The Movement for Reform Judaism

450 people gathered for a unique gala dinner at the Banqueting House, Whitehall, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Leo Baeck College on Thursday 16th November. Guests included the President of the Board of Deputies, Lord Janner, first secretary of the Jordanian Embassy, Sir Sigmund and Lady Hazel Sternberg and Lord Marks.

In welcoming guests, Vice-Principal Rabbi Dr Michael Shire commented on the historic occasion in a historic setting. It was in that very room 350 years ago that Oliver Cromwell convened a conference leading to the re-admission of the Jews to England.

The Banqueting House was filled to capacity as keynote speakers Baroness Julia Neuberger, Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York and HRH Prince Hassan of Jordan reflected on the role of religion in a fractured world. Quoting verses from the ‘sh’ma’, Dr Sentamu noted the importance of working with members of other faiths to promote social cohesion. Citing the writings of Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield, Head of The Reform Movement who was present, the Archbishop reminded the audience that all religions are relational and in future will have to act in accord if they are to succeed in their aims. Baroness Julia Neuberger exhorted everyone to see religion as a means to improve society especially in terms of responsibility to health, welfare and the needs of the young. She praised the work of the Leo Baeck College in bringing clergy of all faiths together and the pioneering work done in interfaith relations over the past 50 years.

HRH Prince Hassan of Jordan impressed the participants with his humanity and scope of his international work for the furtherance of global harmony and peace. His Royal Highness expressed concern for the situation in his own region, that of the Middle East but equally of that in other areas of the world. He too acknowledged the work of the Leo Baeck College in achieving a meaningful and productive dialogue with Christians and Muslims over many years.

Students of the College proposed toasts to Her Majesty the Queen and the Children of Abraham: Jew, Christian and Muslim.

The success of the event signified unmistakably that the work of the College — preparing Rabbis and Jewish educators in the context of openness to other faiths — is strongly supported by the Jewish and general community.

During this half century, the College has produced progressive Jewish leaders for Britain and 15 other countries, including the FSU, South Africa, Holland, France. LBC is now the only rabbinical seminary in the UK, and beyond question, the premier rabbinical seminary in Europe.

Principal Professor Marc Saperstein stated, “We are hopeful that the results of the appeal will enable us to fulfil our goal of adding to our faculty an expert on Jewish thought and ethics, who will guide our students in the task of applying the insights of our tradition to the task of healing the fractures in our society and our world.”

The gala dinner culminates the events of the 50th anniversary of the College which was led by a 50th anniversary committee headed by Mrs Miriam Kramer.

Further information from: Rabbi Dr Michael Shire – Vice Principal LBC
Email: michael.shire@lbc.ac.uk

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