March/April 2016 VOL. XLIII No. 2

Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism

www.liberaljudaism.org ljtoday Out of the Twilight Victory in Israel , the senior rabbi of Liberal Judaism, has hailed a huge victory for Progressive around the world, following the Israeli government’s historic ruling to establish a section of the Kotel (Western Wall) where men and women can pray together. The decision follows a 27 year battle, led by Women of the Wall, for equal prayer rights. Previously, with the site controlled by the Orthodox, women were forbidden from praying with men, praying aloud, reading from the Torah or wearing a tallit. The new area will accommodate 1,200 worshippers and be administered Proud project manager Surat-Shaan Knan at the Twilight People exhibition launch at Islington by government officials. Museum, as the team join with VIP guests (pictures by Mary Humphrey and Em Fitzgerald) Danny led the response of worldwide Progressive Jewry, being quoted IBERAL JUDAISM has played a “That is why I am proud of this everywhere from The Guardian to the key role in creating Britain’s first exhibition and proud that Liberal Judaism Jewish Chronicle to the South China Lever exhibition highlighting the hosts the Twilight People project.” Morning Post. heritage of transgender and gender Twilight People: Stories of Faith and Danny said: “This is a landmark nonconforming people of faith, which Gender Beyond the Binary captures the decision for Jews across the globe. It launched in February. voices and images of more than 40 trans recognises that Judaism is an inclusive Part of our movement’s Twilight People people from different faith backgrounds religion with a variety of different, project, a collection of photographs, - among them Jewish, Muslim, Christian but valid, expressions. At last Liberal recordings and artefacts exploring this and Pagan - and interprets them in a and Progressive Jews can celebrate a ‘hidden history’ are on display at Islington heritage context. The exhibition – which Judaism in keeping with the modern Museum until March 5. The exhibition will is running as part of LGBT History world at our most holy site.” then tour around the country. Month 2016 - combines oral history with Anat Hoffman A successful launch saw the Deputy portraiture by photographer Christa (pictured), Women Mayor of Islington, Cllr Kat Fletcher, and Holka, film and memorabilia objects. of the Wall chair Cllr Osh Gantly – one of very few openly Guests at the launch enjoyed drinks and a speaker at transgender elected representatives courtesy of Barefoot Wines and a last year’s Liberal in the UK – among the invited guests. live audio installation produced by Judaism Day of Liberal Judaism was represented by chair Roundhouse Radio and SOAS Radio with Celebration, said: Simon Benscher and senior rabbi, Rabbi young people from Gendered Intelligence, “We have been Danny Rich, as well as Janet LJY-Netzer and other youth groups. fighting for 27 Burden and Janet Darley. Twilight People project manager Surat- years. We were Danny said: “One of Liberal Judaism’s Shaan Knan said: “This has been an single when we tasks is to prod at least the Jewish amazing journey on so many levels and I started; we are community, and arguably wider society, invite everyone to come and be part of it.” grandmothers to think about things in a different way. Twilight People is supported by the now. And what We also have a responsibility to be a National Lottery through the Heritage we have done is voice for those whose voices are often not Lottery Fund. To find out more, please liberate another heard, and to make clear the stories that visit www.islington.gov.uk/heritage and part of the wall that will be open to all. It are often hidden. www.twilightpeople.com will be tolerant and equal and friendly.” Page 2 LJ Today Events March/April 2016 Biennial scholar and schedule revealed These will include ‘media and the intricacies of where liturgy emerges from Jewish press’ - with speakers from and whether it has the potential to lead to the BBC, Board of Deputies and local action; what social action projects have newspapers - and ‘alternative culture’, worked and where we could do more; featuring presentations from museum when grassroots activities are the best curators and our Twilight People team. A way forward. track on ‘film and literature’ will include We’ll also ask why food brings people creative writing workshops and talks together and speaks to our deepest sense from authors, while ‘music’ sessions will of self, how we use language and music explain how to engage your community to inspire prayer and what is the place of and tell stories through song. There are film, art and culture in our communities. Scholar-in-residence Rabbi Dr Dalia Marx also tracks on everything from ‘social One thing we are looking for right away action’ – including youth engagement is seven people, from seven different By Rabbi and supporting refugees – to everyone’s communities and countries, to talk about favourite, ‘food’. Plus, as always, there’s their Jewish identity and engagement AS WE ENTER 2016, and with thoughts a jam-packed youth schedule run by LJY- via a favourite recipe – perhaps even becoming more focused on Liberal Netzer, and crèche facilities. sharing the dish at the Biennial. Please Judaism’s Biennial Weekend, we are Perhaps the most exciting sessions, for get in touch with Rabbi Sandra Kviat by delighted to announce the first details a Biennial that is titled ‘Thinking Outside emailing [email protected] if you of what is in store for delegates at our The Book’, will be on ‘prayer and liturgy’. are interested in taking part. movement’s biggest event of the year. In these we will look for inspiration, With our Early Bird discounts only This year, for the first time, we will sources, language and new ways to pray. running until the end of February, now have a scholar-in-residence: Rabbi Dr Liberal Judaism is in the initial stages is the best time to book your place for Dalia Marx, the associate professor of of thinking about developing a new an essential weekend where you’ll see liturgy and midrash at Hebrew Union Siddur. The process of thinking about the old friends and make new ones, learn, College in Jerusalem. As well as her need, content, context and methodology discuss, share, sing and pray in a warm many research projects and a passion for is in itself an exciting opportunity. This and friendly environment. promoting Progressive Judaism in Israel, conference is not aimed at producing The Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend she was the editor of the new Israeli a Siddur, but rather a chance to go takes place from July 1-3 at the beautiful Reform Siddur. Dalia is a wonderful ‘Outside the Book’ and talk about all the St Johns Hotel in the West Midlands. You teacher and educator and her workshops things which engage and motivate our can secure your place by going to promise to inspire. communities and drive our theology, www.tinyurl.com/bien2016 or calling This Biennial will offer a packed practice and engagement. Aaron at the Montagu Centre on 020 7631 schedule of thought-provoking tracks, To give you a taste before we release 9830 for more information. involving rabbis, writers, artists, the final programme in the next issue musicians and leading Jewish voices, of lj today, we will ask questions about: Rabbi Charley Baginsky is chair of the which we can now also reveal. identity and the future of community; the Biennial Weekend organising committee

