The Mosaic community magazine | Monthly March 2019

MOSAIC RED NOSE DAY 2019 FRIDAY 15th MARCH 6pm supper followed by service Everyone is welcome, so come and have lots of fun and help us raise as much money as we can for comic relief WEAR SOMETHING RED Supper included with a minimum of £9.00 per Adult, £3.00 each for Under 13s **Please book your place by Tuesday 5th March as we need to know for catering purposes** Book via the website www.choosemosaic.org or contact the Mosaic Office 0208 864 0133 All profits will go to RED NOSE DAY

Purim Wednesday 20th March – 6.00 pm 39 Bessborough Road, Harrow HA1 3BS • Short Purim service & Megillah reading • A Purim Spiel – “Fake News” at the Shushan Chronicles • Fancy Dress Parade for children and young at heart • Hamman Taschen and “lots” more EVERYONE WELCOME Dress code: fancy dress ABOUT OUR MEMBERS RELOCATION

Since our last issue Children’s Birthdays p21 MOSAIC MASORTI WE’RE NEARLY THERE... (HEMS) But we need you please for this last “push” MOSAIC REFORM BIRTHDAY WISHES TO WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS: Georgia Grabski, 21 James Swede Editors: Martin Simonis and fter seven long years we have finally Neil Mendoza, 60 Judy Silverton Instructions found somewhere that we want to Lisa Kira Reggie Goldner, 80 Go to the Harrow Council website call our Mosaic home! Conditional GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEW HOME EDITOR NEEDED FOR www.harrow.gov.uk then click on MAZAL TOV TO SEASONAL KEHILA contractsA have now been exchanged! Viv & Steve Levinson Frances & Michael Marx on their ‘Planning’ in the left-hand column, then th After the Pesach edition of MAZAL TOV TO: 30 wedding anniversary. Why are they conditional? ‘Planning applications and Decisions’, ‘seasonal’ Kehila, we are sorry Because they will only become unconditional then ‘view and comment on planning Sue & David Pollock on the birth of to report that Robert Pinkus, their grand-daughter, Lihi Rikki. when planning has been approved on both application’. Then: MOSAIC LIBERAL who edits the seasonal version the Bessborough Road and Stanmore Hill BIRTHDAY WISHES TO: GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEW HOME of Kehila, will be retiring from sites. 1. On the ‘Quick search: applications that position after 15 years of and appeals’ screen enter the Mel Marsh, 50 Howard Spencer The planning applications have now Betty Brand, 99 devotion to the cause. Robert been published on the Harrow website and planning reference number P/0310/19 Mildred Morrison has been absolutely brilliant Richard Freedman, 70 comments are invited. in the ‘Application Search’ area. BIRTHDAY WISHES TO: at commissioning interesting Roger Hart, 80 2. The ‘Application details’ Screen George Adams articles for seasonal Kehila Tony Holman, 85 from his huge circle of friends should come up. Louis Chesner David Leibling, 75 and acquaintances. If anyone 3. Click on the “Make comment” Shirley Collins Fay Lifschitz, 80 is interested in taking on that WE NEED YOU oblong above the Application Joanna Drage Lydia Safir, 70 mantle, or part of that mantle, Address. Andrea Gohil the Newsdesk team will TO ADD YOUR Trudie Leibling, 99 4. This takes you to the ‘Submit Sidney Jacobs welcome you with open arms. Linda Brunsden, 70 COMMENTS Planning Comment Screen’ Teresa Jacobs Stanley Carvin, 80 Send your articles, pictures, 5. Fill in details using reference number Louise Joseph IN SUPPORT letters etc to P/0310/19 and finally add your ANNIVERSARY WISHES TO: Rhoda Kohn newsdesk@ OF OUR comment in the last box and submit. Lorraine & Phillip Tureck on their choosemosaic.org 35th wedding anniversary. GET WELL WISHES TO: If you are in favour of the application Joy Katz APPLICATION GET WELL WISHES TO: please clearly state that you support Barbara Liff The next issue will be that for Doreen Walport th Please follow the the application. Ray Lubert Pesach – Copy Date 17 March Pauline Vickers and distributing on 11th April Rosetta Muscatt instructions to the If you would like to contact Lawrence Hilda Tichauer (not late March, as previously Mimi Rotbart advised). After that, the next Chadwick on 07798 935873, he can talk David Lobb Kehila Monthly will be that for right CONDOLENCES TO: through with you the type of message CONDOLENCES TO: June – Copy Date 19th May, Harold Levy on the death of his distributing 30th May. you might want to deliver and then you The family of Rose Mikardo wife Norma. can use that as the template. 2 3 COMMUNAL COMMUNAL

