May/June 2015 VOL. XLII No. 3

Liberal is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism

www.liberaljudaism.org ljtoday Collaborate, contemplate, celebrate By Ed Herman

IBERAL from all across the country will gather in on LSunday June 7 for our movement’s biggest event of the year – the Day of Celebration 2015. Tickets are still available for this fascinating and unique conference, which will explore our relationship with . Whether you embrace Israel Miri Gold and Reut Michaeli are coming from Israel to speak at the LJ Day of Celebration wholeheartedly, or are grappling with her policies and your relationship to the prophets, food, dance and Israeli We are privileged that The Liberal Jewish State, the wide-ranging agenda liturgical music. See page 4 for more Jewish (LJS) in St John’s has something for everyone. information on this packed programme. Wood, Liberal Judaism’s oldest and Our keynote speaker is Rabbi Miri Gold, The day will close with a special largest community, will be hosting this the first non-Orthodox rabbi in Israel to ceremony, at which the coveted year’s Day of Celebration. The LJS is a have her salary paid by the government. Liberal Academy of Film and fully accessible building. We are also We will also welcome Awards (LAFTAs) will be awarded. This delighted to announce that Liberal Education Center’s Rabbi Ofek Meir, Reut project encourages children within our Judaism will be subsidising travel for Michaeli of the Hotline for Refugees and communities to produce a film of 2-3 those living outside the M25, see page 4 Migrants in Israel, a senior Israeli VIP and minutes envisioning life in Israel in all its for details on how to apply. and leaders from Liberal Judaism. varieties and diversities. The Day of Celebration guarantees The Day of Celebration offers a huge The Day of Celebration is truly inter- fascinating conversation and a range of workshops, delivered by generational. Our youth movement, celebration of what makes Liberal outstanding educators, Liberal rabbis LJY-Netzer, is closely connected to Israel Judaism unique – all in just one day, all and charities from both Israel and the through its ideology. Its amazing team of in great company and all for only £25 UK. Delegates will have a chance to take leaders will be running an event in which (children are £12, with family tickets for part in two workshops, and a lunchtime young people can experience Israel in two adults and up to four kids for £50). taster session, from a choice of 25. Topics a day - exploring the desert, kayaking 10,000 Liberal Jews. 40 Communities. 1 include the history of the State of Israel, the Jordan River, soaking up Tel Aviv’s Day. Will you be there? the Israeli political landscape, Hebrew culture and discovering what Judaism poetry, Israeli film, the Israel conflict in really means to them. Activities will • Book your Day of Celebration tickets the media and Jewish community, the be split, with school years 1-4 and 5-7 at www.tinyurl.com/LJDoC2015 - or by anti-Zionism of early Liberal Jews, the grouped together (older year groups will contacting Yael Shotts on 020 7631 9824 Liberal Jewish values of the Hebrew be able to attend the main conference). or [email protected]

LORD CAREY, the former archbishop of collapsed in the face of the reality of Canterbury, used a meeting at Liberal needless suffering”. Judaism’s head office to reveal why he Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi came to change his mind on assisted - pictured left with Lord dying. Speaking at the regular interfaith Carey and Rabbi Romain - said: “Lord Dignity in Dying group meeting, Carey was very moving and instructive convened by ’s Rabbi in reminding all of us that it is possible , he explained that – and sometimes right – to change ones “the old philosophical certainties have long-held and steadfast views.” Page 2 LJ Today News May/June 2015 Meet Liberal Judaism’s Mazel tov... new director of youth

• GABRIEL WEBBER, Abigail Jacobi and Miriam Steiner were named by The Jewish News as three of the people set to “define Anglo Jewry in the decades to come”. LJY-Netzer bogeret (graduate) Miriam was ranked at 13 in the newspaper’s ’25 under 25’ list, while Liberal Judaism outreach coordinator Abigail was placed 11th. The paper praised Abigail’s work at , especially in making the conference accessible for participants with learning difficulties and other special needs. LJY-Netzer movement worker BECCA FETTERMAN has joined Liberal Tell us a little about yourself - both Gabriel, pictured above, was named Judaism as the movement’s director of personally and professionally. as the seventh most important youth. Below, in an exclusive interview young Jew in Britain. Noting his with lj today, Becca talks about her My experiences in Progressive Jewish “uncompromising Liberal ” background, passion for working with youth movements inspired me in so many and rhetorical skills, the paper young people and hopes for the job: ways, not least in my career choice. I praised Gabriel for successfully studied youth and community work at fighting for both Yachad’s inclusion at Can you tell our members about the role university and have been a professional the Board of Deputies and the defeat of director of youth and what your job youth worker since 2000. I have worked of a motion to boycott Israel at the will involve? in a variety of settings, most recently University of Sussex. managing the targeted youth work team It is my job to support the movement for Buckinghamshire County Council. I workers in Liberal Judaism’s youth group also met my husband Andrew through LJY-Netzer to be able to do what they do being involved in youth movements and best: delivering innovative and inspiring we have two girls Noa and Tali. experiences. I will also be looking strategically at all the youth, student What are your hopes and goals for this and young adult provision within Liberal new job over the next year? Judaism and ensuring continuity and developments within that provision. I am really excited to be working somewhere that fits both my personal When did you first involved with Progressive Jewish values and my • JOYCE ROTHSCHILD, pictured Progressive Jewish youth movements? passion for empowering youth work. above, was honoured by The Jewish At the moment I am getting to know Chronicle as one of Britain’s Top 10 Before I was born! My parents met the LJY-Netzer team with the goal of Menches, thanks to a remarkable through YASGB, the forerunner to Reform using my professional experience and fund-raising drive for Macmillan Judaism’s youth movement RSY-Netzer. skills to support them in delivering their Cancer Support. The charity has My older brother and sister, and all my programs with all the same excitement, now received £100,000 from the cousins, went on camp, so I couldn’t wait fun, passion and professionalism that proceeds of an annual quiz Joyce to be old enough to attend. I attended my LJY-Netzer is known for. devised in gratitude for cancer- first RSY-Netzer event at the age of nine beating treatment she was given and absolutely loved it. The madrichim Finally how can young Liberal Jews and at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth (leaders) were, in my eyes, so cool and their parents get more involved? Hospital in her early 40s. so passionate about real things. I was Joyce, a member of Birmingham completely inspired and pretty much LJY-Netzer has a full program of events Progressive Synagogue, has been never missed an event from then on. I for Liberal youth of all ages, including the running the event for 18 years with took part in the Shnat Netzer gap year amazing Machaneh Kadimah summer teams and competitors coming from programme in Israel and then became a camp. See www.ljy-netzer.org or email all over Britain and abroad. movement worker. me on [email protected] May/June 2015 Communities LJ Today Page 3 and Pesach in pictures

