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Author Archives: Mark Frazer

  1. New West End’s perfect ShabbatUK combination – a sushi Friday night and comedy!

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    With an aim of reaching both regular members and less frequent shul-goers, New West End put together a novel ShabbatUK programme that featured sushi, a sought-after speaker and a Seudah Shlishit joint with Central Shul. The programme kicked off on Friday night with an uplifting Friday night service, before a Japanese-themed sushi Friday night dinner. Leading Orthodox Jewish comedian and writer Rachel Creeger spoke both after dinner and after a community lunch the following day.

    Evaluation from Gavin Lief, Treasurer:

    ‘All those who participated in New West End’s ShabbatUK progamme found it an uplifting experience and we had a number of non-regulars attend some or all of the events, which will hopefully encourage them to come more often. The community has been speaking about the great atmosphere and warmth that they experienced during the weekend; it allowed people to meet as a community and spend time together in a relaxed environment.’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘It was fabulous. The organisation was brilliant and Rachel Creeger was an excellent choice of speaker.’
    • ‘I certainly had a spiritually uplifting Shabbat with just the right mix of communal activities and thought-provoking discussions.’
    • ‘That was just such a great Shabbat. It was wonderful to be with friends and family.’

     

  2. Community meals and high-profile speakers for Alei Tzion’s ShabbatUK

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    There was something for everyone at Alei Tzion’s ShabbatUK, which offered a community lunch at Shul, stellar speakers and a more informal Friday night dining initiative known as ‘Come Dine with Alei’. This placed the emphasis on coming together and getting to know new people. The high profile speakers at the Shabbat lunch were the renowned solicitor advocate Anthony Julius and barrister Richard Rampton QC, who provided insights into the case of Deborah Lipstadt that was recently dramatised in the film Denial. CCE also helped fund childcare that included a creche, a puppet show and a circus skills workshop.

    Evaluation from Shoshana Goldstein, Organiser:

    ”It was a wonderful day that brought lots of different people in the community together. It brought people who do not regularly come to events and allowed people to socialise with new people. I think it impacted the community in a positive way. The speakers were really interesting and the general community feeling was great. We definitely got a lot more people than expected which was an achievement!’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘It was well organised, with excellent speakers. The whole weekend was enjoyable and gave a fantastic sense of community cohesion.’
    • ‘It was lovely to be hosted by new people on Friday night and amazing to have the entire community together for a Shabbat lunch and event. There was a lot on offer including great food, company, speakers and activities.’
    • ‘We really enjoyed the event. It was extremely well organised and it was clear that a lot of effort had gone into the preparation. The speakers were very interesting and the kids’ entertainment was fantastic. Well done all!’

     

  3. Spoken word artist entertains Barnet for ShabbatUK

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    Hundreds of people had the chance to be entertained and inspired by the talented American spoken word artist Ari Lesser, who educated crowds throughout Barnet’s ShabbatUK – at the community Challah Make, during davening on Friday night, at Friday Night Dinner, in the children’s services and on Shabbat morning when he rapped a sermon. He succeeded in connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds, leaving them with some highly memorable ShabbatUK experiences.

    Evaluation from Rabbi Barry Lerer:

    ‘He was absolutely incredible and loved by every member of our community both young and old unaffiliated and affiliated. He rapped a phenomenal sermon in the main service that had people mesmerised. We really can’t thank the CCE enough as without their funding we couldn’t have dreamt of having such an exceptional and inspirational guest speaker/entertainer. ShabbatUK in Barnet certainly brought people closer to the community and I have already had emails asking about similar programmes to be put on during the year!’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘Ari Lesser’s Eshet Chayil rap was uplifting and all the work done by the organisers was exceptional. An amazing event for all that attended.’
    • ‘I managed to meet and mingle with a large number of our members who I had not spoken to before.’
    • ‘It was all amazing and uplifting. Loved the rapper and enjoyed organising the afternoon activity.’
    • ‘Ari Lesser really enhanced the services for me. Can we have him again?! Barnet is a warm & welcoming community and I like being part of that.’

