In This Month’s HighlightView from the Chair ..........................2The Shul Garden ................................2 Cheder News .....................................3Social Centre News ...........................3Lehrhaus at LBC ................................4Adult Hebrew Class ...........................4RSY-Netzer Summer Camps .............4Purim 5780 .........................................5Education Diary Dates .......................5CCJ meeting on 18 March .................5Reform Judaism Beit Din Weekend ........5EUPJ Vacancy ...................................5Social and Personal ............................6Knitters, Stitchers & Natterers ...........6Oneg with Bernie Cohen ....................6The Book Group ................................6SE10 and Beyond ...............................6Mental Health Shabbat .......................7Jewish History - A British Story ........7Events in April ...................................7The Wolf of Baghdad .........................73 Faiths Group....................................8Services ..............................................8Jewish Book Week .............................8Dates for Your Diary .........................9 Advertisements ................................10

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Student rabbi Mati Kirschenbaum made motsi with the younger members of the congregation following the Shabbat morning service on 1 February

Come one, come all to BRS’sPURIM PUPPET PARADE

Fulfil the mitzvah of listening to Megillat Esther (sort of) as you watch Kittah Zayin/Chet lead the most ridiculous reading of the Purim story you’ve ever heard or seen.What: PURIM PUPPET PARADEWhere: THE SYNAGOGUEThe Date: SUNDAY, 8 MARCHThe Time: 11.30 am – 12.30 pmWho: Parents, Children, Members, Frogs, Everyone!!!Erev Purim, Monday, 9 March: put on your fancy dress everyone (prizes to be won) and come to the synagogue for the reading of the Megillah, with sound effects! Preceded by a hot supper, wine, whiskey, soft drinks and hamantaschen! From 6.30 pm; service at 7.30 pm

Come to the AGM

The Synagogue AGM will beheld on Tuesday, 17 March,starting at 8 pm.Come and hear what ishappening and have your say

TThe month of March is one of my he month of March is one of my favourite times of year. It gives favourite times of year. It gives

me hope and an excitement of what the me hope and an excitement of what the month will bring. To me it signifies month will bring. To me it signifies the start of spring, the beginning of the start of spring, the beginning of new possibilities. The flowers and new possibilities. The flowers and trees around us seem to come to life, trees around us seem to come to life, and there is the thought that lighter and there is the thought that lighter days are ahead of us. This lifting of days are ahead of us. This lifting of the spirit and the goodbye to gloomy the spirit and the goodbye to gloomy days was given an early start when in days was given an early start when in February we celebrated the bat mitzvah February we celebrated the bat mitzvah of Sophie Taylor. It was truly a joyous of Sophie Taylor. It was truly a joyous occasion and a privilege to see one occasion and a privilege to see one of our youngsters bloom into such an of our youngsters bloom into such an accomplished young adult. Mazel tov accomplished young adult. Mazel tov to her and her family, and thank you to to her and her family, and thank you to them for providing the extra choir to add them for providing the extra choir to add to our wonderful BRS choir.to our wonderful BRS choir.

On On Sunday, 8 MarchSunday, 8 March the whole the whole community is invited to dress up and community is invited to dress up and join the cheder for hamantaschen and a join the cheder for hamantaschen and a ““Purim Puppet ParadePurim Puppet Parade”. This sounds ”. This sounds like it is going to be an event not to like it is going to be an event not to be missed. The next day, on be missed. The next day, on Monday, Monday, 9 March9 March, we will be reading the , we will be reading the MegillahMegillah. This will be preceded by a . This will be preceded by a hot supper of pasta and Persian rice and, hot supper of pasta and Persian rice and, of course, the obligatory hamantaschen. of course, the obligatory hamantaschen. Purim commemorates the saving of the Purim commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, a Persian Jewish people from Haman, a Persian Empire official who was planning to kill Empire official who was planning to kill all the Jews, as recounted in the Book all the Jews, as recounted in the Book of Esther. Mordecai and Esther, who of Esther. Mordecai and Esther, who had risen to become Queen of Persia, had risen to become Queen of Persia, foiled his plans. The day of deliverance foiled his plans. The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and rejoicing. became a day of feasting and rejoicing. Purim is now celebrated by exchanging Purim is now celebrated by exchanging gifts of food and drink, donating to gifts of food and drink, donating to charity, eating a celebratory meal and charity, eating a celebratory meal and a public recitation of the Megillah. For a public recitation of the Megillah. For those of you who don’t know I’m half those of you who don’t know I’m half Persian and one of my daughters is Persian and one of my daughters is called Esther!called Esther!

One of the reasons that I like the One of the reasons that I like the month of March so much is that it is month of March so much is that it is when my family celebrates when my family celebrates NowruzNowruz, the , the Persian New Year. Nowruz marks the Persian New Year. Nowruz marks the end of the old year and the beginning end of the old year and the beginning of a new one, and it occurs on the of a new one, and it occurs on the day of the equinox on 21 March. My day of the equinox on 21 March. My childhood memories of the Persian New childhood memories of the Persian New Year mostly concern salivating over the Year mostly concern salivating over the delicious rice dishes my mother would delicious rice dishes my mother would make in its honour. If you come to the make in its honour. If you come to the Purim celebrations at Shul you will be Purim celebrations at Shul you will be able to taste for yourself.able to taste for yourself.

