THE VICAR OF BAGHDAD TO SPEAK TO US and more treats in store Dear Friends of Belsize Square Synagogue Let me take this opportunity to tell you children, two of them named Yossi and anniversary festivities with a special about our exciting programme ahead. Jacob. He wrote his thesis on “The Shabbat service and dinner, joined by Role of Israel in Christian Theology" for the children's choir of the At our Shabbat evening service on his Cambridge doctorate and has Pestalozzistrasse Synagogue from 11 January, we will have a very written an incredible history of Berlin, along with their parents, and special guest speaker, Canon Andrew Christian anti-Semitism. His multiple listen to their minister, Rabbi Jonah White, a highly esteemed Anglican sclerosis has not stopped him Sievers. The date coincides with Church leader. My thanks to Susan engaging with world leaders and Shabbat UK (see below). Storring for making the connection. promoting Judaism and its people. You must hear this extraordinary man! My final announcement is really Canon White is a seminal figure and exciting! Our trip this year (Wed 15 to true friend of our people and State of The next morning, 12 January, Belsize Mon 20 May) will take us to Prague Israel. As Vicar of St George's Church Square Synagogue will join other with its Jewish history from the Middle in Baghdad, he led the local Christian congregations to increase awareness Ages till today. We will see the Jewish community at the height of Iraq's of mental health needs. We must Quarter and Museum with the leading conflict with ISIS. The turmoil required always be sensitive to mental health guide, my colleague Rabbi Ronald him to have 35 bodyguards.To those issues and those suffering from them, Hoffberg, and visit Kafka's House and who have met him – virtually every including in our community. the 16th-century Jewish cemetery. leading world leader, political and religious – he is a larger-than-life For those who would like to (finally!) We will spend Shabbat in Prague and figure. He left for Britain in 2014 learn to read Hebrew and enjoy listen to concerts and talks from, because of the risk to his and his participating in our services, I am among others, Dr Tomas Halik, family's lives. holding a Monday evening 4-week Professor of Religion and Jewish crash course, 7.00-8.15pm on 14, 21, Studies at Univerzity Karlovy, and Andrew White is a supporter of Israel, 28 January & 11 February. If you plan Helga Weiss, survivor and preserver of navigating the extraordinary hostility to to join my regular students let me know the art created by the children of our Jewish State. He will tell us the and I will prepare extra texts for you. Terezin (Theresienstadt). story of his connection with Judaism and Israel. Fluent in Hebrew, he has Stay tuned for our annual Interfaith If you are interested, please contact studied at an Orthodox Yeshivah and Class with St Peter’s Church and Claire Walford by sending her an email the Hebrew University, knows Talmud Reverend Paul Nicholson, along with to: [email protected]. I do and sacred texts, keeps Shabbat, Imam Mehmed Stubbla. Last year’s hope these opportunities inspire your loves Israel and was even kashrut class was a real treat. Further details enthusiasm and interest in exciting mashgiach (supervisor) for Cambridge to come but this series takes place in Jewish experiences I aim to provide. undergraduate Jewish Society. March-April, before Pesach. In shalom He and his wife adopted five Iraqi On 1 March we usher in our 80th Rabbi Altshuler

IN THIS ISSUE Community Shabbat Dinner Page 2: Photo Gallery - Mitzvah Day Friday 1 March 2019 Page 3: Mitzvah Day Reports Page 4: Westminster Abbey Service: Belsize Square Synagogue celebrates its Report and Reflection Page 5: Lilian Levy: Kristallnacht Address 80th Anniversary in March 2019 Page 6: House of Commons Debate Festivities launch with a Communal Shabbat Dinner Richard Pollins Walk for MND Page 7: Cantors’ Concert following Evening Service on Friday 1 March Book Award to Thomas Harding Page 8: Religion School Head Retires Enjoy a delicious three-course family-style meal for all Meeting on Educational Policy age groups enhanced by the Youth Choirs of Belsize Page 9: Klopstick Square and Pestalozzistrasse Synagogues Page 10: Community News Page 11: Photo Gallery - Westminster Abbey & Adults: £20 / Under 12s: £12.50 Chanukah Market Page 12: Youth Activities Limited spaces so book early via the synagogue office

No 699 - Tevet/Shevat/Adar I 5779 - January/February 2019 Our Congregation - Page 2

Clockwise from top left: Cheder boys try their hand at a cake mix Pat Hirschovits Josh Hurst on clarinet, Rudy Brass on trumpet Harry Kornhauser and Dr Freda Fleischer at Mitzvah Day lunch Joachim Schiamma sings "If I were a rich man" Sue Arnold helps at lunch for young and old Helen Grunberg with helpers, Alice & Maya Marion Nathan Annette Nathan Eve Hersov and Jeanie Horowitz Cheder boys showing off home- made Chanukah cards Miles D'Cruz conducts the Youth Choir

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Photos by Peter Strauss Mitzvah Day entered its 10th year on Sunday 18 November with a host of activities co-ordinated by Pat Hirschovits and Adam Hurst. Adults and children participated both in the synagogue and outside but the synagogue was the hub of events. OUTSTANDING MITZVAH DAY ACTIVITIES Pat Hirschovits reports: but also in organising the children's Dear Eve, The whole synagogue was a multiple activities throughout the day. particularly busy place. Packers were I am so overwhelmed. The door bell upstairs in the library unpacking, * * * * * * * * * rang and three children and their mum sorting and wrapping small toiletries for and dad delivered this wonderful the homeless, tables were set for the Adam Hurst reports: basket of goodies. Not only did they brunch in the Kiddush Room for our Meanwhile at Camden's Wellesley deliver it but stayed. The children are Belsize seniors, youth choir final Road Care Home in Gospel Oak, our delightful and Paula and Al are such rehearsals for the concert took place in toddlers from Kikar Kids spent the nice people. the choir loft, and the Cheder was full morning wowing the residents with steam ahead in the hall and kitchen renditions of their favourite nursery We definitely bonded and there were preparing brunch, wrapping up going- rhymes and even had the audience big hugs all round, including the home presents and generally being joining in with some of the actions children, and they offered to take me to busy. (especially the "wheels on the bus"). shul when they go. She put her The children then created a make- number on my pad and I gave her my Cheder children and parents organised believe Teddy Bears’ Picnic, serving up number. Al even offered to change the food parcels for the Camden homeless tea and cakes. batteries on my fire alarm. That is the as well as clothing for teenagers. For true meaning of mitzvah. the first time, our seniors’ brunch was In the afternoon our Community Choir joined by Cheder years 7 and 8 (ages performed a selection of old time Eve, thank you for making my day a 11-13). This was a new development classics from We'll Meet Again to New real mitzvah day. and great success. The kids were York, New York, ably led by keyboard much appreciated – surely a novelty supremo Stephen "fingers" Wiener Incidentally, Helen Kissen was the for them! (apologies for mis-spelling his name in poster girl for two NHS conferences in our last issue), while their songs were London this year, in July and October, Following brunch, everyone went into interspersed with awful jokes from for Allied Health Professionals (nurses, the synagogue itself for a wonderful Robert "Oh no, he didn't" Nothman. therapists, podiatrists etc, who are midday concert put on by our Cheder The choir then spent some time specifically not doctors). Helen's head kids and youth choir. After the opening chatting to the residents. appeared on a conference poster number – Havdalah sung by Cantor headed "Podiatry Improving Lives" with Paul Heller – we had songs from the This is the second year we have the caption: "I owe the quality of life I youth choir and pieces played by solo visited Wellesley Road for Mitzvah lead now solely to the care of the instrumentalists: Max Charles on violin, Day. Staff and residents are extremely podiatrists. I am 81 years of age. I love Ben Hurst on viola, his big brother appreciative and hoping to see us my life." Josh on clarinet playing with Rudy again next year, if not before! Brass on trumpet, Isaac Adni at the A second caption read: "While I may organ, plus a father, Patrick Sciamma, Other things also went on. Our Adult not be able to climb Everest, I am able on flute accompanied by his friend Education class (the Sunday Morning to enjoy a pleasant walk each day." Guillaume Bioche on piano. Discussion Group), in conjunction with She is now looking forward to Hampstead , developing her new friendship with her Solo singers came from the youth Dennington Park Road, cleaned the "Mitzvah Day" family. choir: Joachim Sciamma singing If I Keats Library in Hampstead Village. were A Rich Man and his younger brother, Chaim, with an amazing * * * * * * * * * THANK YOU rendition of Hallelujah, while Saul Zur- The Belsize Mitzvah Day Team Szpiro sang a rendering of the Shema. Eve Hersov reports: would like to thank all the organisers We truly have fantastic youth talent in People went out of their way to help and volunteers for creating a our shul and will see yet more at the others. For instance, one of our wonderful day both in and out of the forthcoming Belsize Has Talent on members who had booked for the shul for members and non-members Sunday 13 January. Parents were Mitzvah Day brunch, Helen Kissen, alike. We would also like to thank excellent, too. emailed me to say that she was those who did volunteer but for unwell and unable to make it to whom, regrettably, we ran out of Thanks must go to Jeanie Horowitz, Belsize Square. I immediately activities for them to participate in. our retiring head of Cheder (see page arranged with Jeanie to have a We will do our best to make sure this 8) for not only producing this Cheder family drop off a gift basket is addressed next year. Watch this outstanding concert, in which all our at her home. This was Helen's space for Mitzvah Day 2019! music professionals played their part, delighted response:

