LJ Today May/Jun 2024

www.liberaljudaism.org

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Synagogue Iftars bring faiths together

PROGRESSIVE Jewish communities opened their doors during Ramadan for a series of Iftar meals.

Birmingham Progressive Synagogue put on an interfaith ‘Friday Night Iftar’ – in partnership with a number of local mosques and community groups – to focus on bringing people together in Birmingham and welcoming asylum seekers to the city.

The evening began with an inclusive candle lighting to mark the beginning of Shabbat and then, after sunset, a breaking of the Ramadan fast with the best of both religions’ culinary traditions.

Speaker Tugba Saglam, who shared her perspective as a refugee, said afterwards: “Unfortunately, this year there is a lot of pain in our souls and much thinking about the current conflicts going on. But, for the first time since Ramadan started, I felt happy when we broke our fast together, all raising our hands to pray for peace and reconciliation.”

The event was part of a year-long project which aims to bring together people of all faiths to build friendships with asylum seekers in Birmingham.

Helping those seeking refuge also took centre stage at Finchley Progressive Synagogue, where an Iftar marked a key moment in a day of action campaigning for free bus travel for asylum seekers, organised by Barnet Citizens.

More than 125 people enjoyed a night of speeches, food, prayer, poetry and song.

The evening was hosted by the FPS Home from Home Club, a weekly afterschool drop-in for asylum seekers from a local hotel, which is led by asylum seekers themselves.

One hotel resident said: “It was wonderful to see people from diverse religious backgrounds coming together in unity and sharing in the spirit of Ramadan. It showed the beauty of community and the importance of understanding and friendship.”

were held at Oaks Lane Reform, Edgware and Hendon Reform and Alyth Synagogues - with Progressive clergy and leaders also attending national and mosque-run meals.

The Alyth event – covered by national media including The Times and Sky News – was the synagogue’s 11th annual Iftar.

A key part of the community’s calendar, this year’s event had the theme of ‘friendship across difference’ and looked at how to maintain good relations between Jewish and Muslim communities in the UK at a time of rising tensions.

Speaking on Sky, Alyth’s Rabbi Hannah Kingston and local Imam Sabah Ahmedi explained that, with Islamophobia and antisemitism on the rise, the only way that we can break down barriers is by having deep meaningful conversation and building relationships.

Rabbi Hannah added: “Friendships are the most important thing that we can offer one another at this time.”

AS this issue of lj today goes to press, we know that events in Israel are on people’s minds. Because of the time needed to edit, print and post out copies, it is impossible for any edition to be contemporaneous in its reporting of world events. On pages 4-5, we feature a reflection that was written six months on from the events of 7 October and in-depth reports from two trips to Israel by Progressive clergy and communal leaders. We hope you are able to find meaning in what we have included.

Iftars

Iftar events at Finchley Progressive, Birmingham Progressive and Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogues were some of many taking place

Raising our Progressive voice in the world

THE leaders of Progressive Judaism are continuing the work of making sure that our voice is heard both within the Jewish community and the wider world.

With Progressive Judaism representing one third of all synagogue affiliated Jews in the UK, this voice matters. It is essential that our values are represented on the national stage and that we are in relationship with those who shape the society in which we live.

A lot of attention is being given to this work, and one result has been a number of meetings between Progressive Judaism’s Co-Leads, Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy, and civic and political leaders from across the spectrum.

In a recent private meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, Sir Keir Starmer, Rabbis Josh and Charley discussed a range of subjects including:

the needs of the Jewish community; the potential role of the faith sector in work with Government and how the Labour Party views the role of places of worship; and faith communities in the delivery of social policy.

They also spoke about our belief in the importance of investment in community cohesion projects and interfaith work, as well as approaching issues of extremism.

In March, Rabbi Charley was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet with His Majesty King Charles III as part of a group of community and faith leaders, who are alumni of the Windsor Leadership Trust.

The King heard about the group’s involvement in The Faith Leader’s Forum, where 18 senior leaders from the Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths had an opportunity to share experiences of leading in their communities at a time of heightened international tensions.

Rabbi Charley said: “We were delighted to talk to His Majesty about the vital work we do bringing communities together.”

DR Ed Kessler MBE, the Chair of the Progressive Judaism Advisory Board, appeared on The Rest is Politics to discuss the war in Israel/Gaza and its impact on interfaith work here. He said: “I’m an optimist. All war comes to an end. We need to think about the day after - to deal with our differences and start a dialogue about what we have in common.”

