LJ Today May/June 2008

May/June 2008

VOL. XXXV No. 3

ljtoday

A constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism

Provocative, radical and fun Liberal Judaism’s biggest ever Biennial Weekend buzzed with excitement as community members from across the country proved that they can not only talk, sing, eat, pray and argue together, but they can also party together.

Flowing from the theme ‘Creation and Creativity’, workshop sessions and speakers at the biennial, in April, explored the sciences and the arts from a Liberal Jewish perspective. A panel, including special guest Dr Mark Levene, of Southampton University, looked at what might be done to help save the natural environment as climate change threatens our existence; and Beverley Taylor tries her hand at making workshops examined ‘Einstein’s God’ and the a challah cover at the Biennial Weekend question of whether recent scientific advances will spell the end of belief. the State’s 60th anniversary. Hardened Guest speaker and BBC filmmaker partygoers stayed on for a late-night Alan Ereira argued that Jewish artists dance session, with professionals from and sculptors needed to leave their the London Swing Dance Society. religion behind in order to unleash their For the first time, young adults from creativity while Jewish scientists often the ‘tent’ community stayed at a local held on to their faith; youth hostel, joining singer songwriter Judith delegates at the biennial Creation and Silver taught harmony venue – a stunning hotel Creativity songs; and delegates in Gloucestershire – for made challah covers and the sessions. designed a biblical garden.

Referring to the weekend as ‘one of On Saturday night, dinner guests rose the jewels in the Liberal Judaism crown’ from their tables to dance the hora as a chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich said band from the Wizo–Leo Baeck School the work of the movement was growing for the Arts, Haifa, played popular and as it increased in confidence and pride. folk songs from Israel in a celebration of Biennial reports, pages 4-6

Kadimah camp (27 July-10 August) gets bigger and better Machaneh Kadimah – Liberal Judaism’s two-week summer camp for children aged 8 to 15 – this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. It has more space and outdoor equipment, including a 10-pin bowling lane and pool, at its new site in West Sussex. On the final day, family and friends are invited to share a taste of Kadimah and join an Israel@60 celebration. To book for camp, telephone Victor Kaufman or Lauren Dubell on 020 7631 0584. LJY-Netzer, page 11

Friends scheme is launched Liberal Judaism has launched a Friends appeal in the hope of raising funds for three projects: a Midlands development worker, a North West fieldworker to support the fledgling but fast growing Manchester Liberal Jewish Community, and increasing chaplaincy support on university campuses.

Friends of Liberal Judaism is part of the movement’s new fundraising strategy, which recognises that fresh, creative initiatives will have to be funded from non-congregational sources.

Rabbi Danny Rich said: ‘The Council of Patrons is now pledging in excess of a quarter of a million pounds per annum for our development work. But we are victims of our own success in that the more we achieve the more is demanded of us.

‘I have been approached by a number of other supporters who want to make an annual contribution at a more modest level and the Friends scheme creates such an opportunity. I am confident that at least one hundred donors will pledge £1,000 each for the year 2008-09.’

Patrons’ dinner at the Commons, page 7

In this issue Marriage or nothing?

A proposal for older couples

2

World Union Report from the European Region biennial

2

Around the Communities

3

Israel@60 Interview with the ambassador; healing Arabs 8-9 Rabbinic Conference Co-chairs take us behind the scenes 10

Page 2 LJ Today

May/June 2008

A huppah without a civil ceremony?

Ron Berry proposes helping Jewish couples who see tax or inheritance law as an obstacle to marriage – by giving them an opportunity to make their union holy It is a rare delight for a rabbi to officiate at a huppah nowadays. If my total of weddings, baby blessings and bneimitzvah exceed my funerals in a year that is a good year for me, yet I can hardly remember when I last enjoyed a huppah. Marriage patterns are changing in contemporary society.

Many younger people simply choose to live together without formally marrying.

Of course there are quite a few couples who come to rabbis asking for a blessing after a register office wedding, but that is a different ceremony altogether. I am talking about a Jewish marriage ceremony, distinct from the civil ceremony, registered according to the law of the land. I mean ritual, with spiritually significant symbols laden with religious meaning.

Sadly, I have had to refuse Jewish people marrying non-Jews a huppah, though prepared to offer a ceremony wherein they can ask for God’s blessing on their marriage. Yet I have had a bride, or the mother of a groom, indignant, disappointed, even in tears, at the prospect of not having a huppah at their ceremony, or of not being able to step on a glass, so plainly these symbols of Jewish marriage are not considered unimportant by all.

I would like to offer more encouragement for those Jewish couples, more and more nowadays, who are finding happiness with a new partner later in life. There is a tendency to take into account tax and

inheritance law, which makes many of them shy away from the prospect of formal union according to the laws of the land. Normally Jewish marriage ceremonies are accompanied by civil registration, but need this be so? If the laws of the land put people off marriage does that preclude them having a huppah? Or to put it another way could, or should, rabbis offer a Jewish religious marriage ceremony to all Jewish couples even when they choose not to have their union registered according to civil law?

As a rabbi I consider that it is always my job to bring an awareness of God into human affairs. This is why I always encourage Jewish couples in a relationship to celebrate their union with a huppah as I consider it spiritually essential. The symbols of our Jewish rituals bring deeper significance into our lives and instill meaning into what otherwise is mundane. Living together can be satisfying, may be fun, even interesting. It is often a challenge, sometimes difficult, but withal, for Jewish people, we have to try to make it holy. To make a marriage sacred we need the ceremony, with the huppah together with all other aspects of the Jewish ritual, by which a couple are consecrated to each other in the presence of family, friends and God.

Francis Ronald Berry is the rabbi of Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation

Rabbi with style

Song by the sea

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Liberal Judaism’s director of community development and assistant rabbi at Northwood, was on the panel that decided the JC’s ‘Power 100’ list of Jews. He also appears in the latest edition of the men’s magazine GQ Style, joining an imam and a vicar in a threeway debate about faith.

Yism’chu, Celebrating Shabbat in Song, the audio CD that Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah made with one of her Brighton and Hove congregants, Andy Cable, has sold 300 copies in just six months. An order form is on the synagogue website.

