As London prepares for another mass Extinction Rebellion protest, the Jewish bloc of the climate crisis movement has urged all Jewish people to join them, regardless of denomination.
The wider demonstration will take place in central London for two weeks from Monday October 7, with XR Jews taking their place on Lambeth Bridge throughout, except for Yom Kippur.
The crossing, between Westminster Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge, has been designated the “Faith Bridge”, and will accommodate the religious sub-groups of Extinction Rebellion.
A public Seder, held in Westminster Square, was the best-attended Jewish event of the previous Rebellion, with roughly 80 Jews in attendance.
A Succot “in-gathering” on October 10 will be the equivalent event, and XR Jews coordinator Elinor Milne told the JC the group hopes to attract approximately 100 people.
Because it will take place before Succot, the succah will not conform to Halachah.
Seven different rabbis and educators will lead seven sections of the service, which will correspond to characteristics of the Ushpizin — the seven mystical visitors whom Jews welcome to their Succot throughout the holiday.
Ms Milne said: “Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg is doing one, Rabbi Sybil Sheridan, Rabbi Sandra Kviat. The sections are different things — bits of ritual, bits of singing, bits of study — and focused all around climate catastrophe.
“It’s when we’re inviting all Jews who are interested to come on down. We would anticipate, as it was with the Seder, that some people will be there who wouldn’t otherwise come for the action for various reasons — work and so on.
“That’s the time for people who want to come and find out what’s it all about, and dip their toe in and engage with the crisis Jewishly.
“This is very much for all Jews. We’ve had lots of positive interactions with Jews across all parts of the community, and people within our organising group are from all kinds of communities.”
All sectors of the community will be represented at XR Jews, she added, including Chabad Lubavitch.
