July/August 2015 VOL. XLII No. 4

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

www.liberaljudaism.org ljtoday

Liberals elected ‘Hope is a mitzvah’ to key positions SUCCESSION of speakers at Liberal Judaism’s Day of Celebration urged ABritish Liberal Jews to get more involved in Israel. Rabbi Miri Gold – the ‘poster girl’ of the fight to recognise non-Orthodox rabbis in Israel – and Anat Hoffman, executive director of the Israel Religious Action Center, both stressed how important the support of the Diaspora was to those fighting for religious pluralism and Rabbi continues his global role human rights inside of the country. Keynote speaker Miri said that support LIBERAL JUDAISM chief executive from the UK greatly helped as she battled Rabbi Danny Rich and Liberal Jewish to become the first Progressive rabbi Synagogue member Stuart MacDonald to have her salary paid by the Israeli have been voted into key roles in world government, as well as in the continuing Anat Hoffman at the Day of Celebration 2015 Jewry. Danny was re-elected to the fight for equality for non-Orthodox Jews. Executive Board of the World Union for She poignantly added: “I remind myself Other speakers included Liberal Rabbis Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), while Stuart that hope is a mitzvah, a commandment, Harry Jacobi, Shulamit Ambalu, Sandra has been elected as treasurer of the and one which sustains me.” Kviat and Alexandra Wright, as well as Board of Deputies of . Anat, who is also a founding member representatives from the New Israel Stuart said: “The Board of Deputies of Women of the Wall, then urged British Fund, UK Task Force, Yachad, JW3, UJIA, is the primary public voice of the Jews to write to Israeli Ministers and the the Centre for the Study of Jewish Culture Jewish community in Britain. Its Embassy to add to the growing pressure at Durham University, College activities encompass areas as diverse for a pluralistic, open and inclusive Israel. and the Movement for . as interfaith work, defending against Responding to the issues raised, Rabbi An engaging, educational and fun antisemitism, opposition to the campaign said: “Israel and the youth programme, run by LJY-Netzer, to delegitimise Israel by boycott and other Diaspora need to seek a new relationship saw young Liberals enjoy ‘Israel Tour means, the promotion of women and that has at its core mutuality. A sense in a Day’, while Gloucestershire Liberal support for smaller communities. not only that we need each other but that Jewish Community were celebrating after “The voluntary communal levy that this relationship has the potential to be their cheder won the LAFTAs competition appears on our annual synagogue mutually beneficial and creative.” for best short film. subscriptions is not paid by all Liberal Three hundred people from more than Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi congregants. Equally, not every Liberal 30 communities gathered at The Liberal Danny Rich said: “This was Liberal community takes up its full rights to Jewish Synagogue (LJS) for the Day of Judaism at its best. A sizeable but send representatives. If we want to have Celebration. It was the first ever Liberal friendly crowd came together to discuss appropriate influence within the Board, it Judaism event to be streamed over the an issue, the Israel/Diaspora relationship, is essential that these gaps are filled.” internet, with members watching via a that can be divisive and controversial, but The WUPJ serves 1,200 Progressive live feed in America, Italy, Germany, the which we all agree needs to be examined. congregations with 1.8 million members Czech Republic and all around the UK. “As a result of this day, Liberal in more than 45 countries. Danny was Guest presenters from Israel included Judaism’s policy towards Israel will re-elected to its operational, decision- Reut Michaeli, the CEO of the Hotline continue to be supportive but nuanced, making body, at the WUPJ’s Connections for Refugees and Migrants, and Gusti principled and occasionally critical.” 2015 conference, which was held in Rio Yehoshua-Braverman and Nir Cohen de Janeiro, Brazil. There will be a full from the World Zionist Organisation. • Pages 6/7: Picture special report in the next issue of lj today. Page 2 LJ Today News July/August 2015 Patrons praised at Lords dinner

Progressive rabbis at the House of Lords and special guest speaker Baron Finkelstein of Pinner. Pictures by John Bernard and Abigail Jacobi

EIGHTEEN Progressive rabbis joined the “Let me begin with students, where for regular coverage in , Patrons of Liberal Judaism at the House two years, supported by Patrons’ funds, as well as a multitude of national of Lords, where they were entertained we have provided the only Progressive newspaper, radio and TV appearances. by The Times columnist and Newsnight student chaplaincy resource on campus. He also celebrated a new community regular Baron Finkelstein of Pinner. Rabbi Leah Jordan, working with affiliating to Liberal Judaism in eight Guests at Liberal Judaism’s 11th volunteers and staff from the Reform of the last nine years – all “founded by annual Council of Patrons’ Dinner and Masorti movements, has supported charismatic Liberal Jews with a few also heard from the movement’s chief egalitarian minyanim, Jewish societies friends and the support of our outreach executive Rabbi Danny Rich, president and individual students in campuses up department” and all now growing fast. Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, chair Lucian and down the country. Danny concluded: “Friends, you are J Hudson, deputy chair Simon Benscher, “The greatest tribute to pioneering leaders of Liberal Judaism and none of Rabbis Lea Mühlstein and Charley work is when others follow and I am this would have been possible without Baginsky and event host Lord Haskel. delighted to report that, under the new your emotional and practical support, the Addressing the gathering, Danny said: Alliance banner, Liberal Judaism with the work of our Board of National Officers, “When we set up the Council of Patrons, Movement for Reform Judaism and the the dedication of our staff and the I promised that the funds raised would West Synagogue have this week generous funding of the Patrons.” only be used for three agreed purposes: placed an advert for a second Progressive The Council of Patrons dinner was to increase the profile of Liberal Judaism, Jewish chaplain to work alongside Leah.” organised by Joan Shopper. To find out for the support and development of Danny then discussed how Liberal more about becoming a Patron of Liberal new communities and to pioneer new Judaism’s profile has been raised with Judaism, please contact Yael Shotts on initiatives, particularly with students. a weekly page in The and [email protected]

