July/August 2009
VOL. XXXVI No. 4
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
ljtoday
So much to celebrate What do you get if you cross a Day Limmud with a Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend? A Day of Celebration of the movement, filled with discussion, debate, schmoozing, creativity, music, singing, laughter and food. On a rainy Sunday in May, nearly 300 people from across Britain descended on the Midlands Centre for Liberal Judaism in Birmingham. Among the highlights was a keynote session with Rabbi Julia Neuberger, in which she set out her view of Liberal Judaism’s strengths and weaknesses, and her ‘lay-across-the-railway-line’ principle. Report and pictures, pages 6-7
Baroness Neuberger (left), Rabbi Danny Rich and Rabbi Margaret Jacobi at the event in Birmingham
Spread our message of inclusivity Danny Rich asks you to consider becoming a representative of the movement When I was appointed chief executive some four years ago, I promised that I would seek to increase the visibility of Liberal Judaism, not for its own sake but because I believed – and still believe – that the British Jewish community needs to hear the voice and to appreciate the unique values and contribution of Liberal Judaism. I trust you will forgive me if I suggest that we have had some successes. Liberal Judaism’s inclusive policies, our views on a wide range of current ethical and political issues, and the good work being done daily in many of our constituent communities is now more widely known than perhaps ever before. It is no longer unusual to have our spokespeople quoted prominently in the Jewish Chronicle, our local community activists appear more regularly than
many in the ‘spotlight’ columns, and our central activities, such as the annual Patrons’ dinner, are glamorously reported. Nevertheless, and despite the media coverage, I want to suggest that something more important has happened. At meetings and functions of, or about, the British Jewish community, a Liberal Jewish presence is expected; and where we were or are not present, we receive invitations to be so. Thus, for example, our chairman, Nigel Cole, plays a leading role at the Jewish Leadership Council and lights a candle at the Yom HaShoah commemoration at Logan Hall. Similarly, I take part in the Yom HaShoah Service at Hyde Park, am expected at the annual dinner of the
President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and will, following my recent appointment, join the presidents of the Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) at their annual meeting in Lambeth Palace. All these efforts and many more have a cost: a financial one and, more importantly, a time one. The time given by our senior officers, chairman and vice-chairman, Joan Shopper, is more already than we can expect from volunteers, who have businesses to run and families to attend to – and this is where I am seeking your help. As Liberal Judaism creates more opportunities for its voice to be heard and as we receive more invitations to take part in communal organisations, it is no longer possible for our officers and continued on page 2
In this edition: News, 2-3; Books, 8; Inter-synagogue quiz, 9; Spotlight on Edinburgh, 10; LJY-Netzer, 11