Nurturing lifelong Jewish learning • JOAN RYAN MP, the chair of Labour Friends of Israel, will be speaking at Senior educators, teachers and Southgate Progressive Synagogue on assistants met at in Tuesday March 15, from 7.30pm. To and the Montagu Centre, Liberal book, please email [email protected] Judaism’s head office, to attend or call 020 8886 0977. For security practical workshops and discussions. reasons, the synagogue can only Speakers included Union of Jewish admit those who have booked. Students president Hannah Brady, comedian and puppeteer Philip Simon, • LEARN TO READ, or improve your, Liberal Judaism’s director of youth Hebrew at Northwood & Pinner Rebecca Fetterman and Sara Levan, head Liberal Synagogue’s crash course of informal education at JCoSS. from March 18-20. Call Sue Wayne on Attendees were encouraged to 01923 822 592 for details. complete ‘lonely hearts’ adverts, ON TWO damp Sundays in January, sharing their educational strengths, • THROUGH A QUEER LENS - a educators from Liberal Judaism and the and ‘wish lists’ to help connect together series of photographic portraits of Movement for came communities tackling similar challenges Jewish LGBTQ people - runs at the together for the first time to share two or with skills to offer out to others. Jewish Museum until April 17. days of learning and teacher training. Online ‘hang outs’ are now being Co-led by Rabbi Sandra Kviat (LJ) and developed, with future sessions planned • CONGRATULATIONS to Rudolf Becky Teiger (MRJ), participants came to continue discussions about how best Oppenheimer, who was awarded the from London, Merseyside, Yorkshire, the to develop engaging and meaningful British Empire Medal. South Coast and the South West. experiences for young people. March/April 2016 News LJ Today Page 3 From Cumbria to Copenhagen Staff moves The congregation has been led by Rabbi LIBERAL Tirzah Ben David for the past 10 years, JUDAISM has with Rabbi Sandra Kviat now also joining promoted to help develop the community further. two members Sandra – who became the first ever of staff, female Scandinavian rabbi when she was welcomed ordained by the College in back a 2011 – will split her time between Shir familiar face Hatzafon and Crouch End Chavurah, and added a as well as remaining part of Liberal new person Judaism’s Outreach Team. to the team at Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi and the Montagu chief executive, Rabbi Danny Rich, said: Daisy Bogod joins the team Centre, our “The values that we share in common head office. LJ chair Simon Benscher welcomes Shir as a movement - of equality, inclusivity Following the departure of Yael Shotts, Hatzafon chair Adrienne Mannov to the fold and egalitarianism - are not restricted to Liberal Judaism took the decision to split British Jewry. Indeed, they are evidence her portfolio by promoting recent joiners, TWO NEW communities have joined of Judaism’s ability to continue to grow Alexandra Simonon and Aaron Abraham. Liberal Judaism so far in 2016, increasing and thrive by ensuring our relevance to Alexandra becomes lifecycle and our movement’s number of members to modern world. administration manager, taking on Yael’s 43 communities over five countries. “This is as true in Denmark as it is here administration management duties. Shir Hatzafon – ‘The Song of the North’ in Britain and we are proud, therefore, to She said: “In my new role, I’ll be – has become the first Scandinavian be able to say ‘velkommen (welcome)’ to overseeing the admin team at the member, while Lancashire & Cumbria our newest member.” Montagu Centre, as well as managing Liberal Jewish Community has affiliated Lancashire & Cumbria Liberal Jewish the administration of Liberal Judaism’s as a developing community. Community will be led by Rabbi Dr Council and Rabbinic Conference. I am Started informally in 1998, Shir Robert Ash and Prof Naomi Tadmor. The delighted to continue the important Hatzafon was officially recognised by the congregation first came together in 2014. work of supporting our communities, Danish Government in 2004. Today, it has Liberal Judaism has communities in rabbis and members around marriages, 120 members who meet twice a month all parts of England, as well as Scotland, circumcisions, Beit Din and funerals.” for services in Copenhagen. Ireland, Holland and now Denmark. Aaron will now manage Liberal Judaism’s internal communications, events and Patrons – while also supporting Simon Rothstein and Ben Rich on the PR team. Aaron retains his Liberal playwright is on a RUN responsibilities for Liberal Judaism’s The one-man play is filled with school Board of National Officers, Resource riots, first loves, beached whales, cinema, Bank and Biennial Weekend. He is space and sex. It tells the story of Yonni the first port of call for members with (Tom Ross-Williams), an orthodox Jewish queries and announcements around teenager, who is exploring feelings of communications and events. angst and rebellion. Daisy Bogod joins the admin team as As Yonni sneaks out of home one the personal assistant to Liberal Judaism Shabbat, he pulls the audience into a senior rabbi and chief executive Rabbi colourful world that spans the entire Danny Rich. Daisy – a member of Ealing universe: a world away from his Liberal Synagogue and an LJY-Netzer overbearing mother and distant father; youth leader – is responsible for Danny’s away from the stresses of school and diary and administration. ‘shul’ and ‘Shabbat’; and into the arms Daisy said: “I love Liberal Judaism of Adam – the cheeky, older boy who because it combines religion and catches his eye and leads him astray. We spirituality with social justice and a desire see love, life and loss through his eyes. to make the world a better place. It is Aaron told lj today: “It’s amazing to be amazing being surrounded by people who included in Plays from the Vault and to care about Progressive Judaism and live be part of such a prestigious and eclectic their lives according to these values.” A PLAY written by Liberal Judaism’s festival. RUN is a really beautiful and Tom Rich has returned to the Montagu Aaron Abraham (who writes under the personal play for me, that explores my Centre as interim receptionist. name Stephen Laughton) was part own feelings of passion, questioning and of London’s biggest art festival. The confusion during that too typical teenage • Congratulations to Liberal Judaism production, titled RUN, wowed audiences angsty phase. The play also has a really officer Ed Herman, wife Rachael at the Vault Festival in February and was anarchic feel to it, so the Vault felt like a and proud big sister Alys – who are selected to feature in Plays from the natural home.” celebrating the birth of Dylan David Vault, an anthology of the five best plays For more information, please visit Herman. Ed said: “David and Rachael are showcased during the week. www.run-theplay.net both doing really well.” Page 4 LJ Today News March/April 2016 Behind the headlines as LJS makes history