Keep in touch with • BREAKING NEWS 1: The Liberal Shabbaton heads Judaism Biennial Weekend will take Liberal Judaism place from July 1-3, 2016, with the to the South West theme Thinking Outside The Book. THERE ARE plenty of way to keep up with AFTER the incredible success of the what is happening in Liberal Judaism, • BREAKING NEWS 2: Rabbis Midlands Regional Shabbaton last between copies of lj today. Alexandra Wright and Richard November, with almost 100 participants Our e-bulletin goes out via email each Jacobi have been elected as co- from seven Liberal communities, we week, keeping members informed with chairs of Liberal Judaism’s Rabbinic are pleased to announce that the 2015 news stories and upcoming events from Conference. They will take over from Shabbaton will be held in the South West. the movement and our communities. Rabbi Charley Baginsky this summer. Taking place on Saturday November You can subscribe to the e-bulletin by 28, at the Jurys Inn in Swindon, the day visiting the Liberal Judaism website – • BRYAN DIAMOND is gathering is open for anyone to attend. It will be www.liberaljudaism.org – which is also material for a biography of Claude jointly hosted by the Bristol & West, regularly updated with news, pictures and Montefiore, one of the founders Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Reading, even a digital version of lj today. of Liberal Judaism. Bryan will Oxford and Wessex Liberal communities. For those on social media, you can join investigate archival sources, so if you The day will include study sessions led the hundreds following Liberal Judaism know of any material not featured by rabbis, lay leaders and educators, a on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ in previous works about Montefiore, Shabbat service and a youth programme LiberalJudaism and via @LiberalJudaism email [email protected] run by LJY-Netzer. There will be full on Twitter. details in the next issue of lj today. July/August 2015 Chairman’s Actions LJ Today Page 3 The spirit and character of Liberal Judaism

Liberal Judaism is political with a It is healthy to be business-like and Lucian J Hudson lower case ‘p’, working in a new political I hope a bit of this has rubbed off in pens his final landscape across the UK, ensuring my approach to leading a civil society the voice of our movement is heard organisation. Too many internal issues column as chair and contributes to building a tolerant, arise from members not accepting or of LJ and looks cohesive and sustainable community, in appreciating the importance of fulfilling back at his six which our type of Judaism can flourish defined roles and managing boundaries. for generations to come. Our very informality can be as much of years in the role There are those who say that the a curse as a blessing. I hope whoever difference between Liberal Judaism and revises our Siddur in years to come Reform is so minimal on doctrine that creates enough space for silence and IN MY FINAL article for lj today as Liberal other differences are negligible. They the mysterious, recognising private and Judaism chairman, I would like to focus therefore argue that merger is necessary collective worship. on how holding office has informed my and right. I disagree. Our community is made up of spiritual journey as a Liberal Jew, and Maybe it has taken a relative outsider individuals who need to travel at their thank all those who have worked with such as myself to notice – I converted to own pace in their own way. Liberal chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich and me Judaism only 10 years ago – but doctrine Judaism should work at every level of to build on our success as a movement. alone, especially in the context of a the human spirit. This is not universally Together we are tackling some of the British empiricist tradition, is only part of recognised. We do little to find out why many challenges we face as an integral the mix. members do not participate and leave. part of the Jewish community, in the UK and internationally. We sometimes fail, but that’s good: we should fail more often, rather than not try at all. I am more of a Liberal Jew now, than when I took on the role six years ago. I am more appreciative of the breadth and depth of commitment and ideas in Liberal Judaism, and our collaboration with the rest of UK Jewry generally and the Movement for Reform Judaism (MRJ) particularly. I am very proud of the closer Lucian J Hudson says farewell to Liberal Judaism members at the LJ Day of Celebration working relationship we have formed with Reform’s leadership, and the cross- More important is the character of We are historically tasked with being fertilising of ideas among rabbis of both Liberal Judaism, partly constructed innovative as a movement, but this does movements and our youth movements. and partly lived out, consciously and not mean change for the sake of change. We are non-party political as a religious unconsciously. When appropriate, we Liberal Judaism at its best thinks through organisation. The term “liberal” can need to continue to home in on the big the consequences. We need to resist our be a barrier, as well as a lever, in our issues of the day, and communicate a tendency to follow fads or to rest on our communication. Whatever the future distinctively Liberal Jewish perspective. laurels. Our leadership on same-sex of the Liberal Democrats, liberal, British Jewry’s stance on Israel has marriage, the Living Wage, asylum and progressive values have never been shifted in the six years I have been palliative care are examples of where we more important. Liberty is not just chairman, partly because voices like mine have led from the front, and rightly so. We one of many values: it is a prerequisite have challenged the binary choice of should not lead just from the head or the to our understanding of ourselves as either keeping quiet or delivering knee- heart, but the two in concert. exercising different degrees of freedom jerk criticism. Finally, God. I am unabashed in and embracing our responsibility to From the many conversations I have adopting the Book of Esther approach to use it well. There is no quality I value had, I know some of our members have God. We need not mention God at every more in people than generosity of spirit. a problem with authority in its different twist and turn to acknowledge the power Generosity derives from a vision of guises, and sometimes see opportunities of God in our lives. That power emerges one humanity accepting that life never to challenge or differentiate themselves when we engage creatively with the stands still. Being a Liberal Jewish from the status quo. I am pragmatic world, especially when it feels daunting chairman has taught me the benefit of about the status quo: sometimes it serves to do so. What we do working with and being open to unforeseen challenges and us well – at other times it needs to be through others can make the difference, opportunities, yet learning from tradition confronted and challenged. whatever the frustrations. and experience. How radical have I been as a Thank you, everybody, for helping me Equality and fraternity (I am not being leader? A gentle, tenacious wind often be the leader I have become. These six gender-specific) work with liberty in achieves more over time than sudden years have been a truly memorable and combination. The French Revolution or ostentatious change. Practical, meaningful time of my life. hijacked that spirit of the enlightenment deliberate steps are enduring: legal to give those values a republican flavour, incorporation has refocused all our Lucian J Hudson has been chairman but the values of liberty, equality and trustees to understand their roles and of Liberal Judaism since 2009, serving fraternity permeate our civil society, and responsibilities, and hold our chief two full terms. You can write to him at the four nations of the UK. executive to account more systematically. [email protected] Page 4 LJ Today Communities July/August 2015 Barmitzvah boy makes history Back to ‘Liberal’

