tu b’shvat shabbat service · want to join us more often. 2) cheder started again on 4 january...

In This Month’s HighlightView from the Chair ..........................3Limmud 2014 .....................................3Cheder News ......................................4Social Centre News ............................4Trip to Eastern Europe .......................5Talmud Study Classes ........................5MRJ Book Launch .............................6The BeaTles of Shushan ....................6Jewish Book Week 2015 ....................6Social and Personal ............................7Highlight online .................................7 jeneration on campus .........................7The Full Limmud ...............................8LBC Lehrhaus ....................................8Introduction to Judaism ......................8Book Study Session ...........................9Services ..............................................9Riding4Reform ..................................9UJIA Legacy Mission ........................9Dates for Your Diary .......................10Synagogue Contacts .........................11

Advertisements ................................12

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Tu B’Shvat Shabbat ServiceSaturday 7 February at 10:30 am

This Tu B’Shvat, the Cheder will host the Shabbat Service on Saturday 7 February, to be followed by a special bring and share GREEN Kiddush.

We would love bakers and other kindly souls to help bring any of these Tu B’Shvat treats to the Kiddush:• A fruit with an outer shell or peel that cannot be eaten: nuts,

pomegranates, kiwi, banana• A fruit with seeds inside: apples, olives, peaches, pears, plums,

prunes, dates• A fruit with seeds inside and an outer sheet or peel that cannot be

eaten: oranges, tangerines, grapefruit• A fruit that is completely edible: raisins, figs,

strawberries, carob• You may also bring a food made from wheat:

bread, cake or biscuits

To find out more please email [email protected] or [email protected]

999 Clubneeds your donations!

Kids’ and adults’ clothes, food.Please bring them to shul and earn a thank you from people who don’t have as much in life as we do and need a helping hand.

The Civic Service, marking the end of the Synagogue’s Golden Jubilee celebrations was held on Saturday, 24 January, Shabbat Bo. Standing at the centre of the photograph with our Chairman Joanna Koenigsberg are the Mayor and Mayoress of Bromley, Councillor Julian Benington and Mrs Benington. Also present were Bob Neill M.P., Robert Weiner, Chairman of MRJ and his wife, Chief Superintendent Chris Hafford, Commander of the Bromley Division, members of the local clergy, Rabbis Tony Hammond and David and Helen Freeman, and Joe and Marilyn Burchell from Catford and Bromley Synagogue.

Join a visit to Jewish Prague - see page 5 of Highlight

mailto:[email protected]


IN CASE OF EMERGENCY(in the event of a bereavement)

Contact Mrs Janet Posner: 020 8650 7521 (Mobile: 07841 373 309)or Stephen Weil: 020 8299 4141 (Mobile: 07764 475209)

Tell the CommunityThis cut-out slip is a regular feature in Highlight to enable you to inform the community of any appropriate event - birth, marriage, engagement, illness, bereavement, birthday celebration, examination success etc. Please complete and return to the Editor c/o the Synagogue office.We would like you to know that ............................................................................................

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Name .................................................................................. Tel. No. .................................

BROMLEY REFORM SYNAGOGUE A constituent of the Movement for Reform Judaism

28, Highland Road, BROMLEY, Kent, BR1 4ADTelephone: 020 8460 5460

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bromleyshul.org.uk

(Office - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays)Minister: Rabbi Jason Holtz

07454 021 892

Synagogue Administrator: Mrs Janet Burlem

HONORARY OFFICERSPresident: David Barnett

Vice-Presidents:Desirée Barnett Zena Goodman Sally RoseberyNorman Goldberg Ivor Lask, MBE Bob SymondsRonnie Goldberg Dianne Mathews David Zerihan

Executive OfficersChairman: Joanna Koenigsberg 020 8309 1061 [email protected]: Toby Allin

Matthew de Lange01892 528053020 8858 6206

[email protected][email protected]

Secretary: Lesley Freeman 01689 818731 [email protected]: Sandra Hurley 07770 661 898 [email protected] Warden: Larry Shall 01732 873361 [email protected]

Editor: Bob Symonds: 020 8402 2197; [email protected] expressed in “Highlight” are not necessarily the official policy of the Synagogue

2Copy date for March Highlight: Sunday 15 February

3Highlight, February 2015 - Shevat/Adar 5775

Not all plans run smoothly – View from the Chair

When she heard that

Rabbi Jason Holtz was going on holiday, Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner kindly offered to take the service on the Shabbat. Quickly realising that this

was an excellent opportunity to hear more about the Movement for Reform Judaism, plans were made to invite members to listen to Rabbi Laura during or after a bring-and-share lunch.

