Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky gave a blessing on behalf of Britain’s Jewish community at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey today (Monday 13 March).

The Commonwealth Service celebrates the people and cultures of the Commonwealth’s 54 nations and 2.4 billion citizens. Those in attendance will include King Charles III, Queen Consort Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales and leaders from all faiths. The was broadcast live on the BBC and can be watched again here.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky with other senior Commonwealth faith leaders

Charley’s blessing can be watched at 1:32:00. The text is below:

Jews have traditionally studied in chevruta, or pairs, because wisdom is drawn from hearing the other’s voice, from being in relationship. A quote from Ecclesiastes:

כִּ֣י אִם־יִפֹּ֔לוּ הָאֶחָ֖ד יָקִ֣ים אֶת־חֲבֵר֑וֹ וְאִ֣יל֗וֹ הָֽאֶחָד֙ שֶׁיִּפּ֔וֹל וְאֵ֥ין שֵׁנִ֖י לַהֲקִימֽוֹ׃

Two are better off than one, because they derive greater benefit from their efforts. And if either should fall, the other will lift them up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to lift them up.

On behalf of the Jewish community may the Commonwealth be blessed.