The Supreme Court has ruled that the JFS admission policy has until recently been in contravention of the Race Relations Act, as it used descent from a Jewish mother as a criterion of Jewish status, instead of involvement in Jewish life.

So now the JFS and all other government funded Jewish schools must use Jewish involvement criteria, thus paving the way for more Progressive Jewish children to attend these schools. I have filled in so many different forms recently from parents, given to them by schools and asking for proof of involvement in synagogue life, that I have lost count. Families with no previous connection with us have been regularly attending services at my other congregation in Southgate, just to demonstrate their active Jewish lives

While we may or may not prefer this situation to that which preceded it, I would guess that many of you reading this might wonder if it has any relevance to East Anglia. I’m afraid in my ignorance I don’t know of any government funded Jewish schools in this part of the country.

However, the outcome of the case has great relevance to all Liberal communities, whether near to Jewish schools or not, as it shows that Liberal Judaism is being taken seriously at a national level. Together with our sister Progressive movements, Liberal Judaism’s voice has not only been heard, but has won the day. The balance of power in Anglo-Jewry has shifted.

Please God, in the future a more tolerant and inclusive Judaism will predominate in Anglo-Jewry, and we will increasingly be seen as a faith in this country that champions equality, justice, interfaith dialogue and understanding, and openness, while at the same time treasuring our unique history, faith and culture

The JFS case may signal that, after 107 years, Liberal Judaism is finally coming of age

May I wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2010

Rabbi Stephen Howard

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