By Jeanne Myers After contacting BBC 1’s The One Show filmed on French schools the day of the service, as did German YOU MAY have seen some of the recent in London and broadcaster DW and website Vice News. media coverage about The Liberal Jewish the consulates of Other coverage included pieces in Synagogue (LJS) holding Friday evening French-speaking Newsweek, The Daily Telegraph, The services in French. ‘Sacrebleu’, you might countries, I wrote a Jewish Chronicle, Jewish News, The have thought... what’s all this about?! press release and , FranceInLondon.com Around a year ago, it occurred to me sent it to media. I and Tribune Juive, as well as the Israeli that, with the large number of French was supported in press. More coverage is in the pipeline, people in London, it would be a nice René and Jeanne these efforts by the with TV channels from all around the gesture to offer the French Progressive LJS rabbinic team world still requesting interviews. Jewish community services in their own and their PA Naomi Richland. And the event itself? Approximately language. I have lived abroad, and when The Evening Standard responded 60 people attended the first tri-lingual in Switzerland had very much appreciated quickly and did a great piece. We also had Friday night service at which the sermon the English-language services there. a storm of requests for interviews with was given by René in French - a landmark The LJS was looking for a new rabbi Rabbis René and Alex, as well as with one for our synagogue, our movement and at this time and the appointments of our French members, David Herz, who Judaism in the UK. committee decided, irrespective of generously gave his time for this. The date of the next such service will nationality, that French-born Rabbi René On one particular afternoon, we had be on the seventh night of Passover, Pfertzel was the best candidate. He also interviews every hour with different Thursday April 28. If you would like to wanted to provide a service to the French news, camera and radio crews from BBC attend, please visit www.ljs.org or call community in London and so, with the London TV, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC News 0207 286 5181 for timings. agreement of Rabbi , a (online), Russia Today, BBC Radio 4, the date was set for the first service to take Press Association (TV) and even the Swiss Jeanne Myers is a PR consultant and place in Hebrew, French and English. station Radio Fribourg. member of the LJS

Rabbi Charley moves into new Alliance role

RABBI CHARLEY BAGINSKY has been appointed as the part-time coordinator for the Alliance for Progressive Judaism, a partnership between Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism. Charley’s remit is to develop projects that the two movements will work on jointly to advance Progressive Judaism, its principles and ethos in the UK. She will be fostering a number of new ventures, one of which will be the establishment of an Israel Desk to increase engagement with our members and partners in Israel. Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, senior rabbi to the Movement for Reform Judaism, said: “This appointment crystallises a very strong relationship, and enables us to work together on areas of mutual interest and strength for the benefit of each of our movements, and for Jews in Britain as a whole.” The Alliance for Progressive Judaism was formed in September 2014 and sees the Liberal and Reform movements working together in a number of areas including, but not limited to, education, chaplaincy and the , as well as both the European and World Unions of Progressive Judaism. Charley has also been appointed as rabbi to South Bucks Jewish Community. She has left Kingston Liberal Synagogue after 10 fantastic years. March/April 2016 Communities LJ Today Page 5 Bright start back in old home

Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah leads the service at the BHPS official opening, and then joins Christopher Gebbie, Peter Speck and Rabbi Danny Rich

AFTER FIVE YEARS away, the community Dignitaries at the opening included Today, the ‘new’ synagogue offers a at Brighton & Hove Progressive Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi large sanctuary, office, library, social Synagogue (BHPS) have returned to the Danny Rich, chair Simon Benscher, area, educational rooms, pastoral care, building that they first converted from a Peter Kyle MP (Hove), the Mayor of kitchen and toilets over two floors. gymnasium back in 1937. Brighton and Hove Cllr Lynda Hyde, Cllr On entering the sanctuary, congregants The debut event to take place in the Warren Morgan and Deputy Lieutenant and visitors are immediately confronted redeveloped, state-of-the-art, synagogue Christopher Gebbie OBE. with an impressive Ark at the front, was Shabbat Chanukkah in December, Peter Speck said: “This new building is creating a vivid focal point. when the congregation celebrated their a tangible representation of the inclusive Peter added: “The timber Ark has been return to 6 Lansdowne Road with a day and Progressive vision that Rabbi Elli has built by a creative carpenter and makes of joy and fun. The official opening took spent the last 15 years tirelessly working a bold statement in its rainbow hues, place on Sunday February 7 with towards making a reality. Every one of us about inclusion and diversity, proclaiming Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah, BHPS chair Peter should feel a sense of accomplishment.” a welcoming message to all those who Speck and the congregation welcoming The last service held at BHPS took wish to journey with the community.” guests from the wider Jewish and place in 2011 when the building, in need To find out more about BHPS, please interfaith communities. of modernisation, was vacated. visit www.bhps-online.org Emotional farewell at South Bucks Paul’s dream comes true

