What was the point you were trying to make with the first paragraph? I don't understand what you're talking about. Why get my hopes up that you might talk about Jewish ideas of the messiah or something (so appropriate around Christmas-time), and then transition into a general assessment of British Jews?  (Not to mention that not-capitalizing the word "Jew" seems sloppy on a Jewish website by the actual paid blogger, but that's my picky former-English-Major/copy-editor self, perhaps).

Regarding not all English Jews being afraid to congregate and be Jewish - how many of the 2200 people are British Jews? You mention all of the languages being spoken (again, that seems more like just a sort of fetishism for all-things foreign, just as calling yourself "Yank" seems to be trying too hard), which would seem to imply, at least, that a large percentage of the people are Limmud are not, in fact, British. I don't have enough knowledge about the issues of being Jewish in Britain to respond without you tearing me apart, but I believe there have been instances of anti-Semitism which are downplayed more than in the U.S.

Also, I happen to hate trolls such as Soccer who just likes to start a fight, but why, Matthue, are you calling RL crass and impolite? For disagreeing with you? RL didn't call you names or insult your background or family. That would be crass. Impolite would be to post anonymously. You can disagree, but the name-calling is too much.

I'm not appreciating your posts from Limmud as much as I would prefer. Can we get some more focus?