As we walk these final days of the Omer towards Shavuot, it would be fair to say that the Jewish world is in turmoil. Shavuot is the day when we recall standing at Sinai and receiving the tablets of Torah – the 10 commandments, the essence of what would become Jewish life. We celebrate not just Jewish legacy but also the tradition of conversion, as we read the Book of Ruth and are reminded that the Jewish people is, and has always been, enriched by those who choose to join us. That, along with cheesecake, makes this the best of festivals. In a sense, at this moment of history, we’re being asked what it means to stand as a Jew within the wider global Jewish community.
We have always said we are a mixed multitude – an erev rav – of opinions and outlooks. That is who we are and will always be: Jews with different perspectives. Perhaps this moment of Progressive Judaism coming into being is key for us all. In the latest saga of some of the representatives, 36 of the BoD signed a letter calling for accessible aid for Palestinians in Gaza. It caused upset. But now, a few weeks later, Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board, gave a well-received speech last Sunday, when he made calls very similar to his Deputies. Things are complicated and simple simultaneously.
“We have been clear to Israeli leaders that we need to see aid flowing into Gaza, not a basic amount but enough to feed the civilian population… . Put simply, food should not be used as a weapon of war.” Condemning settler violence, the president branded Israeli far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich “a stain on the Zionist project,” adding “every time they open their mouths something appalling comes out … . Replacing despair with hope is a key part of fighting Hamas too. We all want this war to end as soon as possible.”
I am heartened by his words. I am sure many Israelis are too, particularly the families of the remaining hostages in Gaza. Judaism is predicated on strong values of justice and concern for every person. We must speak to it and be brave as we do so.
In eight different synagogue gatherings this Shavuot, beginning Sunday evening 1st June, Progressive Judaism and Masorti will welcome from Israel five Rabbis for Human Rights, who will bring news and compelling hopes and prayers for how they are supporting and working for the soul and future of Israel – and in a very real way Diaspora Jews are alongside them. I’m so grateful Rabbi Dahlia Shaham will join us for a keynote address 6.30pm Sunday 1st June when we gather at SPS for Erev Shavuot study, service and supper and then again Shavuot morning 11am SPS. Rabbi Dana Sharon will be staying with me on Monday evening 2nd June – if she isn’t too tired we will open a zoom meeting 7-8pm on the Delving link. Please message me for details.
At a time when Jews are called upon to claim their Judaism, this couldn’t be a better offering for us. We are in it together. See the poet Adrienne Rich’s prophetic words (In Those Years, Adrienne Rich). See you over Shabbat and I do hope you will join for some of Shavuot.
Shabbat Shalom
Rebecca
Copyright © 2025 Finchley Progressive Synagogue. All rights reserved. Website designed by Addicott Web. | Charity #1167285