That Was The Year That Was

19/9/2014

It is always quite incredible to look back upon a year and see how many unpredictable events have occurred. As we assembled in Synagogue last Rosh Hashanah, no one could have predicted the war and tragic loss of life in Israel throughout the summer. No one would have presumed a significant spike in Anti-Semitism across the Jewish world. Islamic fundamentalism has reared its ugly head in the guise of ISIS, and far right political parties have gained a shocking foothold in many European countries.

At a local level there has been a mixed-bag of reaction to world events. Our new Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, has made it his priority to engage communities and build a stronger sense of Jewish pride. As one example, it is anticipated that Shabbat UK in a few weeks will galvanise many otherwise unaffiliated Jews. But the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council have been lamentably lacklustre in their leadership. This was reflected in an emergency meeting held last month prompting many Jews to come forward and air their grievances. It also gave rise to a new grassroots Campaign against Anti-Semitism, which saw more people turning out to a hastily organised rally than anything the other two organisations could ever hope to put together. Still, the talk of some merger between the BOD and JLC might change the perception on the pretence that two negatives make a positive. It is my opinion, however, that people need to feel confidence in their leaders and the current perception of an ineffective president on one side and a power-hungry chairman on the other, necessitates that, more important than any merger, is simply a change of leadership at the helm.

Even as 4000 people turned out for the Campaign against Anti-Semitism rally, there are more than two hundred thousand Jews in London. In the bigger scheme of things it is an abysmal response suggesting a deep-seeded apathy. Germany has far less Jews and had more than double the attendance for a similar recently held rally. But this isn’t a time for recrimination. It is a time for more Jews to stand up and take notice. If you care about your future, about the future of your children, indeed the future of Anglo-Jewry, then this is a time to get involved, now more than ever. Be more Jewish than you have ever been. Hold your head high. Take pride in your identity. The only response to the pending threats that lurk out there is a more robust sense of self-respect. You don’t need to rely on lay-leadership – be a leader in your own right. The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves. They are the ones who know the way, go the way and show the way. Set yourself a new goal of engaging more with your community and show the way for others to do the same.

May the coming year be one of peace and serenity in Israel and throughout the world,and may it indeed be year of health and happiness, love and laughter for one and all.

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