Not all plans are destined to run smoothly, though. The outrages in Paris certainly altered our Shabbat plans. In the first instance, Rabbi Laura dispensed with the sermon she had prepared and instead offered us an opportunity to share our thoughts and emotions about what had happened. Our conclusion, if you can call it one, was that we are appreciative of the features of an enlight-ened democratic system which enables us to feel safe most of the time and that these events only make us value it more.

Rabbi Laura actually arrived with her suitcase, not to stay with us in Bromley, but to travel to Paris that same afternoon. Her goal was both to offer support to her French counterparts and, in addi-tion, with a British Muslim colleague, to demonstrate that our faiths are in no way ‘natural enemies’ but human beings who can work together amicably. I hope we will soon hear how her trip went.

The discussion about the work of the Movement did take place. Rabbi Laura emphasised that the administration has been slimmed down in recent years and the focus changed so that the staff do a great deal of traveling, rather than waiting at the Sternberg Centre for members to approach them. For Jews in a slightly “far-flung” location this is good news! It was also heartening to hear that children and young people from Beit Or were benefiting from involvement with the Movement’s programmes. I would recommend anyone wanting to learn more about the work of the movement to have a look at its website (www.reformjudaism.org.uk).

The horrible events in France have

I went to Limmud for the first time a year ago and was really happy to go

again this year. For those of you who have never been, it’s a giant Jewish learning convention lasting for the better part of week that attracts nearly 2,600 people. All sorts of Jews attend: secular, Orthodox, Reform, Masorti, British, Israeli, American, European, you name it. Nearly every waking hour (and even some non-waking hours), there is a whole variety of things going on, from music to discussion to lecture to food to shopping, to debate, and this year, a New Year’s Eve Party.

One of the most interesting present-ers this year was Ari Shavit. Ari is an Israeli journalist who recently wrote a fantastic book, My Promised Land, which I highly recommend. He spoke passionately about his love for Israel, his commitment to Zionism, but also his concern over the direction of his country. He criticised both the Israeli left and the Israeli right. The Israeli political left, he said, wrongly equated ending the occupa-tion with the achievement of peace. He

made us think again and again about our security. Shabbat services seem to be largely covered, but the safety of Cheder children on Sundays is giving cause for concern. In order to enable Cheder par-ents to fulfil their security duties more confidently, there will soon (watch for February dates) be one or two courses covering the basics. Please look out for them, and try to attend. The safety of our children must be of prime importance and cannot just be left to someone else to maintain.

Do you remember the Kol Nidre appeal? I am really pleased to be able to share with you that we raised around £3,000 for each of our charities. I would like to thank you all for your generos-ity, of course, but more moving are the thanks of the 999 Club and from WIZO on behalf of the Phoebe Welcome Leon Day Centre. They described our cheques as “a wonderful gift” and “a welcome surprise” respectively. The contributions from Beit Or will help make a differ-ence, I am sure, so thanks once again.

Joanna Koenigsberg, [email protected]

pointed to Gaza as an example. Israel, he said, completely withdrew from Gaza and a year later Hamas was in power. This past summer was just one example of Hamas instigating another round of conflict since that time. So, Ari claimed, there is absolutely no proof or evidence that giving up land will lead to peace, calm or security. However, Ari also critiqued the Israeli right for thinking that it is in anyway desirable or defensible to rule over the Palestinians indefinitely. The Israeli right, he also said, is moving from a secular, conservative movement that aimed to be pragmatic to one that is influenced much more by a messianic, religious zeal. He offered an entire series of lectures on his analysis of Israeli internal politics, Israeli foreign affairs, and issues pertaining to the wider Middle East.

Another fascinating presentation was by Dr Joel Hoffman. He discussed ancient Israelite stories that were written down at the same time as the Hebrew Bible, but that were ultimately not included in the canon and compared them

Limmud 2014 - A giant Jewish learning conventionwith similar Biblical texts. In particular, he focused on stories that dealt with the subject of evil. Evil was always a difficult problem for monothe-ists, because if there is one God that created everything, one must ask, “Did God create evil?” Dr Hoffman looked at Biblical texts, such as the expulsion from the Garden of Eden, which blames human nature and tempta-tion, and extra-Biblical texts, such as the Book of Enoch, which talks about fallen angels. Ultimately, Dr Hoffman’s pre-sentation was a great discussion on the diversity of thought and belief in ancient Israel.