By Helen Cohen and Dick Vardy Torah students demonstrated Rachel’s GILLIAN DAWSON, chair of Wessex success in teaching. Liberal Jewish Community, presented South Bucks Jewish Community (SBJC) The service finished in the traditional a silver Kiddush cup to Paul Burridge, held a Shabbat service to say farewell, SBJC way with a big Kiddush, an following his admission to Judaism. but decidedly not goodbye, to their rabbi exchange of presents and some The community’s Anne Szewczyk said: of nine years - Rachel Benjamin. emotional individual ‘thank yous’. All “Paul has been attending our services The service was created and led by wished Rachel good luck in her new for a long time and has finally received three retired chairs, and the current SBJC role at The his dream certificate from the Beit Din. chair, who gave their own tributes and and filled a ‘memory’ book. SBJC looks A special Kiddush was served with many recollections. The involvement of past forward to welcoming Rabbi Charley of our members and Paul’s close family barmitzvah, batmitzvah and Kabbalat Baginsky during 2016. enjoying a party atmosphere.” Page 6 LJ Today Communities March/April 2016 Anna goes to Eastbourne No barriers at Woodford

By Zara Fryer By Ruth Selo Anna was brought up in Nottingham, where her family are members of MY COMMUNITY at Woodford Liberal REGULAR READERS of lj today will Nottingham Liberal Synagogue. She went Synagogue (WLS) has held two ‘Shabbat remember Anna Posner as an LJY- to Liverpool Hope University, gaining a Shelanu’ (‘Our Shabbat’) services for Netzer movement worker between 2011 degree in drama and religious studies. members, and non-members, specially and 2013. Younger readers will have been Following her time with LJY-Netzer, she designed to be fully inclusive of those fortunate enough to have been to events went to Israel for two years where she with learning disabilities. A third is led by Anna during her time as one of worked as an educator on Shnat Netzer, planned for Saturday April 16 and will be our enthusiastic and committed youth the gap year programme for Liberal and a Pesach-themed event. The service will leaders. Anna’s deep commitment to Reform youth from around the world. be led by Rabbi Richard Jacobi. Liberal Judaism has now led her to train As part of their training, Leo Baeck I have been lucky enough to be involved as a rabbi. students spend time in Progressive in organising these, working with Richard According to Anna, aged 27, she has communities, developing their skills – as well as Mich Sampson and Candy wanted to be a rabbi since she was 13. in leading services and community Parfitt – to ensure there were no barriers Now putting that long-held ambition activities. Anna is spending one Shabbat preventing people with disabilities from into reality, Anna is a first year rabbinic a month with the Eastbourne Liberal participating in, and gaining meaning student at London’s Leo Baeck College, Jewish Community (ELJC) until June. from, the service. embarking on the demanding five-year Although ELJC, which was founded in The two services so far have been course leading to semichah (ordination) 2001, has no rabbi, its lay leaders and wonderful occasions, with songs that as a rabbi. rabbinic students run regular Shabbat encouraged us to feel celebratory, Anna says: “It has been amazing, and High Holy Days services, a Seder and tranquil and reflective. The theme for the stepping into the world of Leo Baeck popular events such as a summer beach first service was blessings, and I must and starting to realise what a variety barbecue service and Chanukkah party. say I feel blessed to be a member of WLS. of pathways the rabbinate can take you Anna’s services, incorporating plenty of From the moment we put forward the down. I would love to work in a provincial singing and congregational participation, idea for an inclusive service, we received community in the future, but I am also are proving very popular. overwhelming support. Members of the interested in exploring prison chaplaincy ELJC chair Suzanne King said: “We congregation and cheder have given and ways in which I may apply my have been so lucky with our wonderful their time in a number of ways, including rabbinate to creating wider social change. student rabbis over the last few years, planning and writing the service, I am pleased to have the next four and a and Anna is continuing that tradition. We attending meetings, moving furniture, half years to explore my path. ” look forward to her visits each month.” guillotining, cutting, sticking and snapping glow sticks. We are also especially grateful to the NLPS Trust for Progressive Judaism for their grant, covering the cost of the specialist equipment needed. WLS members Jenni Kirstein and Bernice Cole, who participated in the second service, said: “Seeing some new faces, and the opportunity for everyone to be involved, made it such a unique occasion. The event was so successful and we can’t wait for it to be repeated.” If you would like to join us at Woodford for the next service – which will express LIBERAL JUDAISM’S senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich (pictured second from right), the traditions of Passover through music, joined members of Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue at Luton’s Holocaust multisensory experiences and prayer – Memorial Day event – one of many featuring Liberal communities around the UK. then please contact me on 07976 007735 or [email protected] March/April 2016 Communities LJ Today Page 7 Eighty years of Liberal Judaism in the Midlands Joe Seager on a special Shabbat service at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue

Picture by Charles Davis ([email protected])

