@rabbiromain.bsky.social
The Bondi Beach killings is what didn't happen at the Manchester Synagogue in October - but could have done. A desperately sad reminder of that near miss. The Jewish community needs to be ever alert, yet not adopt a fortress mentality - we need to keep our doors and hearts open.
December 14, 2025 at 1:57 PM
The Bondi Beach killings is what didn't happen at the Manchester Synagogue in October - but could have done. A desperately sad reminder of that near miss. The Jewish community needs to be ever alert, yet not adopt a fortress mentality - we need to keep our doors and hearts open.
A seasonal question that may be bothering some Jewish parents (while others might like to know): should parents of a Jewish child let him/her sing Christmas carols in their primary school Christmas concert? Answer at: www.thejc.com/judaism/rabb...
Ask a rabbi: Can my son sing in his school’s Christmas concert? - The Jewish Chronicle
An Orthodox and a Progressive rabbi tackle contemporary Jewish issues
www.thejc.com
December 14, 2025 at 9:44 AM
A seasonal question that may be bothering some Jewish parents (while others might like to know): should parents of a Jewish child let him/her sing Christmas carols in their primary school Christmas concert? Answer at: www.thejc.com/judaism/rabb...
Great debate on the Today programme just now (8.09 am) about the assisted dying Bill in the Lords - 'scrutiny or sabotage?' - with the unelected Lords clearly overstepping their duty to examine a Bill that has passed the (elected) Commons & instead covertly trying to destroy it.
December 12, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Great debate on the Today programme just now (8.09 am) about the assisted dying Bill in the Lords - 'scrutiny or sabotage?' - with the unelected Lords clearly overstepping their duty to examine a Bill that has passed the (elected) Commons & instead covertly trying to destroy it.
Last night I heard comedy duo Rachel Creeger & Philip Simons, whose gig I helped arrange locally as they had their show in Edinburgh cancelled in the summer - because they were Jewish & therefore dangerous. Yuk! But what a reflection on the comedy circuit (& Scottish resilience)
December 11, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Last night I heard comedy duo Rachel Creeger & Philip Simons, whose gig I helped arrange locally as they had their show in Edinburgh cancelled in the summer - because they were Jewish & therefore dangerous. Yuk! But what a reflection on the comedy circuit (& Scottish resilience)
If Netanyahu wants to be pardoned, then surely he first has to make an admission of guilt - otherwise what is he being pardoned for? - and IF it is granted, it surely has to be accompanied by some non-judicial penalty e.g. not being able to hold public office for, say, 3 years.
December 10, 2025 at 11:12 AM
If Netanyahu wants to be pardoned, then surely he first has to make an admission of guilt - otherwise what is he being pardoned for? - and IF it is granted, it surely has to be accompanied by some non-judicial penalty e.g. not being able to hold public office for, say, 3 years.
Strangely, there is a surge of people converting to Judaism - even though we are not a missionary religion and reckon there are many paths to God. Here are some of the factors behind the increase, as well as what happens to Jews who convert elsewhere: www.thetablet.co.uk/features/the...
The curious rise of converts to Judaism - The Tablet
Something strange is going on in Judaism … But first, some background. The Bible presents Abraham as the first religious missionary: according to Genesis
www.thetablet.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Strangely, there is a surge of people converting to Judaism - even though we are not a missionary religion and reckon there are many paths to God. Here are some of the factors behind the increase, as well as what happens to Jews who convert elsewhere: www.thetablet.co.uk/features/the...
Kishwer Falkner at the EHRC @EHRCChair has been a breath of fresh air when so much political dialogue has been conducted in a fog of ignorance and prejudice. Thank goodness she was at the helm during the women's rights issues. Let's hope those who follow her now will be as brave.
December 8, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Kishwer Falkner at the EHRC @EHRCChair has been a breath of fresh air when so much political dialogue has been conducted in a fog of ignorance and prejudice. Thank goodness she was at the helm during the women's rights issues. Let's hope those who follow her now will be as brave.
Fascinating that the biggest cheer when Zarah Sultana launched Your Party last week was that the party would be anti-Zionist. What happens in Gaza is important, but why more than child poverty etc. here? Is it easier to love those far away than nearby? Or that hate trumps love?
December 7, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Fascinating that the biggest cheer when Zarah Sultana launched Your Party last week was that the party would be anti-Zionist. What happens in Gaza is important, but why more than child poverty etc. here? Is it easier to love those far away than nearby? Or that hate trumps love?
