November/December 2006
VOL. XXXIII No. 6
ljtoday
LJY-Netzer’s new, home-grown prayer book, Siddur Lil’mod v’La’asot, was launched at the end of September. It brims with songs, poetry and drawings, all set out alongside the liturgies. The siddur is designed around the concepts of creative prayer (ma’amad) and education, both important parts of LJY-Netzer’s ideology. Prayers are surrounded with explanations as well as art and poetry. It began as a personal project of Victor Kaufman when he was on Etgar, LJY-Netzer’s leadership programme, in Jerusalem. Back home, he continued working on it with others in the movement, including Rabbi Stephen Howard, of Southgate Progressive Synagogue, and student rabbi Yuval Keren, who helped with typesetting, editing the Hebrew and providing
Phil Stone
LJY launches its siddur
LJY-Netzer leaders Jenny Walton, left, Jess Herman, with guitar, and Jordan Helfman join Victor Kaufman second left, for the launch at a Kabbalat Shabbat service at Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue
transliterations. About his reasons for creating the siddur, Victor says: ‘I wanted to repay my movement for
the many great experiences that it has given me.’ A tool for LJY-Netzer, page 11
Danny Rich joins an interfaith vigil for Darfur Rabbi Danny Rich has taken part in an interfaith vigil calling for more to be done to protect civilians in Darfur. He and representatives of the United
Who’s who at The Montagu Centre Download a four-page section on the structure of Liberal Judaism, the services it provides, and its Officers and staff. Follow the link from www.liberaljudaism.org
and Reform synagogues and Muslim and Christian religious leaders, read specially written prayers for Darfur outside 10 Downing Street before delivering them to the Prime Minister. Liberal Judaism’s contribution was written by Rabbi Janet Burden, of the Ealing and West Central liberal synagogues. Rabbi Rich said: ‘Darfur is an international tragedy unfolding before our eyes on a scale which may involve the death of millions.’ The faith leaders have urged the international community to do all it can to ensure that a strong, international peacekeeping force protects civilians. They have also asked
the British government to exert continued diplomatic pressure for safe, unfettered access for humanitarian organisations to all who need their help. Despite the signing of a Darfur peace agreement in May, there has been no end to the three years of violence in western Sudan in which hundreds of thousands of people have been murdered; in some areas the violence has grown worse. Attacks on civilians continue, and people are being displaced from their homes and do not feel secure enough to return or to plant crops. Liberal synagogues have said a Darfur prayer in their Shabbat services.
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City’s bright lights The growing Manchester Liberal Jewish Community has a new logo (right), designed by Tammy Kustow. The two overlapping candle flames can be seen as symbolising the joining together of the community, which is of course completely inclusive. James Eisen, the community’s treasurer, said: ‘We’re all very pleased about it. We wanted the style of the logo to really identify us with Liberal Judaism.’ He added: ‘I hope it represents a light and a hope to other Jewish people that there is a community here and it will reach out to them.’ MLJC’s committee say new people are reaching them through their website and by word of mouth. ‘We hope Liberal Judaism will continue to offer their support, particularly [outreach director Rabbi] Aaron [Goldstein], and we hope that our membership will continue to grow to make us self-supporting,’ Mr Eisen added.
Liberal Judaism day Plans are being made for a Day of Liberal Judaism, along the lines of A Taste of Liberal Judaism, held during the centennial year in 2002. Anyone who would like to be involved in the organising group should contact William Glassman, c/o the Montagu Centre.
Date with Redgrave The Liberal Jewish Synagogue is holding another series of ‘In Conversation With’ evenings. Dame Vanessa Redgrave will be in conversation with Rabbi Dr David Goldberg at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue on Wednesday 29 November, 7.30 for 8.15pm. Clips from Dame Vanessa’s film and stage performances will be shown and she will be talking about her family, her career and her controversial political views, not least concerning Israel. Tickets at £10 (concessions available), to include wine, are available from Gene Price: g.price@ljs.org or 020 7286 5181.
Next year at WUPJ The 33rd international convention of the World Union for Progressive Judaism will be in Jerusalem, from 15 to 20 March 2007. Details: www.europeanregion.org.
