Community
How a Liberal approach is serving us well during crisis
Rabbi Charley Baginsky writes on her pride at how Liberal Judaism has responded to the pandemic
June 15, 2020 11:57
By, Rabbi Charley Baginsky
2 min read
Rabbi Charley Baginsky writes on her pride at how Liberal Judaism has responded to the pandemic
June 15, 2020 11:57ByRabbi Charley Baginsky, Rabbi Charley Baginsky
When taking over the running of an organisation, it’s usual to have some time to settle into the new role. But as joint interim directors of Liberal Judaism, one of the first tasks I and Shelley Shocolinsky-Dwyer had to carry out was closing our head office and moving our operations into the homes of staff.
Our next was to transfer our flagship event, the biennial weekend, from a hotel in the Midlands to Zoom, Facebook and YouTube, while giving 1,500 delegates the same quality of sessions, unified vision and experience of being together for three days.
This is a difficult time for everyone and from my perspective, the most difficult thing has been seeing the high levels of bereavement around the world. Not only have too many people lost someone close. Being unable to be with a loved one and offer comfort in their last hours has added to the depth of sorrow.
Within Liberal Judaism, we have relied on the creativity and sensitivity of our rabbis in making meaningful ceremonies when people could not physically attend funerals and shivahs.
There are also many who have been alone during lockdown and others whose vulnerabilities have been additionally exposed.
It would be wrong to focus on what Shelley and I see as the opportunities this period has presented to Liberal Judaism without acknowledging that these sit within a context that has been desperate and sorrowful.
Nevertheless, I am proud of our response to the crisis. Our communities have found innovative ways to practice their Judaism while members have faced outwards to help some of the most vulnerable in society through social action. Internally, we have seen engagement with the movement and with our constituent communities at an all-time high.
When signing up for the biennial, we asked people what congregation they belonged to. The number one response was: “I’m not currently a member of a Liberal community.”
Research has long told us that there are a significant number of people who identity as Jews, but not as members of a specific denomination or congregation. And that number is growing.
Liberal Judaism is continuing to realise our potential of providing a dynamic alternative for people who need a home for their Jewish story. We are uniquely placed to open our virtual doors and allow people to explore new ways to express and relate to their Jewish identities.
We are working on creative ways to allow people to affiliate both to the movement and to congregations, developing pathways that cater to their interests but also allow them to feel the deep sense of belonging that comes with being a Liberal Jew.
The challenge going forward is to continue to be a Judaism developing in relevant and responsive ways as the world continues to change, yet preserving the values and traditions which have always been central.
But, perhaps most importantly, we must ensure that Liberal Judaism remains an active force for good for Jewish individuals, families and communities while striving for a fairer society for all, from cradle to grave.
Rabbi Charley Baginsky is joint interim director of Liberal Judaism
