Mosaic Liberal Synagogue welcomed visitors from Wembley central Masjid and Harlesden Methodist Church to services marking Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year.
In his sermon, Rabbi Frank spoke about how, as a result of our anxieties and fears concerning the state of the world today, many people turn to a mythical past for inspiration instead of seeking to help others who are vulnerable in the present and having hope for the future. A fantasised ‘Retrotopia’ (the concept described by sociologist Zygmunt Bauman) is what is behind today’s regressive nationalistic movements and toxic authoritarian leaders. Immigrants, refugees and ethnic minorities are seen as contaminants in such situations which encourages openly expressed racism and hate crime to increase. One of the ways to make for more justice and compassion would be for there to be much more practical day to day collaboration between those of different faiths. Rabbi Frank will speak more about this aspect on Yom Kippur (Day of Repentance). (see also https://www.facebook.com/WembleyCentralMasjid)