November/December 2006
Grant-making body looks at extending its role Thirty-two projects get donations from NLPS Trust It is nearly two and a half years since the NLPS Trust for Progressive Judaism was formed following the dissolution of the 80-year-old North London Progressive Synagogue, and rather less than that since the trustees first met to award their initial grants. The synagogue was forced to close owing to insufficient numbers of people being willing and able to take part in its management. Following the advice of a firm of solicitors specialising in charity law, the three trustees, working with the community’s two remaining honorary officers (chairman and secretary), wound down the synagogue and created the NLPS Trust to take over the synagogue’s net assets. The trust’s objective, which is required by law to be the same as that of the synagogue, is ‘the advancement of Progressive Judaism’ and the initial trustees are the three trustees of the dissolved synagogue, David Bild, Derek Sharp and Ken Teacher, together with David Lipman. However, before the synagogue closed and transferred its assets, financial and material assistance was given to NLPJC (North London Progressive Jewish Community), the new community that was set up by some former NLPS members. Immediately after the trust was formed, a letter inviting applications for grants was sent to every constituent of Liberal Judaism, to Liberal Judaism itself, to Leo Baeck College, to all
Progressive Jewish schools and to the WUPJ European Region, informing them of the existence of the trust and inviting them to contact the administrator, requesting an application form. In the two years since then, the trust has received some 45 applications and has awarded 32 grants. Although not necessarily for the full amounts requested, the grants have varied in size from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands. The initial policy of the trustees was to distribute the income of the trust (about £60,000 a year) and, for the time being, to retain the capital. But partly as a response to the letters of appreciation they have received – some very effusive – the trustees are now considering prolonging the life of the trust, possibly indefinitely. It would then be able to continue supporting projects that Liberal Judaism is unable to finance either because of a lack of funds or because the projects fall outside the scope of Liberal Judaism’s remit. For practical reasons, such a change of policy would underline the desirability of increasing the number of trustees and necessitate finding ways to maintain or even enhance the value of the trust’s capital. Developing a source of funding over the long term additional to that provided by Liberal Judaism could only be of benefit to the Progressive Jewish movement. A decision on this matter is likely to be taken in the near future.
John Rich event for all south London’s Jews The history of south London’s diverse Jewish communities and institutions will be the focus of the annual John Rich Memorial Event at South London Liberal Synagogue (SLLS) on Sunday 26 November. The event is the synagogue’s contribution to this year’s celebrations of the 350th anniversary of Jewish resettlement. A Jewish presence south of the Thames can be traced to the 18th century, and information on the first south London Jews will feature in the programme, alongside other topics such as the old Norwood orphanage, the period of the Second World War, and the
stories of specific synagogue congregations. Although the event, which runs from 2.30 to 6pm, is being held under the auspices of SLLS, members of all south London’s presentday Jewish communities are being invited to share their histories and submit exhibition materials. John Rich (1922-2002), a member of the family that founded SLLS and for many years the synagogue’s president, was the father of Rabbi Danny Rich, Liberal Judaism’s chief executive. For more information about the event, please contact Rabbi James Baaden on 020 8769 4787.
LJ Today Page 3
November/December 2006
Phil Stone
From America, Israel and Russia ... with love
Northwood and Pinner members dressed as Jewish celebrities bring to life some of the characters depicted in a series of Vanity Fair ‘Spy’ cartoons, displayed by the synagogue as part of a day of exhibitions and events to mark the 350th anniversary of the return of Jewish life to Britain. Circulating among the crowd and telling their stories were, from left, John Kettle as Nathaniel Rothschild, Sharon Goldstein as Judith Montefiore, Brian Sass as Sir Marcus Samuel and Marsha Myers as Sarah Bernhardt
Education news ......... Be Older and Bolder We are running a free introductory session to a course for people in later life who want to explore the possibilities for change on Thursday 16 November, 10.30am-12.30pm at the Montagu Centre. Following this is a course of six three-hour sessions, once a month, cost: £75 (subsidised by Liberal Judaism). The course is run by Lina Fajerman, a member of the Chartered Institute for Personnel Development, and vicepresident of Bet Tikvah Synagogue. To book for the introductory session, call me on 020 7631 9824. For further information call Lina: 020 8504 3125. The Chai Curriculum On Sunday 26 November, 3-5pm at the Montagu Centre, Marlene Myerson will
Cheder teacher sought Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue urgently needs a teacher for a group of 6-9 year olds in its small, friendly cheder. The cheder takes place on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, 10-12 noon. Enthusiasm is essential. The synagogue is willing to pay a fee plus expenses. The cheder is held in a school near Bedford Station. Contact David Young: 01234 218387.
