Tributes for Sidney Brichto
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March/April 2009 VOL. XXXVI No. 2 Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism ljtoday As Pesach approaches, Jewish inmates at HMP Coldingley are looking forward to their seder Tributes Photo: Andrew Aitchison Andrew Photo: for Sidney A taste of Brichto Liberal Judaism has lost one of its freedom best-loved voices with the death of Rabbi Dr Sidney Brichto, senior vice-president of the movement and its first in prison executive-director. Appointed in 1964, American-born Jews in prison have rather more time and Rabbi Brichto led the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues, as the reason to contemplate freedom than most Cell windows at Coldingley, in Bisley, Surrey of the Jewish community. This Pesach, movement was then known, for 25 years. Rabbi Danny Rich and Elana Sondel During this time it made huge leaps have little Jewish knowledge, and the visit intend to lead a small seder at Coldingley forward, in congregational development, gave them a chance to reflect on their jail for its five Jewish inmates. in financial stability, in democracy and heritage. ‘As we left, one of the men Rabbi Rich has served as a prison organisation and in its attitude to Israel. asked for a Jewish diary so he knew when chaplain – including at Latchmere House During prayers at The Liberal Jewish the festivals were,’ says Elana. ‘Another and Coldingley, both in Surrey – for nearly Synagogue, a letter from the Israeli asked for a Hebrew learning book.’ 20 years, and knows the Jewish inmates ambassador, Ron Prosor, to Rabbi At Tu B’Shvat, Rabbi Rich and Elana at Coldingley well. On their first joint visit Brichto’s widow, Cathryn, was read out. again visited the inmates at Coldingley. On there, at Chanukkah, he and Elana, a Mr Prosor said the rabbi’s passing would what was a very wet February morning, student rabbi and education consultant to be grieved ‘in Britain, in Israel and the beginning of spring in Israel was Liberal Judaism, enjoyed a camaraderie throughout the Jewish world... [He] was a evoked with the ceremonial planting of a with the men. Sitting together in a room man of courage, insight and integrity. His blossoming cherry tree. The whole group next to the prison chapel, they were joined love and support of the State of Israel took part in the planting, outside the jail’s by the lead Anglican chaplain, the Rev Jo was deeply principled and unswerving.’ E wing; and a number of windows were Honour, as they talked about the meaning opened as prisoners whose cells overlook of Chanukkah, played dreidl and ate latkes. the spot took the opportunity to watch. Most of the prisoners at the medium- Rabbi Rich then led the group back inside secure institution in Bisley, near Woking, the prison for a seder and discussion. The new tree will be particularly welcome at the jail, where inmate The group, numbers have doubled in recent years; including the the prison lost its garden when a new Rev Honour, block had to be built last year. front left, Coldingley’s Jews are serving time plant a tree mostly for burglary and drugs offences, on Tu B’Shvat but each has a different story. Some want (one inmate their time in the prison to be a changing declined to experience for them. Most have an be pictured) as governor interest in Judaism, which Rabbi Rich and Dave Turner Elana hope to continue to foster. looks on The Blessing of the Sun, page 5 Rabbi Brichto died unexpectedly in January, aged 72 In this edition: News, 2-3; Letters, 4; Circumcision, 6-7; Books, 8; Spotlight on South London, 10; LJY-Netzer, 11 Page 2 LJ Today March/April 2009 March/April 2009 LJ Today Page 3 Working with Christian Aid Shh... listen Liberal Jews in Israel deserve to fight climate chaos I want to talk about the Bible – written two and a half thousand years ago by the same rights we have here In December this year, the United Nations enclosed with this magazine to the Prime my ancestors, who walked the land that summit in Copenhagen will set the Minister, and by signing and keeping your is now being torn apart with bombs and agenda for the next stage of the fight pledge. To get more cards, telephone the rockets. One of my favourite sections of Aaron Goldstein is leading initiatives to help the Progressive movement against climate change. Liberal Judaism Montagu Centre on 020 7580 1663. the Bible tells of the prophet Elijah is joining Christian Aid’s Countdown to fleeing from violence, seeking refuge in When was the last time you stopped to Rabbi Miri Gold is recognised by her Copenhagen campaign, aimed at a cave in the desert not far away from ensuring that world leaders deliver a fair Campaign launch think about how fortunate you are to be a community – Kibbutz Gezer, just