A lifeline for communities, and families, near and far
RECEIVING THE each week is a cause for celebration in our house, located at the western tip of England, overlooking St Michael’s Mount outside Penzance.
It arrives most weeks on Friday morning just in time for a quick read prior to Shabbat and often provides much fodder for lively discussion on Friday night when other members of the Cornish Jewish community, Kehillat Kernow, often join us for Friday night dinner.
When Jews live far away from major cities, the paper is often the only regular contact we have with the greater communities in the UK, Israel and world Jewry. The reminds us how we are all members of the family of Israel, all circles within circles, and how deeply embedded these connections and responsibilities are.
There are many reasons why the is so vital to those of us living in the hinterlands. First, most Cornish Jews have come from somewhere else: other parts of the UK, Europe, the Middle East, south-east Asia, and America, representing both Sephardi and Ashkenazi traditions.
The keeps us in contact with those areas we once knew and with the people whose work for Jewish causes or communities is published in its pages. We know who has died and who lives among our personally connected tribe.
Second, the provides a perspective on Jewish life in other communities, no matter how far-flung, and a balanced view of issues concerning Jews in a world which has become increasingly hostile, anti-Zionist and in some cases, antisemitic.
Third, the reminds us that Jews matter, that they contribute a disproportionately greater service to their communities, wider societies and governments throughout the diaspora.
Fourth, on a personal level, as an active member of our small community, I look to the to give me the pulse on Jewish issues and events that directly affect those of us living in Cornwall.
Finally, knowing what other communities are doing helps us to plan what activities we can provide to enhance the quality of Jewish life here.