More than sixty Rabbonim and many Rebbetzins turned out for the United Synagogue’s thirteenth annual Rabbinical Conference in London last week at the Shendish Manor Hotel.
The conference took as its theme: “Issues of the Day” and featured an inspirational key-note address by the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks and contributions from Dayanim of the London Beth Din and from Dr Anthony Julius a renowned lawyer and expert on Anti Semitism.
A range of contemporary issues were discussed including the effects of the credit crunch, the roots of marital conflict, Anti-Semitism and organ donation. The scholar-in-residence was Rabbi Doniel Frank of Spring Valley, NY who is a highly respected family therapist and relationship counsellor.
The special dinner guest was Judge Martyn Zeidman QC.
Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet, Chairman of the Rabbinical Council said: “The high quality of the formal sessions combined with the opportunities for informal networking – for both Rabbis and Rebbetzins– has, once again, proven to be a formula for success.”
Last year COL reported that Rabbi Schochet was the first ever Lubavitcher to be elected as chairman of the Rabbinical Council in its forty year history.
The conference also took a strong stance against the new JCoSS School – a six million pound project due to open next year. The school defines itself as ‘pluralist’ and ‘for all Jews of all walks of life,’ and will give priority to children who are not halachically Jewish.
In a statement released to the Jewish Chronicle which reported on the JCoSS position, Rabbi Schochet said: “An open session was held to discuss pertinent matters of concern. This invariably included a conversation about JCoSS.
“A unanimous view was expressed across the whole spectrum of Rabbis that JCoSS does not represent the ethos of the United Synagogue and as such is not an option for anyone seeking to give their child a Jewish education in keeping with that ethos. We further recognised the need to do more to promote the many wonderful Orthodox Jewish schools in our community.”
It is anticipated that some backlash from left wing elements of the community will emerge in response over this coming weekend.
Whether the US likes it or not, there will be huge demand for JCoss, across the spectrum of Judaism here in NW London. This isn’t restricted to so-called ‘leftist’ elements. JFS and now Yavneh College are both massively over-subscribed and for Reform and Liberal families at last there is a Jewish secondary school that will not ignore or even mock their faith.
couldent tell, was rabbi schochat sporting a yechi yarmulke,
He is Professor Imanuel Schochets son!
nephew
immanuels son
No, is his nephew, he is Rabbi Emanuel Shochet’s son.
his nephew.
his nephew rabbi immanuels son
is he the roshes(Rabbi Ezra Schochet) brother????????????