Limmud was a wonderful experience for me. If you have never been before, I encourage you to think about attending next year. L’shalom, to peace,Rabbi Jason Holtz, [email protected]

See also the report by first-time visitor Stephen Weil on page 8 of Highlight.


Cheder News Social Centre NewsWelcome back everyone! I hope you’ve all had a happy, healthy, restful New Year and are ready to start 2015 with your most important resolution: “I will come to Cheder EVERY week and on TIME”! Here’s what’s happening in Cheder:

1) Our Chanukah Party was a HUGE success, with nearly 100 people in attendance. It was especially nice to see so many new faces, including potential members of our synagogue. Let’s hope Chanukah was so much fun, they want to join us more often.

2) Cheder started again on 4 January and we got off to a flying start. One highlight was the assembly led by the children who went to Sheleg camp over the holiday. They sang a Sheleg song and it seems they all had a fantastic time. Many thanks to the Shul which provided the funding to help all of the children go this year.

3) We also had some sad news. Our lovely remedial teacher Pauline Jeffree has suffered a nasty fall and won’t be able to come to Cheder this term. We wish her a refuah shelayma. Luckily for us, Noam Eyal and Joshua Parks have offered to step in and provide remedial support for any children who need it until Pauline is well enough to return to us. Get well soon, Pauline!

4) By the time you read this, Horaay Cheder will have had another coffee morning to talk about how we can make Cheder the best possible experience for our children. If you could help us in even the smallest of ways, why not join us for one of these coffee mornings? Sometimes even offering just to bring a cake to an event can make all the difference to us- but you have to know when those events are, and that’s what we talk about. If you can help, would you please let us know by contacting either of our two wonderful heads of Horaay

Cheder: Dani at [email protected] or Michelle at [email protected]

5) Family services are continuing, with one planned every other month. These are Rabbi-led family friendly services (not to be confused with Children’s Services, which are led by the children) They’re shorter and the music is a bit bouncier than regular services, so why not give one a try?

6) And last but certainly not least, the Tu B’Shvat Children’s Service will take place on Saturday, 7 February INSTEAD of Cheder on the 8th! (That’s right, Cheder is cancelled on 8 February) Here the children will indeed LEAD this shorter service of songs and stories for the entire community, followed by a bring and share “Green Kiddush”. Please make every effort to come on this day (remember, you’ll have Sunday off as a reward!). The Kiddush will need each family to bring a Tu B’Shvat fruit or food to share, so please check the posters and flyers to see what those are. It promises to be a lovely Saturday morning!

That’s all for now… With best wishes for a happy and healthy February,Vicki, [email protected]

Table of fruits at the 2014 Tu B’Shvat celebration

Well, some of our “wanderers” returned to the Social Centre

on Wednesday, 12 January and very welcome they were. We were particularly happy to see Valerie and Lionel, both looking in good spirits.

Lionel led the discussion (with some interruption from those present) with a resumé of why Jews emigrated to western Europe and America in such great numbers in the 19th century. One of the reasons, of course. was the anti-Semitism and the other principal reason was that a decree was issued that all Jewish males from 13 upwards would have to join the Russian army for 25 years.

They made their journey via the Baltic ports (Hamburg being the most popular) and when they arrived at their destinations they were escorted off the boats not knowing whether they were in Europe or America because most of the immigrants were unable to speak English (I can just imagine the arguments on the quayside)!

This led us to discuss the tragic events in Paris and why a minority of Moslems want to spread their doctrine. Some of us thought this was no different from other religions, except they want to achieve this by violence, whereas most religions try to achieve it by persuasion (except it was pointed out that the Crusaders were a bloodthirsty lot and many hundreds of people were killed, including many Jews.

As usual, the discussion ran over time and we had to break up for the customary delicious lunch.

After lunch we were given our calendar for Social Centre meetings up until June. Some of us breathed a sigh of relief to know that for the next six months at least we will not have to watch the afternoon film on TV for two days in every month. Most of us feel it is more worthwhile coming out (despite the weather) to meet and talk to each other and generally enjoy the company of friends.

Zelda Stone

Social Centre Diary DatesWednesday, 11 FebruarySocialising and lunch

Wednesday, 25 February visit from Chiropractor Jason Gould





Talmud Study ClassesRabbi Jason Holtz, Instructor

The Talmud is the foundational literature of Rabbinic Judaism.

