Martin H. van den Bergh

Like many people I was horrified at the end of Yom Kippur by the news of the events at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv when extremist...

המלחמה נגד היצר הרעהמלחמה נגד היצר הרע יש כמה מפרשים ובתוכם המעם לועז וכן בספר 'שני לוחות הברית' של הרב ישעיהו הלוי הורוביץ שמצצתים...

Shavuot does not have any specific Mitzvot apart from the usual Mitzvot of Yom Tov. Yet, there a number of Minhagim which distinguish...

This morning I heard the most terrible news on Israel Radio. There is a planned demonstration against Israel outside the Israeli Embassy...

Introduction As a congregational rabbi I have ministered to the dying and bereaved for more than thirty-five years. Helping others in...

The question of Who is Jewish has hit the headlines again in the Jewish world, with the ruling of Israel's supreme court to recognise...

The passing of Rabbi Lord Sacks has deprived me of one of three role models I have had in my life. I was privileged to know Rabbi Sacks...

I abhor discrimination and the oppression of anyone. Indeed my parents taught me to respect any human being, this coming from their...

Today marks the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and it is being commemorated with ceremonies taking place around the...

Even though I am no longer a Congregational Rabbi, I still take a great interest in happenings within the Rabbinic World. As in every...

Over the last few days Israel's citizens have faced the onslaught of rocket attacks from the Islamic Jihad in Gaza. Admittedly, I have...

This is a very sad day in British politics, when a very long standing and experienced politician feels she can no longer belong to the...

Last Tuesday was our second General Election this year in Israel. Those outside Israel may be somewhat confused with both the General...

Abbey Road is famous for the Beatles crossing the road. For me Abbey Road and more specifically where it meets Carlton Hill (in London)...

No sooner have we collectively mourned the destruction of the Temple on Tisha B’Av we begin preparations for the Yamim Norain, the Days...

I have two apologies. Firstly, I have not been blogging lately (perhaps this does not need an apology). Secondly, coming back to the...

It may be surprising, but there is no doubt that Antisemitism exists today and is becoming an increasing phenomenon. This is despite the...

A number of years ago I had the great privilege of officiating on Yom Kippur at Bevis Marks Synagogue in London. I had made great efforts...

I have always tried to be welcoming and welcoming of all people and of all Jews. It is something that my parents ingrained in me as a...

I have been captivated by the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, when the Allied Forced launched the offence against the...