Shabbat Shalom from New London Synagogue (Parashat Ki Tavo) 1. From the Rabbi Forgive your neighbour their wrongdoing Ben Sira, or Ecclesiasticus, is the book that didn’t quite make it into the Hebrew Bible, but it has wonderful advice, especially at this part of the year. The fist step in being forgiven, says Ben Sira, is forgiving others. We have no right to ask for gracious treatment for ourselves when we fail to demonstrate graciousness to those around us. The Talmudic master Rabbi Eliezer ben Rabbi Shimon taught that we should be gentle as the reed in responding to those who seek our forgiveness, and not like the mighty cedar (Taanit). This gentle quality of the reed, Rabbi Eliezer went on to teach, is what gives it the merit of being used as the quill for the writing of our most holy works. This dynamic, of struggling to forgive the faults in others also, of course, applies to the allocation of blame. I am particularly good at blaming others, rather than myself. I’m better at spotting the faults in others than acknowledging my own shortfallings. I remember, more vividly, the times I have been crossed, as opposed to the times I have crossed. I look too easily beyond my personal ‘t'chum’ boundaries. A story is told about the Chafetz Chaim who, as a child wanted to change the entire world. As a young man he decided he would change the Jewish world (he may well have succeeded, but that is a different story). As he grew older and wiser his horizons shifted to changing his local community, and then his family and ultimately he set his heart on changing himself. The process of Rosh Hashanah must begin with the only object whose ability to change, grow and develop, lies in our hands – ourselves. It’s always too easy to look beyond, outside, at others. The focus must be inside, internal and personal. Two weeks to go. Shabbat shalom 2. Selichot - Saturday evening 12th September at 9.15 pm Next weekend, shortly after Shabbat finishes we have our annual Selichot Concert and Choral Selichot Service. The Selichot evening has fast become a highlight of our year and sets the tone beautifully for the approaching High Holy Days. It is an important show case for our community as many visitors come from outside and we hope you will not only come along to this special event but bring friends and family to 'show off' our community. If you know of anyone who may be looking for a new Shul, this could be a great opportunity for you to invite them. If you would like to recommend the event to your friends, click here to download a flyer , which you can save to your computer and then forward on to people by email. You can also print out the flyer to give to people the old fashioned way! We are still looking for sponsorship to cover the costs of the concert. If you can help please contact Stephen Cotsen. 3. Cheder Enrolment - New Term begins on Sunday 13th September We invite all children aged 3-13 to join our Cheder for the 2009-10 academic year. Classes meet every Sunday during term time from 9.45 am - 12.30 pm. Classroom learning is combined with enrichment activities such as plays, concerts, outings and family workshops, so there is always something going on. Click here to download the 2009 Cheder Prospectus For further details please contact the Head Teacher, Susannah Alexander 4. The Week Ahead The Kabbalat Shabbat service this evening begins at 6.30 pm. Tomorrow morning Shacharit is at 9.15 am in the Synagogue and the Minyan Chadash meets at 9.45 am in the New London Hall led by Elon Spar and Angela Gluck, and the teacher will be Joseph Finlay. This Shabbat, we have not one but two Baby Blessings ... Jayne and David Franks will be bringing their daughter, Ella, for a Blessing in the Main Service and Einav and Alex Ben Yehuda will be bringing their son, Matan for a Blessing in the Minyan Chadash. How lovely! Mazal tov to both families... Also this Shabbat, there will be a Children's Service at 11.00 am in the Bet Midrash and a Youth Service (ages 11 - 14) at 11.00 am in the classrooms at the top of the front stairs from the foyer. We are delighted to welcome Dr David Breakstone to services this Shabbat. David is the International Vice-President of Masorti Olami and member of the Jewish Agency and World Zionist Organization Executives. After services, and the Kiddush, members are invited to hear David sharing some brief perspectives on the Jewishness of the Jewish State and the role of the Masorti Movement in shaping it. In particular he will be engaging with recent remarks of Israel’s Minister for Religious Affairs who rejects the right of Masorti Jews to use state funded Mikvaot or even Synagogues. On Sunday morning, Shacharit is at 9.30 am in the New London Hall. SEAT SALE... From 10.00 am - 12 noon this Sunday morning, Sue Leifer will be available to help you choose either a permanent seat or a temporary seat for the High Holy Days. It can sometimes be cheaper to purchase a permanent seat and as we are a growing community, there will be increasing pressure on seats year on year. The best way to ensure you can sit where you want is to buy a permanent seat - it is also a wonderful way to support the community financially. Also on Sunday, at 2:30pm in the New London Hall there will be a High Holydays Security Rota Briefing. This is session for everybody on the Security rota to learn about their role and responsibilities. To register or for more details, contact Stephen Greene by clicking here. 6. Forthcoming Events Preparing for the High Holy Days - Two evenings with Rabbi Jeremy Gordon, devoted to the history, meaning and music of key liturgical texts from Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. 8.00 - 9.30 pm, cost £5 to include refreshments. 7. MAZAL TOV! ..to Kathrin and Roi Cohen Kadosh on the birth of a son. The Brit Milah will take place on Wednesday 6th September at New London at 4.00 pm preceeded by Minchah at 3.45 pm. If you wish to come please check with the office on the day to be sure. ..to Judy and David Taylor on the birth of a daughter, Sara Rose, and to the proud grandparents Susan and Julian Elias Shabbat Shalom Stephen Cotsen |
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