LJ Today January/February 2010

ljtoday

January/February 2010

VOL. XXXVII No. 1

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

A bicentenary for all Europe The new secular year brings the 200th anniversary of a number of milestones in the development of Progressive Judaism.

In particular, 17 July 1810 was the date of the first new-style service organised by the financier and religious reformer Israel Jacobson at his Temple in the town of Seesen, in northern 200 YEARS Germany.

That service, Progressive and the ideas Judaism behind it, sowed the seeds for 1810-2010 the modern and enlightened expression of Judaism which flourished during the following century, and whose ideas were taken up by the early Liberal Jews in Britain.

It is planned to hold special services in all Liberal and Reform synagogue during the anniversary weekend and special publications will mark this milestone.

Tour to Germany, page 3 The Jewish enlightenment, page 5

In this issue News and ‘Around the Communities’

2-3

Interview Dr Laliv Clenman

4

Liberal Viewpoint Minyan

8

The UN Copenhagen Conference The view from America 9 LJY-Netzer Youth activities

11

Biennial 2010: see pages 3 & 5

Inspired by a vibrant community This is the design for a fabric banner being created by members of Bet Tikvah Synagogue, working with

visual artist Miki Shaw. The banner, to be installed in the function hall of the synagogue, in Barkingside, is being made

by children and adults of the community using paper cutting and photography.

Welcome to Shenfield, page 3

‘Two-in-one’ haggadah to be published for Pesach Lively version caters for both adults and families with small children A major new publication from Liberal Judaism, Haggadah B’chol Dor va-Dor (From Generation to Generation), to be available from the end of February 2010, will truly be a haggadah for all generations.

In effect, it is two haggadot in one; and for each haggadah there are readings, explanations and explorations on the facing pages that offer the Seder participant a richer, fuller experience.

For a ‘traditional’ Liberal Seder, with all the essential elements, open Haggadah B’chol Dor va-Dor in the Hebrew fashion (i.e. right to left) and guide the participants through the right-hand pages. If you wish to engage in deeper discussion or reflection, there are readings, songs and other passages on the facing, left-hand pages.

If younger family members are present at your Seder, they can open Haggadah B’chol Dor va-Dor at the other end (i.e. left to right) and find a family version of the Seder, subtitled V’higgad’ta l’vin’cha – ‘And you shall tell your child’.

This version will be easy to follow: the right-hand pages at this end of Haggadah B’chol Dor va-Dor contain the essential elements of the Seder that can be read through in 20 minutes, and simplified versions of these for very young children are on the facing pages. And the elements of this family-friendly Seder are cross-referenced to sections in the main haggadah, enabling your Seder to appeal to all who take part.

Haggadah B’chol Dor va-Dor is co-edited by Pete Tobias, rabbi of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, and Andrew Goldstein, emeritus rabbi of Northwood.

An order form will be published in the March/April edition of lj today.

Sidney Brichto Publications Fund, page 2

Page 2 LJ Today

January/February 2010

A double celebration for South London’s 80th South London’s anniversary service in November, which marked 80 years since its foundation, was also the induction of its rabbi, Janet Darley, to the synagogue.

Rabbi Darley, an American who trained as an economist and moved to Britain 20 years ago, has worked with South London for more than a year.

Addressing the congregation, she offered deep thanks and made a strong call to members ‘to leap to action… to volunteer your services to our community, to consider running for council and playing an active role in sustaining our community’.

The service was led by Baroness Neuberger, the first woman rabbi of

South London, and Rabbi Danny Rich, son of the late John Rich, a president of the synagogue.

Describing the rabbi as a ‘wonderful birthday present’, chairman Philip Walker added: ’Liberal Judaism is about both tradition and renewal. Celebrating our birthday with this special induction service brings both together in a wonderful way.’

The synagogue, in Rabbi Janet Darley after Streatham, is the the service second oldest in of induction Britain, after The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood).

Do you have ideas to share?

As a concept, liberal Judaism is a living, evolving Judaism. As a movement, Liberal Judaism works to explore and support its development. One of the ways it does this is by encouraging individuals to share their ideas and beliefs about a range of subjects that affect how society functions and how life choices are made.

In this spirit, a project has been created aimed at encouraging the sharing, challenging and refining of opinions, ideas and approaches to topics that affect Liberal Jews. Initially web-based, it will have its own website and discussion forum.

At the moment, the project is in its pilot phase. If you would like to register your interest, and your wish to take part in the

discussion forum, please email Alex Wakely, personal assistant to Rabbi Danny Rich: a.wakely@liberaljudaism.org.

Lucian Hudson, chairman of Liberal Judaism, and his deputy, Amanda Grant, are always keen to hear from congregants directly. Email: l.hudson@ liberaljudaism.org or amanda.grant@ liberaljudaism.org.

As the movement’s magazine, lj today continually strives to stimulate readers with new ideas and opinions, and in this edition our opinion column is relaunched with a challenging piece on the idea of a minyan for worship. Responses from readers are welcome.

Liberal Viewpoint, page 8

New fund honours Sidney Brichto Liberal Judaism’s new haggadah will, it is hoped, be the first publication made possible by a fund to honour Rabbi Sidney Brichto, pictured, the first executive director of the movement.

The Sidney Brichto Publications Fund was launched in the autumn at a reception for Liberal Judaism’s Council of Patrons. It is aimed, initially, at enabling production of the haggadah.

Additional income will be used to fund future publications. In accordance with Rabbi Brichto’s temperament, these will be publications that are radical and challenging, or that beautify or enhance

Jewish practice.

Rabbi Brichto, who died in January 2009, was an American by birth. Having rejected the Orthodox Judaism in which he had been brought up, he directed his charisma, energy and hard work to the task of shaping the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues, as it was then known.

Around the Communities Birmingham A gathering was held to dedicate the library in the new building to the memory of Heinz Shire, a loyal supporter of the synagogue. Rabbi Marcia Plumb, Heinz’s daughter-in-law, paid tribute to his widow Ruth’s many years as the synagogue’s librarian.

Edinburgh Thanks to a UJIA Cheder Challenge grant, the community’s cheder has grown substantially, having now moved out of members’ front rooms and into attractive premises in the Marchmont area of the city.

Northwood Ron Prosor, the Israeli Ambassador, visited the synagogue for ‘An Israel Update’. He is on the left of the picture, with Rabbis Aaron Goldstein and Hillel Athias-Robles and former NPLS chairman Brian Sass.

Elstree The synagogue held a dinner to mark the end of its 40th anniverary celebrations. It also took part in an interfaith gathering (see picture) in Borehamwood.

Brighton A year of events is planned for the community’s 75th anniversary, in 2010.

West Central Thirty-five members of the synagogue, aged from three to 87, marked Mitzvah Day UK by bringing in new copies of their favourite children’s books, to be given to three- to six-yearolds at Barnardo’s.