‘Lay’ sermon given by David Pollak to Mosaic Reform 26th January (Shabbat Yitro)

hen Linda invited me to did the people know that the second give the sermon at this set were the same as the first set but morning’s service, I asked since nobody had bothered to read herW to tell me what she’d like me the first set, it was simple to produce to talk about. She reminded me the same set of commandments again that several months ago, she had and avoid a third referendum – sorry, suggested that I, together with other set of commandments. Moses was members of the EUPJ management asked by the people for a simpler set board who were members of this of rules which would allow for greater synagogue, namely Michael Reik and freedom, fewer obligations and the Gordon Smith, might like a platform one evening opportunity to negotiate alternative terms in in order to explain the activities of the EUPJ the future. God insisted that the terms were not or, for those of you who hate acronyms, the for negotiation and all that he could offer in the European Union for Progressive Judaism. I went coming years was clarification. on to ask her what the sedra would be for today With this message being clearly understood and she replied that it was Yitro, which includes and accepted by at least 52 per cent of the the 10 commandments, (although, as you know, people, the children of Israel gathered before we didn’t read them specifically as part of this Moses and there was silence in the community morning’s parsha). as Moses began to speak. Men and women I asked myself how I could find a connection stood together, there were no divisions between between the EUPJ and the 10 commandments them and everyone was considered equal and it was my friend Gordon who gave me the before the eyes of the Lord. There is no record inspiration. We all know the story about Moses suggesting that one tribe asserted its rights being summoned by God to climb Mount Sinai over and above another and believers and non- and after 40 days and nights, he climbed down believers, orthodox and non-orthodox, all stood the mountain, carrying two tablets of stone together as one. bearing what we have come to know as the 10 Many years later, the Progressive Movement commandments. We also know that the first set of Jews was formed for Jews across the world. of commandments suffered a crushing defeat in It had its beginnings in Europe and its founders the House of Israel and were destroyed by Moses adopted these same principles as set by the when he saw how easily the people had turned example shown by the tribes of Israel upon their back on him. Moses was obliged to go receiving the 10 commandments. Men and back to God and collect a second set of the 10 women are not separated, there is no distinction commandments which were then accepted. Little between those who >> Continued on p19 4 5 COMMUNAL COMMUNAL

Jewish Joint Burial Society (JJBS) The Giving Machine / 2019 Woodland Cemetery From John Ashmele From David Leibling – JJBS Chairman he Jami’s focus is on recovery; moving from nominated lack of control and autonomy to becoming to receive an active member of the Jami, Jewish and donationsT from wider community, taking responsibility the Giving Machine for 2019 (see last and having control over one’s life. Jami’s month) is Jami, the mental health service challenge is to assist people on this journey, Planned new for our community. They focus on recovery, from enabling them to become an expert Gathering Hall and supporting people across the Jewish in their own self-care to being supported, offices for JJBS community through education, building where appropriate, back into employment. Woodland Cemetery awareness, increasing understanding and Please sign up to the Giving Machine; you putting an end to stigma and discrimination. shop, they give. he JJBS Woodland Cemetery is now grass or may be planted with native British nearly seven years old and proving woodland plants. The JJBS is responsible to be more popular than originally for the overall maintenance of the Woodland “Thank you” expected.T It provides a natural environment Cemetery and the planting of trees around where the surroundings are planted with the copses of graves but planting and From Nitzaney Rishon following receipt of our British native trees and plants to provide a maintenance of individual graves is the donation from the HHD appeal green environment and graves are marked responsibility of the family. When you with a simple memorial rather than a large choose a woodland burial (either in advance stone tombstone. A beautiful wood-clad or at the time of death) families are given ohel (prayer hall) has been in use for three the option of the type of areas where they years and an environmentally-friendly wish to be buried. To maintain the natural gathering hall is planned where families can look, the guidelines specify how the graves meet before or after an internment or stone- may be planted and what unsuitable items setting. It will also provide an on-site office are not allowed. for the JJBS staff. Over 120 funerals have If you wish to consider a woodland burial, been conducted and 15 urns of ashes have do visit the Woodland Cemetery to see how been interred in the columbarium. it looks and the choices available. You may The Governors of JJBS have recently wish to discuss your choice with your family Nitzaney Rishon workers been discussing the management of the and Rabbi and the JJBS staff will be happy stand proudly in front of Woodland Cemetery and have come to answer your questions and offer advice. their new fridge up with new guidelines to ensure that it maintains our ecological goals while More details are available on the JJBS providing a setting which meets the needs website: www.jjbs.org.uk or call the of families when burying their loved ones. JJBS office on020 8989 5252 Graves may be left naturally with meadow 6 7 COMMUNAL COMMUNAL

