Monotheism means the indivisibility of God. This is not just the basis of Jewish theology, but of universal humanity. When the Torah, in chapter one, teaches that every human being is created in God’s image, it leaves no place for the notion of ‘children of a lesser God’. There exists no one who doesn’t matter, […]
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This is written in haste on the eve of an exceptionally different night, at a bewildering and frightening time. First and foremost, I wish everyone a good and safe festival. Pesach means gratitude for deliverance. Words are insufficient to express our thankfulness to the NHS, to everyone caring, filling shop shelves, delivering food and medicines, […]
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“We stand with you in solidarity and sorrow. Wherever we are in the world, whatever our faith and beliefs, we stand together with you as pilgrims on this earth, as fellow human beings striving to do what is compassionate and just, hoping to share with our loved ones, friends and fellow citizens the privileges and […]
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by Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg Today marks the first anniversary of the multiple attacks by Isil in Paris in which 130 people were murdered, 89 of them at the Bataclan theatre. The beautiful building opened in 1865 and became famous as a home for music and entertainment. From the 1970s it became an important venue for […]
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It’s seventy-eight years since the Night of Broken Glass, when Goebbels unleashed upon the Jews of Germany the full of violence of Nazi hate. Though he described the subsequent horrors as the unpremeditated and spontaneous expression of the Kochende Volkseele, the boiling public mood, the smashing, burning and killing were co-ordinated across Germany and beyond. […]
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Dear Community, Our synagogue received three unusual Chanukkah cards last week. They each begin Dear Jewish Community, I send this message to you as a Muslim. I share with you the celebration of spiritual light that opposes the darkness of religious hatred. Each concludes ‘Your Muslim neighbour’ and carries a personal signature. The Joseph Interfaith […]
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