THE ANNUAL HENRY KUTTNER CHOIR SHABBAT HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL SHABBAT Friday 18 January at 6.45pm Friday 25 January at 6.45pm Each year we will honour the professional choir of Belsize Square Synagogue in memory of Henry Kuttner z"l. A Service to commemorate the anniversary of the end of the Please join us in thanking the choristers who make our Holocaust. Mazkir will be recited for all those who died choir so special and unique. al Kiddush HaShem (sanctifying God's name).

No 699 - Tevet/Shevat/Adar I 5779 - January/February 2019 - Page 3 Our Congregation - Page 4 The second half of November saw a series of extraordinary commemorations of events 80 years ago leading up to the Second World War, which flanked the national centenary of the end of the First World War. A solemn atmosphere prevailed as people remembered the carnage of two different European wars. KRISTALLNACHT REMEMBERED AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY

A Service of Solemn Remembrance rich Jewish liturgical treasury (but also temporary British visas; and a moving and Hope on the 80th Anniversary of including two standard Church of address from Rabbi Jonathan Kristallnacht was held at Westminster England hymns), we had Bible Wittenberg of New North London Abbey on Thursday 8 November, readings and prayer recitals led by Synagogue. His grandfather, Dr Georg conducted by the Very Rev Dr John rabbis and Abbey clergy. Rabbi Stuart Salzberger, rabbi of Frankfurt's West Hall, Dean of Westminster. Altshuler undertook the first reading End Synagoge for 28 years, was also with a psalm. rescued by Robert Smallbones and The packed congregation was made became the founding rabbi of the New up of members of three synagogues – The six candles of our synagogue's Liberal Jewish Congregation, today's West London, New North London and Memorial Candelabrum were lit by Belsize Square Synagogue. During the Belsize Square – with their ministers Michael Newman, chief executive of destruction of the Frankfurt synagogue and choirs plus the Zemel Choir. After the Association of Jewish Refugees; on Kristallnacht, the Ner Tamid stayed some initial uncertainty on entering, our members Lilian Levy, survivor, alight – a sign taken by the family as a without a word being said, Jewish together with her daughter Hilary miracle and spur to keep Judaism heads were covered with a sea of Solomon; Rolf Penzias, survivor; alive. kippot. Anthony Ball, Canon in Residence; Julia Gross, representing the German The memorial prayers were sung by The hour-long service was introduced Ambassador; and Israel Ambassador the combined choirs and El Malei by the Dean of Westminster, who Mark Regev. Each candle represented Rachamim recited by our Cantor Paul noted that it followed the ground- one million of the six million Heller. Kaddish was led by Rabbi breaking 75th anniversary service held slaughtered in the Shoah. Helen Freeman, principal rabbi of in 2013. He said that praying together WLS, who co-chairs the Council of was itself a sign of hope. At the end We listened to the memories of three Christians and Jews (Central London the service, he concluded with the survivors, now in their 90s; a tribute to Branch) with Rev Anthony Ball. We familiar priestly blessing. the British Consul-General in Frankfurt, were played out to organ music Robert Smallbones, from Baroness composed by Ernest Bloch. A solemn Interspersed with the musical offerings, Julia Neuberger, senior rabbi of WLS, and reflective evening. arranged and conducted by our Music whose parents were among the Director Dr Benjamin Wolf from the thousands saved by his granting of Ruth Rothenberg

A PARENT'S PERSPECTIVE from Susan Zur-Spiro

It was deeply moving to be at included, focussing on his ability rather clergy were so welcoming and spoke Westminster Abbey for this than his significant disabilities, and with reverence and respect about our remembrance service. It was being valued as a member of our Jewish people, the tragedy that we particularly special for us, due to the community and for being a unique, have suffered and the universal amazing experience of seeing our lovely and inspiring person. relevance to life today, with the need to beloved son Saul sing Oseh Shalom address persistent racism, nationalism with our Youth Choir. As a member of the Felsenstein and and bigotry in our own generation. Stiebel families on my father’s side, I was so proud to see Saul singing who were among the founder I noted that the survivor testimonies beautifully with his fellow choristers members of our synagogue, I feel came from now elderly people who and needing very little extra support. honoured to be part of the Belsize had been young children during the He is always treated very normally by Square Synagogue community, as well Nazi period. I was enthralled listening Ben (Wolf), Miles (D'Cruz) and all of as the proud parent of four children to their stories. They spoke about their the kids. He’s one of the group! Miles, (plus granddaughter) all active fear and disbelief at the horrifying though young and still relatively new to members of our community, events of Kristallnacht, and how it his role as youth choir conductor, has particularly my special son Saul who signified the destruction of all that they been amazing in the way he has taken loves everyone and everything about knew and cherished in their lives, and Saul under his wing. He manages to being part of our synagogue, as a portent of what was to come. seamlessly balance leading the choir especially to do with music. This while giving additional guidance to includes his passion for his other major I was also struck by the role the British Saul when needed. music concern as a drummer in his played in fighting the Nazis and setting rock band, The AutistiX. up the that facilitated Seeing Saul with the choir in front of the survival of so many Jewish an audience of some 700 people, it The service was beautiful in the children, including members of my own was amazing to reflect that, being both amazing setting of the awe-inspiring family, by bringing them to Britain and Jewish and disabled, he would have and sacred environment of enabling them to settle and make their been an early target for extermination Westminster Abbey. I thought it was lives here. It was a sad and sombre by the Nazis during the Holocaust. Yet particularly wonderful that a Jewish occasion, yet beautiful and moving, there he was, the grandchild of service was held in Westminster and the people who spoke were so , being socially Abbey, with its long iconic history. The inspiring. Kristallnacht commemoration takes place annually at Belsize Square Synagogue but this 80th anniversary year was special. On Friday 9 November Lilian Levy addressed the congregation on her experiences. Lilian lit one of the six memorial candles during the previous evening's Remembrance Service at Westminster Abbey. The weekend also marked the Bar Mitzvah of Theo Brass, who is unlikely to forget its special circumstances. STOLPERSTEINE FOR LILIAN LEVY'S FAMILY

