Lord Sacks was in Glasgow at the weekend for a double celebration - the 75th anniversary of Giffnock and Newlands Synagogue and the induction of Rabbi Danny Bergson at Newton Mearns Hebrew Congregation.

At Giffnock, the Chief Rabbi spoke on how declining communities could embrace the future positively, emphasising the importance of maintaining Orthodox practice.

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy was among political and religious representatives at the induction ceremony at nearby Newton Mearns, hailed by Lord Sacks as "one of my favourite congregations in the country. A truly great community with outstanding community spirit."

He added that all Glasgow rabbis were great singers and with the
addition of Rabbi Bergson, a trained musician, they could grace Britain's Got Talent.

He told Rabbi Bergson: "They [the community] are lucky to have you, and you are lucky to serve them."

The minister pledged: "I will lead this community with truth, sincerity, love and devotion." He led the service, assisted by six members of the Glasgow Male Voice Choir in matching tartan kipot.

Originally from Manchester, Rabbi Bergson arrived in Newton Mearns with his wife Anna and children early in 2009.

He has introduced innovative educational programmes, revitalised children's services on Shabbat mornings and is hoping to launch a cheder.

"To say he's enthusiastic is an understatement," said chairman Paul Shafer. "Rabbi Danny, I'm running fast trying to keep up with you."

Re-live the special occasion, a full DVD of Rabbi Danny’s induction by the Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks of Aldgate

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Contact: Yacov Amzelig (Video Jack)

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An interactive discussion with Rabbi Danny exploring Insights into the Haggadah and Pesach

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Pictured above are Rabbi Danny, Father. Michael McMahon of the Catholic Church & Rev. Maureen Leitch of the Church of Scotland

Rabbi Danny spoke for the first time last tuesday (March 9, 2010) at the council of Christians and Jews.

He was joined by Father Michael McMahon and Rev Maureen Leitch. Each gave a presentation on the chosen topic  "Interpreting scriptures in the 21st century" followed by a Q&A. Around 50 attended. it was also nice to see a few young faces in the audience.

Rabbi Danny explained that in order to reach out to the world  we first need to translate biblical morality into palatable sound bytes that the average person can relate to.  If we talk in archaic terms and biblical cliché then people switch off. Communication is more than just sending a message from one person or group to another, however articulate the message may be. Communication must begin, first by an understanding of the person one is communicating with.