The celebration of the 70th anniversary of VE Day was a very successful Mosaic event

By Alan Solomon

REGULAR READERS of lj today may recall my article in the July/August 2014 issue when I reported that Harrow & Wembley Progressive Synagogue had joined with A BARMITZVAH CELEBRATION has taken Family members from both locations, Middlesex New Synagogue (Reform) and place in Ipswich for the first time in 140 and other guests, joined the congregation Hatch End Masorti Synagogue in formally years. On Saturday May 9, Jon Emlyn for the service. agreeing to become part of a pluralist made a little piece of history by reading Beverley Levy, one of the founding Jewish association in our area, to be from the Torah in a special service held members of the community, said: “We known as the Mosaic Jewish Community. under the auspices of the Suffolk Liberal don’t have our own premises and we Each synagogue has preserved its own Jewish Community. don’t have a Sefer Torah. So we hired a identity and ethos and holds separate In the 19th Century Ipswich had its small local theatre and borrowed a Torah services, but we all work closely together; own synagogue, but the community from our good friends in the Colchester we have a joint cheder, the Liberal and began to move away in the 1850’s and the and District Jewish Community. Reform congregations join together for synagogue was demolished in 1877. The “There was a lovely atmosphere, we kiddush and our adult education, cultural Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community was had lots of visitors and we hope it was a and social activities are open to everyone. formed by four people in 2005. It affiliated good showcase for Liberal Judaism. We Following the precedent set by to Liberal Judaism in 2014. look forward to more families coming to Middlesex New Synagogue, which The barmitzvah boy’s mother grew up Suffolk and giving us other opportunities changed its name to Mosaic Reform in New York and his father is from Wales. like this.” Synagogue, we decided at our AGM to revert to the name ‘Liberal’ - we were originally Wembley Liberal Synagogue – and show our pride in being a constituent synagogue of Liberal Judaism and all that A joint celebration in Norwich the movement stands for. So we’re now Mosaic Liberal Synagogue catering for Liberal Jews living in north west London. York joins up

AFTER almost a year of holding regular services, York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC) has been officially accepted as a full member of Liberal Judaism. Liberal Judaism’s council voted unanimously to accept YLJC as a full member, recognising the great strides that have been made in developing a community in a city that has had no real Jewish identity for more than 40 years. With Shabbat services held on the second Saturday of each month, festival ON THE SAME DAY that Jon became Leonie Reintjes, 15, Ollie Joseph, 15, celebrations, Hebrew lessons and a kids’ Suffolk’s first barmitzvah boy in 140 Lily Whear, 14, and barmitzvah boy Sam club on a Friday afternoon, members of years, there were also mazel tovs Barker (pictured from left to right, above, YLJC enjoy a full range of activities. elsewhere in East Anglia – as Rabbi Leah with Rabbi Leah) were joined by family York chair Ben Rich said: “We look Jordan led a barmitzvah ceremony and and friends. Chair Annie Henriques said: forward to continuing to work with Liberal three Kabbalat Torah confirmations at “It is great to have so many committed Judaism to achieve a vibrant Jewish Norwich Liberal Jewish Community. young people who value their Judaism.” community in York for people of all ages.” July/August 2015 Communities LJ Today Page 5 Torah on the streets of Northwood

