This was a two-part project designed both to enthuse adults and children on an educational level and to spread some Tikkun Olam by distributing Mishloach Manot. 25 community members enjoyed packing the parcels in Shul before Purim, before a team of volunteers set out delivering them the next day. This initiative enabled the shul to reach a larger audience, all of whom partook in fulfilling the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot, and brought Jews together for a special, spiritual purpose.
Objectives
To bring the community together in preparing the parcels and to involve them in distribution. Raising awareness of Purim and creating a community spirit.
Evaluation from Rabbi Pink:
“The programme served to raise the profile of Purim. It also helped to promote community cohesion and most importantly allowed us to ensure that people who would not have received mishloach manot due to the physical impossibility of covering such a large area where not forgotten. This garnered lots of thank from the recipients.”
Participant Feedback
• Knowing that I am a valued member of our Community. I believe they’ve got everything meaningful already well organised.
• It is nice to receive the parcel and join in the Purim fun and we also delivered some amongst the community. There is a wonderful atmosphere and we are pleased to be part of such a welcoming shul and we all support one another in good and bad times.
• A nice reminder of Purim when we were young. Thank the Chief Rabbi for all the help he is giving to small communities
Comments Off on Shenley does Bollywood: Purim at SUJC
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Event
It was a Purim party with an Indian twist at Shenley United Jewish Community as a Bollywood dance workshop brought people together to discover a new culture and work up an appetite for high-quality Indian-themed refreshments. This interactive activity put everyone at ease, and socialising continued well into the communal meal and beyond.
Objectives
Provide a fun, inspiring community-unifying event
Create excitement around a festival by introducing a novel theme and interactive activity
Evaluation from Rabbi Garber
‘We wanted to stage something different this Purim, so we chose a fun theme with a great unifying activity and were rewarded with a diverse group of community members, both young and old, as well as some new faces experiencing their first SUJC Purim party. During the meal there was a great buzz, with the community chatting and mixing with each other. This event has hopefully planted a seed to do further community projects like a shul play or musical.’
Participant Feedback:
Events at SUJC are always good fun, and great for reconnecting and feeling part of the community, even if I am not a regular Shul-goer. I really appreciate how hard the Rabbi, Rebbetzen and board members work to create events like this. – Michelle Spevick
I gained a lot from this event, namely an enriched community chevra and a really fun evening. – Phil Diamond
A great party with those most important of things – food and friends. I also enjoyed the dancing.
Comments Off on Purim 2016: ‘Let us rejoice in defiance of terror’
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“This Purim, celebration might not feel totally appropriate.
The world is now coming to terms with yet another devastating act of terrorism, the latest in a string of attacks by those who champion violence and hatred. In the last six months alone, there have been more than 330 terrorist attacks in Israel, murdering 34 and injuring more than 400. Sadly, the people of France, Turkey, Belgium and elsewhere now also have an understanding of what it is to live with the scourge of terror in their midst.
What are we to make of Purim at a time when the “feasting and joy” prescribed in the Megillah feels like the last thing on our minds?
But, this is precisely the paradox of the Purim story. In the shadow of a genocidal decree, at what was the most precarious time for our nation since we were slaves in Egypt – with the help of Hashem, we survived. Relief might have been the logical response. Inhibition and trepidation might have been expected. But instead – we rejoiced.
Throughout the generations, each time our existence was threatened, we responded by celebrating the glory of life. It is what has helped to sustain us through the horrors of millennia gone by.
So, this Purim, let us gather in defiance of those who would have us cowering behind closed doors. Let us show the world how we respond when everything that we hold dear is attacked. On Purim, we declare our determination to move, “from sorrow to gladness and from mourning to holiday” and to help shape a better future for mankind.
Comments Off on Chief Rabbi reacts to terror attacks in Brussels
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This morning’s terrorist attacks were motivated by the most ‘inhuman brutality’, but will only succeed in strengthening our resolve against terror, the Chief Rabbi has said. He was responding to the coordinated bomb blasts that brought carnage to Brussels, claiming many innocent lives.
Reacting to the latest in a series of global terror incidents, the Chief Rabbi said: “Once again, with inhuman brutality and disregard for the sanctity of life, terrorists have maimed and murdered innocent men and women in Europe. But while they rejoice in the pain that that they have visited upon us – we will not be cowed.”
“If anything” he continued, “they have strengthened our commitment to the values of peaceful coexistence, democracy, the rule of law and human dignity. Our resolve cannot be broken by terror whether it strikes in Israel, Turkey, Paris or Brussels.”
Comments Off on Chief Rabbi tours UJIA projects in the Galil
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The Chief Rabbi toured charity projects across the Galil region of Israel to observe firsthand how the generosity of the UK Jewish community has benefited young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He was guided by UJIA CEO Michael Weiger around several initiatives working to generate new educational and employment opportunities for Israeli youth, including Shlomi High School, Merom HaGalil Educational Campus and Carmiel Children’s Village. There are high levels of social deprivation in the region, with almost half of children in Northern Israel living below the poverty line.
