Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
Meet our five new Rabbis
LEO Baeck College (LBC) ordained five new Progressive Rabbis in a service held at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS).
More than 250 people attended the event – led by Rabbi Igor Zinkov of the LJS and Cantor Tamara Wolfson of Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue – with another 100 watching online. It was also a special moment for Progressive Judaism Co-Leads, Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, as it was the first time they had both ordained someone into the clergy.
Others to play key roles during the service included LBC Principal Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris, Dean Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh, Senior Librarian Cassy Sachar and Chair Professor David Simon – along with Rabbi Anna Wolfson, Co-Chair of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors, and Rabbi Kath Vardi, Co-Chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors.
Below, we (re)introduce you to our five newest clergy members:
Rabbi Daisy Bogod was ordained by Rabbi Charley Baginsky. Rabbi Daisy spent much of her childhood sleeping on synagogue floors as part of LJYNetzer. She worked as an educator and teacher in several Progressive communities before commencing her studies at Leo Baeck College. For her rabbinic dissertation, she wrote about rabbinic work through the lens of feminist disability theory and her experiences as an ambulant wheelchair user.
Rabbi Eleanor Davis was ordained by Rabbi Danny Smith. A former flute and piano teacher, she came to Leo Baeck College via many years of teaching in adult Jewish education. During her rabbinic studies, Rabbi Eleanor travelled around the UK and Ireland and now looks forward to continuing to develop her interest in ritual, creativity and learning.
Statement of solidarity
WE have been deeply saddened to see extremists using the grief of the murders of three young children in Southport to stoke hate and division.
The memories of those who died –Bebe King, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Elsie Dot Stancombe – and the deep loss and the pain of their families must be honoured and respected. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
At this time, we must also support and stand together in solidarity with each other as communities and a country. Our ability to thrive in our diversity is inextricably linked.
We must never back down in our longstanding fight against Islamophobia, antisemitism, anti-immigrant prejudice and the far right’s attempts to split us.
Rabbi Nicola Feuchtwang was ordained by Rabbi Josh Levy. Rabbi Nicola entered the rabbinic training programme after a long career as an NHS paediatrician, as well as a lifetime of involvement in varied roles at Alyth Synagogue and the wider Jewish community.
Rabbi Martina Loreggian was ordained by Rabbi Mark Solomon. Born in Milan, and as the first Italian woman to be ordained as a rabbi, she plans to maintain part of her rabbinate in Italy where she hopes to contribute to the development of Italian Progressive Judaism.
Rabbi Matt Turchin was ordained by Rabbi Alexandra Wright. He began his studies at Leo Baeck College following a career in the US as a classroom teacher and reading specialist. Rabbi Matt served for two years as the Head Teacher of Rimon, the religion school of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, and a further two interning at the West London Synagogue.
Progressive Judaism’s belief in supporting each other, and our relationships with our Muslim friends and neighbours, stretch back decades. Just as we have stood together in good times and joy, now we stand together in times of crisis and against the threat of extremists.
Any other response – especially attacks on those who had nothing to do with this awful crime – is to fail in our duty to those children and their loved ones.
• Page 3: Progressive Jews uniting against the far right across the country
L-R: Rabbi Nicola Feuchtwang, Rabbi Martina Loreggian, Rabbi Daisy Bogod (in front), Rabbi Matthew Turchin and Rabbi Eleanor Davis - picture by Zoe Norfolk
Engaging with the British Government on Israel/Palestine
By Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism
Over the last month, we have been pleased to meet with a number of prominent members of the British Government to hear about their approach to Israel/Palestine and their relationship with the Jewish community in the UK.
We have held discussions with Hamish Falconer, Minister for the Middle East, and Solicitor General Sarah Sackman. We also attended a meeting over lunch with Foreign Secretary David Lammy – along with other senior members of the British Jewish community.
As leaders of Progressive Judaism – the second largest denomination in the UK – we stressed the importance of Government hearing the full diversity of views that exist within the UK Jewish community. We were pleased to engage in deep conversations about the complex decisions that the Government is facing.
We shared the fundamental Jewish ideals that underpin our approach as Progressive Jews – the values of justice, peace, the rule of law and the sanctity of human life.
We explained that central to our Zionism is a commitment to selfdetermination for both Jews and Palestinians and respect for the human rights and dignity of all peoples.
We agreed that it is possible to be a firm friend and supporter of Israel and to call for the immediate return of the hostages, while also upholding international law, striving for peace and challenging extremism on all sides.
While we may disagree with aspects of the UK Government’s policies, we were reassured by the commitment we heard to Israel and the UK Jewish community.
We were pleased to hear that the values and ideals we uphold – and which are under threat around the world, including in Israel – are central to their approach.
Supporting our hostages
PROGRESSIVE congregations have been doing everything they can to support those being held hostage by Hamas – as well as trying to bring comfort to their families and communities.
Many synagogues have ‘adopted’ hostages – saving a seat in the sanctuary, praying for their release and mourning those whose bodies have been recovered.