Cards from Avanti School students following the survivors’ talks The past came alive – six recent Holocaust at the HMD event in January funerals at Bushey To Tracy, Harry and the rest of the family, Dear Tracy and Harry I feel very lucky to meet Renee By Lore Lucas Salt because I now know that I’m not sure if you saw me It was lovely to hear your people have been in worse Lore is Edwin’s mother and has just well have gone into rooms never in the hall but I was the girl story and I cannot help but situations than losing your joined HEMS. At the age of 99, she to see the light of day again. It with the big, curly hair near feel empathy for you and the phone or not getting what you is probably the oldest new member was moving. It was touching. Mrs the front. Although I didn’t ask horrible struggles you sadly want. She has been through so that Mosaic has ever had. Samuels, followed by Rabbi Mirvis, any questions, I am to this had to experience. I have learnt much and she still has courage any years have passed laid the scene. Rabbi Mirvis was a day indebted to your father so much about how shocking to sit in front of us and talk since I lost everyone wonderful emissary for the past, in especially. You have probably the circumstances were about about her terrifying experience. heard this too many times but Concentration camps. However, in my family barring an today’s mixed up world. I hope and, your father is no ordinary person I mostly respect how you did Thank you so much. auntM and some second cousins. I whilst not a praying person, I pray and is an amazing human being. not get revenge on the Nazis but Tanisha was young then and had to rebuild my life, that we never have to live through those He deserves to be recognised instead show gratitude (one of as many readers will have had to do too. years again. We read that anti-Semitism and respected. Thank you for our school values). Thank you so I am not special. The Jewish Chronicle is on the rise both in the UK and mainland sharing this unbelievable story much for sharing your story. To: Julia highlighted in advance about the funeral of Europe. It is up to the 1,200 people who and I will never forget it. India Thank you for sharing that the six Holocaust victims and I did not have came to remember those six people, who From Lola shocking story with us all. It to think twice about attending the service in represented the 6 million who died in the really touched my heart and I New Bushey cemetery. I am here and I am Holocaust, to ensure that peace rules. We will never forget this day and the alive and I have recently moved to London owe it to those who perished, to ensure that I have learnt a lot from Reena as she and a lot of events that occurred. Your father after 73 years in the provinces, where the our children and grandchildren live in peace Jews suffered a lot and learnt to never lose ‘HOPE’ went through so much and it Jewish community is sadly shrinking. I was and harmony. ever in your life. Never lose belief. I am happy to hear means a lot that you shared his inspired by the occasion, not because of I am glad that I was fit enough, at my story. her story and hope to take it on all my life. Thank you! the number of attendees that honoured the advanced age, to attend, as I could reflect Shubh PS I love your hair. dead, but by the age range that attended about yesterday and think about my wider Palak the funeral. There were people of my age, lost family. Whilst I was not there to say To Julia To Julia and centenarians too. I am sure this was to goodbye to my family who perished, I did In this I leant how Jewish people be expected, but there were also younger wonder who might have been there at the Thank you so much for sharing Your story is really special and were treated from 1933-1945 people who remembered their nearest and time to help them on their last journey. your story with us today. I hadn’t life changing. It must have been and the story you told us was dearest, and some very much younger Probably no one. This funeral helped me, realised how horrible it was extremely difficult living like very touching. attendees too. It was wonderful too, to help as I could empathise with the past, today. during the holocaust. I hope that for so many years with no lay to rest six unknown souls with dignity I thought as many others might well have many more people understand Your father was a strong man family. Thank you so much for how much your family have and to decide to continue his life sharing this intense journey – it and after so many years being looked after thought, that one of those people could been through. I really appreciate for his siblings and future was has now made a huge impact so well. have been my younger sister, parent, uncle, what you have done today and very touching. Please continue on the way I live my life and has All the officiants handled the funeral aunt or cousin. Who knows? It did not your family would be very proud to spread this story and make made me realise that I should be with enormous dignity, and I thought of matter, as they were being given a proper of you! people aware of your father. grateful for all that I have the 1,200 people who were there in good funeral. Jessica Nevelan Neehanna health and thought back to the time in the I wish you all a happy life, with nothing camps when that number of people might but good things to value and celebrate. 8 9 COMMUNAL COMMUNAL