Expressing his gratitude to UJIA for their life-changing work, the Chief Rabbi observed that “real changes are taking place, and many people can now look forward to a promising future” as a result of the organisation’s “professionalism and strategic planning”.
“The overall positive impact on the State is immense and I am proud of what our community, through UJIA, is achieving,” he added.
UJIA commented that the trip “was an amazing opportunity to show [the Chief Rabbi] our work” and that they were delighted to have his support.
Comments Off on In the press: Don’t stigmatise people for raising fears about immigration
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The Chief Rabbi last week concurred that anxiety is a valid emotional reaction to the prospect of a large movement of people, and that it can be channelled into constructive dialogue. His comments, as reported by the Jewish Chronicle, came after the Archbishop of Canterbury remarked that experiencing fear could be natural, rather than racist.
By Simon Rocker
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has said no one should be stigmatised for raising questions about the impact of immigration on Europe.
He was reacting to remarks made by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby that there was “genuine fear” among people over an influx of refugees.
“People have every right to be concerned that immigration is dealt with sensitively and pragmatically.”
In a statement, Rabbi Mirvis said that “the influx of thousands of people into an area, will inevitably have an impact on the local economy and infrastructure and people have every right to be concerned that immigration is dealt with sensitively and pragmatically.”
He added that “in countries across Europe this is a vast and demanding challenge. Raising such issues, as part of a constructive dialogue, should not and must not, be stigmatised in any way.”
As Jews, he said, “we know better than most what it means to flee persecution and that is why we have a particular responsibility to recognise and react to the current crisis”.
In an interview with Parliament’s House magazine this week, the archbishop said that Britain had to find ways to take its fair share of refugees.
“This is one of the greatest movements of people in human history. And to be anxious about that is very reasonable.”
But he emphasised it was important to listen to the concerns of people worried about the effect of setting them.
“There is a tendency to say ‘those people are racist’, which is just outrageous, absolutely outrageous,” he said. “Fear is a valid emotion at a time of such colossal crisis. This is one of the greatest movements of people in human history. Just enormous. And to be anxious about that is very reasonable.
He added, that “fear is justified, I wouldn’t want to criticise that for a moment, but so is hope wholly justified, because we have the capacity. We’re those kind of people, we always have been. But it needs the organisation, it needs the macro and it needs to happen at a European level.”
Comments Off on Leeds communities stage festive Pre-Purim Carnival
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Event
Leeds United Jewry ( Etz Chaim, BHH and UHC shuls) have continued to invest in cross-communal events, their latest success a youth-oriented Pre-Purim Carnival that attracted families with children of all ages, as well as those who were less engaged in communal life, for a meaningful and memorable experience. 400 people converged to enjoy various arts and crafts activities, which included Mishloach Manot-Making and Bead Jewellery. The carnival reinforced the shul’s reputation as a blossoming centre of cultural and religious programming.
Objectives
To engage the community with each other, with Purim, and with local Jewish organisations. To build stronger communal links, both to the shul, the various levels of observance across the city and to Judaism and mitzvot in a fun and exciting way.
Evaluation from Rabbi Glickman:
“The community is now buzzing about Purim. A day of fun is now being viewed as a day of religious fun. The Kollel, which until now has been seen as for those who are already involved to sit and learn, is now seen as reaching out to the wider community. We were able to reach an entirely new audience of families and children who are usually disinterested in our programmes”.
Participant Feedback
• My kids had a blast of a time taking part in the amazing activities, while we savoured the chance to catch up with our friends.
• My son really enjoyed making Mishloach Manot and it was clear to see how effective this Carnival was in creating excitement around Purim. It was also a chance for the community to mingle, across all levels of observance.
• It was fantastic to see such a “buzz” from the event, with people attending who often don’t go to events like this.
• The party definitely enhanced my children’s enjoyment of Purim by engaging them in many creative and varied activities. And of course, it’s always a pleasure to support a community event.
Comments Off on In the press: Minorities must ‘pass the Norman Tebbit test’
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The Telegraph reports on the Chief Rabbi’s call for faith communities to “pass the Norman Tebbit test”, a school of thought that regards a minority’s support for their host country’s sporting team as evidence of their successful integration into society. His comments came as he sat on a panel of religious leaders participating in the annual Benedict XVI Lecture.
By John Bingham
All minority groups must be able to “pass the Norman Tebbit test” to live successfully in modern Britain, according to the spiritual leader of the UK’s Jewish community.
The Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis revived the so-called cricket test as he urged all religious minorities to strive to be “totally British” without abandoning their beliefs.
Lord Tebbit is reputed to have suggested once that a good way to assess the loyalty of ethnic minorities to Britain is to ask whom they support in cricket matches.
The Chief Rabbi said minorities could learn the secret of integration from thousands of years of Jewish history.
He added that even German Jews living under the Nazis had been loyal to their country, proudly declaring “Deutschland über alles”, despite what they were suffering.
His comments came as he joined Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, and Maulana Syed Ali Raza Rizvi, a prominent Shia cleric, at the annual Benedict XVI Lecture, an interfaith discussion event in London.
