January/February 2007
VOL. XXXIV No. 1
ljtoday
Movement elects a new president Baroness Neuberger DBE was voted, by acclamation, president of Liberal Judaism at its general meeting in December. Nigel Cole, chairman, told Council members that the movement’s constitution allowed it to recommend ‘persons of distinction’ for the office of president. He went on to list Baroness Neuberger’s many achievements before the vote took place; it was followed by warm applause. Baroness Neuberger said: ‘The appointment is a great honour and provides the opportunity for me to build on my long-standing relationship with the movement. Liberal Judaism maintains a strong commitment to social justice and interfaith dialogue, both of which I regard as vital in modern British and Irish society.’ A social reformer and prolific broadcaster, Baroness Neuberger is the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on health. Expressing his delight, Rabbi Danny Rich said: ‘This appointment will add
Liberal Jews presented to the Queen
Baroness Neuberger, a former rabbi of South London Liberal Synagogue, was elected in December
immeasurably to our efforts to promote the values and inclusive nature of Liberal Judaism.’ Following her training at Leo Baeck College, Rabbi Julia Neuberger, a Semitics graduate of Newnham College, Cambridge, served as rabbi of South London Liberal Synagogue from 1977 to 1989. She subsequently pursued a career in public health policy, stepping down in 2004 after seven years at the King’s Fund, and was created a life peer in the same year. Warm welcome in Dublin, page 5
Website goes live
Busy start to 5767
LJY-Netzer has a wonderful new website all to itself, created by and for the youth of Liberal Judaism. As well as listing future activities, the site, www.ljynetzer.org, has photo galleries and hosts chat rooms for the different age groups. Zachary Becker, 14, a veteran of LJY-Netzer’s Kadimah and Spring camps, designed the site. The member of Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation, who is considering a career in web design, said he wanted to give something back to the movement.
Since Rosh Hashanah, chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich has led High Holy Day services at Edinburgh and Sukkot celebrations in Ipswich, and spoken in Northwood at the launch of LJY-Netzer’s siddur, at Bet Tikvah’s silver jubilee service and at East Anglia ’s civic service. He has preached in Eastbourne, Finchley and Kingston, and has taught at North London and in Brighton. He addressed meetings at Leicester, South London and The LJS as well as visiting Dublin and Lincoln.
Some 20 representatives of Liberal Judaism were among 500 prominent or influential Jews who attended a reception at St James’s Palace to mark the 350th anniversary of the Jewish community in Britain. One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of gifts to the royal couple: the Queen was given a Chanukkiah and the Duke of Edinburgh was given a kiddush cup. The Queen’s gift, just a few weeks before Chanukkah, turned out to be particularly appropriate. For as Nigel Cole, chairman of Liberal Judaism, was presenting Paula Scott, of the Nottingham Progressive congregation, to the Queen, the lights suddenly went out, plunging the room into darkness. The Queen was heard to exclaim: ‘Oh, that’s never happened before.’ Nigel said: ‘A million policemen suddenly appeared and surrounded the Queen.’ She continued to chat in the darkness of the packed Queen Anne room until the electricity was restored, about 30 seconds later. As well as four members of Liberal Judaism staff, representatives of Liberal synagogues attended. Robert Hurst, the chairman of Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation, said: ‘It was great fun to go to St James’s Palace and interesting to meet lots of other Jewish people. We talked to people from Cornwall and Plymouth and other smaller communities.’ Nigel described the reception as an elegant and friendly evening, adding: ‘It was good for the Jews to be there and to be recognised.’ Defending liberal faith, page 9
Page 2 LJ Today
January/February 2007
Here’s to the college’s next 50 years The sumptuous Banqueting House in London’s Whitehall was a superb venue in which to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Leo Baeck College. As the very room in which, 350 years earlier, Oliver Cromwell had organised a forum that led to the readmission of the Jews to England, there was no doubting its suitability for a dinner in November, at the end of the 350th anniversary year. For me, as a rabbinic student, it was wonderful to attend to be associated with the great things the college has achieved; to be at once coupled to its past and its future. The guest list was a ‘who’s who’ of British Jewry: it included Lord Janner,
president of the Board of Deputies, Sir Sigmund and Lady Sternberg, Lord Marks, Baroness Neuberger as well (of course!) as Rabbi Danny Rich. Along with the current principal, Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein, there were many past and present students of the college. For many years Leo Baeck College has set great store by its interfaith relationships and this night was no exception. The keynote speakers were Baroness Neuberger, Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, and HRH Prince Hassan of Jordan; their task was to discuss the role of religion in a fractured world. Dr Sentamu emphasised how
Charley Baginsky
Young adults enjoy ‘tent’ getaway
SHLICHA’S CORNER by our Israeli emissary Noa Marom Shalom, my name is Noa Marom. I started my position as the new shlicha (Israeli emissary) to Liberal Judaism three months ago. Although this is my first time working as a shlicha, this is my third shlichut, since my father worked as a shaliach twice himself. Therefore I find the role of the shlicha an easy one to adjust to after observing my father for so many years. Both my parents made aliyah separately, one from Canada and one from the US, and decided to make Israel their home and raise a family there. Nonetheless, with the majority of our immediate family abroad we always sustained a strong relationship with them and inevitably with the broader Jewish community outside of Israel. During my years at university I found myself working at the newly founded Hillel House on campus. I helped to organise social events involving the Israeli students and students from abroad. I initiated a project, which I am proud to say has expanded after my departure, of video conference discussions with Jewish students from Israel and Jewish students from Montreal on topics such as Jewish identity, Zionism, Israel–Diaspora relations.
important it was for members of all faiths to support social cohesion. Lady Neuberger, a graduate of the college, said it was our responsibility as people of faith to promote a society that looked after the needs of all its inhabitants. She believed that Leo Baeck College had brought together clergy from all faiths and that its ground-breaking interfaith work must continue. It was a wonderfully impressive evening. I feel that we have been given a tremendous legacy from the past 50 years which should inspire us to look forward to the next 50.
Israel is my homeland because I was born there. However, I feel I have a strong added connection because I’m Jewish. I believe that any Jew in the world, and any religious person for that matter, has a connection to Israel, but the intensity of it varies from person to person, community to community. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be working for Liberal Judaism. My family is a founding member of our Reform congregation in the Judean Hills town of Tzur Hadassah, where I worked part-time as the Friday night service cantor. My family and I are very active in the Progressive Jewish movement in Israel. I think that a lot of the ideals I believe in are represented in Liberal Judaism, and I welcome the challenge of deepening discussion about Israel and its role in the movement, in individual congregations and in LJY-Netzer. Israel is a multifaceted country and each shaliach/shlicha Liberal Judaism has had in the past, and will have in the future, will present his or her personal Israel. I welcome the Liberal Jewish community, young and old, to discover my Israel.
