun with a multilingual Tower of Babel Megillah reading – covering everything from Japanese to Cockney rhyming slang – led by Archbishop Rebecca Qassim Birk
Rabbi Ariel Friedlander visited the Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation for a boisterous rendering of the Purim story, followed by a carnival including fancy dress and Israeli dancing
Southgate Progressive Synagogue celebrated Purim in great style, with a comic twist on the traditional Megillah reading and a fancy dress theme that included a pair of very glamorous Esthers
The congregation at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue enjoyed games – including a Purim story board game and ‘pin the ear on Haman’ – a quiz, hamantaschen and an abridged Megillah reading
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History
May/June 2012
Jewish Religious Liberal Judaism’s hidden treasures Union in Mumbai Alison Turner on two new additions to the LJ archive By Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein THE ORIGINAL NAME of our movement was the Jewish Religious Union (JRU). In time we became the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues, before a final change to Liberal Judaism. There is, however, one community that keeps our original title and that is in Mumbai, India. The congregation was founded in 1925 by Dr Jerusha Jhirad, who studied medicine in London from 1914-19. Here she came under the influence of the founders of Liberal Judaism: Lily Montagu, Claude Montefiore and Israel Mattuck. On her return to India, Dr Jhirad formed a Liberal Jewish group among the Bene Israel community, and so the JRU Bombay was founded and joined the World Union for Progressive Judaism. The congregation was without a rabbi until 1957, when Hebrew Union College student rabbi Hugo Gryn and his wife Jacqueline spent two years in Bombay and built up the community to more than 150 families. During this time, and with the help of the World Union, premises were purchased and the top floor turned into a synagogue named Rodef Shalom. Unfortunately in 1993, during MuslimHindu riots, a fire-bomb was thrown into the ground floor premises of a Muslim tenant and the synagogue interior was destroyed. Since then the community - which still has more than 90 families and scope for growth - has worshipped in rented halls. It is now hoped that a developer will purchase the burnt-out site and enable the congregation to once again obtain a building for its own use. The JRU has long used Liberal Jewish prayer books. Rabbi Stanley Davids – who visits from Israel to lead High Holy Days services – has asked if we can send copies of our new Machzor Ruach Chadashah. We have agreed to send 130 and now need to raise money to cover the books and transportation. We are appealing for £20 a book and hope individuals and synagogues will send in contributions. If you can help, please send a cheque – made out to “Liberal Judaism” with “Mumbai” on the back – to Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, 10 Hallowell Road, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 1DW. As well as providing immediate spiritual help, we hope this project will renew ties between Liberal Judaism and our sister congregation in India – forging a fascinating and inspiring link that benefits both the European and Asian Jewish Religious Unions.
Liberal Judaism archivist Alison Turner with a set of accounts that are more than 100 years old
I NEVER KNOW what I am going to find waiting for me at the Montagu Centre, and that’s what I love about my job as Liberal Judaism’s archivist. There have been T-shirts and badges, CDs, books, leaflets, photographs and a menorah in recent months, from various sources and all welcomed in to the archive. One item of particular interest is the catalogue of the Henriques Music Archive. This is a collection of music arrangements made in 1922 by Rose Henriques, for the choir of St George’s Jewish Settlement in London’s East End. Rose took her texts from the Psalms and arranged them for use in the Settlement services. Her brother Lionel Loewe commented that: “These arrangements went straight to the heart of a congregation, which had been brought up on them. It may well be that without the choir and their tunes, there would have been very few to hear the message”. The Settlement was the first Progressive synagogue I ever went to, having been brought up in the United Synagogue. The mixed seating in the congregation was the first change for me, but when the choir started singing I remember being moved to tears that these were ordinary women in their cardis, not radical feminists, and they were obviously doing something normal for them. In these days of controversy in Israel over men hearing women sing, it is perhaps easier to imagine my shock at hearing women sing as part of a normal synagogue service and the joy this brought. I felt included, welcomed, like I had come home and at last found somewhere I could worship, rather than feeling like a spectator watching the men pray. It is therefore important to me that the music used at the Settlement is written down, remembered and, above all, sung in services today. This catalogue includes 16 pages of introductory material forming
