This is the Forward’s coverage of the United Kingdom and British Jews.
United Kingdom
The Latest
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News British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis Brings Message of Openness to Limmud
In the decades since a bunch of British Jews created Limmud, its model of volunteer experts offering a pluralistic smorgasbord of Jewish teachings, arts offerings and performances has turned into a worldwide movement. But through all these years, the chief rabbi of the United Kingdom has never attended Limmud in the country where it all…
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Fast Forward British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis Slams Orthodox Shuls for Letting Women Lead Services
British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called on Orthodox synagogues to ban partnership minyan services, where women can lead services and read from the Torah. Mirvis said in a message sent to rabbinic leaders Wednesday that the services were “not something that can take place within our synagogues,” the Jewish Chronicle reported. “I know that you…
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Fast Forward British Police Arrest Three Fans Over Anti-Semitic Soccer Tweets
Three British men have been arrested for posting anti-Semitic comments on Twitter following a soccer match in October. Police said two men, aged 22 and 24, were arrested Thursday in London and in Wiltshire, Reuters reported Friday. A third man, 48, man was arrested at his home in Canning Town in London last week on…
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Fast Forward British Minister Plans To End Discrimination Against Jews Refusing to Work on Shabbat
Britain’s employment minister said she would introduce new regulations to make Jews who refuse to work on Shabbat eligible for welfare benefits. Employment Minister Esther McVey and Jobcentre National Director Neil Couling have told the Jewish employment charity JCom that rules would be “tweaked” to end the practice of denying job seekers’ allowance to observant…
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Fast Forward British Orthodox Body Condems Shul For Allowing Women to Hold Torah
Britain’s umbrella body of Orthodox communities is condemning a London Orthodox synagogue that allows women to hold Torah scrolls. Earlier this year, Golders Green United Synagogue began giving women an opportunity to handle the Torah scroll on Shabbat mornings and festivals, and the change has been well received by members of the community, according to…
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The Schmooze Nigella Lawson’s Coke Problem
Two kitchen assistants who used to work for British Jewish celebrity chef Nigella Lawson have alleged that she was a regular user of cocaine and other drugs, according to reports of a court hearing published by several national British media on Tuesday. The two women are being prosecuted for fraud and the allegation against Lawson…
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Fast Forward Chaim Halpern, London Orthodox Rabbi, Cleared of Sex Abuse Charge
A police investigation into sex abuse allegations against Chaim Halpern, a prominent London rabbi, has been dropped. The Metropolitan Police said Friday that a file passed to the Crown Prosecution Service “regarding allegations of sexual assault has resulted in no charges being brought against a 54-year-old man,” The Jewish Chronicle of London reported on its…
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Fast Forward Manchester United Soccer Stars Hope To Buy and Redevelop Synagogue
Manchester United soccer star Ryan Giggs and retired icon Gary Neville reportedly plan to buy a synagogue in Manchester as part of a sprawling redevelopment plan they are spearheading. The longtime teammates want to buy the Manchester Reform Synagogue, which located in a prime location in the city’s dilapidated central business district, the Jewish Chronicle…
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