from Judy Thwaites
be presenting two sessions on courses in the Chai Curriculum: Learning for Jewish Life programme, run by Leo Baeck College, which begin the following evening at the Sternberg Centre. The two sessions will focus on the URJ Chai Curriculum and the URJ Hebrew programme, Mitkadem. To book for the Montagu Centre session introductory afternoon or for further information, contact Debi Penhey: debi.penhey@lbc.ac.uk, tel 020 8349 5620. Liberal Jews at Limmud The annual Limmud winter conference takes place from 24 to 28 December at Nottingham University, preceded by a Conference Shabbat on 22-23 December. As in recent years, we hope there will be a strong Liberal presence, with several of our rabbis and staff giving talks or leading workshops. To book, visit www.limmud.org/conference Torah L’Am at Kingston Kingston Liberal Synagogue will be running the acclaimed Torah L’Am programme for members of its congregation and others from January. To book, call me on 020 7631 9824.
Rabbi Danny Rich, chief executive, travelled to Edinburgh to lead services at the city’s Liberal Jewish community and placed 15 officiants, from across the globe, to lead congregations during the High Holy Days. Outreach director Rabbi Aaron Goldstein was again in Manchester with Liberal Judaism’s fastest growing community. Rabbi Harry Jacobi MBE led the Rosh Hashanah morning service at West Central Liberal Synagogue and preached the Kol Nidre sermon at Kingston Liberal Synagogue, and Rabbi Michael Stanfield (recently retired and returned from South Africa) officiated at Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation. A large number of student rabbis also led Liberal services: Israeli-born Yuval Keren returned to Nottingham, Larry Becker shared Bet Tikvah with Rabbi David Hulbert; Judith Rosen Berry travelled to Eastbourne, Janet Darley to Herefordshire, Charley Baginsky to Kingston, Richard Jacobi to Woodford and Matt Durbin to Lincolnshire. Russian student rabbi Leonid Bimbat assisted Rabbi Pete Tobias at the Liberal Synagogue, Elstree, and American Rabbi Barbara Borts returned to South Bucks. Student rabbi Nathan Alfred took services at Or Chadash Liberal Jewish Community in Luxemburg. Beverley Taylor, a Liberal Judaismtrained ba’alat tefillah (service leader) and a vice-president of the movement, returned to Kent for the fourteenth year. And – the supply of student rabbis in Britain having been exhausted – NewYork based Hebrew Union College student rabbi Rose Kowel led High Holy Day services in Peterborough.
New PR person Liberal Judaism has appointed a new PR/communications executive. Alexandra Mankowitz, who took up the post at the end of October, has a degree in Russian and East European studies from University College London and describes herself as an amateur Yiddishist. A regular attender at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, Alexandra, 28, has solid experience in the voluntary sector and in Jewish affairs. She is among the staff profiled in the centre section of this edition of LJ Today.