At The Ark Synagogue, Rabbi Aaron Goldstein (pictured) and the community marked the birthday of hostage Karina Ariev by taking part in a joint online Havdalah with her community of Kol Haneshama in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Aaron said: “No one in our community will forget Karina – not on her birthday or on any day.”
A prayer for Israel
EAST London and Essex Liberal Synagogue’s Rabbi Richard Jacobi has written the following, which ELELS use during services in place of the traditional Israel prayer:
ETERNAL God, we turn to You in pain, anxiety, deep sadness and helplessness at this time of war and danger for the State and citizens of Israel and the civilians of the region.
We still feel grief at the brutal murders, the grievous harm and the abduction of hostages on 7th October. We acknowledge all those displaced from their homes in Israel who await the opportunity to return in peace and security.
We ask You to give comfort to the bereaved and healing to all still recovering from injuries.
We pray specifically for the safe and speedy return of all the hostages. May they and their families soon be reunited.
We acknowledge with gratitude the bravery of those who are at the front line of this war, fearing for their own lives and mourning their own losses.
We hold in our prayers all innocent Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives, who have been injured and who have lost their homes. Too many have nowhere left to flee and struggle for enough food and water as a result of this war.
We pray for the wisdom and moral courage of regional and world leaders, so that an end to fighting might come soon and extremist terror be shown to be futile. May humanitarian aid speedily reach all who need it and the work of rebuilding peaceful life begin.
We also pray for civility here in the United Kingdom and other countries, among those who may find themselves on opposite sides of this conflict.
We stand together with all those who cherish a vision of freedom, justice and peace, who work for equality and understanding and seek to remove enmity and hatred.
Eternal God, we pray in the words of the prophet: “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks...neither shall they learn war any more.”
Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer with Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy
Standing united against hate
OUR Progressive clergy, communities and members from around the UK have been taking part in anti-racism demonstrations and local solidarity vigils at mosques and other targets of the far right. There have also been a number of statements and sermons released. Read more below:
Rabbi Monique Mayer of Bristol & West Progressive Jewish Congregation took part in a multi-faith unity statement and event, hosted by Bishop Vivienne Frances Faull at Bristol Cathedral. The event was organised in large part through the efforts of Valerie Russell Emmott, a member of Bristol Progressive, and was attended by leaders and members of all the local Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Rastafarian and Jewish communities.
Rabbi Adrian Schell and members of The Wimbledon Synagogue were part of an interfaith peace vigil at Southfields Station in London (pictured on the front page of this issue), bringing together leaders and members of the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Bahá’í faiths – offering solace, solidarity and a unified voice against the spread of disinformation, hatred and violence.
Rabbi Neil Janes of South Bucks Jewish Community joined with local Christian, Muslim, Bahá’í and other faith leaders, speaking together to condemn extremists for stirring up hate in the region and across the UK.
At North West Surrey Synagogue, Rabbi Kath Vardi circulated a statement to members and wrote a powerful message for the Woking People of Faith group. The shul’s Co-Chairs sent messages of support to friends at the Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum and Woking Mosque.
Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen represented Progressive Judaism at a solidarity event outside Southport Mosque - joining more than 20 Muslim, Christian and other Jewish leaders.
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue has been offering support and solidarity to the city’s Muslim community in the face of the awful Islamophobia and racism that is being stirred up nationally. Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu and Chair Susan King have attended a number of meetings and events with other faith leaders to show that Nottingham will not be divided.
The faith and community leaders of Barnet – including clergy from Alyth, Finchley Progressive Synagogue, Finchley Reform Synagogue and Mosaic Liberal and Reform communities –released a powerful joint statement against hate. It reads: “There must be no space for violent protests that seek to divide us. We refuse to be enemies. We stand together as a community.”
Janine Clements, Vice President of Alyth Synagogue, also took part in a solidarity event at Finchley Mosque, hosted by Barnet Multi-faith Forum.
Reading Liberal Jewish Community released a statement standing firmly against all forms of hatred.
Rabbi Mark Goldsmith of Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue delivered a compelling sermon about the far right violence we are currently witnessing and how real Britishness can be found in those standing against it.
Teenagers on the RSY-Netzer Shemesh summer camp have been writing cards of support for asylum seekers and refugees.
Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue’s Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber has been in close touch with the Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum, who have expressed gratitude for the support. Rabbi Gabriel also delivered a sermon about standing in solidarity, saying: “We can teach the next generation that they should build bridges with other communities instead of cowering in fear behind conspiracy theories and fake news.”
Brighton & Hove Faith in Action – of which Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue’s Rabbi Dr Andrea Zanardo is a trustee –released a statement of solidarity.
The community at Makor Hayim made a solidarity visit to Central Brent Mosque, dropping off challah and dried goods for the mosque’s Friday food pick up.
York Liberal Jewish Community have released a statement reaching out to support their Muslim friends in York and Muslim communities across the UK.
Rabbi Cliff Cohen and members of Thanet & District Reform Synagogue held a solidarity event – with readings, prayers and music – involving local Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities.
Members of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue were made very welcome as they took challah loaves to a mosque for Jummah prayers, as a symbol of friendship and solidarity in the face of far right violence. They are also part of a multi-faith Statement of Unity being organised by Nisa-Nashim WM.
