Bo – The Heart is a Strange Muscle
One of the strangest things these past 10 months or so has been the doubters:
From the flamboyant conspiracy theorists, (‘this virus is fantasy designed to control us’), to the flagrant rejection of science, (as evidenced by those buying bleach to flush their bodies), to those resisting guidelines and safety measures, believing they know better.
As a keen rule follower I’m intrigued.
Parashat Bo this week continues the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart even as he watches those ten plagues ravage his people and country.
Last week’s “Pharaoh hardened his heart” (Exodus 8:28) and now
“God says “I have stiffened his heart and the hearts of his courtiers.” (Exodus 10:1)
It meant he refused to respond to the suffering reality around him. As Dr Aviva Gottleib Zornberg observed, ‘a kind of spiritual rigor mortis set in’ for him. Pharaoh couldn’t empathise. Have we seen something similar during ‘our’ plague of COVID? It’s striking that so far that there have been over 2 million deaths worldwide and over 89,000 in the U.K alone. Yet many hearts remain hardened to this.
What’s an antidote to a hardened heart? The silent prayer at the end of the Amidah can give some encouragement. Mar bar Ravina, a fourth century sage wrote Patach Libi: “Open my heart (to Your teaching)”. An open heart responds to learning. An open heart responds to the news from the COVID wards, to data, medical evidence and to the uncontroversial hope the vaccines bring.
Pharaoh, with his hardened heart, is an unlikely teacher as he refuses to see a possible end to suffering. It’s surely incumbent on us to welcome the vaccine with an open heart and an open arm outstretched. As Winston Churchill declared November 1942 three years into the war, eighteen months after the Blitz “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” The vaccine is just that. Be ready for yours.
Shabbat Shalom to all,
Rebecca
My co-chair Rabbi Rene Pfertzel and I chaired our first CoLRaC this week; the monthly meeting of Liberal Clergy so essential to the activities of Liberal Judaism. There were several firsts; Rabbi Charley Baginsky CEO, and Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer shared their vision for Liberal Judaism for the next two years. They are looking towards a financially stable, vibrant and expansive movement that builds on partnerships with its congregations and the superb youth movement at its heart. It was an auspicious start to 2021, with the added request of rabbis taking part in a collective stance of encouraging the vaccine.
We heard also today that Gillian Merron, great friend of FPS will be stepping down from the Board of Deputies at the start of April. As the BOD is a non political organisation, her recent elevation to the House of Lords as a Labour Peer presents a conflict. So Gillian, after six years in post, will step down. I am sure you will all join me in warm congratulations to her and gratitude for her time at the helm of the Board of Deputies and the important work she did there.
These past ten months have demanded such close attention to our own members and the structures within our community, it is a nice moment to recognise our place within Liberal Judaism and indeed British Jewry. We have much to appreciate.
I couldn’t be prouder of Gillian, or more hopeful for this new period for Liberal Judaism where Rene and I hope to play our part in leadership and collaboration. This week’s Haftarah from Ezekiel finishes with the words from God to Moses about his role with the Israelites: I will give you courage to speak in their midst. Then shall they know that I am the Eternal. (29:21)
Let’s hope for the elevation of our voices and LJ going from strength to strength.
Shabbat Shalom to all,
Rebecca
I’m always struck by the first line of the Book of Exodus; A new king arose in Egypt who did not know Joseph. Torah gives us this verse as an explanation for the change of mood and attitude towards the Hebrew population living in the suburb of Goshen. For me it’s redolent of the power of memory to hold in mind gratitude or resentment. This is so relevant for our contemporary existence too. This new king, for some reason, decides that this guest nation is a threat and wants to suppress them. And Moses, this child saved from the water by the king’s daughter, who defies her father and raises this ‘hidden child’ in the palace as an Egyptian.
Then comes a very significant moment. We’re told Moses grew up, vayigdal, as if there are stages of maturing. There comes a certain moment where things open up for him and he notices what has been there all along. He is connected viscerally with the people now hated and abused in Egypt. This is our story, not just the coming out of Egypt but the idea of growing up to notice and have a mature view of the world. To see suffering and to see the complexity of who we are.
Despite his maturity Moses is reluctant, he describes himself as slow to speak kaved peh which is literally heavy mouthed. the same adjective to describe Pharaoh’s heart when he repeatedly says no.
These next few weeks of reading Exodus (Shemot) go to the heart of our Jewish story, our Jewish identities and our Jewish conversations. What’s more we have a great deal of time (at home) to do so. v’at p’tach lo Open for them, we say about the child at the seder asking about identity.