Nearly 30 Liberal Jewish young adults, from as far afield as Manchester and Dublin, gathered at Lee Valley Youth Hostel in October for the first ‘tent: weekend getaway’. Participants enjoyed singing on Friday night till the small hours, then woke up to ‘speed chavrutah’ before a Shabbat morning service. The afternoon was spent bike riding in Lee Valley Park and Havdalah led seamlessly into an Eighties Dance party; a blast from the past for the ce guests, who g pla n i t e e were in their the m twenties and thirties. During the weekend participants explored Parashat Bereishit through different kinds of midrash: art, text study, poetry, and walking in the pouring rain! The next ‘tent: getaway’ is for Purim, on 2-4 March. The theme is ‘Look past the ordinary’. The group will be staying at Bradwell Village Hostel, near Milton Keynes. The cost is £80 (or £60 before February). There will be village walks, ‘tent’ style services, singing, megillah reading, workshops and a Purim party. For further details, please contact: Avivit Katzil, Liberal Judaism’s young adults worker on 07866 501787 or email a.katzil@liberaljudaism.org
tent
LJ Today Page 3
January/February 2007
Joy at Finchley induction
Kallah From birth to death in two days
When Finchley Progressive Synagogue held an induction service in November for new rabbi The rabbis who took part in the service: fom left, Danny Rich, Alexandra Neil Janes, the pleasure Wright, Neil Janes and Dr Frank Hellner. Picture: David Pelham and excitement were almost tangible. rabbi in its 53-year history. Dr Frank In her welcoming address, Josie Hellner, the emeritus rabbi at Finchley, Kinchin, chair of the synagogue, said conducted the Mincha service. Among Rabbi Janes, who began working there the congregants was the synagogue’s in June, had already won the affection former rabbi, Mark Goldsmith (now at and admiration of the congregation. She Alyth Reform synagogue). also referred to his ‘outstanding In a light-hearted address, Rabbi personal qualities as a scholar and a Danny Rich looked at different pastor’. paradigms for the relationship between The synagogue has been blessed with a congregation and its rabbi and, more long-serving ministers: Rabbi Janes, seriously, spoke of the vocation of the who graduated from Leo Baeck College in the summer, is only the third full-time rabbinate as both a privilege and a joy.
Education news ......... ‘Unravelling Israel’ In this five-week course, run by Liberal Judaism, experts will examine the political and religious strands that shape debate about Israel. The course is on Mondays, 7pm-9pm, from 15 January to 12 February at the Montagu Centre. Session titles include: How far has Israel come politically in nearly 60 years? Israel’s contribution to the world and the role of the Israeli Embassy; Jewish moral values in Israeli life; Is peace attainable? Israel advocacy. The cost is £40 for the full course or £10 per session. Liberal Judaism is also running an nine-day educational tour of Israel. Please see advert below. To book for the course or the tour, contact Noa Marom: shlicha@liberaljudaism.org or 020 7631 9834
from Judy Thwaites
Hebrew reading course The five-week Hebrew crash-reading course for adults at the Montagu Centre, which ended in December, was a big success. If you are interested in running this in your synagogue, please contact me. Travelling companion I have come a wonderful resource for community education: Anglo-Jewish Journeys: travels in your own backyard, published by UJIA Makor. The book costs £10 from UJIA on 020 8369 5270. Film nights We hope to start these at the Montagu Centre in late February, probably on Mondays. Please contact me for information. j.thwaites@liberaljudaism.org Direct line: 020 7631 9824
Israel Study Tour 29 April to 7 May 2007 - £799 (including flights and half board) What does it really mean to be a Zionist Liberal Jew? This study tour offers the opportunity to view Israel through the eyes of Liberal Judaism and trace its complex history through galut* – when there were few Jews in Palestine – early Zionism, the separation wall and the recent war in Lebanon. You will get a glimpse of Israeli progressive society and meet representatives of Israeli minorities, including a group advocating Arab human rights. For information, contact Liberal Judaism’s shlicha, Noa Marom: shlicha@liberaljudaism.org or 07931 592 562.
*galut: exile
The origins of a rabbinic kallah (study retreat) go back to Babylon and the third century CE. Twice a year rabbis would gather from across Babylon and the Near East and maybe further afield to study together and to seek to resolve religious disputes. The Liberal rabbis in this country have been holding an annual kallah for over 30 years. In Babylon they met for a month; we can only squeeze in a couple of days. This year we ventured to Ammerdown, a Catholic retreat centre in Somerset, to discuss our thoughts and policies on a range of life cycle ceremonies. Rabbis Rebecca Qassim Birk and Kathleen de Magtige Middleton presented some thoughts that have come out of the Jewish Parenting Day. This was followed by Rabbi Margaret Jacobi presenting some study texts and leading a discussion around our attitude to circumcision and pidyan ha’ben (redemption of the firstborn). There was wide dissention about reintroduction of the latter. The next day, Rabbi James Baaden led us through texts pointing to Jewish attitudes through the ages to mixed-faith ceremonies, and Rabbi Thomas Salamon led us to an agreement as to what was permitted by way of ritual prayer on such occasions and what was not. Later, we moved on to aspects of death and dying, looking at an information leaflet prepared by Rabbi Alexandra Wright. To finish the day, Rabbi Danny Rich led a discussion on euthanasia and related topics. Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein ADMINISTRATOR, CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S OFFICE YOUTH CLUB OUTREACH WORKER SOCIAL ACTION CO-ORDINATOR Liberal Judaism is recruiting for three new posts, funded by the Liberal Judaism Council of Patrons and the Jewish Youth Fund. The Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office, and Youth Club Outreach Worker are full-time posts; the Social Action Co-ordinator is a part-time post. To find out more, go to www.liberal judaism.org/work.htm, phone Elvira Museri on 020 7631 9835 or email e.museri@liberaljudaism.org. Closing date: 9 January 2007; interviews: 15 to 18 January.
January/February 2007
Page 4 LJ Today
Three of Liberal Judaism’s congregations, in Britain and Ireland, find
A group of children from the Bet Tikvah religion school, led by their teacher, professional singer Rachel Wood, sang her own composition, Bet Tikvah We Love Ya, and a contemporary version of an old favourite, Sim Shalom, at the synagogue’s 25th anniversary Shabbat morning service in November. Founder members were called up to perform the various aliyot before Bet Tikvah’s impressive new ark. Joe Swinburne, 83, life president of the synagogue, gave a brief talk about the heady early days, when a group of families, operating as the Barkingside group of the North London Progressive Synagogue (in Stamford Hill, north London), held services in the Dr Barnardo’s Children’s Village. After five years, they acquired, in 1981, the present site in Perrymans Farm Road, Newbury Park. What became the Barkingside Progressive Synagogue (renamed Bet Tikvah in 2003) was an abandoned and dilapidated primary school. It was transformed into a functioning synagogue in eight months, mainly by those founding families in their spare time, under the direction of Adrien von Ferscht and Bob Summerbell. Bob sadly died just as the work was being completed. Joe went on to mention the invaluable
Judith Konzon
Bet Tikvah children sing a new song
Rachel Wood, centre, musical director Harvey Manning, far right, and the choir with some founder members
support received from the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues, now Liberal Judaism, and paid tribute to those who created the administrative framework of the synagogue. He also spoke of the religious guidance of a succession of student rabbis from the Leo Baeck College, the last being Bet Tikvah’s present rabbi, Rabbi David Hulbert, who became its permanent rabbi in 1989.