Become a lay leader for your congregation

A NEW cohort – the eighth – of the flagship Liberal Judaism Ba’alei Tefillah course will be launching this autumn, by popular demand.

The course trains members of Liberal congregations to become service leaders in their own communities. Just under 100 Liberal Jews have previously graduated, gaining precious skills and adding value, richness and diversity to their community’s spiritual life.

The course lasts 15 months and is largely self-taught, under the guidance of a rabbinic lead and three tutors, who are all graduates from the course and experienced service leaders themselves. Five group days and one residential intensive weekend provide opportunities

for the participants to get to know each other, study together, learn practical skills, improve their bimah confidence in a safe and encouraging environment, troubleshoot, ask questions, share experiences, and become a cohesive and mutually supportive cohort during and beyond the course.

Rabbi Anna Gerrard, of Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community, will be the Ba’alei Tefillah rabbinic lead from this autumn. She said: “I am honoured and excited to be working with the next cohort of this successful programme. I am passionate about supporting smaller communities and know that the Ba’alei Tefillah training enables our members to make a real difference in their setting.”

Communities of all sizes see the benefits of having trained, competent, confident service leaders who enhance the life of their synagogue. Smaller Liberal communities without a rabbi will benefit from extra support thanks to the generosity of a grant from the NLPS Trust that will allow us to allocate bursaries to cover part of the costs.

Applications are now open. There will be an information evening on Zoom on Monday 10 June at 8pm, open to all – including prospective applicants, community rabbis and lay leaders who are thinking of putting an applicant forward). If you would like more information, please contact Alexandra Gellnick on a.gellnick@liberaljudaism.org

Rabbis Josh Levy and Charley Baginsky with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Rabbi Charley at an interfaith discussion with King Charles III

Rabbi Anna Gerrard is welcomed back as Three Counties’ Lead Rabbi

FAITH leaders from across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire joined together to celebrate the return of Rabbi Anna Gerrard as Lead Rabbi of Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (3CLJC).

It was a case of ‘welcome back’ for Rabbi Anna (pictured) – who had previously served 10 years in post, before leaving the community in 2020 to take up the role of Jewish Chaplain at Clifton College in Bristol.

Gloucester MP Richard Graham and the Deans of Gloucester and Hereford cathedrals, the Reverend Canon Sarah Brown and the Reverend Canon Andrew Zihni, were among the 50 people at the induction service and Shabbat lunch.

Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community was created in 2018 through the merging of Gloucestershire Liberal Jewish Community and Herefordshire Jewish Community. Today, the community has about 180 members.

A new Principal Rabbi for Alyth

RABBI Golan

Ben-Chorin has been appointed as Principal Rabbi of Alyth (North Western Reform Synagogue).

Rabbi Golan (pictured) has more than 17 years of experience serving in communal and wider rabbinic roles around the world.

He joined Alyth at the beginning of this year as Interim Rabbi, following the departure of previous Principal Rabbi, Rabbi Josh Levy, to become CEO of the Movement for Reform Judaism and CoLead of Progressive Judaism.

He will now be part of the Alyth clergy team, alongside Rabbi Hannah Kingston and Rabbi Elliott Karstadt.

Rabbi Golan said: “I am deeply honoured and delighted to transition into the role of Principal Rabbi.”

Synagogue Chair Justin Wise added: “We are thrilled to begin this new phase in Alyth’s life, during a year that will also see the opening of our new building.”

Chair of 3CLJC, Mark Walton, said: “We wanted to celebrate how far our small community has come and share a little

End of an era at

Maidenhead

RABBI Dr Jonathan Romain (pictured left) is retiring from the pulpit after more than 40 years leading Maidenhead Synagogue. Rabbi Dr René Pfertzel (pictured right) will take over the role later this year.

Rabbi Jonathan – who has helped to grow Maidenhead’s membership from 72 households to more than 950 – is taking up a new post as Convenor of the Movement for Reform Judaism Beit Din.

Rabbi René said: “It is an honour to follow in the footsteps of a rabbi of the stature of Jonathan.”

Rabbi René leaves Kingston Liberal Synagogue. We will have news on their new Rabbi soon.

bit of our culture with our friends and neighbours.

