iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

R.I.P. Esther Rantzen - not just a great entertainer (an achievement in itself) but whose two ground-breaking initiatives, Childline and Silverline, gave life-changing help to both children & older people. Tens of thousands of people nationally have reason to be grateful to her.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Took part yesterday in a fascinating seminar at Pembroke College on organ donation - does it constitute a gift, or a moral obligation, or a civic duty? And why do some faiths both approve and disapprove? And how to increase the surprising decline in the number of organ donations?

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Another aspect of Jehovah's Witnesses relaxing the ban on blood transfusions is that if they can change one massive belief/command, can others be changed? The ability to change is good in principle, but begs the question of what else that was once sacrosanct is no longer so. Hmm.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Credit to Jehovah's Witnesses in relaxing the ban on blood transfusions, but how many died unnecessarily in previous years because of a bizarre religious decision that did God no good and people much harm. If we can call out bad politics, let's also call out bad religion.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

I'm praying the proposed Orange Order march today does not go ahead - it may be permissable legally but is reprehensible morally. Is it really worth the disturbance that will surely follow? Is it really worth unsettling the Good Friday peace? Some dogs should be left sleeping.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Where better to lead a Bible session on the Jewish view of the Gospel of Matthew than in Little Gaddesden (thanks too Roger Bolton). Of course, as we now know that Herod died in 4 BC, we should change today's date to 2030, but that would be far too disruptive (and age us all).

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Not just you...and we now have many women rabbis in Progressive Judaism...so the previous linkage of beards & religiosity no longer applies; it's something we covered in the broadcast: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

bbc.co.uk

Beyond Belief - Belief and Beards - BBC Sounds

Giles and the panel discuss the spiritual dimensions of facial hair.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Do you have a beard? Or have you chosen not to do so? What made you decide either way? The psychological and religious significance of beards is much more than "I like the look" or "it itches" and we discuss those aspects on BBC Radio 4's Beyond Belief www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

bbc.co.uk

Beyond Belief - Belief and Beards - BBC Sounds

Giles and the panel discuss the spiritual dimensions of facial hair.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Why was the person who spray-painted Churchill's statue in Westminster last week found not guilty of criminal damage? Free speech means the right to speak out, not the right to damage property. Why do tax-payers have to pay for the paint to be removed if there was no damage?

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I understand Yom Kippur passed off in Jewish communities without any hostile incidents occurring. That's great. No..hold on....it's not great. Why should that be an achievement, when worshipping in peace and without fear should be the norm, not the exception, for us & others too.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Do you have a brother/sister/other relative you have fallen out with and not spoken to for years? We had a long discussion on family bust-ups and reconciliation (and also the hard reality of when it doesn't work & you have to give up & let go): www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... at 1.29 in.

bbc.co.uk

Sunday Sequence - Reconciling Relationships, Elise Ann Allen - BBC Sounds

Reconciling Relationships, Elise Ann Allen.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Sunday is Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement, a time to forgive and apologise. So I forgive those who have been snide, rude or abusive over the last year, while I apologise for anyone I have unintentionally offended. As for next year, I will continue to be robust but, I hope, not nasty.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The vote on assisted dying may be over, but the campaign is not. Kevin and I had a TV debate about what happens next, and I sense that once another Bill is brought forward & passed, then, as with other countries, everyone will say; why did we wait so long? x.com/GBNEWS/statu...

x.com

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

There is much talk about "windows closing" - on the time left to stop climate change, or prevent AI developing beyond our control, or stop Russia destroying Ukrainian energy sources before winter sets in. So many windows, and so often the response is platitudes not action. Sigh.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

What if that Russian missile had struck the train in Ukraine with Boris & senior NATO diplomats in it? It might have triggered such outrage that NATO would have given help within Ukraine to stop more missile attacks. So why not do it anyway rather than wait for a tragic prompt?

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Jews & Christians share the Old Testament, right? Not quite, as the order of the books is different, while some of the chapter breaks are in different places. It's a deliberate editing process (a.k.a. manipulation) to put over the separate message of each: www.thetimes.com/comment/regi...

thetimes.com

Jews and Christians share the Bible but subtle editing is key

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

I am still gutted by the defeat of the Assisted Dying Bill: both in principle and for those facing a terrible death - who will now live to suffer while opponents walk away and take no responsibility for the harm they have done to countless people. They took away options and hope.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

While many in Britain are gripped by the forthcoming Bayeux tapestry exhibition, British Jews feel it holds a double significance for them, as 1066 was also the date that marked the beginning of the Jewish community in Britain. Thanks William! www.thetablet.co.uk/features/peo...

thetablet.co.uk

People of the Book: the story of the Jews in Britain - The Tablet

While many in Britain are keenly anticipating the forthcoming Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, British Jews feel it holds a double significance for them. Not only