Cardinal Nichols spoke of the Government’s counter-extremism and “British values” drive, warning that while it is essential to combat radicalisation, the tactic could be “dangerous” and risks alienating minority groups, if the aims are not properly defined.
The three leaders were addressing the issue of how to live as “creative minorities” in the annual discussion set up following Pope Benedict’s visit to the UK in 2010.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis said the earliest example of the Jewish approach to this was the story of Joseph, who was sold as a slave into Egypt because of his brothers’ jealously over his coloured coat and rose to become Pharaoh’s chief minister.
“So too here in Britain, as has been the case with Jewish communities right around the globe, we have always given our all for our society,” he said.
“We have considered ourselves to be Jewish and at the same time totally British in the same way as Jews in South Africa are South Africans and those in Australia are Australians and those in America are Americans.
“We express a natural loyalty towards the country of which we are proudly a part.”
“In the same way, Jews in Germany in the 1930s declared ‘Deutschland über alles’ – regardless of what might transpire to us we express a natural loyalty towards the country of which we are proudly a part.”
He said minorities had a double responsibility – to be proud citizens of their countries without forgetting their own traditions.
“In a nutshell minorities need to pass the Norman Tebbit test,” he said.
“This is something which thankfully Jewish communities all around the world have always done.
“And we’re proud that we can pass that test within British society today.”
Welcoming the Chief Rabbi’s remarks Lord Tebbit said: “I’m not altogether surprised because I have always found that the Jewish community has taken the view that it fits in to this country, we respect each other, we don’t expect each other to entirely endorse everybody’s views but we can live together.
“And that’s the way it should be.”
In his address Cardinal Nichols spoke about the Government’s counter-extremism drive, warning of potential dangers.
“We are all intensely aware of the threat of extremism – extremist views, extremist actions – but we are less sure about how they are to be described,” he said.
“What exactly are the ‘socially acceptable’ patterns of thought and behaviour that might be determined to come under the umbrella of extremism?”
“And without some sound definition, countering extremism is not only difficult to fashion but dangerous in the premises it might unwittingly adopt and the alienation it could consequently engender.
“What exactly are the ‘socially acceptable’ patterns of thought and behaviour that might be determined to come under the umbrella of extremism?
“How do we begin to define what can reasonably be seen as inimical to the society we wish to shape and protect?
“It is all religious belief as some would have it?
“Does it include religious convictions that, at this time, do not accord with contemporary culture and preoccupations?”
“It could become far too embracing, far too expressive of simply current social consensuses.”
He added: “We heard the other day of incidences in schools where teachers rapidly get in touch with the police over remarks made by children.
“Now that can do immense damage to the confidence of a community that they are understood and that their children are not being viewed as immediately suspects or potential terrorists.” https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/
Pressed about the Government’s so-called “Prevent” strategy, he said: “We are at a very delicate point in which the defining of what is extremism, and therefore what has to be prevented, could go quite seriously wrong.
Comments Off on Chief Rabbi at Benedict XVI Lecture: minorities need to ‘integrate, not assimilate’
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Last night the Chief Rabbi participated in the annual Benedict XVI lecture, which this year assumed the format of a panel discussion between faith leaders and took as its theme ‘Living as a Creative Minority in the UK.’
Considering how their respective faiths live as ‘Creative Minorities’, the Chief Rabbi, Cardinal Vincent Nichols – who hosted the lecture in his home – and the leading Islamic scholar Maulana Sayed Ali Raza Rizvi touched upon issues as broad as the “intolerant secularism” that rages against religion, the need for a universal subscription to British values and how these very values should also encapsulate an “openness to the spiritual and the transcendental.”
An individual’s pride in both his religious and national heritage can and should be maintained, the Chief Rabbi explained, although it is important to strike a balance. Herein lies the need to “integrate, but not assimilate” he said.
“Societies have a responsibility to guarantee freedom of religious expression for minorities and in turn, minorities have a responsibility to be loyal citizens, integrated into society.”
He expressed pride in the Jewish community for having, on the whole, integrated successfully into wider society while maintaining pride in their religious identity.
Listen to the Chief Rabbi’s full contribution below:
Comments Off on ‘A great kehilla’: The Chief Rabbi visits Newcastle
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The Newcastle Jewish community received the Chief Rabbi and Valerie for a memorable Shabbat this weekend, coming out in force for all services and communal meals, and attending the special kiddush and seudah shlishit held in his honour.
Before Shabbat the Chief Rabbi and Valerie visited residents and staff of Philip Cussins House, the community’s residential care home for the elderly, where they chatted with the facility’s users. They later enjoyed a well-attended Kabbalat Shabbat service at Newcastle Hebrew Congregation, followed by a special dinner with the shul’s council members. A similarly celebratory spirit informed the remaining Shabbat services and communal gatehrings.
In his four addresses to the community, whose residence in Newcastle can be traced back to 1830, the Chief Rabbi complimented Rabbi and Rebbetzin Lipsey on their outstanding spiritual leadership and President Adrienne Ross and her colleagues on their wonderful lay leadership. He described the Newcastle Hebrew Congregation as one of the great kehillot of British Jewry, and hoped that it would continue to serve the local Jewish population for many years to come.
