Newsletter autumn 2015

Mishpachah The LJRC Newsletter

September 2015

Faith leaders unite for Shalom Declara*on ceremony Photos by John Fisher

Above: Pastor Kemi Ilori, Steven Jaffe and Simon Jackson LeX: Chris*an and Jewish celebrants at the Shalom Declara*on ceremony

Leeds Chris*an faith leaders came out in force to show their support for Israel in a moving ceremony recently held at the Etz Chaim Synagogue.

The document has also been signed by hundreds of churches, ministries, prayer groups and by individual Chris*ans throughout the country, and will be presented to poli*cal and spiritual leaders across the UK.

The event, the brainchild of Steven Jaffe of the Board of Depu*es and hosted by the LJRC, follows a launch held earlier in the year at which church leaders, such as Bishop Tony Parry and Pastor Kemi Ilori, signed the Shalom Declara*on.

At the Leeds handover ceremony, Pastor Ilori spoke of a recent visit to Israel by Leeds TEAM -­‐ an associa*on of over 20 churches and ministries which he heads. He said that they had witnessed first-­‐hand the country's "democra*c poli*cal system, its academic and cultural crea*vity and its remarkable contribu*on to humanity in terms of science and technology".

The Declara*on calls upon our spiritual and poli*cal leaders to combat an*-­‐Semi*sm and extremism and promotes peace and co-­‐ opera*on between those of all faiths. Backed by the Chris*an Friends of Israel, it also praises Israel as a democra*c state in which freedom of worship is available to all ci*zens.

The gathering coincided with the fes*val of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, and guests were given an explana*on of the fes*val by Rabbi Gilbert before moving to the sukkah to enjoy refreshments..

During the ceremony, copies of the Declara*on were presented by Pastor Ilori to LJRC president, Simon Jackson, who warmly praised the ini*a*ve and spoke about the importance of interfaith and cross-­‐communal rela*ons.

1

Search to find new home for historic books The LJRC is in discussions with the Central Library in Leeds to try and find a new home for one of the largest and most regionally significant collec*ons of Jewish literature.

The Porton Collec*on of Judaica – known locally as the Joseph Porton Library -­‐ consists of around 3,500 books covering all aspects of Jewish religion and culture, including theological works, religious texts, Jewish and Anglo-­‐Jewish history, biography, Jewish Year Books, Jewish Chronicle and Jewish Gaze\e. Rare books, pamphlets and parts of journals, largely in Hebrew and Yiddish from the 19th century, also feature.

Originally known as the library of Rabbi Moses Abrahams, it was added to by Joseph Porton, whose son Leslie presented the collec*on to Leeds City Council in 1938.

The literature is currently housed within the Central Library in Leeds but needs to be moved from its temporary loca*on to a more suitable venue where it can best benefit the city.

Local MPs go head to head to get winning vote They say that a week is a long *me in poli*cs and the transforma*on which the poli*cal landscape has undergone since May’s general elec*on bears out the truth of this aphorism.

One reason oXen cited for a lack of poli*cal engagement is that people simply don’t know what the par*es really stand for. Prior to the elec*on, members of the LJRC met with 21 prospec*ve and exis*ng MPs from across the regional wards as well as a\ending 6 separate hus*ngs.

Following the mee*ngs, the LJRC compiled a report summarising key points, which was then distributed throughout the community.

Addi*onally, community members were offered the opportunity to put their own ques*ons to candidates at a hus*ngs mee*ng jointly hosted by the LJRC and BHH Synagogue, a\rac*ng an audience in excess of 150 people.

Following the announcement of the results, the LJRC wrote le\ers of congratula*ons to each of the local MPs. Post-­‐elec*on the LJRC has met, and will con*nue to meet with, our elected representa*ves, most notably the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP and put forward the case for areas of pressing concern for our community: the protec*on of Brit Milah and Shechita; support for our schools; Holocaust educa*on and a balanced debate on the Middle East.

2

Sikh and Jew will find…

… that we have more in common than we ever realised!

The LJRC has worked in partnership with both the Chapeltown Gurdwara and Bradford’s Kala Sangam to devise a programme of events designed to build links between the Jewish and Sikh communi*es.

In the hugely successful first event, which took place at the UHC Synagogue on 30th September guests were greeted by Sue and Mike Dorsey who, with the help of Jonathan Rose, delivered a fascina*ng introduc*on to both the synagogue building and the Jewish faith. Following the talk, guests enjoyed refreshments in the Succah and an explana*on of the fes*val of Succot.

