Shabbat Shalom (Yitro)
1. From the Rabbi - Who made you a prince and a judge over us?
Further Thoughts on the Role of Women in the Services at New London
This question, more of a barb really, is levelled at Moses. It’s an accusation religious leaders get used to hearing.
Last Shabbat I gave a sermon on the role of women in the services at New London. At Kiddush an aggrieved member accused me of having an agenda, of asking for consultation while plotting to ensure that my own feelings become enshrined New London policy. That is not true. The recommendations I am considering are in flux and are continually being fine-tuned and even radically shifted by the wisdom members share with me. I can guarantee that my own personal wish-list will not be enshrined in any series of recommendations. I am aiming to discomfort myself, just as I am willing to discomfort both those who are seeking more radical change and less change than I.
Indeed I am writing this at the end of a two hour Services Committee where various recommendations have been picked over, recast and, I believe, improved. I am continually moved by the ability of members to do what I asked for in the sermon I gave on Shabbat – share not only their own personal views, but also the way forward they think would work best for this community. We need to be honest and honest about our selfish wishes, but we also need to be humble and committed to values greater than our own desires.
This week we read the Ten Commandments, or more accurately one version of the Ten Commandments. The version preserved in the Book of Deuteronomy is different. God is able to instruct us in the Exodus to ‘guard’ the Shabbat Day, while Deuteronomy instructs us to ‘remember.’ Shamor v’Zachor B'dibur Echad, we sing at Kabbalat Shabbat, or as Psalm 62 suggests, ‘God spoke once, I heard twice for this is the Divine might.’ To be able to express a single thought which contains plurality is the marker of the Divine – the ultimate unity from which all plurality unfolds. It is also what is required in the set of single recommendations I am asked to put before Council – one set of recommendations that encapsulate our plurality, our diversity. It is, of course, an impossible goal. But I believe we can, as a community come close, as long as we engage openly and honestly with this endeavour.
Shabbat Shalom
Jeremy Gordon
Rabbi Gordon’s sermon from last Shabbat is on the blog - www.rabbionanarrowbridge.blogspot.com
2. This coming Monday, 8th February - The second unit of the Prayer series continues.
Choose from These are a few of my Favourite Prayers - This week Kaddish with Chazan Jacqui Chernett - We are privileged to have Jacqui, who is an exceptional teacher and musicologist, teaching us this week. The Kaddish is an emotional prayer because of it's connection with mourners but there is so much more. Kaddish has a fascinating history and if you have ever wondered why it is in Aramaic, and why there are so many versions this is a 'must attend' session for you.
Or Siddur Sat Nav - with Rina Wolfson - These sessions focus on the layout of the service, how to find your way around, and will also shed some light onto some fascinating prayers. This course is open to everyone – if you missed the first Siddur SatNav you can still come along and enjoy this one.
(Cost: £6 per session ).
3. The Week Ahead
The Kabbalat Shabbat service this evening begins at 6.30 pm. Tomorrow morning, Shacharit will be at 9.15 am in the synagogue. There will be a Youth Service for 11 - 13 year olds in the Bet Midrash with Ben Russell from Noam and this will be followed by lunch. All 11 - 13 yr olds should have received a personal invitation, if for any reason this has not been received your children are welcome to just turn up on the day.
The Minyan Chadash meets at 9.45 am in the New London Hall and the service will be led by Stephen Lerman, Ed Teeger and Joseph Finlay. Our teacher is Rina Wolfson, an accomplished educator, who specialises in Hebrew and Aramaic, Bible and Jewish prayer and who is currently teaching her innovative Siddur Sat Nav programme on Monday evenings at NLS.
Following the service Suzi and Emil Landes invite you to join them for Kiddush in celebration of their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Mazal tov to all the family.
On Shabbat afternoon is - Tots for Tea (for little people and their parents) at the home of Rabbi Jeremy and Josephine
There is no charge for this event but please contact the office to book your places.
On Sunday, Shacharit will be at 9.15 am in the Bet Midrash and the Cheder meets at 9.45 am.
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 continues. (see above)
On Wednesday, The Art Group meets from 10.00 am.
5. Forthcoming Events/Dates for your diary
Shabbat 13th February L'dor Vador - Communal Lunch for the whole community - Cost £15 (Please book by Tuesday 9th February)
This is a special lunch which aims to tell the story of our community so that our newer members can hear first hand from some of the pioneers who created our community. Come and hear about (or re-live) those days when we embarked on this most exciting of journeys. It is a great and inspiring tale... Click here to download the flyer
Sunday 14th February at 5.00 pm - Quest Winter Lecture 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.
COST: Members £5; Non-members £7, price to include coffee and light refreshments which will be served from 4.30 pm. All welcome
On Sunday 21st February at 6.00 pm, the New London Film Club (in association with the Friends of the Jewish Museum) will be showing the film Etz Limon (Lemon Tree) as part of our season on 'Conflict'. 'Salma, a Palestinian widow - living there for decades - has to stand up against her new neighbor, the Israeli Defense Minister, when he moves into his new house opposite her lemon grove, on the green line border between Israel and the West Bank.' Admission £6 to include refreshments served from 5.30 pm. All welcome
Purim 27th/28th February -
On Saturday evening (27th) we will start with Minchah and a Seudah at 6.00pm and the Megillah will be read at approximately 7.00 pm. , and there will be a Hamentaschen Reception following the service.
Also on Saturday evening, will be "Queen Esther's Persian Feast" - To celebrate Purim the L'Hayim group are organising a Persian dinner with a magician and Karaoke. All profits will be going to The Separated Child Foundation. Tickets £10 in advance or £15 on the door. 9.00 pm (approx) till late! More details next week... Click here to download the flyer
On Sunday morning (28th) Shacharit will be at 10.15 am followed by the Megillah at 11.00 am. This will be followed by a festive Purim Brunch for the whole community. The Cheder will be running a special family programme throughout the morning.
The Megillah will once again be read by Lester Kershenbaum. Please join us (Fancy Dress encouraged!!) for this highlight of the New London Year.
6. Beyond NLS:
Annual Masorti Spring Study Programme - Friday 9 - Sunday 11 April 2010, at Caer Llan, near Monmouth, Wales Please join us for a truly special springtime weekend of study, prayer and community in the tranquil and beautiful surroundings of Caer Llan. Led by Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg and using texts from the Torah, from Jewish mystical literature and from modern Jewish theology, we will study and think together about what God means, or does not mean, to us in our lives. Adults from £170, children from 4-18: £70 and children under 4: free. Places are limited and demand is traditionally high, so book early! For more info click on the button below. Click here to download the flyer
Can you help? From Daniel Aidenbaum...."Diane our daughter is 24.She had a Master degree in music at the Royal Superior Conservatory of Gent Belgium. She has been admitted with honours at the Royal Academy of Music in London starting September 2010.
We are looking for accommodation for her within easy reach of the R A M (Marylebone/ Baker st).
Diane is a charming young lady very easy to live with. She is able to teach music both in violin and saxophone from beginner’s to highest level. We are also looking for sponsors who would be prepared to support her in exchange for private concerts. Please contact us: Daniel.aidenbaum@gmail.com Tel: + 33 620 633 545
7. Mazal tov to Robert and Diana Gore on the birth of a grand son, Adam, on Friday 29th January to Jonathan and his wife Helen. Yes, that is two grandchildren in two weeks - such naches!
Shabbat Shalom
Stephen Cotsen |