“We already have excellent relationships with a number of faith communities across the region. This service was an opportunity to build further new ones. We have been delighted with the response.”

Rabbi Anna lives in Gloucestershire and is committed to building an inclusive and modern Jewish community for all those with Jewish connections in this region.

She said: “This community has been a part of my life and my family’s life for many years.

“It was good for me to take on different challenges and learn from other branches of the Jewish community, but I am delighted to be returning to this role.

“The community is still thriving and growing, with members of all ages and Jewish backgrounds. It is a Jewish home for so many people and I am proud to serve them once again.”

Cantor to lead FRS clergy team

FINCHLEY Reform Synagogue (FRS) has appointed Cantor Zöe Jacobs (pictured) as its new Senior Clergy, replacing outgoing Senior Rabbi, Miriam Berger.

The appointment marks a new model of congregational leadership and the next stage of a personal journey for Cantor Zöe, who grew up in the FRS community. She will lead a dynamic team including Rabbis Deborah Blausten and Howard Cooper.

Other Cantors - including Rabbi Cantor Gershon Silins - have led Progressive communities. However Cantor Zöe is the first sole leader of a larger team of clergy that includes both Cantors and Rabbis.

FRS Chair Jenny Nuni said: “This appointment positions both FRS as a community, and Progressive Judaism as a whole, in the vanguard of change.”

Cantor Zöe added: “I am so honoured and motivated to follow in the footsteps of my extraordinary predecessors.”

Why we must revisit Our Jewish Values

By Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Co-Leads of Progressive Judaism

IN October of last year, together with other communal leaders, we produced a set of principles about how to respond to the emerging crisis in Israel and Gaza.

It was called Our Jewish Values (www.ourjewishvalues.org.uk) and spoke for many in our communities who were searching for the words to respond, evidenced by thousands of people from across the spectrum of the Jewish community, including over 100 rabbis, who chose to add their names to the online document.

Today, revisiting the words, they still resonate. More powerful is the heartbreaking realisation that so many of the challenges it articulates are unresolved.

We began with our clear commitment to Israel and Zionism. As time has passed, not only has this commitment been reaffirmed, it has been strengthened.

We mourn all those who were lost on October 7, we grieve for families displaced, fear for those sheltering from rockets and call for the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas. We have witnessed the depth of loss that Israelis have experienced, and know how connected to this pain and fear many Jews in the UK are, too.

We recognise the existential threat that Hamas pose – as well as Hezbollah, the Houthis and others – and that Israel has a right to defend itself.

Yet, nothing has happened to lessen our belief in Palestinian self-determination. We refuse to give up on the idea of a twostate solution, however hard this might be. This is the only possible pathway to an enduring peace.

In Our Jewish Values, we together expressed a fear not only about what was happening, but about what was to come: the humanitarian situation that was unfolding and the loss of life of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

This has only grown more troubling. A war can be just and yet carried out in ways that go beyond what is acceptable, in international and Jewish law. The shocking number of non-combatant civilian deaths, together with the starvation and disease, demands our response. As does the violence in the West Bank that has been allowed, even encouraged by extreme voices in the Israeli government, to grow.

The Zionism that we aspire to is a religious Zionism, one that comes from within our religious worldview. Our Zionism is not just about Israel’s borders but its behaviours. Israel, as a Jewish state, reflects on all the world’s Jews and Judaism itself, so it must seek to be a Kiddush HaShem, to sanctify the name of God, through its actions. Israel should aspire to be ‘a light unto the nations’, even though in so doing it might feel we are asking it to live up to higher standards than other countries. We must acknowledge that Israel under its current leadership has failed to live up to these obligations.

The impact on society has stretched far beyond Israel and Palestine. In Israel, there has been a major impact on the work of human rights and coexistence organisations.

Our Zionism is strengthened by the knowledge that so many of our colleagues are, even now, directly

involved in protest and action to work for a better Israel, campaigning for a new Government and a different way forward. Here, there has been a dramatic rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, challenging the quantity and nature of interfaith work, and making it harder for diverse groups to speak to each other. Yet, in order to live together, we must step into the pain of the other, to see them and to hear them.

There is not a hierarchy of suffering, nor is this a zero-sum game which prevents us from both holding our own pain and suffering and still giving voice to that of another. This is not only about Jews and Muslims: the crisis in Israel and Palestine has been polarising and is being used by those with malignant agendas to divide and stir up fear.