Among the 150 or so people present were the Mayor of Redbridge, Ashok Kumar, Rabbi Danny Rich and Nigel Cole from Liberal Judaism, student rabbi Larry Becker, student rabbi Michael Foulds, of New Essex Masorti Synagogue, and Henry Goldstein, emeritus rabbi of SWESRS (South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue). Anthony Kerstein
Eastern promise fulfilled A series of wall-hangings made by a member of the Progressive Jewish Community of East Anglia (PJCEA) was unveiled at the congregation’s civic service in November. Rabbi Rachel Benjamin conducted the service in Norwich, which marked 17 years of Liberal Judaism in East Anglia and two years since she became the congregation’s rabbi. Michele Paton, council vicechairperson of the PJCEA, decided to create wall-hangings to make the building used for worship look more like a synagogue. The PJCEA meets once a month in Norwich’s Old Meeting House. The appliqued central hanging, which helps to beautify the bimah, represents the magen david that appears on the PJCEA’s newsletter. It echoes an illustration in the Kennicott Bible in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. This Sephardic manuscript dates from the 15th century. ‘The design was quite complicated,
and I needed help to get the professional finish I wanted,’ Michele said. ‘Luckily, a friend, Helen Goddard, is an accomplished artist in textiles and came to my assistance. She thought the project sounded interesting but I’m not sure she knew exactly how challenging it would be. ‘It took us many days of work, but was well worth it.’ Many of the non-Jewish guests at the service, attended by Nigel Cole and Rabbi Danny Rich from Liberal Judaism and many local dignitories, commented on how powerful they felt it was. Also unveiled were wall-hangings inspired by work of the children of the PJCEA religion school. Michele and her daughter, Isabel, created them using collage and embroidery from drawings of Moses and the burning bush and of the ten plagues. The service concluded with a kiddush for the 180 guests.
Rabbi Rachel Benjamin, of the East Anglia community, and Rabbi Danny Rich, chief executive of Liberal Judaism, with the new hanging, whose design echoes an illustration in the Kennicott Bible
LJ Today2006 Page November/December
January/February 2007 Page 4 LJ Today
5
their own ways to celebrate their 17th, 25th and 60th anniversaries
Dublin offers a real Irish welcome Nearly 40 visitors, many from other Liberal Judaism congregations, descended on Dublin for a weekend in November to celebrate the congregation’s 60th anniversary. For the first time, the community hosted visitors from the Reform synagogue in Cardiff – a party of 10 – where Charles Middleburgh, the rabbi of Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation, is also the rabbi. A group of 16 from seven Liberal Judaism congregations came on a mini-’Goldstein Tour’, organised by Rabbi Dr Andrew and Sharon Goldstein from Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue. Rabbis Michael Shire and Marcia Plumb came with six members of the Shire clan, who have roots in the Dublin community. A Friday night meal for visitors and council members of the synagogue was followed by the 8.15pm Shabbat service. At the Shabbat morning service, the congregation included representatives of several interfaith groups, including Presbyterian and Methodist ministers and priests from two Roman Catholic churches. The idea for the celebration was that of Joan Finkel, a former president of the synagogue. Her parents, and her husband John’s parents, were founding members of the congregation. Joan edited a 24-page commemorative brochure for the anniversary, which everyone at the service received. This was full of fascinating excerpts from the
synagogue’s annals and messages and memories from 11 rabbis and people with a connection to the community. On Sunday morning, the visitors were taken to the tiny Jewish Museum, housed in a former shtiebel synagogue in Walworth Road, in the area that was once the immigrant Jewish area of the city. The coach driver, who had been escorting the party since their arrival on Friday, asked if he could join them in the synagogue to listen to the talk by the curator and was deeply moved by the story he heard. The curator, Raphael Siev, discussed the origin of the Jewish community in Dublin and the visitors looked at the photos, books and huge number of letters and items of Jewish interest on display. After a trip to the Wicklow Mountains in the afternoon, the group were entertained during a celebration dinner by a barber shop group – whose members included John Finkel – singing Irish folk songs. The toast to the congregation was made by David Abrahamson, its president. Among the dinner guests was Baroness Neuberger, who said she came to services held by the community as a student, and whose son taught at the cheder while at Trinity College. She added: ‘I have fond memories of you and all that you have achieved.’ Baroness Neuberger has a holiday home near Cork and held High Holy Day services in the historic Cork Synagogue this year. She is friendly with many members of the community.
The Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation, Knesset Orach Chayim, was founded in 1946 and built its synagogue in 1952. It is the only nonorthodox congregation in Ireland. Though there are reckoned to be no more than about 1,000 Jews in Ireland – and numbers are falling – Dublin Progressive’s numbers have been increasing, with a continual influx of new members. Rabbi Middleburgh, the former executive director of ULPS, now Liberal Judaism, began fortnightly visits as synagogue rabbi in 2002 and conducted the first ever Kabbalat Torah service there in 2005. The congregation also had a big 50th anniversary celebration. Rabbi Goldstein said: ‘I have been visiting the Dublin community for over 30 years and have always been impressed by the hospitality and commitment to Liberal Judaism. This weekend was no exception.’ Visitors to Dublin are encouraged to consider attending Dublin Progressive Jewish Congregation for Shabbat, where they will be assured of a warm welcome.
Dublin Jewish Museum, Walworth Road, South Circular Road, Dublin 8. Tel: 00 353 1 490 1857. Open: Oct to April 10.302.30 Sun only; May to Sept 11-3.30 Sun, Tues, Thurs; free but donations welcome. Contact details for Dublin Progressive Jewish Congregation are on the back page.