Maybe this is a moment for all of us. As we work communally to be responsible and safe. As we have the time to consider our Jewish lives. As we wait for the Board of Deputies much awaited Commission by Stephen Bush on Racial Inclusivity in the Jewish community.
Shabbat Shalom to all,
Rebecca
Winnie the Pooh (a very wise leader) said “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day”.
It feels like we have been told to do the impossible this past week. To do nothing – even when all we want to do is celebrate the small joys this year has brought. But instead we are doing very little, sitting tight, and knowing that this too shall pass.
This Shabbat we get the opportunity to celebrate a huge joy from the safety of our homes. It is the 10th anniversary of Rabbi Rebecca’s work with FPS. Please join us on Saturday for a celebratory service – with some surprises along the way!
Christmas coincides with Shabbat; We look forward to seeing you for a Shabbat service on Friday 25th December.
I’m very aware that the new restrictions under Tier 4 mean some of you will be unexpectedly alone this weekend, please let us know if you need anything. I’m around this week and over Christmas.
If you were part of a post code group, you’ll receive a message offering support. Change of expectation is is always hard to negotiate, this year has been full of uncertainty.
I attended the community briefing this morning with the Chief Nurse of the NHS (intriguing title), explaining the processes of vaccinations and who will receive when. Vaccination in earnest is likely to begin fully in February. He said he, his family and colleagues breathed a sigh of relief at the new restrictions put in place over Christmas.
Following Saturday’s announcement, we have decided the best course of action is to return to exclusive streaming of services. Although places of prayer are technically allowed to be open we believe this decision is the safest and most prudent for our congregation at this time. Join us as you have been doing.
We manifestly coped well as a Jewish community through all our festival restrictions and the new congregation we built online, I’m hoping our Christian colleagues manage similarly over Christmas.
This is our penultimate message of 2020 so I wanted to thank those in particular who have reached out and supported during the year.
Thank you so much to Jacqui Fawcett and Corinne Oppenheimer for the dedicated phone calls they make to many FPS folk, reinforcing their connections to our congregation.
Thank you to those who led in our postcode groups and reached out when you could.
Thank you for the meals and cakes delivered by the Laikin family.
Thank you to our Chanukah deliverers who brought homemade treats to so many.
Thank you to those who have enabled online services, learning and events and made us grow into that phrase “more than a building”.
Thank you to Dean and Franklyn for our phenomenal music.
Thank you to our wonderful and flexible teachers who took Ivriah online so thoughtfully .
Thank you to Zoe and Pauline for all they do to enable FPS to function well and with warmth.
Thank you to our Council who guide and keep FPS going.
And thank you to our Exec who have steered us through so much this year with such dedication.
I’m so grateful.
Wishing you Shabbat Shalom and a safe end of the year.
Rebecca
Chanukah
I keep thinking of Andrew’s words as we finished our Chanukah party last Sunday; “this extraordinary community wishes you Happy Chanukah”. Thank you to all for this most unusual and frankly extraordinary Chanukah. Thank you to all those who led lighting and who contributed such joy to these past eight nights. Zoe’s creativity knows no bounds. We did usher in a little light into these dark days. Chanukah Sameach to all and thank you.
This Shabbat
And Joseph was overcome with feelings towards his brother and wanted to weep, so he went into his chamber and wept there. And he washed his face and came out, and now in control of himself said; “Serve the food.”
Genesis 43:30-31
I’m moved by these words that finish the portion of Miketz. Joseph demonstrates such familiar emotions, it all gets too much for him as he reunites with his brothers (but doesn’t yet reveal himself). His tears are described with such attention, his washing of his face to hide evidence of his distress, his effort to restrain himself. Torah captures this scene with such sensitivity.
Can you say you have not known similar moments in your life, possibly even during this past year? A yearning for family or just the experience of overwhelm whilst trying to protect others. Reading this scene in its intimacy affirms and even amplifies our own emotional lives. I can safely say these past months, unprecedented in so many ways, have evoked such moments.
As we go back into Tier 3, and do a lot more restraining and restricting ourselves to keep family safe, I wish you strength and calm.
Shabbat Shalom
Rebecca
A warm Mazal Tov to the Beach family on Rafi’s Bar Mitzvah, we are delighted to celebrate, in a restricted fashion, in the synagogue this Shabbat.
Chanukah begins on today (Thursday 10 December), which is 25 Kislev.
We recall the very unexpected defeat of the Seleucid Greeks by the Hellenist Jews. A rededication (Chanukah means dedication) of the temple long unavailable to the Jews of that period and a purification of Judaism practiced at that time.
So a victory for the Chasadim, purist Jews of that time, 164 BCE.