We have tried to speak with complexity and nuance. We have sat in spaces that have been difficult and listened to words which have been uncomfortable to hear. We have added layers to conversations which required our voice and repeatedly refused to speak in slogans, or to make declarations that might make us feel better but do not make a tangible difference. We have sought to repair wherever we can and not further fracture, to seek dialogue and allyship not enmity. Our relationships in this country require us all to make this commitment.

It is devastating that the principles found in Our Jewish Values are now even more needed than before. We call on the Jewish world and beyond to revisit them.

• This piece was written on April 7 2024six months after the events of 7 October.

Community united at Downing Street vigil

More than 1,500 people from across the Jewish community, and beyond, came together in a vigil to support the 133 hostages still held captive in Gaza.

Gathering opposite Downing Street, crowd members were visibly moved as the families of those taken and murdered by Hamas spoke about the pain and suffering they, and others in Israel, have been going through since 7 October.

The rally was addressed by the leaders of all of Britain’s major Jewish denominations, including Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy.

Clergy visit affirms ‘the value of showing up’

RABBIS Aaron Goldstein, Alexandra Wright, Daniel Lichman, Danny Rich, Gershon Silins, Jordan Helfman, Lea Mühlstein, Mark Goldsmith, Nathan Godleman, Rachel Benjamin, Shulamit Ambalu, Thomas Salamon and Warren Elf experienced together the reality that is Israel today.

The Progressive clergy spent time at the sites of the 7 October terrorist attacks, met with the families of those still being held hostage by Hamas and prayed alongside Israeli colleagues.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein of The Ark Synagogue, which arranged the trip, offers his reflection below:

One of the most important values that underpins our Jewish People is showing up for each other.

For our group of rabbis in Israel, showing up meant bearing witness to the pogrom of 7 October. This was not macabre tourism, but being able to relay the memories of those murdered or held hostage. Their parents, siblings, children demand that… and we honour them.

To witness death notices in the Kibbutz

Nir Oz dining room, and the Nova Festival site memorials, was heartbreaking.

To sit and listen to those directly affected enabled us as rabbis to share their message in our congregations.

In supporting our Israeli colleagues, we found how communal prayer – gentle, inclusive, musical and deep in such a shattering moment – was so powerful.

Rabbi Yael Vurgan is the Progressive Rabbi of Sha’ar Ha’Negev Region. Her congregation were, and continue to be, the victims of the 7 October pogrom.

Not having words to say, she realised and embodies the purpose in just being present – telling us: “The value of showing up is hardwired into Jewish tradition, yet sometimes in our comfort we take it for granted.”

Solidarity Mission is ‘nothing short of

transformative’

REBECCA Singerman-Knight, Co-Chair of Kingston Liberal Synagogue, visited Israel as part of a Solidarity Mission organised jointly by the World Union for Progressive Judaism and Arzenu.

During the six-day trip, the delegates – around 20 lay leaders and clergy from North America, Argentina, Europe and Australia – visited the site of the Nova music festival and some of the Kibbutzim which were attacked on 7 October. This included Kfar Aza (pictured).

They also met with Members of the Knesset, the Ambassador to Bahrain, civic society volunteers, wounded soldiers and bereaved parents. They visited Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, where Rebecca played the public piano, and attended a demonstration on the Saturday evening calling for the hostages to be brought home.

They heard about the work of Arzenu –the political voice of Reform, Progressive and Liberal Religious Zionists within the

World Zionist Organisation and learned about its importance in advocating for a progressive Israel.

Rebecca said: “The trip was nothing short of transformative.

“It was deeply heartbreaking at times, but I came away with a sense of optimism – knowing that the strength and resilience of the amazing people I met will help find a path to a more progressive Israel, and hopefully one that lives in peace with its neighbours.”

Around the communities...

