September/October 2021 VOL. XLVIII No. 5
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
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Next year in Liberal Judaism We are delighted to start this special High Holy Days issue with an open letter from Ruth Seager, the Chair of Liberal Judaism, on what lies ahead in 5782
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IBERAL JUDAISM is Judaism that is both relevant to today and faithful to our long and precious heritage. Our ability to adapt to a new environment is the very key to the longevity of Judaism. As we enter a New Year, in the front of our minds will be the successful way we adapted to the constraints of the pandemic. We were reminded of just how resourceful we are as a movement when need be. I continue to see good governance as the bedrock of a successful and effective organisation. So, the Board of National Officers, along with the professional leadership, will continue to plough this furrow. We will keep you properly informed of our plans, decisions and actions, spend your money carefully and wisely, and ensure that we remain focused on meeting the needs of our communities. Trustees will visit your communities so that everyone within Liberal Judaism feels connected and, indeed, is connected. The professional staff are always available to help - just pick up the phone. Our Thursday evening community Zoom meetings are open to all. It would be lovely to see you. We will also continue to welcome nonJewish members of Jewish families into our community. There is plenty of space inside our tent, never a shortage of food on the table, and we always need help shifting chairs. This is both an inclusive and pragmatic response to the reality that many of us, and many of our children, have fallen, or will fall, in love with people who aren’t (or aren’t yet) Jewish. We all need each other; the children of those unions are our future.
My son met someone at a stag do recently who explained that his mother had Jewish roots that she wanted to explore. He said to me: “I told him that she should go to Liberal Judaism. You can help, can’t you, mum?” Of course we can! Many Jews have hidden their true identity, or ceased their Jewish observance in the past for very pragmatic reasons. Their children or grandchildren, however, are now sticking their heads above the parapet, looking around for other Jews and wanting to investigate the feeling of Jewishness that is within them. Let’s not get hung up on ancestors’ marriage certificates but invite them in, ask about their Jewish story, explain our practices and customs and share our cheesecake recipes. There’s time for any formalities later. Shana Tova.
We still have work to do in making Black Jews and Jews of Colour feel properly included. The Council committee set up to identify problems and make recommendations needs more members and particularly people to take a bit of a lead. The professional staff provide all the admin support the committee needs but they shouldn’t lead. So, if you are black or of colour and are either a member of a Liberal community or the partner of a member, and think that you just might be able to help, please step forward.
THIS High Holy Days, Liberal Judaism communities across the country are offering a mix of online, hybrid and in-person services. If you are a member of a Liberal community then you can attend a service at any other Liberal or Reform congregation should you wish to – just contact them to find out details and their security requirements. Find out more at www. liberaljudaism.org/high-holy-days