All sales proceeds will go to its Disabled Access Appeal.

LJ Today Page 3

May/June 2008

Three rabbis welcomed EUROPEAN REGION

Progressive from choice, and proud of it Vienna was the venue for the biennial conference of the European Region of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, in March. This happened to coincide exactly with the 70th anniversary of the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany, and this formed a poignant background to the conference, which also highlighted the great revival of Jewish life in continental Europe since the 1945.

There were more than 200 attendees from 15 countries, with 33 rabbis attending a Kallah (study day), as well as the presence of Eurojews (the group for young adults) and an exhibition marking 100 years of Liberal Judaism in France; there were ceremonies to mark the admission of Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein (chairman of the European Region) as a senator at the Abraham Geiger College in Potsdam, and the award by the Leo Baeck College of fellowships to its graduates with 25 years’ service. There was a tremendous buzz throughout the weekend, and a very friendly atmosphere, particularly at Shabbat services, which are always a highlight.

The keynote speaker, Rabbi Michael Marmur from Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, stressed that Progressive Jews were progressive from choice and not for the sake of convenience; we should be confident in our own Jewish way of life, and not apologetic for it.

The domestic arrangements were superbly handled by members from Or Chadash, the young Progressive congregation in Vienna. Any visitor to Vienna should try to visit them, as well as the excellent Jewish Museum, with exhibitions emphasising the rebirth as well as the Shoah. We, the post-Shoah generation,have a unique responsibility (and opportunity) to help in this Jewish revival. Next year will see a conference of the World Union in Israel between 17 and 23 March; put the date in your diary.

Paul Zatz

Three synagogues have taken on new rabbis.

Rabbi Hillel AthiasRobles is to join Northwood and Pinner in the summer as assistant rabbi. He will work with Rabbi Aaron Hillel Athias-Robles Goldstein, who succeeds his father, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, on his retirement in August.

Rabbi Athias-Robles, who is from Costa Rica, gained semichah in Israel.

Since becoming involved with

Progressive Judaism he has been mentored by Rabbi Danny Rich and has spent several months working with Liberal Judaism’s outreach department.

Rabbi Athias-Robles says: ‘Aaron is someone incredible to work with. I’m very excited about taking on this role.’

Two final-year pupils at Leo Baeck College are due to start work as rabbis of Liberal synagogues following their ordination in the summer. Student rabbi Richard Jacobi is to join Woodford Liberal Synagogue and student rabbi Charley Baginsky is to join Kingston.

Around the Communities

Climbers from the ‘tent’ community on the way to the summit of Ben Nevis. They raised £1,600 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Fortnight of good food and fun Liberal Judaism members across the country sprang into action for Fairtrade Fortnight (25 February9 March). The result was good fun, good food and a renewed commitment to trade justice.

Producers of Fairtrade products spoke to several communities about their work and invited the community to taste their wares.

The Liberal Jewish Synagogue entertained Boonjira Tanruang, general manager of Green Net Co-operative, a producer of Fairtrade rice in Thailand; Nottingham and Birmingham held Fairtrade-themed services; Kent had a delicious Fairtrade Kiddush; and Northwood and Pinner had a host of Fairtrade events involving the whole community, including the children of the cheder.

Even greater news: the campaign is working. During Fairtrade Fortnight, the food ingredient producer Tate & Lyle said it would begin the process of shifting its entire retail cane sugars range to Fairtrade. Let’s keep up the good work!  Liberal Judaism is holding a Social Action Day on Sunday 13 July at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue: The Midlands Centre for Liberal Judaism.

This will be a day of film, workshops and discussion, running from 11am to 4.30pm. There will also be speakers on Darfur and a keynote speaker on international development. To book coach travel from London and for more information, please email Elsbeth Mendes da Costa and Orlando de Lange at socialaction@liberaljudaism.org.

New role at HQ

If you missed the Wiener Library...

Yael Shotts has taken up the post of assistant head of internal Yael Shotts services at Liberal Judaism, acting as PA to chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich.

Israeli-born Yael is a former jazz singer with a degree in performing arts.

Her role was created as part of a restructuring at the Montagu Centre.

Yael’s direct line is 020 7631 9830.

Following the departure of Bernard Schneider, Selina O’Dwyer is administering the burial and funerals scheme. Her direct line is 020 7631 9822.

Those who joined Liberal Judaism’s visit to the Wiener Library in March found it interesting and moving. As the visit was oversubscribed, a second one has been arranged, for Tuesday 3 June, from 11.15am to 12.45pm.

The group will meet at 10.30am at the Montagu Centre for coffee before making the short walk to the library.

Don’t miss the chance to tour this leading archive of the Holocaust and Nazi era. Please book with Lina Fajerman: 020 8504 3125 or lina. fajerman@ntlworld.com.

South Bucks community presents a £1,100 donation to Chiltern House in Gerrards Cross, part of Leonard Cheshire Disability

PURIM IN PICTURES

The winners of LJ Today’s Purim photo competition: Kingston, top, Ealing, middle, and Southgate celebrate in style

Page 4 LJ Today

Biennial Weekend

May/June 2008

A three-page report on the main speaker sessions,

Creation and Creativity

Medicine – a bridge to peace Biennial delegates were privileged to hear an inspiring talk by a distinguished surgeon for whom medicine has taken on an extra dimension: he grapples, almost on a daily basis, with institutional or financial obstacles in order to treat Palestinians living in extreme poverty.

Professor Walden is a board member of Physicians for Human Rights – Israel.

He is also head of surgery and assistant director at the renowed Chaim Sheba Medical Centre in Tel Hashomer. While in his own words ‘utterly an Israeli patriot’, he is critical of several aspects of government policy.

By way of background, he described the very poor health care facilities for Palestinians in the occupied territories.

He feels the Palestinians have a role in this themselves and noted that they do not receive help from the Palestinian diaspora or often from other Arab nations. Certain specialities, such as paediatric cardiology and advanced oncology, are not available at all.