Radlett Reform Synagogue put on a Purim Carnival with fairground games, quizzes and candy floss, as well as a pop-up charity café

The children at Southend and District Reform Synagogue – along with teacher Eli Klein – dressed up to perform the Purim story

A Purim Spectacular at Kingston Liberal Synagogue had families re-enacting the story and looking at how to support good causes

At The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, the community dressed up, ate, played, danced and raised money for Jewish Women’s Aid

At Bromley Reform Synagogue, 250 people, including 100 potential new members, enjoyed a Barbie-themed party and Megillah reading

Finchley Progressive Synagogue ensured their children could feel the joy of the festival with celebrations including a musical spiel

The Ark Synagogue’s special relationship with the Teiva Progressive Congregation, Ukraine, saw them exchanging messages and videos

More than 150 people attended the Purim Spiel at East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue, which transported Esther to the 1990s

communities... Purim 2024

There was something for everyone at Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue – including a Wonka-themed family Purim extravaganza

Finchley Reform Synagogue’s Purim involved an evening of pizza and prosecco, followed by a Purim Carnival on welcoming hundreds

York Liberal Jewish Community celebrated with a fun-filled and deliciously prepared event – full of wonderful food and acting

a

Totnes Jewish Community enjoyed

lively Purim celebration with live klezmer music, delicious food and high-spirited song and dance

Nottingham Liberal Synagogue’s saw Mordechood and the Merry Menschen, starring Maid Esther, Bubbe Vashti and Rabbi Tuck

Kol Chai Reform Synagogue had a double Purim celebration - while North Herts Progressive Jewish Community (Stevenage Liberal and Radlett Reform Synagogues) joined together for a special service

The community at Shenfield & Brentwood Reform Synagogue dressed up for Purim – with members of all ages enjoying the day

Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue had a children’s party, storytelling and adult fancy dress competition - as the community at Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue saw Esther Poppins ‘snap’ into action

NLS member is first ever Jewish High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire

The first Jewish appointee to the office of High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire was installed in a history-making ceremony at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue (NLS).

Nick Rubins – one of the synagogue’s most active and dedicated members –has taken on the role, which is the oldest secular office under the Crown. It was created over 1,000 years ago when shires were first formed.

Among the 150 guests at the ceremony were the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Veronica Pickering, Dean of Southwell Nicola Sullivan, Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky and members of the synagogue, including Chair Paula Scott.

NLS’s Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu gave the priestly blessing, wishing Nick every success in all of his undertakings.

There were also speeches by representatives of the charities Nick will be supporting during his year-long tenure and music from pianist and singer Jeremy Sassoon.

Rabbi Charley said: “I was so honoured to join Nick, Gili and all at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue for this amazing and historic moment – as a Progressive Jew became the first ever Jewish High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.”

The main duties of the High Sheriff includes attendance at Royal visits in the county and support for His Majesty’s High Court judges, supporting those involved in charity and voluntary sectors and actively encouraging crime prevention.

The appointment made worldwide headlines, covered by newspapers in the UK, USA, Israel and Germany.

Ark teens lead KT service

A SPECIAL celebration at The Ark Synagogue saw 10 young members lead a service to mark the culmination of their Kabbalat Torah programme.

Kabbalat Torah seeks to engage teenagers in exploring and building a positive Jewish identity as they mature and grow together post Bnei Mitzvah – keeping them invested in their synagogues and the Jewish community.

The Ark’s Kabbalat Torah Shabbat gave their teenagers a chance to bring all their experiences together from the 18-month programme, which included a long weekend in the Czech Republic. To mark that they had visited the Czech town of Kolin, they read from The Ark’s Kolin Scroll that arrived from the Memorial Scrolls Trust in 1965.

The group were taught by Anna Masters and nurtured by The Ark’s Senior Rabbis, Aaron Goldstein and Lea Mühlstein (pictured above - photo by Victor Shack). Rabbis Aaron and Lea said: “We have known most of this KT class from birth. We asked God to bless them when they were born, at their Bnei Mitzvah and now as a group. This is one of the privileges of being a Rabbi and we look forward to nurturing their future lives.

“Kabbalat Torah has been the foundation for groups of friends returning as adults to raise their own children as Jews within our synagogue or at other Progressive Jewish communities.”

Celebrating 100 years of Rabbi John Rayner

THE Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) is delighted to invite all members of Progressive communities to participate in The Rabbi John Rayner Centenary Conference, which will mark 100 years since the birth of the foremost influential Liberal Rabbi of his generation.

The event takes place on Monday 8 July from 9.30am-4.15pm at the LJS in St John’s Wood.

The morning programme will include lectures from Dr Joanna Weinberg,

Rabbi Mark Solomon, Rabbi Lev Taylor and others. They will explore Rabbi John Rayner’s work on liturgy, ethics, Progressive Jewish law and Israel.