Let’s make life easier for future historians Would you know where to find the souvenir brochure of the 30th anniversary of Hertsmere Progressive Synagogue or the Progressive Shabbat Service for the Make Poverty History campaign in Ednburgh in July 2005? The archive of Liberal Judaism, held at the Montagu Centre, contains small files on each Liberal Jewish congregation, including former ones such as the New Liberal Jewish Congregation in Belsize Square, now independent. In June 1999, Rosita Rosenberg wrote to all ULPS congregations asking for any documents to assist her in researching the history of the movement. Her book was published to mark the centenary in 2002 and material she gathered has now
come to the archive. As to histories of congregations and special services held to mark various occasions, a few of these entered the archive from time to time, but Rosita’s material has boosted the holding considerably. The earliest item that comes to hand is the service for the consecration of the synagogue at 149a Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, on Sunday 7 September, 1947. There is one copy of the order of service with handwritten notes as to which portions Dr Mattuck, Miss Montagu, Dr Brasch and others were to read. As archivist, I am keen to keep this up to date and make congregations aware of the resources available to them. All congregations have been asked to send
suitable material to the archive. Any synagogue may borrow archival material relating to its own congregation or other congregations for their own purposes, for example for exhibitions. The archive is otherwise for reference purposes only, by appointment with me or Bryan Diamond, the honorary archivist. So if your congregation is planning a special event and you are producing a booklet to mark it, please send a copy to me at the Montagu Centre. If you would like to borrow something or browse to see what we have, please arrange an appointment: 020 7631 9822 or a.behr@ liberaljudaism.org Alison Behr, archivist
January/February 2007
Page 6 LJ Today
Workshops attract delegates from Parenting Day Fun and inspiring We were delighted to make the journey down from Nottingham to attend the Liberal Judaism Parenting Day at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in November. It was enlightening, inclusive and fun. As well as great food – including fairtrade snacks – a good crèche and parallel activities for the older children, run by LJY-Netzer, there were plenty of different workshops for the adults to choose from: everything from ‘Talking with children about God’ to the ‘Spiritual aspects of potty training’ (the latter was sadly cancelled, as I seemed the only one intrigued by the title!). While our two-year-old, Solomon, was being expertly cared for, we attended four workshops between the two of us. The first was called ‘Teaching ethics’. One of the main discussion points was that children know the difference between right and wrong and that it is best to keep a situation open to let children resolve conflicts internally and therefore put right the situation themselves. The role of the parent is to adopt an attitude of giving and to allow their children enough time and space to undo independently
Social Action Joint initiatives proposed I have recently joined Sukkat Shalom, Edinburgh’s intimate but expanding Jewish community, and it was on behalf of Sukkat Shalom that I attended Liberal Judaism’s Social Action Workshop in November. The workshop, run by Elsbeth Mendes da Costa, the movement’s social action officer, took place at the Montagu Centre, where I met up with more than 30 likeminded representatives from Liberal communities in Bedfordshire, Birmingham, Leicester, Oxford and London. There were six speakers, representing Tropical Foods, a fairtrade importer; TraidCraft, the fairtrade distributor; World Jewish Aid (WJA); Sacca, a project in Rwanda; and Help Argentina. All the speakers provided valuable insights into the work done by their organisations. WJA presented a proposal to link with Liberal Judaism on Sacca, a project to
what was not right. This approach, it was suggested, assists children’s sense of ethical behaviour rather than achieving compliance through being pressured by adults, for instance to ‘say sorry’. The second session was called ‘How to love your children’ and centred on the life of Janusz Korczak, whose work underpins the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It was inspiring to hear about this man, who worked with Jewish orphans in Warsaw before and during the Second World War, including in the Warsaw ghetto. The story of his life is poignant and virtually all in the room were moved to tears by the strength of love Korczak had for his orphan children; he was killed in the gas chambers at Treblinka alongside the children from his orphanage. The third session was ‘Talking about God with children’. It was helpful to realise that many other parents also
Chanukkah in Essex Following on from another well-attended service for Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community, Rabbi Aaron Goldstein led a Chanukkah preparation morning for 10 young families together with Colchester Hebrew Congregation. The morning included stories, artwork, singing and – of course – lots of food.
help street children, which WJA is partfunding this year. Tessa Hipping, who works on the project in Rwanda, gave a moving talk. This scheme captured the imagination; I was impressed by the way the children are treated with such dignity. If this proposal is taken forward, it will be an opportunity to look at and teach the academic issues of poverty in a clear and personal way and to make a difference. Elvira Museri and Ruben Altman, volunteers for Help Argentina, made an appeal for the group to be considered in Liberal Judaism’s charitable framework for the coming year. Their aim was to raise awareness about the economic problems of their mother country, and to
You too can tango As part of the Help Argentina fundraising project, two Argentinian dance teachers currently in London are offering to run tango classes for any Liberal Jewish congregation. Please contact Elvira Museri for details: 020 7631 9835 or email e.museri@liberaljudaism.org
didn’t have a clear concept for themselves about God and so felt lost as to how to talk about the subject with children. One of the main points I took away from the session was that it is good to encourage children to maintain a sense of wonderment about the world around them, and to be open to possibilities. In the afternoon there were all sorts of creative sessions for all the family to join in with. Many beautiful works of art left the building at the end of the day, such as silk painted challah cloths and Shabbat pillowcases. We went to a singing/music session with Rabbi Aaron Goldstein and Ruth Colin, who led us through different ideas for running services for under-fives and how to make this fun and child-focused. Perhaps the most useful aspect of the day was just being with other Jewish families. It was great to have time and space to talk about parenting in the context of being Jewish. The atmosphere was friendly, fun and easy going. We left inspired and spent the long drive back talking about how we might do something similar in Nottingham next year. We look forward to future family events, as we’ll definitely make the time and effort to come again. Karen Worth and Wendy Prestney
raise funds for social programmes there. There was also much interest in and discussion of the question of asylum, although it was not part of the workshop programme. It is likely that this year’s bicentennial of the Abolition of Slavery in England will raise this issue even more and steps are to be made to work with other groups on this. Judaism teaches us that tikkun olam, the repair of the world, is a series of concentric circles, at the centre of which lie our own lives. To repair others, we must first repair ourselves – tikkun atzmi; this is already under way as more communities join the Fairtrade Synagogue movement and take part in other community-based initiatives. From the achievement of this we can move out to tikkun kehilah, repairing one’s community, Britain as a whole – of which the Jewish people are an important part – and from there we can attempt tikkun olam, the ultimate goal. Lauren Fox
LJ Today Page 7
January/February 2007
communities across the country ... PR Day Useful tips from journalists Representatives from Birmingham, East Anglia, Nottingham, Reading and London joined together in November for a day learning new ways of promoting the work of their communities and of Liberal Judaism in general. Rabbi Danny Rich welcomed participants to the Montagu Centre and said was delighted to see such enthusiasm. He hoped that the workshop, organised by Penny Beral, PR officer for Liberal Judaism, would be the first of many. Liberal Judaism was honoured to host Simon Rocker, senior reporter from the Jewish Chronicle, who gave an insight into PR from a journalist’s point of view including valuable tips on how PR officers can get their synagogue into the paper. He stressed that the best way to find out if a newspaper would be interested in your story is to read the paper and see what stories it has chosen to carry. He also emphasised the importance of a news story being both interesting and important, and said one without the other did not necessarily make news. He advised participants to ask themselves what was really new about the story they were trying to place, and
Workshop presenter Ben Rich discusses a PR case study with Nottingham delegate Paula Scott
to try to convey this to the journalist in the most succinct way possible. Journalists are busy people often feeling the pressure of a deadline. There was a further session from Beattie Sayers, editor of LJ Today, who explained how the magazine was put together and gave examples of the sort of stories LJ Today was interested in. As she put it, ‘Dog bites rabbi’ is not news whereas ‘Rabbi bites dog’ is. I then introduced myself, in what was my first month working for the
movement, and presented to those at the workshop a new system for advertising Liberal Judaism events on the website. This page is now live: go to www. liberaljudaism.org and click on the link for Upcoming Events in the left hand column of the home page. The afternoon consisted of a lively practical session, where participants broke off into groups to work on synagogue PR case studies. One group developed such a splendid way of celebrating a fictional synagogue’s 70th birthday that they began to wonder if they could sell their idea to a real community somewhere in the country. The event was particularly well received and participants went home with a pack on how to write press releases and work with the broadcast media, as well as some useful contacts in the press. Anyone who is interested in PR work in general or who wants to receive a pack from the workshop should phone or email me using the contact details in the box below. I will be more than happy to help. Alex Mankowitz
Here to help
As PR/communications executive, Alex Mankowitz is working hard to improve Liberal Judaism’s internal communications as well as external PR, helping communities work with each other and with the Montagu Centre so the movement achieves its full potential. Please contact Alex to discuss PR and communications strategy: a.mankowitz@liberaljudaism.org or 020 7631 9831.