November/December 2006
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Side by side with Israeli soldiers Moved by a speech at a pro-Israel rally in London, David Bates volunteered for work at an IDF base. The experience enriched his relationship with the country and its people On 25 June, Corporal Gilad Shalit was kidnapped from his post near the Gaza Strip by Palestinian militants who had entered Israel via a network of illegally constructed tunnels. On 12 July, two further IDF soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, were captured by Hizbollah terrorists, plunging Israel and its neighbours into a new crisis. As the fighting between Israel and Hizbollah terrorists raged on through late July, I found myself both frustrated and deeply distressed. Frustrated because the British media seemed to be ignoring the plight of a million Israelis forced into shelters, and distressed because there was nothing physical I could do in London to assist Israel in a time of deepening military crisis. On Sunday 23 July, I attended a proIsrael solidarity rally, along with 7,500 others, at JFS in Kenton, north-west London. There, I heard the Israeli ambassador, Zvi Heifetz, speak passionately about Israel’s right to exist within secure borders and Israel’s desire to prosper as a Jewish and democratic state. His words moved me deeply and on returning to work the next day I contacted the embassy to ask if there was any other way I could show my support and provide practical help. It took a number of calls and emails before I made contact with Jennie Goldstone at Sar-El, an organisation which places volunteers into IDF support roles at bases across Israel. For me, enrolling in Sar-El seemed the perfect way to get involved and make a difference, so I was surprised by the reaction of some non-Jewish friends when I told them of my plans. To a few, it seemed a highly dangerous thing to do and they simply couldn’t comprehend why on earth I would leave the comforts of London for an undisclosed IDF base in the middle of an Israeli summer. To these friends I explained that this was a decision made as much in my heart as in my head – that Israel simply has a special place in the Jewish soul. I was completely unprepared, however, for the negative reaction I received from both a small number of my Jewish friends, and even one or two of the IDF
soldiers I met in Israel. For me personally, Zionism and Judaism go hand in hand but I now understand, accept and respect that for many Jews this connection is not automatic. Time passed rapidly once my decision to go had been made and it was with great excitement that on the morning of 20 August, just three weeks after first speaking by phone to Jennie at Sar-El, I left for Tel Aviv to begin my two weeks of volunteer service with the IDF. On arrival at Ben Gurion airport I was met by Sar-El’s Israel-based coordinator, Pamela Lazarus. She took care of the basic paperwork and introduced me to other volunteers who were heading to the same IDF base to which I had been assigned to the southeast of Tel Aviv. My new friends and I were dropped off at our base later that night where we met our madrichot – the IDF personnel assigned to take care of us – along with other volunteers who had arrived earlier that day. The accommodation and facilities were basic but we immediately felt at home and were eager to begin work the following day. In the morning, we were issued with IDF uniforms, provided with breakfast and attended a flag-raising before beginning our work day. Over the next two weeks we worked side by side, as equals, with full-time IDF personnel, who provided us with our daily task lists and ensured we were healthy and happy. The days were long and hot and the work was sometimes hard and physical, but I went to bed each night with a sense of fulfilment and purpose unlike anything I had ever felt in my ‘civilian’ life. My group of volunteers bonded rapidly and soon many of us had also formed good friendships with the IDF soldiers we were working and eating with every day. During our time on the base, many of these IDF soldiers shared with us their personal stories – they spoke of both their hopes and their fears in equal measure. Some had lost good friends during the war in the north and were only now beginning to accept the changed circumstances of both their lives and their country. I came to realise very quickly that these are courageous young men and women and their passion and commitment earned my deepest
respect. I know now that each Shabbat when I pray for the people of Israel and for the safety and security of its armed forces, it is their faces I will see, their voices I will hear and their hopes I will remember. They are the ones who stand guard night and day and make real our collective dream of a safe and secure Jewish homeland. My time in Israel came to an end far too quickly and, on 31 August, I found myself saying goodbye to the small group of passionate and dedicated men and women whom I had had the privilege to meet and work beside. Friendships were forged which I know will endure and I am confident that many of us will meet again in the months and years ahead. Immediately before our departure, the most senior IDF officer on the base shook our hands and thanked us for our work and for our loyalty to the Israeli people. These comments came from the heart and made me extremely proud. Given that the war which brought me to Israel began after the abduction of three soldiers, it seemed appropriate that I spent my last evening in the country at a public rally in Rabin Square demanding their release. More than 60,000 people filled the square that night and we all listened as friends and family members of the kidnapped soldiers spoke of their loss and heartache. After all the speeches had been given and all the musical tributes played, we were invited to sing Hatikvah. Standing there, in the centre of Tel Aviv, surrounded by thousands of fellow Jews and singing the national anthem, is a moment I will never forget. For a few brief moments my voice sang with the voices of Israel and I shared in the history, hope and destiny of this extraordinary country. Being able to work with the IDF and meet others from across the world who share a dedication to Israel is an amazing experience and one Sar-El provides throughout the year. If you care about Israel, want to learn more about the reality of life there and are willing to lend a hand, Sar-El is the programme for you.