• We know there is much more happening up and down the country. If you have anything to add to this list, please send it to SimonR@progressivejudaism.org.uk
People of all faiths came together for solidarity events - including these at Bristol Cathedral, Southport Mosque and Central Brent Mosque
New Liberal Judaism Chair elected
KAREN NEWMAN (pictured) has been elected as the new Chair of Liberal Judaism.
Karen, who has been Acting Chair since October 2023, was unanimously voted into position at the Liberal Judaism AGM.
She becomes the first member of the LGBTQI+ community to hold the position of Chair within Liberal Judaism.
Karen is an international advocacy, policy, gender, evaluation, governance and development professional with more than 30 years’ experience managing health and human rights projects and programmes across the globe.
A member of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS), Karen joined Liberal Judaism’s Board of National Officers in 2017 and served as Deputy Chair from 2019-2023. She has also held a number of positions within the LJS, co-convenes the Progressive Deputies group on the Board of Deputies of British Jews and serves on the Board of Leo Baeck College.
Speaking at the AGM, Karen said: “I am hugely honoured, and very humbled, to become Chair of Liberal Judaism.
“I am aware that I stand on the shoulders of many people who came
before and look forward to an exciting period ahead as, together with the Movement for Reform Judaism, we build one single flourishing Progressive Judaism for the UK.”
A full interview with Karen – who grew up as a member of an Orthodox synagogue and joined the LJS in 2003 –will appear in the next issue of lj today
Alex Kinchin-Smith was elected as the new Deputy Chair of Liberal Judaism at the AGM, with Amanda McFeeters, Penny Beral and Tommer Spence (re-)elected as Officers. Treasurer Leslie Moss, Owen Power, Alexandra Boyd and Hannah Grant make up the Board of National Officers.
Exploring the Jewish body
KINGSTON Liberal Synagogue member Ali Simmons, and her co-curator David Hochhauser, have created a new exhibition entitled People of the Body: Contemporary Artist Explorations of Jewish Embodiment.
Ali – an arts educator, organiser and maker – and David were awarded a microgrant by Limmud to fund the free exhibition, which ran from 30 August to 1 September in London.
Featuring the work of 10 diverse and talented UK-based artists, the drawings, paintings, sculptures and fashion garments on display depicted the nuances of Jewish embodiment and offered each artist’s unique perspectives on identity, heritage and physicality.
Ali, one of whose paintings is pictured above, said: “Our aim is not to define, but to expand and explore the broadness of the Jewish body and its significance within Jewish culture and thought.”
Going to university? Contact Progressive Jewish Students
By Rabbi Leah Jordan, Student Chaplain
WITH the start of university term around the corner this September, as well as the High Holy Days not far behind in October, Progressive Jewish Students (PJS) is here for all needs on campus and beyond.
We cater not just to the quarter of Jewish university students who identify as Progressive Jews – but also all those who are unaffiliated, secular, Progressivecurious or looking to try something new.
As students file back to uni, they will barely have a moment to breathe and get settled – often in new accommodation with new housemates – before the High Holy Days season is upon them.
For university students, and indeed all those aged between 18 and 26, Progressive Judaism offers free High Holy Days tickets.
PJS – as the university chaplaincy that sits under both Liberal and Reform Judaism – is affiliated to more than 80 synagogues and congregations around the country.
We connect university students with their local Progressive community, one that is usually new to them, as their Jewish home away from home.
Are you at Edinburgh Uni over Rosh Hashanah? How about free student tickets to Sukkat Shalom, Edinburgh’s Liberal Jewish community? Studying at Cambridge when it’s Yom Kippur? What about spending it with Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue in the city?
Whether you find yourself in Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Norwich, Newcastle, York or dozens of other places around the country, you are near a Progressive – Liberal or Reform – Jewish community that PJS can connect you to.
In a similar vein, PJS facilitates egalitarian prayer and study spaces –especially important when, unfortunately, many Jewish societies meet in Orthodoxonly premises, where egalitarian prayer is discouraged or downright not allowed.
As part of this, we plan to co-host Kabbalat Shabbat Friday evenings with the London unis starting this autumn.
PJS also offers year-round pastoral support on all matters.
At this time, we are increasingly providing help for those struggling with antisemitism on campus, and those –such as student leaders in Warwick and Manchester – who have shared with us the pain of intra-Jewish tensions and recriminations (from all sides) that have arisen around Israel-Palestine.
PJS is here for all students, including those who feel disenfranchised religiously or politically by other Jewish, more Ortho-normative offerings, like Aish, Chabad and University Chaplaincy.
Another way that PJS maintains a vibrant Progressive Jewish life on campus is through regular festival pack mailings. Aided by a generous grant from the NLPS Trust, we send out hundreds of packs so students can celebrate Pesach, Chanukah and the festivals they associate with home.
To get in touch, find us on social media – including @progressivestudentchaplain on Instagram – or please email me on PJS@progressivejudaism.org.uk
Helping teach about Judaism
PROGRESSIVE Jews helped to bring the Jewish Living Experience Exhibition to Chelmsford, Essex, and Salford, in Greater Manchester, for the first time.
