Climate change protesters urge Jews to join in
AS LONDON prepares for another mass Extinction Rebellion protest, the Jewish bloc of the climate crisis movement has urged all Jewish people to join them, regardless of denomination.
The wider demonstration will take place in central London for two weeks from Monday October 7, with XR Jews taking their place on Lambeth Bridge throughout, except for Yom Kippur.
The crossing, between Westminster Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge, has been designated the “Faith Bridge”, and will accommodate the religious subgroups of Extinction Rebellion.
A public Seder, held in Westminster Square, was the best-attended Jewish event of the previous Rebellion, with roughly 80 Jews in attendance.
A Succot “in-gathering” on October 10 will be the equivalent event, and XR Jews coordinator Elinor Milne told the JC the group hopes to attract approximately 100 people.
Because it will take place before Succot, the succah will not conform to Halachah.
Seven different rabbis and educators will lead seven sections of the service, which will correspond to characteristics of the Ushpizin — the seven mystical visitors whom Jews welcome to their Succot throughout the holiday.
Ms Milne said: “Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg is doing one, Rabbi Sybil Sheridan, Rabbi Sandra Kviat. The sections are different things — bits of ritual, bits of singing, bits of study — and focused all around climate catastrophe.
“It’s when we’re inviting all Jews who are interested to come on down. We would anticipate, as it was with the Seder, that some people will be there who wouldn’t otherwise come for the action for various reasons — work and so on.
“That’s the time for people who want to come and find out what’s it all about, and dip their toe in and engage with the crisis Jewishly.
“This is very much for all Jews. We’ve had lots of positive interactions with Jews across all parts of the community, and people within our organising group are from all kinds of communities.”
All sectors of the community will be represented at XR Jews, she added, including Chabad Lubavitch.
A TRIO of former Yavneh College pupils have released their debut single for their 1960s and ’70s-inspired all-girl three-piece band.
Gabrielle Gordon, 22, and sisters Daniella and Natasha Livingstone, 21 and 19, describe the music of Fire in Her Eyes as “psychedelic pop, using influences of folk, soul and rock”.
The three said they formed a “strong musical bond” and a “special chemistry”, having each at tended first Michael Sobell Sinai School in North West London, and then Borehamwood’s Yavneh College. Their latest single, Presenting, was released in the summer, closely followed by a music video.
The three — bass player Gabrielle, Natasha on drums and keyboard/ guitar player Daniella — have already enjoyed radio play on BBC Radio 1, Radio X and Radio Caroline.