March/April 2009 VOL. XXXVI No. 2

Liberal 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 for Sidney A taste of Brichto

Liberal Judaism has lost one of its freedom best-loved voices with the death of Dr Sidney Brichto, senior vice-president of the movement and its first in prison executive-director. Appointed in 1964, American-born in prison have rather more time and Rabbi Brichto led the Union of Liberal and Progressive , 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 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 , 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 , 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 . 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 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 , 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. at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree on Jewish life partner was run entirely by Liberal, state-sponsored, pre-fabricated the ground shakes from the explosions a decade for its own synagogue in Zichron Sunday 8 March, 10.45am-12.30pm. Rabbi volunteers and was, for most of its synagogue building in Israel. these warring peoples inflict upon each Ya’akov, 45 minutes north of Tel Aviv. Aaron Goldstein is senior rabbi at Tobias will introduce the book and signed existence, a unique venture. However, the This campaign brought to my attention other in this ancient, troubled land. However, after hard fundraising, the Northwood and Pinner Liberal copies will be available to buy. internet, in particular, and other media the next chapter of the story: another This is the land in which the still congregation was still £3,000 short of the Supreme Court case brought by IRAC. Synagogue Refreshments will be served. offer new choices for single people and the small voice was once heard by Elijah, The event is part of the synagogue’s personal approach is no longer as popular after the godless wind, fire and Purim Funday, and all are welcome. as it was. Therefore, with reluctance and earthquake had passed. This is the Review, page 8 sadness, the bureau has now closed. voice with which God still speaks to us. It demands that we humans treat one another with dignity and respect, no matter what our differences, and seek ING: INCLUD True sound of the Hebrew lyre peaceful solutions to our conflicts. SSIONS ING SE But the still small voice is lost in the SCINAT g R 25 FA lib VE in e M O At Friday night services, Liberal Jews in mighty wind of claim and protest, t ra RO a l E F r OOS b CH ip Manchester have had a chance to listen drowned out by the falling debris of the le adersh ce Where we’ve been, eral Le to the rarest of Jewish instruments: the earthquake and the flames of Lib vity destruction. Helplessly we watch and Where we are, l Creati ancient Hebrew temple lyre, or kinnor. Libera Israel j Where we’re going m and Michael Levy, a member of the we wait, praying for the still small ud ais ry ais l Jud entu m ibera 1st C Manchester community, taught himself to voice to speak to us after the wind, the L in the 2 udaism ay play his replica 10-stringed instrument, earthquake and the fire as once it iberal J beral W L , the Li whose design is based on pictures on spoke to Elijah. But it will not be heard Sunday 17 May 2009 udaism odern J coins from the time of Simon Bar Kochba until the wind, the earthquake and the M daism 10am – 5pm eral Ju fire have passed and we, like the ving Lib in 134CE. ‘There’s no instruction manual,’ Li ste Michael Levy, from Salford, with his replica kinnor Mark the day in your diary sh Ta he points out. ‘The last known people to ancient prophets, make the effort to al Jewi ties and look forward to coming together Liber h Activi play it were all murdered in around 70CE.’ listen to it. m Yout in celebration of Liberal Judaism at l Judais A support worker at a residential home, album, Lyre of the Levites, can be Libera Adapted from the ‘Pause for Thought’ the new Midlands Centre for Liberal Michael, 40, describes the instrument’s downloaded from http://cdbaby.com/cd/ Judaism, Birmingham sound as having ‘an other-wordly feel’. mlevy2 and his first album, King David’s broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on 30 See page 8 for Listen for yourself by sampling the audio Lyre: Echoes of Ancient Israel, can be December 2008 by Pete Tobias, rabbi Registration from 10am, Bishopsgate Street/Roseland Way booking form welcoming address at 10.45am Birmingham B15 1HD clips on his webpage. Michael’s new MP3 ordered from http://cdbaby.com/cd/mlevy. at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree Page 4 LJ Today March/April 2009 March/April 2009 LJ Today Page 5 Letters to the editor An anniversary like no other

Praise where it’s due Liberal pride The Blessing of the Sun, a celebration of creation which occurs every 28 years, falls this year on Erev Pesach. With global warming a reality, and drawing on an unlikely I was disappointed at your reviewer David who wanted it. The cost of the meal was We were delighted to welcome Rabbi Goldberg’s comments about Rabbi subsidised. This was great boost to the Danny Rich and Laura Lassman to source, grasps this chance for redemption and renewal Jakobovits, (‘Point-scoring and Jewish Society and Friday nights offered Shabbat services in Nottingham in pomposity’, LJ Today January 2009) in food and discussion with larger numbers January. Prompted by a question from the As long as the world exists,/planting tractate, Massechet Ha-Hammah, Abe circuit to the other;/Nothing is hidden view of my own experience. attending than previous meetings on congregation, Danny spoke about his and harvesting,/cold and heat,/ Friedman explains that slight inaccuracies from its heat. (Psalm 19:5-7) Around 40 years ago, I was chairman of campus. statement on the conflict in Gaza and his summer and winter,/day and night – a matter of minutes – in ancient The prescient midrash comments: ‘On the Jewish Society at a university with few Rabbi Jakobovits extended this scheme decision to speak at a Muslim meeting in will never end (Genesis 8:22) astronomical calculations add up, over the day of the summer solstice there is Jewish students. I received a letter from to other universities with small Jewish Batley, West Yorkshire. the centuries, to days. ‘These slight no shade for any creature, as it is the Office of the Chief Rabbi, saying he societies. He was aware that there were While he was careful to acknowledge But the chief cause of our natural inaccuracies, combined with medieval written, “Nothing is hidden from its would be passing close to the university no orthodox students, but made no the breadth of opinion even within the unwillingness to admit that one recalibrations in the solar calendar, move heat.” The orb of the sun has a sheath, on a particular date and he would very religious stipulations other than that the movement, his personal stance made me species has given birth to other and the date of Birkat Ha-Hammah as it says, “In the heavens he has pitched much like to meet Jewish students. food served on Friday nights was kosher. proud to be a Liberal Jew, and that our distinct species, is that we are always progressively later.’ a tent for the sun” and a pool of water I and a couple of fellow students met Unlike Rabbi Goldberg, I found Rabbi chief executive recognises the tragedy slow in admitting any great change of The prescribed celebration of Birkat sits in front of it. At the moment when it with him at the university. He must have Jakobovits to be able to communicate engulfing the Palestinian people as well which we do not see the intermediate Ha-Hammah is recorded in the Talmud in comes out the Holy Blessed One spent well over an hour with us. He was effectively, and to be concerned for all as the fear experienced by Israelis forced steps. The mind cannot possibly B’rakhot 59b: ‘Our Rabbis taught: One weakens its power in water so that it will not pompous nor did he talk down to us. Jewish students, regardless of to take cover from the Hamas rockets. grasp the full meaning of the term of who sees the sun at its turning point [i.e. not come out and burn the world; but in As a result of that meeting, the Chief observance. And he actually did Now is the time to open up avenues of a hundred million years; it cannot add at the vernal equinox]… should say, the future the Holy One will circumcise Rabbi’s office subsidised the rent on a flat something positive to enable a number of dialogue, especially between Muslims up and perceive the full effects of Blessed be the One who has wrought the its sheath and incinerate the wicked with to be lived in by a couple of the female students to have a Jewish input into their and Jews, to prevent events in the Middle many slight variations, accumulated work of creation. And when [does this it, as it says, “And the day that comes students. The condition of the subsidy lives that they would otherwise not have East causing a rift between the during an almost infinite number of happen]? Abaye said: Every 28 years shall set them ablaze.” ‘ (Malachi 3:19) was that these students provide a venue had. communities. generations. (Charles Darwin, The when the cycle begins again and the [Genesis Rabbah 6:6). for Jewish Society meetings on Friday Ian Kay Jeff Cohen Origin of the Species) Nisan [spring] equinox falls in Saturn on This message of global warming and nights, including a kosher meal for those Harrow and Wembley Nottingham the evening of Tuesday, going into climate change is encapsulated in the Two extraordinary events come together Wednesday.’ poetic imagery of this midrash. Here lie this year. One is the 200th anniversary of For the scholars of the Middle Ages, the dire predictions of shrinking ice the birth of Charles Darwin together with this ritual connected them to a particular sheets in polar regions, the absorption of the 150th anniversary of the publication moment in the process of creation by a warmth in the seas and increase in their ‘tent’ invites New ways to follow the of The Origin of the Species, the other is a Creator God. It was a moment of renewal. temperature, global warming that will singular and rare event in Jewish life, Humanity could sweep away the debris of lead to the shrinkage of food in the world. you to Purim known as Birkat Ha-Hammah, the sin and pollution that had occurred since In this bicentenary year of Charles example of Purim Blessing of the Sun. creation, and not only appreciate the sun, Darwin’s birth, perhaps we would do well and Shavuot We are familiar with the monthly ritual or the moon, in all its purity, but even to apply the optimism of his prophetic ‘The month was reversed from sorrow to do we react to this position, following the of blessing the New Moon, because our more importantly, praise the Creator who stance to our own circumstances: that joy, and from mourning to holy example of Purim? By celebrating who we calendar is fundamentally a lunar had created their incandescence. certain living species, able to adapt to As LJ Today was going to press, celebration. These days should be are and the society we live in, by calendar. But the Blessing of the Sun is a The ritual occurred in the first hours of their environment ‘will ultimately prevail Liberal Judaism‘s young adults observed as days of feasting and interacting positively with our friends, solar occasion. It occurs every 28 years, the day when groups would converge to and procreate new and dominant community, ‘tent’, and its rejoicing, the sending of portions of food neighbours and co-workers and by acting and this year will fall on Erev Pesach, recite the blessing praising the One who species’. He adds: ‘We may feel certain counterpart at West to a friend, and gifts to poor people.’ with compassion at all times. Wednesday 8 April/14 Nisan, 5769. had made the work of creation. If the sky that the ordinary succession by London Synagogue, Esther (9:22) This year Purim overlaps with the end For the Rabbis of the Talmud, Birkat was clear, then the blessing would be generation has never once been broken, West London Collective, Purim is generally known for of Fairtrade fortnight (23 February-8 Ha-Hammah marked the date on which recited until the third hour of the day; but and that no cataclysm has desolated the were finalising plans for their joint Purim noise-makers and March), so we might they believed that the sun returned to the if it was cloudy, then one could wait until whole world. Hence we may look with party, on Monday 9 March. This event dressing up. Or, want to carry out the exact position where it was created. The midday to recite it. Rabbi Moshe Sofer, some confidence to a secure future of takes place at , digging a little mitzvah of mishloach date of the blessing is tied to the vernal known as the Hatam Sofer (1762-1839) equally inappreciable length. And as from 6pm ‘til late, and will feature deeper, for the manot (giving of gifts) equinox, which falls on 20 March, when argued that if the sun was not visible, then natural selection works solely by and for cabaret drag act The Schmooze Brothers uncomfortable by sending a Fairtrade the sun is directly above the equator and it was not appropriate to recite the blessing the good of each being, all corporeal and followed by a fancy dress party. images of the Jews hacking down their gift basket to a friend or family member; there is an equal number of night and day at all. Here was a dilemma: to recite or not mental endowments will tend to progress We are also getting excited about: neighbours and sending Haman and his try www.fairlygoods.co.uk. hours in the northern and southern to recite a blessing in honour of an occasion towards perfection.’ • Connections 17-24 March. The biennial 10 sons to the gallows. Or do as the book of Esther suggests hemisphere. In rabbinic tradition, it was that only happened every 28 years. If his prophecies are slightly too meeting of the World Union for Progressive But Purim does have positive and give to the poor. This autumn, Liberal also connected with the belief that How might we think about celebrating optimistic for the 21st century, they Judaism, in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv messages. It instructs us that we can Judaism’s young adults group, ‘tent’, is Creation began on Rosh Chodesh Nisan Birkat Ha-Hammah in 2009? I would create, at least, a balance for our own • One Night Stand tent’s Tikkun Leyl remain Jews, strongly committed to our organising a trip to Argentina and hopes and the sun created on the fourth day. suggest we grasp this opportunity of sense of helplessness and disempowerment in the face of the Shavuot on Thursday 28 May in people, and yet integrate within society to build links to the local Jewish This would mean that Birkat Ha-Hammah renewal to voice our own defiance and enormity of climate change and global conjunction with West London Collective, and work within the framework of the community. An Argentinian charity, called would occur on 4 Nisan when that date protest against the consumption of fossil warming. Somewhere between Darwin’s starting with a service at 6pm country we live in. At the end of the story, Tzedaká, provides services for the needy coincided with the vernal equinox. Given fuels and the negative effects of pollution. ideal of perfection and the hopelessness • Our summer weekend Getaway in July the Jews end up not as victims but in the Jewish community and in the wider that Birkat Ha-Hammah falls nearly three In the heavens he has pitched a tent of vast numbers of species on land, in • ‘tent’ trip to Argentina 30 September- victors. And how do they react to this new society. Find out more and donate by weeks after the vernal equinox in 2009, for the sun/which is like a water and in the air, we can plough a 12 October position? By celebrating, of course, and visiting www.tzedaka.org.ar/en. how do we account for the discrepancy bridegroom coming forth from his furrow towards renewal and redemption. For information on any of these events, by giving gifts to friends and to the poor. Chag sameach! between the vernal equinox, 4 Nisan, and pavilion,/like a champion rejoicing please contact Avivit: a.katzil@ As British Jews, we are fortunately only Orlando de Lange, Social Action Assistant the date of the Blessing of the Sun? to run his course./It rises at one Alexandra Wright is senior rabbi at The liberaljudaism.org or 07866 501787 rarely victims and often successful. How [email protected] In his magnificent contemporary end of the heavens/And makes its Liberal Jewish Synagogue Page 6 LJ Today March/April 2009 March/April 2009 LJ Today Page 7 A mitzvah, yes, but one that some call into question circumcision As Liberal Judaism publishes a leaflet on circumcision, we offer a modern examination of this ancient Jewish practice

Author of the new leaflet as Jewish. Whether or not a boy is an equal but different way, so that where Margaret Jacobi circumcised has no bearing on this. they might celebrate a brit for a son at ‘To us, it’s mutilation’ A covenant explains Most questioning about circumcision eight days, they would hold a ceremony to the thinking behind it hinges on the carrying out of a medically celebrate the birth of a daughter at eight Some non-Jews, and a few Progressive course, the internet. Among campaigning with God unnecessary procedure with possible days (see ‘Initiating a Girl into the Jews, argue that circumcision is at best American sites, www.foreskin.org tells One of the most fraught issues which harmful side-effects. There are risks Covenant’, Siddur Lev Chadash, page 585). unnecessary and at worst highly us, ‘One can never be too rich or too thin In Genesis 17, Abraham is commanded to parents discuss with me is whether to from a surgical procedure, but if carried If parents feel that they do not wish to damaging, writes Beatrice Sayers. or have too much foreskin,’ and www. circumcise himself (at the age of 99) and have their son circumcised. Although out by an expert practitioner they are very circumcise their son, we would encourage The charity Norm-UK, founded in 1994 by noharmm.org promotes ‘genital integrity’. his son Ishmael (aged 13). Isaac, and all Liberal Judaism recommends small. On the other hand, there is them to speak to a member of the men who see their circumcision surgery as Norm-UK, of which art critic Brian Sewell males in future generations, are to be circumcision, circumstances differ and evidence of benefit to health, including a Association of Reform and Liberal Mohalim having violated their rights, argues that is a patron, devotes a page to quotes by circumcised at eight days as a sign of the the arguments are finely balanced. For protective effect against HIV. So, from a before making the decision, so that they the most sensitive parts of the penis are men about their love for their foreskins. covenant between God and the Jewish this reason, the Rabbinic Conference of medical point of view, there is no are fully informed about the procedure. If removed during circumcision. As for Jews, many early members of people. For males, it became a mark of Liberal Judaism has decided to publish a conclusive argument either way. there is disagreement between the In 2002, Steve Jones, professor of the Liberal movement were opposed to membership of the Jewish people: leaflet about this issue. We are in a unique However, there are other benefits to a parents, then it is more important to genetics at University College London, circumcision. In 1956, the Rev Vivian uncircumcised men were seen as excluded position as a movement to respond to the Jewish boy, in terms of his acceptance preserve sh’lom bayit, family harmony, devoted a chapter of his book Y: The Simmons, one-time rabbi of Harrow and from the community and forbidden from challenge posed by changing attitudes, within the Jewish community and his sense than to circumcise the boy. Should Descent of Men to the subject. ‘All Wembley, wrote in The Path of Life that, joining in the Passover meal (Ex.12:44, 48). because whilst we value Jewish tradition, of identity. Liberal Judaism recommends parents decide against, we would respect mammals possess a prepuce,’ he says, ‘The idea of initiation into a religious Various reasons have been given for the we are also willing to adapt to changing circumcision on the basis that it remains their wishes, and would not treat the child ‘but Homo sapiens alone has the urge to group by means of a physical operation is practice. R. Oshaya (third century CE) times and we emphasise the importance an important mark of Jewish identity and a any differently. Indeed, we emphasise that destroy it.’ To support his argument that entirely primitive and alien to our modern suggests that God allows men to perfect of ethics over ritual. sign of the covenant. It is kinder to bestow the upbringing and education parents give sexual function is damaged, Jones quotes outlook.’ But by 1992, the movement was themselves by performing a mitzvah. It is important to point out that that mark on a boy when he is a child than the child is far more important than any , who described the operation affirming the ‘importance’ of circumcision. Maimonides suggests that its purpose is circumcision does not confer Jewish to let him make a decision for himself in procedure carried out at birth and that ‘as a means to perfect man’s moral Monty Alfred, of Kingston synagogue, is to diminish a man’s lust. status, either within Orthodox or later life, when the operation would be Jewish identity is developed through shortcomings’. The scientist even claims one who puts his head above the parapet. At the time of the Maccabees, and again Progressive Judaism. Within Progressive more painful and involve a general experiencing Jewish life at home and in that women prefer ‘the untouched’ ‘Many, maybe the majority, will continue during the Hadrianic persecutions of the Judaism, if the boy has two Jewish anaesthetic, with the associated risks. the synagogue and being part of a Jewish (mentioning in brackets that the sample the practice for emotional, traditional, second century CE, circumcision was parents, or has one Jewish parent and is As we are an egalitarian movement, the family and community. of women used was recruited through an family, social or perceived medical forbidden by the non-Jewish rulers. This brought up as a Jew (see our Liberal question arises of inequality when the anti-circumcision newsletter). Perhaps a reasons,’ he says. ‘But we should make it strengthened the determination of Jews Jewish Values leaflet ‘Liberal Judaism ritual cannot apply to girls. We would Dr Margaret Jacobi is rabbi at more rigorous study needs to be done. clear that for Liberal Jews there is no to carry out the practice in defiance of and Jewish Identity’), then he is accepted encourage parents to treat baby girls in Birmingham Progressive Synagogue The biggest foreskin battleground is, of religious significance to circumcision.’ their persecutors. They did: ‘The first brit They didn’t: ‘This ritual was the most difficult’ wasn’t what we wanted’ GP with a mission My 17 years as a mohel

Sam Davis, from Laura and Rob Hendy, By Howard Cohen I began training as a mohel soon after attention from the mohel (such as Birmingham, admits also from Birmingham, the birth of my second son, when I was stitches or a new dressing) and 55 (1 per that before the birth of discussed the idea of a surprised to find that the only mohelim cent) caused initial concern, of which her first child, a girl, brit for their son before As a full-time GP and a father of four, close to home were orthodox, out of step about half needed redoing as they failed she was ‘panicking in he was born. Rob is not including three boys, I know that the with the Liberal Jewish life we led. to improve over time. There has been case I had a boy Jewish and not safe arrival of a new baby is a time of The Reform and Liberal Association of one reported infection (in 1996). because of the circumcised. ‘He didn’t wonder and joy, high emotions and Mohelim, to which I belong, requires that I enjoy the combination of the circumcision’. Her have a problem per se,’ often complete exhaustion. Adding the all its members are medically qualified. religious with the medical, looking after following four children, Laura says. But when b’rit milah to the equation is a Its eight mohelim meet regularly to anxious families and taking them now aged 12, eight, six Sam Davis, holding Jacob, with husband Charles she found they would The Hendys: George, six, and Zara, three, both and, from left, Ilana, Joshua, Joseph and Ben had baby blessings at Birmingham Progressive challenge to any family. Parents, very discuss issues and experiences, peer- through the process in a professional and 14 months, were have to travel with their naturally, seek reassurance that the review performance and set standards in and considerate way. The b’rit milah can all boys and have been Her three younger boys newborn to London or this sort of ritual, in the mixed circumcision is safe and painless. line with best medical practice. We also and should be a joyful and inspiring circumcised. were all circumcised in a Manchester for a mohel, they marriage we have. We’re saying As a mohel to the London and South offer training to potential new mohelim. event for a family. I feel honoured to be The first brit was the most doctor’s surgery; the youngest had to think harder about it doesn’t matter what you look East UK Progressive Jewish community Since 1998, members have been part of so many. difficult: ‘It was done at our slept through the whole whether to circumcise. ‘We like, it’s about what you believe for 17 years, I can say that by the required to submit annual figures of the home. There was no procedure. came to the conclusion it wasn’t and how you’re brought up. standards of most medical procedures, outcomes of the circumcisions they have anaesthetic and he lay on my ‘Your emotions are so up in what we wanted,’ Laura says. That’s my personal Judaism.’ such reassurance can be given. The performed. As a result, the assocation now Dr Howard brother-in-law’s lap,’ recalls the air the first few days after One reason was the idea of Though she felt a pressure vast majority of circumcisions pass off has a significant database, which allows Cohen, pictured, Sam, who is converting to having a baby,’ says Sam. ‘I their son not looking like his to circumcise, in accord with without incident, heal rapidly and, with us to answer with confidence questions is a member of Judaism. ‘I was there, of wouldn’t say it’s an easy time. father. Another was a feeling her family tradition, she is glad appropriate anaesthetics and about safety. Of 4,140 circumcisions on Kingston course, but I couldn’t have The more I’ve had done the that circumcision was ‘a bit to have had the chance to think analgesia, distress the baby no more babies in the first four weeks, 87 (2 per Liberal watched it. [Rabbi] Margaret more relaxed I’ve felt about old-fashioned’, as Laura puts it through. ‘We’re very happy than a prolonged nappy change. cent) bled enough to need further Synagogue [Jacobi] recited the blessings.’ the whole thing.’ it. ‘To us religion isn’t about with our decision,’ she says. Page 8 LJ Today Books March/April 2009 March/April 2009 LJ Today Page 9 Imagine a rabbi talking to a tree... Sidney Brichto, 1936-2009 NEVER MIND THE BULLOCKS! A Twenty-first Century Exploration of Radical and inspirational first executive-director of Liberal Judaism, life-long the Torah for Bar/Batmitzvah Students. By Pete Tobias scholar, prolific writer, fundraiser and passionate advocate for Israel