David Bates is currently completing the Choosing Judaism programme at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, where he is a regular attender
LJ Today Page 5
November/December 2006
Linking ancient and modern The following course takes place at the Sternberg Centre, London N3: Standing on One Foot: exploring difficult issues through ancient and modern sources Who is in and who is out? Should we seek to convert? Where does homosexuality fit in Judaism? Three text-based sessions designed to encourage you to question boundaries and link traditional and modern interpretations to issues of our time. Prepared by Dr Moshe Lavee, Gaby Ruppin and Janet Berenson-Perkins. Wednesdays 29 November, and 6 and 13 December, 8-10pm. Cost: £8 per session or £20 for the series. To book, contact gaby.ruppin@lbc. ac.uk or tel 020 8349 5624/5620.
Saperstein session Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein, the principal of Leo Baeck College, is to present one of the sessions in a course for adult learners run by North London Progressive Jewish Community. His session, on Thursday 23 November, is called ‘Disputation of Barcelona’ – the public confrontation of Nachmanides and Pablo Christiani. Visit www.nlpjc. org.uk/TreasureChest for details of other presenters and how to book.
New schools rep John Morrison, the former chairman of Bet Tikvah Synagogue in Barkingside, has been invited to be Liberal Judaism’s representative on the Jewish Day Schools Advisory Board. John is also a governor at Clore Tikvah primary school. He replaces Jeromé Freedman, whom we thank for representing Liberal Judaism for more than five years.
Abigail steps up Abigail Howard has taken on the role of youth and education director at Southgate Progressive Synagogue.
Rabbi writes for JC Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah, of Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue, has joined the panel of Jewish Chronicle columnists who comment on the parashah (Torah portion) of the week.
Liberally Speaking Our youth movement’s self-censorship of its participants, by banning the wearing of a magen david or kippah on tour, sends the wrong message to our children – and to our non-Jewish neighbours, writes Laura Lassman Our youth are banned from wearing any symbols that express their Judaism when travelling on LJY-Netzer tours to Europe, whether it be Hebrew on a T-shirt, a magen david or a kippah. Even the participants coming from Israel to Europe are told to leave their Israeli T-shirts behind. This restriction comes from the Jewish Agency, which is responsible for security on the tour. When, as a parent of a participant on Kayitz-Netzer, the tour of central Europe, I first heard of this restriction I was taken aback but was a lone objecting voice at the parents’ meeting, where everyone else seemed to accept the basic premise that removing any outward sign of Jewish identity was in the best interests of our children. A similar diktat was imposed on Kadimah children visiting Brighton for the day and on those on a trip to London’s East End. This attitude causes me concern on two particular counts. First, what message are we conveying to our children? If our children, at an impressionable age, are led to believe that it is unsafe to display their Jewish identity, surely they will view that identity with fear, embarrassment or at best ambivalence. Will they stand up and be counted when the occasion demands it? It seems unlikely. LJY-Netzer’s programmes, network and wonderful aims are encouraging the participants to be responsible members of our community operating in the wider society according to Jewish principles. The Jewish Agency’s camouflage mentality is in direct contradiction to this by insisting that our youth blend with the crowd rather than show themselves to be Jews. When they suggest that the boys wear a baseball cap rather than a kippah when visiting a place of prayer, the value of both kippah and prayer are debased. Instead of feeling proud of their Judaism and the emblems of their faith, our children will see them as a source of shame or fear. My second concern is that our movement is indulging in self-
Laura Lassman:’There are risks everywhere’
censorship. In an era when fundamentalists of all persuasions are in the ascendancy, it is essential that liberals are visible and that their progressive values are known. People need to see and hear Progressive Jews and the voices of reason. Do we really want our non-Jewish neighbours to think that the Charedi, who consider non-Orthodox denominations to be unjustifiable deviations from authentic Judaism, represent us all? After all, they are not afraid to display their Judaism or express their views. If Liberal Jews become invisible, then only those with peyot or kippot will be seen. We need to show the world that there are other forms of Judaism and we need to be accessible for dialogue with others at all levels. There are risks wherever we go, and I realise that an attack on a Jewish child on tour somewhere is possible. But the detrimental effect on how our children see themselves and the removal of Liberal Jews from general view outweighs the potential risk to individuals. The current policy, driven by understandable fear, may expose Liberal Judaism to a far greater risk whereby our next generation disappears into the crowd.