  4. Lectures in living rooms for Stanmore’s Pre-ShabbatUK Challenge

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    Building on the success of a similar format last year, Stanmore & Canon’s Park this year joined with Bushey Synagogue to run the ‘Pre-ShabbatUK Rent a Crowd challenge’, which aims to build engagement and excitement ahead of ShabbatUK by deploying a host of top educators to member’s homes. Attendees had the chance to hear Rabbi David, Rebbetzen Ilana Epstein, Ora Goldberg, Mimi Meyer and others speak about Shabbat-themed topics as part of the initiative, which encourages charitable donations and allows participants to decide which causes will benefit.

    Evaluation from Rabbi Daniel Fine:

    ‘On the Tuesday before ShabbatUK, Stanmore and Bushey each had 7 speakers in 7 different homes, all speaking on the topic of Shabbat. This was a repeat of last year’s event, except with a competitive element as Stanmore was pitted against Bushey to see who could raise the most money for charity. It created huge ShabbatUK buzz and was very empowering for all those who attended.’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘It was really very good in that it connected one to the idea of Shabbat UK early in week’
    • ‘A great start to the ShabbatUK week. The speakers were very interesting and inspiring’
    • ‘Excellent – very interesting and inspirational’
    • ‘Definitely a clever way to try to get people involved’
    • ‘A great start to the ShabbatUK week. The speakers were very interesting and inspiring’

     

  5. Chief Rabbi: Las Vegas shooting is “among the most harrowing, murderous attacks ever recorded”

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    LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 02: Police and rescue personnel gather at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Ave. after a reported mass shooting at a country music festival on October 2, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. A gunman has opened fire on a music festival in Las Vegas, leaving at least 2 people dead. Police have confirmed that one suspect has been shot. The investigation is ongoing. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

    After the devastating Las Vegas shooting last night at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, which saw 58 killed and over 500 injured, the Chief Rabbi released the following statement.

    “The sheer scale of the loss of life in Las Vegas places it among the most harrowing, murderous attacks of its kind ever recorded. As the facts of this massacre become clear, each of us faces a choice. We can either join in with the inevitable chorus of raging recriminations and counter-recriminations or we can resolve to honour the victims and their families, and to defy the wishes of the perpetrator, by spreading a message of hope and peace. I urge you to join me in choosing the latter.

    May the memory of all those who lost their lives be for a blessing.”

  6. Bristol cooks up Sephardi recipes ahead of Rosh Hashana

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    By way of appealing to both regular and less frequent shul-goers, Bristol Hebrew Congregation invited Jewish professional chef Denise Phillips to give a culinary workshop that showcased traditional Sephardi recipes for Rosh Hashana. Participants were given an insight into the particular customs observed by Sephardim on the High Holy Days and had the chance to cook and eat their own food. It set a celebratory mood for the impending holidays.

    Evaluation from Rabbi Mendy Singer:

    ‘This hands on cooking event attracted people that would not otherwise attend other programmes and services. Denise is an amazing presenter and really educated the attendees about Rosh Hashana customs.’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘I thought it was great, a good reminder of why certain foods are important, a way of bringing people together who wouldn’t otherwise meet and an amazing culinary education.’
    • ‘Really fun, a great experience, the right mix of religious education and social interaction with the community.’
    • ‘It was a great opportunity to meet the local community and learn new recipes for the New Year.’
    • ‘It was lovely, fun and informative.’
    • ‘I came away with a stronger sense of community, some new kosher recipes and an understanding of how certain foods represent the themes of Rosh Hashanah.’

  7. World Jewish Relief brings Archives project to Bushey for Tisha B’Av

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    Bushey synagogue hosted a Tisha B’Av programme with a difference as they invited in World Jewish Relief to deliver a fascinating presentation about their refugee archives and their work reconnecting people with their family history. The session was open to both those observing the fast and those who weren’t, with the opportunity for members to research their own family history. Refreshments were also provided to break the fast.