Authorhouse, 164pp, pbk £7.99 Review by CLIFF COHEN

Sidney Brichto came to work as a Photo: Phil Stone family and heritage. It would be a painful part-time rabbi at the Liberal Jewish if not rebellious break with his past to Never Mind the Bullocks! is an intriguing writing of the Torah was a project initiated Synagogue in the autumn of 1962, an violate the Sabbath. He picked up the title to an intriguing book. The title is a deliberately by the Biblical prophets. Its appointment arranged by the synagogue’s pencil and underlined the sentence. No paraphrase of Isaiah 1:11: purpose was to convince Jewish exiles senior rabbi, Leslie Edgar. It was an bolt of lighting came; instead he felt The multitude of your sacrifices – what that the exile was a punishment for their inspired arrangement, for immediately exhilarated, like Prometheus stealing fire are they to me? says God. I have more breaches of the moral covenant rather the dynamism and intellect of this young from Zeus to give to mankind. This was the than enough of burnt offerings, of than any weakness or desertion on God’s American became clear, as did his beginning of his defection from orthodoxy. rams and the fat of fattened animals; part. This strategy would enable the potential to contribute on a broader stage. Sidney was a complex individual: I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls exiles to dream of and plan for a return In March 1964, Sidney was appointed ambitious, persuasive and inspiring. His and lambs and goats. once the sentence was served, and thus first executive-director of the Union of public image could be assertive and The book itself describes how a series of preserve Judaism and save it from Liberal and Progressive Synagogues and, opinionated, but he was always impeccably conversations with Isaiah helped a young extinction. over the next 25 years, he put the honest and direct. Even his ideological rabbi to put meaningful messages across To be honest, I am really not sure about movement on the map of British Jewry. A opponents respected him for his integrity to a class of bar/batmitzvah students. this thesis. For one thing, it credits the charismatic and energetic leader of what and his impassioned argument. But there The content is organised into 11 class Biblical prophets with a sophisticated lesson plans, it made me more likely to was then a small team, he encouraged was also the private man: the loving and sessions, most of which are designed grasp of sociology. For another, it use the ideas in the book as part of my the development of several new Rabbi Dr Sidney Brichto put the Liberal movement devoted husband to Cathryn, proud father following a conversation with the prophet, ascribes a calculated process of own teaching. congregations – now established on the map of British Jewry to Anne, Daniel, Adam and Jonathan and who speaks from within a tree. At the end reasoning to a set of texts that appear on I would recommend that you do the synagogues – including Northwood and their partners, adoring grandfather to is a lesson plan for each session, reading them to be rather spontaneous same. Let’s have more about the Pinner, Nottingham, Kingston, Reading prolific writer and a voracious reader. His Thorne, Franca and Solly, loyal brother to complete with references, resources and and passionate. prophetic tradition, more about the and Barkingside. He was responsible for love of reading he acquired from his Chanan, Ruth, Tzvi and their families, quotations. However, if you think this Having said that, I also find it hard to ethical covenant, and less about Torah the ULPS’s move from St John’s Wood to brother, Chanan, and sister-in-law, Milly. dedicated son and faithful friend. gives an easy term’s teaching to a lazy imagine a Liberal rabbi conversing with a miSinai. And never mind the bullocks! the Montagu Centre, set up the acclaimed Chanan and Henry Slonimsky, dean of the He skilfully chaired numerous bar/batmitzvah teacher you are mistaken. tree! And really that’s the crux of whether Evening Institute and initiated a series of Jewish Institute of Religion–Hebrew Union committee meetings whether at the The content is thought-provoking and or not you like this book. For me the idea Cliff Cohen, rabbi at Thanet & District day conferences for synagogue leaders. College, were to be his mentors and role ULPS, the Israel Diaspora Trust, which he controversial, and you would not be able is intriguing. It made me read with Reform Synagogue, served the North Sidney did not let things happen; he models. From them he learned to love the founded more than 25 years ago, Liberal simply to ‘lift’ the lessons from the book anticipation and interest and it convinced London Progressive community during made them happen. Rosita Rosenberg, Russian, French and English classics with Judaism’s Rabbinic Conference, the Joint without personal preparation of your own. me that a group of 12-year-olds would be Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu’s maternity leave his eventual successor, who worked with a passion. During his late teens, he Israel Appeal, the Joseph Levy The intention of the content seems to equally interested in viewing the Torah him for 25 years when he was executive devoured Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Turgenev, Foundation or the Oxford Centre for be to put the authorship of the Torah into this way. It made me think about To order copies of Never Mind the director, says she and Greta Hyman, Maupassant and Anatole France. Years Hebrew and Jewish studies. Behind the a historical context in order to explain questions that would be valuable as part Bullocks! at £7.99 + £1.50 p&p email ULPS’s financial secretary, simply put later, he remembered everything he had scenes, he would occasionally champion how Judaism survived the exile. The of bar/batmitzvah preparation, regardless Rabbi Pete Tobias at [email protected]. into practice his brilliant ideas. read, as if he had read it yesterday. It was the cause of a fellow rabbi in dispute with claim, made by the author and apparently of whether or not I agree with the uk. Full ordering details can be found at Another area of influence was the his love for the theology, history and a synagogue council or quietly help a endorsed by Isaiah himself, is that the answers provided. And by providing www.rabbipete.co.uk/8.html movement’s attitude to Israel. Sidney