Laura is managing director of an educational software company and chair of Rites and Practices at Finchley Progressive Synagogue.
The Liberally Speaking column is an opportunity for a Liberal Jew to air a view, take a stand or share ideas about one or more aspects of Jewish life. If you are interested in writing for this column, please email the editor: ljtodayeditor@liberaljudaism.org
November/December 2006
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Spotlight on tent What is tent? Tent, the meeting place, is a space where young-ish Jews, who might not otherwise attend synagogue, can enjoy an interesting and uplifting Friday night service. Why was it set up? It was a response to concern in the ULPS (now Liberal Judaism) and the wider Jewish community that the ‘missing generation’ needed to be found. These were students or graduates, working in the City or West End of London, or living in the east or south of the city, who had no time for Judaism because of work, the gym, yoga and partying – and because they were commitment-phobes. Their Judaism consisted of forced appearances for the odd Friday night at home, family simchas, Seder night, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Where did it first meet? Rather than waiting for people to come to it, tent went to where the people were – physically, spiritually and culturally. The logical place was the Montagu Centre (in Maple Street, W1), as it is close to many people’s work, on their way home, or a not too arduous detour. Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Liberal Judaism’s outreach director, pioneered the tent concept. When do the London services take place, and who leads them? In each location, services take place once a month – not too much of a commitment! On the second Friday of each month, tent is held at 7pm at West Central Liberal Synagogue, which is in the Montagu Centre. Student rabbi Anna Gerrard,
tent
What are the services Liberal Judaism’s young adults ce like? a l worker, usually leads the central p ting They are aimed at London service. On the fourth Friday the mee stimulating and of each month, there is a service engaging people by either at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue being fully inclusive, regardless of their in St John’s Wood or at Finchley level of Hebrew or Jewish knowledge. Progressive Synagogue. Services are The spiritual content is informed by the usually followed by dinner at a nearby atmosphere: seats are close together restaurant where those who wish can and angled in so that most people can continue their discussions and make new acquaintances. Noa Marom, Liberal see each other; as many candles are lit as space and sight will allow; Judaism’s shlicha (Israeli emissary) explanations of the main pieces of liturgy leads tent b’ivrit services (in Hebrew) so that all can appreciate and take part once a month at the Montagu Centre. in the service; and most importantly, lots of singing in a variety of styles to Has tent ventured outside London? heighten the senses. Yes, the tent concept is spreading. Avivit Katzil, Liberal Judaism’s regional young Is a sermon delivered? adults worker, organises tent activities No, instead an idea is introduced and in Birmingham, Brighton and concluded in a very Jewish way, with the Manchester and Rabbi Goldstein has taken the concept to Northwood, Lincoln opportunity for many voices to be heard and valued in between. The result is a and Edinburgh. In most places, services simple form of a classical homiletic are monthly or bi-monthly, are open to midrash with an introduction, sometimes the whole community and attract many obscure, followed by a series of different young people from the community and the student population in the area. Some points of view that are tied together as the punch-line. People often turn to their are followed by dinner, others by neighbours and introduce themselves or discussions over cups of tea. talk about an idea. This begins the social and cultural element of tent. Who is welcome? Everyone. People who come are Tell me about the social side of things positively encouraged to bring nonAfter the service, people often choose to Jewish partners and friends to a Jewish be together for a meal. Rather than spiritual experience, where many of its key moments are explained as the norm offering catering, tent’s role is to provide spiritual experiences. So we take and not the exception. Transliterations advantage of our location and go to one are a key feature – which mean that the tentniks often turn into juggling experts, of the pubs or restaurants nearby. This with Siddur Lev Chadash in one hand originally met with criticism from some and transliteration sheets in the other. tent-goers. However, it was felt that these people would not otherwise have been doing anything Jewish on a Friday night. By meeting them half-way, culturally as well as in terms of location, they will, it is hoped, want to return to tent. Can you sum up tent in a few words? It’s a Friday night like no other: a fully participative, candle-lit, spiritual and musical experience with open discussion and explanation of aspects of Jewish worship.