Dublin The community took part in Mitzvah Day for the first time, presenting a ‘musical interlude’, jointly with BBYO Dublin, for residents of the Jewish Home of Ireland. They sang Hebrew songs, favourites from The Sound of Music and Fiddler on the Roof and ended with ‘Hatikvah’.

LJ Today Page 3

January/February 2010

Impressive speakers due at the Biennial

Goldsteins lead tour to Germany

Ellen Goldberg, from the New Israel Fund, joins the impressive list of presenters at Liberal Judaism’s Biennial Weekend. The organisation supports grassroots organisations working to safeguard civil and human rights, bridge social and economic gaps and foster tolerance and religious pluralism.

Also presenting at the weekend, which runs from 16 to 18 April 2010, will be Baroness Neuberger, president of Liberal Judaism, the leading social reformer Lord Dholakia, and Rabbi Naamah Kelman, the dean of HUC-JIR’s Jerusalem school.

Rabbi Kelman will be leading sessions on Jewish identity outside Israel; how to reframe our engagement with the country; and asking whether it always has to be ‘Jews against the world’.

Other sessions include: Whose God Is It Anyway? – the eternal quest; Building Life Cycle Events in Mixed or No Faith Families; and Ageing to Sageing – using older people’s experience and wisdom to benefit our communities.

The Biennial will also host several big launches including a CD from Finchley Progressive’s acclaimed band Shabbat Resouled, who will also showcase their spiritually uplifting Friday night service.

All those attending Biennial are

Rabbi Dr Andrew and Sharon Goldstein will be leading a tour to Germany to commemorate the first Progressive Jewish service in Europe.

There will be celebratory services in Berlin on Shabbat 16/17 July 2010, with tours to Seesen, where the first service was held 200 years ago, Halberstadt, birthplace of the reformer Israel Jacobson, and Dessau, on Sunday 18. On other days there will be extensive touring around sites in Berlin connected with birth of Reform Judaism.

For more details and a booking form, contact Sharon on sgoldstein@f2s.com or phone Sharon or Andrew on 01923 822818.

What Dana can do for you As shlicha (Israeli emissary) for Liberal Judaism, I no longer feel ‘new’ – I arrived in October – but I am still yet to visit many of the movement’s communities.

Most of my work is dedicated to LJY-Netzer, the youth movement, and to working with Liberal Judaism’s communities.

I am happy to visit any community and help organise celebrations of Jewish festivals, lead activities and discussions about Israeli culture – film, music, theatre, books, poetry, art – politics, history, leadership, the connection between Israel and the Diaspora, being a Jewish in the Diaspora, in fact whatever your members are interested in.

You can telephone me on 020 7631 9824, or email me: dana@liberaljudaism. org. I hope to hear from you and to work with you.

Dana Friedman

Rabbi Naamah Kelman, dean of Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, and social reformer Lord Dholakia

promised a spiritual and intellectual adventure, at the stunning Tortworth Court Hotel, near Bristol. For families, there will be a full programme of activities for under eights. LJY-Netzer will be running a programme of activities for youngsters aged eight to 15.

Book online at www.liberaljudaism.org/ biennial, email m.beral@liberaljudaism. org or telephone 01923 855367.

Nigel elected a vice-president Liberal Judaism’s former chairman, Nigel Cole, was elected a vice-president of the movement at its council meeting in December. Proposing the motion, Lucian Hudson, his successor, cited Nigel’s many achievements in having taken the movement to a position of success and confidence, and his clarity of leadership.

Shenfield is welcomed into the movement The Shenfield, Brentwood & Districts Synagogue has joined Liberal Judaism, having been elected as an affiliated congregation in December.

With a Hebrew name Rosh Tikvah, the community was conceived some three years ago, initially as an outreach of Bet Tikvah, when a small group decided to provide a base for like-minded people to worship under Liberal auspices.

Now, the community has about 30 members, aged 18 months to 80. On 10 January it opens its cheder and adult Hebrew classes, and it is in the process of setting up an Chair: Natasha Radford interfaith forum.

‘We are excited to be part of the movement and to be embracing its core principles,’ Natasha Radford, the synagogue’s chair, told the movement’s council meeting.

Louis Feldman, secretary, also attended.

Formally welcoming the synagogue, Lucian Hudson, Liberal Judaism’s chairman, said he and his officers looked forward to working very closely with the community and its leaders.

Shenfield’s Shabbat services will be led by lay readers of the congregation, and its visiting student rabbi, Marc Neiger, will lead festival and other celebrations.

Janice Feldman, treasuer, says: ‘My hope is that our fledgling community becomes a source of inspiration and friendship for all who come in contact with it.’

To find out more, visit www.roshtikvah. com, telephone 01277 888610 or email natasha.radford@roshtikvah.com.

January/February 2010

Page 4 LJ Today

An ancient tradition: the teachers’ convention

THE INTERVIEW

Dr Laliv Clenman Lecturer in Rabbinics, Leo Baeck College Tell me about yourself I’m Canadian. I was born in Israel but I’ve lived most of my life in Montreal and Toronto. I went to a Labour Zionist Yiddishe Folkshule, where I was able to study Yiddish for 11 years. The Hebrew training was also very good. I adore languages, especially Aramaic and Hebrew. I still remember the one day we studied Talmud, in the last year of high school. That sowed a seed.

How do you like London?

I have never worked in London before.

I absolutely love it.

What were you doing in Toronto?

I was completing my PhD in Rabbinics and Hebrew and Aramaic Language and Literature as well as teaching Biblical Hebrew at the University of Toronto.

What does your work at Leo Baeck College involve?

I teach on two different programmes: intermediate rabbinical students and the MA in Jewish Studies at King’s College London, which includes the advanced rabbinical students here.

What are you looking forward to in this job?

The opportunity to teach exactly what I am so passionate about: Talmud, midrash, everything that is at the core of my academic and intellectual passions. I’ve always been dedicated to the idea of literacy in rabbinic sources both among Progressive rabbis and in Progressive Jewish communities in general – the idea that studying the sources is not necessarily very 2,000 years ago, it can be very much today.

Will you continue with your research in this role?

It’s part of my mandate. I have two books and a number of articles under way.

Tell me about your the thesis for your PhD, awarded last year It is in the area of intermarriage and status and identity within Judaism. It’s a topic I came upon accidentally. I was reading through Sifra, a midrash to Leviticus. The section was on the

arayot and suddenly it mentioned intermarriage. It said intermarriage is awful, intermarriage makes people so sad, don’t you ever get intermarried. I thought, but I’m reading Leviticus 18, there’s no intermarriage in that chapter. I paid closer attention and the midrash had interpolated verses about intermarriage from Ezra-Nehemiah and Micah, hoping that the reader would think intermarriage was part of the prohibitions in Leviticus 18, which I argue against. I thought that’s a fascinating text – insidious, interesting, creative.