On On Sunday, 15 MarchSunday, 15 March after Cheder after Cheder at 12.30 in the Garden Room we will be at 12.30 in the Garden Room we will be having a special Kiddush for having a special Kiddush for LizzieLizzie, our , our security guard who looks after us during security guard who looks after us during Cheder on Sundays. She always goes Cheder on Sundays. She always goes the extra mile for us at BRS and she is a the extra mile for us at BRS and she is a firm favourite and friend to our children, firm favourite and friend to our children, parents and teachers. Please join us to parents and teachers. Please join us to celebrate Lizzie.celebrate Lizzie.

With your copy of With your copy of HighlightHighlight this month you will have received this month you will have received application forms for the application forms for the Communal Communal SederSeder on on Thursday, 9 AprilThursday, 9 April at 6.00 pm. at 6.00 pm. Last year the service was sold out, so Last year the service was sold out, so book early to avoid disappointment. We book early to avoid disappointment. We are really lucky to have are really lucky to have Rabbi Danny Rabbi Danny NewmanNewman leading the Seder. Some leading the Seder. Some of you will have met Rabbi Newman of you will have met Rabbi Newman when he was at BRS in November when he was at BRS in November taking services and officiating at a baby taking services and officiating at a baby blessing. The Communal Seder is a blessing. The Communal Seder is a chance for the BRS community to come chance for the BRS community to come together, and for me it has provided together, and for me it has provided some of my favourite times at Bromley.some of my favourite times at Bromley.

We can look forward to our next We can look forward to our next Musical Shabbat Evening Service on Musical Shabbat Evening Service on Friday, 24 AprilFriday, 24 April, when rabbinic student , when rabbinic student Mati KirschenbaumMati Kirschenbaum will be back and will be back and ““OrotOrot”, the BRS musical group, will be ”, the BRS musical group, will be led by our own led by our own Vicki AshmoreVicki Ashmore. This . This is going to be a special evening so we is going to be a special evening so we warmly invite you all to come. There warmly invite you all to come. There will be a bring and share supper starting will be a bring and share supper starting at 6 pm with the service starting at 7 pm. at 6 pm with the service starting at 7 pm.

Recently at BRS we have reformed Recently at BRS we have reformed our Social Group to form a “our Social Group to form a “Social/Social/Fundraising GroupFundraising Group”, who plan to ”, who plan to arrange social events this year including arrange social events this year including a return of the BRS Quiz, a music event, a return of the BRS Quiz, a music event, and then join together with the Cheder and then join together with the Cheder PTA to make the Chanukah Fair a cross-PTA to make the Chanukah Fair a cross-community day. The thought behind community day. The thought behind this is to make social events a catalyst this is to make social events a catalyst for bringing people together and to raise for bringing people together and to raise money for projects at BRS we really money for projects at BRS we really need to undertake. If you would like to need to undertake. If you would like to be involved or help, and we really need be involved or help, and we really need you to be, please contact me.you to be, please contact me.

Finally, congratulations to our Finally, congratulations to our member member Damien EganDamien Egan in his role in his role as Mayor of Lewisham. It has been as Mayor of Lewisham. It has been announced that Lewisham has been announced that Lewisham has been named as the London Borough of named as the London Borough of Culture 2021. Culture 2021.

Michelle Brooks EvansMichelle Brooks Evanschair@bromleyshul.org.ukchair@bromleyshul.org.uk

Marching into March - Marching into March - View from the ChairView from the Chair

The Shul garden, lovingly maintained for many years by a number of our

dedicated members, had got a little out of hand. So we have had professional gardeners do some heavy cutting and clearing so we can now get it back under control.

I have, for now, taken on the role of “Head Gardener” and welcome any suggestions, help, plants or equipment you’d like to contribute. Particularly I’d like colourful shrubs and plants and ones with biblical connections.

My first task has been to get a compost bin (behind the patio fence) for greenery, leaves, cut flowers from the shul, food waste and compostable cups and plates. Hopefully this will cut down on our waste and also produce some much needed compost for the garden - much needed because the garden is a thin layer of soil over a pile of rubble so growing anything is a challenge. It is also south-facing and very dry because of the trees.

I plan to uncover the original shrubs (and vine) which have survived under the weeds and also to create some planting areas for lavender and other suitable shrubs. We also have lots of lovely tubs on the patio for bulbs and plants.

We have benches and garden chairs (even sun shades!) so please enjoy our outdoor space and make my efforts worthwhile.

Most importantly, I’m hoping that someone would like to take this role over from me or offer regular help. So, experienced or budding gardeners with a bit of time and perhaps not enough garden at home (or just insatiably green-fingered) – this is your chance. Please get in touch.