THE NEEDS of refugees fleeing poverty She added: “Birmingham is becoming a Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, president and persecution was the focal point of city of sanctuary for those who seek help, of Liberal Judaism, was in attendance a special Shabbat service to celebrate and at BPS we maintain our pledge to along with four vice presidents - Sharon the 80th anniversary of Birmingham play a part in giving that support.” Goldstein, David Lipman, Corinne Progressive Synagogue (BPS). The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Oppenheimer and Henry Cohn. Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi told the Raymond Hassall, applauded the many BPS president Frank Maxwell congregation how, in the current climate benefits provided by BPS throughout the welcomed guests and acknowledged the of increasingly “difficult and worrying community and further afield, including contribution made by chair Val Harrison, times”, vital work to protect the rights to a school in Gambia. Cllr Hassall was and members of the executive, to ensure of the oppressed was being carried out one of many senior figures at the service. a service worthy of the occasion. by interfaith groups on a combined scale Dignitaries included Stephen Goldstein, Each principal guest received a copy of in the city. She reported how this not the deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Responding to the Call: A Life of Liberal only gives refugees a stronger sense of Midlands, Jonnie Turpie, the High Jewish Commitment, a book in honour of security, but also makes Birmingham’s Sheriff of the West Midlands, Janet Rabbi Harry Jacobi – father of Rabbi Dr own community feel safer at a time of Richardson, deputy Lord Lieutenant of Margaret Jacobi – who, in his 90th year, heightened fears and uncertainty. Nottinghamshire, and Cllr Barry Henley. continues to serve Liberal Judaism. Be part of the Another first as Judaism EUPJ Biennial returns to Scarborough THE 2016 European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) Biennial Conference will THE FIRST Shabbat service to be held in Scarborough over the next year, should take place in London from April 14-17. Scarborough “in living memory” will take there prove to be sufficient demand. The conference will look at inter and place on Saturday March 5. Ben Rich, chair of York Liberal Jewish intra faith issues, the challenges facing An offshoot of the successful York Community, said: “The speed with which our relationship with Israel, community Liberal Jewish Community - which the community has grown in York has building and leadership development. launched 18 months ago and is now taken everyone by surprise. It will give you the opportunity to meet attracting in excess of 60 people to its “With a number of members from the fellow Progressive Jews from Europe and fortnightly events - the Scarborough Scarborough area, the natural next step around the globe, finding out more about service is a response to demand from was to offer even more local services their Jewish world and the challenges a number of Jewish and mixed faith and test the response. We hope that, in they face. By building those bridges, you families living in the town. addition to members travelling from York will have that chance to recharge your It will be held at the Albemarle Baptist and the local families who have already Jewish batteries and return to your own Church on Albemarle Crescent and led come forward, we will find that – with a community refreshed and energised. by Student Rabbi Daniel Lichman. The university, college and hospital - we are For more, please visit www.eupj.org plan is to host quarterly services in meeting an unfulfilled need in the town.” Page 8 LJ Today Social Action March/April 2016 Bet Tikvah joins project to save lives abroad Anthony Kerstein on a bid to prevent the thousands of refugee deaths each winter

world - all of Protected behind barbed wire to keep whom are trying them safe, David was chilled by the sight to survive without – as pictures of flashed basic goods such through his head. Hitler gave numbers. as clothing, shoes, Each of these children had a name. blankets, duvets, The charity also hasn’t forgotten the medicines and Jews and others in Ukraine, Moldova, hygiene products. Georgia, the Baltics, Serbia, Romania Currently a big and Israel, where they also send monthly effort has been consignments. directed towards In Ukraine, 1.5 million people fled from the refugees war-torn regions, with only the clothes in the Kurdish on their backs and a few small bags areas of northern of possessions. They are now trying to Iraq, where survive in sub-zero temperatures, which the conditions will kill many of the more vulnerable ’S Gifts in beggar belief. In the bitter cold, there and weak. Many live in temporary Kind programme ran for 12 years are 1.8 million people scattered over shelter, halfway houses, or in cold dark under the management of Rosalind three provinces – Erbil, Duhok and basements with no ventilation. Bluestone. I was proud that my Liberal Sulaymaniyah – all existing in tents and Goods For Good and HRIF have been community, Bet Tikvah in Barkingside, makeshift huts. Last winter, more than inundated with desperate cries for help was a collection point, and that I was 6,000 children died of hypothermia. and are working on the ground in all part of a large, loyal and committed Many of the refugees there have these areas to give a lifeline to those who team of volunteer packers. Sadly this lost everything – their homes and have been displaced. programme was terminated, mainly due possessions, their livelihoods and loved Working in co-operation with local to the obstructive attitude of the political ones, their dignity. They have also lost charities, Christian churches and establishment of the recipient countries hope. A Polish Jew called David, who lost interfaith groups, in the past 19 months, in Eastern Europe at that time. family in the Holocaust, visited one camp the charity has sent 40 consignments, It was not long after Rosalind was in Kurdistan, representing the charity. valued at over £2.5million. made redundant, that she was contacted David heard stories of missing family Bet Tikvah is now a collection point by several Eastern European recipient members and kidnapped children, of ISIS for Goods For Good and I hope that, communities she had worked with and atrocities and kids being sold as slaves after reading this article, other Liberal also by Max Veenstra, the founder of the for $50 each. Small children wept and communities will join in this enterprise large Dutch charity HRIF. told David how they’d witnessed their that ticks all boxes for tikkun olam. Together they created Goods For Good parents and beloved family members If you can help by donating warm (www.goodsforgood.org.uk) – a charity being killed - with deplorable violence clothes, funds, time or a place to act as a that has become the British response and decapitations. They trembled, as they collection point, please contact Rosalind to help millions of victims of poverty, recalled the many horrors that they had on [email protected] or tragedy, war and disasters around the somehow escaped. 01582 540 521.