I enjoy anything that has to do with boundaries, intersections or liminal status. Anything that made the rabbis uncomfortable usually ends up being very interesting.

What is the role of a Progressive rabbi in Europe?

That’s a very complicated question, with a complicated answer. Rabbis as individuals and the rabbinic institution in Europe have an important, central role to play in Europe, far more than in north America, especially in smaller communities. So many of the rabbinical students here and the rabbis I’ve spoken with have really moving stories about their connections with various communities with a hunger and interest for a connection to Judaism and to Jewish knowledge.

What skills and knowledge does a rabbi need to have?

What don’t they need to have? They need vocational, pastoral, textual, language skills – each one of those is more than enough to occupy someone until they can become a real expert in that area.

Personally, I like to think that a strong connection with and ability in the classical rabbinic sources is an important part of a rabbi’s knowledge, skills and training and that rabbis will continue learning throughout their career.

Being a rabbi is much more than simply serving a congregation. It is being part of this incredibly rich, vital and ever-evolving tradition.

Shulamit Ambalu returns from the annual Kallah A lot of us would recognise the problems of the greatest and most powerful Jewish Diaspora, in Babylonia. There were hundreds of communities, if not thousands, spreading out across the world. How might they stay in touch with each other? How would their teachers and leaders know about the current legal consensus? And in a time when they were beginning to compose their great rabbinic books, how would they decide what was in and what was out?

The answer was simple. From around the third century of the Common Era, rabbis from the Babylonian communities and the wider Diaspora would come together each year. They would prepare for as long as 10 months ahead, since the topics were already made known. They would study, answer written queries and, who knows, perhaps they indulged in a bit of recreation in the third century equivalent of the bar.

This annual gathering was called the Kallah, and it went on for two whole months. You can imagine how important it was, and how much work they had to get through, because the institution was to carry on until around the 11th century, a tradition of 900 years.

Sadly, or perhaps happily, Liberal rabbis do not meet for two months today.

We do our best with just under three short days a year. We met this November, as usual, at Ammerdown, the retreat centre in Somerset. We took the opportunity to get to grips with some of the issues we meet in our communities, to learn from each other, to plan future publications, and to squeeze in a bit of time for friendship and recreation. We welcomed Lucian Hudson, chairman of Liberal Judaism, and Amanda Grant, his deputy. Dr Laliv Clenman, scholar-in-residence at the Kallah, who is interviewed on this page, led a discussion on Jewish identity.

The Kallah is a vital process for ensuring our cohesion and continuity, and I hope all our communities will benefit.

Shulamit Ambalu is rabbi for the North London Progressive Jewish Community

LJ Today Page 5

January/February 2010

From across Europe, young adults gather to mark the reunification of Germany Josh Edelman is refreshed by a conference in Berlin Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, three dozen young Progressive Jews from 10 European countries gathered in the reunited German capital to celebrate, survey the past, and plan for the future.

The Jewish Journeys Beyond the Wall conference, whose sponsors included Liberal Judaism’s young adults’ community ‘tent’, brought together rabbis, scholars, educators and artists from across the continent. The energy and togetherness led to fascinating discussions and wonderful new friendships.

We came together for prayer services led by student rabbis from London’s Leo Baeck College and Berlin’s Abraham Geiger College. The Shabbat morning reading of the Akedah was followed with shiurs from Rabbis Colin Eimer and Judith Levitt, and a discussion with Imam Halima Krausen on how the story appears in the Qur’an.

Leo Baeck College Tuesday 19 January 2010 is the college’s Shadow A Rabbi Day, offering you the chance to find out what a congregational rabbi does in the course of a day. The following day, 20 January, is Open House at the college, which is a chance to meet the current students and faculty staff.

For details, please contact Rabbi Judith Levitt, rabbinic admissions adviser: 07850 130 506 or judith.levitt@lbc.ac.uk.

Don’t forget your Passport Young adults (aged 20-35) can have access to all Liberal Judaism’s communities with a modestly priced Passport.

Email shelley. s-d@liberaljudaism. org or apply online: www.liberaljudaism. org/passport.htm

Sessions on Israeli–Diaspora relations, the Middle East conflict and the work of Rabbis for Human rights ran alongside debates about the contemporary role of Progressive Judaism, post-modern spirituality and sessions of Israeli dancing, Jewish poetry and the traditions of the chazan.

On our last day, we toured Berlin, exploring its Jewish history, the legacy of the Wall, and the Holocaust memorial created at the site of the infamous Wannsee Conference.

This gathering was a refreshing reminder of the ways that the bonds of friendship and community make Judaism all the more deep and fulfilling.

Josh Edelman is a member of Dublin Jewish Progressive Synagogue ‘tent’ is affiliated to TaMaR Olami, the young adult movement of the World Union for Progressive Judaism

OK E O B LIN ON

Adventure in South America Fourteen members of Liberal Judaism’s young adults community ‘tent’ built digeridoos and mudhouses and celebrated Sukkot and Simchat Torah with the Jewish community of Buenos Aires during a two-week tour of Argentina. It was the first time a Progressive Jewish group from Britain had visited the country.

The participants also found time to watch a national football match, tour Jewish Buenos Aires, camp on an eco farm, learn the tango, meet the Guaraní community and visit the Iguassu Falls; as well as having a private meeting with the Israeli ambassador.

Rabbi Danny Rich said the trip ‘reinforced the sense of being part of a larger Progressive Jewish family that is growing all over the world today’.

Liberal Judaism’s Biennial Weekend 16-18 April 2010 at the Tortworth Court Hotel, near Bristol

Don’t miss your big chance to meet other Liberal Jews from right across the country. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran, you’ll enjoy the Biennial’s uniquely warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The programme includes speaker and workshop sessions, lively debate, creative services, a community marketplace and a full programme for children.

Stay for the weekend or be a day visitor. In either case you can enjoy the hotel’s superb food, pool, fitness centre and stunning grounds, which include an award-winning arboretum. We promise you a stimulating and fun weekend.

Download a booking form at www.liberaljudaism.org/ biennial or book online.

Confirm your place by 31 January 2010 to enjoy our early bird discount

‘A real joy to attend’ ‘Wonderful, friendly atmosphere’ participants in the last Biennial Weekend

January/February 2010

Page 6 LJ Today

Book a Liberal Jewish venue for your party, conference or meeting Many communities hire out suites or rooms GREATER LONDON Bet Tikvah Synagogue, Barkingside Our functions hall is available for hire.

Costs: £20/hour (during the day) or £30/ hour after 6pm. Hire costs include access to a new milk and vegetarian kitchen; tables and chairs.

