The sun shone on Yom Masorti this year. It was an exceptional afternoon with a great lineup of sessions that were meaningful, inspiring and moving. In between, were those little conversations that make a big difference. Over a sandwich or in the queue waiting to pile into the next session, networks were formed, and plans were hatched.
The atmosphere was electric, with a wonderful mix of participants spanning all ages and Masorti communities. We were also delighted to welcome representatives from two emerging congregations: Manchester Kehillat Or Tzion and Mill Hill Masorti.
A vision for the future
Rabbi Adam Zagoria-Moffet set the tone with an overview of our year so far, and he outlined our direction of travel. He highlighted the regrowth of Noam and its once again flourishing programmes, under the bright leadership of Reuben Green.
Hearing from a multitude of voices
Every session that followed was a highlight. While it was difficult to choose between them, whichever one you went to was satisfying in its own way. October 07, the hostages and Israel was on everyone’s mind. This included a moving conversation with Itai Shabi where we heard how he and his family survived October 07, and how he is involved in building back Kibbutz Beiri.
One of the most popular and inspiring sessions was from Mandie Winston, UJIA, Ilan Amit & Kher Albaz, from AJEEC-NISPED on how shared society in Israel has changed since October 7th. There was a session held by Rabbi Osnat Eldar, who brought poems written in Israel since that terrible day.
The two Adams, Adam Rose and Adam Wagner, spoke modestly about their historical role in the process to secure the release of the UK associated hostages like Eli Sharabi. They did the work without knowing the outcome, but they continued to try everything possible. It was heart-warming to see Eli Sharabi hugging them at an event in St John’s Wood, on Monday, the day after they spoke at Yom Masorti.
Text, tradition and fresh thinking
There was an excellent text-based session led by Rabbi Tabick on the radical theology of the Kaddish, following the understanding of Rabbi Ellie Kaunfer that: ‘This prayer – put in the mouth of a mourner – begs God to speed the day when God is, in fact, great and holy. But it acknowledges that we aren’t there yet’.
Rabbi Joel Levy’s session on deepening our prayer experience run with Ayala Gottlieb Alter from Shema Koleinu, was profound, particularly followed by Minchah afterwards, where we put into practise what we learned in the classroom. Rabbi Joel also led a fascinating session on the changing source of ethics within our tradition, which held in conjunction with Hila Bram from Meketa, a charity that looks to help the impoverished Jewish community in Gondar, Ethiopia, help themselves.
Our brilliant Masorti Rabbis were hard at work.
Rabbi Natasha Mann ran a session on owning your own story, with Yoav Oved. Rabbi Lara Haft Yom-Tov led a text-based session on Rabbinic Voices on Despair. Rabbi Anthony Lazarus Magrill ran a session on a teshuva that is useful today, written in the 1950’s by Rabbi Moshe Ha Kohen Drihem from Tunisia. Senior Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg delved into Civil Disobedience in Jewish Sources, offering historical and moral insight.
Moments of Spiritual Beauty
The day also offered opportunities for spiritual reflection and joy. A Jewish Meditation and Niggun Circle, led by Rabbi Lara Haft Yom-Tov and Ayala Gottlieb Alter, invited participants into a space of quiet, soulful connection.
Community, Craft, and Collective Action
We also had opportunity to meet with representatives from European Academy for Jewish Liturgy, and to buy from a range of beautiful handwoven tallitot from Meketa. Mercaz Uk representatives were on hand to explained why it was so important to vote in the upcoming World Zionist Congress Elections.
Closing on a Quiet High Note
Nobody noticed how late in the day it was. The closing plenary entitled ‘The Israel We Need Today’ featured Senior Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, in conversation with Rabbi Osnat Eldar and former member of Knesset Yael Cohen-Paran. Everyone stayed till the very last moment, late in the evening to hear their combined thoughtful reflections.
In summary
Yom Masorti was a glittering success, thanks to the passion, wisdom, and dedication of our rabbis, speakers, and the talented Volunteer Committee. As Rabbi Adam reminded us, “Our people truly are our greatest asset.” Special thanks go to Martha Limburg, our Director of Communities, the quiet conductor of this extraordinary symphony.
Feedback has poured in: “An amazing day, diverse topics, unifying themes, incredible speakers, and inspiring leadership. More of that, please!”
Planning for next year’s Yom Masorti has already begun, and we hope to see you there.