Hanan Charles and Progressive Judaism’s Head of Communications Simon Rothstein – both of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue – were part of the team who ran the week-long Board of Deputies exhibition at Chelmsford’s Anglia Ruskin University.
The mobile travelling roadshow helps to educate non-Jews about the Jewish way of life and enables visitors to gain an insight into Judaism as a living faith.
Designed by education experts, it covers areas including the Jewish calendar and festivals, lifecycle events and diversity within the community both ideologically and geographically.
In Chelmsford, the exhibition gave primary and secondary pupils the chance to get hands on with Jewish ceremonial and ritual items, including blowing the shofar and spinning the dreidel.
A launch event was attended by senior civic and faith leaders including Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg and Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky. Rabbi Charley recited the traditional Shehecheyanu blessing, which is said on moments of firsts.
She said: “This exhibition is a vital part of helping people understand about Judaism and the different ways people express their Jewish faith.
“At the moment it is really difficult to do interfaith work, and talk about what it means to be a person of faith. Exhibitions such as this begin to give us the tools to have those conversations with each other, understand each other and to know that what is happening in your neighbour’s house is very similar to your own.”
Other guests at the Chelmsford launch event included Cllr Jill Reeves (Chair of Essex County Council), Ben Maddison and Sarah Lane Cawte (Essex SACRE), Alex Crawford (ARU Associate Chaplain), and Sheila Gewolb and Anna Silver of the Board of Deputies.
Liberal Judaism Officer Owen Power and community campaigner Pete Simms helped to set up the Jewish Living Experience Exhibition at Pendleton Gateway in Salford. Those visiting included Rebecca Long Bailey MP, Mayor of Salford Cllr Tanya Burch and the Bishop of Salford John Arnold.
In Salford, Owen and Pete piloted a different approach - focussing the exhibition at adults and putting an emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
Owen said: “The Board’s new approach is to empower Deputies to do things in their communities. I wanted to give our Salford roadshow a different focus and everyone was delighted with how it went.
“It is important to show people of all ages that the Jewish community is as diverse as any other… there’s every shape, size and different interpretation.”
Remembering Karen
By Sylvia Morris MBE Chair, Karen Morris Memorial Trust
MANY readers will remember my sorely missed daughter Karen Morris (pictured) – who grew up at Finchley Progressive Synagogue, attended many ULPSNYC (now LJY-Netzer) weekends and Kadimah summer camps and became a very popular camp and Israel Tour leader.
On her return from leading on an RSY-Netzer summer camp in Holland, in 1997, she was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia. She passed away in September 1998.
As we come to the end of our 25th anniversary year – 25 years since Karen left us and 25 years since the Karen Morris Memorial Trust, set up to continue her legacy, became a registered charity – there is still time to support Challenge 25 for Karen, either by donating or with your own challenge involving the number 25.
Many current members of Progressive communities will have fond memories of Karen – as a friend, youth leader or friend of your child. You will have gone on to have families of your own and successful careers. It would be so appreciated if you would remember Karen by supporting the charity for which she is the inspiration.
My academic daughter wanted to do something with leukaemia when she recovered. It was not to be, but the Trust funds four ‘Karen’s Homes from Home’ for leukaemia patients and their families for leading haematology departments – in Hammersmith, Cambridge, Oxford and Birmingham – with a fifth currently under discussion.
To donate, go to www.justgiving. com/campaign/challenge25forkaren - or for more information please email me on info@kmmt.org.uk or visit our website www.kmmt.org.uk
Phil Rosenberg and Rabbi Charley Baginsky in Essex, and Owen Power with VIPs in Salford
The launch of the Jewish Living Experience Exhibition at Chelmsford’s Anglia Ruskin University
A reflection ahead of the High Holy Days
IN the book of Kohelet we read, ‘there is nothing new under the sun’ (1:9). It would be easy this year to fully feel the force of this rather pessimistic saying. As we step into the year 5785 we recognise that, rather than settling or renewing, the world generally and our Jewish world in particular feels increasingly unsettled for many.
In such circumstances it can be tempting to allow hope to give way to cynicism, to protect ourselves from bitter disappointment and hurt by pre-deciding that there is little point in working towards anything different.
But this is not the Jewish way. Judaism is a religion of liberation.
We are a religion that recognises that whilst we may never reach the promised land we must always work towards it – toward a world of peace and stability which has justice at its core.
The utopian vision set out in the Torah, and most strongly in the words of the prophet, focuses on the needs of the vulnerable which, they demand, must be protected. To stand with the vulnerable requires courage as we are asked to be the carriers of hope, sometimes against a background of fear and discontent. Jewish understandings of liberation obligate each of us to care for one another (kol Yisrael arevim zeh ba-zehall Jews are responsible for one another) and for others (v’ger lo toneh - you shall not wrong a stranger).
Each day, in order to hold onto this vision, we recognise that today can be
WE ARE proud to once again launch the Progressive Judaism High Holy Days Ticket Scheme for young adults.
