Rabbi's Blog - February 2011

Watch Your Back -
You Never Know Who Else Might Be!

21/2/2011

A shocking new documentary has been filmed by a Channel 4 Dispatches programme. An undercover investigation and hidden cameras exposed rampant corporal punishment and antisocial behaviour in certain Islamic educational institutions across the UK. I found it particularly chilling and it is well worth a watch. I for one want to know what the government is doing about it.

But it did also make me think: To what extent, if any, does smacking still occur in some Jewish schools? I know it did when I was growing up. I still have the scars to show for it. This was most likely the educational “norm” in all of society back then - my father told me of similar experiences in the Swiss public school he went to as a child (there were no Jewish schools in Switzerland).

Ask anyone my generation whether they received the occasional “educational smack” – or frask as it is referred to in Yiddish, and I am sure most can readily attest to this. But my own father put it in context when he had a man-to-man talk with me before my wedding. I’ll never forget his words: “I may have given you a frask here and there because you may have needed it (too true). But if you ever dare to give any of your children a frask I will come after you with another of my own.” It wasn’t a matter of “do as I say, not as I do.” It was more a case of “that was then and this is now.”

Even as Maimonides talks about educating children with an iron fist, first, he was speaking specifically about a deliberate and controlled method, not lashing out or venting frustration. Second, and more importantly, there is a guiding principle of “times have changed” when it comes to Maimonides recommendations. What will have worked at any one time in the past may no longer be conducive to our modern society, kids are more likely to rebel and the effects counterproductive.

In the last century parents were known to be too strict with their kids. In today’s day and age parents are guilty of being too lenient. We struggle relentlessly to try and find the right balance. And in the process coupled with our own frustrations in coping with the daily grind, when they don’t meet our expectations we blame them. When we are responding to misconduct, even rebellion we cannot isolate and focus only on the child’s behaviour. We must also examine our own attitudes and behaviours to see if we are acting and responding appropriately in rearing them.

It is all about the special attention we pay to children. It’s about recognising the value of each child and looking to nurture their uniqueness, enabling them to grow and develop in accordance with their particular standard. “Educate the child according to his or her way,” says the verse – relative to each child individually the strengths of each child are sought and nurtured and developed so that they have the right sort of confidence by, as the verse continues – “even as they get older it will not depart them”, and they’ll be able to go out there and confront their world head on, rising to the challenges as they present themselves and making a real difference to society in their slice of the world.

As Dispatches has exposed, that is clearly not what is going on in some Islamic Faith schools. I would urge all Jewish educators (and parents) to get that balance right for the sake of our Jewish future. Besides, you never know, someone may be watching.

Mayor, Mayor On The Wall...

16/2/2011

It has been said, “People get the government they deserve.” This is of no real concern to the residents of Tower Hamlets in East London. They knew precisely who they were electing when they voted in council members who want to do “everything in its power to support a boycott of the pariah state of Israel.” They also knew the Mayor they elected, Lutfur Rahman who had been deed the Labour party. It is suggested he is a member of the radical Islamic Forum of Europe, something he currently denies.

As part of this boycott they want to sever ties with Veolia who does their waste collection because of work this multinational company does in Israel. The final decision on that rests with the Mayor who has to carefully consider whether to pander to the vile rhetoric of his electorate. I hope that he does. Veolia could then sue for millions for breach of contract in effect bankrupting an already cash strapped borough. The Mayor and the council members would be out like a flash.

What the rest of us need to learn this however is that there are London Mayoral elections in 2012. Creepy Ken is standing again. Let’s not forget how he courts known Islamic fundamentalists. Let’s not forget that he gives platforms to terrorist supporters. Let’s not forget that he currently still presents on Press TV, an Iranian channel backed by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Let’s not forget that “some of his best friends are Jewish.” As he will be kicking his campaign into high gear in the not too distant future, let’s remember that the stench which follows him around is a lot worse than all the garbage that might yet pile up in Tower Hamlets. Let’s remember, if he gets in, then we get what we deserve.

The $1.99 Confession

15/2/2011

Sometime last year Joe O’Reilly is passing his local church when he turns to his friend: “You know I’ve been unfaithful. It’s eating at my conscience. We’re here anyway so I may as well pop in for confession.” With that he goes in and begins: “Forgive me father for I have sinned. I was unfaithful.” Father Patrick calls out with irritation in his voice: “Was it that promiscuous Mrs. Theodore again?” “No father.” “Was it that loose Jess McGuiness?” “Uh, no father!” “Ah, was it that adulteress, Wendy Shaw.” “No father it was not.” “Alright then, never mind. Go say two Hail Mary’s, leave ten pounds in the charity plate and may the Lord forgive you.” On his way out, his friend looks to him: “So, what did you get?” To which he replied: “A tenner to charity, two Hail Mary’s... and three great new tips!”