Physicians for Human rights is a body of Israeli health-care workers who, operating as a charity, run mobile clinics on Shabbat in the West Bank. Sometimes a team of 20-25 staff visits a rural town

Karen Worth is moved by eminent surgeon Rafi Walden’s presentation on the work of Physicians for Human Rights – Israel and sees 400-600 Palestinians, offering diagnosis and treatment. The clinicians give their time for free, and give free treatment and medication.

A mobile clinic can be important not only for the patients treated in it but for the whole family, indeed the whole village. This may, Prof Walden said, be the only contact with ‘non-brutal nonmilitarised Israelis’ these people have had. The clinics have also been important for the Israelis who work in them: it overturns their misconceptions.

For more severely ill patients, the clinicians will try to arrange a transfer to Israeli hospitals. Prof Walden personally will talk to consultant colleagues – who may be from any speciality, not only supporters of his organisation – and ask them to treat patients for free. During the past 15 years he has made these

requests hundreds of times and no doctor has ever refused.

Securing funding for a hospital stay is harder. The Palestinian Authority frequently cannot be persuaded to pay, and Israeli hospitals will not pay either.

Sometimes it is difficult even to obtain a security pass for a very sick person to come to Israel: the patient may be termed a ‘security risk’ and refused.

Prof Walden feels that what is happening in the occupied territories is degrading the moral situation in Israel: young people in the army are forced into becoming brutalised. They are not themselves to blame; it is the set-up which puts them into that position. This is not how Jews should behave.

Palestinians he met often spoke with nostalgia of the times ‘before the intifada [uprising]’, when they had contact with ordinary Israelis. The younger generation did not have this experience.

Many of those at the talk said they would consider whether their synagogue’s Kol Nidre appeal could support Physicians for Human Rights.

Karen Worth is a member of Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation

What the delegates thought: in their own

Biennial Weekend

May/June 2008

LJ Today Page 5

workshops and impressions from Liberal Judaism’s Biennial Weekend

Has science spelt the end of belief?

Stephen Howard finds the ever-provocative Rabbi David Goldberg’s questions about the nature of God being echoed by other Liberal rabbis On Saturday morning there were various workshops, including one asking, ‘Has science spelt the end of belief?’ led by Rabbi David Goldberg, rabbi emeritus of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue.

His main thesis was that, as scientific advance leaves less mystery and less for us to understand simply as the will of God, our traditional images of God become less relevant. For instance, research in the area of human fertilisation and embryology, if successful, will render many of God’s attributes redundant. If our residual belief in God is simply in ‘the God of the gaps’, as there are ever fewer gaps, so there is less need for a belief in God. Rabbi Goldberg feels that the present pace of scientific advance, especially in the realm of biology, poses as great a challenge to religion as did the Galileo controversy centuries ago. If we continue to cling to outmoded images of God, in the ‘great, mighty and awesome

words

THE FIRST-TIMER

THE BIENNIAL VETERAN

THE FAMILY

THE YOUNG ADULT

Steve Rogers

Reni Chapman

Yuval Keren and Clare Rees

Jacqueline Joseph

Kingston

Leicester

London

The ‘tent’ community

The biennial has been really interesting.

It’s put a lot of things in context for me – meeting people I’ve heard about is so interesting. In the marketplace [exhibition] on Sunday it was great to see the talent on show.

I converted to Judaism three months ago and it’s nice to meet my extended community. The workshops are fascinating. The dinners are good too.

People are so friendly – they knew who I was before I knew who they were.

I ‘m really pleased I came.

My first biennial, or conference as it was called, was in Nottingham, in the Sixties.

I turn 85 next week and I’ve been to every biennial since, except when I had cancer.

I like the feeling of belonging. I feel at home with everyone here and at the workshops I like to ask questions. Well, that’s what Jews do! The services are brilliant – so is the feeling of 200 people singing together, especially when you come from a small community like I do.

This year, the concert on Saturday night was tops.

Clare says: It’s been a really creative experience. I’ve learnt how to make a biblical garden, I’ve made a challah cover and I’ve used a sewing maching for the first time in my life.

The kids have met old friends and enjoyed it. At the services people said it was lovely to see them. We’ve also spent time as a family, going swimming, and the kids had a great time in the garden.

There were young and old together. I thought I might feel too young, which I didn’t.

There were about 20 of us from ‘tent: the meeting place’ staying at the youth hostel in Bristol and we got ferried in to the venue in shared cars.

On the Friday evening we had a little service at the hostel led by Anna, Victor and Hillel, and a Shabbat dinner. The Israeli band were staying with us and they played for about an hour. It was a good atmosphere. The Israelis were lovely – they wanted to be part of it all.

The workshops at the biennial were really interesting.

God’ of the prayer book, all that will be left of our services will be the aesthetics, the music, the atmosphere and the spectacle, but the heart will be gone.

Of course, Rabbi Goldberg was being deliberately provocative, and the discussion that followed was lively and far-ranging. There was an understanding that our apprehension of God has changed over the ages, from the pagan, capricious gods, to the ethical monotheism of prophetic Judaism; and now might be a time when it needs to change again. Perhaps we should espouse Mordechai Kaplan’s ‘power that makes for goodness’ or Karen Armstrong’s ‘mystical unity of all being’, following Spinoza. For Rabbi Goldberg, this was too nebulous and unsatisfactory. Questions were opened of the source of beauty and of forces beyond our control.

What I found particularly interesting was that the discussion Rabbi Goldberg

opened up in his session was echoed in Rabbi Margaret Jacobi’s session on her journey from science into religion, and in Rabbi Mark Solomon’s session on Albert Einstein.

Perhaps it really is time to leave behind our belief in a personal God outside of creation, and espouse a God who (or that) is part of the natural order, the source of all goodness and the urge towards unity. If we look at the world through the eyes of scientific curiosity and wonder, and into ourselves seeking the urge towards health of body, mind and society, we might just find that God is constantly revealing the way towards tikkun olam, if only we would open our minds and senses to listen. This is not a God who is ‘out there’ beyond time and space, but ‘in here’, part of the very fabric of our existence.

Rembrandt and Jewish Amsterdam

told us that Manasseh ben Israel had advised Rembrandt about the lettering.