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Many British Jews - whatever they think of the sanctions on West Bank settlements - worry that a consequence will be a rise in antisemitism. We don't have any say in Israeli policy, but are often held responsible - it's totally daft but true, see www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... at 39.16

bbc.co.uk

The World Tonight - AI 'could kill all humans' within 10 years: says Anthropic researcher - BBC Sounds

‘Godfather of AI’ Geoffrey Hinton tells us the warning is plausible and action is needed

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Whether British sanctions on goods from West Bank settlements is right or wrong, the timing is bad: UK should have waited till after the Israeli election in a few weeks which might produce a new Government & a new policy; instead this action will just reinforce the current one.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Disturbances in Dover & Portsmouth....AfD winning in Germany...Le Pen with a good chance of leading France....a common link being fears of immigrant 'invasion'. Perception is everything & centrist governments need to address it, lest fear leads to the extreme right gaining power.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

What happens when you fall out with a member of your family - maybe Princes WiIliam & Harry, the Beckhams, Gallaghers...or you? Obviously it's good to try & mend the breach, but are there times when you give up and say the relationship is over? www.dailymail.com/debate/artic...

dailymail.com

I'm a man of God, but William shouldn't make peace with Harry

Should Prince William twist or stick, reach out to Harry on his return to England or shun him?

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

I went to speak at the Reform Party conference this year, having spoken at Conservative, Labour & Lib Dem annual conferences in previous years, but all with the same message: vote for the Assisted Dying Bill & give people dying badly the option of dying better if they so wish.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Dear Mr Burnham, please don't do away with zero hour contracts completely: yes, stop abusive practices, but it's also a system that's great for actors between plays & those working on farms, the Post Office or festivals short term (as 2 of my sons did). Find a middle path please

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Listening to the news can be so depressing sometimes that I just have to celebrate a good news story when it comes round....such as Reading FC winning at home last night 5-0 (at Mansfield's expense). Wins have been rare recently and wins that size were inconceivable...so HURRAH.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Gerard McCarthy has pulled out of acting with Maureen Lipman as he dislikes her views on Israel. Since when did acting alongside someone mean endorsing their views? Will he vet the opinions of every cast member he plays with in future? www.jewishnews.co.uk/tv-actor-pul...

jewishnews.co.uk

TV actor pulls out of London theatre show citing Jewish co-star Maureen Lipman's views on Israel - Jewish News

Gerard McCarthy is known for his roles in BBC dramas The Fall and Call the Midwife, and Channel 5 soap Hollyoaks

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Great news that Andy Burnham has promised that the Government will take a neutral position on the forthcoming Assisted Dying Bill, that MPs will have a free vote and that, if passed, the Government will ensure its effective implementation. Thank you PM, millions now have hope.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Today is the 1st anniversary of the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester (which was then the festival of Yom Kippur). Attacking people at prayer. Attacking British citizens because of what's happening elsewhere in the world. Pointless misguided hatred. A time to mourn.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Not sure if it was better or worse that the men convicted of destroying ambulances in Golders Green belonging to a Jewish charity were just blokes who did it for money, rather than being ideologically motivated. What's best, mercenaries or fanatics? Either way, it was criminal.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Amazing victory yesterday in USA court case v. tech. industry: no admission of guilt (of course!) but every admission that it could do much better in protecting children from harm. What took it so long? Congratulations to parents, whistleblowers & legislators who took them on.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

There are great singer/songwriters and there are great philanthropists, but rarely are they the same person - whereas Dolly Parton was both. The best tribute I've heard is that through her songs and her charity work she was "the soundtrack to people's lives". RIP Dolly.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

I am astonished that CofE priests told about child sex abuse during confession will be exempt from new “mandatory reporting” set out in the Crime and Policing Act; it will only apply to knowledge of actual activity. How can doctrine trump child safety? www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/202...

telegraph.co.uk

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

What do Batman, Oskar Schindler and Esther Rantzen have in common? They might qualify as one of the Lammed Vavniks/36 Righteous people without whom the world would not be able to exist. You can suggest others! www.thejc.com/judaism/the-...

thejc.com

The hidden saints who keep the world from collapsing - The Jewish Chronicle

In the run-up to the High Holy Days, the legend of the Lamedvavniks offers an example to aspire to

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Burnham in Ukraine: going there is almost a rite of passage for new Prime Ministers, but it is also great that the UK is continuing to give moral & practical support for Ukraine. One day the war will be over & we will ask: why didn't we give more military support much earlier?

