CST welcomes Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis in the run up to the Jewish New Year

CST was delighted to host the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, Ephraim Mirvis, to the CST Head Office in London today. Chief Rabbi Mirvis met CST staff, who work to protect our Jewish community all year round, to discuss the crucial work CST does and to speak to the staff, including those based in the Leeds and Manchester offices, to thank them for their work. 

CST’s Chief Executive, David S Delew, welcomed Chief Rabbi Mirvis. Chief Rabbi Mirvis, when speaking to all the staff, touched upon the threats the Jewish community faces in the United Kingdom but stressed that Jews are still living their Jewish life “thanks to CST.” He stated that CST gives the Jewish community the confidence it needs to be open as Jews.

The Chief Rabbi continued by asserting that CST has a visible presence which is recognisable; it is not an easy thing, but CST has a proven record and its research and training mean it is always one step ahead. Chief Rabbi Mirvis reflected on the Hebrew phrase for thank you, ‘toda raba’. He explained that the root of ‘toda’ is ‘mod-eh’, which means to admit. This goes hand-in-hand with being grateful. If one can admit to receiving something, only then can they can be truly grateful, and the Jewish community is truly grateful for the CST who they recognise as their protectors and who they can depend on.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis also mentioned that he meets many community leaders and wider society representatives. He recalled sitting in the boardroom of a Football Club and a man approached him, stating that the only Jewish organisation he supported is CST, as it is the only organisation he believes no one could argue about. CST is here to protect the Jewish community, and this is what Chief Rabbi Mirvis constantly hears when meeting the Jewish community across the country. 

The Chief Rabbi reflected on Psalm 123, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” He explained that there is only true, pleasant unity when the community is linked together in doing something positive. He highlighted the cross-communal nature of CST, which is doing something to protect the whole community. We as Jews all have to accept that even if someone has the perception of someone being Jewish, we all fall into the same, united, camp.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis finished his speech by wishing the staff a peaceful, sweet and good new year. He expressed the hope that this time next year we would not be reflecting on the negative things which have happened to the community, but rather the positive; who CST protected and what CST prevented.

CST wishes to thank Chief Rabbi Mirvis for such an interesting and moving speech about the importance of the work we do and for meeting all the staff to learn about the day-to-day work CST does to protect our Jewish community, both during the High Holy Days and all year round.

CST wishes Chief Rabbi Mirvis and the Jewish community across the country a safe, sweet and peaceful new year.