Others pictures were unfamiliar (at least to me). A drawing of the Akedah (binding of Isaac) (Graphische Sammlung Albertina, Vienna) was full of drama and was one of three works that Rembrandt produced on this theme. A painting of Moses holding the tablets of stone above his head (Berlin) showed tablets that were not in the traditional (Jewish) shape, and we could not decide whether he was showing them to the Israelites or about to hurl them to the ground.

Finally, Harry showed us a painting of a young woman with an older man, entitled Jewish Bride (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam).

But who was the man? Was he her father or her husband? We could not agree.

Harry told us that an internet search using the terms ‘Rembrandt’, ‘Jews’ and ‘Amsterdam’ produced more than 400 hits. So if you are interested, you can view the pictures on the internet, and then go and see the original works.

Rabbi Harry Jacobi

by Marjorie Monnickendam Rabbi Harry Jacobi gave a lively and informative presentation. He set the scene by talking about the development of Amsterdam and of the Jewish community following the defeat of the Spanish and the establishment of the Dutch republic in 1571.

Rembrandt, who lived in the 17th century, produced many pictures of biblical scenes. Harry showed us some of them and he challenged us to identify the story. We then read the appropriate text and discussed the picture.

Some pictures were familiar, such as the painting of Belshazzar’s feast (National Gallery, London). I had often wondered about the writing on the wall. It is in Hebrew and reads from right to left but in columns rather than in rows. Harry

Stephen Howard is the rabbi of Southgate Progressive Synagogue

Dr Monnickendam is a member of North London Progressive Jewish Community

Page 6 LJ Today

Biennial Weekend

May/June 2008

Let us not prey on creation Henry Cohn on what we might do about climate change Among many lively debates was the creation. Do we wish to be predators on plenary session on climate change. The God’s creation, rather than those chairman, Bernie Bulkin (The Liberal entrusted with its preservation?

Jewish Synagogue), brought to the panel Probing questions from the floor his experience in industry and as a steered the debate and made practical government adviser. Rabbi Dr Margaret suggestions for what individuals and Jacobi (Birmingham) gave the rabbinical communities might do. We cannot just perspective. Dr Mark blame the worst polluting Levene, historian at countries or the Creation and Southampton University, industrial giants, but Creativity introduced the session as need to influence them by co-founder of Crisis making our own Forum, an academic-cum-activist group contributions to carbon reduction. which seeks to foster holistic analysis The Fair Trade campaign proves that yet at the same time practical, pressure can succeed. Return was community-based responses to the self- advocated to forms of transport which destructive tendencies now threatening satisfied our grandparents (never by humanity’s survival. plane in Britain or Europe), to locally For him, one remedy is Aubrey Meyer’s grown produce, but also to new well-established ‘contraction and technologies to alleviate the problems. convergence’ principle: developed If the solution is not to be a more countries must contract their carbon authoritarian state imposing carbon emissions drastically while developing discipline, we must become masters of ones are allowed to increase theirs, the ourselves, not masters of the planet. principle being that everyone on the These ideas were not a minority planet has equal rights to the use of the programme for Liberal Jews but ones for atmosphere. Trading entitlements under which we could secure assent from other UN aegis may not be the perfect route by Jews and other faiths. The moral which we arrive at convergence but at imperatives of religion are needed to least it combines the scientific need for secure self-discipline and influence an agreed, time-structured framework politicians reluctant to offend electorates. for action with the moral – Judaic – We left with food for further imperative of social justice. If the discussion, but also for action.

Genesis story was one version of evolution, so the current accelerating Dr Henry Cohn is a member of destruction of species is a reversal of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue

... Let us act, now  Biennial delegates who supported a campaign to strengthen the Climate Change Bill, currently going through parliament, took part in a photocall; Rabbi Danny Rich hopes to deliver the resulting photograph to Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment.

The campaign, organised by the Stop Climate Chaos coalition, asks for an 80 per cent cut in emissions by 2050.  At the Community Marketplace, Liberal Judaism’s Social Action Group offered information and advice on contacting MPs about the bill.  Delegates contributed towards the planting of a tree in the magnificent arboretum of Tortworth Court Hotel, the biennial venue. The arboretum has more than 300 rare and protected trees.

The Wissenschaft des Judentums (The Science of Judaism) Rabbi Pete Tobias

by Laura Miller This was the fascinating story of how the 19th century German ‘reformers’ became Reform Judaism, over a period of 100 years or more.

The history starts with a Jewish middle-class that wants to distance itself from what it sees as the superstition and poverty of the shtetl. It wants to modernise Judaism. At the same time, following the 1810-20 anti-Jewish riots, it realises the need for Judaism to stand up for itself. This is the science – the philosophy – of a modern Judaism.

Then followed ‘the battle of the prooftexts’, as Rabbi Pete put it, in which writers from the orthodox and Reform sides of the debate argued about the authority of making such changes. At one point came a heartfelt cry: ‘Can we please say the Sh’ma in Hebrew?’

Little by little, changes were made. Their detractors called them ‘the reformers’, a title they adopted. At one point a friendly competition was held to see how short the modernised prayer book could be. This was won in 1924 by the Berlin community, whose book, including prayers for the entire year, Shabbat and grace after meals, ran to just 64 pages.

Laura Miller is a member of the North London Progressive Jewish Community

A billion thanks to the Berals The resounding success themselves,’ she of Biennial 2008 was comments. due in large part to the ‘The knowledge that dedication, flair and you’re gathering groups attention to detail of of people, so they are no Mike and Penny Beral. longer individual The Elstree synagogue communities but a huge couple have co-chaired family, is powerful.’ the past three biennials, Mike and Penny are bringing expertise in now stepping down as Penny and Mike have co-chaired the past three Biennial Weekends event management, organisers. At the end of communications and the weekend, Nigel Cole technical know-how – and vast made a presentation: to Penny a book, amounts of voluntary time. and to Mike a platter made by Penny says she has got a lot out of professional woodturner Richard the work. ‘It really is a privilege to be Shock, a member of the Oxford able to enable everyone to enjoy Jewish Community.

