LJ Today September/October 2010

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September/October 2010

VOL. XXXVII No. 5

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

ljtoday

Four new communities celebrate High Holy Days Four new Liberal communities will hold High Holy Day services this year. The North Herts Liberal Jewish Community, which was set up just a few months ago and is the newest of the groups to affiliate formally, has been attracting increasing numbers of worshippers. Its first High Holy Day services will be held at the Friends’ Meeting House in Stevenage, which will become its new venue. Student rabbi Sandra Kviat is to lead an Erev Rosh Hashanah and a Kol Nidre service. Shenfield, Brentwood and Districts Synagogue, established a year ago, is to hold a full set of services, some led by lay leaders Elliott Porte and Hiam Lacmias, and some led by Sandra Kviat. The Wessex Liberal Jewish Group, which meets in Bournemouth and is exploring affiliation to Liberal Judaism, is holding a full set of services led by Rabbi Alan Mann in a local hotel. Finally, the Crouch End Chavurah in north London, which has a thriving cheder, is holding High Holy Day services, some of which will be led by founder member Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk. Lucian Hudson, the chairman of Liberal Judaism, and Danny Rich, the chief executive, together with the honorary officers, vice-presidents and staff send their warmest wishes to all members of the movement and its congregations, and to their families, for the coming year of 5771.

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These miniature Torah mantles, by textile artist Carole Smollan, can be seen at the Etz Chayim Gallery at Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue. They are part of a collection of

work by Smollan, including ceramics, being exhibited under the title Testimony and Memory. The exhibition runs from 31 August to 17 October. Viewing is by appointment.

David Wilfond is new rabbi at LJS David Wilfond has been appointed rabbi hope to bring passion and leadership to at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, St strengthen the community’s experience John’s Wood. He will work alongside of a content-rich Liberal Judaism as a Alexandra Wright, who is senior rabbi. path for spiritual engagement and tikkun Rabbi Wilfond, 45, an American, moves olam (social justice). Ultimately the goal to London from Jerusalem, is to create a holy community of where he was director of members committed to a admissions at Hebrew Union liberal, rational approach to College and rabbi of the Torah and tradition that propels college’s Murstein Synagogue. us to care about each other, the He has also led congregations greater community, and to be in Kiev and Boston. relevant to the issues of our day. Looking forward to joining ‘The tools are joyful Jewish the LJS, where his appointment experiences – fun!– and profound is initially for a year, he said: ‘I Rabbi David Wilfond intellectual stimulation.’

In this issue News from communities and from 2-3 the Montagu Centre Progressive Judaism’s 200th anniversary A radical start 4 New Year messages 5

The Jewish Museum gains a multicultural audience Books Harry Jacobi reviews Ashes in the Wind Spotlight on Ealing

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LJ Today September/October 2010 by Liberal Judaism - Issuu