HaGesher The Bridge

East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue January 2021 | 5781

In this issue:

We look back at the Autumn Festivals and Chanukah

We introduce our new Chesed Team and Inclusion Group

Susie Barnett receives the British Empire Medal

And so much more... ELELS welcomes new members: Editorial

Janine Arnold with Sophie In this issue, we review the events of 2020 with particular focus on the positive Jennifer & Richard Barnett with Sadie & Tobey Arnold. outcomes of the year. The congregation has gone from strength to strength. We’ve had our High Holy Days, and Shabbat services streamed live on social media, Jennifer Ellenbogen & Samandip Dhesi, Joining as an ELELS family which have allowed not just our own members, but the members of the Jewish Agniya Dremach & Adam Cole Victora Senett with Ada & Orli community far and wide to join us. Gillian Saunders & Martyn with Alexander. The digital world has also allowed us to have more collaborations with other congregations, we’ve welcomed new members and a huge testament to the teachers Anthony & Hanna Kerstein our Cheder classes keep growing! Janice & Patrick Squire join as Friends. Looking forward to 2021, as Stewart says I hope there’s light at the end of tunnel Elizabeth Solomon and I look forward to seeing you all very soon. Best wishes, Claire Bone

Mazel Tov to: In this issue: The Hulberts! On the birth of their Granddaughter - we’re pleased to report that mother and baby are doing well. Looking back & Looking forward page 4 Shirley and David Forbes become grandparents of their new grandson. MessagefromRabbiRichardJacobipage 6

Mazal tov to Gill Saunders and Martyn Rappoport, who were married by Rabbi Richard Mini Cobra update page 7 Jacobi under ELELS’ auspices at Oaks Lane on 4th November 2020, just before the second lockdown came into force. We thank Deborah Roos and all at SWESRS for their co- Community Development update page 8 operation in helping this simchah to happen. FromwhereIamstanding page9

Autumn Festivals page 10

Our commiserations to: RoshChodeshGroup page13 The family and friends of our member Stephen Phillips who died on 30th August. EL2forthenewgeneration page14 The family and friends of our member Alan Nathan who died on 4th November The family and friends of our member Myra Kelly who died on 26th November. Chanukah events page 16 The family and friends of our member Hilary Ferman who died on 29th November. Chesed Team, and Inclusion Group page 18 The daughter in law of Rosie and Geoff Simmons, mother of their grand daughter, Louise, Criteria film review page 19 died on 7th December. Susie Barnett receives the British Empire Medal page 20

How to start a food bank page 22

Ulpan-LearntospeakHebrew page24

ELELS Membership Discount Offer - Get 10% off MyDadandtheWesternDesertCampaign page26

your membership by referring a new member The truly remarkable life of Edith Morley page 27

Newgate prison talk page 28

Liberal Judaism is currently celebrating 60 years in Redbridge! Ben Dror Yemini - A Few Personal Observations page 29 In honour of that landmark, we have extended our offer until March 31st 2021. This means that you can get a 10% discount from your membership fees for all new ELELS Directory & contact list page 30 members that you refer to ELELS – and they get 10% off too!

For more information about this offer, and the terms and conditions, please go to our website: https://bit.ly/ELELS10discount

Photo credit: GROWTH_francesco-gallarotti-ruQHpukrN7c-unsplash Page 4 5781 ELELS Looking back - a year of Zoom, and Looking forward - to the stepping forward to help by Stewart Spivack year ahead

As we approach the end of 2020, we can all look back on a year that has been like no During this year, we have seen a very significant increase in our other in most of our lifetimes. The Coronavirus changed the way of life for each and every membership and this is particularly so amongst the ‘younger’ generation! The numbers one of us. Our lives became very restricted. In our Synagogue, physical contact between ‘attending’ at our Religion School have almost doubled, and many thanks for the the congregation was stopped – no cuddling, handshakes and instead ‘elbow bumps’ were inspirational teaching of Jonathan Young, our headteacher and all the others who have the way of saying Shabbat Shalom and greeting each other. learnt to teach under Zoom conditions. The numbers at our Conversion classes have also increased by 100% this year.