This allows any young person, aged 18 to 26, to attend Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services free of charge at any Liberal or Reform Judaism community of their choice.
Covering 80 congregations, and locations across the whole of the UK and Ireland, the scheme provides more opportunities than ever for young adults to find Progressively-led services near them on the High Holy Days – whether they are at home, with family, travelling or at university.
Please visit the Liberal or Reform Judaism websites for the registration form – and fill out one form for each person who is requesting a ticket (deadline Friday 20 September).
In addition, people (of any age) who are already members of a Liberal or Reform synagogue and would like to
different from yesterday and each High Holy Day season we recognise that this coming year can be different to the one which is passing.
This relentless commitment to hope and change, alongside the obligation to care, is the power of the High Holy Days.
We are being offered the opportunity to liberate ourselves, and in turn, the world around us. From our missteps, misconceptions and miscalculations to teshuvah/return. We are being asked to stand alongside ourselves as we would another who needs support as we are being encouraged to look back at ourselves with love and forgiveness.
The High Holy Days are our season for self-reflection and adjustment. They are the days where we take a sincere look inwards and ask ourselves, what can I do differently as the new year dawns?
Just as we greet each new day with gratitude and thanks, acknowledging that we can start today differently from yesterday, the High Holy Days encourage us to do the same, only on a bigger scale. What can I do differently than last year?
We need both the immediate of tomorrow and the longer term of next year. We need the reminder that today can be different from yesterday, and we need the encouragement that the coming year can equally be a changed one from the one which is finishing. What do I want to be different? What do I want to do differently?
On the surface these questions may seem simple, easy even.
To answer them with honesty and vulnerability takes courage. We are being asked to embody ometz lev – courage of heart. The High Holy Days are asking us to take the risk of changing our habits and breaking the patterns that may no longer serve us. We are not promised a guarantee that the changes we seek to make will succeed, nor that they will be simple, but our willingness to show up, in all our uncertainty, changes us, and it is this possibility of growth that is such a powerful promise of the High Holy Days.
With this internal work of hope, challenge and change, we create a practice that can emanate out to the wider world. With these rituals we seek a chance at creating a world where justice rules and through our vulnerability, we are able to not only care for the vulnerable but work towards a time when none are vulnerable and all are equal.
May the days ahead, and the year ahead be one full of possibility and one where hope, not cynicism, prevails.
May you find your ometz lev, courage of heart, when it is most needed and may you stand alongside yourself and others as compassionate and supportive companions.
L’Shanah Tovah u’ Metuka. To a sweet and good New Year.
• Written by Rabbi Kath Vardi on behalf, and with the input, of all four Co-Chairs of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors and Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors
attend High Holy Days services in a different Progressive community have the opportunity to do so.
If you wish to do this, do not use the form – but email the synagogue of your choice to enquire.
Please note that not all synagogues offer the full range of HHDs services to people outside of their community – because of space. So, for both schemes, please do check with your chosen congregation first.
The importance, intellectual integrity and scholarship of Progressive Judaism
Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy spoke at the Rabbi John Rayner Centenary Conference - examining his desire for the creation of one movement
WE ARE at a momentous moment in the development of Progressive Judaism in this country: the closest we have ever been to bringing the two Progressive movements of the UK together.
And yet, as we have visited communities across the country speaking about the opportunities and challenges of this moment, almost everything we say, and every message that we give, is one that our teacher Rabbi John Rayner also gave, in sermons, talks and essays over five decades.
One of our tasks is to explain why a coming together is a good idea. What will it make possible?
We stress that, here in the UK, we are unique in having two movements and that our current act of coming together is therefore a tikkun, a repair, of that which should never have been two things.
And here is John, in a sermon delivered at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) in November 1983:
“Our starting point must be to note that the fact that we are Two Camps is an anomaly. Nothing of the sort exists anywhere else in the world… only in Britain are there two, a fact which never ceases to puzzle those from overseas. Innumerable are the occasions on which they have asked me why, but no matter how patiently I have tried to explain, they have nearly always walked away still shaking their heads.”
Of course, repair cannot be the only motivation for coming together. We also want to be, need to be, more effective. In part, this is to ensure that our voice is heard and that we change the way that the Jewish community speaks, both about itself and into the wider world. This was a need that exercised John throughout his life, too. Here, in an essay from 1998 published in Manna, the journal of the Manor House:
“We are a pluralistic community, comprising at least half a dozen varieties of Judaism as well as secular forms of Jewish self-expression. It is absurd to pretend that there is only one kind of Judaism in Britain, and that the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations is its spokesman.”
John was keen, when speaking about Progressive Judaism (and he very firmly used that word, Progressive) to stress three things that we stress now, too: how much we have in common, that the diversity that exists is not between us but within us, and that both movements are on a journey of change that brings them ever closer together. These three ideas come together in this short paragraph from a talk given at LJS in February 1984:
“It seems to me that our two movements have grown together ideologically. Admittedly, any such generalisation is hazardous, for there is much diversity in both movements, and indeed overlapping diversity. It has to be recognised also that both movements have become more traditional in recent years. Nevertheless, if I am not mistaken, there is in both movements a new spirit of openness which makes a merger seem more attainable than in the past.”