LJ Today Page 7

May/June 2008

Shahid Malik speaks at Liberal Judaism’s Council of Patrons dinner

Muslim MP’s message of hope Shahid Malik’s watchword was acceptance when he became the first Muslim to address the annual dinner of Liberal Judaism’s Council of Patrons.

The minister for international development and Rabbi Uri Regev, president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, were guest speakers.

Supporters at the evening, held at the House of Commons in March, heard that Liberal Judaism was about to open its first regional office outside London, in Birmingham. With the Patrons’ help, the movement planned to place a development worker in the North, who would support the growth of the fledgling Manchester community.

Mr Malik, the member for Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, told the guests he was born and raised in Burnley, Lancashire, so knew a thing or two about the legacy of division – ‘the Wars of the Roses and all that’.

Turning to the problems caused by Britain’s ethnic and religious diversity, Mr Malik said the response should be to accelerate the pace of interfaith work.

‘It’s not rocket science. Sometimes just speaking to people about your faith and your community can make the

Clockwise from far left: Shahid and Sundus Malik; Danny Rich with Baroness Neuberger; Stanley Fink, chairman of the Patrons, and his wife Barbara; Uri Regev; Brooks Newmark MP, who hosted the evening

Photographs by John Bernard

difference.’ While the task ahead wasn’t necessarily complex, it was huge, Mr Malik said. ‘It’s way above party politics, way above religion - it’s about humanity.’

Mr Malik, a trustee of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, had strongly criticised the Muslim Council of Britain’s previous refusal to take part in the national event. He told the dinner

guests: ‘It’s a significant step forward that they joined the Holocaust Memorial Day this year.’

Britons needed to celebrate their commonality as well as their diversity, Mr Malik added. ‘People don’t want tolerance, they want acceptance.

Acceptance of others is what will sustain us through the tough times ahead.’

Patrons raise £200,000 in fourth year In the previous year, Liberal Judaism’s Patrons had donated £207,928 to fund development and outreach projects undertaken by the movement, Rabbi Danny Rich told guests at the fourth annual Patrons’ dinner. The target for the coming year was £300,000.

The chief executive was delighted to report that the number of Patrons was growing: while there had been 42 at the beginning of the evening, four more had pledged to give by the time he addressed the audience. Rabbi Rich then introduced the World Union president, Rabbi Regev, whom he described as a ‘distinguished lawyer, dear friend and colleague’.

In an impassioned speech, Rabbi Regev said: ‘My heart goes out to you, the Patrons of Liberal Judaism. I salute you for the work you render, in Britain and beyond.’ And he declared: ‘Our role is about changing the world, about tikkun olam.’

Patrons at the Commons: above, from left, Leslie Bergman, senior vice-chair of the WUPJ, with wife Dee; Michael and Claire Francies (Northwood); Nick and Jennie Fisher (Southgate); below, from left, Paul and Nicola Nathan (South Bucks); Gerry and Roberta Solomons (Leicester); David and Ann Pelham (Finchley)

May/June 2008

Page 8 LJ Today

London-based Shai Golan describes his volunteer work in the divided Arab village of Barta’a, where tensions are high and co-existence is still a dream

The Israeli who heals Arabs hospital in Jenin, is equally difficult.

There are two main aspects to the Middeway project.

First, it is about looking after the Shai Golan with a patient at the Middleway clinic in East Barta’a, near Jenin health needs of the population arising from limited access to medical care, for political reasons and listening to my patients’ stories about from sheer poverty; a significant portion their daily hardships is important. The are on monthly UN handouts of rice, oil, fact that we come from different sides in sugar and flour. the conflict creates an interesting The second point, which underpins the dynamic, breaking down barriers and work of Middleway, is a philosophy about stereotypes. I think that, for my creating and maintaining a Palestinian patients and colleagues, dialogue between Israelis and having an Israeli acknowledge their Palestinians. This is a philosophy I really suffering, often inflicted by my began to understand as I started working government and its agents (at the local with my first patient. It was an encounter checkpoint, for example) is significant. between two human beings, one happy But my experience in Barta’a is not to offer his healing, the other happy to always like this. In January, for the first receive it; an encounter untainted by time, I got the cold shoulder treatment. politics or prejudice or fear. This I was at the local council building, next experience was repeated throughout door to the clinic. Entering a room full of the day. smoking men, I exchanged some An elderly man giggled as I began greetings and was offered a cup of treating him, telling me that he was so coffee. The tension in the air was confident I would be able to help him he palpable. The radio was on with live would start arranging the hafla coverage from Gaza, which was under (traditional feast) as soon as he left. siege, without power, the humanitarian Another man came into the clinic crisis deepening. The tension was about complaining of being sick ‘everywhere’ loyalties. On the one hand I was offered and saying: ‘Just make me feel better.’ coffee, on the other hand I was all but A chiropractic, Harry, and I both did ignored. How could they socialise with some work on him and he emerged me, an Israeli, when all this suffering euphoric (a ‘side-effect’ of acupuncture), was being inflicted on their family and put his keffiyeh on my head and walked friends by my government’s army? around the clinic telling everyone how As long as my Israeli friends cannot good he felt. see the injustice and inhumanity in the During the six months I have been suffering of people in Gaza and as long working in Barta’a I have found that as my Palestinian friends cannot see the the injustice in the suffering inflicted on the people of Sderot (exposed to daily How Middleway works towards peace barrages of missiles, living in constant fear), we will not have peace. Moving to a schools. Its activities in Barta’a include • Middleway, a non-political body world-centric view, where we each view dialogue circles between Israeli Jews dedicated to finding new ways to end the other as equal, regardless of and Barta’a people, and activities with violence and hatred among Jews and Arabs in Israel, began in 2002 with a silent Barta’a children. ethnicity, takes time and work.

• It organises volunteer work by Israeli doctors, alternative practitioners and teachers in Palestinian hospitals and

• For more information, or to support the Barta’a project, please visit www.middleway.org or contact clarekinglassman@gmail.com

‘These are our dilemmas’ Beatrice Sayers meets Ron Prosor, a diplomat who relishes a challenge

When my family and I decided last summer to spend a sabbatical year here in Israel I found a desire to be involved in something I felt was positive. This was as a result of being bombarded with negative news from Israel and very negative, even hostile views held by friends in the UK, and out of profound concern for the fragile state of coexistence in the region.

