Rabbi Pete Tobias, 1st November 2011

IT’S HARD not to avoid the cliché of asking why the 2012 Biennial Weekend is going to be different from all other Biennials – because this one really is going to be different.

Our faith, the ancient religion that is now Judaism, has been on a journey since Abraham was first told to leave his home almost 4,000 years ago. Our Liberal version of it has been around for just a fraction of that time, but has made an extraordinary contribution to our heritage in just over a century. For many of us, it has been the Judaism with which we have grown up and have always known; for others it was and is a refreshing reappraisal of the traditional Judaism of our past. Whatever our origins, Liberal Judaism has spoken to us and we have felt its wisdom, its insight and its promise reverberating in our hearts.

What about Liberal Judaism’s origins? Where did it come from? On what historical moments, ancient teachings and religious discoveries was it based? On its 4,000 year journey, Judaism has always progressed. If that were not the case, we would still be offering animal sacrifice or, at least, still yearning to do so. Our Liberal movement is at the cutting edge of our ancient faith; it seeks to take Judaism ever further along its journey to understand the will of God, to practise it in our lives and our communities and to make it real in our world.

But in order to make this journey, we need to have a sense of what has brought us to where we currently are. So much of what makes up our Jewish life, belief and practice is rooted in our ancient past.

Do we understand the processes that brought our ancient faith to the world? Or what measures were taken to ensure its survival at critical moments of our people’s history? How much do we owe to the generations of sages and teachers, prophets and philosophers, poets and liturgists who contributed to the religion we seek to embrace in our lives?

In order to progress, we need to know what we are progressing from as well as what we are progressing to. Or, as the late Debbie Friedman put it: “I cannot have a future until I embrace my past.”

Come to the 2012 Liberal Judaism Biennial Weekend and embrace your past in order that you can be part of the journey we are making towards Liberal Judaism’s – and your – future. It will be a journey to remember.

Biennial Weekend Information 

The Liberal Judaism 2012 Biennial Weekend programme starts at 7pm on Friday April 20 and finishes at 4pm on Sunday April 22. It takes place at Tortworth Court, Bristol, a 4* hotel boasting a health club, pool and spa.

During the main sessions a supervised crèche will be provided for children under three, and a full, fun and educational programme for those between four and eight. LJY-Netzer activities will be run for children between eight and 16-years-old.

We have been able to freeze the 2010 early bird rate of £295 per person, for those who book before January 31. This price includes two nights’ full board accommodation and all materials. The price for children under five sharing with their parents is £50, and £80 for those over five.

If you cannot make the whole weekend, why not join us on either Saturday or Sunday for £99. Lunch and dinner are included in this price, but not accommodation.

When booking your place there is an option to pay in instalments. Some financial assistance is available for those who would like to attend but are concerned about the cost.

For further information contact Yael on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or go to www.liberaljudaism.org/biennial

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