Elstree Woodford South London

Bet Tikvah Crouch End York

Finchley Southgate Brighton & Hove

Norwich Birmingham

Manchester Northwood & Pinner Eastbourne

Stevenage Bedfordshire Gloucestershire Page 4 LJ Today Day of Celebration May/June 2015 Something for everyone ‘We must engage’

WHETHER you think about Israel every We will close the event with a special day, or not at all. Whether you fully ceremony, including a screening and support the Jewish State or are worried presentation of the coveted LAFTAs. This about the direction the Government is a project which encourages children is taking. Liberal Judaism’s Day of within our communities to engage with Celebration 2015 has something for you. the Day of Celebration (see page 10 for We guarantee fascinating conversation more details). The prize for the best and a celebration of what makes Liberal film, of a trophy and £50 for the winning Judaism unique – all in great company. religion school, will be awarded by our and Ilan Baron in Israel The programme looks like this: special guest Israeli VIP, who will also speak as part of the closing ceremony. By Rabbi Charley Baginsky 9:30–10:30 Arrival and registration For the first time ever, those in school 10:30–11:30 Welcome and keynote years 8 and above will be able to take MUCH COMMENT has been made in speech by Rabbi Miri Gold part in the main Day of Celebration. And the press and on social media about the 11:30–12:45 Workshop 1: choose one of there’s also an amazing LJY-Netzer consequences of the Israeli elections and 10 sessions on offer parallel event for younger children in everywhere you turn, whether in Israel or 12:45–13:45 Catch up with fellow Liberal school years 1-7, who can visit all of the British Jewish community, people are Jews over lunch or attend one of five Israel in just one day. talking about it. lunchtime taster sessions LJY-Netzer movement worker Tom During the election period, I spent a 13:45–15:00 Workshop 2: choose one of Francies said: “The Day of Celebration is week in Israel with Liberal Judaism chief 10 sessions on offer an amazing opportunity for young people executive Rabbi Danny Rich and Ilan 15:00–16:30 Closing speech, LAFTAs to explore their relationship with Israel, Baron, of Durham University. We met a screening and closing ceremony while having fun informal educational range of people – journalists, academics, sessions delivered by trained madrichim LJY-Netzer Shnatties and representatives We will be kicking off the day with our (leaders). There will be age appropriate from Bicom, Kumu, IMPJ and the World keynote speaker, Rabbi Miri Gold. Hear sessions, so that the participants will Union for Progressive Judaism. what Progressive Jewish life is like in her have the best experience possible.” It was an incredible trip, which left us community on Kibbutz Gezer in Israel, We are privileged to be holding our with as many questions as answers. A and learn from her experiences of the event at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue few things, however, are certain. battle for state funding for the salaries of (LJS), a fully accessible building. It is The first is that Liberal Judaism must non-Orthodox municipal rabbis. located at 28 St John’s Wood Road, continue to have a relationship with You will be spoiled for choice London, NW8 7HA. Israel. While the election results may afterwards – choosing from the 25 The nearest underground station have left many in the UK and Israel sessions on offer in two workshop slots is St John’s Wood on the Jubilee line. disillusioned and despairing, the voice of and optional lunchtime taster sessions. Marylebone station is also close and Progressive Judaism is needed more than Sessions on offer, delivered by serves many different lines. Buses run ever. We have the potential to develop outstanding Israel educators and Liberal from central London, Camden Town, a new model of relationship based in Jewish rabbis, include: Cricklewood and Golders Green and mutuality, learning, dialogue and debate include routes 13, 82, 46, 113, 139, 187, that is constructive and enriching. • An introduction to the history of the 189 and 274. There is limited parking on The second is that we need to develop a State of Israel. site. However, as it is a Sunday, street language that couches our Zionism in the • An overview of the Israeli political parking is permitted nearby. heart of our religious dialogue. For too landscape today. Liberal Judaism is also delighted long we have allowed religious Zionism • Hebrew poetry and Israeli film. to be able to subsidise travel for all to remain the realm of people whose • Dr Keith Kahn-Harris on how the congregations based outside the M25 - religious values do not mirror our own. Israel conflict is discussed in the Jewish providing up to 50% of the cost of hiring We need a confident articulation of our community. a coach or minibus for a group of 12 or belief in the right for a Jewish state to • The anti-Zionism of Rabbi Dr Israel more travelling together. Congregations exist while acknowledging that others too Mattuck and other early Liberal Jews. that are able to share transportation have the same right to freedom. • Rabbi Alexandra Wright on how the will be given preference. To get the full Lastly, engagement is key. We must Liberal Jewish values of the Hebrew guidelines and apply, please contact Yael develop programmes and experiences prophets inspire her to engage with the Shotts on [email protected] that not only allow our communities to be policies of the State of Israel and the Don’t miss out on a great day of in Israel, but also create opportunities for work of Rabbis for Human Rights. learning, discussion and celebration. Israelis to experience the richness and • Exploring the inspiring work of Israeli Register your place today by visiting pluralism of Diaspora Liberal Jewish life. charities, such