Matthew de LangeThrough the synagogue: 020 8460 5460

2 Copy date for April Highlight: Monday, 16 March 2020

Out of the Wilderness

Cheder News

3Highlight, March 2020 - Adar/Nisan 5780

Cheder Security Rota – Purim TermCheder Security Rota – Purim Term

SundaysSundays NameName

March 1March 1 Harriet and Daniel Harriet and Daniel PosnerPosner

March 8March 8 Michael AbrahamsMichael Abrahams

March 15March 15 Elisabeth and Nigel Elisabeth and Nigel MegittMegitt

March 22March 22 Caroline and Caroline and Laurence JonesLaurence Jones

March 29March 29 Michelle Brooks Michelle Brooks Evans & Bill EvansEvans & Bill Evans

Social Centre NewsSocial Centre News

Forget about the horrendous geshem and ruach… spring is definitely on its way

and there are lots of exciting things to look forward to at Cheder!

1) We will be celebrating Purim on Sunday, 8 March with a Puppet Show, where our students and teachers will re-enact the story of the festival. Parents and synagogue members are invited to join the Cheder for an entertaining Megillah reading, and dressing up by children and adults is positively encouraged. Come in your best, most creative, costume and there will be a prize for best-dressed student and best-dressed parent too! There will also be lots of delicious hamantaschen to scoff, made by the Cheder students the week before!

2) On that day, please send your children in with matanot la’evyonim – food for the needy. Non-perishable food will be collected and given to a local charity to fulfil this important Purim mitzvah.

3) Speaking of charity, don’t forget that Kittah Chet/Zayin has chosen to support Roundabout Dramatherapy and Last Chance Animal Rescue this term. Please keep sending in those spare pennies so that we can teach our children the importance of giving Tzedakah (charity).

4) Youth Club will also be held after Cheder on Purim on 8 March and then again on Yom Ha’atzmaut on 26 April – Youth Club leader Rachael Ashmore will be sending parents more details nearer the time, but for more information, contact her at: rachael.freida.ashmore@gmail.com

5) On Sunday, 15 March, we will be having a special kiddush after Cheder to say a big thank you to our security guard Lizzie, who works so hard every Sunday morning to keep us all safe. Please stay on after Cheder – a light lunch will be provided but it would be wonderful if parents could bake and bring a cake or something sweet for dessert.

6) Plans are also underway for our Pesach Communal Seder on Thursday 9 April at 6.00 pm. Please contact Janvier Palmer to see how you can help: jndpalmer@gmail.com

7) On Friday, 24 April, there will be a Musical Shabbat Evening Service, with a bring-and-share supper from

6 pm, service at 7 pm. Come and listen and join in with our wonderful Cheder klezmer band.

8) O n Y o m Ha’a tzmaut on Sunday, 26 April, RSY-Netzer leader Ella Janner-Klausner will be coming to Bromley to do a ‘Cheder Takeover’. What that exactly means is still a mystery but it’s sure to be exciting, so make sure you don’t miss out! We will also be having an Israeli picnic at breaktime, with lots of delicious food including falafel, hummus and tabbouleh.

9) Advance notice of summer events: on Sunday, 5 July, we will be having a Cheder trip to the Jewish Museum in Camden. More details to follow, so please keep an eye out for emails and flyers that will be coming home in the coming weeks. On Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 July, RSY-Netzer will be running Garinim (day camps) at Bromley for 5-10 year olds. There will be activities, such as drama, singing, cooking and science, plus crafts to suit younger kids and fun learning sessions. More information to follow.

10) And, finally, please check the Security Rota on this page to see if we are expecting you to show up for security duty. It is really important that parents help out on the door when possible, so please contact Katia Pisetzky (pisetzky@gmail.com) if there are any problems.

That’s all for now! Until next month,L’Shalom,

Danielle, Cheder Head Teacher

There have been “Ciara” and “Dennis”, with possibly more

nasties to come before this winter ends, but no matter what the weather throws at us, we attend the Social Centre undaunted.

At our meeting on 12 February we began the morning catching up on family news before settling down to the great game of Rummikub. One lady I saw playing Rummikub with a group while simultaneously playing Scrabble with another person. We are determined to keep our brains active!

Refreshments of tea, coffee and biscuits greet us as we arrive. Later on, just before lunch, Andreas gathers us together for our keep fit session (which we should also practise at home).

The lunch was, as always, very enjoyable being, on this occasion, chilli (the vegetarian variety) on jacket potatoes with salad. This was followed by Avril’s very super frangipane tart and custard or ice cream.

We managed to snatch another game of Rummikub before it was time to leave - all too soon.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, 11 March, when Talia from Sadeh Farm will come to talk to us, and on Wednesday, 25 March we will meet for chat and games, so please come and join us - there is plenty of room for more people. The Social Centre times are 10.30 am to 2.30 pm.