At the end of March, we all Our technological brains within I still would urge that anyone I know we have all been race and others will feel course, getting back to our faced lock-down. We were only the Synagogue, and thankfully, who is feeling in need of physically apart from each welcome and fully included building is very important for us allowed out for doing essential there are many, adapted. support, be it practical or if you other, and there is no one more within our community. Emma all. But Bob and his group will work, medical appointments or Another new word entered the are just feeling down, please than myself who has missed and Sonia have written in this review the situation and the buying essential supplies. vocabulary for most of us - contact the office or my direct standing at that door in issue about the work of their risks. Please remember that, Suddenly, there were no toilet ZOOM!! Our services, our number. I have personal Marlborough Road greeting groups.As Emma and Sonia throughout this whole crisis, rolls, pasta nor flour in our meetings, our talks, our experience of mental health everyone, but somehow I feel have been co-opted on to our the health of our community shops. We queued outside celebrations, and yes, the illness, and know only too well that we are more together than Council, I would like to give has been paramount. We will supermarkets, as many of us funerals of our community all that it is a taboo subject, ever. Zoom is not the first huge thanks to those who never re-open our building tried to get home deliveries. went on zoom. All of us in our although it should NOT be. choice of many as a form of have recently left Council. whilst there is risk to anyone. homes, separated yet very Please, please do not suffer prayer, but to have seen all the I mentioned the work of Merle Many shops, offices and As I have said, the last year much together, sat round our alone. faces attending the services has Muswell and Alice Wilcock in factories were made to close has been difficult for us all. screens meeting to learn, to been a joy. The actual numbers the last magazine. For various and an old word, furlough, I am now approaching the last But our own community has study and to pray. attending services have reasons, Ashley Marks and Mel came back in to common few months of my three years become a much more involved increased greatly since we Millenbach have stood down as usage. The government were to Volunteers, over one hundred as Chairman of ELELS. It was a and caring place. This is what transferred to Zoom. ELELS has Treasurers. Both have given pay a percentage of people’s and fifty members, stepped tremendous honour to be we need to take forward, not been a very vibrant place this enormous service to our salaries if they were forward to help with phoning appointed Chair. But this last only here, but also within our year. community. Mel was joint ‘furloughed.’ each and every member, year has made me feel so country and, who knows, Treasurer at Woodford for many keeping in contact and seeing proud, as it should do us all. Our Committee system has also hopefully the entire world. Life changed for us all. And years. Ashley came on to how we were all getting on. Our members stepped up in a been revamped. The work of I know we cannot change the here in our small corner of the Council when I was Chair at Bet Food and medicines were glorious way. We have been the Finance Committee began a world, but we can make a start. world that is the East London Tikvah. He completely delivered by volunteers to those able to offer so much in our few months ago, and a review Let us all keep an eye out for and Essex Liberal Synagogue, revamped the financial systems who could not get out, including services, our talks, study of our financial systems are each other, try and help those we had to adapt quickly. No there, and contributed those who were shielding. sessions, quizzes, the Elevenses being carried out. At this point, who need it, and never ‘walk by longer could our doors be open enormously in the creation of Technological support was given group. I want to give a tremendous on the other side of the street’ for communal worship, no more the systems here at ELELS. to many who learnt how to use I know that the way our thank you to Tina Gold, our If this is the lesson we can take meetings or study sessions, and I personally, on behalf of us all, this Zoom technology. funerals were taken with Treasurer, for coping with this forward into 2021 and beyond, even our office in the building thank them for their work over sensitivity and feeling by our incredibly hard task alone for then maybe all the sufferings had to be closed. Sam, our very many years. I am also so glad Rabbis did bring comfort to the most of the past year. and hardships we have suffered new administrator at the time to see that Ashley’s health mourners, and allowed us all to this year may well give us a had to work from home. The new Chesed/Care continues to improve after his express care and sympathy better society. Committee was established by very long bout of illness this albeit on screen but with Sonia Muscovitch who has great year. On behalf of Ruth and meaning. experience in this field. This myself, and the entire As we look forward to 2021, Through all this time, group will co-ordinate all Council, I wish you a very there seem to be some light at remember, and be so different areas of how we keep Happy and Healthy 2021 then end of a very long Covid19 pleased, in our motto that in contact with each other, and tunnel. There is much talk and Best wishes, Stewart ‘OUR BUILDING MAY BE look after each other. excitement of vaccines being CLOSED, BUT OUR Emma James is now leading an available. Please be assured COMMUNITY REMAINS VERY Inclusion Task Force. This group that our own Cobra Group, MUCH OPEN.’ will aim to ensure that all headed by Bob Kamall will characteristics of age, gender, monitor the situation. Of Page 6 Page 7