a retrospective of Sir Basil and Lady Rose Henriques, their lives, work and faith. Then there are the words and music of 16 Psalms arranged for four voices and a keyboard. The project to restore, publish and record the archive was started in 2009, and took over a year. The aim is to “bring great pleasure to the surviving congregants of the Settlement and also to introduce them more widely to Progressive and Liberal communities, both in Great Britain and internationally.” There is also an accompanying CD to the printed music. Both are available from the Montagu Centre or by contacting henriques.archive@btconnect.com Another item of a very different sort was sent in by George Rigal, who found them with the papers of his late brother Rabbi Laurence Rigal. He must have had them for his research into Liberal Judaism’s centenary history. So now in the archive are the manuscript list of members and promises of subscriptions and initial expenses from 1911 and an account of receipts and expenditure for 1909/10 and 1910/11, with estimates up until the end of 1911. There is also a printed report of the Jewish Religious Union for 1914-15. It is interesting to get these more than 100 years on. They are a useful resource and have already attracted their first researcher, looking for background material on the history of our movement for her latest book. I offer my thanks to everyone who has kindly donated material and ask all congregations to let me have copies of special services or histories for the archive. In particular I would like material on the formation of our very latest congregations and any inductions, anniversaries or other celebrations. Printed material, photographs, CDs and DVDs are all welcome. You can contact me on a.turner@liberaljudaism.org
Books
May/June 2012
LJ Today Page 9
Compelling and required reading A gripping history THIS IS NOT THE WAY: JEWS, JUDAISM AND ISRAEL by Rabbi Dr David J Goldberg, Faber and Faber ISBN: 9780571271610 Reviewed by LUCIAN J HUDSON A SIGN of a good book is that one rereads it. A sign of a great book is that it produces a change. It is too early to tell the impact of Rabbi Dr David J Goldberg’s latest work, but for me at least things will never quite be the same again. It is compelling and required reading. One of the worst features of any religion is its ceaseless inwardness and introspection. David takes us out of our comfort zone to confront what’s really going on, and proves to be one of our most progressive – and prophet-inspired – rabbis. This is not simply a deft reworking of David’s favourite themes, many of which will be known to congregants at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue. This book niftily shifts the plate tectonics of current debate… if only we listen. David is our masked crusader, our Zorro. Dashing, elegant and precise in his light-touch use of the sword, he cuts through humbug and uncritical assumptions. We have made a mistake as a movement in not making more of his challenging intellect to influence future policy direction. The book is replete with thoughtprovoking arguments for a change in the way we think of our relationship to being Jewish, Judaism, Israel and the Diaspora. Every chapter stimulates a discussion which could justify a book in itself. What underpins every page is a Renaissance, even Socratic, spirit of inquiry. We think that history is about inexorable progress, but the truth is that it is more like a game of snakes and ladders. Our age, for all its claims to pluralism, betrays a certain tunnel-vision. David’s work jolts us into appreciating that there are other perspectives. He argues that many of the sacred cows of the Jewish establishment, especially in the USA, are exaggerated or false. It is wrong to equate anti-Zionism with antisemitism. One can be a critic of Israeli policies without being hostile to all Jews. As David writes: “Zionism as an ideology should no more be protected from critical analysis than capitalism, socialism, colonialism or Islamism.”