Full of legend and law, its teachings have guided Jews for thousands of years, and it is still hugely influen-tial. No prior knowledge is neces-sary for this course, but it is proving challenging and thought provoking for all.Students need to bring their own copy of Tractate Berachot, and they are recommended to bring a Tenach (Bible) as well. Many publish-ers have printed a version of the Talmud that will work well, but the Koren Talmud, with a translation and commentary by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, is recommended. This version can be purchased from Amazon.co.uk The course meets on Thursdays from 10:30-11:45 am. For more information, please con-tact Rabbi Jason Holtz on 020 8460 5460 or Barbara Kurtz by e-mail at [email protected]


One of the treasures in our syna-gogue is a Torah scroll from the

Czech Jewish community of Bzenec. Jews lived in that small town for cen-turies; however, some fled and many more were deported and killed as the Nazis spread across Europe. Whole communities were gone, but their reli-gious artefacts, including Torah scrolls, were left behind. Many of these items were collected and stored in Prague during the war, and eventually came into the custody of Westminster Syna-gogue about 50 years ago. Westminster Synagogue in turn loaned out approxi-mately 1,500 of these Torah scrolls to other synagogues around the world. Bromley Reform Synagogue has two of these scrolls, including the one from Bzenec. Recently, Rabbi Harvey Winokur of Temple Kehillat Chaim in subur-ban Atlanta, Georgia contacted me. His synagogue, like ours, has a Torah scroll from Bzenec. Including our two synagogues, there are a total of nine synagogues currently in posses-sion of a scroll from Bzenec (all but Bromley are located in the United States). Last year, Rabbi Winokur travelled to London to take part in the 50 year anniversary ceremony of the Czech scrolls arriving at Westminster Synagogue. The anniversary ceremony was very moving for him. When he returned home, he did more research on Bzenec and decided to help organ-ise a trip for his synagogue members to Eastern Europe, to learn more about the history of the Jewish community. This trip is now planned, and Rabbi Winokur has graciously invited the members of our synagogue, along with the members of the other synagogues with Torah scrolls from Bzenec, to come along. The trip goes from July 13-20, 2015 and begins and ends in Prague. In addition to Prague, the trip will go to Budapest, Vienna, and, of course, Bzenec. Highlights of the trip include:• Explore the Story of Jewish

Budapest over the past 150 Years, including visits to:− The Dohany Street Synagogue,

the largest in Europe.

− The Jewish Museum, housed on the site of Theodor Herzl’s birth.

− The Community Holocaust Memorial.

• Visit the Vienna Temple (Stadtem-pel), the only surviving synagogue from pre-WWII days, located near the Judenplatz, the main square of the Jewish community for nearly 500 years.

• A tour of Bzenec, where one of our Torah scrolls originated, including a visit to the Jewish cemetery.

• An Inside Look into the Czech Republic- Politics, Economics & Society Dialogue with Mr Peter Brod, former BBC Bureau Chief and Radio Free Europe activist.

• Guided visit through Jewish Prague, including the Old Ghetto, the Precious Legacy Exhibit at the Jewish Museum and the Jewish Cemetery, as well as:− The Altneu Shul, the longest

continually used synagogue in Europe and site of the first use of the Magen David.

− The Maisel Synagogue, named after a Jewish mayor of Prague, exemplifies the Golden Age of Jewish Prague.

− The Pincus Synagogue, a memorial to the Jews of Prague who died in the Holocaust.

− The Old Cemetery, with the graves of such Jewish luminar-ies as Judah Loew, the Maharal, and Mordechai Maisels, and the ceremonial hall with the well-known Hevra Kadisha paintings.

− The Spanish Synagogue built in 1868 on the site of the oldest

Prague Jewish house of prayer (“the Old Shul”) and designed in a Moorish style by Vojtech Ignátz Ullmann.

For more information, visit: http://www.arzaworld.com/temple-kehilat-chaim-europe-trip-2015.aspx This is a custom tour, run by ARZA (Association of Reform Zionists of America) World meant specifically to guide our synagogues around East-ern Europe. Because it is a custom tour, run by a Reform Jewish affili-ated travel organisation, this will be a unique, one of a kind experience. I hope that many of you will be able to participate on this exciting trip to learn more about this history of Eastern European Jewish communities as well as the history of one of our very own Torah scrolls.L’shalom, Rabbi Jason Holtz, [email protected]

An Exciting Opportunity for You to Travel to Eastern Europe

Prague - Altneu Schul


The BeaTles of ShushanLive performance

at Bromley Reform SynagogueSunday, 8 March

seating at 10:30 am Help wanted! Auditions open to all adults and children, regardless of experience or ability level, to join the Fab Four Rehearsal Schedule: Sundays8 February 11:15 am-12:45 pm15 February 1:00-2:30 pm 1 March 1:00-2:30 pmTraditional Megillah Reading on Erev Purim, Thursday, 4 March.