We commemorate today the so-called As a result of our family histories, "spontaneous" outburst of violence and Herbert and I were unwilling, unable, to hatred in Nazi Germany, known as come to terms with Germany or the Kristallnacht. It was, in fact, a pogrom German people. It was not until the carefully organised by the Nazi 1990s, when he was working with the government and it took place on the Anne Frank Trust and going round night of Friday 9 to Saturday 10 Britain with its travelling exhibition, that November 1938 – 80 years ago to this we came into contact with the young very day and hour. It was a culmination German volunteers of Action of antisemitic rhetoric and also a Reconciliation. precursor of far worse to come. My late husband, Herbert, born in Berlin, was a They brought home to us that this new boy of nine at the time and generation of German youngsters can remembered its horrors well. But I did bear no responsibility for the actions of not witness it as I was not yet born. their predecessors. We made friends with some of these young people and I My parents lived in Frankfurt. On am happy to be able to call them my Kristallnacht the police arrested my friends still. One of them, Immanuel father and he was taken to Dachau. I Bartz, became a theatre director and have been told that when he was gave Herbert the great honour and released two weeks later he was a pleasure of choosing him for a voice- approached us after the laying and told shattered, trembling man, weighed over part in a play he produced. us he had donated money towards the down by what had been done to him Herbert's voice lives on. stones. As we did not know him, had and what he had witnessed. My never met him before, we asked him parents were able to flee to Holland, My family originated in Frankfurt but I what had motivated him and he replied which had been neutral in WW1 and had never been there until the city that two years ago, when Donald pledged to remain neutral. invited me two years ago to be their Trump was elected US President, he guest, as part of a scheme to forge was so appalled that he wanted to I was born in London in August 1939 reconciliation with its former citizens. counteract the negative event with a when my mother was visiting her sister We were looked after by volunteers positive gesture and alighted on the in Wembley Park, and my mother flew and I again realised how decent- idea of financing Stolpersteine. His back with me to neutral Holland when I minded people can reach out to each name is Rouven Schellenberg, he is of was three weeks old. In May 1940, other in harmony. I am pleased now to the same generation as my children Hitler violated that neutrality, overran be friends with the lady who was and I am delighted to say that he and Holland and enacted the anti-Jewish allocated to help me in Frankfurt, Till they have become good friends, decrees just as in Germany. We were Lieberz-Gross. meeting whenever they can. sent to Bergen-Belsen where my parents starved to death. I survived, From this developed another initiative Also present was Anne-Katrin aged five and a half at liberation. in which she was instrumental: the Scheffbuch whom we knew through laying of Stolpersteine in memory of the Action Reconciliation programme. Herbert told me that in the years murdered members of my family. She had been the organiser in Britain leading up to Kristallnacht he had Stolpersteine [literally stumbling of the programme's volunteers from witnessed great poverty and stones, a project initiated by German Germany and has likewise become a unemployment in Berlin. He artist Gunter Demnig in 1992] are good friend for many years, together remembered seeing dozens of men metal plaques bearing the names of with her husband, Matthias, and their sitting on park benches all day long deported Jews, situated at their former teenage children. I have told my young and playing cards. But suddenly they place of residence. German friends that I am speaking at had work and were gone: all drafted the synagogue today and have given into Hitler's preparations for war. As elsewhere, the plaques were paid them the link to our LiveStream. So for by voluntary contributions from the hello to Anne and Matthias, to Till, to Can we draw parallels today with the people of Frankfurt. Both my parents Immanuel and to Rouven! I send you awful events leading up to Kristallnacht and three of my grandparents were all my fond greetings. and all that followed? Today there is murdered in the war, so Till organised also great inequality between the five Stolpersteine in their names, two So, you see, I feel that there are haves and the have-nots. There is of which she paid for herself. positive steps one can take in what today much malign rhetoric and appears to be a fractured world. incivility of language, there is When it came to laying them, my Instead of the supposedly xenophobia and fake news. But before family and I went to Frankfurt for what "spontaneous" outburst of hatred of I depress myself too much with the proved to be an emotional and well- Kristallnacht, let us work towards hopelessness of it all, let us consider attended ceremony at the place where forging spontaneous friendships with whether anything positive is happening my parents had lived and where I had people who have similar values of in our harsh world. been conceived. One young man peace and harmony to our own.

No 699 - Tevet/Shevat/Adar I 5779 - January/February 2019 - Page 5 Our Congregation - Page 6 KINDERTRANSPORT 1938 – HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATE Another deeply significant event was Other speakers at the original debate – with 196 children, mostly from a the re-enactment on Wednesday MPs Herbert Butcher, David Logan, Jewish orphanage burnt down on evening 21 November of the Archibald Southby, Home Secretary Sir Kristallnacht. They sailed on the impassioned parliamentary debate 80 Samuel Hoare and David Grenfell – overnight ferry from the Hook of years ago to the day to allow were represented by MPs Louise Holland, arrived in Harwich next day unaccompanied Jewish children from Ellman, Oliver Dowden, Matt Offord, and continued by train to the London Germany (and later Austria and Yvette Cooper, John Mann, Jo terminus at Liverpool Street Station. Czechoslovakia) into Britain. Roundell Green and, from the House of Lords, Baroness Deech and Lord The original debate started at 7.33pm. Six MPs spoke at the original debate, Livingston. While sympathising with This re-enactment got going an hour 12 days after Kristallnacht, the opening the plight of German-Jewish children, earlier but stopped at 7.33 for a salvo in Hitler's anti-Jewish campaign. the earlier generation of MPs pointed minute's silence. Then Sir Eric Reich, They were led by Philip Noel-Baker, a to problems of large-scale numbers, chairman of the Kindertransport Group, remarkable character – a Quaker and absorption and funding plus the need read out a letter from Prime Minister pacifist who won military medals for his for tolerance and support from other Teresa May in which she said: "The work in the Ambulance Unit in the First communities – all familiar issues today. miracle of Kindertransport shines out." World War, co-founded the League of Nations after the First World War and But MPs were impressed by the funds Among the many guests was our United Nations after the Second, and raised by the Anglo-Jewish community former treasurer David Rothenberg won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1959. to deal with the emergency. They also (1999-2006), in his capacity as AJR sympathised with parents forced to vice-chairman. The previous day saw His outrage focussed on children and give up their children for safety and him at a Kindertransport reception at patients dragged out of Jewish recalled the shelter warmly given to Clarence House, hosted by the Prince hospitals and orphanages. He was thousands of Belgian children in the of Wales, who spoke to these now scathing about Goebbels' assertion First World War. The debate concluded elderly people about their experiences. that the nationwide simultaneous with a historic resolution, read out at attacks were “spontaneous outbursts", the reception by Lord (Eric) Pickles, At the end of the following week (while comparing them rather to the St Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust the rest of us enjoyed the Chanukah Bartholomew's Day massacre. Issues. It stated: Market) David attended the lighting of the first Chanukah candle by Chief His fervent speech set the tone for the "Resolved: that this House notes with Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, organised by rest of that night's historic debate. The profound concern the deplorable World Jewish Relief at Liverpool Street speech was read out in sections by a treatment suffered by certain racial and Station, next to Frank Meisler's statue series of today's MPs at a reception for political minorities in Europe and, in of child refugees, along with German the Kindertransport Group of the view of the growing gravity of the Ambassador Peter Wittig, also present Association of Jewish Refugees, held refugee problem, would welcome the at these events. The only one David in the State Rooms of the Speaker’s immediate concerted effort amongst missed was the Liberal Jewish House in the Palace of Westminster. the nations, including the USA, to Synagogue's Memorial Concert but The parliamentary readers were secure a common policy." Helen Grunberg and Sue Arnold’s James Brokenshire, Luciana Berger report will appear in our next issue. Ian Austin, Ruth Smeeth and our As a result, the first Kindertransport Synagogue's local MP, Tulip Siddiq. train left Berlin on 1 December 1938 Ruth Rothenberg 40K for £40K Question: how is and his colleagues, including some Denmark Hill (South London) where Belsize Square’s well-known names, have been very major research into MND is taking very own Richard supportive, as has Sir Cliff Richard place. And I would like to end up at my Pollins going to who recorded a message for Richard’s parents’ house in Woodside Park. complete a 40K Facebook page. So far he's had Landmarks like Westminster and walk at the age of donations from over 200 people. Trafalgar Square would be nice but 40 to try to raise mainly she needs to find flat areas." £40K for Motor The 40K walk to raise £40K is Neurone Richard’s response to his mother And what of his family? “My wife Sara Disease? Vera’s MND diagnosis. “It’s a condition is worried about my back. I would like which has taken us all by surprise, how to involve my kids (Joseph, 5, and The four-day walk will start on 14 quickly and how much impact it’s had. Maggie, 2). I worry a little about March, covering 10k each day. For This is a fundraising project to almost Joseph's overall fitness. He was the someone born without legs, Richard fight back. It can’t help Mum because only kid at the school fireworks display doesn’t seem too concerned, but he the research isn’t at that stage yet. But asking why there weren't any seats." started training last summer: “I this is to help other people and that’s normally drive to work but decided rather apt, because that’s what Mum And if you’re wondering how Richard occasionally to get the Tube instead, has done all her life.” might feel after four days walking on get off at Euston and walk the almost crutches and artificial legs, so is he. “It 2k into ITN HQ in Grays Inn Road. Routing has been “outsourced” to a will be interesting to see the effects on That took me around half an hour.“ former colleague, now an experienced my body. Will I start each day anew or tour guide. “I do want one of the walks feel the effects of the day before? I Richard is a Programme Editor at ITN, to take in King’s College Hospital in might take Monday off work.” A QUARTET OF CANTORS Ruth Rothenberg enjoys a festive concert

