Simon Rocker

Latest from Simon Rocker

Progressive Judaism

Why three is better than two in Jewish thinking

Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah challenges the ‘tyranny’ of binary divisions on gender, Israel and other topics in a new book

4 min read

Challenging assumptions: Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah

Kiddush club: the whiskiest of Jewish encounters

The REAL difference between Orthodox and Progressive Jews? Whisky

2 min read

Protest against the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill in Westminster last month

Fight to preserve yeshivah status quo could go to the courts

2 min read

Rabbi Lisa Barrett (centre) officiates at marriage of Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash

Intermarried couples: from disapproval to engagement

4 min read

Karen Newman becomes new vice-president of Board of Deputies

She will provide Progressive voice and female presence on officer team

1 min read

March 3, 2026 17:43

Court dismisses appeal over VAT on school fees involving Charedi boy

Appeal Court told that tax policy could lead to collapse of small independent religious schools

1 min read

March 3, 2026 13:29

The Court of Appeal has ruled against a legal challenge against the government's imposition of VAT on private schools (Image: Getty)

Mixed reception for plan for schools to become part of trusts

White

2 min read

March 3, 2026 10:53

Wolfson Hillel Primary, part of the Jewish Community Academu Trust - the government wants all schools to join a trust

Cautious welcome for plans to improve education for children with special needs

Government says proposals set out in new White Paper will ‘end postcode lottery’

3 min read

March 2, 2026 17:24

Electric Umbrella at Kisharon Noé School (Photo: Gaby Koppel)

Be vigilant about security after outbreak of war with Iran, community advised

CST warns conflict in Middle East brings heightened risk

1 min read

March 1, 2026 12:49

Be vigilant about security after outbreak of war with Iran, community advised

Defence secretary avoids voicing support for strikes on Iran

UK government maintains equivocal position on US-Israel joint campaign after refusing to provide use of air bases

3 min read

March 1, 2026 12:09

Defence Secretary John Healey (Getty Images)

You thought you knew Haman? This book will make you think again

Professor Adam Silverstein shows the bad guy of Purim is a man of many parts

4 min read

February 27, 2026 13:00

Guy Fawkes meets his fate on Bonfire Night – some Jewish communities had the custom of burning effigies of Haman on Purim (Alamy)

Purim observed by half of British Jews

New JPR data shows it is predominantly a festival of the young

1 min read

February 26, 2026 16:01

Purim at Sacks Morasha Primary School, North Finchley in 2024

Rochdale makes a little LGBT history

What may be the first same-sex Jewish ceremony officiated at by an Orthodox-identifying rabbi has taken place in the UK

3 min read

February 25, 2026 16:42

On the dance floor: Michael Sluckis and Jay Schlesinger

Belgian government comments on circumcision row ‘misleading’

An adverse ruling in the probe into Antwerp mohalim – denounced by the US ambassador as antisemitic – could be ‘weaponised’ to ban brit milah, says Jewish community leader

2 min read

February 20, 2026 11:55

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot (Image: Getty)

Gewolb and Newman to contest Board vice-presidency

Next month’s by-election will ensure a female presence on the Board’s officer team

1 min read

February 19, 2026 00:05

Vying for vice-presidency: Karen Newman (left) and Sheila Gewolb

I had the snip at the age of 36 so I could marry the love of my life

Comedian and former wrestler Max Olesker on why, despite his Jewish upbringing, he converted to Orthodox Judaism and had a date with a scalpel

7 min read

February 18, 2026 15:08

I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine: Eliana and Max on their wedding day (Credit: Divine Day Photography)

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Simon Rocker

Latest from Simon Rocker

Why three is better than two in Jewish thinking

The REAL difference between Orthodox and Progressive Jews? Whisky

Fight to preserve yeshivah status quo could go to the courts

Intermarried couples: from disapproval to engagement

More from Simon Rocker

Karen Newman becomes new vice-president of Board of Deputies

Court dismisses appeal over VAT on school fees involving Charedi boy

Mixed reception for plan for schools to become part of trusts

Cautious welcome for plans to improve education for children with special needs

Be vigilant about security after outbreak of war with Iran, community advised

Defence secretary avoids voicing support for strikes on Iran

You thought you knew Haman? This book will make you think again

Purim observed by half of British Jews

Rochdale makes a little LGBT history

Belgian government comments on circumcision row ‘misleading’

Gewolb and Newman to contest Board vice-presidency

I had the snip at the age of 36 so I could marry the love of my life