Shabbat Shalom (Parashat B'ha'alotecha)
1. From the Rabbi
(A quick note – a beautiful and ancient looking shofar appeared in my office last week. If you are responsible for its appearance, or have any information on who might be, please let me know, otherwise I will consider it a gift to the Synagogue.)
Opened Horizons
It is, officially, British Summer Time.
Let me offer two bright, sunshiny opportunities for the months ahead, both are happening beyond the confines of Abbey Rd, and perhaps beyond the confines of what has traditionally been associated with New London, but this is the time of year when our horizons should be opened up.
LimmudFest- 27 to 31 August
Limmud is, not only the single largest influence on my own decision to become a Rabbi, I also think it is the most exciting Jewish learning environment I have seen on four continents. Several years ago Limmud conference – the massive December-time festival of learning – began to spawn satellite events. Limmudfest – a three day open-air party in the Peak District over the August Bank Holiday is perhaps the most successful. It’s suitable for all ages, though perhaps most suitable for those feeling young at heart. It is a chance to be in the open air (many camp out), to enjoy the best of Jewish music and discussion. Josephine and I will be there with kids, I will be teaching together with a Jewish gospel singer, an American performance poet and the doyen Jewish Folklorist, Howard Schwartz, For more information http://www.limmud.org/fest/
London to Southend Environmental Bike Ride with Tzedek and the JCC - Sunday 12th July
Tzedek raises money (and volunteering support) from the Jewish community to support grass-roots charitable projects in the developing world. They have a particular connection with Ghana. This event, with the JCC is the first attempt to bring an incredibly successful American model – the Jewish Environmental Bike Ride – to England. If you can cope with 50 miles, do think of joining me for what should be a wonderful way to get to the beach (opportunities for involvement also exist for those who want to support cyclists without cycling themselves). For more information http://www.jcclondon.org.uk/Social_London_Southend.html
I hope to see you there, in the sunshine,
Shabbat shalom,
Jeremy Gordon
2. Reflections: To read the online version of the weekly commentary on the Torah Portion - Reflections, click the following link - http://www.masorti.org.uk/reflections.htm
3. The week Ahead
The Kabbalat Shabbat service this evening begins at 6.30 pm. Tomorrow morning Shacharit is at 9.15 am. There will be a Children's Service at 11.00 am in the Bet Midrash. Also this Shabbat, is the auf ruf of David Lasserson who will be marrying Amelia Aptaker later this month. David and Amelia invite you to join them for a celebratory Kiddush following the service.
On Sunday morning Shacharit will be at 9.30 am in the Bet HaMidrash. Rabbi Gordon continues his Midrash Shiur at 10.15 am. There is no Hebrew reading class this week. The Cheder meets as usual at 9.45 am.
There will be no Babes in the Wood this Monday.
On Monday evening, the Haftarah course with Stephen Cotsen continues at 8.00 pm. (There will be a short catch-up session for anyone joining the course, who missed the first lesson last week, at 7.30 pm. It will not be possible to join after this week.)
Next Shabbat - The Service Starts at 9.15 am…We all read or hear the announcements but few would dream of coming to Shul that early on a Shabbat morning. On Shabbat 20th June we invite/challenge/dare you to come at 9.15 am and participate in an educational Shabbat morning service. Rabbi Gordon will explain the structure and content of the Shabbat morning service providing an excellent opportunity for you to understand the flow, structure and content of our services.
4. FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Sunday 21 June at 12.00 noon - The staff and students of the Cheder invite you to a Fundraising Concert in aid of the children of Kehillat Netzach Israel, Ashkelon, Gideon Bendavid’s Bar Mitzvah charity. Gideon will give a presentation on the charity as part of the event. There will be no charge for the concert, but donations will be requested to support children of Ashkelon from deprived backgrounds. The concert will last around an hour, and drinks and snacks will be served in the sukkah afterwards. There will be cello, piano and violin music, as well as singing. Please e-mail headteacher@newlondon.org.uk to let us know you are coming for catering and seating purposes.
Sunday 28th June at 8.00 pm - The Louis Jacobs Memorial Lecture by Rabbi Michael Melchior; - "Israel’s Future"
Tribalism and divisiveness threaten the unity of both the Jewish people and the State of Israel. In spite of our religious and political differences, how can we create and put into action an agenda for the future of the Jewish community both in Israel and across the Jewish World? Having spent ten years in the Israeli Knesset including service as Cabinet Minister with responsibility for Diaspora & Israeli Society Affairs, Rabbi Michael Melchior is currently building an inclusive education system in Israel. He is also a leading campaigner on peace, ecology and human rights. He serves as Chief Rabbi of Norway and also leads a young community in Jerusalem.
Shabbat 4th July - Tots 4 Tea "The Americans are Revolting!" at Rabbi Jeremy and Josephine's house (ages 7 and under) from 5- 7pm. Please book through the office.
Thursday 3rd September - A unique opportunity to Visit CERN. You will have to pay for flights and transfers, lunch, coffee etc. at CERN but there is no actual charge for the visit. Places can be secured on this unique experience by donation to the Synagogue (suggested £25 per head).
Saturday 12th September Selichot Concert at 9.15 pm
5. Tombstone Consecrations - Dates for your diary
for Stella Leon - Sunday 28th June, 11.30 am at Willesden (United Synagogue)
for Susi Spiegel - Sunday 5th July, 3.15 pm at Cheshunt (please note time)
for David Sweden - Monday 6th July, 11.00 am at Cheshunt
for Harold Crash - Sunday 23rd July, 2.00 pm at Edgwarebury Lane
for Pilly Sharpes - Sunday 2nd August, 11.30 am at Cheshunt
for Sidney Spears - Tuesday 4th August, 11.00 am at Cheshunt
for Hugh Laddie - Sunday 13th September, 10.45 am at Cheshunt
for Ernest Silverman - Sunday 18th October, 10.45 am at Cheshunt
6. Mazal Tov...
To Bilyana and Rabin Yacoubian on the birth of their daughter, Leah
To Nadia Allegrucci and Simon Goslar on their engagement
To Adrian Marks who is celebrating his 60th Birthday on Sunday
Shabbat Shalom
Stephen Cotsen |