Looking forward to a year ELELS’ Covid-19 ‘Mini Cobra’ group

of peace without trust Gathering together to light Chanukah candles would be an appropriate way to end lock down. I am writing this update as we complete the first week of the second national lock down. I am In my research for this article, I learned that the United Nations has declared fully aware that, because the lock down is due to end at one minute past minute on 3rd 2021 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. While I have no problems December, things will have changed by the time you get to read it - indeed it seems with peace, I do have problems with the word ‘trust’. Let me explain. things are changing as I write!

Peace cannot be defined crudely as mistakes; I act without full In the same way, Hillel continued, In the last few days there has that some restrictions will need celebrations we will have to the absence of war, as there can be knowledge sometimes or I speak “But if I am only for myself, what been positive news about a to be put in place like social move quickly. It is, however, great tension, hostility and painful without having thought something am I?” In answering this question, potential new vaccine, even if it distancing etc. The ELELS Covid too early to say whether that skirmishing. The word Shalom through. I have my better days and we shape our character and actions is too early to say if or when it Cobra group continues to will be possible or not - indicates more than just peace. I have my worse days. towards others. The great Jewish will be available. Sadly, we monitor official guidance and although gathering together to Its root is the verb Shin-Lamed- philosopher Martin Buber stated: You may well know the addition in have also heard the tragic news remains ready to reassess the light Chanukah candles would Mem means wholeness or “To begin with oneself, but not to business to “In God we trust” that that the official number of situation when new guidance is be an appropriate way to end completeness. So, when we pray end with oneself. To start from states “everyone else pays in for a refuah sheleimah for those oneself, but not to aim at oneself.” Covid deaths in the UK has issued. There is also an ongoing the lockdown. cash!” Religiously, this advice is who are ill, we are expressing the This is how we interact, and we passed 50,000 - a sobering dialogue with Liberal Judaism good too. We can trust God, Of course, by the time you read wish for a complete healing or a human beings are interactors! If number and one that continues who have regular discussions however we understand the divine this, you will know if we were resolution of their illness. the first of Hillel’s questions was to rise every day. Once again, with the Government about the and the Hebrew term for trust is able to meet in our synagogue about self-care, the second is the NHS is coming under impacts of the lockdown on Shalom is much more about Emunah, linked to the word Amen. or whether we had to do about not being selfish and only increasing pressure from Covid Jewish worship, festivals, and tranquillity – a sense of calm, Maybe that means we seek to rely our communal candle lighting attending to our own needs. admissions leading to the life-cycle events such as sustainable, relaxed ease where on our consciences to make good online. However, you cancellation of other procedures funerals or stone-settings. This tension has been dissipated away decisions; maybe it means that we The Covid-19 pandemic has celebrated, the ELELS Covid or treatments and (as has been does mean that Liberal Judaism and is gradually forgotten. This is pause to pray / ponder a difficult reduced our interactions in person, Cobra group hopes you have the case since the pandemic and ELELS are both continuing an almost messianic meaning of decision. and we all feel this loss. We have had a warm, safe and healthy the word shalom, one to which we found new ways to interact and started) the overall situation to monitor the situation, ready Chanukah. can and ought aspire, even though renewed some old ways, like remains volatile. to react quickly as it might feel unachievable. I know making more phone calls or going requirements or restrictions If you have any questions The main priority remains to we, at ELELS in 2021, will continue out for walks with friends. Through change. about the ELELS response to stay safe and do all we can to to support and help each other the Chanukkah and Christmas Covid or the work of the protect each other, even if that There will only be a week through this time, and provide as season, we again experienced the Covid Cobra group, please means our building remains between the expected end of much shalom and enjoyment as we joys of giving that sometimes feel contact Bob Kamall can. greater than the joy of receiving. closed. lockdown and the start of (email data.protection@elels Our ELELS community thrives on Chanukah with the first candle The idea of trust is one with which It is not possible (at the time of .org.uk) or via the office. this truth and I feel blessed that so I constantly grapple. It is such a being lit on the evening of 10th many more of our members are writing) to say when we can powerful concept and it is one that December. So, if we are able to Regards and stay safe giving of themselves in different reopen the building or what we often leads to bad outcomes: “She reopen and if we are to have ways in response to the pandemic. will have to do to be able to re- Bob was too trusting and look where some sort of physical I’m confident that this will make open at the end of the current it took her.” “He trusted the very communal Chanukah 2021 better for us all. lockdown. However, it is likely nice-sounding person on the phone, and ended up losing Lastly, Hillel stated, “And if not thousands of pounds.” I have a t- now, when?” January is the time shirt that I’ve stopped wearing. Its for new year resolutions, so let me slogan is “Trust me, I’m a rabbi!” suggest one – if you can do something kind for someone else, Well, here’s my revelation: I do not do it now! want anyone to trust me for any However, when it comes to our superficial reason – my title, my I wish you a year of increasing dealings with other human beings, appearance, or suchlike. I don’t peace and tranquillity that we should always follow the words want you to distrust me either, but come from looking after of Hillel in the first century CE: “If I I do want you to “proceed ourselves and being kind to am not for myself, who will be for independent of trust”. This phrasing others, so that we can feel me?” Protect our own health and is one of the key concepts I teach good within ourselves and help wellbeing; assert our needs in rabbinic students, because anyone others to feel the same, situations; ensure we don’t allow who makes something a matter of whatever the world throws at ourselves to be overlooked or trust is taking a short cut. My us! cheated. As the cabin crew would words and my deeds may help you tell us: “Put on your own oxygen Richard Jacobi to feel that you can rely on me to mask first, then help children or most of the time do good things others with theirs.” well. But I’m human and I make

