LIBERAL JEWISH SYNAGOGUE

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28963, 3 August 1959, Page 17

LIBERAL JEWISH SYNAGOGUE

Move By Community In Wellington (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. August 2. Steps that are likely to be followed with a good deal of interest among members of the Wellington Jewish community have, as their objective, the formation of a Liberal Jewish movement. About three years ago a Liberal synagogue was established in Auckland. The Auckland Liberal Jewish Temple has issued a circular calling a meeting in Wellington “to further the formation of a Liberal Jewish congregation in Wellington.” It is understood that shortly after Dr. E. M. Levy was appointed Rabbi in Wellington in 1956, an approach was made to him for the establishment of a Liberal Synagogue in Wellington. He opposed it, and throughout his ministry no further action was taken.

There are, it was stated on Saturday, about 2000 Jews in Wellington, and a similar number in Auckland. It was estimated that about 500 are members of the Willington synagogue. The positive attitude of Liberal Judaism toward religious tradition meant that services were conducted in both Hebrew and English, said the minister of the Liberal Jewish Temple (Shalom), Rabbi John Levin, in Auckland today. In : this way it was hoped to make Judaism meaningful to all members.