Pictures by Phil Stone

RABBI AARON GOLDSTEIN led more He said: “We are the custodians of “It was not simply the physical act than 250 members of Northwood & their scrolls and the legacy of the Jews of writing but the spiritual dimension Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS), as who once read from them. Let us live, of what it means to complete a Torah they paraded their new lightweight Sefer remember and treasure the confidence that made this moment so special and Torah through the streets, pictured above. we have as Jews living in Northwood.” emotional.” The community danced and marched, The procession took place after a supported by local residents and passers- moving ceremony, in which members by, heading to a car park where a tree had of NPLS guided the quill of the sofer, grown from a seed of a tree planted at Bernard Benarroch, as he completed the Theresienstadt deportation camp in 1943 final words of the new Torah. by a courageous teacher and her pupils. Rabbi Lea Mühlstein explained the NPLS emeritus rabbi, and president moment, saying: “It was something truly of Liberal Judaism, Rabbi Dr Andrew exceptional. As each of us - the young, Goldstein reflected on the lives and tragic the old, men and women - were given the deaths of the Jews of Czech and Slovak opportunity to guide the scribe’s hand in towns that had once owned the scrolls writing the final letters, we were stirred now residing in Northwood. by emotions.

Gershon inducted on anniversary Two rabbis The service was led by Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, who join the LJS was assisted by Rabbi Tanya Sakhnovich of Nottingham Liberal Synagogue and RABBIS Rachel Benjamin and several community members. Highlights Rene Pfertzel have joined the included MLJC treasurer Phyllis Alden rabbinic team at The Liberal Jewish joining Gershon for a beautiful version of Synagogue (LJS). They will both be Bayom Hahu and the world premiere of working at the LJS part-time and will a meditation set to music by composer fill Rabbi Neil Janes’ current role. He Robert Orledge. is leaving to take up a new post at the Addressing congregants and guests, West London Synagogue. CANTOR GERSHON SILINS has been Gershon, pictured left, said: “As a Senior Rabbi Alexandra Wright inducted as the new spiritual leader of member of Liberal Judaism’s Outreach said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Manchester Liberal Jewish Community Team, I have had the opportunity to visit Rabbi Rachel Benjamin and Rabbi (MLJC). The ceremony took place as part many communities. And as impressed Rene Pfertzel to work as part of of MLJC’s 10th anniversary celebrations as I am with our large congregations, our rabbinic, educational, musical on Sunday May 31 with guests including I have the greatest admiration for our and pastoral team at the LJS. They the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of smaller communities, little beacons bring outstanding skills in teaching, Manchester, the Mayor of Bury, Ivan of Progressive Judaism, where the DIY working with people of all ages and Lewis MP and minister of the St Cross attitude keeps Jewish life alive and spiritual leadership.” Unitarians, Rev Cody Coyne. vibrant – communities exactly like MLJC.” Page 6 LJ Today July/August 2015 Liberal Judaism Day of Celebration 2015 in pictures

Members arrive for Liberal Judaism’s biggest event of the year Rabbi Miri Gold gives Rabbi Alexandra Wright a present from Israel

Reut Michaeli leads a discussion on the status of refugees in Israel Pam Fox examines Rabbi Dr Israel Mattuck’s views on

Delegates enjoy a highlight of any Liberal Judaism event - lunch Liberal youth team up for a very messy sandwich making game

Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community win the LAFTAs shield Rabbi Danny Rich leads the thanks to the organising committee July/August 2015 LJ Today Page 7 Liberal Judaism Day of Celebration 2015 in pictures

The audience put questions to keynote speaker Rabbi Miri Gold LJY-Netzer members have fun making Israeli-themed arts & crafts

Graham Carpenter teaches music, in a session with Sarah Grabiner Rebecca Daniels explains Yachad’s Kids Court In Conflict campaign

LJ deputy chair Simon Benscher addresses a packed LJS Sanctuary Anat Hoffman’s session is watched around the world via live steam

THE PICTURES of the Day of Celebration in this issue of lj today were taken by Charles Davis. Charles is a Midlands and London based photographer, specialising in commercial and editorial imagery – capturing an artistic approach with fun and a touch of glamour. Charles’ photographic work is animated, vibrant and engaging. He combines creative versatility, professional maturity and technical know-how, allowing him to fulfil each assignment with exceptional results. To find out more or to book Charles for your event, visit www.professionalphotography.me.uk

Rabbis Lea Mühlstein and Charley Baginsky receive a thank you gift Page 8 LJ Today Social Action July/August 2015 Liberals Living Below The Line