as the Hotline for www.tinyurl.com/LJDoC2015 The Liberal Judaism Day of Celebration Refugees and Migrants in Israel. is an incredible way to discuss these • Exploring the work of UK based CONGRATULATIONS to Liberal issues, challenge your assumptions and charities working in Israel, such as the Judaism president Rabbi Dr Andrew learn more. Come and be part of creating UK Task Force. Goldstein, who was elected as a vice a new Diaspora/Israel relationship that • Student Cantor Grabiner, who president of the European Union for has at its heart a Liberal Jewish ethic. will have just returned from a year in Progressive Judaism at the EUPJ Israel, will teach some of the inspiring Annual Assembly. Rabbi Charley Baginsky is chair of the new Israeli liturgical music. Day of Celebration organising committee May/June 2015 Day of Celebration LJ Today Page 5 My Liberal history with Israel Growing up I had no family in Israel When the war ended so quickly... we Rabbi Dr Andrew and I don’t believe it played any part in really did believe it a miracle. On day Goldstein looks my religion school education, nor in my seven, our elderly German lecturer early experiences of a Liberal Jewish said: “Now we must give this territory at the evolving youth movement. I was five at the time of back.” We young gung-ho students relationship our the Declaration of Independence, but can thought she was mad. But would history movement has recall no celebrations. be different if Israel had done so? I sat my 11 plus exam as a stranger in While some students did go off to Israel with Israel a distant grammar school and it was a to help out, I stayed at home, continued frightening experience. Halfway through studying, got ordained and finally the first exam, a master, learning my travelled to Israel in 1972. IN THE last edition, I wrote about Israel name, said: “Your people killed my But Liberal Judaism was changing Abrahams. I was pleased to receive brother.” I had no idea what he was and this was largely due to Rabbi Sidney emails, including from family members, talking about. Fortunately I passed and Brichto, who had brought with him from offering more information. It shows that got into the school and later learned that America a more positive attitude to a wide range of people read lj today and his brother was a British policeman killed Zionism. He connected Liberal Judaism has encouraged me to further investigate while serving in Palestine in 1947. with Israel-centred organisations. this Orthodox scholar, who contributed I wonder if being Jewish in Now our feelings about the present much to the establishment of Liberal during the years of struggle, in the late State of Israel, our reactions to daily Judaism in this country. 1930s to the end of the Mandate in 1948, events and how they are portrayed in Now let me take this month’s musings was as difficult as it can be today. I have the media, are a constant concern and from his name... Israel, a name he shared seen newsreel pictures and newspaper challenge to us. An excellent opportunity with another of our founders – Rabbi headlines highlighting “Jewish terrorists” to help resolve some such problems Dr Israel Mattuck. Initially Abrahams, killing British servicemen. comes with the Liberal Judaism Day of like Mattuck and fellow Liberal Judaism I went to university and faced no anti- Celebration on Sunday June 7. Do try to founder , had negative Jewish or anti-Zionist comments, even be there: as well as learning more, it will feelings about Zionism. He later modified though it was known I was going on to be a sign of your commitment to Liberal his position (unlike the other two). He rabbinic college. Indeed, in those days, Judaism and to the State of Israel. was a supporter of the Hebrew University many non-Jewish students saw it as a in and led a campaign to teach rite of passage to go and spend time on a Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein is president of modern spoken Hebrew. kibbutz. I then went to Liberal Judaism But what about my feelings? I suspect where the requirement was to know the like many a Liberal Jew, and many an intricacies of Biblical Hebrew grammar, HONORARY ARCHIVIST for Liberal Anglo Jew, I was not really interested in rather than to be able to speak modern Judaism Bryan Diamond has written the State of Israel until the Six Day war Hebrew or even to have visited Israel. to provide more details on Israel in 1967. Another Israel, Chief Rabbi of All this changed in the days leading up Abrahams. The portrait reproduced the United Synagogue Israel Brodie, was to the Six Day War. There was a very real in the last issue is a truncated copy inducted in the month of the Declaration fear that the surroundings Arab states of the only known one, a pastel of Independence of the new State, but would achieve their stated aim - to drive drawing by Cohen hung outside didn’t mention it in his induction sermon. Israel into the sea. The Liberal Jewish Synagogue’s The next year he did introduce a prayer Some of my fellow students sought to Library. Readers for the State of Israel into the United go immediately to Israel to help defend can find more details about his life in Synagogue services, but did not include the country. We less committed, but no Herbert Loewe’s Biographical Sketch the phrase “reishit tzemichat geulateinu less worried, gave blood and collected (1944, pp vi & 159), the ODNB entry - the beginning of the flowering of blankets. Those still around came to (2010) online and an article by Loewe our redemption”. Perhaps he saw the College and I recall at least one lecturer in The American Jewish Year Book establishment of the State in a pragmatic saying: “When Jews are in peril we must for 1926, pp 219-234 and online. light, not as a religious event. redouble our efforts at prayer and study.” Liberal Judaism joins prestigious film project