Maureen Pearlstone

Croydon Philharmonic ChoirBasingstoke Choral Society

CARMINA BURANAin support of the charity Everyone Matterswith the Choir of St Marys C of E School, Oxted and Docklands SinfoniaConductor: David GibsonSaturday 28 March, 7.30 pmFAIRFIELD HALLSPark Lane, Croydon CR9 1DGTicket line: 020 3292 0002or online at www.fairfield.co.ukTickets: £15, £18 and £25. Boxes: £25—£39.25. (fees apply)

4 Copy date for April Highlight: Monday, 16 March 2020

Adult Hebrew Class

Sarit Chen is our new,

bubbly native Israeli Hebrew teacher who has been welcoming us with her warm “Shalom”s since the beginning of January. But she doesn’t just teach Hebrew to our group of adults. She actually assesses the Hebrew GCSE! When she became available, we jumped at the chance to secure her for our weekly evening Hebrew classes, and I’m pleased to say, the feedback so far has been tremendous. This mixed ability class has been described as friendly and fun. She does not just teach her students to read, they are learning to understand what they are reading. Students are even beginning to speak a bit of Hebrew themselves, and have set up a WhatsApp group to practise their new skills outside the classroom. How has Sarit achieved this? By speaking a mix of Hebrew and English inside the classroom, somehow the words are starting to stick.

Personally, I think that, ultimately, this ‘mixed ability’ class is going to be hugely successful, but not because she’s magically able to provide different levels of Hebrew reading to this class. I believe that different people will take different things with them from the class. Some will finally be confident with their Aleph Bet, others will be putting basic sentences together and writing in cursive. It was so good just to be there in the room, hearing someone speak in full Hebrew sentences, conjugated correctly. Brilliant stuff.

We had sixteen people enrolled in the class, making us fully booked for this term. But we are already considering extending this class for another term, so if you’re thinking of joining us, now is the time to let me know. Please email me at vickiashmore@icloud.com .

Vicki Ashmore

LEHRHAUS @ Leo Baeck CollegeHome of Adult Jewish LearningSpring 2020 On-Line Courses (more still to come)

Course & TeacherDuration & DatesModern Hebrew Ulpanim: Beginners and IntermediatesLiat Aharonovich

Refer to the LBC website

Classical Greek for BeginnersRabbi Dr Michael Hilton

6 weeks 22 Jan - 4 March

Levinas and Us: Ethics, Politics, Religion and ArtDr Jakub Kowalewski

4 weeks4 - 25 May

Reflections on the Holocaust and Modernity in Jewish Philosophy and Visual ArtProfessor Melissa Raphael

4 weeks4 - 25 March

Wandering JewsRabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen

4 weeks29 April - 20 May

The Warsaw and Lodz Ghettos: Archivists and Photographers as Witnesses and RecordersRabbi Dr Frank Dabba Smith

4 weeks6-27 May

The Origins of Jewish MysticismDr Alinda Damsma

4 weeks 14 May - 4 June For all information about the courses, enrolment and payment:visit us - www.lbc.ac.uk email us - lehrhaus@lbc.ac.uk call us - 020 8349 5600

RSY-Netzer – Medics for our summer campsRSY-Netzer – Medics for our summer campsDates: 26 July – 11 August (4 August – 11 August for Briyah only) + pre camp training (Sunday 14 June in London)

Location: At one of our residential camps in the UK

RSY-Netzer is looking for medics to support our residential camps this summer – doctors, nurses, paramedics or other medical professionals. You will be responsible for the medical needs of around 50-100 children and young people, including first aid, administering prescribed and over-the-counter medication and supporting participants with medical conditions.

You will need an understanding of Jewish youth movements and be able to recognise the welfare needs of the young people on camp as well as being an effective communicator with other professionals, parents, volunteer leaders and young people.

Contact Sharon Daniels, Wellbeing and Inclusion Manager, for application form and more information: sharon.daniels@rsy-netzer.org.uk

Deadline for applications: 9 am Monday, 30 Marcham Monday, 30 March

L e o p o l d s t a d t , t h e p a r t l y biographical play by Tom Stoppard (Vienna's Leopoldstadt quarter housed many Jewish families before the Holocaust) is at Wyndham's Theatre, 32-36 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DA and runs until Saturday 13 June. 7.30 pm (2.30 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays only).

BRS Education CommitteeDates for your diaryIntroduction to JudaismClasses will continue in the Sanctuary during Cheder, starting at 10 am.Dates are now as follows: Sundays, 1, 15 and 29 MarchClasses will be led by John Posner.Please contact John for further details: john.posner@talk21.comThere will be a small charge for non-members. Contact the synagogue office to register your interest: admin@bromleyshul.org.uk

Reform Judaism Beit Din Residential Weekend Nottingham, 27-29 MarchAre you considering conversion, are you in the process of converting, or have you recently become Jewish?

Then join us for a residential weekend at Eastwood Hall Hotel, Nottingham forming networks with those following a similar path and facing similar issues.

We’ll enjoy a complete Shabbat experience together in a warm, open environment for questions and discussions.

We will be led by Rabbi Jackie Tabick, Convenor of the Beit Din, Reform Judaism’s religious court which deals with matters of conversion.

The cost will be £190 per person to include all meals. The cost for children sharing their parents' room is £55.

The event programme is suitable for over 12s. Please let us know if you wish to attend with children under this age.

