JC readers critical of Mirvis panel decision Emasculated
appropriate experts regardless of whether these are Modern Orthodox or Charedi.
In light of this painful episode and the onset of the Nine Days, the Chief Rabbi’s call for the healing of divisions, communal peace and unity could not be more timely or more appropriate. It deserves support across the Orthodox spectrum.
Dr Michael Harris is rabbi of Hampstead Synagogue
I remember, as student, being aware of the unpleasant fallout of the Jacobs affair and after having read his book was alarmed how the so called religious authorities of the time vilified a very renowned scholar who probably reflected the thoughts and doubts of many of us.
Some years later I was again alarmed as Lord Sacks rewrote parts of one of his books under pressure from religous authorities. He buckled under this pressure and in doing so cast doubts on his own integrity as leader of the United Synagogue.
Once again the United Synagogue’s Rabbi Mirvis has sought to emasculate Rabbi Dweck for raising issues on homosexually in a rational way many of us find challenging and appropriate for wide discussion.
I am now of the belief that our family have no place in a synagogue organisation that denies Rabbi Dweck freedom of expression and having a commissar to judge his public speeches.
The “apology” by Rabbi Dweck was no doubt directed by Rabbi Mirvis who for some reason did not elicit some similar mollifying statements from Rabbis Bassous and Mizrachi.
In deciding to get involved and not supporting Rabbi Dweck the Chief Rabbi has done little to enhance his reputation and that of the body he leads. I do hope others will also think again about their synagogue membership and look for alternative synagogue organisations who are possibly more tolerant and inclusive and can provide a more moral and dignified leadership. as a leading contributor of difficult issues if we choose not to allow our rabbis to speak out as they wish? Rachel Goodkin for it’s treatment of him and issued a stamp in his memory.
And let’s not forget our own more recent Louis Jacobs affair.
Rabbi Dweck, in his gracious apologia regrets the ad hominem attacks on him. Continuing in the Latin idiom we, and our religious leaders, might do well to remember the phrase quot homines, tot sententiae — as many men, so as many opinions.
While the matter regarding Rabbi Dweck is now satisfactorily concluded there remains the more serious issue of the defamatory and vicious personal attacks upon him by self-promoting Orthodox rabbis.
Having listened to and read some of the outpourings of some these men I have realised that another rabbinic review of their attacks is essential to restore respect to the title of rabbi.
Who is investigating the behaviour of these men? Does Chief Rabbi Mirvis plan to hold further meetings of his advisory group to address the damage they have caused?
Will they be allowed to remain in their posts in the orthodox communities they claim to serve?
If we wish to “focus on promoting unity within our kehilla”, as per Rabbi Mirvis’s announcement, we should ensure that we deal fairly with those who cause disunity through verbal and defamatory abuse.
Gerry Temple