Shabbat Shira – Does it have a Future? By David Pollak

Prospective HEMS Rabbis “Simchat Torah, Chanukah and Purim are festivals which should attract our younger families and their children but, with regret, they have also fallen victim to the same trend that has witnessed the gradual demise of Shabbat Shira” The Trustees and HEMS Council cordially invite all HEMS members to meet 2 Prospective Rabbis for Masorti Judaism and our community. Candidates will individually spend one weekend at our synagogue: hen Rabbi Standfield left our demise of Shabbat Shira. synagogue, he asked me to take Rabbi Kathleen and I have talked Friday Evening 15th and Shabbat Kiddush lunch 16th March over the leadership of children’s about a change to the format of these services which, in those days, were held services, greater involvement for children nd rd W Friday Evening 22 and Shabbat Kiddush lunch 23 March every two weeks. I asked him how I should and parents, and a review of the service lead them and his answer still rings in my content. However, we must ask ourselves We ask you to R.S.V.P. for all members of your family, showing their wish ears as he said “do whatever it takes to get the question as to whether there is still to attend for Friday night dinners, Shabbat day lunches and Havdallahs, them back for the next service”. any demand for such services. We all indicating the dates of each. gratefully received as there is no More than 30 years later, and nearly ten appreciate that there are many demands on charge to members for any of these events. Reply to [email protected] years into Shabbat Shira, Rabbi Kathleen our time at weekends. However, must we and I, ably supported by my fellow-Plonker resign ourselves to the reality that the days Please save the dates in your diary so that you will be free to join us Steve, have led well over 100 services and, of Shabbat being a day of rest and Saturday in getting to know the candidates. on occasions, we have enjoyed good mornings, even once a month, being a time support from children, parents, to refresh our Jewish connections, are a grandparents, friends and relations. If we thing of the past? were to rely on the Yom Tovim as a measure of We all hope that within the next three the true potential of the numbers who might to six months, our community will be on Rabbi Frank Sabbatical attend, we could expect anything between the move and in the interim, we shall be 70 and 100 people. A good attendance celebrating Shabbat in other places. If abbi Frank will be on the first part We will be holding Contemplative Services on a regular Shabbat Shira would be 30. Mosaic is to maintain a monthly service of his well-deserved sabbatical until on Friday evening (7pm start) at the beginning We have even exceeded 40 but more often which is specifically designed for children 11th April 2019. During that time, it of each month, 1st March and 5th April. On than not, the numbers struggle to reach and their families, we must be given a sign Rwill be business as usual as much as possible Friday 29th March we will be at Sufra at 6pm. 20. In recent months, those numbers have that this is what you, the member, really for ML services. Note that all our Shabbat morning services continued to shrink. It’s not only Shabbat wants. Otherwise, we must recognise that For Erev Shabbat we will be trialling will be covered by a rich variety of rabbis and Shira that has witnessed these falling the days of Shabbat Shira must end and we services in members’ homes. The next will be lay readers. numbers. Simchat Torah, Chanukah and must all go back to the drawing board and at the home of Hephzibah Hall in Harrow, 7pm Purim are festivals which should attract our come up with something different. In the on 8th March. If you wish to attend, please younger families and their children but, with words of Rabbi Standfield, we shall have to book through the office or contact Kevin regret, they have also fallen victim to the do “whatever it takes”. 07841 375458. same trend that has witnessed the gradual 10 11 UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS

Singing Seniors Mosaic JACS Programme Friendship Club Entertainment for the over-60s March / April Mondays: 11:00 to 14:30 All events are on Tuesdays and start at 14:00 with tea and cake, Tel (on the day): 020 8423 2903 followed by a talk and questions at 14:30 5th March Opening the doors after a long prison 2nd Apr The Israel Guide Dogs Centre – MARCH Some of the singers at one of their sentence – Edwin Lucas Martin Segal th regular sessions – every other Singer/guitarist Alex Samos th th 4 Thursday at 2pm 19 March Jewish involvement in the military – 30 Apr The History of Sweets – Jenny Plummer 11th Return visit of Stevie Permutt Sergeant Dan Fox 18th Ronnie Goldberg entertains th 25 Gayathrie and Bill Patrick League of Jewish APRIL Women Film Mosaic Mosaic st Bill Smith entertains 1 Forthcoming meetings At 8pm on Tuesday 19th March 8th Return visit of Sidney Austin Mens’ th 15th Singer/keyboard player Roy Blass Wed 13 March Les 7 Jours (Shiva) Cooking Our 60th anniversary and AGM – guest speaker 22nd Club closed – Bank holiday (2008) League president Yvonne Josse 8pm Club 29th Return visit of Alex Samos For venues, contact Myra Wand on 020 8424 9746 When one of the brothers dies, the whole family comes together for the Shiva, bringing Quick recipe ideas for men in with them all their own baggage, problems the kitchen and conflicts. In a large Jewish family there Mosaic Senior Lunch Club are always problems. As the title suggests, th Something fishy This is an invitation to all those who would like to we find out a great deal about the family over 12 March th spend a few hours in good company and enjoy a the seven days. 26 March Vegetable and fruit bakes 3-course home-cooked meal and entertainment for 9th April A Pesach special Winner – Israeli Film Academy – Best Hamentaschen £7 per person. Supporting Actress Bake-In Please contact Sylvia Kemp 020 8908 1988 at least th one week before to let us know you are coming. Nominated – Israeli Film Academy – Best Film All sessions are 2:00-4.00pm; Monday 18 March price per session £5; Please join us at 2.30pm for a (Hebrew, Arabic and French with ENGLISH participants need an apron and a container bake-in to make hamentaschen SUBTITLES) to take food home. for the erev Purim service. For further information contact Gay Please let us know you are Next presentation: Tuesday 16th April Saunders at coming so we are sure to have [email protected] enough ingredients for you. ‘The Boys from Brazil’

