“The idea that Judaism, in a religious sense, belongs only to the Orthodox misunderstands the history of Judaism and does a disservice to the State.”

Rabbi Charley Baginsky (1978), Chair of Liberal Judaism Biennial Committee at Liberal Judaism. Born in Watford, UK. Made Aliyah in 1999.  Serve as a Rabbi in Kingston Liberal Synagogue.

In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?

“On a very personal level Israel is my second (sometimes first) home. I have lived there (past) for several years and many of my friends and family are there. Its existence defines my Jewish identity religiously, culturally and ethnically. In terms of the larger question of the Jewish people it is the land (and I do not mean this in terms of territory) which has shaped and formed our religious identity and practice. It is also home to a substantial Jewish community for which we have responsibility as we do for Jews all over the world. It therefore has the potential to enrich the lives of Jews in the Diaspora culturally and spiritually.”

Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?

“Yes. However, this does not mean a whole hearted agreement or defence of the actions of the Israeli government.”

Do you affiliate yourself with a specific denomination in Judaism? What is your view regarding the dominance of the Orthodox denomination in Israel religious establishment?

“I am Liberal Rabbi and my commitment to Israel and Progressive Zionism was born in a large part due to my contact with their youth movement. The idea that Judaism, in a religious sense, belongs only to the Orthodox misunderstands the history of Judaism and does a disservice to the State. I support the small steps the country is making towards recognizing greater diversity of religious practice and belief. Equally I believe as Progressive Jews we must be more confident in asserting our own religious commitment to a Jewishly Progressive Zionism.”

Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?

“Yes and No. It is not my doing and nor would it be what I would vote for. Nevertheless to abdicate all responsibility and not to engage in conversation and activism for a different path would be irresponsible.”

In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?

“That there is a vibrant Jewish life here. That we can be proud and engaged Jews within Diaspora communities.”

How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?

“Until recently there has been a lack of understanding that there can be a mutual relationship between Diaspora and Israel, one which is on a level footing. There needs to be an understanding from both sides that we have much to learn from each other and that within a context of real engagement we can be enriched.”

In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?

“Yes. As we all do.”

Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?

“Yes many times. It is an incredible country which has helped me understand my Jewish identity, history and place in the world. It is vibrant and exciting and the most dynamic and innovative country I have been too. The people are welcoming and spontaneous and communal. It is a place where people ask the questions that most Brits keep in their head and where politics seems real and are discussed with passion. But there are also immense social and national problems that rear their head at every turn, these often feel more intense than within our Diaspora communities – for the obvious reasons of location and religion but also because there is an expectation that Israel should have a higher moral stance than we expect of our home cities/countries.”

Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?

“I am a Rabbi for Liberal Judaism. It is a vibrant Jewish Progressive movement with 40 communities nationwide.”