My dear friends, Jewish tradition teaches us to pay attention to time, because time is where holiness lives. This Shabbat Ha Gadol, as I stand here for the last time as Chairman, I feel above all a deep sense of gratitude for the time shared, for the responsibility you entrusted me with and for the … Read more
Why is Torah scroll number 689 different from all other scrolls used by Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue?
This morning’s Torah portion has inspired some of the most important economic initiatives to reduce, or in some cases cancel, the burden of debt borne by many developing countries. It should not be surprising that religious and community leaders, not just economists and politicians, participated in Make Poverty History campaigns, such as Jubilee 2000, based … Read more
Mike Frankl, from Beth Shalom attended an Iftar at the Cambridge Guildhall in March, where he gave this speech: Distinguished guests and friends, It is a huge honour and privilege to be invited to speak at this multi-cultural Iftar hosted by the Mayor of Cambridge and the Cambridge Muslim Community. A few months ago another … Read more
Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving … Read more
Rebbe Nachman of Brezlov wrote these words that I feel are most appropriate to both the song of Miriam and Shabbat Shirah“. A holy melody has the power to bring one to the level of prophecy. Music is the foundation of true attachment to God. Get into the habit of always singing a tune. It … Read more
In a moving gesture of remembrance, members of the Order of St. George the Martyr, led by Grand Master Cllr Robert Dryden, visited the historic Rome’s Jewish Quarter in the Rione Sant’Angelo district of Rome. Alongside Father Eugene Harkness, Knight of the Order; Abdul-Kayum Arain, a close friend of the Order; and Piero D’Angelico, a … Read more
My sermon today comes with a health warning. Be wary of pledges. Shock, horror! Pledges can be broken and for us Jews, this can have consequences. Of course, we are now in a time of pledge-flation. Harold Wilson, former prime minister, once famously remarked ‘A week is a long time in politics’ How true. It … Read more
Scapegoats, purification offerings, animal welfare, and forbidden relationships – hard to see at first, but the central theme of this parasha is holiness. Holiness in Judaism has a distinct meaning. Although its equivalent in latin – sacer – has a meaning of “restriction through pertaining to the gods”, in hebrew holiness – kadosh – refers … Read more
Today is Shabbat HaGadol, the great Sabbath, the Sabbath preceding the festival of Passover which starts on Monday evening with the home celebration of the Seder, the service retelling the Exodus of the Israelites from their servitude in Egypt. This year it will be a difficult time for celebration on a number of levels. The … Read more
