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Author Archives: Mark Frazer

  1. A groundbreaking education series for the women of Cockfosters

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    Programme

    What began as a trial series of 4 talks for women in the Cockfosters community soon extended way beyond that in response to demand. The fortnightly talks, which discuss themes around family and other topical issues from a Jewish perspective were devised to boost learning opportunities for women in the community. So far sessions have ranged from talks on mental health and the lives of prominent Jewish women, to shiurim delivered by Rebbetzen Ilana Epstein and students of the Chief Rabbi’s Ma’ayanot initiative. The sessions are also unique in that they take place in member’s homes.

    Evaluation from Lauren Wolman, Organiser:

    ‘All were excellent speakers and we attracted various age groups of ladies. They were certainly thought-provoking and all left with a feeling of having learnt more about ourselves and the subject matters.’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘Far more enlightening than I was expecting the session to be. The speakers have been fantastic, full of enthusiasm and engaging discussion’
    • ‘Outstanding speakers, all came fully prepared with additional resources. Many went home feeling empowered’
    • ‘This programme has a lovely informal nature being based in members’ homes, but with interesting women speakers’

     

  2. Chief Rabbi joins The Archbishop of Canterbury in Israel

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    Earlier this month, the Chief Rabbi was delighted to accompany The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, on his visit to Jerusalem, Israel.

    It was truly a unique moment in history.

    The Chief Rabbi was moved to comment, “I would so love to send a message of hope back through the annals of history – to Clifford’s Tower in York, to the medieval communities who endured the scourge of the blood libel and to those whose lives were devastated by the Crusades – to let them know that a Chief Rabbi and an Archbishop of Canterbury would one day pray alongside one another, as close friends, in the holy City of Jerusalem.”

    The Chief Rabbi and the Archbishop met at the Jaffa Gate and from there, they walked together through the cobbled streets of the old city, discussing the sanctity of their surroundings and the centrality of Jerusalem for Jews all over the world.

    The Chief Rabbi pointed out an apartment to the Archbishop he and Valerie had lived for the first two years of his marriage. He explained that they had endured the sound of drilling and banging beneath their block for many months until one day they learned that the excavation work had led to the historic discovery of the ancient city wall built by the Hebrew King Hezekiah 2,700 years ago. The group turned to see Hezekiah’s Broad Wall, a remarkable sight. The Chief Rabbi pointed out the rubble at the lowest level from houses predating Hezekiah, his wall above that and the modern apartments of contemporary Jerusalem on top of that. In one spot, The Chief Rabbi showed the Archbishop and his team the Jewish presence in the city across millennia.

    The next stop was the Kotel Hamaaravi, the Western Wall where the Chief Rabbi and the Archbishop both took some time for private prayer. It was deeply inspiring to see and crowds of journalists and well-wishers gathered to speak to the Archbishop and the Chief Rabbi.

    The second part of the day involved a moving tour around Yad Vashem including an opportunity to see some artwork which was produced, for the most part, by Jewish artists who lived under the Nazi occupation during World War II. Following the tour, both faith leaders laid a wreath and gave speeches about the importance of eradicating antisemitism both at home and abroad.

    From Yad Vashem, the group headed straight to the office of the Chief Rabbis of Israel to meet with Chief Rabbi David Lau and Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef. After a warm discussion about shared concerns, it was agreed that the Anglican Jewish Commission for dialogue should be relaunched.
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    Finally, the group travelled to Hebrew University to meet with friends of Hannah Bladon, the British student who had been stabbed in Jerusalem just weeks earlier. In another extremely moving encounter, each of the faith leaders offered prayers for peace and wrote messages of support in a book of condolence for Hannah’s parents.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Photographs courtesy of “My Israel Photos“.

  3. Shavuot Cheese & Wine-tasting Evening in Bristol

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    Event

    On the back of a highly successful Sephardi foods workshop ahead of Rosh Hashana last year, Bristol Hebrew Congregation again went down a culinary route to inspire enthusiasm for an upcoming festival, this time Shavuot. Guests were impressed by the creativity of a Shavuot-themed, kosher wine-tasting and cheese evening facilitated by Ian Abrahams, who shared his expert knowledge on wine and spirits and took questions from the audience. Local congregants and Bristol University students enjoyed the activity together, further consolidating relationships initiated at previous shul events.