off the where the latest violence is raging. Liberal Jew in the UK? The last time I had Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway – by her and effective deal for the world’s poor. Liberal Judaism kicks off its Countdown to Elijah experienced a revelation of The movement is also joining with Copenhagen support at a true appreciation was during my days congregation – Kehillat Birkat Shalom, 8pm on Wednesday God at the entrance to that cave. First with Liberal Judaism’s youth movement near Ben Gurion airport – and, importantly Christian Aid for a campaign launch on 11 there was a mighty wind, then an March (see box). Speakers will include 11 March 2009 at ULPSNYC, when I campaigned for Soviet for the case, the regional council – Gezer, Northwood and Pinner earthquake, then a fire – none of which Paul Brannen, head of campaigns for Jewry. Thanks to IRAC (the Israel which has 16 Orthodox, state-salaried Liberal Synagogue, contained God. Then came a still, small Religious Action Centre), the hub of rabbis. But she is still not recognised by the Christian Aid, Rabbi Danny Rich, student Oaklands Gate, voice with which God spoke to Elijah. Progressive Jewish social justice and State because she is a woman and a Liberal rabbi Janet Darley and Nick Hurd MP. Northwood, HA6 3AA. Almost three thousand years later, Avital Mazar-Tzeiri, activities co-ordinator, at Sulam Liberal Judaism hopes you will get All are invited to attend. legislative activity in Israel, I now have rabbi. In addition to raising awareness in the same place where Elijah walked Ya’akov’s new building, and Rabbi Gold (inset) involved: by sending the campaign card cause to celebrate my religious freedoms about this injustice, IRAC needs action and tried to hear God’s voice, mighty once more and to campaign for the rights from Liberal Jews. Your signature on its winds are blowing, carrying words of of other Jews; not least in Israel. fees it had to pay before the local petition will demonstrate to President accusation and counter-accusation as Although Judaism is the state religion authority would allow it to occupy the Shimon Peres and to the whole Israeli ‘Never Mind the Mazal Tov gives each side seeks to blame the other. of Israel, Liberal Judaism is not. Whilst building. At a time when for many the government that the majority of the world’s And voices from around the world add Orthodox Judaism is paid for by the phrase ‘Jews in Israel’ conjured up Jewish population cannot be ignored. Bullocks!’ way to internet to this mighty wind of human noise: taxpayer, Liberal Judaism is not. But the Hebron settlers, I felt a compulsion to At a time when our members might not protest and condemnation adding to sands are shifting. switch on the lights of this Liberal be so inclined to act through tzedakah words of grievance and self- In 2006, IRAC won a Supreme Court (charity), it is imperative that we highlight Pete Tobias, chairman of Liberal Judaism’s Since its inception in 1995, Mazal Tov, the synagogue in Zichron Ya’akov. justification. But God is not to be heard ruling against the Ministry of Housing, the opportunities for tikkun olam (repairing Rabbinic Conference and rabbi at Elstree, Progressive Jewish marriage bureau, has The fundraising that followed, in the in these words, in this mighty wind. which built synagogues only for Orthodox the world) that still exist. I am urging all has written a thought-provoking new guide been responsible for many successful weeks leading to Chanukkah, was a true And there is fire and earthquake, congregations. This landmark decision my synagogue members to take one for bar/batmitzvah students. partnerships both within Liberal Judaism rededication of the Jewish principles that man-made, by rockets and bombs that forced the ministry to supply four minute to sign the IRAC petition (www.irac. Entitled Never Mind the Bullocks! – a and beyond. are vital to Israel’s future. A hundred fall, destroying buildings, hopes and temporary buildings (of about 150 square org), and hope that all members of Liberal reference to a verse in Isaiah – it takes the Working out of office space provided by members of Northwood and Pinner lives. But God is not in the fires that metres) to Progressive congregations. Judaism will do the same. Our friends or form of a conversation between a rabbi The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, its Liberal Synagogue donated £30 each and burn from the tails of these missiles. One of these was destined for Kehillat relatives who make Aliyah should have the and the prophet. The book will be launched introduction service for those seeking a the mezuzah has been affixed to a And nor is God in the earthquake, as Sulam Ya’akov, which had campaigned for same rights we have, in Israel of all places.