Shabbat Shalom (Bo)

1. From the Rabbi  -  Sing Every Day, Sing Every Day

I want to look ahead. Next week we read the Song of the Sea. It’s a wonderful piece of poetry and it dominates the Torah that surrounds it, not least due to its unique layout on the scroll. The Shabbat where we read the Song of the Sea is known as Shabbat Shirah, it’s a great time to celebrate our tradition of Song. At New London we will be having a special lunch with our new Choir Director Joseph Finlay who will lead us as we create an impromptu choir.

The connection between song and Torah is deep. The verse in Deuteronomy where Moses commands the children ‘to write this song for yourselves and teach it,’ is understood not to apply to the specific song-like verses that follow, but rather the whole Torah – one long song.

Rabbi Akiva teaches that we should ‘sing every day, sing every day’ (Sanhedrin 99a) in a discussion about the importance of reviewing our learning. Rashi suggests that if we sing our Torah it accompanies us into the world to come with joy.

So ‘sing every day, sing every day,’ we should. And even if we fall short of the obligation to sing every day, we should certainly sing next Shabbat lunch. Places are filling up, please book early in the week before we close the list.

Shabbat shalom,

Jeremy Gordon

2. Volunteer opportunity - for Scrabble Players!!

Ruth Ben Adir, our Helping Hands Co-ordinator, is looking for volunteers who would like to play scrabble with a house bound member who is a serious Scrabble player. (Shoot Up Hill area)  If you would like to help with this (or to know more about our Helping Hands group), please contact Ruth by clicking here

3. The Week Ahead

The Kabbalat Shabbat service this evening begins at 6.30 pm. Tonight we will celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of Chloe Glantz. We wish Janine, Lara, Chloe and Maya together with all the family a hearty Mazal tov.

Tomorrow morning, Shacharit will be at 9.15 am in the synagogue. the Choir will be singing and there will be a Baby Blessing for Sara Taylor, daughter of Judy and David. The Kiddush this week, is being sponsored by the proud grandparents Susan and Julian Elias.

The Minyan Chadash will  meet at 9.15 am in the New London Hall for the Shabbat Kallah of Sian Jacobs who is shortly marrying  Gerrard Beenstock in Manchester. Mazal tov to both families. The service will be led by Rabbi Jeremy Gordon,  Angela Gluck and Ed Teeger. Our teacher will be accomplished story-teller, Rachel Rose Reid.

On Sunday, Shacharit will be at 9.15 am in the Bet Midrash and the Cheder meets at 9.45 am.

On Sunday evening at 7.30 pm, join us for our Judaica Antiques Road Show (with the Friends of the Jewish Museum). Always an enjoyable and educational evening the cost is £10 to include refreshments. Bring your interesting and antique Judaica for our expert Johnny Wachsmann to examine and find it its worth and share its story. Johnny is also an expert on antique watches so feel free to bring these as well.

On Monday, Babes in the Wood meets from 11.00 am - 1.00 pm.

On Monday evening at 8.00 pm, the second unit of the Prayer series begins. (Cost: £6 per session or £25 for the unit of five in advance).

Choose from  Siddur Sat Nav - with Rina Wolfson - After the success of the first Siddur SatNav course, this innovative programme will be looking at the Friday night service, as well as weekday Mincha and Ma’ariv and the Grace after Meals. The sessions will focus on the layout of the service, how to find your way around, and will also shed some light onto some of these fascinating prayers. This course is open to everyone – if you missed the first Siddur SatNav you can still come along and enjoy this one.

Or  These are a few of my Favourite Prayers - designed for people with familiarity with the prayer service who are looking for more depth on specific parts of the service. It will focus on history, meaning and music. This week Rabbi Jeremy Gordon will be teaching Hallel.

On Wednesday, The Art Group meets from 10.00 am.

Next Shabbat is Shabbat Shirah (see Rabbi's message above) and there will be a Communal Lunch for the whole community - Shabbat Shirah is the Shabbat of Song. We will be celebrating with much singing, and Joseph Finlay will create an impromtu choir featuring everyone present. Guaranteed to be lots of fun, book early to secure your place. 
Cost is £15 (children/students £10) Please ensure you book your place no later than Wednesday.

On Sunday week ( 31st January) at 6.00 pm, the New London Film Club (in association with the Friends of the Jewish Museum) will be showing the film Time of Favor - Menachem, a soldier, is offered his own unit, made up of fellow students from Rabbi Meltzer's West Bank Yeshivah. At the same time, Rabbi Meltzer plays matchmaker with his daughter, Michal, and star pupil Pini. It's no surprise that Michal prefers Menachem's silent strength to Pini's over-excitement. The love triangle knots up and the political tension raises throughout the film until everyone's allegiances are tested in the end... Admission £6 to include refreshments served from 5.30 pm. All welcome

Also on Sunday 31st January, at New North London Synagogue, - The next  EAJL Art of Shulmanship seminar will take place  and the programme has been set around the services for Pesach.  These seminars provide a wonderful opportunity for lay members to learn new skills. Click here to download the Seminar Flyer 

5. Quest Winter Lecture - new date now confirmed - Sunday 14th February at 5.00 pm (Tea will be served from 4.30 pm)

We regret that last Sunday's lecture had to be postponed due to the difficult weather situation and are pleased to announce that a new date has now been confirmed.

On Sunday 14th February at 5.00 pm, The Quest Winter Lecture will be given by Karen Armstrong, entitled - The Case for God.
Karen Armstrong is one of the world's leading commentators on religious affairs. She spent seven years as a Roman Catholic nun in the 1960s, but then left her teaching order in 1969 to become a full time writer and broadcaster. A passionate campaigner for religious liberty, Karen Armstrong is an outstanding and inspiring speaker.  

In her new book, The Case for God, Karen Armstrong suggests that if we draw creatively on the insights of the past, we can build a faith that speaks to the needs of our troubled and dangerously polarized world.  

COST: Members £5; Non-members £7, price to include coffee and light refreshments which will be served from 4.30 pm.   All welcome

6.  Bereavement

We are sad to announce the passing of Annette Herson’s brother, in Toronto. Annette, who has only just returned from seeing her brother last week, will be sitting Shiva at home in London. There will not be formal prayer services. Any member wishing to pay her a visit is most warmly invited to do so.

7.  Calling gardeners of all ages…….Get active and healthy!   Help make your local area more beautiful!

Environmental charity Groundwork London have secured funding from local ward Councillors in Abbey Road to support you and others in a local gardening project. Activities could include a range of things; seed planting, growing herbs and vegetables and planting up flower beds. ALL different ages very welcome, and activities will be tailored to suit a range of ages. If you are interested in taking part at whatever level – whether coming along to one session to give it a go or attending several – we would be delighted to hear from you!  Contact Jessica Robinson at Groundwork London; 020 7239 1290, jessica.robinson@groundwork.org.uk

Shabbat Shalom

Stephen Cotsen