More information 020 8554 9682; bttkv@ liberaljudaism.org; www.bettikvah.org.uk Finchley Progressive Synagogue The synagogue has a function room suitable for simchas which can hold up to 100 and a smaller hall suitable for a reception. These are also available separately, together with various classrooms, which are available during the day, from Monday to Friday, for meetings.

The premises have kitchen facilities; outside caterers are permitted.

More information 020 8446 4063; administrator@fps.org Harrow & Wembley Progressive The Salter Suite can seat about 160 at round tables of 10. It has an excellent dance floor and an adjacent kitchen, making it ideal for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, birthday parties, general meetings, quiz evenings or study groups.

The suite includes a baby grand piano and has wonderful acoustics.

The suite can accommodate up to 200 delegates for conferences and meetings. It can be divided into up to six individual units, with sound-resistant partitions.

Easy access for people with disabilities and parking for 25 cars. Meat menus only if under kosher supervision with own equipment; easy access from central London (Preston Road, Metropolitan Line, is five minutes’ walk away).

More information www.hwps.org/lettings. htm, Barbara Liff at the synagogue office on 020 8904 8581 (Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 1pm) The Liberal Jewish Synagogue Our stylish, modern facilities with good disabled access, opposite Lord’s Cricket Ground, offer a range of options, accommodating from 10 to 300 people.

Concession rates are offered to charities.

We have: meeting rooms; a formal board room; a stunning hall for up to 250 for large conferences, parties and celebratory

events; and a Sanctuary for concerts, talks and lectures, seating 950. Our hire costs include tables, chairs, flip charts, television, video and DVD, microphones, sound recording system, induction loop, staging, and use of our kitchen.

Have a look on our website and then arrange to come to see our facilities.

More information www.ljs.org; events coordinator: 020 7286 5181 or ljs@ljs.org The Liberal Synagogue Elstree The main synagogue hall, which will seat up to 100 people for a dinner, is available for hire, as well as a smaller hall, ideal for a reception or buffet. The kitchen is non-meat.

Use of trestle tables and chairs is included in the hire rates, which are on the website. Individual classrooms are also available to rent on an hourly basis.

More information www.tlse.org.uk (click on lettings) The Montagu Centre A meeting room and small function hall are available in this central location, off Tottenham Court Road and five minutes’ walk from Warren Street Tube.

More information Chris Walters 020 7580 1663 or chris@liberaljudaism.org South London Liberal Synagogue The synagogue has a number of rooms we would love to let out. The centrally heated, ground-floor Lily Montagu Hall is suitable for large meetings or lunches, with an adjacent kitchen. It has a pull-down screen for films or PowerPoint presentations.

With a raised stage, it can also be used for performances. The room is a attractive space, with wooden flooring and a piano.

In the basement are the Jane Levy Hall, which has linoleum flooring, making it suitable for messier activities, and the Kit Briscoe Suite. The suite has a small, carpeted room, with wall-mounted electric heaters, and attached kitchen.

More information Our administrator, Ruth Edwards, at the synagogue office: 020 8769 4787

BRIGHTON Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue We have a hall and catering kitchen for hire, as well as a small meeting room, which seats 20 round the table. The hall holds 50 seated or 100 standing for social events; the sanctuary is ideal for musical events or lectures and holds 100. Dividing

doors can be opened to seat more in the hall, which is adjacent. Easy access from Brighton or Hove stations and town centre.

More information 01273 737223; bhps@ freenetname.co.uk.

OXFORD Oxford Jewish Centre The whole of the recently refurbished and extended centre is available, on flexible terms. There is a large function hall with partitions and a stage; an elegant carpeted meeting room; a ‘youth hall’, classrooms, a milk kitchen and the Bagel Bar café area.

Catering can be available for simchas.

More information Hila Bram on 07525 785200; connections@ojc-online.org.

BIRMINGHAM Birmingham Progressive Synagogue Meeting rooms and larger halls are available for all requirements: from small groups to large conferences of more than 150 delegates. Our fully equipped rooms feature: comfortable seating; the latest IT and audiovisual equipment; and refreshment facilities, by arrangement.

Our new building is centrally situated, near Five Ways/Broad Street, with extensive public transport links and car parking.

More information Our administrator: 0121 634 3888; office@bps-pro-syn.co.uk

BANQUETING SERVICES Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue Oaklands Banqueting was established several years ago at NPLS, in the leafy suburbs of north-west London with easy access to the M25, M1 and M40.

With the choice of seven selected caterers and a variety of menus at varying prices and with the support of Oaklands Party Services, we offer a complete celebration package at acceptable prices.

The rooms available include the Celebration Hall and the Art Gallery, which together form the Oaklands Banqueting Suite. Each can be hired separately. The Art Gallery seats 50-80 guests and the Celebration Hall 80-150 guests.

More information www.oaklands banquetingnorthwood.co.uk; Doffy Aarons d_aarons@sky.com or 07980 498314.

All synagogue addresses are on page 12

LJ Today Page 7

January/February 2010

200 YEARS

Progressive Judaism 1810-2010

In the first of six articles marking the anniversary of the first Progressive Jewish service in Europe, Pete Tobias describes how Israel Jacobson sowed the seeds of the new practices and ideas that flourished during the 19th century

The Jewish enlightenment begins In his lessons on Jewish history taught at the Leo Baeck College, Rabbi Dr Albert Friedlander, z”l, impressed on his students the fact that Progressive Judaism had a worthy history stretching back almost two centuries. He urged us to be proud of that history and its traditions and not to feel overwhelmed by or inferior to those branches of Judaism whose history stretched back further.

In 2010, we have the chance to celebrate the bicentennial of a variety of milestones in the development of Progressive Judaism. It was in the second decade of the 19th century that many significant events took place in Germany that shook the world of traditional Judaism and laid the foundations of the Liberal Judaism we observe and continue to develop today.

There was an urgent need for Judaism to adapt at the start of the 19th century.

Across Germany, in the wake of the liberal ideas that spread following the French Revolution, Jews were struggling to find ways to take advantage of the possibilities that emancipation offered them. For some, the solution was to convert to Christianity in order to embrace these new opportunities. For others, the response was a form of denial, rejecting the modern world with a retreat into stricter Orthodoxy. An alternative to these extremes was required: a Judaism that synthesised the best aspects of Judaism’s religious and ethical heritage with the new, enlightened environment.

Changes to traditional Jewish theology were needed, and the early years of the century saw the removal from the liturgy of concepts such as the rebuilding of the

‘His theological and liturgical ideas would become the bedrock of Progressive Judaism’ Temple, animal sacrifice and the Davidic dynasty. But it was not just ideas and ideals that required revision: the way they were expressed in worship also demanded adaptation.

A fortuitous combination of historical

events, philosophical ideas and financial acumen meant that Israel Jacobson (17681828) found himself in a unique position at the end of the first decade of the 19th century. Influenced by the enlightened thought of Moses Mendelssohn, Jacobson was well established in the court at Brunswick when Napoleon created the short-lived kingdom of Westphalia in 1807.

