MISHPATIM 5784 Joy Not Oy Rabbi Andrew Shaw Chief Executive, Mizrachi UK
Something different this week. It links two very disparate events and of course Parshat Mishpatim! So, what were the two events? They both took place in London. The first was the Arsenal - Liverpool game last Sunday and the second was the JPR launch of their latest findings from the Jewish Identity Survey last night. Let me explain. Arsenal v Liverpool was a very important game, probably a season defining one for Arsenal if they lost. Liverpool, at the start of play, were five points clear at the top, if they were to beat Arsenal, they would go eight points ahead, which many believed would end Arsenal’s title challenge. It was a tense game, up until the 92nd minute when Arsenal scored to make it 3-1 and secure the points. At that point the stadium erupted in joy and the Arsenal manager went running down the line, jumping and high fiving members of the crowd. When the final whistle blew, the joy was palpable from the players. The Arsenal club captain Martin Odegaard reversed roles with club photographer MacFarlane, grabbing his camera to snap a few pics in front of the adoring fans. The decision drew immediate criticism from Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports with the ex-Liverpool defender moaning: “Just get down the tunnel! You’ve won a big game, you’ve got the three points, you’re back in the title race, just get down the tunnel. I’m being serious, honestly.” Ian Wright, a former player, snapped back: “It’s like we can’t have any joy. Don’t let them spoil the joy. Keep doing what you’re doing. Whatever’s going to be, will be. Do not kill the joy. Keep doing what you’re doing. My manager, celebrate with passion like you do because that’s what it’s about.” And Martin Odegaard added: “If you’re not allowed to celebrate when you win a game, when are you allowed to