Dreidels and FoRB

As I read these stories of persecution on the grounds of religion or belief I could not help but think about the Hannukah dreidel.

Natalie 2

Nearly a year ago as I write these words, Natalie died. It is the tradition in Judaism for a person’s headstone to be erected around the time of the first anniversary of their death. These are the words which I shared earlier this week with her and my immediate family.

On Dialogue: Talking about “The Conflict”

In my experience, the starting point must be an acknowledgement that what happens between Israelis and Palestinians over there, has a profound impact on individuals here.

Update from a friend

For me, the last week or so has been spent awash in a sea of emotions.

I shall write more about this time in due course. In particular, I want to write about the impact on community relations here in the UK. However, this morning I wanted to share an exchange which I had with my friend Walid earlier today.

Yom HaShoah

Candles in Judaism have a multitude of meanings. They are often lit to remind one of the someone who has died. Earlier this year, during the week of Shiva, the period of mourning which many Jewish people will mark on the death of a close relative, I lit a candle for Nat as I will

Natalie

For nearly three years, Natalie, to whom I am married, has been living with cancer.

Last week, at the age of only 42, she died.

Yom Kippur Reflections on Freedom of Religion or Belief

Earlier this summer I attended the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Ministerial held in London. In the days afterwards, I found myself wondering where I might find a Jewish response to FoRB violations. It is a thought that has been flitting in and out of my mind ever since. Then, on Wednesday afternoon, I found myself face-to-face with a way into that question.

Religious Literacy and Interfaith Calendars

Whether in educational settings, in the workplace, or even in foreign policy settings and institutions, the idea that outcomes could be improved through the embedding of religious literacy is a tantalizing prospect.

End of summer, vegetables

It’s not been the best summer for the vegetable patch this year.

Interfaith, and the stories we tell in eulogies

Maybe we should be focussing on is how to ask better questions so that we can hear the stories of those who, for whatever reason, do not know how to speak their stories themselves.