Anna (front right), Noa (on her left) and Avivit (centre, second from front) and tentniks celebrate Sukkot
How do I find out more? Get on the tent mailing list to receive weekly emails with details of all tent activities by contacting Monique: m.blake@liberaljudaism.org or 020 7631 9826. Monique will be happy to answer your questions and put you in touch with the tent co-ordinator in your area.
LJ Today Page 7
November/December 2006
Kadimah 06 A tool for learning and doing When LJY-Netzer needed a new siddur, it seemed fitting for a Zionist movement that the siddur should be created in Jerusalem. That is where I started work on Siddur Lil’mod v’La’asot – to learn and to do – in Beit Shmuel, the head offices of our movement, Netzer Olami. Having the view of the western side of the Old City of Jerusalem from the desk at which I worked was an inspiration. The idea behind the siddur is that it can be used both in the movement and in other communities, and both in prayer services and in study. The idea of creative prayer (ma’amad) is a strong ideological component of all LJY-Netzer events: through ma’amad we explore different forms of spirituality, as well as using the
t’fillah (prayer service) as an educational tool. In our siddur, all traditional liturgies are surrounded on the page by songs, poetry and art as well as explanations of the origin of the prayer. The process of writing the siddur has taken three years. In summer last year a sample of the siddur was launched in the movement, in preparation for the final printing, which took place in time for this year’s summer events. Nil’mad v’na’aseh, we will learn and we will do, is the slogan of LJYNetzer and I hope that our siddur brings about much learning and doing for future members.
James Dobias
Victor Kaufman
Refugees get sympathetic ears The Jewish experience of the past two millennia is one of having to rely on the kindness of strangers in foreign lands to provide us with a home. So when two young asylum seekers, one from Ivory Coast and one from Uganda, spoke to the 15-year old chanichim (participants) and their madrichim (leaders) on Machaneh Chalutzim (pioneers’ camp), we had huge sympathy for their plights. They both told how violence and abuse in their native lands had forced
them to come to Britain. They talked about their asylum applications, what they have done here since arriving and what it is like to be the target of vitriol in the tabloid media. They were brought to us by JCore (the Jewish Council for Racial Equality), which also provided an excellent educational session designed to teach us all about the truth behind the headlines.
Coming up...
movement while having fun with old and new friends. Bogrim day 20 December. For bogrim 18+ to catch up, have a social and have loads of fun with other Bogrim in an LJY-Netzer atmosphere. Veidah 21-24 December. The annual LJY-Netzer conference for members from year 11+. Have your say about your movement as well as learning, praying and socialising within the wonderful LJY-Netzer community.
Plagim Shabbat 24-25 November at Ealing Liberal Synagogue. For everyone in school years 3 to 6. A great chance to meet new and old friends on an LJY-Netzer Shabbat. Mini-Veidah 1-3 December. For everyone in school years 7-10, the LJY-Netzer conference where you get to have your say about your
From the hilarity of the madrichim Eurovision Song Contest in the days before the kids arrived to the amazing atmosphere of the last night show, Kadimah 2006 left us all with wonderful lasting memories. There is too much to try to sum up in this brief review; how in the water park most of the madrichim ended up stuck in the middle of the water slides about 50 metres up from the ground, or how after the chanichim vs madrichim football match a certain highly embarrassed member of the Grant family had to parade up and down for the next day in a very fetching yellow dress! If next year’s Kadimah is anything near as fantastic as this year’s one, it will definitely be one of the best summers of our lives.
Nechalim girls with Gabi Frankl, centre, their dorm leader and, below, on ‘Finding Netzerland’ night, run by Chalutzim
Next year We’re searching for a new Machaneh Kadimah site and will announce the dates as soon as they’re confirmed. Keep August free for now as it will either be the first two weeks or last two. Thanks for your patience.