The afternoon programme will see interactive workshops on subjects on which he preached, faciliated by leaders includign Rabbis Aaron Goldstein, Judith Rosen-Berry, Richard Jacobi, Margaret Jacobi and Anna Wolfson.

All are welcome – in person and online. Please email ljs@ljs.org to find out more.

Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu, High Sheriff Nick Rubins, Paula Scott and Rabbi Charley Baginsky

Communities triumph at Mitzvah Day Awards

TWO Progressive communities won prestigious Mitzvah Day Awards for their interfaith social action on the day… and all year round. Birmingham Progressive Synagogue won the Outstanding Interfaith Partnership prize, with Maidenhead Synagogue picking up the Outstanding British Mitzvah Day award.

Other congregations receiving nominations included Southgate Progressive Synagogue, Kingston Liberal Synagogue, York Liberal Jewish Community, Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue, North West Surrey Synagogue, Menorah Synagogue, Alyth Synagogue and Progressive Jewish Link Northern Ireland – as well as Owen Power of York, Alexandra Domingue of Maidenhead and Dan Ozarow of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree.

Maidenhead Synagogue was honoured for an incredible day of activities, including cooking for those in food poverty, collecting for the homeless and working to improve the environment.

Especially impressive were the number of other local faith groups joining them, including members of the Muslim, Christian and Hindu communities.

Campaigner Julie Siddiqi MBE is one of the members of the Muslim community who regularly attends interfaith activities in Maidenhead. She has formed a close friendship with many at the synagogue, including Alexandra Domingue. Both agreed that, this year, JewishMuslim interfaith work has been more important than ever.

Julie said: “I remember a very powerful moment that, even now when I think about it, is quite emotional for me. Mitzvah Day took place soon after 7 October and I was very aware of the fear and anxiety the Jewish community were feeling. Barbara from the synagogue, who I see every year, opened the door and we just hugged and both started crying. There were no words needed, it was a beautiful thing.

“Interfaith matters and it is at moments like this when it matters more than ever. I’m not really into talking. What makes the difference is to do things together, challenge misconceptions together and change the world together!”

Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS) was victorious thanks to its ongoing programme for asylum seekers. The community works alongside NisaNashim, Al-Abbas Islamic Centre and The Church at Carrs Lane to unite the large number of diverse faith groups in the city.

Tommer Spence of BPS said: “We have brought together people from seven faiths to show asylum seekers that they are welcome here in Birmingham.

“We are inspired to do this work by the members of our own Jewish community who are refugees or who are descended from refugees, along with the Torah’s mitzvah to love the stranger.”

Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Josh Levy was part of an insightful panel discussion on the importance of social action in interfaith work.

On Mitzvah Day, Rabbi Josh volunteered at a multifaith packing and sorting project at JW3 Foodbank, which won the evening’s Year Round Award.

He said: “A strong society is built on a network of relationships and connections between communities.

“Those relationships then sustain us when times, and conversations, are difficult. These deep relationships aren’t easy to build. Mitzvah Day is invaluable because it is one of those rare occasions where we get to meet people we don’t know and to work with them in a different way.”

Rabbi Josh Levy on MD

Mitzvah Day Award winners and nominees from Progressive communities, accompanied by friends from other faiths – picture by Yakir Zur

Alexandra Domingue and Julie Siddiqi MBE

LBC students in Paris Shabbaton

LEO Baeck College (LBC) Student Rabbis

Dr Rachel Berkson, Emily Carp, Andrea Kulikovsky, Shulamit Morris Evans, Dr Jennifer Verson and Yael Tischler attended a Shabbaton in Paris at the Communauté Juive Libérale (CJL).

The group were joined by French students from the ERP (École Rabbinique de Paris) for an Oneg Shabbat on Friday night and a Saturday afternoon discussion on key French and British Jewish philosophers.

Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh, Dean and Director of Jewish Studies at LBC, delivered a sermon in French at the Erev Shabbat service. He said: “It was wonderful building connections with our Paris counterparts.

“This trip was made even more special by the fact that both rabbis at CJL are alumni of LBC.”

CJL’s Rabbi Étienne Kerber was ordained by the College in 2021. He said: “This Shabbaton was a transformative experience. All that we have shared will stay in our hearts forever.”

LBC Student Rabbi Yael Tischler described the weekend as “inspiring”. She added: “It was very meaningful to experience another manifestation of Progressive Judaism and to connect with rabbinical and cantorial students living and working in a different milieu. I am bringing home the wisdom and creativity of the CJL community and am excited to share it with our congregations here.”

