[Blog] Why today’s Liberal Jews have reclaimed Purim
Rabbi Leah Jordan 13 March 2017 It’s hard to imagine now – with our synagogues full of spiels, fancy dress and hamantaschen – but for much of our movement’s early history, Liberal Judaism downplayed the festival of Purim. The reason is because the Book of Esther, the Megillah, ends in … Read More
[Sermon] It’s a Topsy Turvy World!
10 March 2017 As published in the Crouch End Chavurah magazine Purim (meaning ‘lots’) falls this year on the evening of Sunday 12 March. The biblical book of Esther is the source of Purim. Although lacking any historicity, the Book of Esther tells of a Persian King, Achverosh, his Jewish … Read More
Campaign: Write a letter to support vulnerable children
27 February 2017 By Rabbi Danny Rich Senior Rabbi of Liberal Judaism Liberal Judaism’s rabbis and members pioneered the efforts to bring Syrian refugees to the United Kingdom. Sadly, despite many successes, the Government recently announced it would end the scheme whereby lone migrant and asylum seeking children in camps … Read More
[Sermon] Of Executive Orders, Brexit and the Dubs Amendment: Grappling with the Law & Engaging in Social Action
Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah 25 February 2017 There has been a lot in the news recently about law. As soon as he got into office, President Trump started signing a series of ‘executive orders’ to put his campaign promises into practice. The executive order that has hit the headlines concerns … Read More
[Blog] Why rabbis and imams have united to fight hate
Rabbi Danny Rich, Senior Rabbi of Liberal Judaism 21 February 2017 Last weekend the Joseph Interfaith Foundation’s National Council of Imams and Rabbis held a meeting at St John’s Wood United Synagogue, hosted by the shul’s senior rabbi, Dayan Ivan Binstock. The National Council of Imams and Rabbis, consisting of … Read More