12 13 REVIEW OF RECENT MOSAIC EVENTS

the 1948 War of Independence. Helen drew parallels with Barney Barnato who, from a similar background, rose to control South African diamond mining and who (amazingingly!) was lost overboard at exactly the same point where Maxwell met his end. Helen left us to contemplate the manner of Maxwell’s death – suicide, heart attack or assassination – if the latter, by British, Russian or Mossad agents, the conspiracy Rabbi Kathleen with Helen Fry at the presentation (picture Geoff Wolfson) theorists can postulate that all might have had good reason. We will probably never internationally well-connected publishing know the answers, but Helen’s presentation tycoon. Maxwell was a major supporter of left us with a lot to contemplate. Israel – his Russian contacts in 1948 were Many thanks to Gay Saunders for key to obtaining the spare aircraft parts that arranging such a fascinating JACS event. allowed Israel vital aerial supremacy during See page 13 for future JACS events.

A Storm in a D Cup By David Leibling ow to fit the Queen with properly were keen to retire and sold to June swiftly. fitting lingerie; how Princess Diana June explained that her skill was being able chose her underwear; all stories told to judge the right bra fitting for her customers byH June Kenton, once owner of Rigby and without using a tape measure. She offered Peller (providers of lingerie to up-market a wide range of products, including made to customers in Knightsbridge and Mayfair) to measure and she had a skilled team of fitters to a rapt audience at Mosaic on 12th February. ensure the customer had exactly the right size. Interviewed by her daughter Jill who worked Over 70 people enjoyed an introductory in the business, June told an amusing story of glass of fizz and the talk was followed by a full their progress from a market stall in Brixton to afternoon tea of sandwiches with the crusts Life and Death of Robert Maxwell a shop in the new Whitgift Centre in Croydon removed, scones with cream and jam and th “We wanted to get out of the cold of an open a choice of delicious cakes. After tea, June Presentation to JACS on 19 February by historian and author Helen Fry market stall” initially selling blouses then signed copies of her book ‘Storm in a D Cup’. By Martin Simonis excellent presenter. She gave a fascinating lingerie, importing larger sizes which were not Funds raised of over £1,200 were divided elen Fry is an authority on British account of the life and death of Robert available up till then. She found a small lingerie between Mosaic and ‘Make Sense Of It’, Intelligence networks of WW2 and Maxwell to an enthralled JACS audience shop near Harrods, run by two European Jonelle Roback’s platform that has written over 25 books. She has on 19th February. She concentrated on refugee ladies, called Rigby and Peller, which specifically supports two MS Society projects aH huge number of tales to tell, knows where Maxwell’s rise from grinding poverty in had the royal warrant to supply underwear to benefitting people with MS. a lot of skeletons are hidden and is an a Czech shtetl to a hugely wealthy and the Queen and Queen Mother. The owners 14 15 BOARD OF DEPUTIES WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING

Ursula Warner George Vulkan Meeting February 17th at Medical Centre Headquarters From Michael Reik, Mosaic Reform BoD Representative

e were first addressed by Ephraim Synagogue is hosting the lunch on the Sunday. Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United On a show of hands, a number of additional Synagogue GB. members will be coming. W A suggestion was made that we should He made four major points: disassociate ourselves from the JLC while (1) He believes in unity by respecting the police were investigating potential financial osaic Liberal’s Ursula Warner views of others. He made clear he would not irregularities of the previous CEO of the JLC was 15 when she came on the condemn non-Orthodox Jewish Groupings. as exposed in the Jewish Chronicle. President Kindertransport from Berlin in He provided a cricketing analogy. We should Marie answered that, as stated by the Chief 1938.M Last month she was invited to a consider ourselves only as batsman working Rabbi, we should work on social cohesion special Holocaust Memorial Day event together to make the best hit and not as and therefore, until proved otherwise, we shall organised by the Association of Jewish bowlers trying to bowl batsmen out. We should continue to work together with and on the JLC. Refugees at Belsize Square Synagogue. reach out to one and all and leave no one out Concern was raised that the Irish Parliament She was accompanied by her daughter George Vulkan lighting the memorial candle at (2) He commented that during the last Board were attacking Israel through the BDS Jennifer. the HMD ceremony at JW3 meeting we stood for a minute’s silence Movement. to remember the six that died during the It was noted there was a debate in Parliament Holocaust but who were buried at that time on Wednesday 20th February on anti-semitism. at Bushey Cemetery [see article on page 9.] It The Albanian Ambassador then spoke. This Jonathan Grodzinski was therefore fitting that a holocaust memorial Muslim nation works under the code of Besa be built next to Parliament. All Deputies were (A code of Honour) Albanians have always had asked to support the application to the local normal (excellent) relations with their Jewish Westminster Council. population. During WWII, they never provided (3) It is essential that we fight anti-semitism the requested list of Jews to the Nazis. Instead until this scourge is removed from the UK. they provided lists of all Albanians. Amazingly (4) There is a need for social cohesion, not for there were many more Jews in Albania at the extremism which Brexit has created. We have end of the war than at the start of the war. An to always respect the views of others. exhibition organised by Yad Vashem was There was a discussion on the next board available for Deputies to see in the hall, which meeting which is to be held in March in provided many examples of how Jews were Gay Saunders makes a small presentation to Jonathan Grodzinski after his talk ‘130 years in the Manchester. To date only 22, have registered. hidden in Albania during the war. baking’ to JACS on 5th February (picture Geoff Wolfson) It was noted that Jacksons Row Reform 16 17 WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING COMMUNAL