College round-up

• LEO Baeck College Principal Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris has released a new book Polyamory and Reading the Book of Ruth - available now from all good bookstores.

The work establishes a polyamorous hermeneutic for reading Biblical texts and applies it to the Book of Ruth. It offers an example of loving and supportive polyamorous households, which Rabbi Deborah explains through analysis of the two triangular relationships in the story: between Naomi and her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah, and then Ruth, her husband Boaz and Naomi.

Interviewed by the Jewish Chronicle to mark the launch of the book, Rabbi Deborah said: “The classical rabbis came to the text with their own experiences of life, their own cultural assumptions. It would be odd to think that they didn’t.

“Interpretation doesn’t stop. We are constantly doing it. We write sermons, we create homilies. We are doing something interpretative - even if we are doing that interpretation through the multilayered conversation with the interpreters who have gone before.”

• DR CHANI Smith’s Learn to Leyn: The Cantillation of the Hebrew Bible is available to buy from Leo Baeck College as an online publication. Learn to Leyn was first published 20 years ago and has been used by thousands of people. The new eBook contains teaching notes for Torah cantillation and audio tracks with musical examples for reference and practice. A leyned section is included in the audio files as well as the blessings to be recited before and after reading from the scroll. All proceeds will go to supporting LBC’s educational programmes.

• CANTORS

Rachel Weston, Zoe Jacobs and Tamara Wolfson visited the LBC Library to explore its new Victor Tunkel Jewish Music Collection.

LBC Senior Librarian Cassy Sachar said: “This collection celebrates the role of music in Jewish life. It is incredibly special to have such rich material all in one place.”

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

Fun, friendship and a real sense of community

WE have just arrived back from Machaneh Shamayim (spring camp).

Below are a few of our favourite pictures and, to the right, some words from Roxy, who has been coming to LJY since she was “super little” and wanted to explain why LJY camps are “awesome”.

Roxy writes: “Nothing can compare to the amazing friends and madrichim (leaders) who you will meet on LJY.

“It has really connected me to my heritage. I live in an area with not many Jews, so it has been a brilliant experience having so many Jewish friends.”

“Another big factor of what I love about LJY is the sense of community it has. The leaders are super kind and resourceful, always ensuring that we always have the most spectacular, fun-filled time!”

To book for Machaneh Kadimah (summer camp), visit www.ljy-netzer.org

Contact LJY-Netzer: Email Mia Bogod (m.bogod@liberaljudaism.org ), Mia Harris (m.harris@liberaljudaism.org) and Hannah Gellman (h.gellman@liberaljudaism.org) or visit our website www.ljy-netzer.org

Liberal Judaism congregations

The Ark Synagogue (Northwood and Pinner)

T: 01923 822 592

E: admin@arksynagogue.org W: arksynagogue.org

Bedfordshire Progressive Synagogue T: 0845 869 7105

E: info@bedsps.org.uk W: bedfordshire-ps.org.uk

Beit Klal Yisrael (London) E: admin@bky.org.uk W: bky.org.uk

Birmingham Progressive Synagogue T: 0121 634 3888 E: bps@liberaljudaism.org W: bpsjudaism.com

Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue T: 01273 737 223

E: info@bhps-online.org W: bhps-online.org

Bristol and West Progressive Jewish Congregation T: 0117 403 3456

E: info@bwpjc.org W: bwpjc.org

Crawley Jewish Community T: 01293 534 294

Crouch End Chavurah E: naomi@crouchendchavurah.org W: www.crouchendchavurah.org

Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation

E: djpc@liberaljudaism.org W: djpcireland.com

Ealing Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8997 0528

E: admin@ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk W: ealingliberalsynagogue.org.uk

East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue T: 0208 989 7619

E: administrator@elels.org.uk W: elels.org.uk

Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community T: 07376 916 920

E: eljc.contact@gmail.com W: eljc.org.uk

Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community T: 0131 777 8024

E: info@eljc.org W: eljc.org

Finchley Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8446 4063

E: fps@liberaljudaism.org W: fps.org

Kehillah North London T: 07706 354 602

E: info@kehillah.org.uk W: kehillah.org.uk

Kent Liberal Jewish Community T: 07384 993 553

E: enquiries@kljc.org.uk W: kljc.org.uk

Kingston Liberal Synagogue T: 020 8398 7400

E: kls@liberaljudaism.org W: klsonline.org

Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation

E: chair@lpjc.org.uk W: lpjc.org.uk

The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood) T: 020 7286 5181 E: ljs@ljs.org W: ljs.org

