Comments Off on The Chief Rabbi addresses the Oxford Union
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Yesterday the Chief Rabbi addressed the prestigious Oxford Union debating society. He discussed the tendency to conflate anti-Zionism and antisemitism, as well as the need to safeguard our rights to ‘responsible’ freedom of speech and religion.
“Freedom of speech must produce responsible discussion, and freedom of religion must produce responsible faith” he advised the Oxford University students, who posed questions following the Chief Rabbi’s lecture.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Rabbi met with members of the university’s Jewish Society, whom he encouraged to feel pride in their Jewish identity as they participated in campus life. He also paid a visit to the university’s renowned Centre for Hebrew & Jewish Studies and the Oxford Jewish Congregation.
You can watch the Chief Rabbi’s full address here.
Comments Off on Enfield & Winchmore Hill: Shavuot & the Queen’s birthday celebrations
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For the auspicious occasion of the Queen’s 90th birthday, many Jewish communities celebrated in true patriotic fashion, with the Enfield & Winchmore Hill congregation even fusing their Shavuot and birthday celebrations. Not only did this allow for communal bonding, but it ensured that attendee numbers were much higher than usual for a festival following Shabbat, with some infrequent shul-goers coming along too.
Objectives
To increase shul attendance on Shavuot
To celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday
Evaluation from Rebbetzen Sufrin
‘We wanted to celebrate the Queen’s birthday and at the same time ensure that we would still have a Minyan for Shavuos. Sadly, when Yom Tov follows Shabbat the attendance in Shul drops. We were oversubscribed for our lunch. We invited the Queen to attend. She sent us a letter explaining that she had a prior engagement and then sent another one to be read out to the participants. One of our members prepared a D’var Torah and we had a topical activity, which went down a treat. It was nice to be joined by members that we have never seen before.’
Participant Feedback:
A special thanks and congratulations to the Rebbetzen for her efforts in organising the meals over Shavuot and ensuring that everyone was not just well-fed, but that everyone who attended had a truly uplifting experience. The whole occasion was enhanced by the wonderful support also from the Office of the Chief Rabbi for which the community should express its gratitude
This was a very enjoyable event which I was pleased to see attracted new people.
A great service combined with an excellent communal event. Very good indeed.
Comments Off on Yeshurun: Yom Hazikaron & Yom Haatzmaut
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There was even greater interest than usual in Yeshurun’s ‘Open House’ Yom Hazikaron ceremony and educational programme, which invited the Jewish community of South Manchester to join together for Israel’s national day of remembrance. Almost 200 people, 3 Rabbis and an additional Chazan attended a film screening, listened to visiting speakers from Israel and later, when the atmosphere turned from one of solemnity to jubilation for Yom Haatzmaut, socialised over a meal and enjoyed musical entertainment and dancing. The day fostered a closer connection to Israel and each other for all involved.
Objectives
To provide a welcoming space for local Israelis who don’t often come to shul, but like to feel part of a community for Yom Hazikaron
To unite the Jewish community of Manchester around Israel’s national day of remembrance
Evaluation from Tamar Frieze
‘Our guests included two visiting Rabbis from other communities and one additional Chazan, who jointly led our ceremony. This coming together of the wider South Manchester community was for us a big success in itself, and to be together for Yom Hazikaron was incredibly moving. It was a professional set-up and impressed a lot of prospective new members. It’s unusual to get so many visitors to our shul, but because of the nature of the event – which included a film screening and educational content – it brought in a lot of interest.’
Participant Feedback:
Throughout this moving event, I really felt a sense of community and solidarity
It was gratifying to see so many people at this event and to spread the message of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut to a wider audience
I gained further insight into the meaning and significance of Yom Hazikaron, in particular
Comments Off on Amsterdam Jewish community hosts Chief Rabbi
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The Chief Rabbi and Valerie have concluded a memorable visit to the Jewish community of Amsterdam.
They met with the Rabbinic and lay leaders of Dutch Jewry as well as school children, teaching staff, students and members of Youth Movements.