Photo: “Hillel’s 3 Questions”, credit: istarts-romans.blogspot.com Page 8 Page 9 Community development From where I am (still) standing

You may have heard on the news the candidates for Oxford Languages Just before the high holy days my mum’s stone setting was held, which will lead to another article English Word of the Year. Among them were, furlough, lockdown, social- another time (about something that, with Rabbi Richard’s help and advice, was eventually sorted distancing, re-opening and of course, unprecedented, which speak out). However, in the meantime, I wrote and read out a poem for mum. I was asked by some volumes about the experience of the 12 months just gone. (Mail-in was people if they could have a copy of it, so please indulge me as I repeat it here: also one of those words of the year….just sayin’!)

Anyway, for us at ELELS, there would be other We wish to continue building in the new year I thought I was grown up now mum You’ve left me all alone now mum key words to reflect where we are at this time; and with the imagination, goodwill and character Never thought I’d cry I have my family fair there are terms relating to technology such as; that the community has shown, we are well Never even considered that one day you But you were an intrinsic part of this, Zoom, mute/unmute and latterly, livestream. placed to do that. In the pages of this magazine would die but now you are not there Those words speak to the way that some of you can read about new initiatives such as the Didn’t think I’d feel it I hold my head up in honour our old favourite words like Shabbat, shelanu, Inclusion and Chesed Teams that have been Didn’t think I’d care Of the way you taught me proud cheder, and even simcha have been adapted established and speak to what we hope will be Thought I’d simply carry on, Of the lessons I learnt from watching you online. some of the key words and values for the community this coming twelve months. You can on the day that you weren’t there And the things you said aloud However words like; volunteer, community, also read about some of our programmes for No one ever loved me Today I said goodbye to you, Phone-Tree, Care Team have also shone through 2021 which we hope provide our members the Just as much as you, I stood at your grave with tears at ELELS. They relate to the way that that the opportunity to broaden their learning about No one ever will now, In my heart you’ll always stay ELELS community has rallied round in support of Judaism, the world we live in and about each they simply cannot do Forever through the years each other. We now have nearly 150 volunteers other. There is much to look forward to in 2021. I miss you saying you love me One day mum I’ll be there, amongst our membership getting involved in different ways, and with that level of I would love to hear from you if you have I miss that you did care with you and daddy too, involvement, we have been able to respond with suggestions for programmes that the synagogue I took these things for granted until they I don’t know when or where mum, agility to the challenges of the past year, and to may run or if you would like to be involved as a were not there but I feel you very near be a beacon of support for our community- volunteer in some way. I can be contacted at the You’ve gone to live with daddy But mum it’s very hard for me, which is what a synagogue should be; a true email address below. I know that is your place because you are not here. kehillah kedoshah (Holy community). I go about my daily life Thanks to all who have contributed so We are not resting on any laurels however, in much in 2020. May we continue to respond wearing a smile on my face the famous words of Rabbi Tarfon, ‘Lo alecha to the inevitable challenges in a positive, hamlacha ligmor, v’lo atah ben chorin l’hivatel innovative and constructive way and may As we approach the end of another year, a year that has been trying to say the least, we have all mimena’ 2021 be a year of further growth- and lost something or someone this year. Covid has made it an exceptionally difficult year, and of health! You are not expected to complete the task, but course, it isn’t going anywhere soon. However, we can hope that the vaccines will help us begin to neither are you free to avoid it’ (Rabbi Tarfon, Nick Young - Community Development pick up our lives and start living again perhaps still with masks but without fear. Pirkei Avot 2:21) Manager I wish us all a healthy new year and let’s look forward to Spring with longer evenings, birdsong, flowers and the promise of new life. Be well and, as always, Shalom. Laurie Benton, Page 10 Page 11