For more information call Lynsey: 020 8349 5645

5Highlight, March 2020 - Adar/Nisan 5780

Council of Christians and JewsCouncil of Christians and JewsSouth East London Branch South East London Branch

Wednesday, 18 March at 8.00 pmRefreshments from 7.45 pmat St Stephen’s Church, College Road, SE21 7HN (beside Sydenham Hill railway station)“Teaching by re-enacting: Dulwich Passion Play 2020*, and Celebration of the Passover”Christian and Jewish Participants from SE London will lead a discussion For further details, please contact Stephen Weil on 020 8299 4141Email: stephenweil6@gmail.com*The Dulwich Passion Play Performances will be given on Good Friday (10 April), and Easter Sunday (12 April).For details, go to St Stephen’s website

PURIM 5780Purim falls on 14 Adar, 5780 (9-10 March) and we shall be celebrating! (details on page 1)We thus fulfil the traditions of Purim, which include festive meals, costumes, masquerades, plays, parodies and liquor. This year we would again like to combine the mitzvot of sending food gifts to friends and money to the poor by collecting items for local food banks. Whatever you attend over the festival, please bring gifts of food and toiletries* for us to donate! * for items that are specially

needed, please check out the foodbank website:

https://bromleyborough.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/

Vacancy - Vice-Chair Finance (Voluntary) European Union for Progressive Judaism

You are someone who believes in the principles and practices of

Progressive Judaism and would enjoy being involved in furthering and developing Progressive Judaism on a European scale. Our Movement supports 180 member communities in 17 countries across Europe. We are engaged with individual community projects which help to develop those communities as well as their individual members.

If you enjoy playing an important role within a management group of experienced, dedicated and like-minded volunteers, this position is for you. It will be of considerable help if you are familiar with the basics of accounts, record-keeping, bank statements and assessing grant applications. Formal qualifications are not necessary but would be useful. Could suit past Synagogue Treasurer looking for broader horizons.

For more information please contact our current VP-Finance, David Pollak, at david@maplesolutions.co.ukDeadline: 31 March 2020.

One Jewish Boy by Stephen Laughtonat Trafalgar Studio 2, 14 Whitehall, London SW1 until 4 AprilJesse is paranoid and he's frightened and it's messing up his relationship, his job, his daughter and his life…

In a bittersweet comedy fuelled by anti-Semitism, One Jewish Boy focuses squarely on the inheritances that haunt us, asking if the fear of hatred could be worse than hate itself…

Critically acclaimed, award-winning writer Stephen Laughton (JB Priestly Award for Writers of Promise 2019 winner, and current Writer in Residence for the Astrophysics Department at the American Museum of Natural History) has written One Jewish Boy as an urgent response to overt anti-Semitism.

With anti-Semitism and racism rife in political parties and hate-crime at unprecedented levels, Stephen Laughton explores one young family’s struggle against fear and prejudice.

The Book GroupThe group’s convenor, Judy Woolfe, writes:

The next session of the Book Group will be on Thursday, 5 March in the shul library at 7.45 pm – with refreshments.

We shall be critically appraising Isaac Bashevis Singer’s great novel ‘Shadows on the Hudson’, which is set in New York City after the Second World War and before the establishment of Israel. It follows the lives of a group of Jewish emigrés from Poland.

There are usually around 10 people at each session, so there is room for two or three more people to join the group.

Further information from Judy Woolfe: Through the synagogue: 020 8460 5460

SE10 and BeyondThe next SE10 and Beyond meeting will be on Wednesday, 25 March in Blackheath from 7.30pm.

The subject will be a look at Jewish painting, drawing or sculpture. Bring along a picture or other artwork you would like to show or talk about.

As usual all welcome and some food contributions would be most acceptable.

The evening is being hosted by Barbara Saalfeld-Edwards, but you can contact Michelle through the synagogue: 020 8460 5460 if you require any further information.

Michelle Brooks Evans

6 Copy date for April Highlight: Monday, 16 March 2020

Social and PersonalBIRTH - A hearty mazal tov to Rebecca (Miles) and Arun Advani on the arrival of Narayan Noam on 8 January, a brother for Leora. A mazal tov also to the proud grandparents, Joanna Koenigsberg and Tim Miles.

DEATH - We are very sad to announce the death of our long-time member Shirley Gould, widow of Glanley Gould. We send heartfelt condolences to her son Bryan, daughter Debbie and brother Sidney Travers. May Shirley’s memory be for a blessing, Zichrona l’vracha.

MANY HAPPY RETURNS to founder member Hilda Lask, who will celebrate her 90th birthday on 17 March. Older members will remember that Hilda was chairman when the synagogue celebrated its silver jubilee in 1989. All are invited to a festive kiddush after the service on Saturday, 21 March to celebrate the happy occasion.

GET WELL SOON - Pauline Jeffree writes: This time of year tends to be when a number of our members and beloved family and friends are struggling with persistent sickness. We wish you well and assure you all that our thoughts are with you.

