Rabbi Stephen Howard

During my time as a rabbi, I have twice been asked to write 'Where We Stand' leaflets for Liberal Judaism. The first one did not even reach publication. I submitted it and it disappeared without a trace! The second one fared better. It at least reached publication, although not without controversy. It was on the subject of 'miracles' and, until it was published, the custom had been for this series of leaflets to be anonymous, to imply they had the endorsement of all the liberal rabbis, not just the author. My leaflet split the rabbis right down the middle, so it was agreed to publish it, provided I was cited as the author.

What was the problem with it? My argument was that, despite all the miracles mentioned in the Torah and the rest of the Hebrew Bible, the rabbis of old did not like miracles. They did not like to believe that God would upset God's perfect creation by breaking the laws of nature. All the recorded miracles, they claimed, were merely unique events programmed into the world at the very end of the sixth day of creation. Thus, they were still part of the natural order.

Frankly, I do not believe in supernatural miracles, and do not need them to bolster my faith in God. Instead, I believe in natural miracles and miracles of the spirit, both of which we celebrate at this time.

Next month, we celebrate Tu Bishvat and the natural miracle of trees. Not only can they lift the spirit with their beauty and grandeur, but also they give us the very air we breathe. Each of their exhalations is a gift to us; each of ours is a gift to them. Take trees away, as sadly we are doing in many parts of the world, and the natural balance is thrown out of kilter. It becomes a religious act, a Mitzvah, to work for the preservation of our forests, and to plant trees. It becomes a Mitzvah to use wood products only from sustainable sources.

In March, we celebrate Purim, a miracles of the spirit. In the story of Esther, both Esther and Mordechai find the courage to face impossible death in order to save the Jewish people from the murderous intentions of Haman. Nearer our own time, during the Shoah, men and women also faced death to save Jews and others from the Nazis. By a miracle, they found the spiritual resources to do what they felt was right, despite the extreme danger they put themselves in as a result. Every righteous gentile performed miraculous acts. Every concentration camp prisoner who was able to keep hold of their humanity and care for their fellows, performed miracles.

We are surrounded by miracles, both large and small, if only we would recognise them as such. Tu Bishvat and Pruim highlight some of them. You are invited to join us in joyful celebration of both of these festivals.

Rabbi Stephen Howard MA BSc

But first, I am sorry we weren't able to have an event in December this year, but we will remedy this next year. This was partly because it was necessary to cancel the Mitzvah Day at Pensthorpe Gardens and Nature Reserve.

Just a gentle reminder - if you plan to attend an event please let us know, as we did not realise until the event was cancelled that some people had planned to come along and it may not have been necessary to cancel. There are lots of ways to make contact – via enquiries on the website (this will reach Steve), via a named person on the website or email me! Most people know my email address and phone number and I’m happy to hear from you.

There’s good news however about events at Pensthorpe. I’ve had a chat with Ed, Conservation Manager, there and we’re hoping to have two events next year. In June an open air service and helping at Pensthorpe,as well as having lunch there. And another event in September. So keep an eye on the Calendar.

Our first Service is on the 14^th January, led by Rabbi Stephen.  I’m also in contact with Rabbi Danny Rich who has offered to take a Service when we can find a space in his busy schedule. On the 14th there will, of course, be cheder and singing practice before the Service so please come along. I think we’ve been in better voice since this was restarted. Engaging with Judaism is always entertaining and informative – so please come along to Andy Sluckin’s at 7.30 on Friday 13th, and Start the New Year with Jewish values.

Annual Holocaust Memorial Service is organised by Council of Christians and Jews and will take place at St Peter Mancroft Church Thursday 27 January at 11.00, and all are very welcome to attend. (St Peter Mancroft Church, St. Peters Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1QZ). If you cannot make this service there are others in Norfolk and across the country now and increasing, which is good.

Last but very much not least - our General Meeting on Thursday, 19^th January at 7.30 at NHC Synagogue on Earlham Road to consult with our Community and plan for the future. At this General Meeting, I hope that we may also arrange another future date for the Community to meet.

Very Best Wishes for a successful (calendar) New Year and hope to see you all several times in January!

Sarah Boosey

Here is a summary of forthcoming Service Weekends with Rabbi Howard (unless otherwise noted):

2012
•  10-11 February
•  9-10 March
•  12-14 April
•  11-12 May
•  22-23 June (led by Byron Simmonds & Philip Lawrence)
•  13-14 July
•  7-8 September (community-led)
•  12-13 October
•  16-17 November
•  14-15 December (community-led)

Other planned events in 2012:

For further details of services and events, please click on the headings in each section on the right-hand side of this page. You may need to check again if information is not available at the time you are looking at the event.

Members are periodically emailed with information about community events and services.

The Old Meeting House is accessible to those with special access needs, although there is no Disabled Access lavatory facilities.  Events held at other venues, particularly members' homes, may not be accessible to those with special access needs, so those with special accessibility needs should check before attending those events.