During my research into peace and co-existence projects I came across hundreds of wonderful grassroots initiatives but was unsure how I could best use my existing skills. When I came across the charity Middleway and the clinic it runs in the village of Barta’a, I knew I had found my place. The coordinator told me that they were in fact looking for a Chinese medical practitioner as the person who had been giving acupuncture at the clinic could not afford to continue her voluntary work.

I reached Barta’a, near Jenin, after getting lost on a beautiful winding road, surrounded by lush green pine forests.

The village was divided after the war in 1949 into Jordanian Eastern Barta’a and Israeli Western Barta’a, separating families and friends. On my first visit my interpreter, Nazem, told me that while the rest of the Arab world was mourning its military defeat in 1967, the residents of Barta’a were happy: the village was once again united. Today, the reality for the people of East Barta’a is not so happy.

Since the erection in 2003 of the security barrier, and the introduction of a military checkpoint, they have been confined to their side of the village as they need travel permits to enter Israel; these permits are hard to get. Going to other parts of the Palestinian Authority, including the

peace walk from Jaffa to Jerusalem.

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May/June 2008

Shai Golan, of Finchley Progressive Synagogue, teaches at the University of Westminster’s School of Integrated Health

The job of Israeli ambassador to London is not the easiest of diplomatic roles. But it is the one Ron Prosor picked for himself. He was fortunate to have been in a position to choose, he says, and pressure was exerted on him to take other posts. He chose Britain because he sees it as a challenge, and because it is a country he likes.

As he leads me into his spacious office at the embassy building in Palace Green, Kensington, he shows me a photograph of himself with Tony Blair. ‘I had the pleasure of taking Tony Blair on his first trip with Cherie to Israel in 1993,’ he recalls. ‘I was with him for three days.’

Ron Prosor, 49, is a jovial man, whose huge charisma is matched by his intellect. At the beginning of the interview he appears uneasy at my use of a tape recorder and I suggest he tries to ignore it. ‘Try and ignore it? I don’t have much experience of that.’ The words of a man who knows problems have to be dealt with, not ignored.

Mr Prosor is fluent in German as well as English, and served as cultural attaché in Bonn from 1988 to 1992. From 1995 to 1998 he was spokesman for the Embassy of Israel in London (his daughter attended Mathilda Marks

‘A Jewish democracy is usually more divided than any other democracy’ school and JFS) and immediately after this he took on another high-profile job, at the Washington embassy. These appointments were followed by time spent in government, including a period as director-general of the Foreign Ministry.

I ask Mr Prosor why he was so keen to come to London again. ‘I chose London not only because it is an economic powerhouse but because it’s home to a media empire,’ he says. Israel’s man in Kensington is a fan of the Financial Times, the Economist and the BBC, and marvels at the foreign companies (Sky, and the world’s Arab media) that have bases in London. As he puts it:

Ron Prosor, Israel’s ambassador to Britain

‘Everything that is written or said here has an effect that goes way beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. It is one of the most challenging places in the world for Israel.’

He is full of praise for the Jewish community in Britain, which he describes as lively and motivated. I ask him what Jews here can do to improve understanding of Israel among non-Jews. ‘To answer that question one has to refocus and zoom out of the political differences because as you know we are in a completely divided democracy – a Jewish democracy is usually more divided than any other democracy. If there’s something that I think should be conveyed to the British public by the Jewish community it’s the diversity of the debate in Israel. Because from the outside it looks like it’s just one side.’

Before the interview went ahead, I was warned off many of the questions I wanted to ask Mr Prosor: questions about his views of the Progressive Jewish movement in Israel, about how far the separation of synagogue and state can go, and about whether non-religious marriages would one day be allowed.

When I mention the Progressive movement and the extent to which change is likely, he responds: ‘As Israel progresses into the 21st century, more and more people on the one hand understand that religion, Jewish values, Jewish identity, and culture to its roots are things that we need, not only in order

to keep together, but this is something that makes us a bit different – especially in our neighbourhood, but also different from the world at large. It goes down to kol yisrael arevim ze laze [all Jews are responsible for each other] and tikkun olam. It goes down to a lot of Jewish values which many people don’t appreciate.’ He makes the case for the continuance of traditional, orthodox religion holding sway, though concedes: ‘Things are moving, also in Israel.’

Mr Prosor has met many people since taking up his post, attending engagements across the country as well as being photographed by the Jewish Chronicle at seemingly every communal function. How well informed, I wondered, did he find the general population about Middle Eastern politics. ‘I feel that people really don’t know what in essence is going on in the conflict,’ he replies.

‘There’s no real sequence or context in people’s minds. Very few people know that Israel left Gaza completely, taking all its settlements and army. Very few people know that from 1948 to 1967 this [area] was Jordanian, Jerusalem was divided, there was no West Bank and no occupied territories. Then they begin trying to throw us to the sea.’

‘People are surprised that the Israeli government tries to protect its citizens’ This lack of knowledge affects people’s ability to understand, for instance, what is happening in Sderot. ‘People are surprised that the Israeli government tries to protect its citizens. The strategy is to go out and make the case for Israel as a democracy under fire, as a democracy trying to protect itself from phenomena which are completely new to western democracy, such as strategic terror and suicide bombers. How do you deal with that on the one hand and not go overboard with your reaction on the other? Those are the dilemmas that we are solving under fire as a democracy, and in my mind doing a brilliant job of it, with all the problems.’

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Page 10 LJ Today

Behind the scenes at Rabbinic Conference

by Rachel Benjamin and Margaret Jacobi We had the honour of being elected joint chairs of Rabbinic Conference in January 2006 and, this summer, will be handing over the reins to Rabbi Pete Tobias, of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree.

Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah recently summed up the purpose of Rabbinic Conference in this way: ‘To Rabbi Rachel Benjamin, left, and Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi step down enable us to be the best this summer as joint chairs of Liberal Judaism’s Rabbinic Conference rabbis we can be.’ Rabbinic Conference provides guides on Death and Mourning, and religious guidance to our movement and congregations, with regard to rituals and Shabbat. We are continually re-examining our policy, for example, practice, liturgy, conversion and status with regard to Jewish status and issues, and social action. It aims to marriage in the light of changing social empower leadership for its rabbis, and circumstances. for our new members as they join We actively foster and nurture Rabbinic Conference. We provide study relationships both within Rabbinic opportunities, so that we may teach and Conference and Liberal Judaism, and learn from each other, and offer an externally, such as with Leo Baeck important network of support for our College, the Movement for Reform members, as well as social activities.

Judaism and the Council of Christians Rabbinic Conference meets monthly. and Jews. Rabbinic Conference holds In addition, we arrange monthly meetings of the Rabbinic Board, our ‘beit four joint meetings annually with the Reform Rabbinic Assembly. din’, which comprises three rabbis and On a personal note, looking back over reviews status and conversion the past two and a half years, chairing applications. Rabbinic Conference also Rabbinic Conference has been both an holds an annual three-day retreat, honour and a burden. It has involved a known as the Kallah, which gives us a considerable time commitment, and a good opportunity to engage in in-depth steep learning curve. It has been study and discussion. The chair of fascinating to be involved in the life of Rabbinic Conference acts as an Officer our movement from this perspective, of Liberal Judaism and attends monthly Officers’ meetings and Council meetings. and we hope that we have brought some positive changes to RC and the way it Liberal Judaism’s rabbis are foremost operates. We have been grateful for the in promoting and developing Liberal support of Rabbi Danny Rich who, as Judaism, both in our communities and well as being Liberal Judaism’s chief externally. We are involved in Liberal executive, is a valued member of Judaism’s activities on all levels. We Rabbinic Conference. teach and advise on committees. We We are delighted that Rabbi Pete will create and update liturgy, for example, be taking over as chair, and wish him Siddur Lev Chadash, Machzor Ruach success. He can be assured of every Chadashah and the Liberal Judaism support from us. We hope he finds it a Haggadah. In consultation with the fulfilling and rewarding experience. publications committee, we produce written materials and books, such as our Values and Practices leaflets, Rabbi Pete Rachel Benjamin is rabbi of the South Tobias’s new Liberal Judaism: A Judaism Bucks and East Anglia communities.

Dr Margaret Jacobi is rabbi of for the Twenty-First Century; and Birmingham Progressive Synagogue forthcoming detailed and informative

LJ Today Page 11

May/June 2008

‘tent’ travels to Tunisia Liberal Judaism’s community of young adults, ‘tent: the meeting place’, is planning an 11-day journey across Tunisia, from 9 to 20 July. Contact Anna: a.gerrard@liberaljudaism.org.

DEATHS

Marianne Neuman Dr Marianne Neuman who, with her husband, Rudi, was one of the founder members of the Dublin Jewish Progressive Synagogue, died on 17 March, aged 94.

In recognition of her long and devoted service to St John Ambulance, a guard of honour attended her funeral in Woodtown Cemetery.

LJY-Netzer is the Zionist youth movement of Liberal Judaism.

It provides an opportunity for young people to develop a strong Progressive Jewish identity whilst enjoying friendships and having fun

Four seasons in one Mifgash superb Spring Camp!

Julie Vart Julie Vart, a founder member of the Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community, died on 2 March aged 88.

An accomplished needlewoman, she created the community’s ark curtain; she hardly ever missed a service in the congregation’s 25year history. Julie is survived by two sisters, both living in Sweden.

David Springer David Springer, chairman of the Herefordshire Jewish Community, of which he was a founder, died in March, aged 64. David counted music as one of his big interests and his musician friends will be holding a celebration of his life in August.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, his children, Natalie, Laurence and Jonathan, and his stepchildren, Norma, Christine and Sarah.

IN MEMORIAM Rabbi Julia Neuberger conducted a service in Dublin in memory of Dr Michael Solomons, a past president of the Progressive congregation, who died last year.

A gynaecologist and obstetrician of note, Dr Solomons is remembered for his courage in promoting the rights of women to family planning at a time when it was virtually a taboo subject in Ireland.

Snow yesterday, sunshine today... Lauren and Vic with Avivniks in Salisbury

by Victor Kaufman LJY-Netzer’s Machaneh Aviv (Spring Camp) literally covered all seasons, as over the six days of Spring Camp, held in early April, we experienced sun, rain, snow and wind.

The chanichim (participants) combined this year’s educational focus on how LJY-Netzer can ‘change the world’ with a celebration of 60 years since the founding of the modern state of Israel: they looked at the ways in which over six decades Israel had changed the world. They found innovative ways to explore the kibbutz movement, and Israeli ecological and peace organisations. One of the most popular activities was the ‘kibbutzstyle disco’ on Sunday night.

This year’s Machaneh Aviv also proved that dreams can come true, as the Yamim group (ages 14-15) discovered when their creative madrichim (leaders) ran a session on

imagining their biggest dreams – this included travelling the world, going to Israel and becoming a popstar!

In keeping with the changing-theworld theme, LJY-Netzer announced that JCore would be its chosen charity for the year. All the chanichim made and decorated tzedakah (charity) boxes to take home and fill with loose change.

Machaneh Aviv concluded with a celebrity party with the likes of Lee Mead and Victoria Beckham turning up. Ok, so it may just have been an excuse to go in fancy dress, but some of the musical and vocal performances by the ‘celebrities’ were at least as good as the real thing. We concluded with the madrichim singing a version of Rihanna’s chart topper Umbrella, adapted for Machaneh Aviv.

If you missed out on the Aviv fun this year, do not worry because Machaneh Kadimah is coming up soon (see right)!

Every year, families of LJY-Netzerniks host a group of 16-year-old pupils from the Leo Baeck Education Centre, Haifa, who come to London for a mifgash (‘encounter’) with British youngsters of the same age.

The group was co-led this year by Roni Meer, a 33-year-old law student who is also a leader at the centre’s Beit Midrash.

Roni says the group of 17 visitors from Israel all found it ‘an amazing experience’.