    Evaluation from Rabbi Singer:

    ‘The event was a unique evening present by a wine educator that showcased the Kosher wine market today, bringing a greater appreciation and awareness of Kashrus. Served up with a selection of Kosher cheese and Shavuos info it was an ideal pre-Yom Tov event!’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘Great fun! The expert was extremely knowledgeable and interacted well with questions from the audience throughout the evening. The talks on each of the wines were well pitched to appeal to both novice and expert alike’
    • ‘A very enjoyable and instructive evening. A lovely warm atmosphere and as usual in Bristol students and oldies all mixed and mingled. I look forward to more events which bring the Community together’
    • ‘I really enjoyed the company and the nice selection of kosher wines’

  4. Leeds-Cambridge Jewish Initiative remembers fallen soldiers

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    Event

    The warm relationship between the Leeds and Cambridge Jewish communities was strengthened further by a special memorial service to recognise the contribution of American Jewish serviceman during World War II. Members of the Cambridge & District Jewish Community and the UHC Leeds congregation were among the organising parties of the event, which was spearheaded by the Cambridge Jewish Residents Association. All the stops were pulled out despite poor weather, with an interfaith crowd of over 200 people gathering to attend the service and watch a procession led by AJEX members. Holocaust survivor Arek Hersh MBE, spoke at the conclusion of the ceremony.

    Evaluation from Jonathan Allin, Chair of CDJC:

    ‘This was a unique event that brought together many communities. Despite the rain the event went well. It gave those who attended an opportunity to reflect on the American Jewish airmen who gave their own lives in order to protect the lives of those who came after. An event of this magnitude has strengthened many communities in both Leeds and Cambridge.’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘It was an excellent occasion with many people taking part in the official proceedings. From young primary school children to top dignitaries, everyone took part in honouring the US Jewish servicemen who came to defend our country’
    • ‘It was a very moving and unique event that allowed me to establish a connection with the Jewish servicemen who gave their lives during the War’
    • ‘From this event I have gained a knowledge of where the American Jewish servicemen lie and a feeling of satisfaction at having expressed my thanks’
    • ‘Despite the rainy weather, it was a moving ceremony and an exciting process’

  5. Birmingham community spends Lag B’Omer in Blackpool

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    Event

    Responding to the custom to make trips on the day of Lag B’Omer, the Singers Hill community set off on a coach trip to Blackpool for a day of socialising and sightseeing. Led by Rabbi Jacobs and his family, there was already a celebratory atmosphere on the bus as members got to know each other and men had the opportunity to fulfil the mitzvah of laying tefillin. Participants commended the organisation and success of the day, as well as the quality of the food.

    Evaluation from Rabbi Yossi Jacobs:

    ‘It was amazing to see different families come together with their children and spend an entire day together getting to know one and other, even on the bus. New friendships were formed, but most importantly the kids will never forget Lag B’omer and the custom to take trips on this day.’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘The day trip to Blackpool was truly a joy and a pleasure to have been part of. As ever and always – amazing energy and proactive commitment to the Birmingham Community and the faith by Rebetzen and Rabbi Jacobs who make things collaborative and above all else, welcoming and fun’
    • ‘I loved being with the community and having my kids see how much fun Judaism can be. reasonably priced made it very doable, and we got to see so many new things. The whole group was friendly and I just thought it was a fantastic bonding experience for our tiny Jewish community’
    • ‘It was a fantastic day out and I really enjoyed it. Rabbi and Rebbetzen Jacobs did a great job’

  6. Chief Rabbi backs The Great Get Together

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    On 17th and 18th June this year, The #GreatGetTogether, in memory of Jo Cox MP, will look to celebrate the values that the British people share in common. These values will be expressed through events throughout the country, at which people of all backgrounds can sit and share food together.

    “What could be more Jewish than celebrating a significant occasion with food?

