Traditionally our Synagogue holds an annual lecture to commemorate the yahrzeit of Harold Weinberg, treasurer and President of Wanstead & Woodford Synagogue, who passed away in 1986 at the age of 65. This year we were delighted to have the Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, as our guest speaker.
He started out by paying tribute to Harold Weinberg and to our selfless and hard-working Rabbinic couple, Rabbi & Rebbetzen Wollenberg.
Despite the desperate and uncertain situation in Israel and the worrying increase in antisemitism, the Rabbi wanted to speak to us about ‘Tikvah’, hope.
He has six reasons for hope for the future, despite these troubling times:
1. Since Oct 7th there has been a resurgence in Jewish identity. People are proud of their Judaism, there has been an increase in Shul attendance worldwide and people have come together stronger and committed to their religion.
2. Chesed. We have seen the giving, generous nature of the Jewish people sending money, clothes and whatever was needed, to support the IDF & refugees in Israel.
3. We are not alone. We have many allies and support for Israel including the Monarchy and the British people.
4. The Unity of the Jewish People. The togetherness has been felt throughout the diaspora.
5. A strong Israel. We have a safe haven in times of trouble. Israel may have been caught napping on October 7th but it is smart and tough. Our souls are tormented as we see our enemies suffering and we pray for peace for everyone.
6. The Almighty G-d is at our side. He will protect us and has enabled us to reach this day. The darkest period is just before dawn. ‘Am Yisrael Chai’.
These words were very comforting and uplifting.
The Chief Rabbi then took questions from the audience. He was asked about other Faith leaders response to the situation in Israel. He said that at
first there was a very supportive response but since then though, the silence has become deafening. It has been a very difficult time for Rabbis.
He is hoping that next year there will be a new Inter-Faith initiative which will put discussions about Israel at its heart.
The next question was about the Assisted Dying Bill passed by the Commons last week which he very much laments. He believes that this is considered a form of suicide which the Torah does not uphold. There are also concerns that people might use it if they feel that they are a burden on family and society. It would be better if palliative care could be improved.
On a more light-hearted note, the Rabbi was asked about his experience of staying at the Palace the night before the Coronation of King Charles III (it was on Shabbat). He said he and his wife were shown a great deal of respect by the Royal household in that they were so well catered for. He said that it was a wonderful experience walking to the ceremony on
Shabbat morning where he was greeted by shouts of “Shabbat Shalom” from the waiting crowds!
He was asked about the challenges when he was made Chief Rabbi. He said that he had expected the challenges of the 3 ‘A’s of Antisemitism, Assimilation & Apathy. What he hadn’t expected were the 3 ‘C’s of Corbyn, Covid & Conflict. He just hopes that he is doing the right thing in the eyes of G-d.
We certainly feel that he is doing the right thing on behalf of the Jewish Community. He is a humble yet dynamic and inspirational leader and we thanked him profusely for taking the time out of his busy schedule to come and speak to us. We came away uplifted and inspired.
By Paula Saffer
