January/February 2021 VOL. XLVIII No. 1
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
Ending a dark year with Liberal light
Rabbi Tanya Sakhnovich of Nottingham Liberal Synagogue at the Last Night Chanukah Party
LIBERAL JUDAISM ended 2020 with a Last Night Chanukah Party full of song, fun, entertainment and, above all, light. The event raised more than £10,000 to aid our movement’s goal of bringing Judaism into all homes during the pandemic. Donations can still be made by visiting www.liberaljudaism.org The Chanukah Party was hosted by BBC Three Counties Radio star Toby Friedner and broadcast live on the Liberal Judaism YouTube, Facebook and Twitter channels – with 250 people tuning in. Highlights of the night included a movement-wide Chanukah lighting and our congregations singing their own renditions of Maoz Tzur, with lyrics changed to reflect everything from coronavirus lockdowns to recent community landmarks. LJY-Netzer Movement Workers Jess Mindel and Josh Powell led games that were enjoyed by all ages.
A talent show throughout the evening saw members of Liberal Judaism singing, dancing and playing piano. Ealing Liberal Synagogue’s Rabbi Miri Lawrence showed off her incredible gymnastic skills while professional stand-up Philip Simon proved why he’s one of the UK’s most sought-after comedians. Finally LJ Lights thank yous were given to all those members of our community who have lit up our lives in this difficult year. You can read the full list on the Liberal Judaism website.
Alvin Cohen of South Bucks plays Maoz Tzur
New top team for Liberal Judaism LIBERAL JUDAISM has appointed Rabbi Charley Baginsky as Chief Executive Officer and Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer as Chief Operating Officer. Charley and Shelley have been Interim Directors of the movement since March 2020 – overseeing a highly successful period including a record-breaking Biennial Weekend and the moving of all of Liberal Judaism’s events, services and festival celebrations online in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Charley told lj today: “I feel honoured to be given this opportunity to shape the direction of Liberal Judaism, to raise up multiple voices, increase collaboration and find new opportunities to ensure Liberal Judaism is the home for everyone’s Jewish story. “This is not a journey that I take alone. I am empowered by the knowledge and support Shelley and the Liberal Judaism staff team provide, the vision and leadership of our Rabbis and Board of National Officers and, of course, the innovation of Rabbi Danny Rich and all those who held this position before me.” The Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors (CoLRaC) also has new leadership, with the election of Co-Chairs Rabbi Rebecca Birk and Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel. CoLRaC is responsible for the religious voice of Liberal Judaism. Liberal Judaism Chair Ruth Seager said: “In the face of the troubling times for society around us, Liberal Judaism has flourished. There are significant challenges ahead but, with Charley and Shelley as our new Executive Officers and Rebecca and René as Chairs of CoLRaC, we are confident that Liberal Judaism is in the strongest position possible to face the future with pride and confidence.” • Full story: Page 2-3