His approach to the question ‘Who is a Jew?’ is Occam’s Razor sharp. A Jew is simply anyone who insists that he or she is one, because ultimately what can be truer than self-definition. David is a great ambassador for Progressive Judaism because he has effortlessly cultivated a rich network and hinterland outside religious circles. He puts his faith in Judaism’s contribution to culture, as this better reflects what we are increasingly about. The challenge for somebody in my position is to see myself more as a chair of a cultural movement than a religious one. I have some sympathy for broadening our appeal without losing what God and spirituality mean for many of us. Perhaps we should see ourselves as explicitly spawning Jewish cultural centres across the UK? David unintentionally underplays the concept of kavannah (intention or meaningful concentration of head and heart) which I think we as a movement do not do enough to bring out in our ritual and philosophy. The post-modern world needs to tap into something deeper than materialism and Progressive Jews should offer an alternative to fundamentalism, religious or scientific. In praise of David’s book, Bishop Richard Holloway said: “Great writing always takes us from the particular to the universal. Though This is Not the Way is ostensibly about Jews, Judaism and Israel, it actually spreads its light upon the deceits and hypocrisies of all religious forms today.” Agree or disagree with David Goldberg – and I cannot bring myself to be as radical as David on God and Israel – we can appreciate that in this respect at least, he is the most traditional of rabbis: he challenges us, without fear or favour, and if we pause to reflect, we realise that he is not the challenge but our own view of ourselves and of our existence.
Lucian J Hudson is chairman of Liberal Judaism and editor of Zionism: A Jewish Communal Response from the UK
A PLACE TO CALL MY JEWISH HOME: MEMORIES OF THE LIBERAL JEWISH SYNAGOGUE 1911-2011 by Pam Fox ISBN: 9780907443094 Reviewed by RABBI DR DAVID J GOLDBERG IT IS only proper that a reviewer should declare any special interest in the book they are writing about. Having spent 40 years of my life as student, associate, senior and finally emeritus rabbi of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS), it would be hard to deny my instinctively favourable bias towards this history of the congregation, published to mark the synagogue’s centenary. Mind you, as I told its editor Pam Fox, it made me very annoyed with her. The reason was that I started the book in bed, reckoning to read a few of its 443 pages a night. Instead, I finished it in just three sessions, a sleep-deprived wreck! Having (naturally) started with all the index references to myself, I was compulsively drawn to look up my predecessors, then the lay leaders and then... well before I knew it, it was already 3am. Because of my familiarity with LJS history and many of the events mentioned, I could appreciate just how skilful Pam’s editing was. She encouraged interviewees to speak freely, and then shaped their recollections into a gripping narrative. Generally I am not a great fan of oral history. Its dangers are illustrated by the story that when the Romanov Dynasty was celebrating its 300th anniversary in 1913, news was given to the Tsar that a peasant was still alive who had been there as a child when Napoleon rode into burning Moscow in 1812. The peasant was brought before the court in St. Petersburg and encouraged to recall his memories of Napoleon. After long thought, the old man said: “He was very tall with a long white beard!” Despite that story’s moral, it is out of the welter of personal impressions, variant accounts, fallible memories and the human impulse to top and tail random happenings in order to make a neat ‘story’ that the authorised version of history finally emerges. When the bicentenary of the LJS comes to be commemorated, this book will be an essential source of valuable information.
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May/June 2012
Spotlight on Wessex What is the age range of the community? We have members from nine months to 90 years of age. We are particularly blessed with a large number of teenagers, who enthusiastically take part in events and services. We also have a small, but growing, number of very young members. They have just enjoyed our very first children’s session, which was led by Rabbi Ariel in March, and we hope to hold many more in the future.
Wessex Liberal Jewish Community celebrate Chanukkah with a range of beautiful menorahs
First of all, where exactly is Wessex? This is a matter of some discussion and no agreement! Very roughly, Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (WLJC) covers Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. We meet in two main locations in Christchurch and Ringwood, but have members from across all three counties. When was WLJC formed and why? We are a very new community, having started just under two years ago. Many of our congregants had been members of other shuls, but were looking for something more relevant to their personal beliefs and ethos. An inspirational meeting, led by Liberal Judaism’s chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, in the summer of 2010 led to the founding of WLJC and we have never looked back.
services roughly once a month. We are also fortunate to have several experienced and keen lay leaders. Each one has a different style, but they are united by their love of Judaism and their dedication to our community. What have been your highlights of the last year? In recent months we have celebrated a barmitzvah, a 90th birthday and a Chanukkah party enjoyed by 40 guests. Our second night communal Seder last year was led by Rabbi Danny Rich and was an immediate sell out! Rabbi Ariel led another very successful event this Passover. In December, she also took part in the Chanukkah candle lighting at the Mayor’s Parlour in Bournemouth.