revolutionised Jewish liturgical music, Perhaps the most interesting of the bringing in harmonies and choirs and array of singers was Paul's son Yohel, weaving patterns of sound that at the start of his career. Well trained characterise the western musical style. and controlled, his lyrical tenor voice One of our stalwarts, Naomi Stadlen, has a sweet tone, full of promise and in told the audience how her paternal the western tradition, thanks to his grandfather, Cantor Alfred Jacoby, classical style teachers and 11 years' (who died three weeks before exposure to Stockholm's Great Kristallnacht) attended Oranienburger Synagogue, where his father worked Strasse Synagogue as a young child. from 2000. The family returned to their He imbibed and was inspired by its native Colombia for two years before Music Director, Lewandowski. After the coming to Belsize Square Synagogue First World War he was appointed in 2013. cantor to the Fasanenstrasse Synagogue with a colleague, Magnus Father and son sang duets with the Davidsohn, who fled Germany in 1939 choir and Yohel sang his own liturgical with Louis Lewandowski's scores passages. He has now completed his A quartet of cantors (from left) and became our first cantor. first year as chazan at the historic New Gedalya Alexander, Yohel Heller, West End Synagogue in Bayswater Paul Heller, Robert Brody It was also interesting to hear the (United Synagogue and Orthodox) and different pronunciations of Hebrew, is learning the eastern style from Our Music Committee's most recent depending on the date of the Gedalya Alexander (now freelance but offering was a Gala Cantorial Concert composition. Robert Brody, an old formerly at Finchley Synagogue, also featuring our own Cantor Paul Heller hand at chazanut and still in fine voice, part of the United Synagogue). The with his son Yohel, and two started with psalm 92 (It is good to give years ahead will be worth following as homegrown chazanim, Londoner thanks) as composed by his voice matures. Robert Brody and Mancunian Gedalya Lewandowski. The title in English Alexander. Together with our Belsize spelling comes out as Tow (or Tov) This was an enthralling concert with Square Music Director Dr Benjamin l'Hodoss, indicating the old Ashkenazi both depth and breadth in a Wolf (to give Ben his formal status), pronunciation (and remembering that specialised field. Many thanks to all organist Michael Cayton and a number the German pronunciation of "o" who took part – and to the Music of our professional choristers, they comes out as "ow" rather than "oi"). Committee under its new chairman gave a heart-warming and powerful Judith Sciamma, who introduced the demonstration of the extraordinary But his next song, Chonon Lewis's pleasurable evening. We look forward range and effect of the human voice – Atah Zocher, from the Rosh Hashanah to future events. a musical voice, that is. musaf service, reflected modern spoken Hebrew. Dr Lewis is a living, if Judith Sciamma adds: One of the things that came over elderly, Anglo-Jewish composer, This cantorial concert took us through clearly, as Cantor Heller pointed out, is former violinist, with a wide range of a journey from eastern to western the difference in eastern and western liturgical and Hebrew literary settings. European tradition. We heard a wide musical styles. And there were a couple of toe-tapping range of tonalities, each cantor having produced the plaintive, insistent and Yiddish songs plus the encore, My a particular timbre. The concert deeply emotional vocal outpouring that Yiddishe Mama. In fact, though we displayed the broad spectrum of is intended to catch God's ear and have long since changed to modern emotions contained in cantorial music, make Him attentive to our needs. Hebrew based on Sephardi from sadness to joy, and even comedy! Gedalya Alexander, a product of both pronunciation, practically all this music Through a mix of solos and duets, Cambridge and Gateshead, was the was written for Ashkenazi speakers. the participants shared with us their exemplar of the passionate pleader Incidentally, Robert Brody, like Paul passion, authenticity and tremendous with the trembling notes and greatest Heller, started in dentistry. Is this generosity in their singing. Our Music frequency of the vowel sound "oy". coincidence or is there a hidden Committee would like to thank connection between examining the the cantors, Music Director and It was Lewandowski (1821-1894) who mouth and producing sound from it? musicians for this wonderful event.

GOLDEN DAGGER AWARD FOR TRUE-LIFE MYSTERY Congratulations to Thomas Harding, son of our longstanding members, Frank and Belinda Harding, who won the 2018 Crime Writers' Association Non-Fiction Golden Dagger Award in October. His book, Blood On The Page, delves into a real-life murder mystery that took place in 2006 only a couple of streets away from his parents' home and involves the strong possibility that the suspect who was convicted suffered a miscarriage of justice. Thomas writes about real-life events that have affected him. His first book, Hanns and Rudolf (2013), described how his great-uncle Hanns Alexander, one of our synagogue's founding members, tracked down and arrested Rudolf Hoess, the commandant of Auschwitz. His second book, The House By The Lake (2015), used his great-grandparents' lakeside holiday home outside Berlin as a linchpin for the last hundred years' history of the area. Kadian's Diary (2014) is the poignant diary he kept after the tragic death of his teenage son in a cycling accident.