Family connections THE NEXT meeting of the NLPS Silence is golden Trust for Progressive Judaism will be WHEN Rabbi Danny Rich, Liberal held on Thursday April 7. Should your IMAGINE a group of Jews sitting together Judaism’s senior rabbi, preached recently community or group wish to apply for in silence and enjoying the experience… at South Bucks Jewish Community, he funding, please contact the Trust’s Silence is a key motif in Mosaic Liberal was delighted to see a husband and Administrator, Sandra Greenberg, on Synagogue’s contemplative Friday night wife who had been members back when [email protected] to request a service, Kabbalat Shabbat. Now in its he was the rabbi at Kingston Liberal grant application form. More details third year, it is led by Esther Aronsfeld. Synagogue – and, prior to that, members can be found on the Trust’s website The successful services are attracting of Progressive Synagogue and www.nlpstrust.org.uk people from across Harrow’s Mosaic South London Liberal Synagogue. To date, 180 grants have been spectrum, with members of Mosaic Now happily settled at South Bucks, awarded by the NLPS Trust Reform and Hatch End Masorti attending. where one of their daughters and two of amounting to more than £0.5million. Esther told lj today: “A contemplative their grandchildren are already involved, The average grant has been £3,500. service gives you time to pause between they mentioned their second daughter Trustees determine which projects, prayers and think about what you’re and two further grandchildren who in their view, will make the most saying, with music and rituals that help live near Stevenage. A month later and effective use of the funds available. deepen your connection to yourself, to Stevenage Liberal Synagogue has a new Grant application forms must be others and to the Divine.” family, Liberal Judaism gains a third returned by Friday March 4. Kabbalat Shabbat takes place at 7pm generation and Danny is “feeling smug”. on the first Friday of alternate months. March/April 2016 Food LJ Today Page 9 A batmitzvah recipe to help others By Hannah The stats cannot begin to tell you the Davis individual torment of each and every Triple chocolate cookies child bride. Being a child bride almost guarantees poverty, hunger and severe This recipe was originally from FOR MY lack of health care. A lot experience much Tanya Burr’s book Love, Tanya, but upcoming worse, such as torture, abuse, violence, when Olivia and I made them we batmitzvah at beatings, rape and constant danger. edited a few things. These cookies Crouch End In ancient times, reaching the age of are actual tiny pieces of heaven, and Chavurah, I batmitzvah meant a girl was often seen delicious with a glass of milk sitting am raising as ready to get married. To us in the UK, in the Norbury family’s back garden. money for today, that quite rightly sounds ridiculous I am aware that the exact location the campaign and cruel. However, girls my age in given isn’t possible to everyone Too Young To places like Yemen, India and Niger can (poor, unfortunate souls), but it is Marry, set up be, and often are, viewed as of marriage the optimal place to experience and by the charity age and forced to grow up before they’re appreciate these cookies. Plan UK. physically or mentally ready. This simply In the is not right, and it must stop. Hannah and her recipe book To make 10 cookies (or 11 to 13, developing One way to help the fight is to raise according to Olivia) you will need: world, one in money and, with that in mind, I have three girls are married by the time they compiled a book of recipes kindly sent to • 200g butter are 15 years old. Every couple of seconds, me by friends and family. You can read • 200g caster sugar a girl - not a woman - will become a one of my favourites on the right. So • One large egg bride. Victims of child marriage often far, we have sold 112 recipe books and, • 275g self-raising flour have children very early, before their combined with some odd jobs I’ve done, • 75g cocoa powder bodies are ready and, in the course of one have raised a total of £1,215. • A little dash of milk year, roughly 70,000 will die in labour. If you are interested in buying a copy of • Half a bar each of white, milk and The minute they say “I do”, not only are the recipe book for yourself, or for a lucky dark chocolate, plus three Daim bars these girls stripped of happy lives, and friend, please email [email protected] of their dreams and ideas. They are also Your benevolence is worth more to 1. Pre-heat your oven to 200° C. stripped of hope. these girls than you can possibly know. 2. Whizz together your butter and sugar until it’s a smooth consistency. 3. Crack in the egg and then put in your dry ingredients and blend it. 4. If your mixture looks too dry, add Friday night winner some milk. 5. Now for the chocolate… break it all up and throw into your mixture. Don’t forget those Daim bars! 6. Once you’ve mixed the chocolate in, line two trays with baking paper or foil and then prepare to get messy. 7. Use your hands to separate the mixture into 10 (or 11 to 13, according to Olivia) blobs*. 8. Now pop your chocolatey blobs* in the oven for 11 minutes - I have found this to be the perfect baking time. When you take them out they will not look cooked; it is vital you know this, as it will be very tempting GLOUCESTERSHIRE LIBERAL JEWISH other’s company, get to know new to leave them in for longer and then COMMUNITY (GLJC) gathered most of people and set up social opportunities they’ll be hard once they are cool. its members together in January for a to improve the cohesiveness of a small 9. Leave the cookies to cool for about simultaneous Friday night dinner party. but growing Jewish community. 30 minutes. Olivia and I use this Eighty people united in nine houses GLJC’s Louise Radford said: “The period to take artistic photos of the around the county, enjoying home dinner party was a tremendous success cookies, catch up and laugh. You too cooked food contributed by those taking and it could become a regular annual can use this time productively. part. Members were grouped together event. This is another example of into convenient geographical locations Anna’s abilities to develop stronger * Tanya Burr says ‘blobs’, which to cut down the travelling time. community links and encourage we think is very vague. I encourage The event was the brainchild of Rabbi membership. It shows that the GLJC you to be creative. How about star, Anna Gerrard, in order to give a unique is a vibrant community of Jewish and heart or letter shaped ‘blobs’? THE opportunity for members to enjoy each potential Jewish members of all ages.” POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS! Page 10 LJ Today History March/April 2016 ‘We owe Eleanor a debt of gratitude’