What else do members do within the community? We are currently fundraising in order to buy our own Torah scroll. We also have a fantastic catering committee who produce excellent food for every occasion. And we have a talented web designer, who has ensured we have an impressive online presence. What is your ethos? Our Hebrew name is Adat Chaverim, meaning a Community of Friends. This is precisely what we aim to be: a sincere, egalitarian and inclusive Jewish community and not just a community of Jews. We welcome individuals, couples and families who consider themselves Jewish or wish to explore what ‘being Jewish’ means. How do I find out more? You can get lots more information on www.wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk or by following @W_LiberalJews on Twitter. You can also reach us by email us on info@wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk
How has the community developed since that first meeting? The key thing is that our membership has grown steadily over the last two years. We have been delighted to welcome Liberal Jews who have moved into the area, as well as an increasing number of `locals`. We held our first AGM last June, have applied for Jewish Joint Burial Society membership and have been granted charitable status. WLJC has also become a strong presence on the Bournemouth Jewish Representative Council and a recognised part of the flourishing local Jewish community. Who leads your services? We are very lucky to have a part share of Rabbi Ariel Friedlander, who takes
Purim brought the whole congregation together for prayer, food and lots of fun and games
Youth
May/June 2012
LJ Today Page 11
LJY-Netzer is Liberal Judaism’s Zionist youth movement. It gives young people the opportunity to develop a strong Progressive Jewish identity, make lasting friendships and have loads of fun
Almost 100 young Liberal Jews attended Machaneh Aviv in April, which is just one of the many events that LJY-Netzer runs during the year
Introducing LJY-Netzer Hello and welcome to the LJY-Netzer page of lj today. With the 2012 Biennial Weekend underway, as well as new people and communities joining Liberal Judaism all the time, we thought now would be a good time to re-introduce ourselves. LJY-Netzer is the youth movement of Liberal Judaism. It is open to anyone in school year 3 and above. We are run by the young people of Liberal Judaism, for the young people of Liberal Judaism. And we are always looking for new members to come and get involved!
Our events LJY-Netzer provides exciting, dynamic and empowering activities and events throughout the year, such as our world famous Machaneh Kadimah summer camp, Machaneh Aviv (spring camp) and tours of Israel and Europe. Aviv has just finished, with nearly 100 members involved, and you can see a couple of the photos at the top of this page.
Summer is our busiest time, with both our tours running alongside Machaneh Kadimah. Israel Tour offers the chance to see a unique view of the country, while enjoying your post-GCSE summer. Kayitz, our expedition to Europe, gives a great insight into the Jewish history of the continent, as well as plenty of quality time to spend with old and new friends. This year, LJY-Netzer will run an allnew Summer Options Scheme, sending members to Israel for three-week ideological internships. LJY-Netzer also puts on many other events, all year round. These include Veidah (our annual decision-making body) and lots of sleepovers, seminars and activity weekends.
If you want us to be more involved in your community, just let us know. We’d love to come and meet you.
Netzer in your community
So we’ve just had a glorious Machaneh Aviv and are running some fantastic activities at the Biennial Weekend, but what’s next we hear you cry? Well you can always check out the ‘Coming Up’ section of the website to see what’s in store. You should be looking out for Machaneh Kadimah (school years 3-10) as well as Israel Tour (year 11) and Kayitz (year 12). So, in a nutshell, or rather one side of A4, that’s LJY-Netzer. All our details are below so please give us a call, send us an email or take a tour of the website at www.ljy-netzer.org
LJY-Netzer members and movement workers – that’s us lot in the office – love coming into communities to run activities. Whether it’s organising a monthly slot at cheder, running a youth club, helping with a sleepover or just popping in for an hour during Shabbat, we are always here to help.