LIBERAL JUDAISM is proud to be part of Coventry University and the University of “I hope many LGBTQI Jews and allies Ritual Reconstructed - a collaborative Portsmouth. Funding has been awarded will join us, as we have some really project which involves working with by the Arts and Humanities Research exciting activities lined up.” London-based Jewish lesbian, gay, Council (AHRC). Ritual Reconstructed are interested bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex Twilight People and Rainbow Jews in finding out how being LGBTQI has (LGBTQI) communities to explore faith project manager Surat Shaan Knan said: influenced, shaped or changed Jewish rituals which combine both Jewish and “This project explores how LGBTQI Jews faith rituals and how our Jewish selves LGBTQI identities. today feel about their community, how have influenced LGBTQI rituals. Anyone The project is a collaboration between we express our intersecting identities, who is over 18 and identifies as Jewish Liberal Judaism/Rainbow Jews, and how we can work towards greater and LGBTQI or an ally can get involved by Buckinghamshire New University, equality and inclusion. emailing [email protected] Page 6 LJ Today Social Action May/June 2015 Standing up for those seeking sanctuary

Liberal Jews and Citizens UK campaigners celebrated a victory as Yvette Cooper announced plans to end the indefinite detention of migrants

MEMBERS OF LIBERAL JUDAISM were Labour, Liberal Democrat and Judaism officer with responsibility among 600 people taking part in the Conservative politicians at the event also for social justice – said: “I stood with Citizens UK Spring Sanctuary Assembly pledged to do more on Syrian refugee four communities united by a common at the University of Birmingham. resettlement. Liberal Judaism has played heritage – Jewish, Bengali, Congolese Speakers at the conference included a leading role in the campaign to make and Syrian. Each has sought sanctuary Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper sure 1,500 of the most vulnerable Syrian on these shores. We arrived in 1890 and MP, Liberal Judaism chief executive refugees are able to be resettled in the 2015. We arrived by boat, by train and by Rabbi Danny Rich, the leaders of UK this year. Calling on local authorities plane, all journeying to a new home in Birmingham City and Kingston Borough to resettle 50 Syrian refugees each, under search of safety, equality and opportunity. Councils and representatives from the the government’s Vulnerable Persons “We came together under the umbrella United Nations and many faiths. Relocation Scheme, Liberal Jewish of Citizens UK, to recognise Britain’s An immediate success saw Ms Cooper communities have been at the forefront proud legacy of providing sanctuary. We announce that, should they win the of successful actions in Kingston, came together – a rainbow of faiths and General Election, the Labour Party will Redbridge, Birmingham and Brixton. cultures – to demand the continuing ban the indefinite detention of asylum Writing in The Jewish News after commitment to providing dignity and and immigration applicants. the event, Amelia Viney - the Liberal shelter to the world’s most vulnerable.” LJ chair tells PM ‘diversity is our strength’

LUCIAN J HUDSON, chairman of Liberal Lucian said: “The real strength He also praised the Prime Minister’s Judaism, joined a delegation of leaders of Citizens UK’s work with faith work in setting up from community group Citizens UK communities is that the organisation Commission to identify the best ways to (pictured above) to hold talks with Prime engages not solely with the aim of commemorate and educate about the Minister Cameron at 10 Downing interfaith dialogue, but to drive social events of 70 years ago. In an exchange Street in February. action. Over time, diverse groups that of letters after the meeting, Mr Cameron Lucian was a member of a two-dozen might not otherwise ever encounter wrote: “I am pleased that, as a result strong delegation, which met with the one another begin to identify shared of the Commission’s work, Britain will Prime Minister to discuss a range of values and beliefs. This in turn becomes have a National Memorial, a world class issues of concern from the Living Wage to a source of strength and a means of learning centre and an endowment fund resettlement of refugees. enhancing social cohesion.” to secure Holocaust education forever.” May/June 2015 Social Action LJ Today Page 7 Breaking the cycle of poverty at home and abroad