Autumn festivals - the inside story

The Autumn Festivals are the pinnacle of the Jewish year. Beginning with the Days of Awe, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, they are quickly followed by Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Each of these festivals feature distinctive, “signature” rituals as well as particular dynamics that are cherished and help to bring the community together in the spirit of the occasion. The highlights include shofar blowing, eating honey cake, personal and communal reflection, sukkah building, completing and beginning the cycle of Torah readings and dancing around the synagogue in a parade of Torah scrolls.

As we know, it was impossible for our community to meet for services in person, and so we needed to find innovative solutions. Rabbi Richard worked hard with the Rites and Practices Committee and others in order to dream up these festivals online to enable us to celebrate in ways that did justice Sukkot to their meaning and significance. by our member June Bradbury As the parts of the lulav and Etrog are believed to symbolise parts of the human If you missed anything, you can see the videos of our services on our Facebook page here: Having been very moved by the way Rosh body, our older cheder students had been bit.ly/ELELSvideos. As you can imagine, it wasn’t all plain sailing, but we were very happy with the Hashana and Yom Kippur services had set the task of finding objects in their house results, and everyone involved was rightly proud of their achievement. Read on for the inside story been so creatively and successfully to represent the Sukkot symbols in a similar of our Autumn festivals, in the words of some of our members who were involved. adapted to Zoom it should have been no way. One thoughtful participant suggested surprise to me that the later festivals the spine of a book related to a palm branch, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur proved to be equally meaningful and so and an apple which she felt was linking with High Holy Day Music by Hannah enjoyable. the lip shaped myrtles because of its colour Jacobi, ELELS Music Director and using lips to eat it. Another located his From the moment of logging and being met Dad’s wedding ring, representing the love with the photograph of a brightly decorated between his parents, and connected that to “In an ordinary year, the choir would begin It brought us so much joy to be able to sing Sukkah displaying the familiar symbols of the the Etrog which is the symbol of the heart. rehearsing in the summer, slowly working our together (socially distanced) again, I won’t Chag- a lulav and an Etrog; to Kiddush in way through the four folders of music for each mention names, but there were some emotional Rabbi David and Fiona Hulbert’s lovely Sukkah of the High Holy Day services. When it became moments. it was a truly special occasion. apparent that we would not be meeting in After the recording was completed, each piece person for this year’s services, my dad, Rabbi needed to be edited before being inserted into There is no doubt that the input of the Cheder Richard, and I began trying to work out how we the liturgy to be shared over Zoom. During the youngsters was a major highlight but Rabbi might incorporate music into the Zoom services. services, our house, like so many helping with Richard’s wise linking of the text of the Torah We were adamant from the start that we would the technical side of the services, turned into portion touched a chord with me. The theme of like our choir to be heard. In the knowledge that what we described as the Gallery. Rabbi Richard the portion centred on people’s expectations of this year would be different in so many ways, in one room leading the service, Josh and I in the behaviour of others and concluded with a the music was one way we could keep some another spotlighting and sharing music with my positive message; Try not to pre-judge others, familiarity for our community. mum running between the two passing act in good faith expecting good intentions and The how was slightly more complicated than we messages! This year will certainly stay in our help to spread that culture widely. thought. Of course, this would involve pre- memories for a long time to come! recording the music, but just as we made our For the choir, and I’m sure many others, But to get back to the input of the Cheder plans a change in the guidelines and the the music is such a big part of the High children. The youngsters had left the Service The younger members of the Cheder introduction of the Rule of Six put another Holy Days. Whether that’s setting the tone for a while in Zoom breakout rooms to produced amazingly well constructed and spanner in the works! That hurdle jumped over, with Kol Nidre or a joyous romp through complete projects in their cheder classes with imaginative mini Sukkot filled with fruits and our recording sessions began! We had done El Nora Alila at the end of Yom Kippur, we their teachers. Prior to their return we decorations which they talked about with some work previously cutting the music lists were so delighted, relieved and proud to congregants were asked by Rabbi Richard to great enthusiasm. down significantly so we only needed to record still be able to sing our way through the listen for the children “coming down the stairs” pieces of music that could be used more than services. Thank you for sticking with us and and one of ELELS’ brilliant techies played what I think we should acknowledge the once, but this still left us with a fairly ambitious our technical difficulties and a HUGE thank sounded exactly as if that was happening! wonderful work undertaken by the Jonathan list of pieces to record with limited time and you to the choir and Chris, our incredible Young and all of our young team of cheder compulsory ventilation breaks. The choir organist for making this part of our High Teachers for their inspirational ideas which adapted amazingly to singing through masks, Holy Day services just a little more normal. translate into enthusiastic learning for the learning to over-pronounce consonants and up pupils.” the volume. Page 12 Page 13