Find out more The best way to get more information on LJY-Netzer is to check out our website. It’s at www.ljy-netzer.org and is packed full of pictures, information about upcoming events, introductions for new participants and their parents and even activities to do at home.
What now?
Contact the LJY-Netzer team: Adam (a.francies@liberaljudaism.org), Sam G (s.grant@liberaljudaism.org), Sam C (s.cohen@liberaljudaism.org) and Anna (a.posner@liberaljudaism.org) or telephone 020 7631 0584
Page 12 LJ Today
May/June 2012
Liberal Judaism congregations
Chairman Lucian J Hudson Vice Chairs Simon Benscher and Jackie Richards Treasurer David Pelham Social Action and Disability Leon Charikar Israel and the Diaspora Tamara Schmidt Communications Ed Herman Social Justice Amelia Viney National Officers Dr Howard Cohen, Rosie Comb, David Hockman and Gillian Merron Vice Presidents Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Nigel Cole, Geoffrey Davis, Stanley Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, Sharon Goldstein, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Jeremy Jessel, Willie Kessler, David Lipman, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Joan Shopper, Beverley Taylor and Clive Winston Chairs of Rabbinic Conference Rabbi Aaron Goldstein and Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich University Chaplain Rabbi Ariel Friedlander Education Rabbi Sandra Kviat Outreach Rabbi Anna Gerrard Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer PR Alexandra Ben-Yehuda Shlicha Adva Sapir LJY-Netzer Sam Cohen, Sam Grant, Anna Posner and Adam Francies (Student Worker)
lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein The deadline for the next edition is June 1. Please email your news to ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org Printed by Precision Printing. www.precisionprinting.co.uk
Associated congregations
Rabbi Pete’s quick quiz Can you match the town or city with the rabbi of its Liberal community?
Pete Tobias is rabbi at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree
Sidney’s bridge magic The contract is 7 No Trumps by South. West leads the 4 of Spades. With only one winner in Clubs, how do you make 12 tricks in the other 3 suits?
Beit Ha’Chidush Postbus 14613, 1001 LC Amsterdam, Netherlands, 00 31 23 524 7204; bhc.informatie@gmail.com; www.beithachidush.nl Oxford Liberal Jewish Services: 01865 515584 or 01865 765197; www.ojc-online.org
Developing communities
North Herts Liberal Jewish Community (based in Stevenage) 01438 300 222; northhertsljc@gmail.com; www.northhertsljc.org The Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (based in Ipswich) 01473 250797; sjc@liberaljudaism.org
Make a date ........... April 24 (Tuesday) Leo Baeck College Rabbinic Open Day at Leo Baeck College, London, N3 2SY, all day event. May 18 (Friday) Routes Friday Night Feast at Elixir Bar, London, NW1 1BL, 7pm-11pm. June 9 (Saturday) Czech Torah Memorial Shabbat service and seminar at Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, HA6 3AA. June 10 (Sunday) The Liberal Judaism Inter-Synagogue Quiz 2012 at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, Herts, WD6 3BY, 3pm. July 1(Sunday) One Day Limmud at Pimlico Academy, London, SW1V 3AT, 9am-6.30pm. August 13 (Monday) -August 27 (Monday) LJY-Netzer Machaneh Kadimah (summer camp) at Sandroyd School in Wiltshire. 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: Birmingham = Rabbi Margaret Jacobi Brighton & Hove = Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah Ealing = Rabbi Janet Burden Finchley = Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk Harrow & Wembley = Rabbi Frank Dabba Smith Kingston = Rabbi Charley Baginsky Nottingham = Rabbi Tanya Sakhnovich Brighton & Hove = Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah
The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street London, W1T 4BE Tel: 020 7580 1663 Fax: 020 7631 9838