Determined to break down the barriers that separated the Jews from German society, Jacobson had embarked on a programme of secular education for Jewish children in the town of Seesen as early as 1801. He founded a school, in which Jewish and Christian children – mainly from poor backgrounds – were taught together in an atmosphere of Israel Jacobson established a synagogue in the town of Seesen where a new style of worship took place, with prayers and sermons in German

religious tolerance. Napoleon’s reforms gave Jacobson the opportunity to promote and develop theological and liturgical ideas and practices that would become the bedrock of Progressive Judaism, though he faced much opposition from traditional elements of the Jewish community.

Notwithstanding this resistance, Jacobson built a synagogue in the grounds of his school at Seesen; he called it a ‘temple’, inviting further criticism from his Orthodox opponents. It was completed in 1810. The interior differed from the traditional design in a number of important features. The bimah, traditionally located in the centre of the room, was placed closer to the ark and a raised pulpit, facing the congregation, was added to it. An organ was installed and the building was

decorated with Hebrew and Latin inscriptions. The only tradition that remained unaltered was the separation of the sexes: women sat in the balcony behind a screen. According to Michael M Meyer, in his book Response to Modernity,

‘The only tradition that remained unaltered was the separation of the sexes: women sat behind a screen’ ‘…the structure made a social statement: Jews worship as do Christians; they are their equals in religion as in civil life. No longer an Oriental, foreign faith transplanted to Europe, Judaism – like Christianity – is homeborn in the accoutrements of its worship no less than its loyalty to the state.’ (p.41) The opening service in Seesen took place on 17 July 1810. It contained prayers and sermons (several!) in German and was attended by pastors, priests and government officials.

Although many of Jacobson’s ideas did not take root in his lifetime (he died disillusioned and embittered), he sowed the seeds of Progressive Judaism, which flourished during the 19th century. One of Progressive Judaism’s leading figures, Abraham Geiger, was born in the year Jacobson established his Temple.

At the start of a New Year, religious or secular, we tend to look back at our past, and I think it important that we take this opportunity to recall our heritage. Liberal Judaism’s Rabbinic Conference proposes that we mark the 200th anniversary of the first Progressive Jewish service in Europe on Saturday 17 July 2010 across the Liberal movement. A special liturgy and information pack will be produced, to be available for use that weekend. And I hope that we can use this year to recall the theological depth and intellectual merit of our Progressive tradition, and rediscover with pride our Liberal roots.

Pete Tobias, rabbi of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, is chairman of Liberal Judaism’s Rabbinic Conference

January/February 2010

Page 8 LJ Today

Minyan, modernised By introducing the idea of a quorum for services, we can strengthen our communities and encourage more people to connect, says Laura Lassman What’s wrong with a minyan? For several years I have been grappling with the traditional requirement of 10 men to enable a full service to take place. From a Liberal perspective, 10 men easily translates to 10 women but what of the rights of the fewer than 10 who turn up to pray on a Friday night?

Part of me is convinced that if we instituted the rules of a minyan in our synagogues then enough members would feel a responsibility to the community and its individuals to turn up and be counted.

I am not suggesting a minyan rota, where it is only a question of bums on seats, but of 10 members of a community who would be there to make the public prayers more substantial and the support for those saying Kaddish more compassionate.

There is a challenge for a Shabbat service with only a handful of people: it is generally less satisfying than one with enough people to give volume to the singing and connection to the worshippers. A visitor to the congregation may feel exposed and uncertain, the rabbi may wonder whether it is worth the effort for so few and members may be drawn to the next shul with its fuller numbers.

Insisting on a minyan might reduce the likelihood of small numbers but it also poses some problems. What if only nine people are in the synagogue at the start of the service? Are those who have come entitled only to a reduced offering? If someone turns up late, do we go back to the bits that have been omitted? On the other hand, as Tevye might say, how can we accept the status quo when so many congregations see only a small number at certain services?

In Reuven Hammer’s book Entering Jewish Prayer, the author looks at the

issue of the quorum for reciting Kaddish and Kedusha – 10 adults that tradition has determined constitutes a community. It is the concept of community that justifies a call for the introduction of minyan in Liberal synagogues. Having considered the power of solitary prayer, Hammer says that: ‘Judaism is also wary lest such aloneness become the norm and the Laura Lassman wants to ‘make the public prayers more substantial and the support for those saying Kaddish more compassionate’

permanent status of the human being. Religion is not what we do with our aloneness, but what we do with our togetherness… To seek God on the mountaintop is the easy way out. If you do it, it should be only in order to return with renewed strength and purpose to the community.’ Hammer argues against prayer that isolates us and is destructive; and in favour of community prayer that strengthens the ties of the individual to the Jewish

‘If we instituted the rules of a minyan then enough members would feel a responsibility to the community and its individuals to turn up and be counted’

community. A minyan should not be just about numbers but the start point for a congregation to consider how prayer and worship can strengthen the ties of the individual to the community: perhaps through melodies that will resonate throughout a person’s life; an invitation to share Shabbat dinner after the service or just the initial compulsion becoming a habit.

As more people attend the services, many will find a greater connection with their community and their Jewish lives. Shabbat services offer time to pause and connect with something other than the mundane or economic. A good synagogue community offers friendship and support and the chance to connect with others across generations and interests. It is easy to get out of the habit of Shabbat worship but it is also easy to get back in.

If each individual realises that s/he is critical to the collective, that if each one does not make the effort to attend the service, then there may not be one, I truly believe that the problem of only nine worshippers turning up will not exist.

Laura Lassman is a member of council at Finchley Progressive Synagogue ________________________________ Would you want a minyan to be introduced into your congregation?

Would it make you likely to come to synagogue more often? Or can synagogues find other ways to stregthen the ties of the individual to the community?

In the next Liberal Viewpoint column, we hope to carry responses to the ideas expressed here. Please email your response to ljtoday@ liberaljudaism.org

Have you got a point of view on an aspect of Jewish life or worship? You are invited to email the editor with your ideas for this column: ljtoday@liberaljudaism.org. Please include a telephone number

LJ Today Page 9

January/February 2010

Liberal Judaism sent a delegation to the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, which was meeting as lj today went to press. Here, a leading campaigner in America describes his organisation’s approach – and in the next edition we hope to publish reports and an analysis of the negotations in Denmark

A repair job we’re trained for What does the Jewish people, and Jewish tradition, have to offer the world, in the face of the immense challenges of climate change? How can one small people make a difference, and how can we help others to make a difference?

When Hazon, the organisation I run, began, we thought we might focus on Shabbat – the idea the Jewish people introduced into human history, that people should rest one day in seven, and that the land should rest one year in seven. What would it mean to encourage rest and non-consumption as a deeper contemporary ethic? We thought about keeping kosher – whether a particular food is fit for us to eat, and the multiple implications of that in the 21st century.