‘Lay’ sermon, continued from page 5... Tu B’shvat can afford best seats in the synagogue, people Progressive Judaism. HaMakom celebrating Tu B’shvat in January of all genders and persuasions are entitled to Just as our commandments teach us to lead services, read from the Torah and become respect our mothers and fathers, so does the rabbis. Jews across the world have been EUPJ teach its members in the principles and practising our religion in the Progressive manner practices of Progressive Judaism. In fact, in for well over 150 years and it is now more than order to allow individuals and communities to 93 years since the WUPJ, or World Union for learn and understand what we stand for and how Progressive Judaism, was founded in London to practise our Judaism, the EUPJ has a special by Lily Montagu and Claude Montefiore. The fund which is specifically intended to support EUPJ is one of 7 regions around the world which education projects and encourage members makes up the WUPJ. We should all be proud of of affiliated communities within developing the fact that we, as Progressive Jews, recognise countries to run their own projects, enrol for youth the rights of the orthodox to pray and to observe camps and conferences and to attend special our customs in their own way as much as the Seminars run by the Saltz Institute in Jerusalem. orthodox respect, or should I say, should respect The many thousands of people who have taken Mosaic at the Maccabi Junior Table the rights of Reform, Liberal, Masorti and other advantage of these activities enjoy life-changing non-orthodox Jews to practise our Jewish experiences and a key mission of the EUPJ is to Tennis tournament religion in our own way. make these activities available to all. More than 180 Progressive communities in Through the spread of understanding and By Alex Landau, Sam and 17 countries across Europe are now listed as cooperation between member communities and members of the EUPJ. Our synagogue, Mosaic people of different faiths, we strengthen our own Adam Feldman Reform, is just one such community and its Movement and build stronger foundations on membership of the EUPJ is derived through which to develop our communities. Providing n Sunday 10th February we were our membership of Reform Judaism, formerly the children of Israel with the 10 commandments excited to represent the Mosaic the Movement for Reform Judaism. There are gave them a set of principles and laws which Jewish Community at the Maccabi several other such movements, platforms, have lasted for many thousands of years. They NationalO Shul’s table tennis tournament. associations and federations of progressive offer every individual, faith and country, with When we arrived at the venue in Kenton synagogues within the EUPJ such as LJ, the rules which should guarantee everyone the right we found that we were one of eleven junior Liberal movement in the UK, the Platform of to live in peace and in security. If only! teams who varied from regular Maccabi we played, the more confident we felt and Liberal synagogues in Switzerland (PJLS), the The EUPJ, as part of the WUPJ, is active in league players to keen players such as the more points we picked up. Association of Jewish Liberal synagogues in thousands of communities throughout the world. ourselves. The age range was from ten At the end of this stage we did not qualify France (AJL), the Union of Progressive Judaism In fact, the WUPJ can claim to have over 1.8 to under eighteen and then there were as winners or runners up but were able to in Germany (UpJ), the Federation of Italian million members. Any member of this synagogue separate adult teams. We played three continue in the consolation rounds. These Hebrew Progressive synagogues in Italy (FIEP), can be sure of a warm welcome from members games at the group stage each which was games were much more evenly played and all and more. Wherever we live, people warm to of all other affiliated synagogues. In fact, one of tough for us as some of the children were three of us won some. Overall we came ninth other people who share a common cause. They our members, Michael Reik, is a vice chairman of much more experienced and considerably place out of eleven teams. We had a great time form communities, communities form national the EUPJ responsible for twinning communities older, however it was a great opportunity and hope the opportunity to play table tennis Movements and countries create Unions. in different countries. Just as Middlesex New of and we learnt a lot from it. The more games for our community will arise again. This lies at the heart of the European Union of old twinned >> Continued on following page 18 19 COMMUNAL COMMUNAL

