September/October 2009
VOL. XXXVI No. 5
Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism
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Embracing the duty to ‘combat intolerance’ Rabbi Mark Solomon, Liberal Judaism’s new interfaith consultant, says dialogue between religious communities is a more pressing duty than ever. Rabbi Solomon, pictured, who has wide interfaith experience, says: ‘As Liberal Jews we have a special duty to create and strengthen ties between liberal-minded religious people, to combat intolerance and increase understanding. For me personally, learning to appreciate others’ views about God and the world is an exciting and rewarding journey that deepens spiritual life.’ He takes up his appointment at Liberal Judaism this month. Jewish co-chairman of the London Society of Jews and Christians, Rabbi
Solomon, 46, is also a trustee of the Interfaith Alliance UK; a governor of the Ammerdown Centre in Somerset, which hosts many interfaith events; and a trustee of the London Ecumenical AIDS Trust. He served Watford United and West Central Liberal synagogues before taking up the post of rabbi at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John’s Wood) in 2000, a post he left at the end of the summer. He also lectures in Talmud at Leo Baeck College. Rabbi Danny Rich said: ‘I am delighted that Mark, with his lengthy and impressive record in interfaith dialogue, has chosen to work for Liberal Judaism in this special field. ‘I am sure Mark will help Liberal Judaism create a centre of interfaith excellence.’
Harry becomes emeritus rabbi Harry Jacobi was given the title of emeritus rabbi for Southgate Progressive Synagogue during an Erev Shabbat service in July. The congregation ‘so revered’ Rabbi Jacobi that it wanted to give him this honour, even though it was many years since he had left the community, said synagogue vice-president Tony Halle. Rabbi Jacobi’s children, Margaret (rabbi in Birmingham), Richard (rabbi in Woodford) and David all took part in the service, led by Rabbi Stephen Howard. The new emeritus rabbi, 83, had maintained numerous friendships within the community. ‘Now I feel most happy meeting members I blessed as babes or on their bar- or bat-mitzvah, or married or converted,’ he said. He was
‘pleased and proud’ to receive the honour. It was as a student rabbi in 1956 that he first led services at Southgate, when it had about 200 members, remaining after his ordination and helping it to grow fourfold by the time he resigned in 1975.
Harry Jacobi after the service with daughter Margaret and son Richard, both rabbis for Liberal communities
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Jewish child, Jewish school With the opening of JCoSS, the first non-Orthodox state secondary, just a year away, we ask whether Jewish pupils belong in Jewish schools or in non-Jewish schools. Some say Jewish knowledge and life are best learnt and experienced in the synagogue and the home rather than in a state-sector or private school, and that Jewish schools foster a narrow view of society. In the view of others, Jewish schools are hugely enriching, and the Hebrew and Jewish studies lessons give pupils a deeper feeling for and understanding of communal life. Two rabbis offer different viewpoints, and parents have their say. With admissions criteria to Orthodox schools in disarray following a court ruling in June, we also look at what effect the legal cases might have. Pages 6-8
In this edition: News, 2-3; High Holy Day message, 5; Spotlight on Brighton and Hove, 10; LJY-Netzer, 11