By Rabbi Aaron Goldstein

AMONG the thousands of people Living Below The Line, spending just £1 a day, were many Liberal Jews, my wife Tammy and I included. While some are cynical – after all we could still heat our home, use transport and enjoy unlimited ‘free’ drinking water from our taps – I strongly believe campaigns such as this have a role, especially after LJY-Netzer movement worker Tom Francies’ £5 shop and one of his repetitive daily meals trying it myself. Living Below The Line is about raising awareness; reminding By Tom Francies it – but the sort that is offered in the ourselves that around the corner, in workplace. Every meeting I go to has our neighbourhood, and yes, in our THIS YEAR all three LJY-Netzer some sort of food and, if it’s not eaten, it community, there are those who live movement workers – Gabriel Webber, gets thrown away. Should I be standing week in week out with poverty – not Tamara Silver and me – decided to take on a kind of moral high ground raising just for five days. part in Live Below The Line. We had to money for the less privileged, while I It also raised my awareness of the spend no more than £5 each on food and watch perfectly good food slip into the effect on my body of being food poor. drink over five days, mirroring the fact bin. Food waste is a terrible disease Had it not been for our relationship that 20% of the world’s population live of modern society and should I be with the local greengrocer, who off £1 a day for food and drink, as well contributing to it out of pride and fear of twice gave us a box for £1 with fruit as housing, education, health and all the accusations of “cheating”? and veg that was going off, we would other necessities we take for granted. As well as the dilemmas there were have had no fresh produce. Yet I, who Raising awareness of the 1.2 billion some major challenges. Hunger was never has headaches, was afflicted people living in these conditions was obviously the main one. No more during those five days. My legs one goal; the other was to raise money snacking during the day, having to plan became full of pain and I resorted to for – the Jewish community’s where and when to eat every meal so as taking pills – even though I don’t like response to such extreme poverty. not to go too long without food and being taking them. Of course, I could afford I went in blind. I didn’t do any research unable to eat or drink when socialising them and I can see how addictions to or look up any recipes, and this was with friends were also all more difficult dull pain can result – a vicious cycle. a mistake. I spent more than an hour than I imagined. And the second time I asked for a walking around the supermarket taking The variety of food I ate was not vast. handout, I had an inkling of what items from shelves, putting things back For breakfast some combination of eggs ‘shame’ might feel like. and thinking about potential meals and and toast, plus the occasional serving All of this takes its toll on the combinations. In the end this is what I of baked beans. It was rice or potatoes physical and mental health of the bought: 1 x loaf of bread (40p), 2 x baked most days for lunch/dinner, often with individual. It also makes no sense beans (48p), 1kg long grain rice (45p), vegetables, chopped tomatoes or a few for any country to allow its citizens vegetable stock cubes (30p), 0.3kg red more baked beans. This was the first, and to live in such a state. Real people onions (25p), 0.5kg baking potatoes (49p), only, time I took photos of my food for the allowed to be unproductive, at chopped tomatoes (34p), 10 eggs (£1) and internet, but they were just the same over a ridiculous cost to us all. Such 1kg frozen mixed vegetables (£1). and over and over again. extreme poverty is a disgrace to our I didn’t think I did too badly, but But even more than food, I missed country, to any land. while shopping came my first moral being able to choose what to drink. Water I know I have a part to play in not conundrum – the eggs. These were Tesco is all I consumed for a week. I didn’t have being gluttonous, in supporting Value eggs, working out at 10p each. Let’s enough money for even one different others, in not wasting. I know it’ll be be honest, there is no way these were drink. But looking back, I was actually our pressure that will change our from free range, organic, happy chickens. privileged to be able to drink clean water society so we do not allow the land to Normally I would pay a bit more, as I truly from a tap in my kitchen. More than 750 be depraved. believe in ethical consumerism, but this million people around the world live Small things help. Most shop I couldn’t… or could I? Should I have without safe water, while 1,400 children Progressive Jewish communities devised a shopping list of under £5 then die every day from diarrhoea caused by support a local food bank and I urge bought the most ethical version of each unsafe water and poor sanitation. members to donate products or visit. product? I asked more and more people So that was it – a hard, thought- When we have eaten and been about this, and I got varying answers – provoking week. But I did it and, with satisfied, may we be responsive to none of which has made it any clearer in the rest of my LJY-Netzer colleagues, the needs of others and to listen to my mind. raised nearly £1,000 for a very worthy their cry for food: to share God’s gifts My other dilemma was free food. No cause. Don’t worry if you haven’t and help remove hunger and want not a mate going “what if I pay for your donated yet, you still can, just go to www. from the world. pizza” – some people just don’t get livebelowtheline.com/team/ljy-netzer July/August 2015 Social Action LJ Today Page 9 A different and Jews and Muslims unite challenging trip to help Nottingham’s poor By Gordon Smith