Eleanor was thrown almost headlong The Remembering Eleanor Rathbone into a new refugee crisis – vastly different group – a voluntary committee made up from helping rescue children from the of just two individuals – are arranging a Basque combat zone during the Spanish series of events to celebrate Eleanor and Civil War in 1937 – as she sought, initially, all her achievements. to help save the endangered Czechs who Organisations, schools, universities, had sought temporary safety in Prague. individuals - including members of the To facilitate her work, Eleanor Rathbone family - and parliamentarians established her Parliamentary are working with, and supporting us Committee on Refugees in November to ensure that Eleanor receives the 1938, a cross-party, purely voluntary recognition she so richly deserves. committee, which soon had 200 We urge the Jewish community to supporters and a small core of activists. embrace this opportunity, for we owe She funded the committee herself and Eleanor a special debt of gratitude. spearheaded activities, challenging Without her personal sacrifices and the government to issue more visas, commitment, Jewish refugees would By Dr Susan Cohen relax entry criteria and make good their not have had such a powerful and promise of a financial loan to the Czechs. humanitarian advocate and ally during SOME READERS of this article will be Following the outbreak of war, Eleanor the 1930s and 1940s. familiar with the name Eleanor Rathbone turned her attention to refugees at home, For more information, and to get (1872-1946), the Independent MP who, the so-called ‘enemy aliens’ who were involved, please visit our website besides being the architect of the family caught up, especially after May 1940, www.rememberingeleanorrathbone. allowance, which became law in 1945, in the newly introduced policy of mass wordpress.com gained a reputation during her lifetime as internment. Defending their right to the ‘MP for refugees’. Her campaigning be treated fairly and humanely, which • Dr Susan Cohen is the author of Rescue on behalf of endangered Jews, in and Eleanor held to be an article of faith the Perishing: Eleanor Rathbone and the from Nazi occupied Europe before within the British spirit, she became their Refugees. Picture of Eleanor Rathbone and during the Second World War was most vociferous advocate. printed with the kind permission of Philip determined and persistent. Camps were visited, support was Norton Collins. As 2016 marks the 70th anniversary enlisted from of Eleanor’s death, it is a fitting time to any quarter she reflect on her contribution to society in thought could general, and more specifically to the help and she took rescue and welfare of refugees. She was, up innumerable first and foremost, a humanitarian activist individual cases, who, as a social and welfare reformer, responding suffragist and feminist, local councillor personally and Justice of the Peace, championed the and kindly to cause of the underrepresented in society, distressed regardless of race, religion or gender. refugees and their Her election to parliament in 1929, relatives. as the Independent member for the Eleanor’s Combined English Universities, gave her second committee, a powerful new platform from which to the National take up feminist causes, notably against Committee for child marriage in India and Palestine. Rescue from But international affairs took on a new Nazi Terror, significance with Hitler’s election to set up in late power in Germany in January 1933, and 1942, attempted, she was the only female politician to unsuccessfully, warn her fellow MPs, in April 1933, of to get news of the the danger posed by the new regime. atrocities more She boldly warned of the threat to world widely publicised peace and to the lives of Jews and others, through the BBC whose only crime, she said, was to belong and the press, to a “particular race or religion or profess and to engage the certain political views”. government in A staunch anti-fascist, anti-Nazi and small scale rescue anti-appeaser, Eleanor saw a human schemes. disaster looming in Europe, as the events The effect on of 1938 unfolded, from the annexation Eleanor’s health of Austria, the Munich Agreement and was immense, and the occupation of the Sudetenland to the contributed to her events of Kristallnacht. untimely death. March/April 2016 Youth LJ Today Page 11

LJY-Netzer is Liberal Judaism’s Zionist youth movement. It gives young people the opportunity to develop a strong Progressive Jewish identity, make lasting friendships and have loads of fun

Two ways to spend your summer Veidah: The top five motions

VEIDAH is LJY-Netzer’s decision making event, where members aged 14-25 directly shape the direction and ideology of our youth movement. Many motions are passed, but here is a snapshot of five key decisions:

1) LJY-Netzer should create more opportunities to work and learn with Muslim youth. A greater focus on interfaith events was seen as important to improve friendships and combat hatred.

2) There should be a dedicated block of time on mechinah (preparation THE SUMMER is drawing closer and you This is a unique tour in the Jewish days) for creativity and innovation. know what that means… lots of great world, as Kayitz looks at diaspora Jewry LJY-Netzer prides itself on its LJY-Netzer events. and visits Croatia, Bosnia and Austria. All informal education and creative Machaneh Kadimah is our amazing under the leadership of two trained youth prayer. Therefore, we are now going two week summer camp in August – an leaders and an excellent student rabbi in to facilitate sessions that will get our inspiring, uplifting celebration of being Daniel Lichman. members’ creative juices flowing. young, Jewish and Liberal. Kadimah is This trip is designed specifically for a dynamic community, which grows and the age group doing their A levels. It is 3) Kinus – our decision making changes each year but keeps a feeling of tailored to give people a break, going event for younger members - can inclusivity and friendship. on holiday with friends in some of the select a charity for a fundraiser. We run a range of amazing activities most beautiful countries in Europe and For the past two years, our younger from singing and drama to discos and exploring them in a safe environment. members have done a charity hike in huge foam fights (pictured above). We It is a tour with more freedom and aid of a cause that they have chosen. have a fully stocked art room and an independence than any other we offer, This has now been formalised. indoor swimming pool. As well as all the combined with not demanding the amazing activities on site, there is also an responsibilities of being over 18. 4) To encourage Liberal Judaism to away day – last year we went to a theme Additionally, Kayitz is very much make a formal statement never to park, to the beach and played laser tag. focused on identity, exploring who we are, invest in fossil fuel companies. That is on top of all the fantastic informal where we came from and what it means In December, LJY-Netzer ran a education and prayer, where LJY-Netzer to be a diaspora Jew. These are questions amazing trip to the Climate Change makes Judaism cool. that are highly pertinent as people are Conference and at Veidah green Get in contact with Anna Craven by making their important life choices. issues were a hot topic. emailing [email protected] to find So, come on Kayitz and enjoy the out more about Kadimah. beauty of Croatia, marvel at the history of 5) LJY-Netzer should actively Last Month, we launched our Europe Vienna and explore what Sarajevo means engage with the Union of Jewish tour Kayitz Netzer – a joint event with for all of us today. Find out more about a Students to make Jewish societies Reform Synagogue Youth (RSY) for 17 story that links and the origins of more Progressive friendly. year olds. This trip sends around 40 Liberal Judaism. University JSocs should better reflect young people to three European countries Kayitz Netzer 5776 runs from August the entire Jewish community and over 10 days, to explore their Jewish 15-25. For more information contact Sam welcome Progressive students. identity and where they came from. Alston on [email protected]

