Leap of faith: Britain is still a good place to be Jewish

The Jews showed up for Purim this year. At shuls around the country – including at my own, Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue – families packed in for spiels, parties and Megillah readings galore. Many enjoyed record attendances.

This may sound surprising for those whose attachment to Jewish life is primarily through the lens of media, especially social media. Talks of ‘no go zones’, the psychological weight cast over us by Palestinian flags, and news of antisemitic incidents can feel overwhelming.On a recent rabbinic trip to Israel – to show comfort and support for those devastated by the October 7 terrorist attacks – many expressed concerns for my safety and indeed have been questioning the safety of life for all Jews in Britain.

The rise in antisemitism impacts us all, whether we have been victims or are now living in fear. But if you step foot into our synagogues, our schools and our homes, there is a real feeling of community. Among the pain, there is incredible and uplifting joy. It isn’t just Purim or the many upcoming ‘sold out’ Seder nights. I’ve learned of two new Jewish book clubs in this past week. Challah bakes are booming. There are many activities for kids and teens in our communities and beyond.

My own children are spread between a Jewish primary school with pupils of all faiths, Clore Tikva, and a non-Jewish religious secondary school. Each day the Clore Tikva students, Jewish and not, travel to and from school, unharrassed, with a Magen David emblazoned on their chests. When I came to read Megillah Esther at the secondary school, the reading and especially the hamantaschen went down with glee.

And then there are the people who actively want to join us. Both the Reform and Liberal Batei Din are seeing a boom in the number of those wish to convert. Sitting on the Reform Beit Din, I heard many stories of people whose family chains were decoupled from Judaism by the Shoah, re-linked through Friday night dinners, Seders and the transformative joy of music in our Progressive communities.

While our interfaith activities have slowed a little, they still continue. This month my synagogue was one of many Progressive communities inviting in Muslim friends and neighbours for Iftar as they broke their Ramadan fast.

If your world and your Jewish life are too focused on the fear of public Jewishness and that extra weight of fear forced upon us by others, please reach out to your local Progressive community so we can welcome you into a Jewish life that also truly celebrates the joy.

Because in amongst the pain, Jewish life always finds a way to smile.