But in the end, as we thought about facing environmental destruction, we started to wonder what lessons might be learned simply from Jewish persistence: how it is that we began in the land of Israel, three millennia ago, and we’re still here today, still learning the Torah, still working to make a better world for all. We focused on two elements that have been central to Jewish survival.

The first is about vision: big vision; the small steps we take to bring that big vision to fruition; and the necessary process to connect the two.

One of the big visions of Jewish tradition is l’takken olam b’malchut shaddai – to heal and improve the world, as the divine realm. The small steps towards this great vision have been the attention Jewish tradition has always placed on daily behaviour: have I given tzedakah – done what is right? Did I build a parapet on my house? Have I taught my child to swim? Did I say a blessing over this food? And the process to connect these small steps and the large vision is halachah and education – the way that we commit ourselves and the way we learn, knowing that education leads to action.

So in the Jewish community, over the next six years, we’re suggesting a big vision, small first steps, and a way to connect the two. For us, our vision is that Jewish communities be genuinely

Jews know all about small steps and persistence, says Nigel Savage transformed, in relation to a range of environmental issues, by September 2015, at the end of the next shmittah – sabbatical – cycle in Jewish life. That’s enough time to imagine radical change in our communities: how we heat our buildings, use energy, travel, source our food, what we eat, how we integrate environmental education in all that we do. A vision that’s big enough to get people excited, but near enough in time that it’s not pie in the sky.

And then a process – a Green Team.

Any two or more people, in every synagogue, Jewish school, community centre or youth group – developing that big vision, involving people, talking and learning, and then picking one first small thing and bringing it to fruition, and then working at the next, and the next.

And that leads me to the second gift of Jewish history. When we read the

reports and think about the future, it’s easy to get depressed. It’s understandable that so many people today feel disempowered by what we know about climate change and environmental degradation; understandable, but not ok.

The Jewish people faced the destruction of the Second Temple and exile, but we kept going. Expelled from England in 1290; from Spain in 1492; pogroms; the Shoah. We didn’t just keep going: in every country in which we found ourselves, we strived to create a better world for all. There’s a tradition that moshiach (messiah), will be born on Tisha B’Av, the day that commemorates destruction. That’s what it means to face destruction and still have hope.

That Jewish lesson of hope, and that long-term perspective, are valuable commodities that we all need today. The world’s governments need to take tough decisions, and to continue taking tough decisions, to ensure the survival of generations to come.

Nigel Savage is executive director of Hazon, American Jewry’s largest environmental organisation, and a founder and leader of the Jewish Climate Campaign. Visit www.jewishclimatecampaign.org.

Talk and action to help our planet The weekend before the UN Climate Change Conference began in Copenhagen, Rabbi Danny Rich led a shiur entitled ‘How green is your Judaism?’ followed by a special minyan for Liberal and Reform Jews taking part in The Wave in central London, one of a series of global actions aimed at ensuring world leaders secure a fair deal to stop global warming.

Rabbi Rich also led a delegation to the conference in Copenhagen, which included student rabbi Sandra Kviat, of Shir Hatzafon (Copenhagen’s Liberal Jewish

Community), Laura Lassman of Finchley Progressive Synagogue, Tim Bergman, Liberal Judaism’s social action assistant, and Nigel Varndell, intercommunity manager at Christian Aid. At The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, a panel of ‘green gurus’ took part in a cross-faith debate, chaired by BBC presenter Edward Stourton, about climate change. Rabbi Alexandra Wright said faith and liberal religion could act as the engine that compelled individuals to change their behaviour towards the environment.

January/February 2010

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Spotlight on Woodford Where is it?

Woodford Liberal Synagogue occupies a modern building near South Woodford tube station, in north-east London.

Proximity to the Central line and to many local bus routes means members can attend services and events straight from work and youngsters and youth members can travel to it independently.

Where did it all begin?

Woodford affiliated to the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues in 1960. The first service outside a member’s home was at the Memorial Hall in South Woodford. After that members met regularly at the Friends Meeting House in Leytonstone until the new building was built in 1965. This year the synagogue is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its affiliation to Liberal Judaism.

Who is the rabbi?

Rabbi Richard Jacobi. He has captured congregants’ hearts since he began serving Woodford while a student at Leo Baeck College, becoming its fully fledged rabbi in 2008. He has followed two family members into the rabbinate: his father, Rabbi Harry Jacobi MBE, is a vice-president of Liberal Judaism, and his sister, Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi, is rabbi at Birmingham.

What services are held?

A big range. On the first, third and fifth Friday of each month Shabbat services start at 8pm; second and fourth are Family Services, starting at 6.30pm, one of which includes a chavurah supper. Once a month it holds a choral service, with singing practice and a focus on one song from the liturgy.

Saturday morning services, held weekly, vary in style. Once a month there is an ‘explanatory’

Rabbi Richard Jacobi after his induction in 2008. He began his work at Woodford while a student at Leo Baeck College

Clockwise from above: Mitzvah Day volunteers take a break from work at Forest Farm Peace Garden; Joe Somogyi with Tracey Grant on his second barmitzvah; cheder pupil Hannah Jacobi raises funds for Shelter; anniversary logo by Rosamund Liebeskind, aged 10

service, where a specific part of the liturgy is looked at in detail; a family service; and a tots’ service to run parallel to this.

Half the services are accompanied by the community’s talented organist Chris South, and half are a capella or guitar-led.

Who are the members?

Membership is distributed across the age spectrum – from young families to seniors – and includes same-sex couples and a good number of proselytes. A large percentage of members live within easy reach of the shul. We have a membership package “Woodford Family” especially created for the large base of families within mixed faith marriages that are bringing up their children as Jewish.

What about the cheder?

Josh Newham has been head of the Saturday morning cheder for nearly three years. Along with the three other teachers, he has revolutionised the classes. The pupils, aged six to 13, study in

four classrooms, all decorated with their work. The hallway and corridors are resplendent with photos of cheder events, festivals, trips, fundraising etc. The cheder has a very successful programme leading to Kabbalat Torah, at age 15/16, run by Rabbi Jacobi and Josh.

What about its synagogue activities?

There is a thriving Seniors’ Friendship Club, which is open to non-members, Young Family Club, held periodically on a Sunday and a Care Group to support vulnerable members. The community’s choir group welcomes members of any age. On Wednesday evening there is a beginners Bridge Club, also open to nonmembers. A programme of adult Jewish education classes is held in conjunction with the local Reform synagogue.

What else can be said about Woodford?

It is friendly, warm and welcoming, aiming to be ‘as inclusive as possible about all issues at all times’.

The community has recently organised visits to the Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre in Nottingham and the The Czech Memorial Scrolls Centre in central London.