Bromley Reform Synagogue Education CommitteeWhat were the Rabbis doing in the Garden?

orWere the Sages the

first Post-Structuralists?The Education Committee is delighted to announce thatProf Bernie Cohenis joining us again with another of his much enjoyed talks.Intrigued, mystified?Then join us onFriday, 27 March at 7 pmA shortened service will be followed by a bring-and-share supper

Further details from Barbara through the synagogue: 020 8460 5460

Sophie Taylor celebrated her bat mitzvah on Saturday, 8 February in the presence of her family and friends and a large congregation. To emphasise that it was indeed a Sabbath of Song (Shabbat Shirah)Sophie's family brought along its own choir to supplement the efforts of Bromley's own singers.

Knitters, Stitchers and NatterersThank you to shul members who have generously given beautiful material for making specialised covers for the state-of-the-art new incubators.

Thank you, too, to members who have generously given towards the purchase of double knitting baby wool.

We are currently knitting chicks and bunnies for St Christopher’s Hospice. We have so far knitted over 200 and soon they will have a cream egg to sit upon. On completion of this project at the end of February we have been asked to knit for some of the animals who need their paws protected (koala bears) or pouches for Joeys. We will also be helping in a new project, but more of that next time ...

There is always room for new people. In fact, we would love you to join us - you would be most welcome

We shall be meeting again on Thursdays, 5 March and 16 April from 10 am to 12 noon at my home.

Pauline Jeffree, through the synagogue: 020 8460 5460 Chag sameach Purim to all our readers

The Wolf of Baghdad The Wolf of Baghdad with Carol Isaacs and 3yinwith Carol Isaacs and 3yinAt At JW3JW3, Finchley Road, London , Finchley Road, London NW3NW3Thursday, 5 March 7:30 pmThursday, 5 March 7:30 pmJW3 is delighted to welcome back JW3 is delighted to welcome back The Wolf of BaghdadThe Wolf of Baghdad, which tells , which tells the story of a family remembering the story of a family remembering their lost Iraqi homeland and of a their lost Iraqi homeland and of a city haunted by its missing Jews. city haunted by its missing Jews. Told through stunning visuals Told through stunning visuals and evocative music from 3yin, an and evocative music from 3yin, an ensemble playing the repertoire ensemble playing the repertoire of Iraq and its ancient Jewish of Iraq and its ancient Jewish community. This special evening community. This special evening launches The Wolf of Baghdad DVD, launches The Wolf of Baghdad DVD, with extra scenes and special guest with extra scenes and special guest musicians led by musician/artist musicians led by musician/artist Carol IsaacsCarol Isaacs (aka cartoonist The (aka cartoonist The Surreal McCoy). Surreal McCoy). The evening will end with a concert The evening will end with a concert from the 3yin band and guests led from the 3yin band and guests led by by Daniel JonasDaniel Jonas, performing the , performing the music of the Jewish communities music of the Jewish communities of the Middle East & North Africa.of the Middle East & North Africa.TicketsTickets: £7.50 to £15.00: £7.50 to £15.00

7Highlight, March 2020 - Adar/Nisan 5780

Events in AprilService Dates for Your DiaryPESACH: The first Seder night this year will be on Wednesday, 8 April. There will be a festival service at 10.30 am on the morning of Thursday, 9 April followed by the Communal Seder at 6.00 pm on that evening. Application forms are circulated with this Highlight - do book early to avoid disappointment!

Yom HaShoah will be marked on Sunday 19 April at a service for all the community. John Posner will lead the service and we will remember the Shoah with candle lighting and music from the BRS Klezmer Band.

We are delighted to invite the community to a Musical Shabbat Evening Service on Friday 24 April. A bring-and-share supper will start at 6 pm, with the service starting at 7 pm. We warmly invite families of all sizes and ages to come.

Student Rabbi Mati dropped a small but noticeable hint about the study session to come, during the service on Shabbat Bo (1 February), when he mentioned the British stiff-upper-lip.

If we assume that most of us who live in the Diaspora have found ways to fit into the societies we live in, then Mati’s observation is correct.

Before the Shoah, German Jews loved Germany as much as any non-Jewish German – they embraced its values, fought and died in the First World War for the Vaterland, but their love was unrequited.

In this country, we (mostly) keep our heads down and try to draw as little attention to ourselves as possible. This is a digres-sion, but worth thinking about some time.

Twenty people took part in the study session - as mental health fits comfortably into the British stereotype of stiff-upper-lip and things we don’t talk about, it was an encouraging turn-out, with participants aged 16 upwards.

Mati chose three personalities from Nevi’im – Hannah (1 Samuel: 1-10), Saul (1 Samuel 16: 13-17, 21-23 and 1 Samuel 31:2-4) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-12). He told us that he chose them because they were more “fleshed out”. Hannah couldn’t conceive a child; Saul was dealing with a fearful combination of bad conscience or maybe guilt from his past. Also, the expec-tations of his society made demands upon him – better to die than to be humiliated by “the uncircumcised”; and Elijah was scared out of his wits and needed peace of mind.

The group engaged in these problems enthusiastically, with modern-day solu-

tions, while remembering, as we must, that our distant ancestors did not have access to modern medicine and therapies. Han-nah’s husband Elkanah could have been more thoughtful, Saul found comfort in music and Elijah needed peace of mind and practical support to move him forward from paralyzing fear into action.