By Rabbi Alexandra Wright

HERE IS THE THING about child poverty: you can’t see it. It’s hidden behind the pride of a parent who goes without a meal in order to feed their children; inside the mouth of a one year old whose teeth aren’t through yet because he’s not getting enough to eat and is on the lowest centile of growth for a child his age. It is out of sight within the four walls of a one-room hostel where two parents and four children live together with one space acting as kitchen, bedroom and living area, the bathroom down the corridor. Perhaps it is hard to believe child poverty exists here in Britain. But 3.5 million children are living in poverty today. More than one child in every four does not receive adequate nutrition; they may be homeless, living in inappropriate accommodation or in hostels. These hidden children are growing up unable to be integrated into society because their parents or EARLIER THIS YEAR, Northwood and Adam told lj today: “Partnership is parent do not earn the living wage, Pinner Liberal Synagogue (NPLS) hosted a value expressed by Tzedek’s work wages are stagnating and the cost of the ‘Ghana Through a Jewish Lens’ in Ghana. taught that living is too high. Child poverty is not photo exhibition by Tzedek, the Jewish the highest form of charity is to take inevitably the result of having parents community’s response to extreme someone into partnership, give them a who are out of work, dependent on poverty overseas. loan and a way to sustain themselves. drugs or alcohol or where family ‘Ghana Through a Jewish Lens’ tells Funds raised for Tzedek go to breaking breakdown or poor parenting has the story of life in Tamale, northern the cycle of poverty through investment occurred. In the UK, 66% of children Ghana, through photos taken by a in people, helping them help themselves growing up in poverty live in families student intern last summer – two of through education, training and micro where at least one parent works. which are reproduced here. The photos finance. The British Jewish community include school children striving for an raised 1,500 people out of poverty last education and elderly people battling for year, by investing in local projects. recognition, as well as showing the daily chores of rural women’s lives. The photo exhibition reflects the impact of the British Jewish community’s investment in the people of northern Ghana. Alongside the exhibition, Tzedek’s education programme manager Adam That is why, at the Houses of Francies visited and taught at NPLS. Parliament in January, 60 rabbis This was all part of a wider partnership from all branches of Judaism between Tzedek and the Jewish launched Tzelem, a rabbinic call community. for social and economic justice to Adam – a former LJY-Netzer address some of the most critical movement worker and current member social justice issues in the UK. of NPLS – gave a D’var Torah on the “It has been such a positive step to find Tzelem will ally itself with the Child importance of partnership in leadership. so many ways to engage with NPLS, and Poverty Action Group to campaign He went on to run a family workshop, Tzedek is now looking to raise awareness for an end to child poverty. Freedom where parents and children as young and inspire involvement with other from poverty is a human right which as 11 years old learnt together about Liberal Jewish communities.” we must all combat so that children life in sub-Saharan Africa. During the can grow up in dignity. workshop, discussions ranged from • Tzedek can come to your community education to nutrition; from healthcare to run an educational workshop or photo Alexandra Wright is senior rabbi at to mobile phones. One girl said “She’s exhibition. If this is something you would The Liberal Jewish Synagogue so old! I didn’t know they lived so long,” be interested in, call 020 3603 8120 or referring to the photo of Abibata (above). email [email protected] Page 8 LJ Today Obituary May/June 2015 A tribute to Jeremy Communities Two friends remember a well-respected man, who • IT IS one of the most hotly contested, and fun, events in the made a tremendous contribution to Liberal Judaism Liberal Judaism calendar and entries are now open for the 2015 Annual By Rabbi Richard Jacobi By Rosita Rosenberg Inter-Synagogue Quiz. Communities, groups and individuals are all invited BY THE POET Philip Bailey’s reckoning IF WE WERE to draw up a specification for to take part at The Liberal Jewish of ‘deeds, not years’, Jeremy Jessel the ideal volunteer or lay leader in Liberal Synagogue (LJS), St John’s Wood exceeded the idyllic Jewish life-span Judaism, it would include the following Road, London, on Sunday May 17. of meah v’esrim, 120 years in his adjectives: dedicated, knowledgeable, Tea will be available on arrival from chronological 69. He filled each hour with multi-talented, hardworking, modest, 3pm. The quiz will start at 3.30pm meaning, achievement and service. courteous, friendly, enthusiastic and and is expected to finish around 6pm. Jeremy’s life of deeds began in January