Masorti is distinct
my barmitzvah money to this amazing organisation. I also hope to do lots more fundraising and help out in the future.
I hope that people know what is going on outside the comfort of their homes and choose to help.
Jake Leigh,
Finchley N3
My colleague Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner says Masorti is “a north London phenomenon” and “Orthodox in all but name” (JC, 3 March). Rabbi JannerKlausner should be aware that Masorti Judaism is a family of 15 communities all over the UK, including Oxford, Bristol, Liverpool, Leeds, Finchley and St John’s Wood. The fact that our biggest synagogues are located in areas with large Jewish populations should come as no surprise — we’re pleased to be able to serve the mainstream Jewish community.
Moreover, Masorti is a distinctive stream of Judaism. While we share important values with colleagues in other denominations, our combination of traditional, halachic Jewish practice with a commitment to inclusivity, open-mindedness and equality, is unique. Our blend of traditional Judaism for modern Jews is clearly attractive, as evidenced by a 50 per cent growth in our membership over the past 10 years.
As members of a Masorti community, my children — both boys and girls — take for granted that they are able to participate in a traditional service on the basis of full equality.
I fully share Rabbi JannerKlauser’s conviction that Jews from all denominations need to co-operate, not compete, for the good of the community.
Matt Plen, Chief Executive, Masorti Judaism
Laura Janner-Klausner is entitled to her views but when she claims that “Masorti are Orthodox in all but name”, she is verging on the ridiculous. As the UK branch of the US Conservative movement which has voted this week to allow their synagogues to admit non-Jews as full members, it would be more accurate to say that “Masorti are Reform in all but name”. about Israel and noticed that a man wearing a kippah was leaning back washing his windows without his kippah falling off. “Why didn’t it fall off,” she asked. I could have told her about hair clips etc but said instead: “It doesn’t fall off because he believes in God” . “Do you wear a kippah?” “Yes,” I replied when I am in the synagogue.” “Does it fall off ?” “Yes”, I answered, “very often.”