Had O’Reilly waited a little while, he would never have needed to go into the confessional. He would only have had to pull out his iPhone and use the new “Confession App.” This innovation Apple allows users to programme their confession into the phone, click a special button and whoosh, off it goes to some cyber priest. Within minutes you receive a directive in your inbox as to how much to say and give. It takes transgression to a whole new level. Sinning has never been easier.

Some cynical Jews are accusing Apple of Anti Semitism. “They know we can’t use iPhones on Yom Kippur. So we still have to endure twenty-five hours of no food or drink while they can just atone on the go. It’s enough to make some want to convert!”

Of course it’s not really that simple. The Confession App only helps you prepare for penance in you tend to forget a lot of minor sins. Essentially this new technology helps you structure your thoughts through a series of questions to enable you better introspect and encourage you to pursue some penitence. That could surely have a Jewish version as well: “Did you attend synagogue today?” “No.” “Were you having a lie in?” “No.” “Were you at a football match?” “Yes.” “You have sinned. You must attend Synagogue next Saturday remain awake throughout the entire Rabbi’s sermon and confess all at the Kiddush.”

The Vatican were said to be fearful that people might think of the app as a replacement for the Sacrament of Penance and wanted to remind them that the confession is a dialog between a person and priest. Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lambardi stressed: “It’s no substitute for the Sacrament of Penance.” In other words, there really is no cutting out the middle man which is just as well what with phone hacking and WikiLeaks, the old confessional is a more secure option. Besides, a priest can sometimes offer what no phone can: a few great new tips. Though I’m sure the Apple techies are already working on an app for that as well.

Who Will Be The New Voice For British Jews?

3/2/2011

I can hardly imagine the United Synagogue offering a position to a sixty year old Rabbi who might apply for a job in one its flagship Synagogues. Indeed it is rather uncommon for any organisation, corporation or institution to offer employment to someone who is within range of retirement. Which is why it was surprising to learn that Baroness Julia Neuberger has been offered the position of “senior rabbi” at the West London Synagogue, the oldest and most venerable of the country’s Reform synagogues.

The role of Rabbi usually entails a lot of multi-tasking including speaking, officiating, pastoral, education, and engagement with all age ranges. It requires a fair amount of energy and while many Rabbis who reach a more senior age are still perfectly capable of functioning in that capacity, it is quite unusual for anyone to assume that position anew when edging into their twilight years.

So what’s the Reform movement’s game plan and what is Julia herself thinking about? I believe the London Times hit it on the head in a headline yesterday, “Woman rabbi could become voice of British Jews.” The article quotes an ‘insider’ who said: “Her claim on that (voice of British Jewry) when Lord Sacks steps down in 2013 will be as strong as anyone’s.” Lady Neuberger herself didn’t deny such claims, simply adding that “it would not be wise” to comment on such speculation.

You’ve got to hand it to them. I don’t think anyone saw this one coming, though it must have been brewing for some time. The role of a Chief Rabbi is a progressive one. It takes time to build credibility. First you step into the position and look to implement a game plan. Then you build more of a name for yourself through word and deed. At some point you gain an honorary title and by then you are well enshrined within the establishment.

Chief Rabbi Sack’s retirement will invariably create a certain void. However many years it took him to become so widely regarded, it will take his successor at least as long if not longer to achieve same. Meanwhile the Reform movement has the readymade package. She’s got a game plan, has built her name on solid reputation and comes provided with a peerage. For all the years that the Reform has been playing second fiddle to the United Synagogue this is their coup de grace, and they know it too.

Neuberger is a member of the Liberal movement and her move into the West London Reform suggests a merger between the two movements. That the Reform would look to merge with the Liberal reflects their wishy-washy approach and that their only standard is that there is no standard. They should pay heed to the American Reform movement who, a few years ago called for a move back toward traditionalism when realising that they were actually alienating membership because they were evolving into something that had no semblance of Judaism altogether.

Baroness Neuberger is a formidable woman but her views do not reflect those of traditional Judaism which almost seventy percent of Anglo-Jewry still subscribes to in one form or another. If she was to become the de facto voice of British Jews, there would be greater schism in an increasingly declining community. Of course she could only really rise to prominence when Lord Sacks steps down. Perhaps he ought to now consider staying on a little longer. natively the United Synagogue ought to think very carefully on any new appointment. US President Dr. Simon Hochhauser has gone on record to say that the role of the next Chief Rabbi would be a significantly diminished role, which presumably means more of an in-house figurehead - a Rabbis’ Rabbi than an overt character in the public arena. With the Reform playing their best if not in fact only hand, the US should not be dismissive of the changes afoot. They should think twice, and then think some more before they make their next move. There’s a lot at stake here, not least the future of Anglo-Jewry.