inclusive. The bonus would be a well- Each community can enter one 1946, when he joined his older sister honed background in our movement. I team of no more than eight people. Leonie and completed the family of his think, indeed I know, that this is a perfect Smaller groups can be put together. parents Dr Ralph and Evelyn Jessel, living description of Jeremy Jessel. For more information, and to at that time in Ealing. Reviewing her diary Jeremy was brought up in a committed confirm your attendance, please from 1952, Leonie noted how often she – Liberal Jewish family. Indeed, his father email Judith Diamond on [email protected] at 15 to Jeremy’s six – looked after him. Ralph was chairman of Liberal Judaism, It was never a chore - he was funny, lively then known as the Union of Liberal and • THE MEMBERS of Manchester and enquiring. Progressive (ULPS). Liberal Jewish Community (MLJC) Jeremy was my babysitter and my Having served his own congregation are set for a double celebration on father Harry conducted his wedding to of Southgate Progressive Synagogue Sunday May 31 - the congregation’s Sue in Brighton in 1971. so well, including as 10th anniversary AND the induction His family all report chairman, Jeremy went of Cantor Gershon Sllins. Liberal that Jeremy was a on to become an officer Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny ‘hands-on’ dad to sons of ULPS, including a Rich will be in attendance, along with Tim and Dan. He did the term as vice chairman local dignitaries and representatives night feeds, often to the in the early 2000s. If you from other Liberal communities. accompaniment of Dr wanted something done MLJC was started by a small Hook’s Love You a Little well, without a fuss, you group of people coming together – Bit More, and never shied went to Jeremy. And including James Eisen, Nick Davis away from a dirty nappy. he certainly always did and James Shirrer Bromfield – and When Jeremy was it well, whether it was developed into a community thanks made redundant from his overseeing a project, to the tireless efforts of its first second major employer, serving on a committee, rabbi, Goldstein. The small he decided that a printing organising and advising congregation now enjoy regular business was the way on printing, giving advice monthly services, festivals and forward – and he and Sue formed JJ or simply shlapping something at a celebrations at the Unitarian Cross Copyprint. Three premise moves, three Biennial Weekend. Street Chapel. recessions and 34 years later, Jeremy Jeremy gave his opinions at meetings, For more information, or to attend was still meticulously proof-reading jobs after well-balanced thought, and always the anniversary service, please from his hospital bed the day before he listened to and considered other people’s contact [email protected] died. Their product reached the Falkland views. He never looked for thanks – I Islands during the 1982 war and has sat believe he felt his reward was the • YORK LIBERAL JEWISH in royal hands, as well as yours and mine. pleasure he got from the task. COMMUNITY hosted a very special It says a lot about their union that We will all have our own memories interfaith service last month, with Sue and Jeremy could live and work of Jeremy – here is mine. It was 20 150 people packing out York’s Quaker together for so many hours of the day years ago, in April 1995 at the ULPS House on a Friday night. A mix and get stronger as a couple year by year. Biennial Conference in Bournemouth, of members from local Anglican, Perhaps the secret of their success was and Jeremy was heading up the launch Bahá’í, Catholic, Jewish, Methodist the diversity of their interests, sometimes session for the prayer book Lev and Quaker communities all joined on their own, but often still in tandem. . There he was on the platform, together to welcome . Both Jeremy and Sue were committed a huge grin on his face, wearing a T-shirt Explanatory commentary was to Southgate Progressive Synagogue. advertising the Siddur and surrounded provided by Rabbi Jackie Tabick, Jeremy taught at religion school, oversaw by most professional posters about it. He president of the World Congress the building of the current synagogue had obviously designed and printed the of Faiths, with the service led by and served on the council for so many T-shirt and posters himself. I am not sure her husband Rabbi Larry Tabick, of years that Sue had to get the constitution how much other work had been done that Hampstead Reform Synagogue. changed so that he would take a break. week at JJ Copyprint, but the pleasure Those who attended the service Our opportunity, our ambitious that Jeremy took in working for the commented on the warm sense of challenge, is to continue where Jeremy movement he loved was so very evident. fellowship and a depth of tradition left off, and so make the memory of this All of us who knew Jeremy will and spirituality that spoke to all. righteous man a blessing. certainly never forget him. May/June 2015 News LJ Today Page 9 End of an era as three leave Liberal Judaism

