Shabbat Shalom (Chayei Sarah) 1. From the Rabbi Four weeks ago I used these weekly words to offer a view of a series of New London events that I hoped would light up this dark time of year. From the Friday night dinner jointly hosted with Tzedek, to the Interfaith panel on Prayer, to last week’s talk with Reb Zalman I have been honoured and delighted to feel and share the sheer quality of our engagement, as a community, in such vibrant and important programming. In the last week we started our major series of evening classes on Prayer. This Monday evening at 8pm, Stephen Cotsen will be teaching on the Kedushah. It is the highpoint of our prayers, both spiritually and musically and I know we have a treat in store. All are most welcome. And then on Sunday we have Mitzvah Day. New London is joining well over 100 other Jewish communities and organisations volunteering and engaging in projects to improve the lot of those less fortunate. New London’s project grows out of our ancient commitment to the refugees – the stranger in our midst – for we were once strangers in a strange land. In more recent years our project has been influenced by our relationship with the Separated Child Foundation, founded to honour the memory of our member Ester Gluck z’tl. We are asking for stuff; anything non-electrical or non-perishable that a refugee could use; clothes, tins, rice and pulses, nappies, phone cards … You can bring donations in the morning or early afternoon. For full details of what you can bring go to www.newlondon.org.uk/Mitzvah Day And then be part of the packing and sorting from 12:30pm onwards. I’m delighted we are involved in Mitzvah Day. I’m delighted we are supporting refugees communities. I just hope that we, as a community will take this opportunity to come, to bring and to volunteer. Shabbat shalom, 2. The Week Ahead The Kabbalat Shabbat service this evening begins at 6.30 pm in the New London Hall. Tomorrow morning Shacharit is at 9.15 am in the Synagogue. This week is the aufruf of Rob Fishman who is marrying Val Agostini. The Fishman and Agostini families invite you to join them for a celebratory Kiddush after the service in the New London Hall. On Sunday Shacharit will be at 9.15 am in the Bet Midrash. The Cheder meets at 9.45 am as usual. Sunday is Mitzvah Day. We need your donations of clothing, toiletries and non-perishable food (in date) . For full details of what you can bring and how you can help go to www.newlondon.org.uk/Mitzvah Day Babes in the Wood will meet on Monday from 11.00 - 1.00 pm. Next Shabbat many of our members will be in Paris visitng the Adath Shalom Community. We are grateful to Odile and Mark Ellison in Paris and to the Minyan Chadash for working so hard to put this trip together. We wish them a good trip and look forward to welcoming members of Adath Shalom back to New London in the not-too-distant future. * One spare ticket has just become available - if you would like to go, please contact Sarah at the office. * Also next Shabbat, we welcome back Paul and Lynn Naphtali, our former members who now live in Australia. We will hold a Baby Blessing for their new daughter and Paul and Lynn invite you to join them for a celebratory Kiddush following the service. Or These are a few of my Favourite Prayers 5. Click here to download the Board of Deputies November Bulletin 7. Volunteer wanted - Our Soferet (female Hebrew scribe), needs to carry out repairs on one of our Sifrei Torah. We are looking for a volunteer to take it from NLS to her home in Newbury Park (nr Ilford) and if, possible bring it back after a week or so. If you can help at all, even just taking or bringing, please call Ronnie Cohen in the Shul office. 8. Beyond NLS...
There will be a presentation of the film ENCOUNTER POINT and discussion with Ali Abu Awwad from Palestine and Robi Damelin from Israel In the present climate of extremism and fear they represent the voices of civil society who are challenging the legitimacy of violence on both sides. They are determined to build bridges and confront opposition with constructive dialogue. Together with many others, Robi and Ali are courageous advocates for peace. They stand for hope in the long-standing conflict between their two peoples. Encounter Point is a documentary which tells the story of an Israeli settler, a convicted Palestinian fighter, a bereaved Israeli mother and a wounded Palestinian ex-prisoner who are engaged in grassroots movements which are seeking to end the conflict. Please come and join us for an evening of questions and answers with our distinguished guests, Ali and Robi, after the film. Refreshments will be served and there will be a chance to view a small exhibition on the Bereaved Families Forum. Ladies are requested to come with a scarf to cover their hair on entering the mosque and everyone is asked to wear attire that covers the body Shabbat Shalom Stephen Cotsen Saturday 21st November 2009, 6:30 -9:30pm 146 Park Road, London, NW8 7RG - Regent's Park Mosque hosts - A Forum for Reconcilliation: Voices Of Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian Families |
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