Deeply divisive

Although the decision of Liberal Judaism to allow mixed faith couples to celebrate their marriage with a blessing under a chupah will be welcomed by many, others will feel uneasy at the move.

According to the most recent figures, in 2016 more than a quarter of British Jews were either married to or living with a non-Jewish partner.

How one reacts to this latest development will in large measure be determined by how one reacts to those figures — and whether one believes marrying out is a problem to be tackled or a choice to be embraced.

Liberal Judaism has no figures for its own proportion of mixed-faith couples but it will, by definition, be greater than for those strands within Judaism that do not accept mixed-faith marriages. So it is hardly surprising that the movement wishes to provide as warm an environment as possible for those mixed-faith couples who choose to marry (and, they stress, to keep a Jewish home).

But others will, equally understandably, consider that offering the option of a chupah is a further — and hugely symbolic — normalisation of marrying out. This has always been and will always be a deeply divisive issue. In that respect at least, nothing has changed.

Home comfort

Watching a film at home is simply not as good as watching in the cinema.

But it is a lot better than not watching at all.

And the UK Jewish Film Festival , which has just released its November programme, provides a wonderful opportunity to indulge in a feast of the best Jewish films from the sofa.

Enjoy!