Jewish Book Week 2015Saturday evening, 21 February – Sunday, 1 MarchThis year’s international festival of arts and ideas explores the best new writing from the UK, Europe, Israel and the US. It features con-temporary culture, scorching debates, renowned authors (including Bromley’s own Martin Wolf), original voices, and themes that include fathers and daughters, the end of WW2 and The New Yorker season. Enjoy nine days of innovative events on art and archaeology, history and music, philosophy and politics, psychoanalysis and the economy, and, of course, fantastic fiction. The principal venue is Kings Place on York Way, north of Kings Cross Station, and there are lunchtime events at the Jewish Museum, Camden Town, NW1.Browse the full festival programme: jewishbookweek.com Book tickets: kingsplace.co.uk/jbw For Jewish Museum events contact [email protected] or 020 7446 8771Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG 020 7520 1490

MRJ Book LaunchTwo books, written by Reform rabbis, were launched at the Sternberg Centre at the end of January. They were:‘Bar Mitzvah, a history’ by Rabbi Michael Hilton “Bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah are contemporary Judaism’s best-known and least understood observances. Michael Hilton does a wonderful job of assembling the lore, laws, and customs regarding bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah in a way that is easily accessible to scholars, educators, and laypeople. Highly recommended!”Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin, author of Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah

‘The Aura of Torah, a Kabbalistic Hasidic Commentary on the Torah’ by Rabbi Larry Tabick.

“The Aura of Torah is an important and useful contribution to the emergent literature of spiritual companions to the parashah. There is nothing quite like it on the shelf. Tabick assembles mystical teachings for the general reader with insight, creativity, and obvious spiritual depth.”Lawrence Kushner, author of Honey from the Rock.

For further information go to: [email protected]

Social and Personal

Knit and NatterThe next ‘Knit and Natter’ is planned for: Monday, 16 February from 2.30 - 4 pm at Pauline’s home.

We need knitters and we always have a good natter over a cup of tea or coffee with cake.

Any queries please contact Pauline at [email protected].

jeneration on campus is backcalling all sixth formers!stay with reform studentsget a taste for life on campusspend shabbat on campusexperience university hands on

where: Nottinghamwhen: 13-15 February For more information visit www.jeneration.org

Applications must be received by Friday 6 February 2015.

The on-campus event costs £30 excluding travel. If you require financial assistance email [email protected] in confidence.

Council of Christians and JewsSouth East London Branch

Tuesday, 3 March at 8.00 pmRefreshments from 7.45 pmat Catford and Bromley Synagogue, Crantock Road, SE6

Sacred Music: how Christians and Jews use music to create sanctityOur discussions will be led byRev’d Dr Rebecca Lloyd, Curate, St Stephen’s, South DulwichThe Rev David Rome, Cantor and Leader of Catford Synagogue

For further details, please contact Stephen Weil on 020 8693 2051; E: [email protected]


BEREAVEMENTS Sincere condolences to Stanley Solts and his family on the sad loss of his mother Hannah Solts at the age of 102.Sincere condolences also to Alison Scammell on the sad loss of her father, David, grandfather to Ben and Hannah.

GET WELL SOON to David Barnett, Brenda Houlden, Raymond Shomberg and, especially, to the Caring Community’s Pauline who has now returned home after a stay in hospital.

A MESSAGE FROM MARIE Marie Horn tells us that she is happily settled in Dover, where she has moved to be with her family. Her new environ-ment is proving beneficial, but she is missing all her friends in Bromley, so she has asked us to pass on her love and good wishes.

Talmud and Torah studyZena Goodman writes:We enjoy going to the Talmud study mornings on Thursdays twice a month in the synagogue. These sessions are led by Rabbi Jason Holtz. They are not too long, starting at 10.30 am and fin-ishing by 11.45 am. We usually have a hot drink before starting, which is wel-come on a cold day. You do not need to have experience in reading Talmud.

Some of us have not previously had the opportunity to study the text before-hand. Some (like me) may have forgot-ten bits. We read the English transla-tion as well as the original Hebrew. The point I would like to make is that it is very enjoyable. We learn in a short time some of our history and religious law. Everyone asks questions and maybe shares ideas. We go because we have the time in the day. The rabbi loves to lead and share a discussion. I find it very stimulating.

On Monday evenings twice a month the Torah Study Group is led by Dr. John Posner.

As the evenings lengthen it will become easier to go out at night to the many events held in the shul.

Zena Goodman

Would you prefer your Highlight online?