Balraj Singh Gill, Paul Berwin and Prem Singh Duggal

A return visit took place at the Sikh Temple in Chapeltown on 7th October, when a mixed group were treated to an absorbing ini*a*on to Sikhism by Blraaj Singh Gill, the Temple President. Delighted guests were then treated to a kirtan performance by a youth group, followed by a visit to the Langar, the communal kitchen, in which refreshments were served to guests and an explana*on of the Sikh principle behind it was discussed.

On October 12th, guests were given an expert demonstra*on on the making of chapa*s, paneer, vegetable curry and seviyan kheer, a sweet milk p u d d i n g m a d e with vermicelli.

All those who had an*cipated Ann Dewar, Prem Singh Duggal and Josh Dewar a n e v e n i n g w a t c h i n g someone else doing all of the hard work were in for a surprise however, as everyone was encouraged to join in the chapa*-­‐making.

Addi*onal events are planned for November, which will include a cookery demonstra*on of some tradi*onal kosher dishes.

Photos by Alan Benstock

Felicity Greenfield and Ann Dewar 3

Interfaith news in brief At a recent mee*ng of the Quaker-­‐ Jewish Dialogue group members watched a DVD and discussed the role of the Quakers in hiding those persecuted during the Holocaust.

An IXar was held at the Baab-­‐Ul-­‐Ilm centre in Alwoodley. The IXar is held annually to celebrate the end of Ramadan and members of the wider community are invited to join in the celebra*ons. LJRC members Ann Dewar and Hilton Lorie were amongst those in a\endance.

A mee*ng with Bradford Churches for Dialogue and Diversity was held to discuss upcoming projects and evaluate the success of exis*ng and completed ones.

An Interfaith dinner, sponsored by Near Neighbours was held at the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Community Centre. Ann Dewar a\ended on behalf of the LJRC

Fabian Hamilton MP, Rasool Bhamani, Dolf Mogendorff Photo by Val Moggendorf

4

Paying our respects

As part of their work the President and Honorary Officers of the LJRC attend numerous memorial events on behalf of the Community. Here are some of the more recent ones: VE Day service and parade at the Etz Chaim Synagogue A commemora*on of the 75th Anniversary of the Ba\le of Britain A special mul*-­‐faith service, arranged in conjunc*on with Leeds Faiths Forum, took place at Leeds Minster. This Service was intended to demonstrate community cohesion and representa*ves of different faiths spoke and lit candles as symbols of hope.

Guests attending the multi-faith service at Leeds Photo by Jocelyn Brooks

A service of remembrance was held at Stonefell Airmen's Cemetery, supported by the Leeds AJEX and the Royal Bri*sh Legion Major Clive Behrens division. Kaddish was recited and Magen David poppies were laid by the gravestones of the seven Jewish Canadian Airmen buried there, all of whom who lost their lives in the 2nd World War defending Britain and none of whom have any known rela*ves. The eldest airmen was only 36.

Royal-tea for two As well as a\ending many solemn occasions as community representa*ves, some*mes LJRC officers are called upon in much happier circumstances.

In May, LJRC President Simon Jackson, together with his wife Vikki, were invited to be amongst the guests at a garden party at Buckingham Palace given by the Queen. As well as Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh and various other members of the Royal Family were also present.

“It was a unique experience,” said Simon aXerwards “and one which I shall always remember”.

5

Together we WIN Ann Dewar, the Programme Director of the LJRC has secured a Near Neighbours grant to launch the Leeds Women’s Interfaith Network (WIN). The network will embark on a series of ac*vi*es designed to develop cross-­‐communal friendship between women of different faiths and ethnici*es whilst carrying out meaningful work in the community.

“I am very excited about our first project,” said Ann “a mul*-­‐faith fes*val cookery book which will explain some of the background to the different fes*vals as well as personal stories from contributors.” The recipe book will feature recipes and photographs of dishes compiled by members of the network and will then be published. Revenue raised from the sales of the book will be used to help fund future projects.

Work on the book is due to start at the end of the year. Any women who would like to be involved in this or future projects of the Women’s Network should contact Ann on info@ljrc.org.

DONEC ARCU RISUS DIAM AMET SIT. CONGUE TORTOR CURSUS RISUS NISL, LUCTUS AUGUE

Sixth formers have faith in the future

Sixth-­‐form pupils at Allerton High School are being given the opportunity to broaden their skills via an interfaith volunteer project launched by the LJRC. The Faith in the Future ini*a*ve involves pupils wri*ng and delivering inspiring presenta*ons to local primary schools about different faiths, including Judaism, Chris*anity, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism. It aims to bring together and raise awareness about the different religions within local primary schools, by celebra*ng both their similari*es and differences.

