Simon Rothstein 15 October 2015 Simon Rothstein is editor of LJ Today Like any parent with young children, I don’t know where to begin when it comes to teaching them about the Holocaust. How can you explain such horror and evil on such a huge scale? How do you try … Read More
We will rise again to help refugees
Rabbi Danny Rich 17 September 2015 On Yom Kippur afternoon, the Torah reading in all Liberal synagogues is the Holiness Code (Leviticus 19) in which congregants will hear: Lo ta-amod al dam ray’echa (verse 16). Like all Biblical verses, it is likely that its original meaning is lost in antiquity … Read More
‘An empowering and unforgettable summer’
Surat-Shaan Knan 1 September 2015 Twilight People project manager Surat-Shaan Knan reports back after having spread the word about Liberal Judaism’s pioneering LGBT+ work at two global gatherings: This summer, I was invited to attend two major international events – Gender Odyssey and Eighteen:22. Gender Odyssey is an international conference, … Read More
Empathising with Christian plight
Elliot Steinberg 1 September 2015 Taking its title and inspiration from Hillel’s famous question, the Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) chose August, and indeed the beginning of Elul, to launch our If Not Now When initiative – to highlight and reflect upon the persecution of Christians in the Middle … Read More
The spirit and character of Liberal Judaism
Lucian J Hudson 1 September 2015 The Guardian In my final commentary as Liberal Judaism chairman, I would like to focus on how holding office has informed my spiritual journey as a Liberal Jew, and thank all those who have worked with chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich and me to … Read More
Spare a Thought – September 2015
Simon Benscher 1 September 2015 As we speed swiftly towards our High Holy Days, I wonder if during our hours of communal spiritual refreshment we could give some consideration to the near 40 chairs of our Liberal congregations who would have probably spent days preparing what, for many of them, … Read More
Liberal Judaism on Jewish status and equilineal descent
Rabbi Alexandra Wright 21 July 2015 Liberal Judaism recognises equilineal descent: namely, that individuals born of a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother should be treated in exactly the same way as individuals born to a Jewish mother and non-Jewish father. The Affirmations of Liberal Judaism state that children of mixed … Read More
Don’t react to attacks on freedom by restricting it
Lucian J Hudson 25 January 2015 The Jewish News Reflecting on events in France 200-plus years ago, philosopher and politician Edmund Burke was quoted saying: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Recent events, again in France, bring Burke to mind. Violence … Read More
Bienvenue à Finchley!
11 December 2014 The Jewish Chronicle Finchley Progressive Synagogue has appointed its first assistant rabbi. Rene Pfertzel joins Rabbi Rebecca Birk in a job share at the growing shul which now counts 330 households as members. “It’s quite a big step for the shul, and reflects the view that our … Read More
Putting the picture together
Lucian J Hudson 28 August 2014 The Jewish Chronicle Leadership in a crisis requires not just skill in responding appropriately in the moment but a coherence and consistency of purpose over time. Whitehall and Westminster’s response has lacked strategy, limiting UK’s influence short and long term, and unleashing an anti-Israel … Read More