SELINA O’DWYER worked for Liberal CHRIS WALTERS served at Liberal ALEXANDRA BEN-YEHUDA Judaism for 11 years, bringing her Judaism for 13 years as caretaker and managed Liberal Judaism’s PR and fabulous personality to our movement’s receptionist. He was often the first person communications for almost 10 years. She head office in several different roles. people met when visiting our head office significantly increased the coverage our Selina finished her career at Liberal – becoming the face of Liberal Judaism movement receives in the local, national Judaism as the person responsible for for those both within and outside of and Jewish press. Alex always ensured both our burials and our youth! She is our movement. He also made sure that our unique voice was heard in debates now modelling for fashion magazines and everything in the building ran smoothly. about religion, equality and social justice. auditioning for work in theatre. Chris has left to care for his mother. She is now a freelance copywriter. Honouring the memory of the victims Rabbi Pete Tobias on why a single day is not enough to remember the Holocaust

THE ANNUAL observance of Yom From the moment of the liberation of ancestors feared the east wind that might Ha’Shoah, which this year fell on April Auschwitz, the whole of humanity was blight their crops. It also recalls a plague 16, raises for me the perennial question forced to recognise the reality of its own that claimed the lives of many of Rabbi of how we might best commemorate the potential for evil. It’s as much about the Akiva’s students and remembers Jewish victims of the Nazi atrocities. perpetrators as it is about the victims. victims of the Crusades. Yom Ha’Shoah was introduced by the So neither day seems to offer an In my synagogue, at every service Israeli government in 1951 as an annual opportunity to recall the tragic plight of that takes place during this seven-week day of memorial for the suffering of the individual Jews whose lives were initially period, the day of the Omer is announced Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe. Israel’s disrupted, then dismantled and finally and followed by a memorial prayer and then leaders wanted the message of destroyed, without their being able to a period of silence, in which members “never again” to be heard loud and clear rebel, protest or even understand what of the congregation try to ponder the from the fledgling state, so they chose was happening. horrific suffering of ordinary Jews like the anniversary of the 1943 uprising in There are other days in the Jewish themselves and then devote a to the Warsaw Ghetto – Nisan 27. calendar which also provide space for those for whom, perhaps, no Kaddish has More recently introduced into our reflection upon the tragedies that have ever been said. annual calendar is National Holocaust befallen the Jewish people, including the In the end, of course, it is impossible Memorial Day. The liberation of Holocaust. Tishah b’Av, for example, or even to imagine the terror and the Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, seems the martyrology section of the pain experienced by the victims of the perhaps a more solid basis for a Musaf service. Holocaust. But by spreading the attempt Holocaust memorial. It was in the bleak, But can such a tragedy be recalled in a to remember across a seven-week period helpless misery of Auschwitz that the single day’s observance, no matter which rather than trying to condense it into a true horror of the Final Solution unfolded, day is chosen? single day, perhaps a greater level of rather than in the bleak but tragically Jewish tradition offers another period dignity and memorial might be achieved. heroic misery of the Warsaw Ghetto. of sadness. The seven weeks of the Omer, But this day detracts too from the task between Pesach and , recall a Pete Tobias is rabbi at The Liberal of recalling the victims. time of uncertainty when our agricultural Synagogue Elstree

DO YOU or members of your family live Pam would also be interested in any Isidor Mattuck: Architect of Liberal in Golders Green? Did you or they do so relevant photographs and other archive Judaism, published in 2014, have both in the past? If so, Pam Fox would love material you might have. been well received in Jewish circles. to hear from you. Your experiences and Pam’s previous Jewish history books, Her forthcoming book should appeal to knowledge would be a great help to her A Place to Call My Jewish Home, the a much wider audience. as she works on her new book, A Social story of 100 years of The Liberal Jewish You can contact Pam by emailing her History of Jews of Golders Green. Synagogue published in 2011, and Israel at [email protected] Page 10 LJ Today Outreach May/June 2015 Outreach Team Bulletin Board

OUR TWO most recent Sunday who are either bereaved or dying; it was PROGRESSIVE JEWS have the chance Seminars, on the topics of Israel and an especially affecting and practical to visit Israel for FREE as part of dealing with grief, were well attended. day of learning and discussion. With UJIA Birthright in partnership with The Israel seminar, pictured below, the guidance of Kim Leech, from Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism. was led by Liberal Judaism’s student Cruse Bereavement Care and Rabbi The Birthright trip is open to any and young adult chaplain Rabbi Alexandra Wright and Irene Bard, Progressive Jew aged 20-26, who Jordan, with sessions led by UJIA as well as others from The Liberal has not already been on an organised educator Robin Moss and Yachad youth Jewish Synagogue’s Bereavement educational visit to Israel. It will take and student outreach worker Support Team, we explored modern place from August 15-25. The trip will Daniels. Material from Israel charities models of grief and the skills needs to include the chance to explore ancient New Israel Fund and Just Vision were communicate with bereaved people, sites and modern cities and encounter used in a though-provoking day. as well as how to offer quiet, spiritual Israel’s diverse population. Email Rabbi Sandra Kviat coordinated the support and how practically to build [email protected] today for Sunday Seminar on how we address teams to help bereaved members in details on how to start a journey that and care for those in our communities the first year following a death. you will never forget.

FOLLOWING the success of the recent children around the country ALL OVER the country, Jewish Midlands Regional Shabbaton, we’ve are in production mode, as they children woke up in March to find a headed straight in to the planning prepare their entries for this year’s package on their doorstep containing phase for our next localised event. Liberal Academy of Film and Torah a beautiful book from the PJ Library. The South West Regional Shabbaton Awards (LAFTAs). Each community is The award-winning books celebrate will take place on Saturday November tasked with producing a three-minute , values and traditions 28 in Swindon, a location central film on a theme – this year it is ‘A Day through a wide range of stories and to a number of our communities in the Life of Israel’ – with the winner beautiful illustrations. The Outreach including Bristol & West, Reading, announced at the Day of Celebration Team is excited to support this project Gloucestershire, Wessex and Oxford. on Sunday June 7. Two years ago we and ensure that our members enjoy These events are a wonderful chance enjoyed robot rabbis, alien conversion the benefits. So if you have a child for communities to meet, learn and and Jewtube sermons when the young aged between six months and eight network, as well as for members people looked to the ‘Future of Liberal years old, sign them up at to come together in between our Judaism’. Only time can tell what they www.pjlibrary.org.uk to receive a free movement’s national conferences. will have in store for us this year… Jewish picture book every month. May/June 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 Putting a spring in our step

