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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 6h

It's a tribute to Pope Leo on the impact he has made that a minor operation has caused world headlines. He may have no armies (to quote Napoleon) but his personality is significant. Still, with so many of his pleas for peace being unanswered, I wonder what is his real influence?

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Rest in peace Karnail Pannu who died yesterday, one of the co-founders of the Windsor and Maidenhead Community Forum (orignally the MCCC) many years ago and which has been one of the success stories of religious life in the area. A good friend and a man with a massive heart

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

A new report by Theos says 11% of those surveyed in the UK could be Christian nationalists, & display hostility to immigration, asylum & Islam. Although 81% say they are Christians, only 13% attend church weekly. Ah, so not so Christian after all & maybe just a cover for racism.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

What the debate before & after the Holborn/St Pancras by-election highlighted was that extremism does not just exist on the right, but on the left too in the form of the (new Polanski) Green Party. Its virtue-signalling has been shown to be a sham by its antisemitism. Now we know

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

When your team wins 5-1 you have to celebrate..... especially when it is an away game...and especially when your main striker is absent through injury.....and also (to be realistic), when it is possible it may not happen again for a very long time: Milton Keynes 1 Reading 5. Yay!

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

Dear Zack, are you surprised that the voters of Holborn/St Pancras rejected you? They may have supported you 2 weeks ago but after passing an antisemitic motion AND one refusing to protect Jews from harm, you've taken Greens to a place too removed from British values for voters.

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

Back from Armenia and a Prayer Breakfast with the Prime Minister (plus President Trump's faith adviser), seeing a country transitioning from its past to a new present, the birthpangs of a modern liberal state trying to both value faith and accept secularism. A fascinating moment.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Today's anniversary - the 3rd of the Hamas attack on Israel - is important because of the 1200 Israelis killed, the subsequent war & casualties it unleashed, & also because it killed off the peace moves that were inching forward in the region back then. Probably it's object.

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I don't claim to be a prophet but my article on the Green Party appeared just before the Zionism is Racism motion. It's now updated & reinforces the theme that if you care about the moral health of the country, don't vote Green at the Holborn by-election: www.thejc.com/opinion/in-h...

thejc.com

In Holborn, vote for anyone but Zack Polanski’s Greens - The Jewish Chronicle

After Starmer had done so much to purge Labour of antisemitic tendencies, it would be a terrible irony if his seat was to fall to a party that is increasingly toxic for Jews – a trend reinforced by it...

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Dear Green Party you say 'Zionism is racism' but Zionism isn't West Bank settlers, the current Israeli government, or any others you don't like; it is "the right to a Jewish homeland", not predicated on particular borders, nor at the expense of others. So what's racist with that?

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rabbiromain.bsky.social @rabbiromain.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Great lecture by Sarah Sands last week for the Religion Media Centre at St Bride's Church: that to the surprise of some, there is a renewed public interest in religion...and so the media, which is largely secular and often religiously illiterate, should respond and cover it more.

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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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