The Chief Rabbi officiated at a special service to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the JCC Buitenveldert. He and Valerie were guests of honour at a large communal Shabbat luncheon and the Chief Rabbi delivered a major shiur to the Amsterdam community.
Wherever he went, the Chief Rabbi congratulated the Dutch Jewish community for impressively reviving Jewish life in Holland after over three quarters of Dutch Jewry were murdered during the Shoah.
Comments Off on Belmont: First Night Communal Seder
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Participants in Belmont’s first night communal seder relived the story of Pesach with a colourful educational programme that used costumes, puppets and props to bring The Ten Plagues and much else to life. Coming together with the ‘Belmont family’ was a unique way of making the traditional meal that bit more exciting, as attendees were provided with new ideas and educational insights into the festival while socialising with friends and family.
Objectives
To engage and enthuse those members who may not normally have a traditional Seder; to help them understand the story of the Exodus and what Pesach is all about.
Evaluation from Tim Gellman
‘We had a wonderful Communal Seder at Belmont. The atmosphere was delightful with the hall buzzing with ruach and excitement. The food was very good and the Seder was inclusive, informative and fun. The programme was very successful in bringing together a range of Belmont members (as well as a few guests) from various parts of the community. Everyone left feeling very uplifted. Many children attended too, having had an evening that will live in their memories for a long time. Many thanks to the CRE for such wonderful support.’
Participant Feedback
It was one of the best Sedarim that I have attended
We’ve learnt that the Seder can be more fun than we thought
I came away with a greater sense of community and just how much fun a seder can be
Comments Off on Chief Rabbi and Valerie join Her Majesty The Queen at Windsor Castle
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The Chief Rabbi and Valerie Mirvis were honoured to have been invited to Windsor Castle as guests of Her Majesty The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
They joined The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and a small number of other high profile guests for a private dinner and stayed overnight in the Castle.
Ahead of the Queen’s 90th Birthday, the Chief Rabbi presented the Queen with a specially commissioned hand crafted piece of art, designed by British artist Myra Levy, which featured a unique ‘papercut’ border around a specially calligraphed version of the Prayer for the Royal Family (pictured), which is recited in Synagogues on Sabbaths and Festivals. The gift was accompanied by a letter of congratulations and birthday wishes. Valerie Mirvis presented Her Majesty with her home-made Florentines in a ceramic bowl specially made in Israel by Iris Sonnenfeld, featuring the Seven Species of the Holy Land. https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/nexium.html https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/plavix.html https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/premarin.html
Following the visit, the Chief Rabbi commented, “The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were very warm and gracious hosts. Their understanding of and fondness for Jewish communities both in the UK and right across the Commonwealth was evident. That fondness is very much reciprocated by so many in our community and that will be clear when the national celebrations of The Queen’s 90th birthday begin.”
The Prayer for the Royal Family as it was presented to the Queen by the Chief Rabbi at Windsor Castle
Comments Off on South Manchester: Pre-Pesach Matzah Making
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There was great excitement in the build-up to the Matzah-baking session organised by South Manchester Hebrew Congregation for a group of men and boys. After attending a Shiur to learn about the Halacha surrounding this mitzvah, the group visited a rented Matzah Bakery to make Shemurah Matzah in a session that facilitated intergenerational bonding and strengthened participants’ connection to their Judaism. It was a completely new experience for everyone involved.
Objectives
To educate about the Inyan of Matzah in general and Shemurah in particular, to raise awareness of Pesach beyond the usual Manishewitz macaroons
To encourage the participants to have a greater understanding of Pesach and it’s Halachos, which can then be reinforced next year before Pesach too
Evaluation from Rabbi Lewis
‘No one had ever done this before and they were all enthralled by it; they have begged for it to be repeated again. The sense of community and joining together to prepare for a Yom Tov in such a spiritual way has left everyone feeling special and spiritual. Three days on and it is still the main topic of conversation in the Shul so that those who couldn’t attend can’t wait until next time.’