No 699 - Tevet/Shevat/Adar I 5779 - January/February 2019 - Page 7 Our Congregation - Page 8 OUR CHEDER HEAD RETIRES After 16 years as our first official Head them to "engage with Jewish tradition 22 A-starred grades, four As and two of Religion School (to give our Cheder and text, language and culture, in a Bs, with nothing below that level. its formal title), Jeanie Horowitz is meaningful and creative way." retiring, having remodelled the Because of our congregation's unique curriculum in several aspects. This has played out in making origins, our children have had the decorations to illustrate festivals, opportunity to speak to Jewish Jeanie has a background in Jewish acting out Bible stories or the debates refugees from the Continent, our now education. Brought up in New York and of Hillel and Shammai, making up gift elderly members, and hear at first- educated at Jewish schools, she is parcels for our elderly, winning an hand about Kristallnacht and the fluent in Hebrew, having lived in Israel international art competition, helping , a real and rare for three months when she was 13 and the Separated Child charity (today's history lesson. They interviewed a for a year at the Hebrew University equivalent of the Kindertransport dozen members, sadly no longer with before doing her Master's in education unaccompanied children), visiting us, recording their conversations in two at Penn University. She worked as a museums and joining up with other DVDs, first for our 70th and then our teacher and counsellor at various groups to visit Amsterdam and Prague. 75th anniversary. Their legacy lives on. American Jewish summer camps, No child can complain of Cheder youth movements and schools, before boredom! Jeanie's special memory is of the trips coming to Britain in 1994 on marriage. she made with teaching assistants, A couple of years into the job, Jeanie taking seven or eight 6th-formers to When she started taking her older took the major step of introducing Israel. With sponsorship from a daughter to Belsize nursery and GCSE in Jewish Studies. The two-year member, who wishes to remain chatted to office staff, our then course gives post-Bar and Bat Mitzvah anonymous, she did this three times – synagogue Co-Ordinator, Henny Levin, students a goal to aim for. There has in 2004, 2007 and 2010 – taking realised that here was an opportunity been a small but steady take-up of the groups during the October half-term. not to be missed. She asked Jeanie if exam, which also enables them to There is a DVD of these trips, too. she would like to teach our kids. work and gain experience as Cheder teaching assistants. Her final activities this term included Three years later the decision was getting the kids to make Chanukah made to lighten Henny's burden, which There was a problem in the school cards, which were sent to a Holocaust included responsibility for Religion year 2016-17 when the national survivors centre in Israel. She says School, by appointing an official Head curriculum required exam boards to she is "sad to leave but it is time to Teacher. Jeanie applied and got the test knowledge of two religions. move on and organisations need to job. She had in the meantime taken a Several faith schools dropped the rethink and refresh themselves." She advanced diploma exam altogether as did Cheder. But is not retiring completely from the in Jewish Education and was active in last September one exam board, educational world. She will continue at the New Israel Fund while working for Edexcel, introduced the International Alma Primary School, a Jewish cross- the Zionist Federation. She started as GCSE (IGCSE), which allows for the communal school in Whetstone, our first Head in September 2002. study of a single religion. While it may Barnet, teaching three days a week. be a good idea for schools to study the She welcomes her successor, Caroline The Cheder was probably at its peak world's religions in this diverse age, it Loison, a qualified teacher, and is then with up to 140 children in 10 is not the reason one goes to Cheder. looking forward to free weekends. classes for an age range of 5 to 15. The teaching staff included three The teacher for this public exam class A Kiddush for Jeanie Horowitz Israelis. In addition to the basics of for the last eight years has been our will be held on 19 January. teaching children to read and Education Committee Chair, Elizabeth All pupils, past and present, understand Hebrew, if not necessarily Nisbet, who is also stepping down. Her are welcome. Parents, too. speak it, Jeanie's aim was to enable high-achieving pupils gained a total of BRAINSTORMING FOR OUR CHEDER'S FUTURE Our Religion School, or Cheder, has ultimately it is up to the community to We have a responsibility towards our been a great success over the years declare its opinions and backing for children and the future of our and is a vibrant environment for the any plan if it is to work. We would community, so please take a couple of synagogue’s children. However, as the therefore like to invite you to an Action hours out of your schedule so that we environment changes, so must our Brainstorming Morning at 10.00am on can make the most of our synagogue’s educational strategy. Sunday 3 February. This will form part brilliant minds! of that day’s Cheder programme so, if We are presented with a challenge: for nothing else, come and join us for Please RSVP if you would like to how can we furnish our BSS kids with tea and coffee and listen to the input! attend, so we can gauge numbers and sufficient knowledge of synagogue run the morning as effectively as services, religious traditions, and While the morning will be a structured possible. We look forward to hearing Jewish history, so that they can session, the more voices we hear, the from you. confidently visit any community in the more ideas we can generate. We know world, follow the service and feel part that whatever course of action is The Strategic Working Group: of this special club called Judaism? ultimately taken, there will be things Dilys Tausz, Joe Hacker, Frank that work for everyone, for some and Joseph, Caroline Loison, Suzanne We’ve had some great input from the for no one. We will all need patience Goldstein, Mandy Brass, Sara Ministers, Executive and Board, but as we cope with teething problems. Pollins Dear Fellow Members moment there is plenty to shoes from. The Saudi Arabs cannot put a foot in the right direction. If they are not I hope that like both Mrs Klopstick und I, you have murdering there own people they are bombing the come threw the New Year to two southend und Yemenites. Then there is the schtinkers in Iran nineteen very much unscraped. I am now almost fully consisterly being a thread sponsoring warfair und recovered from the operation to remove a tumult terrorism. Now we find that the Emurates are putting from my bletter. My surgeon is very pleased with people in prison for live for doing nothing. I hope that himself und said he found the hole process with this fokus on these other places und there completely painless. doings wrong, they will help to adverse the weave At the time when I am writing this kolumne, the of auntie-semitismus creeping across Europe. Of Breaksit thing is still being debased in the House of cause as Rabbi Altschuler has pointed out just Commons. Who noes if it will come threw oder now, the United Nations continue to find revolutions knot? Knot me und knot Mrs K, und certainly knot to unter mein the Jewish homeland. Won of six Dr Grossatig from number 47 who thinks he can predick the different votes was to give bag the Golan Heights to Syria. outcome of everything. Whatever happens who in there rite What a good idea to intrust such a strategic place with the mines wants Jeremy Putin up there in the drying seat? I peace loving Mr Asshead. listened the other day to Dame Shaggy Shagranasty being Bag now on the home front. Over Chanukah we hat a bit of a intervued on the television. She of cause was building her nightmare here in Abernein Mansions. Mrs Bluhmenkohl, leader up out from all proportion. What more could we expect who organises the communial Seder decided that she was from her? I thinks she is the shadowy General Attorney. going to make her own kendles. Of all the many vexes she Away from politiks, I see Belsize Square is about to lunge its could shoes, she shows vex polish. It took longer then it took first talent contest und we are all invited to parpissytake. I the Temple oil of the Maccabeans to run out for the smell of wanted very much to demon straight my button collection, old boots to varnish from this building. but Mrs K says that this is not a talent und not at all Quiet a number of our congregants are now starting to peck entertaining. I find this hard to belief. She, on the other hand, there backs und will be heading away to warmer climbs like wood like to show of her jimnastiks. I told her that I don’t South und Israel. Mrs Klopstick will be going in the think there will be a big enuff space for her to run up for her opposite direction. She wants to built up her sighs, so is floor exercises. Unfortunately like the Prime Minister, oder learning to speed skate in the Norse of the Nesserlends. I former Prime Minister, Mrs Mai, Mrs K is very single wood rather be with sinner sighs in the son shine. mindead. Now she wants to borrow a Pommel Hose from her jim und take it to this advent. How we should trainspot it to A heppy and preposterous new year to you all. number fifty won I cannot imagine. With the best of intentions It is always helpful to Israel when there is not such good Fritz Klopstick news coming from another country in the Middle East. At this