... as LJ Students begins to take off Jake Welford, Liberal Judaism’s Birmingham-based student fieldwork coordinator, has been organising religious services on campuses, kickstarting a series of events and developing important links with other organisations. His main focus since taking up the job in July has been to identify key people to work with on student campuses in Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham. More recently, he has been looking at setting up interfaith initiatives on campuses. In Birmingham, he organised a successful social event and a Liberal religious service followed by a meal, as a result of which a local LJstudents group has become established, with more than 20 members and strong links to the mainstream Jewish student group, JSoc. He has also arranged for Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi to do a talk on Jewish medical ethics during Jewish Student
Awareness week and he has been working with LJY-Netzernik Claire Samuel, who is involved in the local JSoc and has a strong involvement in volunteering. In Bristol, he has been working with Nellie Vos, joint chair of the JSoc, and attended the Freshers’ Fair. In Cambridge, he has organised for student rabbi Leonid Bimbat to lead a service and is making contacts with Progressive Jewish students. In Leeds, he has helped to set up a LJstudents group, which is planning joint activities with the Reform movement. In Manchester, the LJstudents group has regular services and meals and is growing steadily; Jake has organised for Victor Kaufman, a veteran of LJY-Netzer, to run services and has identified people to run events. In Nottingham, he has organised for Leonid to take a service and is building contacts with students.
Liberal Judaism young adults
‘tent’ Purim getaway Theme: ‘Look past the ordinary’, 2-4 March 2007 Bradwell Village Hostel (near Milton Keynes) take a break with ‘tent: the meeting place’ and young adults from around the country. £80 (or £60 before February). Village walks, ‘tent’ style service, singing, megillah reading, workshops, Purim party contact: avivit 07866 501787 a.katzil@liberaljudaism.org
tent
ce g pla eetin the m
January/February 2007
Page 8 LJ Today
Letters to the editor Our kids are proud, vocal Jews As the current educator for Kayitz Netzer, the tour to Europe for young people, I want to reply to Laura Lassman’s article (LJ Today November/December 06). First, I feel I need to clarify the rules surrounding the Europe tour (for LJYNetzer and RSY 17-year-olds). The rules come from the Jewish Agency, which co-ordinates all tours to Europe as well as Israel. The Jewish Agency, through research and consultation with security agencies, feels that it is far safer for groups not to wear clothing or jewellery that draws attention to their Jewish identity. Though this diktat comes from an outside body, I am more than comfortable following it. When I am taking large groups of teenagers around Europe and even London I will take any precaution needed to keep them safe. My personal choices become irrelevant for the sake of the safety of the group. Whilst I myself might walk round London, Paris, Berlin, Budapest or Prague wearing a magen david, or a T-shirt covered in Hebrew, the overall safety of those children in my charge is my primary concern. If a parent wants his or her child, when on a family holiday, to wear these clothes then I would support their decision, but when they are in my care I want to take every possible precaution. Please do not get me wrong, I feel that Europe tour is very safe. I am not sure that we need the security that we take with us everywhere. But I would not get rid of those security measures. We are a large Jewish group travelling round Europe. Safety must come first. I would like also to address other issues raised by Laura. Having spent two weeks with one of the best Kayitz groups I have ever taken round Europe, I want to say that we have very little to worry
about in terms of our children identifying their Judaism with fear, embarrassment or ambivalence. Their identity is so much more than a T-shirt or a piece of jewellery; they are proud, vocal and enthusiastic Jews. We did not ask the children to wear a baseball cap when visiting a place of prayer; in fact we carried kippot for them to wear. So many times during the tour I was moved to tears by the group’s pride in their Judaism. How many 17-year-olds choose to spend two weeks educating themselves about Jewish history instead of two weeks on the beach in Ibiza? After Europe tour, the participants are still in touch with me, with several asking about how they can get more involved in Jewish leadership positions, several teaching for the first time in religion schools, and more still getting together to spend time as Jews with their Liberal Jewish friends. This was my fourth year as the educator on Kayitz and each year I swear it will be my last and that it is time for someone new to take over. But each year I am so inspired by the group that I come back for more. The group this year were so proud of their Liberal Jewish identities and, if anything, Kayitz made them stronger in this identity. They will, I believe, be the future of Liberal Judaism: recognising the reality of the world, while shouting out loud about their Jewish identities. Student Rabbi Charley Baginsky Kingston Liberal Synagogue Letters for publication are welcome. Write to: The Editor, LJ Today, The Montagu Centre, 21 Maple Street, London, W1 4BE, or email ljtodayeditor@liberaljudaism.org. Please give a telephone number. Letters may be edited.
Patrons’ dinner The guest speakers at this year’s Council of Patrons Dinner will be Baroness Neuberger DBE and Gillian Merron MP. The dinner is to be held on 28 February at Drapers’ Hall, in the City of London. Liberal Judaism’s Patrons were updated on the work the Patrons’ Council is funding at a reception in Sugar Quay, headquarters of the Man Group; the group’s chief executive,
Stanley Fink, chairs the Patrons. Young adults worker Anna Gerrard, a student rabbi, reported on her initiatives, including the development of the ‘tent’ concept, and Claire Simmons reported on her experience as the Israel Tour madricha (leader). For information on the Patrons, please contact Rabbi Danny Rich: 020 7631 9835 or d.rich@liberaljudaism.org.
Affirmations of Liberal Judaism REVISED EDITION, 2006 Liberal Judaism, 12pp. Reviewed by Steve Field This vital resource, first published in 1992 and reprinted 10 years later, is back to the more attractive style of FOR THE LIBRARY the 1992 edition. A brief publishing history, helpful conclusion and some overdue additions enhance the booklet considerably. It sets out 22 paragraphs in a section on the ‘common ground’ shared with other streams of Judaism, and a further 20 paragraphs in a section on the ‘distinctive approach’ of Liberal Judaism. The order has been juggled around but the presentation has been improved by the introduction of headings. The addition of Sarah’s name alongside Abraham’s in the paragraph on ‘Judaism’ together with an expansion of the paragraph on ‘The State of Israel’ to promote Israeli-Palestinian harmony reflect more closely our current prayers. In the paragraph on ‘The Sabbath’ there is a phrase ‘to be observed by the cessation from work’. In this the words ‘to be’ are replaced by ‘which may be’. Perhaps the next edition could consider the merits of 42 paragraphs without breaking them down into two sections. The second section contains some additions including the name of Lily Montagu among the list of Progressive pioneers. Most important is the affirmation of same-sex relationships and the inclusion of mixed background families into synagogue life. Paragraph 27 still seems unnecessary. It reads: ‘Orthodox Judaism carries on Judaism virtually as it was before the Emancipation. Conservative Judaism modifies it minimally. Jewish Secularism expresses Jewish identity in nonreligious terms. We affirm Progressive Judaism because it alone seeks a synthesis of Judaism and modernity.’ This seems out of place especially to an uninformed reader who might grapple with the terms ‘Progressive’ and ‘Conservative’ which have not been properly explained. The term ‘Rabbinic Judaism’ used in the paragraph ‘Messianic Age’ is also preferable to ‘Orthodox Judaism’. This revised version will be of interest to both Liberal Jews and others (Jewish and non-Jewish). Its main purposes will be as an introduction to Liberal Judaism and as a stimulus for ongoing discussion.
