May/June 2011 VOL. XXXVIII No. 3
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
ljtoday
No limit to our achievements with more funds
R
ABBI DANNY RICH has promised that Liberal Judaism will become more assertive in its fundraising efforts, in order to build on the success and growth we have seen over the last decade. Speaking at the Seventh Annual Dinner of the Council of Patrons, held at the House of Lords, Liberal Judaism’s chief executive laid out his plans for the year ahead. Those goals include creating and supporting new communities across the UK and appointing the first full time Liberal chaplain to the Hillel Chaplaincy Board, to help tackle antisemitism on university campuses. He also paid tribute to many notable recent achievements including the increased coverage of Liberal Judaism in the media, a greater influence in the British Jewish community and society at large, the publication of highly regarded books and pamphlets and the affiliation of a new congregation every year for the last three years. Danny said: “Our successes and confidence, reflected in so many diverse ways, do not happen overnight and neither are they free in cash terms or in the demands made upon Liberal Judaism’s professional staff and its volunteers, particularly the Board of Officers. “First, I would like to thank our existing Patrons and trust you will renew and even increase your pledge. Second, if you are not yet a Patron let me say this – I am seeking your support for an organisation, and also for the ways and means to deliver on what I promise you they will. Three new Gold Patrons at £11,000 each per annum would fund the chaplain, two new Silver Patrons at £5,500 each per annum would fund a new community and two new Bronze Patrons at £2,200 each would buy a scroll for a new community.
Liberal Judaism deputy chair Amanda Grant, chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, chairman Lucian J Hudson, Lord Fink, Lady Fink and Lord Haskel at the Council of Patrons’ Dinner
Danny shares a joke with Lord Haskel, as Lucian presents Dan Patterson with an unusual gift
“Friends, Liberal Judaism is not known for its aggressive fundraising, and in any case it is not permitted here in the House of Lords. Nevertheless, I am going to become a little more assertive in my fundraising efforts because we have the values, the ideas, the commitment, the ongoing success, and it is only a shortage of funds which threatens our achievements and deprives men, women and young people in this country of a great jewel in their lives… Liberal Judaism.” Another highlight of the evening, hosted by Lord Simon Haskel, was guest speaker Dan Patterson. The television comedy writer had the crowd – which
included Lord Stanley and Lady Barbara Fink, Baroness Julia Neuberger and Brooks Newmark MP - in stitches with a quickfire succession of Jewish jokes. Also among the 80 people in attendance were event organiser Joan Shopper, Liberal Judaism chairman Lucian J Hudson, deputy chair Amanda Grant, treasurer David Pelham, Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein, who is the outgoing principal of Leo Baeck College, and LBC’s newly elected chairman Alasdair Nisbet. For information on how to become a Patron, email d.rich@liberaljudaism.org
Words by Simon Rothstein Pictures by John Bernard