Continued from previous page... 4. Thou shalt always make time for others as shalt allow others to practise Judaism in their well as for yourself and thou shalt provide own way while, at the same time, thou shalt with synagogues in the FSU and Ukraine many an EUPJ conference. opportunities for Progressive Jews everywhere encourage others to fulfil their personal hopes years ago, so we could now twin with synagogues The EUPJ has recently opened an office in to practise their religion as they see fit. and aspirations. in any one of our 17 member-countries in Europe. Brussels in order that Progressive Judaism 5. Honour your community and all those who In countries where Progressive Judaism is in its can express its opinions, issue statements and belong to it. 9. Thou shalt never deny the right of others relative infancy, such as Spain and Portugal, represent our members on the public stage to disagree and challenge the traditional Italy, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, within the European Union. Whether the UK is 6. Thou shalt help members of other communities principles of Progressive Judaism but thou there are communities that would greatly benefit in or out is of no consequence. The EUPJ has within the World Union for Progressive shalt always defend those principles to the from the experience and resources, human as 16 other member countries, all of which deserve Judaism. best of your ability. well as financial, from a community like ours. a voice. The EUPJ believes that we all have the In return, we would share exchange visits with right to live our lives in whichever way we choose 7. Be faithful to your beliefs and be prepared to 10. Thou shalt not envy others, even those who those communities in such places as Madrid so long as it doesn’t interfere with the rights of share those beliefs at every opportunity. appear to have more than yourself, and thou and Barcelona, Rome and Florence, Prague, others. The EU has funds to facilitate projects shalt believe in the rights of all people to Budapest and Warsaw. We would learn from that coincide with those principles and beliefs 8. Thou shalt not deprive others from taking pursue their ambitions so long as they are for their experiences, share the different ways in and through our office in Brussels, we hope to advantage of the resources, human and the good of all and do harm to no-one. which Jews in different countries celebrate secure some of that funding to promote our good financial, that the EUPJ can offer and thou festivals, conduct their services, sing our songs, causes. eat our food and, in general, live their lives and The 10 commandments do not specifically enjoy the differences that make us all individuals address all the same rights and beliefs of the who are bound together by the one essential EUPJ but if we follow the commandments, the Happy Birthday ingredient that defines us – that of our religion objectives of the EUPJ can be achieved in a safer Polymyalgia and our beliefs. and more secure world where peace, harmony in March to: Some of you here today have attended one or and understanding can be enjoyed by everyone. rheumatica more of the conferences that the EUPJ has run Celia Rutstein, 9 in places such as Paris, Amsterdam, Dresden, To summarise, I’d like to read you my 10 Some poignant words from Benjamin Banks, 1 London and Prague. Next year in Geneva, we commandments according to the European Linda Langley Samuel Feldman, 12 will hold another conference which will attract up Union for Progressive Judaism: I may have a bit of pain Finley Vincent, 12 to 350 people from over 25 countries around the I maybe slower than I was world. If you have never experienced an EUPJ 1. Thou shalt promote and support the I may be crosser than I was (steroid conference, I strongly recommend it. Everyone development of Progressive Judaism. side-effect) needs a regular reminder to observe the 10 But bear with me! commandments, be it respecting the day of rest 2. Thou shalt educate and conduct your lives or being fair to those who work with us or for us, based on the principles and objectives of Six years is the average duration obeying the fundamental laws of being human or Progressive Judaism. and after that who knows? protecting the sanctity of family. As long as I can sit – I cook, I stitch, I As the conductor of the choir I sing with once 3. Thou shalt not make false claims against the plant. told us, when singing the same phrase repeatedly, EUPJ whose aims are to promote cooperation we need to renew the enthusiasm. Surely this is and understanding with members of other So, come and say hello what we do when we come to synagogue and, faiths. But understand I’m slow! on a broader scale, it’s what we do when go to 20 21 NOTICES MOSAIC CALENDAR

Unless otherwise stated, all events take place at 39 Bessborough EVERY WEEK Mar | Apr Road, Harrow HA1 3BS. Monday 11am – Friendship Club Hospital kosher meals service The times/locations of weekly services are as below, unless otherwise stated: Mosaic Liberal: Bessborough Road: Friday 19:00 Every other Thursday 2pm – Hospitals in the London area will be supplied with Kosher for Passover meals. If you are making Saturday 11:00 Singing Seniors use of this service, please note that the meals should have a yellow label and will be clearly HEMS: Girl Guide Headquarters (GGHQ), Hatch End: Saturday 09:30 Sunday (term time) 9.45am – HaMakom marked “Kosher for Passover”. Mosaic Reform: Bessborough Road: Friday 19:00, Saturday 10:30