LJ Today Page 9
January/February 2007
Radio shmadio... but it beats shouting Liberal Judaism is right to support Shalom FM, says Pete Tobias The motto of the BBC, ostensibly based on Isaiah’s words, is ‘Nation shall speak peace (shalom) unto nation.’ If the Jewish radio station Shalom FM had a motto, it would probably also come from Isaiah: ‘Shalom, shalom la-rachok v’lakarov’ – Shalom to the far and to the near (Isaiah 57:19). In terms of listeners to the Londonbased station, whose temporary fourweek licence to broadcast expired on 25 November 2006, ‘the far’ would be those who managed to listen online and ‘the near’ would be listeners within a five-mile radius of the transmitter in Hendon. There is no way of knowing what audience figures were, but on the third day of broadcasting when, owing to technical difficulties, the station was off air for two hours, one of the DJs suggested that if he opened the window of the Golders Green studio and shouted at the people below, he would probably reach a larger audience than if he were broadcasting live. So does Anglo-Jewry need its own radio station? Does it need Jewish News at the top of the hour, offering non-stop criticism of Iran, Syria, the UN and anyone else apparently hostile to Israel,
phone-in Breakfast Show quizzes that ask ‘Why do we cover our eyes when we say the first line of the Shema?’ and a ‘fun-packed’ chat show featuring two accountants discussing inheritance tax? And what role might Liberal Judaism play in such a venture? For the second time in the history of this radio station (it also had a four-week licence in January 2004), Liberal Judaism offered financial support and was given a daily 15-minute weekday slot. The Liberal Judaism Hour purported to distil an hour’s worth of Judaism into a palatable, Liberal-style 15 minutes (a light-hearted formula which appeared to cause offence in some quarters). The broadcasts, some presented live in the studio, others pre-recorded, featured interviews with Liberal rabbis and other individuals about their role in Liberal Judaism as well as features on Jewish status, bar and bat mitzvah and biblical criticism. Co-presenter Rabbi Neil Janes and I carried Liberal Judaism to an audience who had just been listening to a Drivetime show hosted by teenagers featuring current chart music, chat and incoming text messages. From the
nature of the texts, it would seem that these listeners were the same age as the presenters. Were they still listening when the Liberal Judaism Hour began? Hard to know. The only time we received direct feedback (texts to the show) was when we were playing our guitars live in the studio: someone texted to ask if we did weddings and bar mitzvahs. The question of whether Britain’s Jewish community needs its own radio station remains, for me, unanswered. But if Shalom FM were granted a permanent licence – and its organisers are lobbying for this – then it is important that Liberal Judaism is part of its scheduling. Even if only a handful of teenagers in north-west London listened to our programme, that means a few more people have an awareness of Liberal Judaism and its place in Anglo-Jewry. And spreading the word is, presumably, what broadcasting – Jewish or otherwise – is about.
Pete Tobias is rabbi of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree. He can be heard on Wogan’s Pause for Thought slot on BBC Radio 2 every Tuesday from 8 March for seven weeks (except 3 April).
Defence of liberal faith is as vital as ever Chanukkah thoughts from Stephen Howard It can be argued that the Seleucid king, Antiochus IV, might have achieved his goal of converting the Jews to Greek ways without lifting a finger. Because for years before the fateful Maccabean revolt, many Jews had been greatly attracted by the Greek way of life. It was, after all, billed as the most modern, advanced way to live. To succeed, they felt they needed to become as Hellenised as possible: men went to the gymnasium, which necessitated nakedness, which could easily expose their Jewishness. Better not to be circumcised; if you already were, there was an operation to reverse it (don’t ask). You ate with non-Jews, intermarried with them and adopted Greek names. You tried to assimilate. Then came Antiochus, who felt that the process was not happening fast enough; that the remaining, uncivilised Jews were causing too much trouble. We are told in the Books of Maccabees that his soldiers went from town to town forcing
Jews to worship idols and eat pork. That is when the trouble started. AntiSemitism (even though the term was not coined until the end of the 19th century) is a sure-fire method of making Jews even more stiff-necked than usual. They want us to renounce our faith? We will fight to the death to defend it. Nowadays, ignoring for a moment the terrorist threat to the state of Israel, the main threat to Judaism does not come from any particular nation. In fact, it is not so much a threat against Judaism as against religion in general. On one side lies science and technology, which some use to argue against any belief system that cannot be scientifically proven. On the other lies fanatical religion, that caricature that is often in the media, portraying all religion as warmongering and engendering hate. How do we, as modern Maccabees, fight against this ‘Hellenism’? How do we stop the small flame of our faith from going out? How are we to find the miracle that keeps that flame burning when all reason suggests it cannot endure? Like the Hasmoneans, who followed
the Maccabees, we should not condemn the modern world outright, but live in it, embracing that of it which brings benefit, but also keeping that of Judaism that enriches our lives and gives us identity and meaning. There is no real conflict between science and religion. They are both attempts to understand God’s universe and our place in it. The insights of both are of great value, and can open our souls to wonder. Liberal faith in general, and Liberal Judaism in particular, is so much greater, broader, more life-affirming and enriching, more liberating and joyful than any fanaticism could ever be. If we are to fight our own Maccabean war, to keep our small flame of faith burning, it will not be through battles but through taking personal responsibility to spread Liberal Judaism to all our fellow Jews and non-Jews who are searching for a modern, spiritual faith, rooted in tradition but reaching towards a Messianic future.