Eurovision: why exclude Russia but not Israel? The former was the aggressor, whereas the latter defended itself after being attacked. Palestinian deaths were tragic but never the game-plan, and all Israelis wish they were living in October 6th still.
December 5, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Eurovision: why exclude Russia but not Israel? The former was the aggressor, whereas the latter defended itself after being attacked. Palestinian deaths were tragic but never the game-plan, and all Israelis wish they were living in October 6th still.
Good news/bad news: the Government has given extra days for the assisted dying Bill to be heard in the Lords -but that might not be enough for the 1000+ amendments opponents have put up, attempting to override the will of the Commons and a massively popular policy in all polls.
December 1, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Good news/bad news: the Government has given extra days for the assisted dying Bill to be heard in the Lords -but that might not be enough for the 1000+ amendments opponents have put up, attempting to override the will of the Commons and a massively popular policy in all polls.
How accurate are people's memories of what politicians were like when they were children at school? Below is what I had in yesterday's The Times. Can people change as they grow up? Of course we can if we so wish, but many choose not to do so.
November 30, 2025 at 11:27 AM
How accurate are people's memories of what politicians were like when they were children at school? Below is what I had in yesterday's The Times. Can people change as they grow up? Of course we can if we so wish, but many choose not to do so.
The Supreme Court judgement last week that RE in schools in Northern Ireland should be "objective, critical and pluralist" is a welcome message for us all. It highlights the difference between religious education (knowledge & choice) & religious indoctrination (limited & forced)
November 27, 2025 at 10:42 AM
The Supreme Court judgement last week that RE in schools in Northern Ireland should be "objective, critical and pluralist" is a welcome message for us all. It highlights the difference between religious education (knowledge & choice) & religious indoctrination (limited & forced)
No, no, no David Moyes - you may like your players at Everton "having a brawl" & "fighting each other"...but what message did it send to thousands of amateur footballers - children & adults alike - when Gueye slapped one of his own side for making a mistake and you approved?
November 26, 2025 at 10:23 AM
No, no, no David Moyes - you may like your players at Everton "having a brawl" & "fighting each other"...but what message did it send to thousands of amateur footballers - children & adults alike - when Gueye slapped one of his own side for making a mistake and you approved?
Took part in a seminar on circumcision yesterday - chosen by some parents for religious reasons and by others who have no faith but think it is right. For me what is key is that it should be done only by those who are medically qualified, and all cases should be monitored.
November 25, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Took part in a seminar on circumcision yesterday - chosen by some parents for religious reasons and by others who have no faith but think it is right. For me what is key is that it should be done only by those who are medically qualified, and all cases should be monitored.
Fascinating that from 1992 (when female ordination started) to 2024, 491 Anglican clergy converted to Catholicism, but c. 6,500 women became Anglican priests. More gains than losses!...and I suspect the Church would collapse today without female vicars
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11...
Access Restricted
www.telegraph.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Fascinating that from 1992 (when female ordination started) to 2024, 491 Anglican clergy converted to Catholicism, but c. 6,500 women became Anglican priests. More gains than losses!...and I suspect the Church would collapse today without female vicars
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11...
Dear President Trump, a note about the Nobel Peace Prize: the definition of peace is harmonious restoration of relationships, agreeable to all parties - so the draconian conditions you are imposing on Ukraine will not count in your favour. Sorry, better luck next time old chap.
November 23, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Dear President Trump, a note about the Nobel Peace Prize: the definition of peace is harmonious restoration of relationships, agreeable to all parties - so the draconian conditions you are imposing on Ukraine will not count in your favour. Sorry, better luck next time old chap.
See if you can spot the difference between the Trump/Russian 'peace plan' that is being presented to Ukraine and a national suicide note. If I can despair, what must it be like for Ukrainians.
November 21, 2025 at 1:29 PM
See if you can spot the difference between the Trump/Russian 'peace plan' that is being presented to Ukraine and a national suicide note. If I can despair, what must it be like for Ukrainians.
An astonishing development in recent years is the number of people with Jewish ancestry - be it 2/3 generations ago or much longer - who are rediscovering their Jewish heritage & choosing to take it up again (and despite the rising levels of anti-semitism) www.thejc.com/life/i-alway...