TEFILLIN CLUB LAUNCH Shabbat Candle Lighting Sunday 4 November saw the launch of the Tefillin Club, primarily as Friday 4 January Ruth Kersley part of our Bar Mitzvah course, but also giving others the opportunity Friday 11 January Izobel Abrahams to learn to lay tefillin. Led by Rabbi Altshuler and Cantor Heller, a Release Press FridaySword & Pen 18 January Helen Kuttner 7/5/2018 Friday 25 January Marilyn Glyn dozen boys were shown how to do this properly, while the rest of the E S A E L E R S S E R P Cheder children and parents looked on. The 9.30am session finished Friday 1 February Judith Van Vlymen Friday 8 February Sandra Burke with children returning to class and adults staying for bagels and d t L s k o o B d r o w S & n e P Friday 15 FebruaryS A 2 0 7 S , e r i h s k r o Y h t Jou o S , y e Hopcraftl s n r a B , t e e r t S h c r u h C 7 4 conversation. k u . o c . d r o w s - d n a - n e p . w w w : e t i s b e W 7 6 2 4 3 7 6 2 2 1 0 4 4 + : l e T Friday 22 Februaryk u . o c . d r Victoriao w s - d n a - n e p @ s Woolfsone i r i u q n e : l i a m E This is the start of a termly event. The Rabbi and Cantor look forward to inviting everybody again on the following dates: k n a r F e n n A f o y c a g e L e h T 20 January, 17 March, 19 May. y r r e P s e n l a W n a i l l i G : r o h t u A y e l b m u h C n e h p e t S : y B d e t i d E

s t h g i l h g i H

g n i g n i r b n i - d e l i a f e v a h s e v i t a i t i n i r e h t o e r e h w - d e d e e c c u s k n a r F e n n A s a h w o H y l p e e d n w o d g n i k a e r b d n a s t c i n o c e l b a t c a r t n i n i s e d i s t n e r e f f i d m o r f e s o h t r e h t e g o t ? ’ r e h t o e h t ‘ t s n i a g a s e c i d u j e r p d l e h ? d n i h e b t f e l s a h e h s s e i c a g e l m r e t - g n o l g n i s i r p r u s n e t f o e h t e r a t a h W 7/5/2018 Pen & Sword Press Release . e r o m y n a m d n a s n o i t s e u q e s e h t r e w s n a o t s m i a y d u t s g n i t a n i c s a f s i h T PRESS RELEASE k n a r F e n n A r e g a n e e t h s i w e J e h t , m a d r e t s m A e m i t r a w n i e c a l p g n i d i h t e r c e s r e h m o r F r e h h t i w d n e y l e t a m i t l u d l u o w t a h t y t i v i t p a c a f o s r o r r e t e h t t u o b a y l g n i h c n e r w - t r a e h e t o r w h t i w d e b i r c s e d e h s , s e i r a i d s u o m a f - d l r o w r e h n I . s i z a N e h t f o s d n a h e h t t a h t a e d d n a d e t a n o i n i p o , g n i k n i h t p e e d a o t d o o h d l i h c m o r f n o i t i s n a r t r e h y t s e n o h e l b a k r a m e r Pen & Sword Books Ltd a e t a e r c o t p l e h d l u o w e h s h c i h w g n i r u d , e v i l o t d e g n o l e h s e f i l e h T . r e g a n e e t e t a n o i s s a p 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS E S A E L E R K O O B W E N e r e w y l i m a f r e h d n a e h s , 4 4 9 1 t s u g u A n I . e b o t t o n y l l a c i g a r t s a w , d l r o w g n i r a c e r o m Tel: +44 01226 734267 Website: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk 9 9 . 4 1 £ : P R R . z t i w h c s u A o t d e t r o p e d d n a d e r u t p a c Email: [email protected] 3 4 0 1 3 7 6 2 5 1 8 7 9 : N B S I n o i t a r t n e c n o c n e s l e B - n e g r e B n i e s a e s i d d n a n o i t a v r a t s m o r f h t a e d r e h r e t f a s r a e y o w T THE LEGACY OF ANNE FRANK o t n o g n i o g , n o i t a s n e s l a n o i t a n r e t n i n a e m a c e b y l k c i u q t I . d e h s i l b u p s a w y r a i d r e h , p m a c The Legacy of Anne Frank Sunday 13 January at K C 8pmA B R E P A P · S E G A P 4 0 3 . s r a e y y t n e v e s r e v o r o f s d n i m d n a s t r a e h e c n e u n i 8 1 0 2 T S U G U A : D E H S I L B U P d n a e f i l s ’ k n a r F e n n A t u o b a n e t t i r w n e e b e v a h s e s y l a n a y r a r e t i l d n a s k o o b y n a m h g u o h t l A Entry free, refreshments provided Y R O T S I H D R O W S & N E P n i e l p o e p g n u o y n o d a h s a h e h s e c n e u n i g n i s i r p r u s e h t d e r o l p x e e v a h e n o n , y r a i d Author: Gillian Walnes Perry m e h t g n i v i g d n a k r o w e m a r f l a r o m r i e h t e p a h s o t g n i p l e h , d l r o w e h t r e v o l l a s e i r t n u o c Edited By: Stephen Chumbley e h t y b d e t a e r c n o i t i b i h x e g n i l l e v a r t a f o s t i r e m e h t o t t r a p n i e u d s i s i h T . s l l i k s e f i l l a c i t i r c Gillian Walnes Perry, retired n o i l l i m 9 r e v o y b n e e s n e e b r a f o s s a h h c i h w 5 8 9 1 n i m a d r e t s m A n i e s u o H k n a r F e n n A Highlights executive director of the Anne l a r u t l u c d n a l a n o i t a c u d e e v i t a v o n n i s t i h t i w g n o l a , n o i t i b i h x e k n a r F e n n A e h T . e l p o e p . s e m i t y n a m e b o l g e h t d e t a g i v a n m u c r i c s a h , s e i t i v i t c a How has Anne Frank succeeded - where other initiatives have failed - in bringing Frank Trust UK, will talk to us together those from different sides in intractable conicts and breaking down deeply s ' k n a r F e n n A f o s e i c a g e l s u o i r a v e h t s e r o l p x e y r r e P s e n l a W n a i l l i G , y d u t s g n i t a n i c s a f s i h t n I held prejudices against ‘the other’? about the life and legacy of t a h t s n o i t a v i t o m e h t d n a r e h t a f s ’ k n a r F e n n A f o e f i l x e l p m o c e h t t a s k o o l e h S . e c n e u n i , k n a r F e n n A l a e r e h t o t n i s t h g i s n i w e n s e r a h s e h S . y h p o s o l i h p l a n o i t a c u d e s i h d e r e w o p What are the often surprising long-term legacies she has left behind? Anne Frank and her influence a l e d n a M n o s l e N s a h c u s s n o c i l a b o l G . r e h w e n k y l l a u t c a o h w e s o h t y b d e t f i g y l l a n o s r e p This fascinating study aims to answer these questions and many more. on young people's moral . s e v i l n w o r i e h t g n i p a h s n o d a h k n a r F e n n A t a h t e c n e u n i e h t e t a l e r n r u b p e H y e r d u A d n a From her secret hiding place in wartime Amsterdam, the Jewish teenager Anne Frank compass. f o s e i r o t s l a n o i t a r i p s n i e h t - e m i t t s r y r e v e h t r o f d n a e c a l p e n o n i l l a - s t n e s e r p k o o b s i h T wrote heart-wrenchingly about the terrors of a captivity that would ultimately end with her e n o f o s d r o w e h t y b r e h t e g o t t h g u o r b , d l r o w e h t r e v o l l a m o r f e l p o e p f o y t e i r a v e s r e v i d a death at the hands of the Nazis. In her world-famous diaries, she described with . t s u a c o l o H e h t f o m i t c i v e g a n e e t g n i r i p s n i d n a e t a l u c i t r a y l r a l u c i t r a p remarkable honesty her transition from childhood to a deep thinking, opinionated and r o h t u A e h t t u o b A passionate teenager. The life she longed to live, during which she would help to create a No 699 - Tevet/Shevat/Adar I 5779 - January/February 2019 - Page 9 more caring world, was tragically not to be. In August 1944, she and her family were NEW BOOK RELEASE d n a y l i m a f h t i w g n o l a , 0 9 9 1 n i K U t s u r T k n a r F e n n A e h t d e d n u o f - o c y r r e P s e n l a W n a i l l i G captured and deported to Auschwitz. RRP: £14.99 k r o w r e h r o f E B M n a d e d r a w a s a w e h s , 0 1 0 2 n I . k n a r F o t t O , r e h t a f s ’ k n a r F e n n A f o s d n e i r f d n a , y l l a n o s r e p k n a r F e n n A w e n k o h w e l p o e p y n a m h t i w e m i t t n e p s s a h e h S . n o i t a c u d e n i Two years after her death from starvation and disease in Bergen-Belsen concentration ISBN: 9781526731043 l u f r e w o p e h t g n i t a u t e p r e p n e e b y l s s e l e r i t e v a h o h w d l r o w e h t r e v o l l a m o r f s r o t a c u d e camp, her diary was published. It quickly became an international sensation, going on to 304 PAGES · PAPERBACK e h s , t s u r T k n a r F e n n A e h t g n i d l i u b f o s r a e y 6 2 r e t f A . g n i t i r w d n a e f i l s ' e n n A f o s e g a s s e m inuence hearts and minds for over seventy years. e h t t u o b a s e t i r w d n a s e r u t c e l w o n e h S . 6 1 0 2 n i r o t c e r i D e v i t u c e x E s ’ y t i r a h c e h t s a d e r i t e r Although many books and literary analyses have been written about Anne Frank’s life and PUBLISHED: AUGUST 2018 . s c i p o t y r o t s i h l a i c o s r a l u p o p f o e g n a r a s a l l e w s a , k n a r F e n n A f o y c a g e l d n a e f i l diary, none have explored the surprising inuence she has had on young people in PEN & SWORD HISTORY countries all over the world, helping to shape their moral framework and giving them critical life skills. This is due in part to the merits of a travelling exhibition created by the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam in 1985 which has so far been seen by over 9 million people. The Anne Frank exhibition, along with its innovative educational and cultural activities, has circumnavigated the globe many times.