Robin Moss
LJY-Netzer
The youth movement of Liberal Judaism Contact Jenny Walton or Jordan Helfman at LJY-NETZER, The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE T: 020 7631 0584 F: 020 7631 9838 E: j.walton@liberaljudaism.org or j.helfman@liberaljudaism.org
November/December 2006
Page 8 LJ Today
Liberal Judaism congregations Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue (Rodef Shalom), 01234 218387, bedsps@liberaljudaism.org, www.bedfordshire-ps.org.uk Beit Klal Yisrael, P.O.Box 1828, London W10 5RT 020 8960 5750, bky@liberaljudaism.org www.beit-klal-yisrael.or g.uk Bet Tikvah Synagogue, 129 Perrymans Farm Road, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex IG2 7LX, 020 8554 9682, bettikvah@onetel.com, 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, 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 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 The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, 28 St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA, 020 7286 5181, ljs@liberaljudaism.org, www.ljs.org The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, Elstree High Street, Elstree, Herts WD6 3BY, 020 8953 8889 tlse@liberaljudaism.org, www.tlse.org.uk
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 Chairman Nigel Cole Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Vice Chairman Joan Shopper Joint Treasurers Tony Kerron and David Pelham Hon. Officers Mikko Arevuo (LJ Zika – Israel Action Group); 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 Jan/ Feb 2007 issue is 3 December. Articles or letters for publication are welcome. Please send to: ljtodayeditor@liberaljudaism.org Printed by Freedman Bros.
Lincolnshire Jewish Community 01427 628958, ljc@liberaljudaism.org 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_mail@yahoo.co.uk 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 Herefordshire Jewish Community Enquiries: 07789 218823 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 Manchester Liberal Jewish Community 08709 917327, a.goldstein@liberaljudaism.org, www.mljc.org.uk
DIARY DATES........... 9 November (Thursday) First BKY ‘salon’ evening at the Montagu Centre, W1, 7-10pm (see top right) 10 November (Friday) Visit to Dublin for the Dublin Jewish Progressive Community’s 60th anniversary. Details from Selina: 020 7631 9822; s.o’dwyer@liberaljudaism.org 19 November (Sunday) PR Workshop at the Montagu Centre, 10am-3.30pm 26 November (Sunday) John Rich Memorial Event at South London Liberal Synagogue, 2.30-6pm 29 November (Wednesday) Dame Vanessa Redgrave in conversation with Rabbi Dr David Goldberg at The LJS, 7.30pm 7 December (Thursday)) Second BKY ‘salon’ evening at the Montagu Centre, W1, 7-10pm (see top right) 16 December (Saturday) Communities Shabbaton in Oxford May 2007 Tour of Romania Details from 01923 822592 13 May 2007 (Sunday) Inter-synagogue quiz, at Harrow and Wembley June 2007 The LJS visits Ukraine Contact t.simon@ljs.org
‘Salon’ evenings at the Montagu Centre Beit Klal Yisrael synagogue invites you to a series of evenings of focused, intelligent conversation (accompanied by dinner) about issues, topics, maybe but not necessarily books, events and themes that concern us. The BKY salon evenings will run from 7pm to 10pm at the Montagu Centre, Maple Street W1, once a month on a Thursday. Please bring vegetarian food to share. There will be a theme for each evening, and someone will start it off, but we’re really just getting together to talk with each other. The next dates are: Thursday 9 November: What kind of minority are we (Jews), and in what kind of constellation of minorities? Thursday 7 December: What kind of political language makes sense now? What are our metaphors?
Students to visit Paris Liberal Jewish Students is running a trip to Paris for Chanukah 2006 in conjunction with EuroJews. The trip will include Liberal Shabbat services, a Chanukkah Ball, and a range of fun and educational workshops, including belly-dancing and break-dancing. Dates: 15-18 December; the cost, €130 + €20 membership of EuroJews, includes meals and accommodation but excludes travel to Paris, which can be arranged through student fieldworker (and breakdancer) Jake Welford: j.welford@liberaljudaism.org
Roll up for Romania Rabbi Dr Andrew and Sharon Goldstein of Northwood and Pinner are leading a tour of Romania, from 10 to 20 May 2007. This 11-day trip covers general tourist sites in Piatra Neamt (which has a wooden synagogue of the Baal Shem Tov), Iasi (formerly Jassy) with many Jewish sites, the monasteries of Bucovina, Tirgu Mures, Sighisoara and Brasov in Transylvania, and Bucharest. BA flights from Heathrow. Brochure and booking form from 01923 822592 or judith@npls.org.uk.
Double Diamond While Judith Diamond was one of the Simchat Torah Chatanim Torah at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, her daughter, Naomi Diamond, was Kallah Bereshit at the Leicester Progressive Congregation. Mazel tov to both.