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Should Prince William reach out to or ignore Prince Harry on his return to the UK? Who are those suffering most from Jason Arday's suicide? Complex questions, about which we had a great discussion in the News Review @BBCRadioLondon, www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... forward to 1.46.48

bbc.co.uk

Inspirit with Jumoké Fashola - Edward Adoo sits in (23/08/2026) - BBC Sounds

Author Sophie Killingley, Gurd Chahal and Speech from Arrested Development.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Further to the news that Harry and Meghan are returning to the UK and will live here privately, it will be fascinating to know what "privately" means. I suspect it will include non-stop coverage by the tabloids. Be prepared!

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Is the King neglecting Christianity, as Gavin Ashenden asserts? No, Gavin, it's not an either/or: the King can uphold Christianity and yet also encourage good relations with other faiths. Isn't that part of Christian values? See my comment: www.gbnews.com/shows/good-a... (at 2.10.18)

gbnews.com

Good Afternoon Britain - Friday 14th August 2026

Tackling the big stories from all angles and perspectives. Weekdays from midday, Tom Harwood and Emily Carver bring you the most compelling stories from across the United Kingdom.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

I am of that lucky generation whose children matured before social media became rampant & whose grandchildren are not quite old enough for it; so I'm hoping the court cases in USA will hold it to scrutiny before they do. It's the industry's "tobacco moment" & it shoud be ashamed.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Excellent statement from Cambridge Chancellor about the sad death of Jason Arday: that (in my words) it can be right to investigate potential issues and falsehoods in a person, but also wrong to pound them with abuse. Both can be true at the same time. Probe but do it civilly.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

So sad to hear that the number of students in England & Wales taking RE at A-level has fallen for the 5th year in a row, partly owing to lack of qualified teachers, whereas it's so popular at GCSE level, asking those big question about life, meaning, direction & different options.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Shocking report today on the funding crisis faced by many hospices. Despite doing so much good they are funded primarily just by donations. I am strongly in favour of assisted dying but am an equally passionate supporter of hospices & there is no contradiction between being both.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Angela Rayner was spot on when she said she found more security at Jewish schools than at GCHQ. It is a sad reality that Jewish schools are like a fortress... terrible for the pupils, parents & teachers, but also an horrific reflection on today's society www.thejc.com/news/politic...

thejc.com

Jewish school security on similar level to GCHQ, says Angela Rayner - The Jewish Chronicle

‘I wouldn’t want my children to go to school behind big heavy gates, worried about their safety,’ the Communities Secretary told the JC during a visit to Jewish Care

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Why the about tonight's solar eclipse? It's something very powerful that is beyond our control and creates a sense of awe....a reminder of how small we are, and how temporary we are, compared to the on-going forces of the universe around us; an unexpected spiritual experience.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Speaking as a Police Chaplain to Thames Valley Police, full marks to the PM for continuing to try to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers. There are families of many other victims who are also aghast, but his death has become totemic of justice being thwarted.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

The outcry against Joshua Bonehill-Paine standing as a Councillor represented the genuine horror of his victims, but if we believe in rehabilitation & change of character shouldn't he be allowed to go ahead? I took that stand in this debate last night: www.gbnews.com/shows/free-s...

gbnews.com

Free Speech Nation - Sunday 9th August 2026

Where journalism and comedy meet - round up of the most infuriating stories of the moment, including a comedy take on the week.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

"You shall not speak ill of the dead" - it's a common assumption, but what if they deserved it? Yet much comment (eg on Ann Widdicombe'as death) is needlessly abusive. And how honest should funeral eulogies be? We debated this on the BBC's Sunday Sequence: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

bbc.co.uk

Sunday Sequence - Speaking Ill of the Dead, Taking Time Out - BBC Sounds

Speaking ill of the dead and taking time out.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

3 Cheers for the Football Association (& others) for standing up to Gianni Infantino so quickly and forcefully, threatening to boycott the World Cup if his scheme goes ahead. We may not have won the World Cup since 1966, but we still know what process & fair play is all about.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Might the conversion to Judaism of the daughter of Jesse Jackson (Baptist minister & black civil rights leader) mark better relation between blacks & Jews in USA, which went from the high of rabbis marching with Martin Luther King in Alabama to lows of later fissures? Let's hope.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Yes, Andy Burnham, social care reform is needed, but putting off assisted dying until social care is fully reformed & funded is ignoring the immediate plight of those dying right now...and those in the future who will always want it as an option to be taken or ignored.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Oh come on Zack, if you make a mistake, why not apologise? It does not matter if it was deliberate or not, the effect on others is the same. Decent people apologise, so why don't you? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

theguardian.com

Zack Polanski will not say sorry to Farage for sharing ‘dangerous’ image

Green party leader says it was ‘a mistake’ and if Farage wants to apologise for times he’s put people in danger, he’ll be happy to say sorry

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