Its 50@50 programme – to mark its anniversary – includes: services from every decade, a summer fair and miniOlympics, a scroll repair siyyum (completion ceremony) and a dinner dance.

And the wider community?

The synagogue is in the borough of Redbridge and near the boroughs of Epping Forest and Waltham Forest. It is surrounded by at least 11 other synagogues in the local boroughs. In the 1960s and 70s the area housed more Jews than anywhere else in the world, apart from New York. Times have, of course, changed, and now the borough is truly multicultural. Woodford Liberal is involved in the Redbridge multi-faith forum, the local Three Faith Forums, and activities supporting general cohesion with the whole community.

Want to find out more?

Visit www.woodfordliberal.org.uk, email info@woodford.org.uk or telephone 020 8989 7619. To read about the community’s activities, download its bi-monthly magazine, Bimah, from the website.

LJ Today Page 11

January/February 2010

LJY-Netzer is Liberal Judaism’s Zionist youth movement. It gives young people the opportunity to develop a strong Progressive Jewish identity whilst enjoying friendships and having fun. Visit www.ljynetzer.org

Together in harmony The first joint Kabbalat Shabbat with RSY-Netzer beat all our expectations, writes Robin Moss Thirty-seven members of LJY-Netzer and RSY-Netzer and their families came together for the first ever joint service of the two youth movements.

On a Friday night at the end of November, we filled the Montefiore Hall at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue with beautiful, harmonious singing, thought-provoking readings and a genuine chance for Britain’s two Progressive Jewish movements to celebrate together.

The idea to hold joint services was the initiative of both sets of movement workers, first floated when we were all in Jerusalem at the end of the summer. Conversations turned into booking the LJS, creating publicity, working out how to combine our liturgies in a way that kept everyone happy and finally the evening itself.

We had asked everyone to bring a vegetarian dish, and although we hoped it would be a popular event, we had little idea how many people might turn up. Thirty-seven was far in excess of our expectations, and helped to make it a really great atmosphere in which to pray and then share a meal. The food table groaned under the weight of quiches, salads, pasta dishes, cheese, cakes, fruit and other delicious desserts, and everyone tucked in hungrily.

Such was the evening’s success that planning is already under way for the next, to take place on Friday 5 February at a Reform synagogue, probably Southgate and District Reform. Anyone who wants to experience a Netzer-style Friday night is warmly encouraged to join us. Your presence will be welcome.

Book now for any of these events!

Youngsters aged 8-23? Here are some of the fun things we’re running during 2010 29-31 January Mazkirut (our fun-filled forum for bogrim, graduates of the movement) 12-14 February Hiking Weekend, for Yamim and Galim Aleph (school years 9-11) 19-21 February Plagim Weekend (years 3-6) 19-21 February Nechalim Weekend (years 7-8) 5-11 April Machaneh Aviv (spring camp), for Plagim, Nechalim and Yamim (years 3-10).

Six incredible days of fun 16 July-9 August Israel Tour, for Galim Aleph (year 11). An amazing three weeks in Israel 25 July-8 August Machaneh Kadimah (our brilliant summer camp) for school years 3-10.

A highlight of the LJY-Netzer year 13-26 August Kayitz, LJY-Netzer’s brilliant Europe tour, for school year 12

By Hannah Confino, 18

Spot

Shnat

The recent charedi riots in Jerusalem – over car parks and a computer 5770 factory opening on Shabbat and the arrest of a charedi woman over her starving child – have occurred a stone throw’s from where we’re living. Shnat Netzer has rejected this aggression, and the charedi monopoly on the city.

We joined Women at the Wall for the prayer service at which a woman was arrested simply for wearing a tallit at the kotel. And we attended a show of solidarity with the secular and progressive community of Jerusalem. I even had my 15 seconds of fame on Israeli news!

Shnat has, so far, been a truly enlightening time for me. I’ve learned what I’m good at (and what I’m not) and what kind of person I want to be!

Youngsters at Kinus, LJY-Netzer’s decision-making forum for 12- to 15-year-olds, held in December in Brighton. Lots of motions were discussed and passed, to be taken forward to Veidah, the conference for ages 15+

Hannah is one of LJY-Netzer’s participants on Shnat Netzer, the Progressive Jewish gap year programme in Israel

LJY-Netzer Contact Ben Baginsky, Shira Conradi or Robin Moss: 020 7631 0584 or office@ljynetzer.org

January/February 2010

Page 12 LJ Today

Liberal Judaism congregations Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue (Rodef Shalom), 01234 218387; bedsps@liberaljudaism. org; www.bedfordshire-ps.org.uk Beit Klal Yisrael, PO Box 1828, London W10 5RT; 07505 477459, bky@liberaljudaism.org; www.bky.org.uk Bet Tikvah Synagogue, 129 Perrymans Farm Road, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex IG2 7LX; 020 8554 9682, bttkv@liberaljudaism.org; www.bettikvah.org.uk Birmingham Progressive Synagogue 1 Roseland Way, Birmingham B15 1HD; 0121 634 3888; bps@liberaljudaism.org; www.bpsjudaism.com Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove BN3 1FF; 01273 737223; bhps@liberaljudaism.org; www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation 43-45 Bannerman Road, Easton, Bristol BS5 0RR bwpjc@liberaljudaism.org, www.bwpjc.org Crawley Jewish Community, 01293 534294 Dublin Jewish Progressive Synagogue, PO Box 3059, Dublin 6, 00 3531 2856241, djpc@liberaljudaism.org Ealing Liberal Synagogue Lynton Avenue, Drayton Green, W13 0EB; 020 8997 0528, els@liberaljudaism. org; www.ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk Eastbourne Progressive Jewish Congregation 01323 725650; fax: 01323 417645 epjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.epjcong.org.uk Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community 0131 777 8024; info@eljc.org; www.eljc.org Finchley Progressive Synagogue Hutton Grove, N12 8DR; 020 8446 4063; fps@liberaljudaism.org; www.fps.org Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community Enquiries: 01242 521468 or 01242 234232 Harrow and Wembley Progressive Synagogue 326 Preston Road, Harrow HA3 0QH; 020 8904 8581; hwps@liberaljudaism.org; www.hwps.org Herefordshire Jewish Community 01594 530721; hjc@liberaljudaism.org Kent Liberal Jewish Community 07952 242432; bulletin.kljc@liberaljudaism.org; www.jewishkent.org.uk/communities/KLJC/kljc.html Kingston Liberal Synagogue, Rushett Road, Long Ditton, Surbiton, Surrey; KT7 0UX; 020 8398 7400; kls@liberaljudaism.org; www.klsonline.org Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation The Synagogue, 24 Avenue Road, LE2 3EA; 07875 123744; lpjc@liberaljudaism.org The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, 28 St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA; 020 7286 5181; ljs@liberaljudaism.org; www.ljs.org The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, Elstree High Street,