Lots of people these days prefer reading things online. We currently

send out a paper Highlight to most members each month - and we have no intention of stopping - but we don’t want to be sending it out to people who don’t really want a hardcopy version.

If you would prefer to read Highlight online, please let us know and we will arrange for you to get a monthly email with a link to Highlight on our website. The copy is identical. We can provide this service and stop sending you paper Highlight or we can provide the service in addition to paper Highlight. You decide - but if you want to take advantage of this service please email the Editor on comms@bromleyshul

Happy reading!

The Editor

e-light not received?Judi Sheffrin writes:I understand that people occasionally “drop off” the e-light distribution list and then think that e-light has been discontinued.

It hasn’t! If you haven’t received it recently, please go to the Synagogue website (www.bromleyshul.org.uk), select “News” and click on “subscribe to our newsletters”.

Thank you, Judi

The Golden Jubilee Bench

A picture of the bench commemorating the Synagogue’s Golden Jubilee, organised by the Caring Community and installed by Bromley Council at the corner of Highland Road and Madeira Avenue. It provides a nice resting place after struggling up the hill!

Late breaking newsDEATH - We are very sad to report the death on 23 January of our founder member Lila Cailes, widow of the late Jack Cailes and mother of Lawrence and Graeme, to whom, together with their families, we offer sincere condo-lences. We hope to publish a eulogy of Lila in the March issue of Highlight.


Introduction to Judaism taught by Rabbi Jason HoltzThis Sunday morning series will continue in February with an Introduction to Everyday Jewish Living on February 1, 8 and 15. All the courses will be held in the Sanctuary and will run from 10:00-11:00 am

LEO BAECK COLLEGE LEHRHAUSHome of Adult EducationNew opportunities for study in 2015Sign up today to feed your enthusiasm for Progressive Jewish Education.

All the courses are taught by the College’s faculty. Our teachers are both passionate about their subject and deeply knowledgeable.

Tuesday evenings27 January - 24 March at 7.30 to 9.15 pmBiblical Hebrew with Dr Alinda Damsma

Tuesday evenings3 - 24 February at 7.45 to 9.15 pmSpinoza’s Jewish Philosophy with Rabbi Mark L Solomon

Wednesday evenings4 February - 25 March at 7.45 to 9.15 pmJewish Sacred Music: High Holidays – Nusach, Melodies and Texts with Dr Annette Boeckler

Tuesday evenings3 - 24 March at 7.45 to 9.15 pmWhy Did God Laugh? - Introduction to Midrash with Rabbi Colin Eimer

Information and RegistrationFor full details about courses and registration seehttp://bit.ly/LBC_Lehrhaus_2015 or phone/email Jarek on 020 8349 5600 or [email protected]


This is my report on my first visit to a full, multi-day Limmud (as

distinct from a one-day Limmud), and it was a strikingly different (and richer) experience thanks to the international background of so many of the speakers and participants. This fact alone transformed the teaching and the learning.

For those who may not know the multi-day Limmud, it could be described as a “pop-up” 5-day university, with over 1,000 lectures or other sessions, and just under 3,000 participants. Limmud means “learning”, “a course of study” etc.

Even sessions led by British teachers, such as Matthew Pein, looking at writings of the 12th century philosopher Maimonides, were transformed by the clarity and different ideas of the non-British participants.

With most sessions involving participants reading aloud to the class from selected texts, one quickly developed a sense of, and curiosity about, the international background of those present. I have heard of fusion cuisine; this was fusion teaching and learning, producing its own dynamic. Another advantage of hearing fellow class participants read texts was to make it much easier to identify those you might wish to talk to later (and one or two you might want to avoid...!).

The very choice of subject itself opened up new horizons; I was fascinated by the introduction given by Jill Hammer, a New York rabbi, on how to begin to understand our dreams, both those in the Bible and our own. My favourite lectures:

Michael Cook, a US rabbi with a full professorial chair in New Testament, on “Judas”, argued that Judas did not betray Jesus; that the concept of Judas as traitor dated from 30 years after the event when Christians found themselves persecuted under Nero; and that Judas became identified as a traitor because of the similarity of his name to Judah (= Jew). Professor Cook’s case rested

(in my mind) on the absence of any reference of a betrayal in Paul’s letters written several years before Nero. Thank you, Rabbi Jason Holtz, who guided me to the lecturer.

Rachel Elior, who holds the chair of Jewish Philosophy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, led a master class in the study of the one surviving letter of the Baal Shem Tov, the 18th century “founder” of Hasidism, which combined mysticism with Orthodoxy. I did not even know that any written work from the Baal Shem Tov had survived, so it was an eye opener for me. The lecturer brilliantly placed the Baal Shem Tov in his economic and social setting and drew out his originality. This talk was another suggestion from Rabbi Jason Holtz.

