On a recent Shabbat afternoon, some 60 members and friends of the South London Liberal Synagogue (SLLS) enjoyed their annual summer party, which took place in the garden of the Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun.
The gathering built on a friendship that has developed over a number of years, strengthened by the commitment of the Bishop and local Christian leaders to tackling antisemitism.
The event was a sequel to the synagogue’s Bishop’s Garden Shabbat in 2021 – where the grounds hosted the community’s first in-person service after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rabbi Nathan Godleman of SLLS said: “Bishop Christopher is a neighbour and friend of our community, attending our Shabbat service that morning and on previous occasions.
“He is retiring in August and was very much taken with Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s idea of ‘praying with one’s feet’. Our short journey to his house and garden, and the way he and his fellow priests received us, spoke volumes.
“Our Bishop’s Garden Shabbat 2 was a fitting and peaceful way to conclude the religion school year.”
Bishop Christopher added: “It was a joy to have a picnic in the garden at Bishop’s House with friends from the South London Liberal Synagogue after the Shabbat service. Our diversity is God’s gift and blessing, and I give heartfelt thanks for the gift of friendship.”
Revd Charlotte Dobson, Revd Canon Dr Alun Ford, Bishop of Croydon Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Southwark Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Rabbi Nathan Godleman and SLLS Chair William Cohen