Stephen Howard is rabbi of Southgate Progressive Synagogue
January/February 2007
Page 10 LJ Today
Spotlight on Nottingham When and how was Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation (NPJC) set up? It dates back to 1965. Until then, there was no progressive synagogue in the Nottingham area. Leicester was the nearest group, without a rabbi, and Birmingham the nearest synagogue, with Rabbi Bernard Hooker. A group of people from Nottingham contacted people who lived in and outside the city and were known to the Leicester and Birmingham communities, along with those known to Liberal Judaism, or ULPS as it was then. A few like-minded families quickly developed into an organised committee of enthusiastic Progressive Jews. Where were services held? Services were held in people’s homes and, as the community grew, in the local Friends’ Meeting House. The congregation held fundraising activities – jumble sales, dinner dances and other social events social events – and eventually raised enough money to build its own synagogue, which was formally opened in 1972. How many members are there now? At present about 130 families. Who leads services? The synagogue has members competent in reading from the Torah. These lay leaders conduct funerals, baby blessings, all the life cycle events and some festival services. NPJC also has the services of student and visiting rabbis. During its early years, the congregation had many visiting rabbis and student rabbis; its first foster rabbi was Rabbi David Goldberg and one of its first
student rabbis was Julia (now Baroness) Neuberger. In the past, the congregation has had three full-time rabbis. When do the services take place? Services take place every Friday evening and Saturday morning and on all the Chagim (festivals). One of the most popular services is the monthly Shabbat service for tiny tots. Is there a cheder? The flourishing Sunday morning cheder, run by members, has 30 pupils aged from six to 15. One class, post-bar/bat mitzvah, studies for a GCSE in Jewish studies. As part of its outreach work, NPJC encourages school visits to the synagogue. What about education for adults? There is a thriving adult education programme, which includes topics such as basic and advanced Hebrew, Jewish history, philosophy and Jewish cookery. A wide range of topics are led and discussed at onegim after the Friday evening services. Does the community have any special scrolls? It has a Czech scroll, on permanent loan from the Czech Scrolls Trust. One of the community’s members, Neil Pike, traced the origin of the scroll to Austerlitz, since when NPJC has held an annual Austerlitz Torah scroll service in November. It was discovered that only one Jew from Austerlitz, Ruth Matiovska, was known to have survived the Holocaust and that she was still in Austerlitz. The congregation has brought Ruth to Nottingham to visit the synagogue and Ruth Matiovska, the only Jew from Austerlitz known to have survived the Holocaust, at Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation with the Austerlitz scroll. The congregation organised Ruth’s visit to the synagogue
see the scroll, and for the community to get to know her and her life story. NPJC also has scrolls from two other congregations, neither of which now exists: one in Switzerland and the other from Derby. Has anyone from NPJC visited Austerlitz? Yes, the community has organised three trips to the town and has managed, along with the town council, to repair and refurbish the old synagogue building, which was very dilapidated. NPJC has held services in the building, although it has no ark or any fixtures. Two years ago, it held a very moving service there for the bat mitzvah of Neil Pike’s daughter, Hana. It also opened a new museum in the old Jewish school, next door to the shul. A play about Ruth’s life has been performed in NPJC’s synagogue, at the Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre in Nottinghamshire and – translated into Czech – in the local school in Austerlitz by the pupils, with Ruth in the audience. Each year school children in Austerlitz are invited to write an essay about the Holocaust and NPJC gives prizes for the two best. Next year it is hoped to take a group of young people from the congregation to Austerlitz. What committees are there? There is a Care Contact Group, to support those in hospital or otherwise in need, a Guild, which caters for festival events, kiddushim and suppers, a social committee, which organises varied events throughout the year, and committees for rites and practices, security and communications. How did the congregation celebrate its 40th anniversary? It celebrated the anniversary in 2005 with a series of activities throughout the year. The synagogue secured a grant from the Lottery Fund to create an exhibition of the life of NPJC and has bought a computer, on which it hopes to store and update its archives. How does the synagogue keep in touch with members? It has a shul magazine, Ruach, which comes out 10 times a year, and an informative website, www.npjc.org.uk. How do I find out more? Telephone 0115 9624761 or email npjc@ liberaljudaism.org.
LJ Today Page 11
January/February 2007
Go green We’re right on song! The ULPSNYC-Netzer song-leading academy, started in 1998 by Gideon Lyons and Paul Goldsmith, was resurrected in October on LJY-Netzer’s Hadracha (leadership) Seminar. Nine participants, pictured below, chose the song-leading option, which was run by Victor Kaufman, a graduate of the ULPSNYC-Netzer academy, and Benjy Aarons Richardson (Kutz Camp-trained) with a guest appearance from Paul Goldsmith. Paul says the original aim of the song-leading academy was to ensure that the youth movement kept ‘a conveyor belt of song-leaders going, who would be a major influence on its success in the future’. He adds: ‘I still believe that now, and these young people have an opportunity to inspire the next generation in LJY-Netzer to be song-leaders too.’ Jess Herman, the former mazkira (national director) of LJY-Netzer and a graduate of the original academy, was the passion behind its re-establishment. LJY-Netzer will continue to run the song-leading academy later this year and hopes to have many enthusiasts who want to continue this unique LJY-Netzer minhag (custom).
Here’s what those taking part in the seminar said: ‘Song-leading has always been there in LJY and for me it’s an integral part of the whole experience. To be able to learn how to do it so I can have the chance to go up there and lead 200 children screaming “Ruach!” is an amazing feeling.’ Graham Carpenter ‘Song-leading is about having fun and having that special impact on the kids you are leading. It is the best thing ever and I would encourage anyone to try it out!’ Corine Sherette ‘The people who can lead others in song have a great gift to give to their community. A noble heritage has been entrusted to them, and I hope they guard it well.’ Paul Goldsmith
A Shnat Netzer participant writes... I’ve been having a wonderful time as part of a 28-strong Netzer community, living and learning in Jerusalem. We also explore the land of Israel when we can. For instance, five of us cycled the sea of Galilee last weekend. Describing briefly my year so far, I have been experiencing Israel and Jewish education. Both of these are central ideologies of LJY-Netzer and things that I’d like to see held in higher esteem in Liberal Judaism. The first because the reality of the Jewish state, however you view it, cannot be ignored but must be tackled head on. The second because if our claim on informed decision making and autonomy in our Jewish lives is to be taken seriously, we must know what it is we are embracing, rejecting or altering. The Shnat Netzer programme is 10 months, and although this may seem like a long time, it won’t be nearly enough for me. Orlando de Lange STOP PRESS! KADIMAH DATES! Sunday 29 July Saturday 11 August. We’re very happy to be returning to Bramcote Lorne School in Nottinghamshire for another year of Machaneh Kadimah fun! The only way to spend your summer if you’re aged 8-15!
A Shabbaton to remember Ten of LJY-Netzer’s youngest members made new friends, shared Shabbat services with the very welcoming Ealing community, learnt about siblings within the Torah and took part in a huge variety of fun, activities – all in just 24 hours. This feat took place at the Plagim Shabbaton held at Ealing Liberal Synagogue at the end of November and
As part of Social Action Month in November, LJY-Netzer incorporated the wonderful design below, created by Netzernik Amelia Viney, into a stylish cotton bag. For just £4 you can avoid disposable plastic carriers. To order your bag, email Jenny: j.walton@ liberaljudaism.org.
