Rabbi Margaret Jacobi 31 March 2018 The demonstration organised last week by the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council against anti-semitism in the Labour party was unprecedented in recent times. Jews came together from across the political spectrum, from Labour to Conservative, many of whom would normally not … Read More
Liberal leaders contribute to René Cassin parashiot project
23 March 2018 Liberal Judaism rabbis and officers have contributed to a unique project offering communities a human rights commentary on each weekly Torah parasha. Put together by René Cassin – the human rights NGO that draws on Jewish experiences and values – the free resource offers 54 thoughts written … Read More
[Sermon] What’s in a Name and a Date? National Holocaust Memorial Day and Remembrance of the Sho’ah
Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah 17 January 2018 Today is rather complex. We are celebrating Shabbat, our weekly opportunity for rest and renewal. It is also National Holocaust Memorial Day, the day set aside by the British government since the millennium for remembrance of the Holocaust, and for educational activities about … Read More
Archbishop of York outlines the ‘voice of religion in the 21st century’ at inaugural Lionel Blue Memorial Lecture
Leo Baeck College 20 March 2017 More than 230 people packed into the North Western Reform Synagogue (Alyth) in Barnet to hear the Rt Rev & Rt Hon Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, deliver the first Lionel Blue Memorial Lecture. The event was part of the 60th anniversary celebrations for … 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
[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
[Sermon] The People vs Trump
29 January 2017 Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah A ‘Reality TV’ star has become President of the United States. Is it a joke? When ‘President Trump’ was featured on ‘The Simpsons’ in the year 2000 the spectre was supposed to make us laugh – and perhaps also, to make us think… … Read More
[Sermon] Words and Deeds, Yom Kippur 2016/5777
For those who missed it, last night I talked about our inner selves, about our thought and feelings, about our emotions, prejudices and fears, and about how mental health and well being need our focus and our commitment. I ended by suggesting that the important reason why we should … Read More