MACHANEH AVIV 5775 may now be over, Day three included football, a reading Then it was time to wake up, enjoy an but the memories of an amazing LJY- group and a whole camp service, before inspiring closing ceremony and board Netzer spring camp will remain for a very age group sessions covering everything coaches back to our communities. long time to come. from feminist poetry to boycotts and The good news is that LJY-Netzer’s The excitement levels were already ethical consumerism. Machaneh Kadimah summer camp is high on arrival, as the members of LJY- Day four saw everyone join together for just around the corner. Our biggest event Netzer spent time catching up with old an uprising including water balloons for of the year, Kadimah brings together friends and getting to know new ones those who were brave enough to confront hundreds of young Liberal Jews between after a brilliant opening extravaganza. their enemies, or rather their leaders. eight and 15 years old from around the This was followed up with interesting The penultimate day started with an UK for two weeks of magical, creative, learning and fun games. Splitting into April Fools’ joke, with all the children fun and engaging activities. year groups, there was everything from told that it was LJY-Netzer’s birthday and This year Machaneh Kadimah will take discussions on Earth Hour and Liberal a big party organised. The year groups place from August 11-24 at Sandroyd Jewish ideology to a battle against a again had their own activities. Ananim School near Sailsbury. Find out more and zombie apocalypse. (school years 3-4) experienced what it is book your place at www.ljy-netzer.org The second day of Aviv was just as busy, like to live on a kibbutz, while the yamim with both whole camp and age group (school years 9-10) followed a morning sessions. While our plagim (school years swim with an educational session on 5-6) were given 15 minutes to save the Judaism and prayer. After a final dinner world, the nechalim (school years 7-8) and a murder mystery, everyone enjoyed got to make their own merchandise. The the traditional ‘Last Night Show’, day ended with songs, a campfire and hot featuring a talent show and dancing until chocolate for all. dawn (well somewhere between 8-10pm).

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 May/June 2015

South London Liberal Synagogue (Streatham) Liberal Judaism congregations T: 020 8769 4787 E: [email protected] Bedfordshire Progressive Edinburgh Liberal Jewish The Liberal Synagogue Elstree W: southlondon.org Synagogue Community T: 020 8953 8889 T: 0845 869 7105 T: 0131 777 8024 E: [email protected] Southgate Progressive E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: tlse.org.uk Synagogue W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk W: eljc.org T: 020 8886 0977 Lincolnshire Jewish Community E: [email protected] Beit Klal Yisrael (Notting Hill) Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 01427 628 958 W: sps.uk.com E: [email protected] T: 020 8446 4063 E: [email protected] W: bky.org.uk E: [email protected] W: lincolnshirejc.co.uk Stevenage Liberal Synagogue W: fps.org T: 01438 300 222 Bet Tikvah Synagogue Manchester Liberal Jewish E: [email protected] (Barkingside) Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community W: stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk T: 020 8554 9682 Community T: 0161 796 6210 E: [email protected] T: 01242 609 311 E: [email protected] Suffolk Liberal Jewish W: bettikvah.blogspot.co.uk E: [email protected] W: mljc.org.uk Community (Ipswich) W: gljc.org.uk T:01473 250 797 Birmingham Progressive Northwood and Pinner Liberal E: [email protected] Synagogue Harrow and Wembley Synagogue T: 0121 634 3888 Progressive Synagogue T: 01923 822 592 Wessex Liberal Jewish E: [email protected] T: 020 8864 5323 E: [email protected] Community (Bournemouth) W: bpsjudaism.com E: [email protected] W: npls.org.uk T: 01202 757 590 W: hwps.org E: [email protected] Brighton and Hove Progressive Norwich Liberal Jewish W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk Synagogue Herefordshire Jewish Community T: 01273 737 223 Community E: [email protected] West Central Liberal Synagogue E: [email protected] T: 01594 530 721 W: norwichljc.org.uk (Central London) W: brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk E: [email protected] T: 020 7636 7627 W: herefordshirejc.org Nottingham Liberal Synagogue E: [email protected] Bristol and West Progressive T: 0115 962 4761 W: wcls.org.uk Jewish Congregation Kehillah North London E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 020 7403 3779 W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com Woodford Liberal Synagogue W: bwpjc.org E: [email protected] T: 020 8989 7619 W: nlpjc.org.uk Peterborough Liberal Jewish E: [email protected] Crouch End Community W: woodfordliberal.org.uk E: [email protected] Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 020 7631 9822 W: crouchendchavurah.co.uk T: 07952 242432 E: [email protected] Developing communities and E: [email protected] W: pljc.org.uk affiliated congregations Crawley Jewish Community W: tinyurl.com/kentljc T: 01293 534 294 Reading Liberal Jewish Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam) Kingston Liberal Synagogue Community T: 00 31 23 524 7204 Dublin Jewish Progressive T: 020 8398 7400 T: 0118 942 8022 E: [email protected] Congregation E: [email protected] E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@ W: beithachidush.nl E: [email protected] W: klsonline.org gmail.com W: djpcireland.com W: www.readingljc.org.uk Oxford Jewish Congregation Leicester Progressive Jewish T: 01865 515 584 Ealing Liberal Synagogue Congregation Shenfield & Brentwood E: [email protected] T: 020 8997 0528 T: 0116 271 5584 Synagogue W: ojc-online.org E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 01277 888 610 W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk W: lpjc.org.uk E: [email protected] York Liberal Jewish Community W: roshtikvah.com T: 07922 683 787 Eastbourne Liberal Jewish The Liberal Jewish Synagogue E: [email protected] Community (St John’s Wood) South Bucks Jewish Community W: jewsinyork.org.uk T: 01323 725 650 T: 020 7286 5181 T: 0845 644 2370 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: eljc.org.uk W: ljs.org 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 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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