based on the theme of siblings and families. The chanachim (participants) also took part in an educational session where they designed and made T-shirts based on coexisting religions throughout the world. Both the chanachim and madrichim (leaders) had a fantastic time. William Jones
LJY-Netzer
The youth movement of Liberal Judaism Contact Jenny Walton or Jordan Helfman at The Montagu Centre, 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE. Check out our website: www.ljynetzer.org T: F: E:
020 7631 0584 020 7631 9838 j.walton@liberaljudaism.org or j.helfman@liberaljudaism.org
January/February 2007
Page 12 LJ Today
Liberal Judaism congregations Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue (Rodef Shalom), 01234 218387, bedsps@liberaljudaism.org, www.bedfordshire-ps.org.uk Beit Klal Yisrael, PO Box 1828, London W10 5RT 020 8960 5750, bky@liberaljudaism.org www.beit-klal-yisrael.org.uk Bet Tikvah Synagogue, 129 Perrymans Farm Road, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex IG2 7LX, 020 8554 9682, bttkv@liberaljudaism.org, www.bettikvah.org.uk Birmingham Progressive Synagogue, Jericho House, 196-198 Edward Road, B12 9LX, 0121 446 5273, bps@liberaljudaism.org, www.bps-pro-syn. co.uk;branch: Leamington Spa, 01926 421300 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 Crawley Jewish Community, 01293 534294 Dublin Jewish Progressive Synagogue, 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 07891 439646, eljc@liberaljudaism.org, www.eljc.org Finchley Progressive Synagogue Hutton Grove, N12 8DR, 020 8446 4063, fps@ liberaljudaism.org, www.fps.org Harrow and Wembley Progressive Synagogue 326 Preston Road, Harrow, Middx HA3 0QH, 020 8904 8581, hwps@liberaljudaism.org www.hwps.org Herefordshire Jewish Community Enquiries: 07789 218823 Kent Liberal Jewish Community 07952 242432, bulletin.kljc@liberaljudaism.org, www.jewishkent.org.uk/communities/KLJC/kljc.html Kingston Liberal Synagogue Rushett Road, Long Ditton, Surbiton, Surrey KT7 0UX, 020 8398 7400, kls@liberaljudaism.org Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation, The Synagogue, 24 Avenue Road, LE2 3EA, 07875 123744 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
Liberal Judaism The Montagu Centre, 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE, 020 7580 1663 Fax: 020 7631 9838 montagu@liberaljudaism.org, www.liberaljudaism.org Youth Department 020 7631 0584 Fax: 020 7631 9838 www.ljynetzer.org President The Baroness Neuberger DBE Chairman Nigel Cole Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Vice Chairman Joan Shopper Joint Treasurers Tony Kerron and David Pelham Hon. Officers Penny Beral (communications); Roz Bott (administration and logistics); William Glassman; Amanda Grant (youth); Paul Infield; Elsbeth Mendes da Costa (social action); Michael Romain (regions) Senior Vice-President Rabbi Dr Sidney Brichto Vice-Presidents Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Jeremy Jessel, David Lipman, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Beverley Taylor Hon. Vice-Presidents David Amstell, Geoffrey Davis, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Willie Kessler, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pick, Harold Sanderson, Clive Winston Joint Chairs of the Rabbinic Conference Rabbi Rachel Benjamin and Rabbi Margaret Jacobi Chaplain Rabbi Melinda Michelson-Carr Outreach Director Rabbi Aaron Goldstein PR and Communications Executive Alexandra Mankowitz Shlicha Noa Marom Mazkira, LJY-Netzer Jenny Walton Oved Chinuch, LJY-Netzer Jordan Helfman Liberal Judaism promotes the religious and cultural traditions of our faith within the framework of progressive thinking and ethics. Donations to support our work are always welcome. Liberal Judaism is a registered charity, number 256390 LJ Today is edited by Beatrice Sayers The deadline for the March/ April issue is 1 February. Articles or letters for publication are welcome. Please send to: ljtodayeditor@liberaljudaism.org Printed by Freedman Bros.
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, 08709 917327, 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, Middlesex HA6 3AA 01923 822592, npls@liberaljudaism.org www.npls.org.uk Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation Lloyd Street, Sherwood, Nottingham NG5 4BP 0115 9624761, npjc@liberaljudaism.org www.npjc.org.uk Or Chadash Liberal Jewish Community of Luxembourg, 00 352 31 65 94 lljc@liberaljudaism.org Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community Enquiries: 020 7631 9826 The Progressive Jewish Community of East Anglia (based in Norwich), 01508 538666 pjcea@liberaljudaism.org, www.pjcea.org.uk Reading Liberal Jewish Community www.rljc.org 0118-375 3422, rljc@liberaljudaism.org South Bucks Jewish Community 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 West Central Liberal Synagogue 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE, 020 7636 7627 wcls@liberaljudaism.org, www.wcls.org.uk Woodford Progressive Synagogue Marlborough Road, George Lane, London E18 1AR 020 8989 7619, wps@liberaljudaism.org www.woodfordprogressive.org.uk Associated congregations Oxford, for details of Liberal Jewish Services: 01865 515584 or 01865 765197 www.oxford-synagogue.org.uk New communities The Suffolk Jewish Community 020 7631 9821, ijgroup@hotmail.com
Diary dates ........... 15 January (Monday) Unravelling Israel Liberal Judaism’s five-week course begins at the Montagu Centre, 7-9pm. £40, or £10 per session. See page 3 for details. 27 January (Saturday) Holocaust Memorial Day Northwood and Pinner’s four-day event starts on 29 January 29 April to 7 May (Sunday to Monday) Liberal Judaism’s Israel Study Tour £799 (inc. halfboard and flights). Details from Noa: 020 7631 9823 10 February (Saturday) Screening of Fateless Organised by The LJS, at Bafta, central London. Contact a.clore@ljs.org 2 to 4 March (Friday to Sunday) tent Purim ‘getaway’ Weekend break for young adults, near Milton Keynes. Contact Avivit: 020 7631 9833 or a.katzil@liberaljudaism.org 10-15 April (Tuesday to Sunday) Machaneh Aviv (Spring Camp) For school years 3-10. Contact LJY-Netzer: 020 7631 0584 10 to 20 May (Thursday to Sunday) Tour of Romania Details from 01923 822592 13 May (Sunday) Inter-synagogue quiz, at Harrow and Wembley June The LJS visits Ukraine Contact t.simon@ljs.org 4 to 6 April 2008 Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend in Bristol
Scottish community forges links Three members of Sukkat Shalom, the Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community, attended the AGM of the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities in November and enjoyed networking with Jews from across Scotland. The community is now looking at becoming formally involved with the council.
Fateless screening The LJS’s fundraising committee is organising a screening of Fateless, a based on the 2002 Nobel prize-winning novel by Imre Kertesz, at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in Piccadilly, central London, on Saturday 10 February, 7.30pm. For tickets, apply to Amanda Clore: a.clore@ljs.org.
Help for archive The Liberal Judaism Archive has audio and video magnetic tapes that need to be transferred to CD or DVD. If anyone has time and expertise to assist in this, please contact the Hon Archivist, c/o the Montagu Centre (see left for full address).
Biennial 2008 The Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend 2008 will be held at the Tortworth Court Hotel in Bristol from 4 to 6 April. Further information will be available soon. Enquiries to Penny and Mike Beral: p.beral@liberaljudaism.org.
State of the art rabbi The congregation of Beit Klal Yisrael clubbed together to buy Rabbi Sheila Shulman a digital flat-screen television to mark her 70th birthday.
Ahoy there, minyan A somewhat Jewished-up version of Treasure Island, performed by the drama group of Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue, played to packed houses in November. The production, which included Long John Silverstein, his parrot Solly and a pirate cry of ‘Yo ho ho and a bottle of Palwin’, raised more than £6,000, much of which will go to charities chosen by the congregation.