The Movement for Reform Judaism

Laura Mellins of Bournemouth Reform recounts an emotional experience at the ordination of their new associate Rabbi, Jenny Amswych.

On Sunday 1 July 2007, many invited guests and I sat in the West London Synagogue in Seymour Place and waited for the Leo Baeck College Ordination Service to begin. What a stunning building with such beautiful features in which to host such an important event.  

We were welcomed by Rabbi Mark Winer, Senior Rabbi of the West London Synagogue, on behalf of the synagogue and Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein, Principal, on behalf of Leo Baeck College. Throughout the service we had the pleasure of listening to the singers of Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism, who were directed by Edward Cross. Their solo soprano was Vivienne Bellos and their organist was Dr C Bowers-Broadbent.

Each of the 5 ordinants made a short address. The address was about 3-4 minutes long and the content was entirely their choice. Student, as she still was, Rabbi Jenny spoke about how Judaism compels us to look to the past for guidance, and to the future. However, now we live in global societies not in ghettos. We are seeing shifts in nature, the environment, poverty etc.  Our world is changing and it needs action, not just words. Student Rabbi Jenny also said “our traditions tell us to fight for justice and care for the world and all who inhabit it.”  “We have a sacred duty to act now and to not live in the past.” It was clear that the action of Tikkun olam is a direction that Jenny feels very strongly about.

The other Student Rabbis spoke about their individual spiritual rabbinical journeys. They also briefly talked about their future intentions once they return to their communities.

Jenny was presented by Rabbis Neil Amswych and Sheila Shulman and was ordained by Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah. The ordination was a very beautiful and incredibly moving ceremony. Rabbi Elizabeth held a scroll and spoke a few very quiet, personal words to Jenny. No one else could hear the conversation. The scroll was then passed to Jenny at which point Jenny became known as Rabbi Jenny Goldfried Amswych. A few of us, from Bournemouth, who were there were all in tears! 

Following the ordination, Rabbi Dr Charles H Middleburgh, Programme Director, BA Course Team Leader and Senior Lecturer at Leo Baeck College, gave an address on behalf of the college. Rabbi Middleburgh said that it had been a privilege and a pleasure teaching and studying with the ordinants and he liked all of them and enjoyed all of their company. Rabbi Middleburgh said “they have learned much and been stretched a great deal.” 

Rabbi Jenny has been appointed as the first Associate Rabbi of Bournemouth Reform Synagogue and will also be doing Outreach work for The Movement in the South. Rabbi Middleburgh spoke about the ordinants individually and said about Rabbi Jenny “They (the South) are fortunate to have a new Rabbi of such integrity, intellect and magnetism.”

Rabbi Jenny and the other Rabbis were then presented with their Ordination Certificates by Mrs Miriam Kramer, Chair of the Leo Baeck Board of Govenors, Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein, Principal and Rabbi Dr Michael Shire, Vice Principal.

There was a beautiful reception where everyone could meet the new rabbis and proud family and friends could offer hugs and congratulations. 

How pleased we are for both Rabbi Jenny and Rabbi Neil and how proud we are as a community to have not just one Rabbi Amswych but two! In fact, in the Reform Movement there are only 4 married couples who are both Rabbis, but none of them work together. Bournemouth Reform will be the only Synagogue to have a married couple who are both Rabbis and who work together.

Being more reflective, the whole day was beautiful and moving. I personally was quite unprepared as to how emotional I would be at the service. I should have worn waterproof mascara! It was such a privilege to be able to share such an important and personal day with Rabbi Jenny, her family and Rabbi Neil. It’s not often that you have the opportunity to go to an ordination. This special experience will stay with me for a very long time.

Laura Mellins

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