A great story. Although surely one to discuss and interpret for contemporary times. But in terms of the message of religious freedom it’s important Today is another important anniversary, that of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights agreed 10 December 1948 after the devastating atrocities of the Holocaust.
There was a hope that the tyranny experienced there would never be repeated, but of course it was. And the UDHR has been a map and a reminder of what humans (should) strive for.
In a year where our shared experience with other people, no matter who or where, has been unprecedented, the link between Chanukah and this anniversary is important.
The work establishing Human Rights continues and is as needed as ever. Just think of this year. Hate crime leading to Genocide is the focus of the Human Rights organisation Rene Cassin. And here we are arriving at Chanukah 2020 with respect and safety for all very much on our minds; amongst others our eyes are on and hearts leaning towards the Uyghur Muslim Community in China being brutalised still. Mosques desecrated and their religion and culture assaulted daily. Let’s pick this thread of awareness from our celebration, amongst the joy and the moments of light, that religious freedom is still compromised for many.
This whole year due to Covid regulations we have had to restrict all our festival celebrations. From Seder to Rosh Hashanah to now. As we ‘dedicate’ ourselves for this Chanukah let’s hold that balance; creative celebrations, generosity for those celebrating Christmas this year, allowed a few days of togetherness whilst holding that consciousness for the brutality of those still suffering under brutal regimes.
I look forward to seeing you at our Chanukiah lightings on each day of Chanukah, all in purple below. Whether you know the hosts or not, do join any and every night you fancy! Plus I’ll see you at our Big Chanukah Event on Sunday!
Shabbat Shalom to all and a particular Mazal Tov to the Angels on Lucy’s Bat Mitzvah inside our synagogue this Shabbat. There are spaces still to book for Friday or Saturday.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Rebecca
WORD FROM OUR CHAIR
Hello everyone,
We had a bit of a mishap this month and ‘Word from the Chair’ was accidentally omitted from Shofar, so Rebecca suggested I take this weekly e-mail spot instead. In a further departure from the usual weekly e-mail fare, in place of more general reflections I’m going to seize this opportunity to talk to you about what council actually does and in particular about what we’ve been up to in our first two meetings of the year. I hope that by keeping you informed about these practicalities we can be accessible, transparent and accountable as a council.
We have a minhag of starting each council meeting by going around the room talking about a highlight of the month for each of us at FPS. Last month Rafael Qassim’s Bar Mitzvah unsurprisingly loomed large as did our Shabbat b’Yachad Remembrance service. I’d had a literal highpoint: the opportunity to go up onto the synagogue roof with a roofer – not something that I’d ever anticipated would be part of my experience as chair.I really enjoyed seeing our building and our relationship to neighbouring buildings from that very different perspective!
In October we received a report from Beit Tefilah – the committee responsible for the liturgical side and the ‘rites and practices’ of synagogue life – on the question of our physical return to the building for services. We came to a decision about how to move forward, to be reversed almost immediately by new national restrictions. We were very happy to have enabled members to come to worship in the building for one Shabbat. This brief experiment was extremely useful in testing out our procedures, and ensuring we are able to meet again safely. We also fed back to Beit Tefilah about how we thought the High Holy Days Services had gone – brilliantly, was the consensus!
We have reviewed the plans we made last year – inevitably, Coronavirus has had a major impact in every area of our work which meant some things hadn’t happened at all and others had taken surprising new turns – and discussed possible areas of focus for the year ahead. For example: Outreach and care: How do we keep in touch with our members, support those who are vulnerable and in need, and make it easy for people to ask for, get or provide help? Membership and community development: Is our membership changing and if so how? Who is joining as new members? How do people hear about us, become members and then become more involved and take on leadership roles? How do we plan effectively for membership growth? Technology: All of our events are likely to be either exclusively online or to combine online and in person attendance for the foreseeable future. How do we make hybrid events successful for members both at home and in the building? How do we continue to engage members online? How is our use of technology likely to develop and expand? What equipment, capabilities and resources do we need? What new opportunities are there for outreach, communication and raising our profile for example through social media, vlogs and podcasts? What will it cost and how will we pay for it? Building and Grounds: How can we take responsibility more effectively for managing our building and grounds? How do we keep on top of routine maintenance? What about health and safety, fire procedures etc? We don’t at present have a care-taker. Can we manage this with the staff and volunteers we have or do we need additional staffing capacity?
We’ve been reviewing our safeguarding policy. Now two years old, it is already significantly out of date. The need to move much of our provision online has also raised many new considerations. It’s at times like this that it’s really useful to have a Head Teacher and other experienced teachers on council!