Natan Sharansky, one of the heroes of our times, was every bit as outstanding as I had hoped.

Deborah Lipstadt, Professor of Modern Jewish History at Emory University in Atlanta, became famous on account of the successful outcome of her trial against a Holocaust denier. Professor Lipstadt spoke about the Eichmann trial, which I had heard about as a child. She explained why the German authorities had tipped off the Israeli authorities, why Ben Gurion had taken the line he did of ordering a fair trial for Eichmann, and how the state had gone about ensuring a fair trial, building on lessons learnt from the Nuremberg Trials. It was a fascinating, if unusual, way of spending New Year’s Eve.

I highly recommend everyone to experience the full Limmud at least once in their lives, if only for a couple of days.

The Full Limmud by Stephen Weil

Chavruta - one-to-one study - at Limmud (picture downloaded from Limmud site)

SERVICESFebruary 2015 – Shevat/Adar 5775All Fridays at 6.45 pm, unless otherwise stated.Saturdays at 10.30 am, unless otherwise statedFriday 6 FebruarySaturday 7 February

Yitro (18 Shevat) Tu B’Shvat Shabbat morning service led by the Cheder children, followed by a shared “Green” kiddush

Friday 13 FebruarySaturday 14 February

Shekalim (Mishpatim - 25 Shevat)

Friday 20 February Rosh Chodesh Adar


Terumah (2 Adar)Guest preacher: Rabbi Dr Kate Briggs


Zachor (Tetzaveh - 9 Adar)

UJIA Legacy MissionFrom Darkness to Light: A Legacy mission like no other14 to 24 April 2015: Poland and Israel Join UJIA for this extraordinary journey in the footsteps of the Jewish story.

This is an unusual, and very special, UJIA Legacy Mission. You will experience the intense, contrasting emotions of the Jewish story, first in Poland, remembering the darkest days of the Jewish experience, then in Israel, seeing the rebirth of the Jewish story in a modern nation state.

Part 1 – Poland (3 days)In partnership with March of the Living UK, we will visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, Belzec and Majdanek, as well as historic Jewish sites in Poland. Then we will retrace the steps of the March of Death, the actual route which countless numbers of Jewish people were forced to take on their way to the gas chambers at Birkenau. This time, it will be a March of the Living - re-affirming the undying spirit of the Jewish people.

Part 2 – Israel (7 days)This spirit will be vividly illustrated in the second leg of the trip, when we visit Israel. The 7 days we are in the country will take us from the ancient majesty of Jerusalem to the beauty of the Galil to the bustling metropolis of Tel Aviv. We will see Israel in all its contrasts and get an insight into some of its current major challenges. We will also have the privilege of being in Israel for both Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut.

From Darkness to Light will be an unforgettable experience, deepening your knowledge and connection to the modern day Jewish story, as you share this journey with a great group of people.

Mission Cost £1,999.

To express an interest, or for more information, including a brochure, please contact Director of Legacies and Planned Giving, Harvey Bratt

T 020 7424 6431 E [email protected] more at: http://www.ujia.org/event/legacy-march-living/#sthash.pPcUbTcU.dpuf

Riding4Reform 2015The 12th annual Riding4Reform fiveday bike ride is just around the corner! This unforgettable experience is an opportunity to

meet Reform and Progressive Israelis, visit IMPJ communities and enjoy the beautiful scenery that Israel has to offer.

Riding4Reform is an unforgettable ride through the width of the Galilee, passing by the Carmel region and Emek Jez-reel, and a chance to support Israel and Reform Judaism.

Following feedback from the past year the organisers have decided to make the light route easier so that more people can participate. Combined with the original “challenging” track and the walking track, the R4R event is suitable for all levels of riders and walkers.

For the first time in its history, the ride will take place in April, hitting the road on Sunday, 26 April and ending the ride at the sea of Galilee on Thursday, 30 April.

Join those who have already confirmed their participation and send an e-mail with a picture and a few words about yourself to [email protected]


Book Study Session led by Rabbi Jason HoltzThe Plot Against America by Philip Roth

Published in 2004, this book is an alterna-tive history, in which Franklin D Roosevelt is defeated in the American presidential election of 1940 by aviation hero Charles Lindbergh. Lindbergh

speaks against American intervention in World War II and openly criticizes the “Jewish Race” for trying to force American involvement in the war. His election slogan is in fact, “Vote for Lindbergh or Vote for War!”This session was postponed from last year and will now take place onWednesdays 18 and 25 February 2015Starting at 7.45 pm.