IT WAS WITH some trepidation that we joined a trip to the South Hebron Hills organised by Yachad during Pesach of this year. I come from a family of Zionists and lived in Israel from 1948 to 1956. We have a home in Tel Aviv, where our daughter lives with her family having made Aliya some 20 years ago. We left our comfortable Tel Aviv bubble to join another 20 participants on a coach journey to a small Palestinian village called Susiya in the southern-most tip of the West Bank. There, we were welcomed by the villagers under a large shady tree near their makeshift tents and cave dwellings. They had no permanent homes due to the complex bureaucracy of the Israeli Rabbi Tanya Sakhnovich and Himmah’s Sajid Mohammed launch the Salaam Shalom Kitchen administration, which either forbade the NOTTINGHAM LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE Himmah co-founder Sajid Mohammed building of homes or demolished them has teamed up with Islamic social justice said SaSh was also about addressing the for arbitrary reasons. We were also taken group Himmah to launch a weekly service rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism. to see beautiful ‘legal’ and not so legal providing hot meals and volunteer He said: “We felt that now is the right Israeli settlements with water, sewers, support for some of the city’s most moment to give hope and demonstrate electricity lines and power, none of which vulnerable people. The joint Jewish- our communities’ values of compassion, was available to those in Susiya. Muslim project is thought to be the only dignity and care to others.” We stopped at a makeshift barrier one of its kind in Britain. Nottingham Liberal Synagogue’s Rabbi erected by the IDF across the only road The Salaam Shalom Kitchen (SaSh) Tanya Sakhnovich added: “By serving out of the village to the nearest main runs every Wednesday from 6-8pm with a food together and offering a hand of Palestinian town, Yatta. It was locked, team of 40 volunteers to help anyone who friendship to other members of the local thereby depriving the villagers access to wants to pop in, as well as those referred community, it gives us a safe place to medical facilities or shops. We were told by other services. It is open for access to start building personal relationships of that this barrier had been erected for anyone of all religions and none. trust and respect for each other.” security reasons for the whole of Pesach. We stopped at an Israeli settlement on a hill, from which rocks had been • ON JULY 19, The Liberal Jewish hurled onto Palestinian school children Good Citizens Synagogue in St John’s Wood will - necessitating a daily protection by the host An Inconvenient Mitzvah: IDF of the children walking to school. MEMBERS OF LIBERAL JUDAISM were Jewish Environmental Action for We were guided by a young IDF officer, among the 2,200 participants, supporters 2015 and Beyond. Ahead of the belonging to the organisation Breaking and guests at the Citizens UK General most important climate summit of the Silence, who told us of some of his Election Accountability Assembly – an the decade, taking place in Paris in experiences while serving, which made afternoon of political action driven by the November and December, this event very sombre hearing. Citizens UK People’s Manifesto, which will see attendees grappling with We certainly saw and heard a side took place before the 2015 election. the question ‘what should a Jewish of the Israeli occupation of the West Director of Citizens UK, Neil Jameson, response to climate change look Bank rarely aired. All in all it was a said: “I was proud to be part of a packed, like?’ alongside seminal ecological very thought-provoking day. I challenge diverse room who were enthusiastic, thinker Rabbi Lawrence Troster. For anyone to do a similar trip and not be disciplined and engaged around an more information and to book your moved what they see and hear. agenda. We are a non-partisan alliance, place, contact [email protected] However, I am glad I went as I firmly made up of 350 institutions; what binds feel that you can never justify your own us together is a desire to seek social • ON THE OCCASION of the beliefs until you have stood in the shoes justice and work for the common good. annual Pride celebrations, Ritual of the other. Clearly, Yachad are trying “The politicians who spoke – Sajid Reconstructed is teaming up with to achieve just that. So if you are going Javid, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband – will, South London Liberal Synagogue to to Israel soon, and want to take part in a I’m sure remember our warm welcome film a Pride Seder on Friday June 26. different and challenging trip while there, but also our determined negotiations Everyone is invited to join this event, go to www..org.uk - where you can on the Living Wage, ending indefinite which will be led by Rabbi Janet find out how more about their educational detention, the creation of a Community Darley. For full details, please email day tours and extended visits to East Finance Foundation and improving [email protected] Jerusalem and the West Bank. standards in social care.” Page 10 LJ Today Comment July/August 2015 A council that spans generations ‘We must speak about Israel’ By Daisy Bogod

