Rabbi Andrea’s Sermon 3rd October 2025 / 12th Tishrei 5786

Tonight we gather with heavy hearts.

In recent months, our synagogue — like many others across the country — has seen fewer people coming to services. Not because of lack of faith, but because of fear. Fear of protests, fear of marches that too often turn into open hostility toward Jews. Yesterday’s terrible attack in Manchester reminds us of how real this fear is. And yet, we also hope that the response to such violence will mark a turning point — that society will finally understand that antisemitism must be confronted, not tolerated.

And yet even today, on this very Shabbat, marches are taking place in London in support of Palestine Action, an organisation that has rightly been banned. We want to say clearly: the Jewish community is grateful that this organisation has been outlawed. It was the right decision, a moral decision. But it is painful to see people take to the streets to defend hatred and terror.

As Jews, we are committed to a multicultural society. Throughout history, Jews have stood at the forefront of the fight against racism, against bigotry, against hatred in all its forms. That is why it is especially painful when, in moments like these, we feel abandoned and left to stand alone.

This week’s parashah, Haazinu, speaks directly to our moment. Moses begins:

הַאֲזִינוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם וַאֲדַבֵּרָה וְתִשְׁמַע הָאָרֶץ אִמְרֵי-פִי

“Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; and let the earth hear the words of my mouth” (Deut. 32:1).

This is not a private prayer — it is a public declaration, calling heaven and earth themselves as witnesses. Moses warns Israel that there will be times of danger, betrayal, and loneliness. But he also proclaims:

• כִּי חֵלֶק ה' עַמּוֹ יַעֲקֹב חֶבֶל נַחֲלָתוֹ

“The Lord’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted heritage” (Deut. 32:9).

Despite all suffering, God will never abandon Israel. That is our faith, and that is our strength.

At the same time, we now prepare for Sukkot. The sukkah is not yet built — but the materials are already here, waiting for us in our community hall. That in itself is a symbol: we are getting ready, even if we are not fully there yet. The rabbis teach that the sukkah is both fragile and holy. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 30:2) explains that when we leave our solid homes to dwell in the sukkah, we show that our trust is not in walls of stone but in the protection of Heaven. Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch later wrote that the sukkah is “a symbol of the Jewish mission: to show the world that even in frailty, the spirit of faith can create joy and peace.”

And there is another teaching: on Sukkot we invite the ushpizin, the holy guests — Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph, David. But the Zohar reminds us that a sukkah is not complete unless we also welcome living guests — the righteous of our time who join us and share our vulnerability.

Councillor Emma Daniel and Richard Tuset, tonight you are such guests for us. In this fragile moment, when Jews feel exposed and alone, your presence gives us strength. Your voice, clear and courageous, is like one of the branches that will soon rest upon our sukkah — giving shade, offering comfort, and showing us that we are not alone.

We know that your position is not always easy within your own party. But as the Torah says:

זְכֹר יְמוֹת עוֹלָם בִּינוּ שְׁנוֹת דֹּר וָדֹר שְׁאַל אָבִיךָ וְיַגֵּדְךָ זְקֵנֶיךָ וְיֹאמְרוּ לָךְ

“Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations” (Deut. 32:7).

History will remember those who spoke up, and it will remember those who stayed silent. We pray that your example will inspire many others to follow.

So, as we enter Sukkot, we say: our sukkah may not yet be built, but our faith is strong. Our walls may be thin, but our friends and allies strengthen us. We Jews will continue to stand not only for ourselves, but also for a society that is just, multicultural, and free of all racism. And we hope, Councillors, that you will continue to stand with us in this mission.

Rabbi Dr. Andrea Zanardo, PhD