He adds: ‘It was interesting because it combined two things. On the one hand we were tourists – we saw the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament and all the beautiful parks. But we also met up with the kids, and were hosted in their houses with their families.’ He praised the hospitality and warmth that the youngsters experienced with the families.

As often happens on mifgash, the British and Israelis enjoyed discovering how much they had in common. They are, as Roni puts it, dealing with the same questions – ‘about themselves, their Judaism and the role of Israel in their lives’. But they also talked about their differences – in their schooling and their lifestyles.

The children whose families hosted the visitors are now looking forward to meeting them again on Israel Tour this summer.

Kadimah is coming!

There are tons of things you can do over the long, long summer holiday. You can go away with your parents, meet up with your friends or go on a course. But we doubt any of these will be anywhere near as much fun as our fantastic two-week Machaneh Kadimah (Summer Camp)!

Camp is as popular as ever but luckily this year we have a bigger – and better – site and are still taking bookings. Visit www.liberaljudaism.org and click on LJY-Netzer to see our brochure.

LJY-Netzer is at www.ljynetzer.org. Contact Vic Kaufman or Lauren Dubell 020 7631 0584 or office@ljynetzer.org

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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 07505 477459, bky@liberaljudaism.org www.bkylondon.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.bpsjudaism. com. 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 0131 777 8024, 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 HA3 0QH, 020 8904 8581, hwps@liberaljudaism.org, www.hwps.org Herefordshire Jewish Community, Enquiries to Andrea on 07722 028958 or Mark on 01594 530721 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 www.ljynetzer.org President The Baroness Neuberger DBE Chairman Nigel Cole Vice Chairman Joan Shopper Treasurer David Pelham Officers Penny Beral, William Glassman, Amanda Grant, Paul Infield, Paula Scott, Stephanie Thwaites Senior Vice-President Rabbi Dr Sidney Brichto Vice-Presidents Monique Blake, 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 Chairs of Rabbinic Conference Rabbi Rachel Benjamin and Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Community Development Rabbi Aaron Goldstein Internal Services Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer Communications and PR Alexandra Mankowitz Shlicha Noa Marom LJY-Netzer Victor Kaufman and Lauren Dubell Liberal Judaism promotes the religious and cultural traditions of our faith within the framework of progressive thinking and ethics. Registered charity number 256390.

LJ Today is edited by Beatrice Sayers Articles and letters are welcome. The deadline for the July/August issue is 2 June. Please email: ljtodayeditor@liberaljudaism.org

This paper is FSC certified and chlorine free Printed by Freedman Brothers Printers Ltd

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, Middx 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 Liberal Synagogue, Marlborough Road, George Lane, London E18 1AR 020 8989 7619, wps@liberaljudaism.org, www.woodfordliberal.org.uk Associated congregations Beit Ha’Chidush, Postbus 14613, 1001 LC Amsterdam, Netherlands, 00 31 23 524 7204 info@beithachidush.nl, www.beithachidush.nl Oxford Liberal Jewish Services: 01865 515584 or 01865 765197, www.oxford-synagogue.org.uk New communities The Suffolk Jewish Community 01473 250797, sjc@liberaljudaism.org

Make a date ...........

10 May (Saturday) Celebration of Israel at 60 at Northwood and Pinner, 7pm. Tickets (£25) from 01923 822592 11 May (Sunday) Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration for Israel’s 60th, with Rabbi Michael Boyden, 3pm at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue.

Contact b.fox@ljs.org 1 June (Sunday) Inter-synagogue quiz Teams do battle for the Liberal Judaism trophy. Hosted by last year’s winners, the LJS. At 3 for 3.30pm 15 June (Sunday) Yom Chinuch: Liberal Judaism’s religion schools’ Israel at 60 event, at the LJS 13 July (Sunday) Liberal Judaism’s Social Action Day in Birmingham. With speaker Shahid Malik MP (international development minister), film and workshops. socialaction@ liberaljudaism.org 27 July to 10 August Machaneh Kadimah LJY-Netzer’s unbeatable summer camp for ages 8-15. Details: 020 7631 0584 21 September (Sunday) Liberal Judaism’s Annual Memorial Services. Tel: 020 7580 1663 23 September (Tuesday) Genealogy conference at the Montagu Centre Telephone: 020 8504 3125 2009: 17 May (Sunday) Day of Celebration for Liberal Judaism

Delighted to teach you...

Leo Baeck College presents a one-day workshop at the Montagu Centre: ‘To Learn and to Teach... is a Jewish Responsibility and a Delight.’

It takes place on Monday 19 May 2008, 11.30am-3.30pm, including lunch. It is designed to enable participants to: select texts to study individually or with a group; locate and understand materials and commentaries from a range of sources; plan a text-based study session; and develop their facilitation skills whatever their level of Jewish knowledge. No Hebrew is required.

The workshop will be led by Janet Berenson and Gaby Ruppin. Cost: £15 affiliated, £20 unaffiliated; concessions available. Please contact Judy by emailing j.thwaites@liberaljudaism.org or telephoning 020 7631 9824.  Yom Chinuch: a day to celebrate Israel’s 60th, takes place on Sunday 15 June at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue.

Religion school pupils aged 10-14 and their teachers are invited to take part in this exciting programme of Israelthemed activities including dance, drama and crafts. Please contact Judy Thwaites (contact details above).

Israelis say thanks During a visit to Israel in March, Rabbi Danny Rich handed a cheque for £11,000 to Carol Brauner and Mohammed Fahili, of the Sir Charles Clore JewishArab Community Centre in Acre (Akko).

The money was raised from congregations’ High Holy Day appeals.

Three other donations were sent separately by Liberal synagogues, making a total of about £33,000 being raised for the centre.  A donation of £10,000 raised by Friends of Progressive Judaism and the British Friends of the Leo Baeck Education Centre in Haifa has been used to buy chairs and desks for the centre’s Junior High School. Dani Fesler, headmaster and managing director of the centre, has expressed deep gratitude for the donation, which was a result of a Chanukkah appeal. The money has been used to buy 800 chairs and 415 desks.

Trace your roots Liberal Judaism is to hold a genealogy conference on 23 September at the Montagu Centre. Details: lina.fajerman@ ntlworld.com or 020 8504 3125.