In their presenta*ons pupils are expected to cover areas, from the various fes*vals and customs, to different holy books and interes*ng trivia.

The LJRC’s Ann Dewar recently visited the school and addressed 170 sixth-­‐ formers about the project. The ini*a*ve is one of many that pupils can choose from as part of their post-­‐16 enhancement programme aimed at developing their skills and will count towards a cer*ficate in volunteering.

Ann Dewar with Faith in the Future volunteers from Allerton High School

With plenty of scope for crea*vity, public speaking, wri*ng, art, design and IT skills, the project has already a\racted interest from a group of enthusias*c pupils from various faiths, who will be taking up the challenge.

6

Cricket tournament bowls crowds over As the sun shone over the grounds at Harewood House on a fine September morning, crowds gathered to witness four teams ba\le it out in this year’s LJRC Intra Communal Cricket Tournament, organised by Daniel Kaufman.

The match was opened by Sue and Alan Baker with the HFSA's Heinz Skyte MBE and Trude Silman a\ending as guests of honour. Despite st ro n g p e r fo r m a n c e s f ro m t h e U H C Cougars, Etz Chaim Eagles and the Sinai Sharks it was the BHH Hawks who took the *tle.

Simon Williams, Daniel Kaufman and Richard Levin There to present medals and trophies was the Photo by John Fisher LJRC’s Simon Jackson. Individual player awards were also presented to Colin Abrams, Benji Goldberg, Andrew Abenstern and Alex Abrams.

This great communal event raised around £2,400 for Mencap and the Holocaust Survivors Friendship Associa*on (HSFA). This was something that could only have been achieved with the support and generosity of the sponsors and those who donated both raffle giXs and their *me.

Team Donisthorpe steps up to endurance challenge They say that there’s nothing like a long walk to dust off the cobwebs. For most of us an hour or two is all that’s needed but one brave team of Photo by John Fisher volunteers -­‐ including Susie Gordon from our sister organisa*on, the LJCCT -­‐ decided to take on the challenge of walking a staggering 24 hours in aid of Donisthorpe Hall.

The 55-­‐mile annual endurance challenge took the g r o u p o f 2 5 a r o u n d t h e o u t s k i r t s o f Leeds. Susie said: “The walk was one of the hardest, yet most incredible things I’ve ever done. From rain, to physical exhaus*on and blisters, there were many challenges. But we all helped each other along the way and it felt like huge achievement to have overcome all that to complete the walk.”

Walkers and staff at Donisthorpe Hall Donisthorpe Hall is a vital part of our community, caring for more than 180 elderly people in need of residen*al, nursing and demen*a care. The event raised an amazing £20,000 so a big thank you to everyone who donated their precious *me and money to help such a special cause.

7

Na*onal award boosts community

The LJCCT’s Susie Gordon was chosen amongst hundreds of hopefuls as one of the UK’s 40 inspira*onal Jewish people under the age of 40 by the Jewish News and Jewish Leadership Council.

This recogni*on demonstrates not just Susie’s poten*al but the significant developments, achievements and efforts made by all our organisa*ons over the past few years in ensuring our Jewish community is fast emerging as one of the country’s success stories.

Since taking up her execu*ve director role five years ago, Susie has helped to unite the community through pioneering ini*a*ves such as the Leeds Jewish Community website and Facebook Group.

Some of the winners and panel members of 40 under 40

In addi*on, Susie has established partnerships with two key organisa*ons, Welcome to Yorkshire and Visit Leeds, to help promote Leeds to communi*es both from within the UK and globally, as a great place to visit, live and work. There are also plans to develop an online employment portal and careers resource on the Leeds Jewish Community website to help support those currently living and reloca*ng here.

The LJRC team

Contact us Are you interested in any of the following: Politics - Israeli or British

Simon Jackson

Interfaith

Alan Dunwell

Judaism Community Development Social Action Projects Ann Dewar

Laurence Saffer

If you answered yes to any of the above, why not get involved? email: info@ljrc.og or tel (0113) 2185869 for more details of current projects

Abigail Levin

Keith Ackerman

Mishpachah is edited and designed for the LJRC by Ann Dewar and Eva Peros at ann@ljrc.org 8