The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street London, W1T 4BE Tel: 020 7580 1663 Fax: 020 7631 9838

www.liberaljudaism.org President The Baroness Neuberger DBE Chair Lucian Hudson Deputy Chair Amanda Grant Vice-Chairs Simon Benscher and Jackie Richards Treasurer David Pelham Officer for social action and disability Leon Charikar Vice-Presidents and Honorary Vice-Presidents David Amstell, Monique Blake, Henry Cohn, Nigel Cole, Geoffrey Davis, Stanley Fink, Jeromé Freedman, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, Sharon Goldstein, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, Jeremy Jessel, Willie Kessler, David Lipman, Corinne Oppenheimer, David Pick, Rosita Rosenberg, Tony Sacker, Harold Sanderson, Joan Shopper, Beverley Taylor, Clive Winston Chairman of Rabbinic Conference Rabbi Pete Tobias Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich Internal Services Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer PR and Communications Alexandra Ben-Yehuda Education Sandra Kviat Interfaith Rabbi Mark Solomon Shlicha Dana Friedman LJY-Netzer Ben Baginsky, Shira Conradi, Robin Moss

lj today is edited by Beatrice Sayers Articles and letters are welcome. The deadline for the March/April 2010 issue is 1 February 2010. Please email: ljtoday@ liberaljudaism.org. Letters may be edited.

Liberal Judaism is the dynamic, cutting edge of modern Judaism. It reverences Jewish tradition, seeking to preserve the values of the Judaism of the past while giving them contemporary force. Registered charity number 256390.

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Elstree, Herts WD6 3BY; 020 8953 8889; tlse@liberaljudaism.org; www.tlse.org.uk Lincolnshire Jewish Community 01427 628958; ljc@liberaljudaism.org Manchester Liberal Jewish Community, 08432 084441; mljc@liberaljudaism.org; www.mljc.org.uk North London Progressive Jewish Community 020 7403 3779; nlpjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.nlpjc.org.uk Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Oaklands Gate, Northwood, Middx HA6 3AA; 01923 822592, npls@liberaljudaism.org; www.npls.org.uk Nottingham Progressive Jewish Congregation Lloyd Street, Sherwood NG5 4BP; 0115 9624761; npjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.npjc.org.uk Or Chadash Liberal Jewish Community of Luxembourg, 00 352 31 65 94; lljc@liberaljudaism.org Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community Enquiries: 020 7631 9822 The Progressive Jewish Community of East Anglia (based in Norwich); www.pjcea.org.uk Reading Liberal Jewish Community 0118 942 8022; rljc@liberaljudaism.org; www.rljc.org Shenfield, Brentwood & Districts Synagogue 01277 888610; info@roshtikvah.com; www.roshtikvah.com South Bucks Jewish Community 0845 644 2370; sbjc@liberaljudaism.org; www.sbjc.org.uk South London Liberal Synagogue PO Box 14475, London SW16 1ZW; 020 8769 4787; slls@liberaljudaism.org; www.southlondon.org Southgate Progressive Synagogue 75 Chase Road, London N14 4QY; 020 8886 0977; sps@liberaljudaism.org; www.sps.uk.com West Central Liberal Synagogue 21 Maple Street, London W1T 4BE; 020 7636 7627; wcls@liberaljudaism.org; www.wcls.org.uk Woodford Liberal Synagogue, Marlborough Road, George Lane, London E18 1AR; 020 8989 7619; wps@liberaljudaism.org; www.woodfordliberal.org.uk

Associated congregations Beit Ha’Chidush, Postbus 14613, 1001 LC Amsterdam, Netherlands, 00 31 23 524 7204; info@beithachidush.nl, www.beithachidush.nl Oxford Liberal Jewish Services: 01865 515584 or 01865 765197; www.ojc-online.org

Developing communities The Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (based in Ipswich), 01473 250797; sjc@liberaljudaism.org

‘tent: the meeting place’ for young adults; Avivit Katzil: 07866 501787

Make a date ...........

13 January (Wednesday) Daytimers tour of the Czech Scrolls Memorial Trust. To book: 020 7631 9830 or a.wakely@liberaljudaism.org 27 January (Wednesday) Holocaust Memorial Day Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

Theme for this year’s HMD: Legacy of Hope 30 January (Saturday) Shabbaton at the LJS (St John’s Wood) For details or to book, please contact hgoldenberg@btopenworld.com 31 January (Sunday) Cyber Quiz for Liberal Jewish communities, 8-9.30pm. All invited to join. Email dr.pgoodwin@gmail.com.

5 February (Friday) LJY-Netzer’s joint Kabbalat Shabbat service with RSY-Netzer 4-7 March Connections Europe 2010 Convention in Paris of the European Region of the WUPJ 12-14 March Hebrew Crash Course at Northwood and Pinner. Friday 6pm-Sunday 4pm. £70/£110. Please contact 01923 822592 5-11 April Machaneh Aviv (spring camp) for ages 8-14. Contact LJY-Netzer: 020 7631 0584 16-18 April Liberal Judaism’s Biennial Weekend at the Tortworth Court Hotel, Glos 25 July-8 August Machaneh Kadimah (summer camp) for 8- 15-year-olds. Contact LJY-Netzer: 020 7631 0584

More Liberal Jews take on communal roles Amanda Grant, deputy chair of Liberal Judaism and a former council member of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS), has been appointed vice-chair of Leo Baeck College. She succeeds Henry Cohn, Birmingham’s president.

Alan Goodkin, 18, also of BPS, a student at Reading, takes on the role of representing Liberal Judaism on the Board of Deputies.

At Leo Baeck College, two Liberal Jews, Michael Francies and Michael Romain, have joined the board of governors.

Michael Francies is managing partner of the law firm Weil, Gotshal and Manges.

He and his wife, Claire, have been members of Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue for many years.

Michael Romain, who is director of two property investment companies, is a member of Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation.

Jewish–French connection Connections Europe 2010, the convention of the European Region of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, takes place from 4 to 7 March in Paris.

The convention will celebrate 200 years of Progressive Judaism in Europe, and 100 years in Paris, and is hosted by the movement’s four Parisian congregations.

Keynote lectures by Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein, Alexandre Adler, Diana Pinto, Rabbi Stephen Berkowitz and Rabbi Pauline Bebe. Registration: £315.

Contact Kathryn Michael on 020 8349 5651; 07956 815764; european regionwupj@gmail.com.

Table tennis club On 4 January, Southgate Progressive Synagogue is opening a Monday Table Tennis Club. It will run from 11am until 3pm every week in the synagogue hall. It is for anyone who is interested, including retired people and students. Cost: £5 a session. A coach will be available to help you with your game (charge made).

Friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Enquiries welcome: 020 8440 3538 or gordon greenfield@lineone.net.