literature of the Bible that motivated him, fellow Jew in trouble. Once, when the oversaw the creation of a ULPS Israel in more recent times, to create The ULPS posted on its noticeboard a front Committee, the appointment of the first People’s Bible, a series of translations of page from , which ULPS shlicha in 1978 and many other the Old and New Testaments. happened to contain a photo of an LJ DAY OF CELEBRATION Number of adult tickets: Israel-oriented projects. Sidney studied simultaneously, at New Orthodox Jew who was convicted as a sex An effective fundraiser for many causes, York University in the afternoon and the offender, Sidney blackened in the man’s 17 MAY 2009 Number of under 18 tickets: he initiated Liberal Judaism’s successful JIR–HUC in the morning, where he face beyond recognition so as not to bring Council of Patrons. His books include received ordination at the age of 25. From further shame on him or his family. Number of lunches: Funny, You Don’t Look Jewish: Guide to NYU, where he read philosophy with Sidney’s life was beset by times of great Travel subsidies are BOOKING FORM Jews and Jewish Life and Ritual Slaughter, Professor Sidney Hooke, he was invited sorrow, not least the death of Frances, available for congregational Creche places: an account of his early years in America. into membership of Phi Beta Kappa, the his first wife, following a car crash in group travel. Please contact Name: most prestigious academic fraternity in 1969. But like Jacob at the Jabbok, he [email protected] Total enclosed: Rabbi Frank Hellner writes: the United States, and awarded the wrestled with adversity and he prevailed. for more details. Address: As an 11-year-old pupil at the newly formed coveted Phi Beta Kappa key. Instead of He married Cathryn in 1971. She Creche facilities for Akiba Hebrew Academy in Philadelphia, giving it to his best girl, as was the transformed his image, turning him into a children of four and under Please return this form together with payment to: Sidney displayed those extraordinary custom, he dutifully gave it to his mother. fashionable dresser for the prestigious are available at no charge, Liberal Judaism Day of Celebration talents that developed and matured in Sidney’s home was strictly Orthodox. position he held in the community. but should be booked in c/o Birmingham Progressive Synagogue, adulthood. I believed then, in 1947, that His father, the Rev Solomon Brichto, was Sidney touched a lot of lives. I, Bishopsgate Street/Roseland Way, advance. he would become a renowned lawyer or a gentle and pious man. I recall the day of Birmingham B15 1HD personally, shall be forever grateful to Please send names and Telephone: politician. He did become a staunch and Sidney’s first act of apostasy. He had been him for bringing me over from New York ages of children when Cheques should be made payable to Liberal passionate advocate: for Israel, for reading, and he came across a line from to serve the then Liberal making a creche booking. email: Judaism. Please enclose an SAE for return Judaism and for the Jewish people. Euripides that he wished to return to at Synagogue 44 years ago. of tickets. He was always spirited and energetic, another time. Normally, he would have His ideas and his influence will animated by people and ideas. He loved to underlined such verses in pencil, but it continue to pervade our world, and his explore new theories, discover new insights was Shabbat. Writing on Shabbat was memory will serve us all for a blessing. and tackle new philosophies. He was a anathema. Sidney loved and respected his Shalom, chaver. Page 10 LJ Today March/April 2009 March/April 2009 LJ Today Page 11

LJY-Netzer is Liberal Judaism’s Spotlight on South London Zionist youth movement. It gives young people the opportunity to develop a strong Progressive Jewish identity A synagogue, in south London? Walk to the top of Prentis Road in whilst enjoying friendships and having Streatham and you will discover – fun. Visit www.ljynetzer.org possibly to your amazement – an imposing former school building with a Star of David above the front door. The Jews who founded this synagogue in 1929 were perhaps the first immigrant group Don’t miss Spring Camp! to alight in what is an increasingly What’s new cosmopolitan area. Hello, I’m Saffyre and I’m 11. I’ve been friends. You make loads of friends on Come through the doors on a Friday going on LJY-Netzer events for five LJY-Netzer events. The friends you night or Saturday morning and you will We’re going veggie years. Two of the many camps they make on camp are the friends who discover a vibrant community. Veidah is LJY-Netzer’s democratic annual run every year are Kadimah in the will be your friends forever. conference for members over 15 to decide summer and Machaneh Aviv in the On the events you don’t sit around Who is the rabbi? what LJY-Netzer does. In December, spring. They are both really fun. all day. You do loads of activities that Student Rabbi Janet Darley is the Veidah made the youth movement vegetarian. The reason I always go back on include being loud. The event that’s congregation’s spiritual leader. During LJY-Netzer’s vegetarianism is an example The South London Liberal Synagogue building, left, and student LJY-Netzer camps and weekends are coming up soon is Machaneh Aviv. the years, South London has been of our youth movement doing what it does rabbi Janet Darley leading the community during an evening because they’re a chance to get away I’m going to served by some distinguished rabbis, service for Simchat Torah enjoyed by young and old alike best: transforming values into actions. Tikkun from your parents and be there, including , z”l, David olam (repair of the world) is one of LJY- spend time with your and you Goldstein, z”l, and Julia (now Baroness) Netzer’s central values. We aspire to act with should be Neuberger, who is now president of consideration for the world around us. Putting How many members are there? How does the synagogue keep in touch too! Liberal Judaism. All made their mark About 250, mainly living in south London with members? Greetings from aside the ethics of killing animals for food, and helped to shape what the and Surrey. It has a superb monthly magazine, South Saffyre Coutts, Machaneh Aviv! the meat industry is no good for the planet. community is today. Circular, and a frequently updated 11, right, is Did you know that it takes a whopping 13,000 looking forward to It is satisfying to note that the south What special activities or events are website. litres of water to make one kilo of beef? London Jewish communities of all shades Machaneh Aviv at Slowing global warming is not just the job of there? The community also keeps in touch Cottesmore School, co-operate well together on many The annual John Rich Memorial Event, in