The Liberal Synagogue Elstree Elstree High Street, Elstree, Herts WD6 3BY; 020 8953 8889; tlse@liberaljudaism.org; www.tlse.org.uk Lincolnshire Jewish Community 01427 628958; ljc@liberaljudaism.org Manchester Liberal Jewish Community 08432 084441; mljc@liberaljudaism.org; www.mljc.org.uk North London Progressive Jewish Community 020 7403 3779; nlpjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.nlpjc.org.uk Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue Oaklands Gate, Northwood, Middx HA6 3AA; 01923 822592, npls@liberaljudaism.org; www.npls.org.uk Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation Lloyd Street, Sherwood NG5 4BP; 0115 9624761; npjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.npjc.org.uk Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community Enquiries: 020 7631 9822 The Progressive Jewish Community of East Anglia 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 01277 888610; info@roshtikvah.com; www.roshtikvah.com South Bucks Jewish Community PO Box 826, Amersham, HP6 9GA; 0845 644 2370; sbjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.sbjc.org.uk South London Liberal Synagogue PO Box 14475, London SW16 1ZW; 020 8769 4787; slls@liberaljudaism.org; www.southlondon.org Southgate Progressive Synagogue 75 Chase Road, London N14 4QY; 020 8886 0977; sps@liberaljudaism.org; www.sps.uk.com Wessex Liberal Jewish Community 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: Overtake the King of Spades with the Ace of Spades in South – then play the Queen and Jack of Spades, discarding both the Ace and King of Hearts in Dummy. Then play the Queen, Jack and 10 of Hearts in South, this time discarding the Ace, King and Queen of Diamonds in Dummy. All South’s six remaining Diamonds are now masters – and the Ace of Clubs is the 13th trick.
Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue (Rodef Shalom) 01234 218387; bedsps@liberaljudaism. org; www.bedfordshire-ps.org.uk Beit Klal Yisrael c/o The Montagu Centre, 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE; 07505 477459, bky@liberaljudaism.org; www.bky.org.uk Bet Tikvah Synagogue 129 Perrymans Farm Road, Ilford, Essex IG2 7LX; 020 8554 9682; bttkv@liberaljudaism.org; bettikvah.blogspot.com Birmingham Progressive Synagogue 1 Roseland Way, Birmingham B15 1HD; 0121 634 3888; bps@liberaljudaism.org; www.bpsjudaism.com Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove BN3 1FF; 01273 737223; bhps@liberaljudaism.org; www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation 43-45 Bannerman Road, Easton, Bristol BS5 0RR bwpjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.bwpjc.org Crouch End Liberal Jewish Chavurah info@crouchendchavurah.co.uk; www.crouchendchavurah.co.uk Crawley Jewish Community 01293 534294 Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation PO Box 3059, Dublin 6, 00 3531 2856241; djpc@liberaljudaism.org Ealing Liberal Synagogue Lynton Avenue, Drayton Green, W13 0EB; 020 8997 0528; els@liberaljudaism. org; www.ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk Eastbourne Progressive Jewish Congregation 01323 725650; fax: 01323 417645 epjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.epjcong.org.uk Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community 0131 777 8024; info@eljc.org; www.eljc.org Finchley Progressive Synagogue Hutton Grove, N12 8DR; 020 8446 4063; fps@liberaljudaism.org; www.fps.org Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community Enquiries: 01242 609311 or 01242 231877; shalom@gljc.org.uk; www. gljc.org.uk Harrow and Wembley Progressive Synagogue 39 Bessborough Road, Harrow HA1 3BS; 020 8864 5323; hwps@liberaljudaism.org; www.hwps.org Herefordshire Jewish Community 01594 530721; hjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.herefordshirejc.org Kent Liberal Jewish Community 07952 242432; kljc@liberaljudaism.org; http://tinyurl.com/kentljc Kingston Liberal Synagogue Rushett Road, Long Ditton, Surbiton, Surrey; KT7 0UX; 020 8398 7400; kls@liberaljudaism.org; www.klsonline.org Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation The Synagogue, 24 Avenue Road, LE2 3EA; lpjc@liberaljudaism.org The Liberal Jewish Synagogue 28 St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA; 020 7286 5181; ljs@liberaljudaism.org; www.ljs.org