Rabbi Dweck and JW3: View from the Boondocks
The man on the Clapham Omnibus is said to hold typical, ordinary opinions. When it comes to sampling the average views of mainstream British Jewish orthodoxy, the Boondocks of Borehamwood is the place to find the answer.
In brief, elements of the Charedi Orthodox World had whipped up a controversy over Rabbi Dweck's more inclusive approach to homosexuality. Ironically, his main protagonists expressed their considered halachic views on YouTube, a medium that contains more treifa offerings than an insect farm. One particular American Rabbi with a penchant for internet sermons included vitriol more suited to a fertilizer plant. The Chief Rabbi was thankfully called in to adjudicate, with the results coming out the following week. The consensus in the Wood at the Cholent kiddushes and Shabbat tables was firmly with Rabbi Dweck, abetted by the odd nod and wink from the local ecumenical hierarchy. The view was that a classic British compromise would be reached (which broadly proved to be the case). The Teutonic plates of Modern Orthodoxy and the Charedim would carry on creating tension, but there would not be a schism.
This week, attention has now turned to JW3, hosting some events called GAYW3, which in the scheme of things is very much lower on the Richter Scale. Since JW3 is a non-denominational Jewish Cultural Centre, it seems an odd target. Personally, GAYW3 is not my cup of chamomile, but each to their own. However, a group of prominent Rabbis have put the venue in Cherem (which is actually a remote place in Nepal). Since the grey beards one sees at JW3 are usually accompanied by a ponytail rather than a Borsalino, this will have minimal effect. I will personally continue to frequent JW3 to see the occasional film or theatre production. Kosher food, comfy seats and walking distance from West Hampstead Thameslink are some of its many pluses.
Good things like this come in threes, so stay vigilant.
In brief, elements of the Charedi Orthodox World had whipped up a controversy over Rabbi Dweck's more inclusive approach to homosexuality. Ironically, his main protagonists expressed their considered halachic views on YouTube, a medium that contains more treifa offerings than an insect farm. One particular American Rabbi with a penchant for internet sermons included vitriol more suited to a fertilizer plant. The Chief Rabbi was thankfully called in to adjudicate, with the results coming out the following week. The consensus in the Wood at the Cholent kiddushes and Shabbat tables was firmly with Rabbi Dweck, abetted by the odd nod and wink from the local ecumenical hierarchy. The view was that a classic British compromise would be reached (which broadly proved to be the case). The Teutonic plates of Modern Orthodoxy and the Charedim would carry on creating tension, but there would not be a schism.
This week, attention has now turned to JW3, hosting some events called GAYW3, which in the scheme of things is very much lower on the Richter Scale. Since JW3 is a non-denominational Jewish Cultural Centre, it seems an odd target. Personally, GAYW3 is not my cup of chamomile, but each to their own. However, a group of prominent Rabbis have put the venue in Cherem (which is actually a remote place in Nepal). Since the grey beards one sees at JW3 are usually accompanied by a ponytail rather than a Borsalino, this will have minimal effect. I will personally continue to frequent JW3 to see the occasional film or theatre production. Kosher food, comfy seats and walking distance from West Hampstead Thameslink are some of its many pluses.
Good things like this come in threes, so stay vigilant.
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