WITH THE Day of Celebration now behind us, it is essential that Progressive Jews of ALL ages keep talking about Israel. This is why, at the event, there was an entire youth programme focused around the country called ‘Israel Tour in a Day’. Reform Zionism is one of LJY-Netzer’s pillars as a youth movement, so obviously we educate on Israel. Trying to pinpoint WITH COUNCIL MEMBERS ranging from of us were talking about how we would why, beyond that, it is necessary for 29 to 75 years-old, a vibrant and active appreciate the chance to participate in young people to engage with Israel community and a brand new Siddur ongoing study. We now all turn up for an education is more complex. created by the religion school, South hour of study and bagels once a month If, as Day of Celebration speaker Anat London Liberal Synagogue (SLLS) before the Shabbat morning service - and Hoffman says, “love is what remains after has a lot to be proud of. Here chair have called on friends to teach or learn you know the truth”, the only way we Alice Alphandary tells lj today what is with us. If anyone reading this article can truly love Israel is if we engage with happening south of the river. would like to come and speak to us, it from a critical perspective, and then please do get in touch by emailing the actively try and make it a better place in How does the diverse age range of the SLLS office on [email protected] line with the values of peace, justice and council (pictured above) bring benefit to freedom for all citizens laid out in Israel’s your community? What is the inspiration behind your new Declaration of Independence. I think we’re really fortunate as our Siddur? Israel is one of those topics that council represents all the different The Siddur Gesher l’Tefilah is illustrated everyone seems to have an opinion on, sections of our community - young with artwork by our Gesher (religion regardless of their nationality, religion, professionals, people with families of school) pupils, all of whom received personal involvement or indeed any all different ages and people who have a personalised copy for use at home. actual knowledge about the facts and finished their main career so have In terms of the inspiration, I think our history of the country. plenty of time to engage with SLLS. As a amazing head, Jackie Ashton, put it Informed decision making is a big part young chair, I really appreciate having a best when she said: “This Siddur is the of both LJY-Netzer and Liberal Judaism, supportive group of officers with a range culmination of an extensive exploration and this must mean educating about both of different life experiences that I can of prayer through art by the children and the good and bad of Israel. bounce ideas off. teachers of Gesher. It could not have We want to prepare our young people occurred without the inspired guidance to educate others, and determine when Why do you think so many people in their of Gesher’s teachers and the enthusiasm it is appropriate to defend Israel and talk 20s and 30s are getting involved? and artistic talent of our children.” about how amazing a country it is. They It’s an exciting community to be involved also shouldn’t be afraid of standing up in - we are lucky to have members of the What has the feedback to the Siddur to people, whether Zionists or not, and founding families with us, but they are been and how can other communities saying that Israel does make mistakes, also very willing to see the community get copies? and we should hold it to the same moral evolve. It’s very much a case of if you It’s proved a hit. The Walker family very standards as we hold ourselves. have a suggestion and the enthusiasm to kindly sponsored the costs of production We are a movement of Liberal Jews run a new activity, go for it. I also think of the Siddur in memory of Philip Walker who have chosen to have a relationship that people appreciate the active form z’’l, our former president and chairman with Israel, who self-define as Zionists, of Judaism members are encouraged who passed away last year. Our students and it would be going against everything to engage with. For example, we are enjoy having their own special Siddur we believe in to blindly adopt this title members of London Citizens which has and it’s also proved popular with people without teaching ourselves and our seen several congregants get involved in in our access to Judaism class, who members what this means. a range of social justice projects, such as are in the process of learning Hebrew, an action on a payday lender. as each Hebrew word appears with its Daisy Bogod is a leader in LJY-Netzer, transliteration directly underneath which the youth movement of Liberal Judaism You have established new initiatives makes it easy to follow the Hebrew and from Torah breakfasts to a film club, can the transliteration at the same time. • ARE YOU a student who would like to you talk a bit more about them? Anyone interested in having their own be part of a Progressive Friday night? For The film club was set up by one of our copy should get in touch with the SLLS the next academic year (2015/16), Liberal members with an interest in Israeli films, office, as we are selling them for £10. Judaism will be sending Shabbat kits to after I sent out a call for suggestions campuses containing service booklets, for ideas of what we could offer as a What are your hopes for the next year? learning, wine, candles, a challah recipe, community. It’s another great example of More new members! We know that more Havdalah spices and candle and a £50 someone taking an initiative. The Torah Jews are starting to live south of the river food voucher. To find out more, please breakfasts were established when a few and so would love to see them at SLLS. email [email protected] July/August 2015 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

Spend your summer with LJY-Netzer

Two of the many highlights of last summer, as young Liberal Jews of all ages had fun in Britain, Europe and Israel with LJY-Netzer

DO YOU WANT to have the best summer Spend time in amazing places, be it When you’re in Year 12, become a of your life? Then join one of our LJY- 4Israel, Eastern Europe or the Kadimah 9globetrotter visiting enough countries Netzer events this July and August. Our swimming pool. to leave your head spinning. Go on a summers are always legendary with European tour around Bosnia, Croatia multiple options, covering everyone aged Make all your friends from home and Austria with your best friends from five to 25 and giving you the chance 5jealous: who else gets to cram so learning about their Jewish journeys to engage with Judaism in a positive and much fun into such a short time? While while discovering your own. life-affirming way. Here are 10 reasons they are sitting at home bored, you’ll be why we think you should spend the running around, singing your heart out When you’re in Year 13, become summer with LJY-Netzer – and if you and having water fights. 10a leader on Machaneh Kadimah agree just drop us a line using the contact summer camp and help start the cycle details at the bottom of this page: Do wacky things that you would never again for a new generation. Now is the 6get to do at home. Build a fort out of time to step up and inspire, educate and Make amazing friends that will stay cardboard, see how many grapes you can develop the expectant participants - who 1with you for your whole life. You may fit in your mouth, do yoga, make a tie dye are all like you were once. only see them once or twice a year, but T-shirt… even with two weeks at summer they will always be some of your best camp, you will wonder how we can fit that B’Shamayim Day Camp mates. much fun in. Date: TBC Age range: 5–11 Discover that there are young Liberal Begin an LJY-Netzer journey that 2Jews beyond your community - 7will keep you going until you’re 25. Machaneh Kadimah Summer Camp and they are just as fun as you are. You are not just there for one summer, Dates: August 11 – 24 Nottingham? Bristol? London? We’ve got you become part of a community that, Age range (participant): 8–15 young Liberal Jews from everywhere. like you, grows, changes and adapts. A Age range (leader): 18+ community that you shape and will shape Learn that being Jewish isn’t just you as you get older. Israel Tour 3about dusty books and cheder Dates: July 12 – August 5 classrooms. Learning about how to When you’re in Year 11, cash in your Age: 16 years old change the world? That’s Jewish. Helping 8barmitzvah/batmitzvah voucher, to end the stigma surrounding mental claim your £50 discount and have the Kayitz Netzer Europe Tour health? That’s Jewish too. There are so time of your life on Israel Tour. Enjoy a Dates: August 16 – 26 many things you do in your everyday life life-changing experience, exploring your Age: 17 years old that are Jewish and that’s cool. connection to the Jewish homeland.

