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The monarchy symbolises our stability and history

The JC leader, 5 May 2023

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May 04, 2023 13:20

The custom of singing the national anthem at weddings, which was once widespread in our community, has fallen out of favour in recent years.

But while it was a striking demonstration of the deep-seated, proud patriotism which characterises British Jews, it was just one example of that.

At a basic level, we pray every Shabbat for the Royal Family. But the sense of patriotism we feel also operates on a more visceral, emotional level.

As a community we understand deep down how privileged we are to be British. Privileged in terms of our forebears who endured pogroms and extermination camps; privileged in terms of the peace and prosperity of the country in which we live; and privileged to be so integrated into British life.

Those feelings combine, for many of us, in respect and appreciation for the symbolism of the monarchy.

You do not have to be Jewish to understand the historical thread the Crown represents, and thus to see the coronation of a new monarch as being a generational restatement of that historical thread.

But being Jewish certainly gives it an added frisson through the contrast with our people’s history.

Saturday's coronation represents British history in all its pomp and majesty. But for British Jews, it is also a reflection of the stability and history which gives us peace and freedom.

God save the King.

May 04, 2023 13:20

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