In this fascinating study, Gillian Walnes Perry explores the various legacies of Anne Frank's 1 / 1 .pen-and-sword.co.uk/pr/collection/1850ef34-be37-4464-8b21-d635cd94e895 https://liberator inuence. She looks at the complex life of Anne Frank’s father and the motivations that powered his educational philosophy. She shares new insights into the real Anne Frank, personally gifted by those who actually knew her. Global icons such as Nelson Mandela and Audrey Hepburn relate the inuence that Anne Frank had on shaping their own lives.

This book presents - all in one place and for the very rst time - the inspirational stories of a diverse variety of people from all over the world, brought together by the words of one particularly articulate and inspiring teenage victim of the Holocaust. About the Author

Gillian Walnes Perry co-founded the Anne Frank Trust UK in 1990, along with family and friends of Anne Frank’s father, Otto Frank. In 2010, she was awarded an MBE for her work in education. She has spent time with many people who knew Anne Frank personally, and educators from all over the world who have tirelessly been perpetuating the powerful messages of Anne's life and writing. After 26 years of building the Anne Frank Trust, she retired as the charity’s Executive Director in 2016. She now lectures and writes about the life and legacy of Anne Frank, as well as a range of popular social history topics.

https://liberator.pen-and-sword.co.uk/pr/collection/1850ef34-be37-4464-8b21-d635cd94e895 1/1 Our Congregation - Page 10

The copy deadline for the next issue of Community News Our Congregation is Friday 8 February 2019 REGULAR SERVICES NEW MEMBERS Friday evenings at 6.45pm & Saturday mornings at 10.00am We extend a cordial welcome to: Shelley Masters Kikar Kids Allan Rosenberg Saturday 5 January, 2 February, 2 March Vanessa & Paul Crocker Under-5s Service in the Crèche (Crèche opens 10am) Dianne & David Rose Junior Service for 5-9 year-olds in the Library Paul Reece 11.30am – Kids’ Kiddush WEDDING Often followed by a Pot Luck Lunch Mazal Tov to: Contact Frank Joseph on 020 7482 2555 to bring a dish Lara Kendall & Dan Rothman, who were married on Religion School 15 December Sunday mornings: 9.30am-12.30pm Term Starts: Sunday 13 January BIRTHS Half Term: 17 & 24 February Mazal Tov to: Katie & Adam Davis on the birth of their son Woolf CANTOR HELLER'S KABBALAT SHABBAT CHAT Alexa & Robert Jakobi on the birth of their son Arden Martina Tafreshi & Adam Laderman on the birth of their An invitation and opportunity for Bar Mitzvah daughter Olivia class pupils to make Kiddush, sing Lecha Dodi and learn the lessons of the Parsha. BIRTHDAYS On the second Friday of the month Congratulations and best wishes to: 5.30pm in the Library Mrs A Goodwin (95) on 2 December Next sessions: 11 January, 8 February, 8 March Mr E Kaczynski (80) on 5 December Mrs C Haar (97) on 29 December Miss M Kinstead (92) on 3 January NW3 LUNCHEON GROUP Mrs R Eisenfeld (87) on 8 January Giacomo, 428 Finchley Road, London, NW2 2HY Mrs L Simmonds (95) on 18 January 1.00pm on Wednesday 16 January and 20 February Mrs I Wolffberg (99) on 20 January Please call Judy Field (020 8455 0614) if you wish to attend Mrs G Oblath (94) on 27 January SUNDAY MORNING ADULT DISCUSSION DEATHS We regret to announce the passing of: 13 January Rita Brent, who died on 1 November 10.00-11.15 Rabbi Altshuler on History of Ancient Israel: Gerald Goodwin, who died on 4 November Exodus from Egypt Helen Lewis, who died on 6 November 11.15-12.30 TBC Elli Schiffer Beutel who died on 15 December 20 January STONE SETTING 10.00 - 11.15 Rabbi Altshuler on History of Ancient Israel: Peter Batkin on Sunday 13 January at 1.45pm at Revelation at Sinai Edgwarebury Lane Cemetery 11.15-12.30 Angela Gluck - Hon Trustee of The Separated Child Foundation CHANUKAH MARKET 2018 27January RAFFLE WINNERS 10.00-11.15 Rabbi Altshuler on History of Ancient Israel: 1st prize £100 Mr Selby 11351 Joshua and the Conquest 2nd prize £50 Mr Selby 11358 11.15-12.30 TBC 3rd prize £25 Ms P Tausz 00340 3 February 4th prize £25 Mrs D Rynhold 11801 10.00-11.15 Rabbi Altshuler on History of Ancient Israel: 5th prize £10 Mrs H Levin 10146 Constitution & Faith of Early Israel - Judges 1200-1050 BCE 6th prize £10 Mr M Glyn 01502 11.15-12.30 Jonathan Paris, journalist and political analyst: Middle East update SECOND NIGHT SEDER 10 February Saturday 20 April following the Service at 6.45pm 10.00-11.15 Rabbi Altshuler on History of Ancient Israel: Rise and Development of Monarchy, Saul 1050-1000BCE Come and join Rabbi Altshuler and Cantor Heller 11.15-12.30 Cantor Paul Heller: The Use of the Temple Organ in the Synagogue Members £30, Non Members £35, Under 13s £15 If you wish to attend, please contact the Synagogue Office 17 & 24 February: Half Term - No Adult Discussion SAVE THE DATE ISRAEL DINNER, THURSDAY 9 MAY Celebrate Yom Ha'Atzma'ut, Israel's 71st Birthday, at Belsize Square Synagogue ✴ A great evening of music and dancing ✴ Guest speaker (details to be announced) ✴ Superb dining by our own chef, Adam Nathan ✴ Help support our chosen well-deserving chosen Israeli charities SCENES FROM THE WESTMINSTER ABBEY SERVICE