Contact the LJY-Netzer team: Tom Francies ([email protected]), Tamara Silver ([email protected]) and Gabriel Webber ([email protected]); office telephone 020 7631 0584 Page 12 LJ Today July/August 2015

South London Liberal Synagogue (Streatham) Liberal Judaism congregations T: 020 8769 4787 E: [email protected] Bedfordshire Progressive Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Lincolnshire Jewish Community W: southlondon.org Synagogue Community T: 01427 628 958 T: 0845 869 7105 T: 0131 777 8024 E: [email protected] Southgate Progressive E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: lincolnshirejc.co.uk Synagogue W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk W: eljc.org T: 020 8886 0977 Manchester Liberal Jewish E: [email protected] Beit Klal Yisrael (Notting Hill) Finchley Progressive Synagogue Community W: sps.uk.com E: [email protected] T: 020 8446 4063 T: 0161 796 6210 W: bky.org.uk E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Stevenage Liberal Synagogue W: fps.org W: mljc.org.uk T: 01438 300 222 Bet Tikvah Synagogue E: [email protected] (Barkingside) Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Mosaic Liberal Synagogue W: stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk T: 020 8554 9682 Community (Harrow) E: [email protected] T: 01242 609 311 T: 020 8864 5323 Suffolk Liberal Jewish W: bettikvah.blogspot.co.uk E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Community (Ipswich) W: gljc.org.uk W: mosaicliberal.org.uk T:01473 250 797 Birmingham Progressive E: [email protected] Synagogue Herefordshire Jewish Northwood and Pinner Liberal T: 0121 634 3888 Community Synagogue Wessex Liberal Jewish E: [email protected] T: 01594 530 721 T: 01923 822 592 Community (Bournemouth) W: bpsjudaism.com E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 01202 757 590 W: herefordshirejc.org W: npls.org.uk E: [email protected] Brighton and Hove Progressive W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk Synagogue Kehillah North London Norwich Liberal Jewish T: 01273 737 223 T: 020 7403 3779 Community West Central Liberal Synagogue E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] (Central London) W: brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk W: nlpjc.org.uk W: norwichljc.org.uk T: 020 7636 7627 E: [email protected] Bristol and West Progressive Kent Liberal Jewish Community Nottingham Liberal Synagogue W: wcls.org.uk Jewish Congregation T: 07952 242 432 T: 0115 962 4761 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Woodford Liberal Synagogue W: bwpjc.org W: www.kljc.org.uk W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com T: 020 8989 7619 E: [email protected] Crouch End Chavurah Kingston Liberal Synagogue Peterborough Liberal Jewish W: woodfordliberal.org.uk E: [email protected] T: 020 8398 7400 Community W: crouchendchavurah.co.uk E: [email protected] T: 020 7631 9822 York Liberal Jewish Community W: klsonline.org E: [email protected] T: 07922 683 787 Crawley Jewish Community W: pljc.org.uk E: [email protected] T: 01293 534 294 Leicester Progressive Jewish W: jewsinyork.org.uk Congregation Reading Liberal Jewish Dublin Jewish Progressive T: 0116 271 5584 Community Developing communities and Congregation E: [email protected] T: 0118 942 8022 affiliated congregations E: [email protected] W: lpjc.org.uk E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@ W: djpcireland.com gmail.com Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam) The Liberal Jewish Synagogue W: www.readingljc.org.uk T: 00 31 23 524 7204 Ealing Liberal Synagogue (St John’s Wood) E: [email protected] T: 020 8997 0528 T: 020 7286 5181 Shenfield & Brentwood W: beithachidush.nl E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Synagogue W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk W: ljs.org T: 01277 888 610 Oxford Jewish Congregation E: [email protected] T: 01865 515 584 Eastbourne Liberal Jewish The Liberal Synagogue Elstree W: roshtikvah.com E: [email protected] Community T: 020 8953 8889 W: ojc-online.org T: 01323 725 650 E: [email protected] South Bucks Jewish Community E: [email protected] W: tlse.org.uk T: 0845 644 2370 W: eljc.org.uk E: [email protected] W: sbjc.org.uk

The Montagu Centre President Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein 21 Maple Street Chairman Lucian J Hudson Deputy Chair Simon Benscher 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 National Officers Dr Howard Cohen, David E: [email protected] Hockman, David Pelham 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 Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge Joan Shopper, Beverley Taylor and Clive Winston of modern Judaism. It reverences Jewish Chair of Rabbinic Conference Rabbi Charley Baginsky tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the past, while giving them contemporary force. Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Charity Number: 1151090 Outreach Director Rabbi Anna Gerrard Outreach Coordinator Abigail Jacobi Student & Young Adult Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan Education Rabbi Sandra Kviat Music Cantor Gershon Silins Interfaith lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein Rabbi Mark Solomon Operations Director Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer Archivist Alison Turner Send your news to [email protected] Director of Youth Becca Fetterman LJY-Netzer Tom Francies, Tamara Silver and Gabriel Webber

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