    Evaluation from Sarah Zackheim, Organiser:

    ‘The event was hugely successful. Everyone was completely captivated in the presentation from start to finish. It brought people to shul for Tisha B’av that wouldn’t normally have come to a Tisha B’av programme as it was different to usual. It showed that Bushey is offering different types of activities and programming all the time.’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘These events are terrific. I love having specialist speakers in. I have already applied to find out whether they have information about my Grandfather who was a German Refugee.’
    • ‘There is always something happening for the Bushey Jewish community. We are finally feeling like a family again. We work together to make it happen – so many members are involved in running so many teams.’
    • ‘This was an excellent event organised by excellent members!’

  8. Cardiff goes tropical for Jungle-themed Purim

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    Purim in Cardiff took on a rather exotic flavour as the shul hall was bedecked in tropical foliage and Rabbi Rose dressed up as a quintessential English explorer to lead his flock of animal-suited members in celebrating a jungle-themed Purim. A special menu was devised to fit the theme for the Purim Seudah and the atmosphere was buzzing both during the Megillah readings and a well-received animal show.

    Evaluation from Rabbi Rose:

    “It was a great way to make links with new families and they had a tremendous time. A huge thank you again to the CCE for helping make the best Purim Cardiff has seen in recent years! Attendances were the highest since we involved with the community and the attendees all had a great time too.”

    Feedback from parcel recipient:

    • “It has been the best Purim party ever, the kids enjoyed it very much. There was a great atmosphere, thank you very much!”
    • “Thank you for supporting us! You helped us to have spectacular Purim.”
    • “The Megillah readings were very well delivered, the food was terrific and it was great to see so many children, lots of whom appeared to be new to the Shul”

  9. Bushey sees Stars & Stripes for July 4th celebrations

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    Following on from various other community events and in honour of their newly appointed American Rabbi – Rabbi Feldman – the Bushey community celebrated American Independence Day in style with a sumptuous three-course meal and entertainment from a band. This event sits within a busy calendar that puts as much emphasis on cultural and social programming as it does religious and educational programming, with a view to attracting people who may not attend shul regularly. The Deputy Mayor was also in attendance, as was an Elvis impersonator who joined shul members for commemorative snaps in a Stars & Stripes photo booth.

    Evaluation from Sarah Zackheim, Organiser:

    ‘It brought new people into the Shul, with everyone having a lot of fun in a non-religious format while still being in the Shul building. The Rabbi worked the room and interacted with everyone. The Deputy Mayor came and she was really impressed. It just had a good vibe and everyone enjoyed themselves and went away with a smile on their faces.’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘It was brilliant – well organised and great entertainment, especially watching the Rabbi’s face beaming!!’
    • ‘Fantastic, wonderful evening. I thought the Burns Night was tremendous, but this was just as great! Here’s to the next evening, put us down!’
    • ‘It was such fun, well done to everyone who made it happen.’
    • ‘Very enjoyable, fun event that brought the community together in a different way while bringing us closer to our Rabbi and his wife. Excellent.’

     

  10. CCE Spring 2017 Report: Two years on

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    Since its inception two years ago, the Centre for Community Excellence (formerly Centre for Rabbinic Excellence) has evolved into an invaluable hub for sharing best practice, sourcing creative ideas for programming and events and accessing funding that can transform innovative concepts into impressive and unprecedented realities. Across the UK, communities large and small have availed of CCE’s resources to enhance Jewish community life, with well over 200 programmes and events receiving funding in the past two years.

    Parallel to this, CCE has supported various initiatives primed to reinvigorate community life, such as The Chief Rabbi’s Etz Chaim Project and Community Twinning, and has committed itself to investing in the spiritual and lay leadership of communities by helping establish such programmes as Rabbis for Communities and Valerie Mirvis’ Investing in Rebbetzens series. You can read more about these projects and view a selection of some of the exemplary events CCE has funded in the CCE Spring 2017 Report, our latest publication.
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    Click the thumbnails below to scroll through the booklet on the website. Alternatively, you can download a PDF of the report here.