John was, unquestionably, a supporter of a unified Progressive movement. Partly this was because he saw the differences between us as far less significant than the similarities. But mainly it was because he was ambitious for Progressive Judaism. He believed passionately in our importance, our intellectual integrity and our scholarship. He saw the possibility of both radical and more conservative progressive Jewish traditions sitting side by side within a broad progressive identity.
His greater sense of purpose was clear from his writings from early on. In the 1950s he wrote of Progressive Judaism that should be:
“An expanding and expansionist movement: not because we have any imperialistic ambitions, not because we wish to impose our ideas on others, but because we are firmly convinced that our fellowJews need, and need urgently, this understanding and expression of Judaism. An interpretation of Judaism which is serious, honourable, self-consistent, which is faithful to all that is of lasting value in our historic tradition but does no violence to our reason or our conscience and takes full account of modern knowledge and thought, which does not ignore the realities of modern life but seeks to make the abiding values and purposes of Judaism as effective as possible within those realities.”
He believed too in the ideal of coming together. That the way in which we work has to reflect our ideals and model our values. In November 1983 he preached:
“Separation, though sometimes necessary, is in itself something negative… unity, on the other hand, where it can be achieved with integrity, is something positive, therapeutic, redemptive. People rejoice when they see cooperation rather than rivalry.”
We would like to finish with words from a sermon he gave in a number of communities in 1956 and 1957:
“The difference between the optimist and the pessimist is a matter of courage. It has been said that an optimist is one who sees an opportunity in every difficulty, whereas the pessimist sees a difficulty in every opportunity.”
We owe it to John’s memory to show the courage today that he was so disappointed not to see 40 years ago.
Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy were among many senior rabbinic speakers at the Rabbi John Rayner Centenary Conference at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue
How Brighton Progressive won Gold
BRIGHTON and Hove Progressive Synagogue (BHPS) have won a prestigious EcoJudaism Gold Award, which honours the steps being taken by congregations across the Jewish community to move towards an environmentally responsible future.
Below, Benita Matofska – the BHPS Council Member with responsibility for EcoJudaism and Sustainability –writes for lj today about the steps the community took to achieve this accolade:
AT BHPS, we take our commitment to protect and preserve our planet very seriously. So seriously, that we have spent the last five years on a path to become a net zero shul, taking positive, impactful actions for mother earth and all who live here.
Earlier this summer, our hard work paid off and we became the first synagogue within Progressive Judaism to be presented with the EcoJudaism Gold Award, having previously won Silver.
Communities across the UK are now participating in EcoJudaism and signed up to its mission to move the UK Jewish community from bal tashchit – don’t waste and destroy - to tikkun olam –saving the planet for future generations.
To qualify for an Award, each must complete an eco-audit scored across five areas: community/ synagogue management; prayer and teaching; lifestyle; land, buildings and consumables; and community and global engagement.
But the path to Gold hasn’t been easy. Our decision to become a vegetarian shul didn’t chime with everyone and some lively conversations were had around food, Judaism, fish (in particular), identity and the impact of a low carbon, mindful diet. So, yes, it’s been a journey and we’ve been steadfast in our commitment to be and do the best we can both in our actions towards climate change and to the resulting human rights impacts of a high carbon footprint.
I’m delighted to say that we’ve managed to have some fun along the way with a successful Chanukah clothes and toy swap where we celebrated the miracle of the resources we have and discovered how a little can go a long way.
Earlier this year, we partnered with Martlets Hospice in Hove who are on a mission to both be sustainable and offer the people in their care access to the beauty of nature. To celebrate Tu Bishvat, we planted 12 saplings in the new Martlets hospice garden – a sanctuary to be enjoyed by all.
Probably the highlight of our green endeavours was our June visit to the Rampion Windfarm, which is located nine miles off the Brighton shore. Twenty-four BHPS members enjoyed a three hour trip in perfect weather to see the wonder that this renewable source of energy represents – powering over 50% of homes in the Brighton and Hove area. There’s one more accolade of which I am especially proud.
Having reduced our carbon emissions to an absolute minimum, we signed up to Climate Stewards to support community carbon projects in the global south that not only cut carbon but bring tangible benefits to health, family finances and the local environment alongside carbon mitigation. This action enabled us to become what is to my knowledge the first carbon-neutral shul in the UK.
At BHPS, we know that the climate crisis will not be solved in silos. It will take all of us and we all need to do our bit. Currently 70 communities are signed up to EcoJudaism which is a crossdenominational initiative. With hundreds of shuls nationally, we still have a way to go and I for one hope that we can inspire many more to join. We owe it to our children, our communities and to the future for all people and the planet. Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility.
The Talmud tells us the highest form of wisdom is kindness. We are stewards of this planet, we don’t own it, so let’s pledge to move forward and ensure a sustainable future for all living creatures.
Benita Matofska is a public speaker, writer and sustainability consultant.
