Liberal Rabbis play leading role in Dresden Ordination

Three leading Liberal Rabbis played a major role in the first rabbinic ordination in Germany since the Nazis closed the Hochshule in 1942.

The Abraham Geiger College in partnership with Potsdam University presented German-born Daniel Alter, Czech Dr Tomas Kucera and South African Malcolm Matitiani for semichah.

Alter will serve in Germany and Kucera will split his time between Prague and Germany.

Rabbi Julia Neuberger (President, West Central Liberal Synagogue) whose grandparents escaped from Germany in the late 1930’s gave an inspiring and rousing graduation address. Rabbi Andrew Goldstein (Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue) presented Matitiani for semichah by Geiger College President, Rabbi Dr Walter Jacobs – himself German born and from generations of rabbis.

Rabbis Neuberger and Goldstein were joined by Geiger College Rabbinic mentor and Liberal Judaism’s Chief Executive, Rabbi Danny Rich, for the conferment of semichah ceremony in the Neue Synagogue in Dresden.

Rabbi Rich commented: “It was a moving and historical occasion, carried live for more than an hour on German television. I am pleased that Liberal Judaism was able to play a small part in realising the dream.

Notes:
Liberal Judaism - one of the three major strands of Judaism in the UK with over 30 congregations and 10,000 members across the country - seeks to make Jewish life relevant to the modern world.

While preserving the core beliefs and practices that underpin the religion, Liberal Judaism believes that ancient laws must be interpreted to ensure that ethical values and practices take account of what we know and the world as it is today. Ethical behaviour and social action take priority over ritual.

Liberal Judaism believes in the equality of each individual, regardless of race, gender or sexuality. We apply this belief in practice, with support for mixed-faith and same-sex relationships. Liberal Jewish men and women have equality of opportunity in all aspects of religious life, including practice and education.