MARCH APRIL ADVERTISEMENT Fri 1st 9.00 Contemplative service Tue 2nd 14.00 JACS – Israeli guide-dogs Sat 2nd ShabbatVayakhel/Shekalim Wed 3rd 20.00 Mosaic Reform Council meeting Good Wheel Sun 3rd 14.45 Stone-setting – Estelle Cligman. Cheshunt Fri 5th 19.00 Contemplative service Bike, hike & tour through Israel Tue 5th 14.00 JACS – After prison – Edwin Lucas – see p 13 Sat 6th Shabbat Tazria/HaChodesh Wed 6th 20.00 Council meetings Tue 9th 14.00 Men’s Cooking – see p 13 Fri 8th 19.00 Mosaic Liberal service in a member’s Wed 10th 12.30 Lunch Club home in Harrow 20.00 Mosaic Liberal & Masorti Council meetings Sat 9th Shabbat Pekudei Thu 11th Kehila distribution Tue 12th 14.00 Men’s Cooking – see p 13 Sat 13th 11.00 Shabbat Shira service th Wed 13 20.00 Mosaic Photo Group Shabbat Metzora/HaGadol 20.00 Mosaic Book Club Sun 14th 11.00 Stone-setting – Rosa Zaraiah. Edgwarebury Fri 15th 18.00 Red Nose Shabbat 14.45 Stone-setting – Michael Gurner. Cheshunt Prospective Rabbi visiting Mosaic Masorti Tue 16th 20.00 Film Mosaic – “The Boys from Brazil” Sat 16th Shabbat Vayikra Fri 19th Erev Pesach. 1st Seder Prospective Rabbi visiting Mosaic Masorti 18.00 Mosaic Liberal service 11.00 Shabbat Shira service Sat 20th 1st day Pesach Sun 17th Kehila copy date (Pesach Edition) 19.00 Communal Seder 09.30 Stone-setting – Alfred & Sylvia Jeffreys Sun 21st 2nd day Pesach (parents of Elaine Glass). Bushey Tue 23rd 20.00 Photo Group Mon 18th 14.30 Hamentaschen Bake-In Friday, March 29th to Thursday, April 4th, 2019 Fundraising goal for couples: £3,500 Thu 25th Erev 7th day Pesach Tue 19th 14.00 JACS – Jewish military – see p 13 Good Wheel (http://goodwheel.net) benefits Your participation includes: excellent 19.00 Mosaic Liberal service 20.00 Film Mosaic – “Les 7 Jours (Shiva)” – see p 13 the Israel Sport Center for the Disabled (ISCD) accommodations (double occupancy), meals, Fri 26th 7th day Pesach Wed 20th 12.30 Mosaic Lunch Club – (a charity that Mosaic supports from time to social and cultural activities, road cycling 10.30 Mosaic Reform service 18.00 Erev Purim service & spiel time). The ISCD is a second home to 2,500 routes with everything organized for you, 11.15 Mosaic Liberal service Fri 22nd Prospective Rabbi visiting Mosaic Masorti Israelis of all ages, where the unique merits of bicycle jerseys and more. Sat 27th 8th day Pesach (Mosaic Masorti) Sat 23rd Shabbat Tsav sports are utilized to strengthen body, spirit Shabbat Achare Mot (Mosaic Liberal & Reform) and mind. At the ISCD, people with disabilities Prospective Rabbi visiting Mosaic Masorti For more information and to register Tue 30th 14:00 JACS – History of Sweets are empowered to become fully integrated please contact Deena Levenstein, Tue 26th 14.00 Men’s Cooking – see p 13 members of society. Good Wheel Bike Ride Director: Fri 29th 18.30 Mosaic Liberal at Sufra Registration fee: £900; Fundraising goal for +972.54.635.3476, [email protected] Sat 30th Shabbat Shemini. Shabbat Parah individuals: £2,300; Sun 31st 14.45 Stone-setting – Lilian Flatto (mother of Michele Flatto). Rainham 22 23 The Mosaic office is open 09.00-15.00 Monday-Thursday

Office: 020 8864 0133 Joint Chairmen: Jeff Highfield and Mark Phillips Website: www.choosemosaic.org [email protected] Email: [email protected] HaMakom (Religion School): Address: 39 Bessborough Road, Harrow HA1 3BS Toria Bacon and Viki Kenton [email protected]

Chairman: Daniel Brown Chairman: Lawrence Chadwick 07884 941743 07798 935873 Vice Chairman: Hana Hon Secretary: Schlesinger 020 8863 3417 Joint Chairmen: Caroline Chadwick Rabbi: During Rabbi Frank’s Edwin Lucas – 07973 312851 07746 718390 sabbatical, contact the synagogue Gill Ross – 07428 162473 Rabbi Kathleen Middleton office in case of need. Burials Officer: Edward Kafka 020 8866 9225 (please use only Rites and Practices: Kevin Ziants 020 8904 5499 when Office is closed) 07841 375458 JJBS: 020 8989 5252 rabbimiddleton@mosaicreform. org.uk Liberal Judaism: 020 7580 1663 Bereavement Support: Undertakers: Michael King Bobbi Riesel 020 8428 7977 Funeral Directors 020 8368 7453 / 07595 956 936 JJBS: 020 8989 5252 Community Care: Esther Community Care: Gay Saunders Aronsfeld, communitycare@ communitycare@mosaicreform. mosaicliberal.org.uk org.uk

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