Most of the group spoke out and – in true BRS fashion – drew on diverse sources to support their arguments, or to give food for thought - from the Shoah to the peace of mind that can be found by being out and about enjoying nature. Even AA Milne got a name-check, or more accurately, a spontaneous vocal rendition of “Halfway down the Stairs”.

As a kehillah, we try to support each other – Talmud states it more strongly:Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh BazehAll Israel is responsible for each other

Whether the message of the Talmud is practical/possible/desirable nowadays, is another discussion. But it is worth wonder-ing how it would affect the mental health of our community if we treated mental health as part of the Golden Rule.

Mati took a journey with us – per-haps he had an idea of several possible destinations. But he gently kept us on message and created an atmosphere that suited those of us who love to share our opinions and, equally, those who prefer to keep our innermost feelings to ourselves. His humour, empathy and depth of learn-ing made the time fly past. And when we finished the study, it still felt as if there was more ground to cover.

From our Roving Reporter

The Sound of SilenceThe Sound of SilenceA Shabbat study session for Mental Health Shabbat, led by student rabbi A Shabbat study session for Mental Health Shabbat, led by student rabbi Mati KirschenbaumMati Kirschenbaum

History: A British StoryThis gallery of the Jewish Museum tells the stories of Jewish people who have come here from areas as diverse as Eastern Europe, India and the Middle East – and how they have become part of British life.Highlights include a recreation of a Jewish East End street, an interactive map exploring the history of Jewish settlement around the UK; and poignant displays relating to refugees from Nazism, including the 10,000 unaccompanied children who came to Britain on the Kindertransport.There are fun and engaging activities for visitors of all ages, including a great migration board game and Yiddish theatre karaoke.Jewish Museum London, Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street, London NW1 7NB

SERVICESMarch 2020 – Adar/Nisan 5780Erev Shabbat: n.b. regular Friday evening servicesErev Shabbat: n.b. regular Friday evening services have been suspended except for special occasions such have been suspended except for special occasions such as the Oneg on Friday 27 March (see below).as the Oneg on Friday 27 March (see below).Shabbat servicesShabbat services at 10.30 am, unless otherwise stated at 10.30 am, unless otherwise stated

Saturday 7 March Zachor (Tetzaveh - 11 Adar) Service leader: Joanna BigginScroll reader: David Zerihan

Monday 9 March Erev PurimService at 7.30 pm with reading of the Megillat Esther, preceded by a hot supper at 6.30 pm (come in fancy dress)

Saturday 14 March Parah (Ki Tisa - 18 Adar)Service led by John PosnerScroll reader: Hadassah Britz

Saturday 21 March Ha-Chodesh (Vayakhel-Pekudei - 25 Adar) Service led by Judi SheffrinBirthday Kiddush for Hilda Lask after the service

Thursday 26 March Rosh Chodesh Nisan

Friday 27 March

Saturday 28 March

Shortened Shabbat evening service at 7.00 pm, followed by a bring-and-share supper and talk by Prof. Bernie CohenVayikra (3 Nisan)Service led by Stephanie Amiel, Scroll Reader: David Zerihan

8 Copy date for April Highlight: Monday, 16 March 2020

JEWISH BOOK WEEK29 February to 8 Marchat Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1with lunchtime events at JW3, 341-351 Finchley Road, London NW3The book week’s line-up ranges from acclaimed authors like Simon Schama, Howard Jacobson, Hannah Rothschild and Edmund de Waal to leading speakers and performers such as Julia Neuberger, A.C. Grayling, Claire Martin, Emma Barnett and Douglas Murray. We also look at the lives and careers of iconic individuals including George Gershwin, Albert Einstein, Eva Ibbotson, Bach, Karl Marx, Dorothy Parker, Primo Levi, Shakespeare and Elaine FeinsteinGo to jewishbookweek.com/upcoming-events/ to see the full list of eventsGo to jewishbookweek.com/upcoming-events/ to see the full list of events

Book ticketsBook tickets in person, online or by ’phone: in person, online or by ’phone:kingsplace.co.uk/jbw, 020 7520 1490; kingsplace.co.uk/jbw, 020 7520 1490; jw3.org.uk/jewishbookweek, 020 7433 8988.jw3.org.uk/jewishbookweek, 020 7433 8988.

Three Ways of looking at ForgivenessFollowing the previous 3 Faiths meetings on Forgiveness in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the final meeting will be at 7.15 to 9 pm on Thursday 2 April at the Al-Emaan Centre, Keston and will be a panel discussion on forgiveness.

This has been a fascinating collaboration by the three faiths, with excellent speakers from each of the communities, and has served largely to emphasise our similarities, while allowing us to recognise and respect our differences.

