January/February 2017 VOL. XLIV No. 1
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
www.liberaljudaism.org
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History made at Board level L IBERAL JUDAISM’S commitment to Anglo-Jewry has been praised, as Rabbi Danny Rich became the movement’s first senior figure ever to address The Board of Deputies of British Jews. Danny, who is Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, started by speaking about the historical relationship between Liberal Judaism and the Board. He said: “I want to acknowledge the history of this moment, since it appears that I am the first professional head of Liberal Judaism in 114 years to have been asked to address a Board meeting. “Liberal Judaism was founded in this country in 1902 and, despite an approach
from the Board in 1915, it was not until 1922 that The Liberal Jewish Synagogue – at that time the only Liberal synagogue in the United Kingdom – joined, in spite of worries about religious independence. “As Liberal Judaism grew, so its level of representation increased, although in 1949 all Deputies from Liberal synagogues resigned over the issue of marriage recognition – a matter which took a decade or so to resolve. “There were to be further skirmishes, but mutual respect between Liberal Judaism and the Board was surely demonstrated when Tony Sacker, of Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue and a former chair of Liberal Judaism, was elected as a vice president in 2000.” Danny also praised other Liberal Judaism Deputies, including Jeromé Freedman, a member of the constitution committee for the past 16 years, and current treasurer Stuart MacDonald.
He added: “Liberal Judaism remains committed to the Board, even if it does not always agree with what is said and done on the Board’s behalf, and continues to appreciate how so many disparate parts of the community have an opportunity to come together and further our collective interests.” Danny then went on to explore the relationship between Isaac and Ishmael in that week’s Torah portion, contextualising the account against recent political events. Board president Jonathan Arkush said: “I am very grateful for the support and commitment to the Board shown by Liberal Judaism. It is an essential component of our diverse and vigorous community. Danny gave a very fine address, fitting to the history being made, which was wide-ranging, scholarly, infused with Torah messages and incisive on the troubling events of our time.” MORE THAN 200 people, including 43 rabbis and student rabbis, attended the 60th Anniversary Service of Celebration for Leo Baeck College at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue. Those taking part in the service included the first alumnus, Rabbi Lionel Blue OBE, Liberal Judaism’s senior rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich, and today’s Leo Baeck College staff and students (pictured). Almost every serving Liberal rabbi trained at the College. Principal Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris gave an address, saying: “Today we celebrate a legacy – 185 rabbis ordained and nearly 90 educators trained for our congregations. All of them contributing to the national life of this country and countries around the world.”