Participants are asked to obtain and read the book in advance.




Dates for Your Diary

MarchS 1 BeaTles of Shushan rehearsal,

1.00-2.30 pm at the Shul

M 2

T 3 CCJ meeting on Sacred Music, from 7.45 pm at Catford Synagogue

W 4 Erev Purim Reading the Megillah in the Shul

Th 5 PURIMTalmud Study, 10.30-11.45 am

F 6

S 7 Ki TissaS 8 The BeaTles of Shushan live, 10.30

am at the Shul

M 9 Torah Text Study Gp, 7.30 pm at the Shul

T 10

W 11 Social Centre, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm, talk by Stephen Ison of Jewish Care

Th 12 Talmud Study, 10.30-11.45 am

F 13

S 14 Parah (Vayakhel-Pekudei)

S 15

M 16

T 17 Synagogue AGM, 8 pm at the Shul

W 18


F 20

S 21 Rosh Chodesh NisanHa-Chodesh (Vayikra)

S 22


T 24

W 25 Social Centre, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at the Synagogue


F 27

S 28 Ha-Gadol (Tzav)BST begins (clocks go forward one hour)

S 29

M 30

T 31 Shirah (Beshallach)

FebruaryS 1 Introduction to Everyday Jewish Living,

10-11 am

M 2

T 3

W 4 Tu B’Shvat


F 6

S 7 Yitro - Tu B’Shvat Shabbat Service led by the Cheder

S 8 No Cheder today!Introduction to Everyday Jewish Living, 10-11 amBeaTles of Shushan rehearsal, 11.15 am-12.45 pm at the Shul


T 10

W 11 Social Centre, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at the Synagogue


F 13 jeneration on campus weekend for Sixth formers at Nottingham University

S 14 Shekalim

S 15 Introduction to Everyday Jewish Living, 10-11 amBeaTles of Shushan rehearsal, 1.00-2.30 pm at the Shul

M 16 Knit and Natter, 2.30-4 pm at Pauline’s

T 17

W 18 Book Study Session, 7.45 pm at the Shul


F 20 Rosh Chodesh Adar

S 21 TerumahGuest Preacher: Rabbi Dr Kate BriggsJewish Book Week opens at 8 pm at Kings Place, London N1

S 22 Cheder Half Term


T 24

W 25 Social Centre, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm, visit from chiropractor Jason GouldBook Study Session, 7.45 pm at the Shul


F 27

S 28 Zachor

Contact nos. for subcommittees and other groupsBR5 and 6 and Friends:Jean Garelick, 01689 [email protected]

Board of Deputies Rep.:Joe Millis, 020 8299 [email protected]

Caring Community:Pauline Jeffree, 020 8650 [email protected]

Cheder Head Teacher:Vicki Ashmore, 020 8290 [email protected]

Cheder Security:Tamir Hargittai, 01689 [email protected]

Choir:Dianne Mathews, 01689 [email protected]

Communications:Judi Sheffrin, 07968 [email protected]

Education:Barbara Kurtz, 020 8650 [email protected]

Gan Yeladim:Sue Bowyer, 020 8464 [email protected]

Tracy Frankel, 01732 [email protected]

Horaay Cheder:Dani Hall, 07740 282 [email protected]

Housing, Health and Safety:Graham Harris, 020 8656 [email protected]

Israel Desk:Hugh Lask, 020 8467 [email protected]

J.J.B.S.:Janet Posner, 020 8650 [email protected]

Kiddush Rota:Harriet Posner, 020 8291 [email protected]:Judi Sheffrin, 07968 324981 [email protected]

Membership Inquiries:Janet Burlem, 020 8460 [email protected]

Newsletter Editor:Bob Symonds, 020 8402 [email protected]

Religion and Ritual:Larry Shall, 01732 [email protected]

SACRESamantha Barnett, 020 8467 [email protected]

School Visits Coordinator:Marilyn Freeman, 020 8650 [email protected]

SE10 and BeyondMichelle Brooks-Evans, 020 8293 [email protected]

Social Centre:Dianne Mathews, 01689 [email protected]

Subscriptions:Janet Posner, 020 8650 [email protected]

Security:Eric Lewis, 020 8460 [email protected]:Kieron Hyams, 07980 [email protected]

Youth:Linda de Lange, 020 8858 [email protected]

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tu b’shvat shabbat service · want to join us more often. 2) cheder started again on 4 january...

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