Influential Golders Green rabbi ends call for JW3 boycott

An influential rabbi in Golders Green has ended his calls for a boycott of the JW3 community centre, Jewish News has learnt

Rabbi Yisroel Meir Greenberg, of Munks synagogue, was among seven ultra-Orthodox rabbis to sign a letter last summer urging followers to “distance themselves fully” from the centre on Finchley Road, in opposition to its holding of events for the LGBT community. His name also appeared on a subsequent letter.

But it’s understood that Greenberg – who provides religious guidance to schools including Hasmonean and Menorah Primary – has now removed his support for the boycott call.

The original letter claimed JW3’s programme “promotes a way of life which is in total contradiction to Orthodox Judaism and Halacha. We are of the strong opinion that a red line has been crossed in launching campaigns and initiatives that promote lifestyles forbidden and condemned in the Torah”.

Early last year, the centre held a GayW3 event to mark the 50th anniversary of the legalisation of homosexuality.

Those backing a boycott also included Rabbi Shimon Winegarten of the Bridge Lane Beth Hamedrash in Temple Fortune and Rabbi Aaron Bassous of Beit Hamedrash Knesset Yechezkel in Golders Green.

Hasmonean said it “continues” to use the centre.

Rabbi Greenberg could not be reached for comment.