Autumn festivals - the inside story Due to my rather large amount of constant health problems it had been some years since I had attended the High Holy Day services. This year it was great to be able via continued... zoom to attend. Although due to my diabetic eating regime we What a great group of people we have at our did not attend Erev Rosh Hashanah services but shul. I confess I did not remember how in the morning, our wi-fi reception was great wonderful they were and I should like to say to and I think the people who did the technical you all thank you for everything. work did a fantastic job. The choir although I became unwell again and sadly had to go to recorded felt very real to me and when Rabbi bed around midday and when I came down Richard Jacobi read from the Torah I felt that I again I found I had just missed Yizkor which I was there with him. The novelty of all the was so looking forward to being there for. people in their own home blowing shofars was Although I always feel sad that all those much something I did not expect but since I was a loved people are no more but also pleased that child I have always loved hearing the shofar we who are still here remember and miss them. being blown so for me this was an extra element of enjoyment to the service. It was a great close of a wonderful day but I missed my Honey and Apple. Yom Kippur was a most delightful time but Simchat Torah unfortunately I was ill for most of it. I was not To all the people who have worked so hard there for Kol Nidre. The next morning I felt a for the rest of us to attend an excellent Creating the montage of 46 Simchat Torah by Helen Grant little better and again it was uplifting to attend Yom Kippur service, thank you so much. and hear a service which I have heard so many members of ELELS reading Torah and Viv Martin Melvin Grant by Gary Bronziet: times and yet it always seems new. “As someone who took part in the Torah “I was delighted to have been asked to play a readings, recording myself reading was small part in the Simchat Torah service. Usually something I had never dreamt I would do and the synagogue invites two members who have having been given good instructions was Rosh Chodesh group been very involved in the community over the surprised at how easy it was. Just like our This is my personal perspective on our This was then linked to the story of Judith who past year to be Chatan or Callah Torah/Bereishit- Sukkot service, we enjoyed the work done by Rosh Chodesh Group at ELELS. I have dressed in appropriate “Armour” in order to in other words the people who read the last few the children in their cheder breakout rooms attended many of the meetings since they deceive an invading leader (Holofernes) and verses of the Torah and the very first verses to where they made flags or scrolls. When the time restart the lectionary cycle. Over the past year, came for the Torah scroll parade, the children all started up again a few years ago. The free the Israelities from the Assyrians, (there is there have been so many volunteers that the joined together to dance to a klezmer medley theme will vary each month, and are often the link to Chanukah). As the discussion went idea was to involve as many congregants as with these, as did some brave adults. This was linked to a festival or a Parsha that is on I could see that what I thought was a possible. In total 46 of our volunteers wanted to followed by a quiet few moments for Kaddish being read. The sessions tend to fall on normal everyday action, is in fact something read, and so each were assigned one verse of before everyone beinginvited to unmute and the week of the New Moon to celebrate that we are sometimes unconsciously Torah. Each of the members were required to sing a riotous ‘Adon Alam’. the link between women and the moon influenced in our choices - this could be if we record themselves reading their verse, and send cycle. are going into a work environment or being out it in to Sam at the office. My job was then to Thank you to all involved for putting so much with friends or dressing up for a special Student Rabbi Eleanor Davis has been with us string these together into one continuous video, thought and effort into how we could celebrate in occasion. It was also interesting to link this for over a year now and each month comes up with a little tidying up. Not a difficult job to do a meaningful and joyous way and make these theme to Judith who is mainly known for the using iMovie but it was important to make sure days special despite all being remote from each with a great topic to discuss and mull over. We act of cutting Holofernes head off but not for that the readings ran smoothly. other.”- Helen Grant often start with a check in and a chance for all the smart thinking that she takes beforehand who attend to share a little highlight (or a including making sure that she dresses the In the end we managed it, although not before “I wanted to take part in the service as I have stressor) that they have had since the last correct situation that she is in. the names of our Head of Cheder Jonathan really enjoyed volunteering (albeit in a small session. It is often a good chance for us to Young and his brother Nick (Community way) in my Phone Tree role. Since the pandemic learn about new members of the group too. As the world moved to zoom, as did our Development Manager) were mixed up at one I feel there is a lovely sense of community in We then move on to discuss the theme for that sessions and - whilst a lot of people may suffer stage. They both objected strongly (with tongue ELELS and I wanted to share Simchat Torah with evening. As the evening goes on I feel more from zoom fatigue and not want to join onto firmly in cheek!) but it was all sorted out easily everyone in the limited way we could which is energised and enjoy debating the different another “session” during the working week - it enough. why I was keen to read a verse from the Torah. I was a committed member and volunteer at Bet topics and thinking on different levels. It is is quite nice to know that there is a space once The resulting movie was then shared with all the Tikvah and I now feel a real part of the lovely to hear the group talk about their own a month where we can gather and share attendees as part of the online Simchat Torah combined community. Long may it continue to feelings and ideas, some are different, some thoughts on Judaism from a Woman's service on Zoom and streamed on social media. thrive!” are similar and we take time to listen to perspective (and learn new things too). I have If you missed it, you can see it on the recording – Viv Martin. everyone too. never left a session feeling more lethargic than of our Simchat Torah service on Facebook: when it started, which is a sign of both This month being Rosh Chodesh Kislev, is the bit.ly/ELELSSTvideo” Eleanor’s success as our teacher and of how month that Chanukah falls in. Our discussion cathartic just talking to others can be. this week focused around fashion and how/why we dress as we do, is it to please ourselves or By Di and Rachel Kamall someone else. Page 14 Page 15 5781 ELELS Page 16