with housebound and less well members West Sussex drivers and flyers. It’s the job of eaters too. important issues, including security and honour of the synagogue’s past with a ‘Chat and Check’ telephone As well as being a good bit of tikkun, Israel. president, is a highlight of the calendar. scheme. Pastoral care, visiting and other vegetarianism also expresses a Liberal The many notable speakers have types of support are provided. understanding of kashrut (meaning ‘proper’). When are services held? included, most recently, Rabbi Professor Our time in Israel is too short By making us think before we eat, kashrut Shabbat services are held every Friday Marc Saperstein, principal of What’s on offer for youngsters? has alwaysKids encouraged under Jews 18? to respectWhat their evening and Saturday morning. An bodies and their environment. Vegetarianism College. A thriving religion school, for children different things: in Jerusalem, in evening round-the-table service and An update from Matt Schmidt, isn’t a traditional aspect of kashrut but The synagogue organises various aged four to 15, with about 60 children on Kibbutzim Lotan and Yahel, and with do you want from us? chavurah (shared meal) is held on the one of the four Shnat Netzer social functions, walks and talks during the roll. It also organises regular the IDF’s Sar-El programme. Our Liberal Jews adapt tradition to meet present third Friday of each month. There are also the year. It has a well-stocked library, Saturday morning learning Shabbatot for (gap year) participants four months in Jerusalem we spent conditions.Look out in your post for Liberal regular High Holy Day and festival Judaism’s survey on its youth which has recently been refurbished and families and adults. studying on the Etgar (challenge) A little health notice to end: LJY-Netzer may services, with a communal chavurah at provision. Send it back to LJY-Netzer the catalogue of which is on the SLLS For the very youngest and their parents, Hello from Israel! I don’t mean to programme, learning about , be meat-free but there’ll still be protein aplenty the conclusion of Yom Kippur services. and you’ll be entered into a draw for website. there is a Sunday morning Parents’ and make you envious (I hear the hadracha (leadership) and activism. on all our events. Remember, we only used to A full range of religious facilities is on an iPod or one of five iTunes vouchers. The Due South discussion group meets Toddlers’ Group. weather’s not been too good in Britain) Once back in England we’re have meat on camp once a week anyway! If you’d prefer to complete the survey offer, ranging from bar/batmitzvah, regularly; primarily for those living south The synagogue offers free membership but here it’s warm and sunny. looking forward to using the skills Also at Veidah, LJY-Netzer was proud to online or by email, visit www. Kabbalat Torah, conversions, weddings of the synagogue, in Surrey and beyond, for students and younger members. We’re in our second phase of the we’ve learnt to lead on Kadimah present a cheque for £450 to JCore, the liberaljudaism.org/youthsurvey or and more. it is open to all members. Shnat-Netzer programme, a period of camp. The only problem is that none Jewish Council for Racial Equality, as a result email [email protected]. What about disabled access? volunteering or additional study, which of us wants to leave... of its many, varied and often fun fundraising The synagogue is fully accessible, with a lasts until April. We’re all doing See you in the summer! projects throughought the year. A JCore street-level lift to the sanctuary, which is spokesman expressed gratitude, saying the money would make a real difference. on the first floor. Five-a-side fun Upcoming unmissables A message from the chairman Come to our 6-8 March 15 July-10 August Wear a net to fight malaria Philip Walker writes: ‘We are all living five-a-side football Nechalim and Israel Tour through difficult times, but in this Thursday 5 March is Wear a Net Day, tournament in Yamim weekend 26 July-9 August turbulent world organisations such as LJY-Netzer’s ambitious attempt to raise London on Sunday in Dublin Machaneh ours offer hope and comfort, and I am £1,000 for mosquito nets to fight malaria. 24 May 2009. 1-4 May Kadimah very proud to be chairman of South Wear a Net to Work Day is part of Net We’ll have three Songleading 16-28 August London Liberal Synagogue. We guarantee Gains, a project of the Zionist Youth Council, tournaments, for ages 8-12, Sensation Kayitz Netzer you a warm welcome next time you are in inspired by the Tony Blair Foundation. The 13-15 and 16+. Contact Victor: 12 May Lag 1 September south London, so do call in and say hello.’ aim is to help the UN achieve its goal of The sanctuary [email protected] B’Omer bonfire Shnat Netzer eradicating malaria by 2015. at South London. The community How do I find out more? was established Take a look at the synagogue website, in Streatham in www.southlondon.org, or telephone the LJY-Netzer Contact Benjy Aarons-Richardson or Ben Baginsky: 020 7631 0584 or [email protected] 1929 office on 020 8769 4787. Page 12 LJ Today March/April 2009 Liberal Judaism congregations Schoolchildren Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue (Rodef Lincolnshire Jewish Community Shalom), 01234 218387, bedsps@liberaljudaism. 01427 628958, [email protected] org, www.bedfordshire-ps.org.uk Manchester Liberal Jewish Community, 08709 hear survivor’s Beit Klal Yisrael, PO Box 1828, London W10 5RT, 07505 917327, [email protected], www.mljc.org.uk 477459, [email protected], www.bkylondon.org.uk North London Progressive Jewish Community, 020 Bet Tikvah Synagogue, 129 Perrymans Farm Road, 7403 3779, [email protected], www.nlpjc.org.uk message Barkingside, Ilford, Essex IG2 7LX, 020 8554 9682, Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Oaklands [email protected], www.bettikvah.org.uk Gate, Northwood, Middx HA6 3AA, 01923 822592, Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, senior rabbi at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue Bishopsgate [email protected], www.npls.org.uk Northwood and Pinner Liberal St, Roseland Way, Birmingham B15 1HD, 0121 634 Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation 3888, [email protected], www.bpsjudaism.com Lloyd Street, Sherwood NG5 4BP 0115 9624761, Synagogue, is pictured with Ziggy Branch: Leamington Spa, 01926 421300 [email protected], www.npjc.org.uk Shipper, speaker on Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue Or Chadash Liberal Jewish Community of 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove BN3 1FF Luxembourg, 00 352 31 65 94 [email protected] the first day of the 01273 737223, [email protected] eighth annual www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community Enquiries: 020 7631 9826 Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation Holocaust Memorial 43-45 Bannerman Road, Easton, Bristol BS5 0RR The Progressive Jewish Community of East Anglia Day event for [email protected], www.bwpjc.org (based in Norwich), 01508 538666 [email protected], www.pjcea.org.uk schoolchildren, Crawley Jewish Community, 01293 534294 Reading Liberal Jewish Community www.rljc.org organised jointly Dublin Jewish Progressive Synagogue, PO Box 3059, 0118 375 3422, [email protected] Dublin 6, 00 3531 2856241, [email protected] with Northwood South Bucks Jewish Community 0845 644 2370 Ealing Liberal Synagogue, Lynton Avenue, Drayton [email protected], www.sbjc.org.uk United Synagogue. Green, W13 0EB, 020 8997 0528, els@liberaljudaism. org, www.ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk South London Liberal Synagogue Ziggy, 79, a survivor of Auschwitz, said PO Box 14475, London SW16 1ZW, 020 8769 4787 Eastbourne Progressive Jewish Congregation [email protected], www.southlondon.org he told his story for those who did not 01323 725650, fax: 01323 417645 survive. He was not bitter because he did [email protected], www.epjcong.org.uk Southgate Progressive Synagogue 75 Chase Road, London N14 4QY, 020 8886 0977 not hate; he urged the children not to Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community [email protected], www.sps.uk.com 0131 777 8024, [email protected], www.eljc.org hate, because hatred is self-destructive. West Central Liberal Synagogue Finchley Progressive Synagogue Hutton Grove, 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE, 020 7636 7627 The four-day event in January was the N12 8DR, 020 8446 4063, [email protected], [email protected], www.wcls.org.uk www.fps.org largest of its type in Britain. This year, for Woodford Liberal Synagogue Harrow and Wembley Progressive Synagogue Marlborough Road, George Lane, London E18 1AR the first time, Borehamwood and Elstree 326 Preston Road, Harrow HA3 0QH, 020 8904 8581, 020 8989 7619, [email protected], United hosted a satellite session, and [email protected], www.hwps.org www.woodfordliberal.org.uk Bushey United again hosted sessions. Herefordshire Jewish Community, Enquiries: 01594 530721, http://members.lycos.co.uk/herefordjc/ Associated congregations Kent Liberal Jewish Community Beit Ha’Chidush, Postbus 14613, 1001 LC 07952 242432, [email protected], Amsterdam, Netherlands, 00 31 23 524 7204 www.jewishkent.org.uk/communities/KLJC/kljc.html [email protected], www.beithachidush.nl Biennial: ‘Every Kingston Liberal Synagogue, Rushett Road, Long Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community Ditton, Surbiton, Surrey KT7 0UX, 020 8398 7400, Enquiries: 01242 521468 or 01242 234232 [email protected], www.klsonline.org step of the way’ Oxford Liberal Jewish Services: 01865 515584 or Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation 01865 765197, www.ojc-online.org The Synagogue, 24 Avenue Road, LE2 3EA, Liberal Judaism has the power to touch 07875 123744, [email protected] Developing communities us throughout our lives, but is often felt The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, 28 St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA, 020 7286 5181, The Suffolk Jewish Community most strongly at lifecycle events. Do we [email protected], www.ljs.org 01473 250797, [email protected] make the most of these obvious The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, Elstree High Street, opportunities for bringing meaning and Elstree, Herts WD6 3BY, 020 8953 8889 ‘tent: the meeting place’ for young [email protected], www.tlse.org.uk adults Avivit Katzil 07866 501787 beauty into our lives? At the next Biennial Weekend, from 16 The Montagu Centre to 18 April 2010, participants will explore 21 Maple Street the wisdom Liberal Judaism has to offer London, W1T 4BE Make a date ...... Tel: 020 7580 1663 all of us, at all stages and in all Fax: 020 7631 9838 17-23 March WUPJ International Convention in circumstances. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Visit: www.wupj.org www.liberaljudaism.org Join this unique gathering at the 20-22 March (Friday-Sunday) Hebrew Crash President The Baroness Neuberger DBE Course at Northwood Telephone 01923 822592 wonderful Tortworth Court hotel, near Chairman Nigel Cole, Vice Chairman Joan Shopper 14-19 April LJY-Netzer’s Machaneh Aviv Bristol. Further details will be published Treasurer David Pelham in May’s LJ Today. Officers Leon Charikar, William Glassman, Amanda (Spring Camp) Telephone 020 7580 1663 Grant, Jackie Richards and Paula Scott 3 May LJS Israel Tour Seven-day trip, led by Vice-Presidents and Honorary Vice-Presidents David Rabbi Mark Solomon and open to all. Email Amstell, Monique Blake, Geoffrey Davis, Jeromé Freedman, [email protected] Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Rabbi Dr Boy for Charley 17 May (Sunday) Day of Celebration for Liberal Andrew Goldstein, Sharon Goldstein, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Judaism in Birmingham. Speaker: Baroness Jeremy Jessel, Willie Kessler, David Lipman, Corinne Neuberger. [email protected] Mazal tov to Rabbi , of Oppenheimer, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Kingston, and partner Steve Rogers on Harold Sanderson, Beverley Taylor, Clive Winston 24 May (Sunday) Liberal Judaism’s Five-a-Side Chairman of Rabbinic Conference Rabbi Pete Tobias football tournament in London the safe arrival of Joshua Shachar, born Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Internal Services 21 June (Sunday) FPJ (Friends of Progressive on 22 January and weighing 6lb 2oz. Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer PR/Communications Judaism) AGM at the Alexandra Ben-Yehuda Education Elana Sondel Shlicha (Israeli Emissary) Noa Marom 26 July-9 August LJY-Netzer’s Machaneh LJY-Netzer Benjy Aarons-Richardson and Ben Baginsky Kadimah summer camp, for ages 8-15 PR’s new name Community Youth Projects Manager Victor Kaufman 15 July-10 August Israel Tour, for 16-year-olds Midlands Development Worker Sophie Stern Mazal tov also to Liberal Judaism’s PR LJ Today is edited by Beatrice Sayers Articles and letters 2010 are welcome. The deadline for the May 2009 issue is executive, Alexandra Mankowitz, who is to 2 April. Please email: [email protected] 16-18 April Liberal Judaism’s Biennial celebrate a civil partnership ceremony Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge of modern Weekend at the Tortworth Court hotel, Glos with Einav Ben-Yehuda this month. Judaism. It reverences Jewish tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the Judaism of the past while giving them Alexandra is changing her name to contemporary force. Registered charity number 256390. Alexandra Ben-Yehuda.

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