November 2024

This month, I’ve been reflecting on the power of partnership and collaboration. Judaism is inherently community-based—prayer requires a minyan, and much of our way of life revolves around communal connections. Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA) is fortunate to witness the strength of this support, especially during #JWAShabbat?last weekend.

?

JWA Shabbat, which coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, is a time when the Jewish community shines a light on domestic abuse. Last week’s Torah portion,?Chayei Sarah, highlighted powerful examples of love and respect: Abraham’s profound grief for Sarah and the emphasis on Rebecca’s consent in her marriage to Isaac. These values resonate deeply with JWA’s mission and inspire us to engage our community in standing against abuse.

Cross-Community Collaboration

The success of JWA Shabbat lies in its cross-communal partnerships with all major Jewish denominations. Our patron, the Chief Rabbi, shared meaningful words of support, echoed by Rabbi Liss of The United Synagogue . We’re delighted to build on this collaboration by providing training to the US Rabbinate in the coming weeks, reinforcing their commitment to creating safer communities.

?

As a Progressive Jew, it was a privilege to meet with Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy, Co-CEOs of Progressive Judaism, to discuss JWA Shabbat and our year-round collaboration. We also value the steadfast support of Rachel Fink from the Spanish and Portuguese Community and partnerships with Masorti Judaism (UK) . Across England, from Manchester to Leeds and Birmingham, clergy and synagogues have shown incredible dedication.

?

Rabbi Ozer Moszkowski of Etz Chaim Synagogue in Leeds perfectly encapsulated the essence of JWA Shabbat when he said,?“We don’t choose to have the conversation; we are obligated to.”?I was also grateful to join JWA Shabbat with three communities close to my heart: Rabbi Tunk of Chabad Bricket Wood, Rabbi Feldman of Bushey United Synagogue, and Rabbi Eleanor Davis of Finchley Reform Synagogue .

?

Sustained Commitment

Domestic abuse affects women across all denominations, so partnerships with synagogue leadership must extend beyond a single weekend. While JWA Shabbat is a vital moment, what’s even more powerful is the commitment from these communities to work with us throughout the year.

?

Support from Central Organisations

JWA is immensely grateful to central Jewish organisations like The Board of Deputies of British Jews and The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC). Special thanks to JLC CEO, Claudia Mendoza ??? , who stood with us in the freezing cold to raise awareness and wrote a compelling piece about violence against women. JWA’s roots in Leeds and Manchester remain strong, and this year, we partnered with the Manchester and Leeds Jewish Representative Councils to amplify the incredible work of our volunteers in these regions.

Political Advocacy?

We’ve also received meaningful political support, meeting MPs with significant Jewish constituencies to advocate for culturally sensitive services. For Jewish women experiencing domestic abuse, accessing a “by and for” organisation like JWA can make a critical difference—just as it does for women from other minority communities.

In meetings with Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green and Solicitor General, and Daisy Cooper , MP for St Albans and deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats , we discussed systemic challenges like insecure immigration status, Family Court delays, and underreporting. Both MPs showed warmth and commitment, pledging to support our work in practical ways. I'm looking forward to meeting other MPs to continue this important work.

Moving Forward?

JWA cannot achieve a safer community for women and girls alone. Change comes through partnerships—committing and recommitting to this difficult work together. I am profoundly grateful to everyone who stood with us this JWA Shabbat. As it says in?Pirkei Avot?(Ethics of the Fathers):?“You are not obligated to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from it.”

?

Together, we are making a difference.?

?

Sam Clifford