Matthew de Langethrough the synagogue: 020 8460 5460

Save the date…Nov. 26-30, 202010-14 Kislev, 5781

ARZENU UK - Leo Baeck, HaifaJoint Mission to

IsraelCome to Israel on a trip with a purpose.Experience the Israel we all aspire and hope for.Further information fromsuzy.leobaeckhaifa@gmail.com

Jewish Music InstituteThe World of Ernest Bloch:Masterclasses - Discussion - Gala ConcertDate: Sunday, 19 April Cost: £10 – £25Venue: Brunei Gallery, SOAS Russell Square Campus London, WC1H 0XG

9Highlight, March 2020 - Adar/Nisan 5780

MarchS 1 Intro to JudaismIntro to Judaism - 10 am in the Shul - 10 am in the Shul

M 2

T 3

W 4

Th 5 Knitters, Stitchers and Natterers, 10 am to 12 noon at Pauline’sBook Group, 7.45 pm in the LibraryBeginners’ HebrewBeginners’ Hebrew - 7.30 to 9.00 pm - 7.30 to 9.00 pm

F 6

S 7 Zachor Zachor (Tetzaveh)(Tetzaveh)

S 8 Purim Puppet Parade Purim Puppet Parade in the Cheder from in the Cheder from 11.30 am11.30 amYouth ClubYouth Club - 12.30 pm in the Shul - 12.30 pm in the ShulJewish Book WeekJewish Book Week ends ends

M 9 Erev Purim - Celebration in the Shul Erev Purim - Celebration in the Shul from 6.30 pmfrom 6.30 pm

T 10 PURIM

W 11 Social CentreSocial Centre - 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at the - 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at the Shul - visit by Talia from Sadeh FarmShul - visit by Talia from Sadeh Farm

Th 12 Beginners’ HebrewBeginners’ Hebrew - 7.30 to 9.00 pm - 7.30 to 9.00 pm

F 13

S 14 Parah (Ki Tisa)

S 15 Intro to JudaismIntro to Judaism - 10 am in the Shul - 10 am in the ShulFestive kiddush for LizzieFestive kiddush for Lizzie - 12.30 pm - 12.30 pm

M 16

T 17 Synagogue AGM, 8 pm at the Shul

W 18 CCJ meetingCCJ meeting, , 8 pm at St. Stephen’s Ch., SE218 pm at St. Stephen’s Ch., SE21

Th 19 Beginners’ HebrewBeginners’ Hebrew - 7.30 to 9.00 pm - 7.30 to 9.00 pm

F 20

S 21 Ha-Chodesh (Vayakhel-Pekudei) Festive kiddush after the service to celebrate Hilda Lask’s 90th birthday

S 22

M 23

T 24

W 25 Social CentreSocial Centre - - 10.30 to 2.30 at the Shul10.30 to 2.30 at the ShulSE10 and BeyondSE10 and Beyond - 7.30 pm at - 7.30 pm at BlackheathBlackheath

Th 26 Rosh Chodesh NisanRosh Chodesh NisanF 27 Friday evening service at 7 pm Friday evening service at 7 pm followed followed

by talk by by talk by Prof. Bernie CohenProf. Bernie CohenReform Judaism Beit Din Residential Weekend at Nottingham begins

S 28 VayikraVayikra

S 29 Intro to JudaismIntro to Judaism - 10 am in the Shul - 10 am in the ShulM 30

T 31

AprilW 1

Th 2 3 Faiths Group3 Faiths Group - - panel discussion on forgiveness - 7.15 pm at the Al-Emaan Centre, Keston

F 3

S 4 Ha-Gadol (Tsav)

S 5

M 6

T 7

W 8 First Seder NightTh 9 PESACH - First Day PESACH - First Day -- service at 10.30 amservice at 10.30 am

Communal Seder, Communal Seder, 6.00 pm at the Shul6.00 pm at the Shul

F 10

S 11 Chol Ha-Moed Pesach

S 12

M 13

T 14

W 15 PESACH - 7th DayPESACH - 7th Day

Th 16 Knitters, Stitchers and Natterers, 10 am to 12 noon at Pauline’s

F 17

S 18 Shemini

S 19 Service for Yom HashoahService for Yom Hashoah - 11 am - 11 am

M 20

T 21 Yom Hashoah

W 22 Social CentreSocial Centre - 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at the - 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at the ShulShul

Th 23

F 24 Musical Erev Shabbat - food at 6 pm, service at 7 pm

S 25 Atzmaut Atzmaut (Tazria-Metzorah)(Tazria-Metzorah)Rosh Chodesh IyarRosh Chodesh Iyar

S 26 Cheder TakeoverCheder Takeover by RSY-Netzer by RSY-NetzerYouth ClubYouth Club after Cheder after Cheder

M 27

T 28 Yom Hazikaron

W 29 Yom Ha’atzmautYom Ha’atzmaut

Th 30

Dates for Your Diary

A constituent of Reform Judaism – www.reformjudaism.org.uk

R e g i s t e r e d R e g i s t e r e d Charity No. 1098431. Bromley & District Reform Synagogue Ltd. is a Company limited by Guarantee. Charity No. 1098431. Bromley & District Reform Synagogue Ltd. is a Company limited by Guarantee. Registered in Registered in England and Wales. Company Registration number 4583645. England and Wales. Company Registration number 4583645.

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