The Montagu Centre 21 Maple Street London, W1T 4BE T: 020 7580 1663

E: montagu@liberaljudaism.org W: liberaljudaism.org W: pathtoprogressivejudaism.org.uk

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

Charity Number: 1151090

lj today is edited by Simon Rothstein. Please send news to s.rothstein@liberaljudaism.org

The Liberal Synagogue Elstree T: 020 8953 8889

E: office@tlse.org.uk W: tlse.org.uk

Lincolnshire Jewish Community W: lincolnsynagogue.com

Mosaic Liberal Synagogue (Stanmore) T: 020 8864 0133 E: office@mosaicliberal.org.uk W: mosaicliberal.org.uk

Norwich Liberal Jewish Community E: nljc@liberaljudaism.org W: norwichljc.org.uk

Nottingham Liberal Synagogue T: 0115 962 4761

E: info@nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com W: nottinghamliberalsynagogue.com

Peterborough Liberal Jewish Community T: 07561 331 390 E: info@pljc.org.uk W: pljc.org.uk

Reading Liberal Jewish Community E: readingliberaljewishcommunity@ gmail.com W: readingljc.org.uk

Shir Hatzafon (Copenhagen) E: shir@shirhatzafon.dk W: shirhatzafon.dk

South Bucks Jewish Community T: 07377 157 261 E: info@sbjc.org.uk W: sbjc.org.uk

Southgate Progressive Synagogue T: 020 8886 0977 E: office@sps.uk.com W: sps.uk.com

Acting Chair Karen Newman

The South London Liberal Synagogue (Streatham) T: 020 8769 4787

E: office@southlondon.org W: southlondon.org

Stevenage Liberal Synagogue T: 01438 300 222

E: stevenageliberalsynagogue@gmail.com W: stevenageliberalsynagogue.org.uk

Suffolk Liberal Jewish Community (Ipswich) T:01473 250 797

E: sljc@liberaljudaism.org

W: suffolkljc.co.uk

Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire)

T: 07900 612 058

E: info@3cljc.org.uk

W: 3cljc.org.uk

Wessex Liberal Jewish Community (Bournemouth) T: 01202 757 590

E: secretary.wljc@gmail.com

W: wessexliberaljudaism.org.uk

York Liberal Jewish Community T: 0300 102 0062

E: info@jewsinyork.org.uk

W: jewsinyork.org.uk

Developing and affiliated

Beit Ha’Chidush (Amsterdam)

E: info@beithachidush.nl W: beithachidush.nl

Oxford Jewish Congregation T: 01865 515 584

E: connections@ojc-online.org W: ojc-online.org

Treasurer Leslie Moss Youth Hannah Stephenson Communities and Social Justice Owen Power

Inclusion Alexandra Boyd Strategy Alex Kinchin-Smith

Officers Penny Beral, Sue Head and Tommer Spence

President Rabbi Alexandra Wright Vice Presidents Simon Benscher, Monique Blake, Nigel Cole, Lord (Stanley) Fink, Louise Freedman, Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, Sharon Goldstein, Jane Greenfield, Lucian Hudson, Dr Edward Kessler MBE, Josie Kinchin, Ann Kirk BEM, Bob Kirk BEM, David Lipman, Frank Maxwell, Baroness (Gillian) Merron, David Pick, Rabbi Danny Rich, Tony Sacker, Joan Shopper, Phil Stone and Beverley Taylor

Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors Chairs Rabbi Alexandra Wright and Rabbi Anna Wolfson

Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Charley Baginsky

Chief Operating Officer Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer

Director of Development and Membership Alexandra Gellnick Executive Assistant Tanya Garfield

Finance Janet Manderson Lifecycle Administrator Lisa Godsal PR Simon Rothstein

Archivist Alison Turner Student Chaplain Rabbi Leah Jordan

LJY-Netzer Support/Mentor Becca Fetterman LJY-Netzer Events Coordinator Jess Mindel

LJY-Netzer Movement Workers Mia Bogod, Mia Harris and Hannah Gellman