• Other EcoJudaism Award winners, from last year and this year, include Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (Silver), Liverpool Reform Synagogue (Bronze), Maidenhead Synagogue (Silver), Southgate Progressive Synagogue (Bronze) and Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (Silver).
Mara Pirenack-Marrs of BHPS (left) receives the Gold Award from EcoJudaism’s Donna Cohen
Benita, Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber and BHPS members on their trip to Rampion Windfarm
Kehillah hosts first ever Yiddish Bas Mitsve
THE thriving congregation of Kehillah North London has celebrated what is believed to be the first Yiddish Bas Mitsve service in a British Progressive Jewish community.
In recent years a number of members from Mizrahi, Sephardi, Ashkenazi and mixed-heritage backgrounds at Kehillah have had adult B’nai Mitzvah, however 39-year-old Tamara Micner is the first to have a service with Yiddish – known as a Bas Mitsve – for her big day.
Tamara (pictured) came to the UK from Canada in 2010. She has spent the last five years learning Yiddish and now teaches it to others.
She said: “I’m a granddaughter of Holocaust survivors from Poland who spoke Yiddish as their first language. I heard it when I was growing up and I decided I wanted to learn my ancestral tongue. I wanted to speak Yiddish with my Baba while she was still alive and now my father and I speak Yiddish together.
“As an Ashkenazi Jew I see it as an alternative to modern Hebrew and it helps me feel connected with our culture and history. It is an important part of my inheritance.”
Tamara learned how to leyn with Ashkenazi pronunciation and plans to continue leyning at Kehillah. On her Bas Mitsve, she read the Haftorah in Yiddish alongside an English translation, something she has done in some of Kehillah’s regular Shabbat services. She also delivered her Dvar Toyre in Yiddish, with English translation.
She told congregants: “This is my language, I clawed it back from Sheol (abode of the dead), from the gas chambers… Speaking and living in my language is one of the greatest joys and achievements of my life, which has opened in ways I never expected.”
Away from shul, Tamara is helping re-establish a Yiddish theatre company in London. She has also written a pantomime, Yankl and the Beanstalk, which is in English and Yiddish.
• Picture by Lexi Clare Photography
READING Liberal Jewish Community celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of Anita Budnitz Williams, pictured with parents Guy and Hannah and brother Bertie. Hannah said: “We are all so proud of Anita, who did a fantastic job reading from the Torah and leading the service alongside the lovely Rabbi Miri Lawrence. It was great to welcome our family and friends to the RLJC, and to have the support of so many in the community who have known Anita since she was an infant.”
Friday night dinners across the Three Counties
MORE THAN 90 people attended Friday night dinners all over Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire as part of a pioneering initiative organised by members of Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (3CLJC).
Rabbi Anna Gerrard and Karen Reynolds are behind the annual project –this year placing community members at nine different homes.
Karen said: “We’ve been organising this for a while, but this was undoubtedly our best year. We mixed it up this time so that southern members went north, eastern travelled west and so on. It meant we all met new people along the way. Our hosts were wonderful and all the guests said how welcome they were made to feel.”
Maggie was one of those taking part and loved the experience.
She said: “A Friday night dinner of good food, good company, flowing conversation and meeting new people… what more could one ask for?”
Another attendee, Josephine, added: “It was so good to get together with kiddush, songs, delicious food, friends old and new. Many thanks also to those from 3CLJC who had the idea and dealt with all the admin for everyone who got involved.”
LJY-Netzer Kayitz and
The tour also included fun time at theme parks, by the
and on the
- including being let loose to bury themselves in the
A morning at Granada Science Park allowed the group to explore exhibits of ancient bones and the inner workings of the human body
A huge thank you to our Kayitz Sefarad leaders Tali, Ruben and Lily, and educator Jacob, for providing memories that will last for a lifetime
pool
beach
sand
The LJY-Netzer Kayitz Sefarad tour of Andalusia, Spain, started with a trip to see the beautiful architecture of the Alhambra Palaces
Kabbalat Shabbat featured vegetarian paella, a raucous birkat hamazon (grace after meals) and an evening of lip-sync battles
medals
Education sessions covered everything from Israel/Palestine to refugees to different Jewish traditions from around the world
Excursions included Crealy Theme Park for the groups covering school years 3-8, and hiking in Exmoor National Park for year 9
The annual wide game was an absolute hit – starting with a huge game of monopoly and moving into paint-soaked slip and slides
An evening of song – a big collaboration between year groups –engaged everyone in signing, dancing and running around
A whole camp Havdalah was themed on A
a
Contact LJY-Netzer: Email Tali Ehrlich (t.ehrlich@liberaljudaism.org), Mia Harris (m.harris@liberaljudaism.org) and Jess Spanier (j.spanier@liberaljudaism.org) or visit our website www.ljy-netzer.org
Midsummer Night’s Dream - with
magical atmosphere as Shabbat came to a close
Machaneh Kadimah camp featured the second biggest sporting event of the summer - the LJY Olympics, complete with
