Jewish Activities or Activities for Jews?

From the July issue of JLife- www.jlifeleeds.com

Leeds is a fantastic place for a Jew to live! There is a wealth of groups to join, with activities for people with different interests, talents and views. The advantage of a large community like ours is that whether you are a thespian, dancer, historian, or dentist, you will always find like-minded people to share your experiences with.

I venture, however, that there is a distinction between activities for Jews and Jewish activities. The latter must involve bringing our Jewish heritage to bear on the activity, or letting the activity affect how we view or express Judaism. The Chief Rabbi argues that for too long has Judaism been segregated from art, science and culture. It is like a cerebral lesion in the brain where the right hemisphere and left hemisphere fully function, but where there is no communication between them. He says, “The time is right for a deep, far- reaching conversation between... Judaism and the arts and sciences, to create a new generation of religious intellectuals, scholars and poets”.

We are already blessed to have some shining examples of this in our community. For example, 'Singing for Pleasure' delight us with Hebrew songs in concert and the Historical Society use their skills to explore our past. Leeds Day Limmud, this year taking place at Weetwood Hall on the 15th November, involves experts in Jewish thought, culture, literature and more!

Leeds must never rest on our laurels, and should strive to be the UK's centre of Jewish creativity! One idea is to put on an art exhibition around a theme such as “Jewish Identity in the Modern World”. Works will be commissioned from trained and aspiring artists in the community, as well as accepting submissions from community groups. Another idea is to produce an academic Jewish journal allowing for intelligent discussion about Judaism, from a variety of perspectives. Both ideas will produce original and thought-provoking work of national import but bearing the stamp: “From Leeds”!

For more information, contact neil@ljrc.org