Simon Rocker

Latest from Simon Rocker

Board of Deputies

Karen Newman becomes new vice-president of Board of Deputies

She will provide Progressive voice and female presence on officer team

1 min read

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

Court dismisses appeal over VAT on school fees involving Charedi boy

1 min read

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

Mixed reception for plan for schools to become part of trusts

2 min read

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

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

3 min read

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)

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg: ‘I still have plenty of fight in me for the causes I care about’

The senior Masorti leader sits down with the JC to talk interfaith, the environment and compassion for refugees

4 min read

February 18, 2026 14:21

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg (Photo: Masorti Judaism)

The Chasidic rabbi who founded a village in Israel, disappeared and returned

A new book has rescued the story of the remarkable Yabloner Rebbe

4 min read

February 13, 2026 10:00

The Yabloner Rebbe after returning to Kfar Hasidim

Teacher loses unfair dismissal claim against Immanuel College over ‘inappropriate messages’ with students

Former head of French Sarah Perlberg had taken the school to an employment tribunal

1 min read

February 12, 2026 10:54

Exclusive: Teachers raise alarm after syllabus omits ‘Israel’ from lessons on Judaism

Jewish practitioners must be involved in writing classroom curricula, says teachers’ group

3 min read

February 11, 2026 16:21

Children learn about Jewish weddings during a visit to a Jewish Living Experience Exhibition Photo: Board of Deputies)

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Simon Rocker

Latest 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

More from Simon Rocker

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

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg: ‘I still have plenty of fight in me for the causes I care about’

The Chasidic rabbi who founded a village in Israel, disappeared and returned

Teacher loses unfair dismissal claim against Immanuel College over ‘inappropriate messages’ with students

Exclusive: Teachers raise alarm after syllabus omits ‘Israel’ from lessons on Judaism