Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and commemorates the creation of the Earth. During this two day celebration, the traditional greeting “L’shanah tovah”… “for a good New Year” rings loud among members of Jewish communities. Ancient Hebrews relied upon the Torah, which celebrated it on the “seventh month” or Nisan. Passover also begins in Nisan. Today, Rosh Hashanah falls between September and October (or Tishrei). Jews believe that God weighs a person’s good and bad deeds over the previous year, and decides what the year ahead will bring. God records this information in the Book of Life. God seals this book on the festival of Yom Kippur. Rabbi Jonathan Romain, noted that the Book of Life created a ‘theological catastrophe’ that created false assumptions and blame upon God for human deeds. Romain pointed to Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 3.19 to remind Jews of their free will and agency in decisions that impact the year ahead. Rabbi Naftali Brawer reflected that this time of year creates of a paradox of comfort and fear under God’s scrutiny. He wrote “It is frightening, because under God’s scrutiny there is no place to hide. Indeed, this is the major theme of the [...]
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This is the text of a letter that was sent into the Times today after the shocking pictures of young Aylan Kurdi on a Turkish shore with his small shoes on, as though he was just resting. Dear Sir, The pictures of the young Aylan Kurdi washed up on the shores of Bodrum are a […]
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In a bid to bring people back into the fold of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has given priests the right to formally forgive women who have had abortions and seek absolution during the upcoming Holy Year. The move is aimed to bring people back into the fold and to show a Church that is […]
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It seems that the Israeli and Iranian Government have reached a consensus on what was to be a conference bringing mutual understanding through music. Daniel Barenboim’s work of trying to overcome cultural differences between Palestinian Arabs and Israeli Jews has meant that he has steadfastly used his music to bring together musicians from both communities […]
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Turkey has appointed its first Hijab wearing Minister in the form of Aysen Gurcan. The 52 year old academic was appointed on Friday to the role of Minister in charge of family and social policies in the provisional government of Prime Minster Ahmet Davotoglu. The provisional government will run until the November 1st elections. A […]
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The Director of Faith Matters and TELL MAMA, Fiyaz Mughal, spoke at the Big Iftar event, organised by Innovate Walsall, and raised the issue of social justice being closely entwined with Islam. The Director stated that this being the case, it was imperative that Muslims play their part in countering hate, intolerance and injustice against […]
Continue ReadingWe have all seen the terrible impacts on communities of the nihilistic pull of ISIS. Yesterday, a group of 3 women and their children disappeared whilst returning from Saudi Arabia and are purported to be in Turkey, on their way to ISIS. Any theological material that undermines the rhetoric of ISIS whilst placing British Muslims […]
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THE BRUTAL CYCLE OF VIOLENCE IN THE HOLY LAND IS AGAINST ALL THAT IS HOLY AND JUST The murder of Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land bodes ill for the future of both people in a land that has seen enough blood spilt for the sake of God’s glory. The murder of 4 Israelis […]
Continue ReadingThe role of a trustee is one which provides stewardship and governance to an organisation and forms one of the fundamental foundations of an organisation. Ensuring that there are checks and balances in the organisation is also a key part of transparency and in ensuring that any organisation meets its core aims and objectives. […]
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