Liberal Judaism congregations
The Ark Synagogue (Northwood and Pinner)
T: 01923 822 592
E: admin@arksynagogue.org W: arksynagogue.org
Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue T: 0845 869 7105
E: info@bedsps.org.uk W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk
Beit Klal Yisrael (London) E: admin@bky.org.uk W: bky.org.uk
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue T: 0121 634 3888 E: bps@liberaljudaism.org W: bpsjudaism.com
Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue T: 01273 737 223
E: info@bhps-online.org W: bhps-online.org
Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0117 403 3456
E: info@bwpjc.org W: bwpjc.org
Crawley Jewish Community T: 01293 534 294
Crouch End Chavurah E: naomi@crouchendchavurah.org W: www.crouchendchavurah.org
Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation
E: djpc@liberaljudaism.org W: djpcireland.com
Ealing Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8997 0528
E: admin@ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk
East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue T: 0208 989 7619
E: administrator@elels.org.uk W: elels.org.uk
Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community T: 07376 916 920
E: eljc.contact@gmail.com W: eljc.org.uk
Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community T: 0131 777 8024
E: info@eljc.org W: eljc.org
Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8446 4063
E: fps@liberaljudaism.org W: fps.org
Kehillah North London T: 07706 354 602
E: info@kehillah.org.uk W: kehillah.org.uk
Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 07384 993 553
E: enquiries@kljc.org.uk W: kljc.org.uk
Kingston Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8398 7400
E: kls@liberaljudaism.org W: klsonline.org
Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation
E: chair@lpjc.org.uk W: lpjc.org.uk
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood) T: 020 7286 5181 E: ljs@ljs.org W: ljs.org
The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street London, W1T 4BE T: 020 7580 1663
E: montagu@liberaljudaism.org W: liberaljudaism.org W: pathtoprogressivejudaism.org.uk
Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge of modern Judaism. It reverences Jewish tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the past, while giving them contemporary force.
Charity Number: 1151090
lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein. Please email SimonR@progressivejudaism.org.uk
The Liberal Synagogue Elstree T: 020 8953 8889
E: office@tlse.org.uk W: tlse.org.uk
Lincolnshire Jewish Community W: lincolnsynagogue.com
Mosaic Liberal Synagogue (Stanmore) T: 020 8864 0133 E: office@mosaicliberal.org.uk W: mosaicliberal.org.uk
Norwich Liberal Jewish Community E: nljc@liberaljudaism.org W: norwichljc.org.uk
Nottingham Liberal Synagogue T: 0115 962 4761
E: info@nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com
Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community T: 07561 331 390 E: info@pljc.org.uk W: pljc.org.uk
Reading Liberal Jewish Community E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@ gmail.com W: readingljc.org.uk
Shir Hatzafon (Copenhagen) E: shir@shirhatzafon.dk W: shirhatzafon.dk
South Bucks Jewish Community T: 07377 157 261 E: info@sbjc.org.uk W: sbjc.org.uk
Southgate Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8886 0977 E: office@sps.uk.com W: sps.uk.com
The South London Liberal Synagogue (Streatham) T: 020 8769 4787
E: office@southlondon.org W: southlondon.org
Stevenage Liberal Synagogue T: 01438 300 222
E: stevenageliberalsynagogue@gmail.com W: stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk
Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) T:01473 250 797
E: sljc@liberaljudaism.org
W: suffolkljc.co.uk
Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire)
T: 07900 612 058
E: info@3cljc.org.uk
W: 3cljc.org.uk
Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (Bournemouth) T: 01202 757 590
E: secretary.wljc@gmail.com W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk
York Liberal Jewish Community T: 0300 102 0062
E: info@jewsinyork.org.uk
W: jewsinyork.org.uk
Developing and affiliated
Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam)
E: info@beithachidush.nl W: beithachidush.nl
Oxford Jewish Congregation T: 01865 515 584
E: connections@ojc-online.org W: ojc-online.org
Chair Karen Newman
Deputy Chair Alex Kinchin-Smith Treasurer Leslie Moss Inclusion Alexandra Boyd
Youth Hannah Grant Communities and Social Justice Owen Power
Officers Penny Beral, Amanda McFeeters and Tommer Spence
President Rabbi Alexandra Wright
Vice Presidents Simon Benscher, Monique Blake, Nigel Cole, Lord (Stanley) Fink, Louise Freedman,
Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, Sharon Goldstein, Jane Greenfield, Lucian Hudson, Dr Edward Kessler
MBE, Josie Kinchin, Ann Kirk BEM, Bob Kirk BEM, David Lipman, Frank Maxwell, Baroness (Gillian)
Merron, David Pick, Rabbi Danny Rich, Tony Sacker, Joan Shopper, Phil Stone and Beverley Taylor
Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors Chairs Rabbi Alexandra Wright and Rabbi Anna Wolfson
Chief Executive Officer / Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky
Director of Development and Membership Alexandra Gellnick Lifecycle Administrator Lisa Godsal
Administration Manager Tanya Garfield Finance Janet Manderson Archivist Alison Turner
Head of Comms Simon Rothstein Student Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan
LJY-Netzer Support/Mentor Becca Fetterman LJY-Netzer Events Coordinator Jess Mindel
LJY-Netzer Movement Workers Tali Ehrlich, Mia Harris and Jess Spanier