Sermon originally delivered on 3 November 1957 at the New West End Synagogue; subsequently published in Venture 2.3 (March 1958), pp. 2-4. Then Samuel took a stone, and set it up . . . and called the name of it Eben-ezer (Helpstone), saying ... Continue Reading ➨
New West End Synagogue
Rabbi Louis Jacobs held the pulpit of the New West End Synagogue, a wealthy and prestigious institution within the United Synagogue, from 1954 to 1960. After resigning from Jews' College in 1964, he also came close to reclaiming the pulpit there, before being turned down by officials of the United Synagogue, including Chief Rabbi Israel Brodie. The ensuing scandal fed into the general "Jacobs Affair" controversy which led to the establishment of the New London Synagogue in St. John's Wood. Below are a number of sermons delivered by Rabbi Jacobs concerning the general philosophy of the New West End Synagogue or relating to milestone events in its history.
Induction Sermon at the New West End Synagogue
Sermon delivered by Rabbi Dr Louis Jacobs on the occasion of his induction as Minister of the New West End Synagogue, on Sabbath, 13 February 1954 (10 Adar Rishon 5714). “O my Creator, give me understanding that I may transmit thine inheritance; ... Continue Reading ➨
The Pioneering Spirit
Originally published in Venture 2:4 (September 1958); transcript of a sermon preached at the New West End Synagogue on the seventh day of Passover, 5718 (11th April 1958). And the Lord said unto Moses: ‘Wherefore criest thou unto Me? Speak unto ... Continue Reading ➨
The Middle Way
Originally published in Venture 1.2 (August 1956), pp. 13-16. The Editorial to the first issue of Venture contained a reference to the need for a ‘middle of the road’ position in Anglo-Jewish life and thought. A number of readers have pointed out ... Continue Reading ➨
The New Centre and the Future of our Synagogue
Originally published in Venture 2.2 (November 1957), pp. 8-10. The great day has arrived. The enthusiasm of a few men of vision has been infectious. Thanks to the devoted efforts and generous donations of public spirited congregants the foundation ... Continue Reading ➨
Points from Sermons (Part 2)
Originally published in Venture 2.1 (June 1957), pp. 17-18. Searching for the Torah The Rabbis noted that the two middle words of the Torah are larosh darash, meaning 'he diligently inquired.' It is a mistake to think of Judaism as a static faith ... Continue Reading ➨
Points from Recent Sermons
Originally published in Venture 1.3 (November 1956), pp. 11-12. The Bible To understand the Bible correctly we have to recognise that its eternal truths are expressed against the background of an ancient civilisation very different from our own. To ... Continue Reading ➨