    Food is often at the centre of whatever we are doing and celebrating. We frequently elevate significant achievements by holding a ‘seudat mitzvah’. We have countless intricate laws about what we can eat, when we can eat it, what blessing we must make over it, etc.

    But one thing, perhaps even more definitively Jewish than eating, is the sharing of our food with others.

    The centrality of food in Jewish tradition is no accident. Nor is it merely a cultural predisposition to enjoying lavish feasting. It is a way for us to embrace the spiritual world with our physical form.

    When we make a blessing over bread, we thank God, ‘who brings forth bread from the earth’. Yet, as we know, God Himself does not provide the bread. He provides the grain and the natural conditions from which people are able to make bread. The blessing teaches us the powerful lesson that God expects us to meet him halfway. If we take responsibility for investing the effort into growing the crops, processing them into ingredients and then taking the time to mix and bake them, only then will we be rewarded with the staple food for our physical sustenance.

    Similarly, we strive to create a more tolerant, more sensitive and more understanding world. Every day in our tefilla, we pray for peace and it us up to us to meet God halfway to hopefully make our prayers a reality.

    The 17th and 18th June this year provide us with an opportunity to do just that. #TheGreatGetTogether is a national celebration of the values that British people share in common and we will express those values by holding events at which people of all backgrounds can sit and share food together.

    The event was conceived by the family and friends of Jo Cox MP and it marks the anniversary of her murder last summer. It is an opportunity for all of our communities to make an effort to reach out to their non-Jewish neighbours and, in doing so, foster better links and greater understanding between communities.

    Find out if your community is planning something and make sure you get involved!”

    To read more about The Great Get Together, click here.

  7. Purim Party at Belmont United

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    Event

    Everyone turned out in their best fancy dress for a day of Purim celebrations at Belmont shul, where the entertainment was totally novel – a digital portrait artist. Attendees, who also got the chance to hear the Megillah in a packed shul and enjoy an array of delicious food for their Purim seudah, took it in turns to pose for the artist, who drew his subjects straight onto an iPad. This element was well received but also convenient, as it didn’t make many demands logistically and wasn’t noisy or disruptive.

    Evaluation from David Lerner, Chair of Belmont:

    ‘In a year when we did not have a Rabbi, we wanted to make sure that we had an innovative and enjoyable programme that was affordable for attendees. We kept food costs a slow as possible by charging £7 for adults and £5 for kids. We booked an entertainment that we believe no shul has used before – a drawing booth – which went down well with participants. They were really thrilled with the result and saw that the shul had done something ‘cool’’. By providing food at the shul we also ensured that everyone present had a Purim seudah’

    Participant Feedback:

    • I enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing the warm, communal atmosphere. The caricature artists were excellent and I bought home one of their drawings as a memento
    • It was an enjoyable and sociable event. It’s nice to feel welcome at a Synagogue where you are not a member!
    • These sorts of events demonstrate how important it is to keep coming up with great new ideas to attract those who are distant from shul life

  8. Pinner-Norwich Twinning Weekend

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    Pinner United and Norwich Hebrew Congregation continued to reap the fruits of their twinning labours as the two communities spent another Shabbat together. As well as some highly enjoyable joint services and meals, other highlights included insightful Divrei Torahs and an education programme that explored the history of Jews persecuted in Norwich. As part of a large community with access to all the Jewish amenities and services of North London, Pinner members came to appreciate the difficulties of maintaining Jewish identity in the regions and renewed their commitment to support it. Future events are already on the cards.

    Evaluation from Pinner member Leonie Lewis:

    ‘We discussed publicly who the beneficiaries of twinning are. It’s both communities!! Although Pinner is larger and carries most of the responsibility, members of Norwich really engaged and were an active part. It provided Hizzuk for the Lay ministers and really made Pinner members realise the challenges of living outside London, as well as how hard regional communities work to sustain Yiddishkeit. Our Chair on the programme really gets the idea of collaboration and invited Norwich to join us in Pinner later this year’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘The atmosphere and ruach over Shabbat was just wonderful. We had a delightful Kabbalat Shabbat with about ten members of the Norwich community who then joined us for dinner. The evening was wonderful. The atmosphere continued into Shabbat day – Pinner member
    • This is the 3rd time I have attended a Shabbat twinning in Norwich and this was the best weekend yet. The atmosphere was fantastic with people from both communities joining together and participating. The programme was excellent – Pinner Member
    • It was delightful to have had a large group of Jewish people visiting our small congregation and for them to see the commitment we have in Norwich to our Jewish way of life’ – Norwich member
    • I attended the Shabbat services and meals, which were wonderful. I took my 14 year old son. His experience is generally of a shul barely achieving a minyan, yet here was vitality and variety and lovely melodies. He also experienced the Grace after meals and using a Benscher for the first time – Norwich member

  9. ‘Strictly Kosher’ convention @ Yeshurun HC

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    Event

    The ease with which it is possible to keep kosher and key halachic debates around Kashrut practices were top of the agenda at Yeshurun Hebrew Congregation’s all-day Strictly Kosher event. As well as having a representative from KLBD available to provide information about kosher food in mainstream supermarkets, there were also Rabbis from across the Manchester communities who spoke, and a Kashrut authority from Israel – Rabbi Duvdevani – who talked separately about the age-old problem of eating kosher food on holiday, and Shechita. He had also been the scholar in residence at the shul over Shabbat.

    Objectives

    To show that it is simple to keep kosher today

    To provide an informal time for people to ask all the questions they’ve always wanted to ask

    Evaluation from Rabbi Atlas:

    ‘The aims were set to show people it is not a difficult as they think to keep kosher. The talks, both on the day and by Rabbi Duvdevani over Shabbat showed the ease of keeping kosher – for example when abroad and in your own home. The KLBD exhibition showed people a wide range of kosher products and how easily accessible they are to buy from normal supermarkets.’

    Participant Feedback:

    • I’ve gained much greater clarity on kashrut issues, including practical advice on buying food when abroad. I was very pleased that the speakers were accessible for one-to-one conversations after the lectures
    • I came away with more knowledge about travelling and keeping kosher. I also understand more about whisky stored in sherry casks!
    • In short, both talks had clear parameters, were easy to follow and very instructive
    • Excellent speakers and the illustrations really helped to understand the subject. Thank you for a really wonderful educational afternoon
    • I attended the whole of the Sunday session, and thought it really informative and well put together. The speakers were knowledgeable as well as entertaining. It was a really good event

  10. Chief Rabbi joins HRH Prince Charles for ‘Step up to Serve’ and #iwill social action campaign

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    The Chief Rabbi was delighted to join HRH the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace for a meeting of the ‘Step up to Serve’ Advisory Council which comprises leaders from across the business, education, voluntary and public sector.

    The Chief Rabbi joined the Council earlier this year at the invitation of Sir Nick Parker, the Chairman of ‘Step up to Serve’, and this was his first opportunity to share his thoughts on social responsibility with the Council.

    The aim of the #iwill campaign is to increase the number of 10 to 20 year olds participating in social action; recognize the contribution young people make to their local communities and help to promote the benefit this has to the wealth, health and happiness of the nation.

    The ‘Step up to Serve’ campaign has already witnessed tremendous success – more than ever before, young people are ready to take an active part in improving their communities. By doing so, they know that they can help those around them at the same time as developing skills for life.

    During the event, which updated the Advisory Council on recent progress, as well as looking ahead to the potential challenges of next year, the Chief Rabbi highlighted the success of the Jewish Community in the field of youth social action. He said, “in the Jewish community, we are privileged to have developed institutions that we can be proud of. As such, opportunities for social responsibility are boundless in our community”.

    “These institutions have arisen from a concerted effort, over time, to change attitudes, in which the idea of ‘giving’ has become second nature”. The Chief Rabbi emphasised though that a change in attitude was central to any progress – “only once there has been this shift in attitude, can we create the institutions to implement the desired changes”.

    The Chief Rabbi added, “in the Jewish community, we have bridged the gap between affluent and the less affluent – there is no distinction when it comes to giving”.

    Find out more about the ‘Step up to Serve’ initiative and the #iwill campaign here.