Clockwise from top left: Rabbi Altshuler reads a psalm at the start of the service while Cantor Heller looks on from the bench

In the evening gloom at Liverpool Street Station, David Rothenberg holds up the Chanukiah with its first candle to commemorate the Kindertransport rescue operation Gemma Rosenfeld on cello and Ben Wolf conducting as combined synagogue choirs sing the last paragraph of the Amidah (Our female voices are in the front row) Ben Wolf conducts our Youth Choir as they sing a German lullaby, one of Lewandowski's non-liturgical works Lilian Levy lighting a memorial candle together with her daughter Hilary Solomon

LIGHTING UP FOR CHANUKAH

Aerial view of the Chanukah Market before opening showing Grocery Stall (right) Wrapping Paper (left) and Household Accessories (centre)

Cantor Heller and Rabbi Altshuler open the Chanukah Market on 1 December with Havdalah The First Candle waits to be lit, watched by expectant Chanukah Market customers

Photo credits: Westminster Abbey website, Paul Heller, Susan Zur-Spiro, Tanya Freedman No 699 - Tevet/Shevat/Adar I 5779 - January/February 2019 - Page 11 Our Congregation - Page 12

BOWLING ALONG SYNAGOGUE HELP LINES Our Youth Leader, Lucy Bergman reports: In the month of November, two of our groups, years 3-6 (aged 7-11) and years 7 THE BELSIZE SQUARE SYNAGOGUE and above (11+) took part in our Bowling Tournament at the 51 Belsize Square, London, NW3 4HX Hollywood Bowl North Finchley. Years 3-6 had a delicious pizza Tel: 020 7794 3949 lunch after Cheder to fuel up before their game on Sunday Email: [email protected] afternoon, 11 November. Years 7 and above turned up for their SYNAGOGUE OFFICE HOURS game the following Saturday night, excited and ready to 9.00am - 5.30pm compete for the winning title. Fridays: 9.00am-2.00pm CHIEF EXECUTIVE Both groups played two sets of games, accompanied by lots of Lee Taylor - 020 7794 3949 yummy food and drinks. Most of us were very competitive but still cheered on our other players when they took their turn. Our CHEVRA KADISHA games saw quite a few strikes and lots of spares! Turns out we Chairman: Rabbi Stuart Altshuler have some professional bowlers at Belsize! Overall, the Joint Vice Chairs: Helen Grunberg - 020 8450 8533 tournament was a massive success and I’m very much looking Cantor Dr Paul Heller forward to our next event. Watch this space!! COMMUNITY CARE CO-ORDINATOR & BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERVICE Big congratulations to our game winners: Hetty Cox, Abi Taub, Contact Eve Hersov on 020 7435 7129 Jack Loison and Benji Nathan. or email [email protected] WE KNOW YOU’VE GOTor call TALENT the Synagogue Office for a leaflet WE KNOW YOU’VE GOT TALENT Do you dream of being APPLYa rock star? AND SAVE THE DATE FUNERALS Sing in an a During Synagogue Office hours phone 020 7794 3949. APPLY AND SAVE THE DATE Are you a drummer, Thea pianist, junior agroup saxophonist, hold a didgeridooEvenings/weekends player? phone Calo’s (Undertakers) we capella 020 8958 2112 tightgroup, onto or their just 10-pin in the shower? Whether you’ve beenbowling performing balls beforefor many years or simply loveJUDAICA to play, SHOP want to hear from youunleashing them at group, or just in the shower? Open during office hours and on Sunday morning during . North Finchley term time only Do you dreamcapella of being a rock star? Come share your talent with us Hollywood Bowl. KIDDUSH Sing in an a On the ! and help19 usth celebrate all the talents and passionsRota ofenquiries the Belsize to Jennifer community. Saul in the Synagogue Office Are you a drummer, a pianist, a saxophonist, a didgeridoo player? of January (not Thursdays or Fridays) ! Third Edition ofWE Belsize’s KNOW YOU’VE Got Talent GOT TALENT at the APPLY IfAND you SAVE would THE like DATE to perform,, Music please: at atBelsize the is counting on you to take LIBRARYthe stage Whether you’ve been performing for many years or simply love to play, Third Edition of OpenBelsize’s Wednesdays Got Talent 10am - 12 noon want to hear from you Do you dream of being a rock star? Apply At other times please checkwe first with the office , Music at Belsize isSing counting in an a capella ongroup, you or BELSIZEto just take inAudition the theshower?on HASstage or before TALENT Saturday 15 Are you a drummer, a pianist, a saxophonist,Perform a didgeridooon Sunday player? 13 CHEDER Come shareth yourof January talent with us 19 Whether you’ve been performingBelsize Belsizefor many Square years audience!on or Saturdaysimply Synagogue love to 19 play, we Enquiries to the Head, Caroline Loison, in the Synagogue th . On the th Decemberwant to hear from 2018, you! January,th and Office, or email [email protected] Each performer will get recognition fromDecember the audience 2018, for their unique and help us celebrate all the talents and passions of theSaturday Belsize community. 19 January at 7.30pmth Come share your talent withperformance us at the Third and Edition for of sharingBelsize’s Got their TalentJanuary passion. from with 7h30pmus! in front ourPARENTS’ very own ASSOCIATION th January, andOn the 19thComeof January and, Music Also,hear at our the Belsize talented audience is counting youngsters will on you vote to sing takefor and the one stage play performer to play at Chairperson:the Israel dinner. Frank Joseph - 020 7482 2555 If you wouldon like or tobefore perform, Saturday please:th January 15 and from help us an 7h30pmcelebrate array ofall ininstruments. the front talents andour We passions verywill also of own the have Belsize guests, community. Apply on Sunday 13 YOUTH ACTIVITIES If you wouldincluding like to perform, Ifthe you amazing please: would violinist, like more Miriam information, Kramer. please contact Judith SciammaEmail: at [email protected] Audition on Saturday 19 Apply on or [email protected] Saturday 15th December 2018, AuditionPleaseon Sunday come 13 thtoJanuary, cheer andand support our fellow EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR CONGREGATION Perform th Performmemberson Saturday for 19a nightJanuary of fun. from Book 7h30pm through in front the our very own Emails to: [email protected] Belsize audience! Belsize audience!We hope to welcome many of you to this fun, communal evening. website: Adults £20 Under 18s £10 or to the Editor: [email protected] Each performer will get recognition from the audience for theiror 07766493564 unique performanceYou and will for vote sharing for their one passion player with to perform us! at the LAYOUT AND DESIGN Each performer will get recognitionAlso, from the audiencethe audience will vote for for one performertheir unique to play at the Israel dinner. Philip Simon: www.philipsimon.co.uk Israel Dinner. on Thursday 9 May. . performance and for sharing their passionIf you would with like more us! information, please contact Judith Sciamma at CHAIRMAN 07766493564 Also, the audience will vote foror one [email protected] performer to playor at07766493564 the Israel. dinner. Jackie Alexander We hope to welcome many of you to this fun, communal evening. [email protected] If you would like more information, please contact Judith Sciamma at RABBI [email protected] Rabbi Dr Stuart Altshuler [email protected] We hope to welcome many of you to this fun, communal evening. CANTOR Cantor Dr Paul Heller [email protected] EMERITUS Avoid NHS Waits Rabbi Rodney Mariner Get immediate cover for hips, [email protected] / 020 8347 5306 / 07956 352267 knees, cataracts & more CALL US TODAY z Ultra low premiums from just £16.95 (aged 65) 0800 089 0500 z NIL Excess z Full UK Hospital List Charity Number 1144866 Paul Spector // Ben Levy // E [email protected] Company Number 7831243 Paul Spector trading as The Health Insurance Company is an appointed representative of The On-Line Partnership Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Belsize Square Synagogue