Contact the LJY-Netzer team: Anna Craven ([email protected]), Sam Alston ([email protected]) and Tom Francies ([email protected]); office telephone 020 7631 0584 Page 12 LJ Today March/April 2016

Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Manchester Liberal Jewish South London Liberal Congregations Community Community Synagogue (Streatham) T: 0131 777 8024 T: 0161 796 6210 T: 020 8769 4787 Bedfordshire Progressive E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Synagogue W: eljc.org W: mljc.org.uk W: southlondon.org T: 0845 869 7105 E: [email protected] Finchley Progressive Synagogue Mosaic Liberal Synagogue Southgate Progressive W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk T: 020 8446 4063 (Harrow) Synagogue E: [email protected] T: 020 8864 5323 T: 020 8886 0977 Beit Klal Yisrael (Notting Hill) W: fps.org E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: mosaicliberal.org.uk W: sps.uk.com W: bky.org.uk Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community Northwood and Pinner Liberal Stevenage Liberal Synagogue Bet Tikvah Synagogue T: 01242 609 311 Synagogue T: 01438 300 222 (Barkingside) E: [email protected] T: 01923 822 592 E: [email protected] T: 020 8554 9682 W: gljc.org.uk E: [email protected] W: stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk E: [email protected] W: npls.org.uk W: bettikvah.blogspot.co.uk Herefordshire Jewish Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) Birmingham Progressive T: 01594 530 721 Community T:01473 250 797 Synagogue E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 0121 634 3888 W: herefordshirejc.org W: norwichljc.org.uk E: [email protected] Wessex Liberal Jewish W: bpsjudaism.com Kehillah North London Nottingham Liberal Synagogue Community (Bournemouth) T: 020 7403 3779 T: 0115 962 4761 T: 01202 757 590 Brighton and Hove Progressive E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Synagogue W: nlpjc.org.uk W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk T: 01273 737 223 E: [email protected] Kent Liberal Jewish Community Peterborough Liberal Jewish West Central Liberal Synagogue W: bhps-online.org T: 07952 242 432 Community (Central London) E: [email protected] T: 07561 331 390 T: 020 7636 7627 Bristol and West Progressive W: www.kljc.org.uk E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Jewish Congregation W: pljc.org.uk W: wcls.org.uk E: [email protected] Kingston Liberal Synagogue W: bwpjc.org T: 020 8398 7400 Reading Liberal Jewish Woodford Liberal Synagogue E: [email protected] Community T: 020 8989 7619 Crouch End Chavurah W: klsonline.org T: 0118 942 8022 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@ W: woodfordliberal.org.uk W: crouchendchavurah.co.uk Leicester Progressive Jewish gmail.com Congregation W: www.readingljc.org.uk York Liberal Jewish Community Crawley Jewish Community T: 0116 271 5584 T: 07469 159 134 T: 01293 534 294 E: [email protected] Shenfield & Brentwood E: [email protected] W: lpjc.org.uk Synagogue W: jewsinyork.org.uk Dublin Jewish Progressive T: 01277 888 610 Congregation The Liberal Jewish Synagogue E: [email protected] Developing communities and E: [email protected] (St John’s Wood) W: roshtikvah.com affiliated congregations W: djpcireland.com T: 020 7286 5181 E: [email protected] Shenfield & Brentwood Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam) Ealing Liberal Synagogue W: ljs.org Synagogue T: +31 23 524 7204 T: 020 8997 0528 T: 01277 888 610 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] The Liberal Synagogue Elstree E: [email protected] W: beithachidush.nl W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk T: 020 8953 8889 W: roshtikvah.com E: [email protected] Lancashire & Cumbria Liberal Eastbourne Liberal Jewish W: tlse.org.uk Shir Hatzafon (Copenhagen) Jewish Community Community T: +45 2370 9757 E: [email protected] T: 01323 725 650 Lincolnshire Jewish Community E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 01427 628 958 W: shirhatzafon.dk Oxford Jewish Congregation W: eljc.org.uk E: [email protected] T: 01865 515 584 W: lincolnshirejc.co.uk E: [email protected] W: ojc-online.org

The Montagu Centre President Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein 21 Maple Street Chair Simon Benscher Deputy Chair Lucian J Hudson Vice Chair Jackie Richards London, W1T 4BE Treasurer Rosie Ward Israel and the Diaspora Tamara Schmidt Communications Ed Herman Social T: 020 7580 1663 Justice Amelia Viney Youth and Education Robin Moss Music and IT Graham Carpenter E: [email protected] National Officers Dr Howard Cohen, David Hockman and Ruth Seager W: liberaljudaism.org Vice Presidents Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Nigel Cole, Geoffrey Davis, Lord Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Sharon Goldstein, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Willie Kessler, David Lipman, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pelham, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Joan Shopper, Beverley Taylor, Ken Teacher and Clive Winston of modern Judaism. It reverences Jewish Co-Chairs of Rabbinic Conference Rabbis Richard Jacobi and Alexandra Wright tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the past, while giving them contemporary force. Senior Rabbi and Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Charity Number: 1151090 Student & Young Adult Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan Education Rabbi Sandra Kviat Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein Archivist Alison Turner Director of Youth Becca Fetterman Send your news to [email protected] LJY-Netzer Sam Alston, Anna Craven and Tom Francies

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