As such, we baked cakes to go to the twenty children and adults living at the home which also incorporates a pre-school Under the banner of Middah Torah, regular So, we come to the end of the Autumn We started off the year with the High Holy and school for children with cerebral palsy; Cheder sessions featured explorations on the Cheder term, and what a term it has Days, incorporating new children’s services ahead of meeting and learning from the stories of Cain and Abel, creation, and Daniel been! From the High Holy Day’s including activities, discussion and stories, directors of the home on the Sunday. One of and his dreams, with some superb artwork reflection, to Sukkahs, dancing, mitzvahs which were a great success, drawing the leaders Keith had this to say: created by the younger classes of Bereishit and B’nei Mitzvah’s, it has been a busy involvement from Cheder & non-Cheder and Shmot. The oldest class, Vayikra’s ‘We have had enthusiastic responses few months, that have been a pleasure families from throughout the community. sessions have included delving into what from all who have tasted the cakes, so to witness Children got to bang instruments and re- makes a good D’var Torah, in preparation for enact the story of Jonah, which was a please pass on much thanks to all who We continued online via Zoom, refining the their B’nei Mitzvah, as well as looking at the particular highlight. This was closely followed baked them. It was a blessing to connect schedule of the morning to include more notion of privilege and developing an anti- by Sukkot and Simchat Torah with lovely in so many rich ways and at a range of Hebrew learning as well as Jewish Studies. racism statement community services, that brought all different levels.’ Our teachers; Sasha, Isabelle, Ezra, Zach, generations together. Josh and Isaac, have been joined by Joshua Fantastic Sukkahs were built with cardboard and Maja as help teachers, who had their boxes and Lego, that even featured penguins; Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s last year. That’s allowed us and creative scrolls and flags were made, to install a new Hebrew system that provides waved, and danced with, in a joyous some quality one to one reading time for the celebration of the Torah! students and the new help teachers proved particularly able in those roles. In fact, Maja Then on the weekend of the 14th of will be following in her brother’s footsteps, by November, the Cheder based its Mitzvah Day receiving the Jack Petchey award for her around the principles of kindness, sharing leadership and contributions to the and bringing together different faiths as we community this term, so well done to her! collaborated with Mill Grove, a Christian based Foster Home (www.millgrove.org.uk) in South Woodford.