We’ve been discussing next year’s budget. A budget is a values document: what you spend your money on reflects the choices you have made about what matters most. When we first created the post that Zoe now holds, council agreed that part of the cost would be paid out of capital as an investment in the future of the community. Two years ago we decided that this could not be sustained and that we needed to be able to pay for that post and still balance our budget. We managed that last year, but it’s going to be much more difficult to break even next year. Our income has taken a hit because we’ve lost some of our lettings income. The cost-savings we made this year during lockdown when we were unable to be in the building can’t be sustained now that Southover – our main tenant and a major income source – is back in the building and when we ourselves return. We may need to draw on capital to invest in some necessary maintenance work. Our largest source of income is membership subscriptions and our largest expenditure is on staff, so although there is no necessary direct relationship between the percentage increases in subscriptions and salaries, there is a balancing act. We are thinking about how to maximise our income through managing our reserves, fund-raising and in due course from rental income for external users of the building. It falls to our superb treasurer to finalise a budget that reflects what were essentially moral as well as economic arguments in council to be approved at our next meeting.
I hope that gives you a flavour of what we’ve been up to. If you would be interested in helping with any of these areas please do let us know. And do let us know what you think we should be working on and thinking about as priorities to ensure that FPS continues to flourish as a community. We are of necessity a relatively small group, so we need to hear your views and experiences to best represent the community as a whole.
Tamara Joseph
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on; and our little life is rounded with a sleep.” So said Prospero in The Tempest.
So this week’s Torah portion is all about Jacob’s famous dream and the meaning it offers for life; both sleeping and awake. What he sees when he sleeps and when he wakes up is quite affecting.
Famously Jacob dreams of a ladder which has angels ascending and descending. The direction they move is intriguing; unusual for celestial beings (surely?), that they are grounded and move upwards. The Jungian psychotherapist and former monk Thomas Moore made much of this idea in his book Care of the Soul. He says the downward, “descending” movement in human life is the most important. And that’s what Jacob’s angels demonstrate.
Is that why we love this dream, this portion called simply “Jacob left”? “Thomas Moore frequently spoke about “growing down” – that is, adding substance, weight, and depth to our character. Is this what the angels were demonstrating? The messier, more real experiences are what make us soar. The poet John Keats called life ‘the vale of soul-making.’
So that when Jacob awoke on the bare uncomfortable earth with a stone for a pillow, in a moment of recognition of what he saw he was able to say
Achein yeish Adonai bamakom hazeh v’anochi lo yadati, “Oh yes Surely God is in this place and I, I did not know it!” (Gen. 28:16).
Being awake is what we all strive for. Noticing those moments where it all comes together.
I’m so conscious of so many making adjustments to expectations and hopes during these days. Families marking Bnei Mitzvah or a wedding. This week Liz and Yoni Avital accompany their son Ariel as he becomes Bar Mitzvah. It will be at their kitchen table and we will be cheering on with pride. John Rubinstein, his teacher will guide him and Richard Greene and I will lead the service and I hope we will be able to say; God was in this place and I, I did know it.
Shabbat Shalom to All,
Rebecca
(Thanks to Rabbi Rick Shechter for his teaching on Thomas Moore)
From Zoe Jacobs:
“You cannot serve from an empty vessel” – Eleanor Brown, American author.
At first we had lockdown anxiety. The newness, the constant change, the sudden and immediate danger made our heads spin and our stomachs churn. Looking back at March – those days where streets were empty but for one-hour walks – feels a world away, despite only being eight months.
But now it’s lockdown blues. The exhaustion and weariness of keeping on keeping on. It is funny how much we get used to. If you sit with a tiger for long enough, do you forget the danger? And is that bad – or just human nature ensuring we always take the next step?
The world doesn’t seem to be offering many vessel-filling moments, just now. I think we are all feeling a little run down, our patience thinner, our resilience softer, our stamina shortened.
Eleanor Brown says we cannot pour from an empty vessel. The lesser-known end to that quote is “When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow”. She expects overflow?! What about when there’s a global pandemic and we have to live with a half-full vessel? Do we pour, just more cautiously? Do we wait for a more reassuring quantity of liquid before giving it away? Do we pour generously, in good faith that more will come?
Just now, sitting tight, acknowledging the exhaustion and fear, it seems all three of those options are happening and are valid.
At other times, we rally, get up and walk on. From the #CaringForCarers campaign, to the Black Lives Matter movement, people are pouring their love and energy into important and urgent campaigns with radical faith that soon their cup will overflow again.
I guess for most of us, most of the time, we sit in the middle. We are pouring more cautiously than usual, giving love to those closest to us, finding small moments to connect.
Each vessel is our own. Each choice is our own. Let’s be kind to ourselves.
Shabbat shalom
Zoe
Community Education and Development Manager
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