‘I always felt Jewish – I was thrilled to find out I actually am’: Meet the Jews who are finding their way home to Jewishness - The Jewish Chronicle
With their Jewish roots hidden for generations, these are the people rediscovering – and embracing – their Jewish identities in adulthood
www.thejc.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:16 AM
An astonishing development in recent years is the number of people with Jewish ancestry - be it 2/3 generations ago or much longer - who are rediscovering their Jewish heritage & choosing to take it up again (and despite the rising levels of anti-semitism) www.thejc.com/life/i-alway...
Sadly, Shabana Mahmood is right: unless mainstream parties take reasonable action on the anger that voters feel about illegal immigration, they will turn to extremist parties & worse responses. The same happened in the 1980s when Thatcher took the wind out of the sails of the BNP.
November 20, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Sadly, Shabana Mahmood is right: unless mainstream parties take reasonable action on the anger that voters feel about illegal immigration, they will turn to extremist parties & worse responses. The same happened in the 1980s when Thatcher took the wind out of the sails of the BNP.
President Trump has often said outrageous things, but to say Jamal Khashoggi was killed & had his body cut up in pieces because "A lot of people didn't like that gentleman ...things happen" crosses a line in morality that has to be called out, otherwise we are compromised too.
November 19, 2025 at 8:23 AM
President Trump has often said outrageous things, but to say Jamal Khashoggi was killed & had his body cut up in pieces because "A lot of people didn't like that gentleman ...things happen" crosses a line in morality that has to be called out, otherwise we are compromised too.
Asylum: if the practicalities could be got right, isn't the solution a faster and more efficient passage for legal migration, along with instant deportation for illegal migration - a more equitable path for the UK and fairer on legal migrants?
November 18, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Asylum: if the practicalities could be got right, isn't the solution a faster and more efficient passage for legal migration, along with instant deportation for illegal migration - a more equitable path for the UK and fairer on legal migrants?
Forgot to mention: it's at 1.38.38 into the programme
What do the pub cheats & the fake Admiral have in common? A vacuum in their self-esteem, wanting to be who they are not, rather than accepting who they really are; see my News Review with @JumokeFashole @BBCRadioLondon
What do the pub cheats & the fake Admiral have in common? A vacuum in their self-esteem, wanting to be who they are not, rather than accepting who they really are; see my News Review with @JumokeFashole @BBCRadioLondon
November 16, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Forgot to mention: it's at 1.38.38 into the programme
What do the pub cheats & the fake Admiral have in common? A vacuum in their self-esteem, wanting to be who they are not, rather than accepting who they really are; see my News Review with @JumokeFashole @BBCRadioLondon
What do the pub cheats & the fake Admiral have in common? A vacuum in their self-esteem, wanting to be who they are not, rather than accepting who they really are; see my News Review with @JumokeFashole @BBCRadioLondon
What do the Barking Dog pub cheats & the fake Admiral have in common? A vacuum in their self-esteem, wanting to be who they are not, rather than striving to change or accepting who they really are; see my News Review with @JumokeFashole @BBCRadioLondon www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Inspirit with Jumoké Fashola - 16/11/2025 - BBC Sounds
Debating the week's big religious, moral and ethical issues.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 16, 2025 at 11:20 AM
What do the Barking Dog pub cheats & the fake Admiral have in common? A vacuum in their self-esteem, wanting to be who they are not, rather than striving to change or accepting who they really are; see my News Review with @JumokeFashole @BBCRadioLondon www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Exactly right; while bishops argue about theological principles in the House of Lords, real people are suffering, including their own congregants; what happened to compassion - isn't that a religious value?
A timely reminder, while Peers debate this inside Parliament, of the human cost if they don’t address our cruel law. People should not be forced to suffer against their wishes in their final days. news.sky.com/story/eds-li...
Ed's life changed in the blink of an eye. She's using her final weeks to make her voice heard
Diagnosed with an inoperable and aggressive brain tumour, Ed is facing up to the end of her life, but says she wants to die with "self-respect and dignity", so she is backing the assisted dying bill g...
news.sky.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Exactly right; while bishops argue about theological principles in the House of Lords, real people are suffering, including their own congregants; what happened to compassion - isn't that a religious value?
Opponents of the assisted dying Bill in the Lords have put down 942 amendments - if I was cynical I'd say that many are perverse or duplicates, just designed to run the Bill out of time...and to thwart the massive desire in the country for it, as shown in every poll for years.
November 14, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Opponents of the assisted dying Bill in the Lords have put down 942 amendments - if I was cynical I'd say that many are perverse or duplicates, just designed to run the Bill out of time...and to thwart the massive desire in the country for it, as shown in every poll for years.