Participant feedback:
I was encouraged to attend by the Rabbi, the opportunity to perform a unique Mitzvah, and the general hype surrounding the event. I will be proud to share with my children and grandchildren at the Seder table, Shemurah Matzah that I made myself. The Mitzvah juts got that much better and real for me and my family. Alan Berg
A group of 14 men; fathers, Zeides and sons all joined together to perform what I and my friends considered to be a once in a lifetime experience – although we do hope that it can be repeated annually.
I have gained an increased understanding of how Matzah is made and the Halacha around timing. I will really enjoy using these Matzot at my Seder.
Comments Off on Solihull: Pre-Pesach Trip to London
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Members of Solihull were treated to a full Pre-Pesach experience with a coach trip to London that allowed participants to pick up their Pesach shopping from the well-stocked shops of North London, while getting to know each other better. They enjoyed a full kosher lunch at the home of an ex-Solihull member, and an enjoyable educational aspect was added through a talk by Rabbi Odze and a Pesach-themed Q & A on the coach journey.
Objectives
To raise awareness of Pesach, promote community cohesion, and strengthen links with ex-Solihull members
To lay the groundwork for further trips before Rosh Hashona and again next Pesach to provide access to good sources of kosher food
Evaluation from Rabbi Pink:
‘This wonderful day out reinforced the message that even a tiny community can organise quality events, and that living in the provinces does not mean that you cannot fully celebrate Jewish festivals. Thank you once again to the Chief Rabbi’s Centre for Rabbinic Excellence for their ongoing support, advice and encouragement.’
Participant Feedback:
It was a chance to make new friends and get to know the members of Solihull synagogue better – Michael Watts
I have gained a better appreciation of Passover, some new friends and some extra weight from the excellent food!
When we heard about the coach going to London we were so delighted. Rabbi Pink is an amazing Rabbi who cares about the community and would help them in any way. An amazing day, and hope we have many more similar days to look forward to in the future – Sharon Lester
Rabbi Odze’s talk was very informative and interesting. Visiting the numerous kosher shops of Golders Green is such a luxury coming from a city where there are no such outlets – Jenny and Bernard Librack
Comments Off on Chief Rabbi delivers annual lecture for Yeshiva University’s Strauss Center
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The Chief Rabbi provided congregants of America’s oldest Jewish community with pointers for Rabbinic leadership in a special memorial lecture delivered last weekend.
Addressing an audience at the historic Shearith Israel congregation for the Strauss Center for Torah and Western Thought’s annual Rabbi Alan Mirvis Lecture, the Chief Rabbi used his sermon to highlight the demands placed on the modern Rabbi, who must increasingly strive to engage those Jews who are assimilating, as well as those who are already dedicated to Judaism.
In his discussion, entitled “The Ultimate 21st Century Rabbi – A Leader who is there for all four sons”, he referred to a commentary that envisioned the expansion of the spiritual leader’s role, from that of guiding ‘shepherd’ to protective ‘sheepdog’ as Rabbonim strive to keep Jews within the fold.
“The outstanding pulpit Rabbi of the 21st century must be a fusion of shepherd and sheepdog. Somebody who is there for those…who are dedicated… and those who are frum, and someone who is equally there for those who he doesn’t see.”
He advised the establishment of ‘Entry points’ into Jewish life for those whose sole connection to their identity is manifested in their ticking the ‘Jewish’ box on the national census. “We need to encourage [these Jews] to engage with their roots and to become more meaningfully Jewish through membership of a Jewish organisation”, he told the audience.
“We need to excite people, we need to make our Yiddishkite relevant”
The Chief Rabbi was speaking on Sunday at the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in Manhattan at the invitation of Rabbi Soloveichik, who serves as both leader of the congregation and director of the Strauss Centre for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University.
To be granted the honour of speaking was “an enormous privilege” affirmed the Chief Rabbi, who told the audience of his close ties to his cousin Alan Mirvis’s z”l family.
On Shabbat, the Chief Rabbi and Valerie Mirvis joined the community for morning prayers and later participated in a communal lunch that had been arranged in their honour.