B’nei Mitzvah and Chanukah

And talking of B’nei mitzvah, I would like to For the Cheder, the final session is also on th say a huge congratulations to Sukhi and Talya the 12 and will be led by LJY-Netzer. They From the superb baking efforts Singh, and their cousin, Oren Noy for speaking will be sending out Chanukah boxes to all the of the kids, to the parental with such wisdom and leading theirs, on the Cheder children and leading dreidel and delivery of the cakes and to st 21 of November, with such aplomb! Chanukiah making activities, in preparation the lovely, informative & for a family Chanukah lights Havdalah service As I write this, we are looking forward to Iziah connecting chat with Keith and in the afternoon, with Rabbi Richard. Duck’s Bar Mitzvah on the 12th of December Ruth at Mill Grove! and our programme of Chanukah celebrations Our new term begins again on the 9th of What a wonderful weekend of which you will read about elsewhere in this January, and in the meantime may I mitzvahs it was! issue. wish everybody a wonderful 2021! Jonathan Young, Head Teacher 5781 ELELS Page 18

Chanukah in 2020, eight nights of light The fifth night of Chanukah candle lighting we joined up ELELS presented a range of online events which took place, online, over the eight nights with our friends in Budapest, Hungary from the Szim of Chanukah. There were so many highlights - including a candle lighting on Human Salom Synagogue. Our lighting was hosted by Rabbi Rights Shabbat, Tots Chanukah and Havdallah with the cheder, a Doughnut/latke cook- Richard Jacobi and Rabbi Katalin Kelemen featuring the along, a Chanukah Quiz, Chanukah with the Szim Salom Hitközség community in participation of Cantor Diana Senechal. Budapest, a special open Rosh Chodesh session and Chanukah Shelanu, concluding with an inclusive Chanukah service on the final night. We’ve shared a handful of the Pictured left Nick Young, our Community highlights, but for more, please do go onto our ELELS Facebook community page to see Development manager, with his son Dominik more: https://bit.ly/ELELScommunity (14) who was born in Budapest and blessed at the Szim Salom community in 2010.

The first night of Chanukah candle lighting led by our Elevensies group who meet daily for coffee and a chat. The event will include candle lighting, Chanukah blessings, songs The 6th Night of Chanukah Candle Lighting was led and reflective readings as well as the chance by Rabbi David and Fiona Hulbert. We were also to talk and share Chanukah greetings. joined by Ruth Seager, Chair of LJ and ELELS member.

Ruth talked about her role as Chair and then answered questions.

Live- Erev Shabbat Service to mark Human Rights Shabbat, and 2nd Night Chanukah candle lighting. The service was led by Rabbi Richard Jacobi and included the participation of Amy Bentham and Jack Lubner, from the Rene Cassin organisation. Amy and Jack also The 7th Night Candle Lighting led by Student spoke to us about the plight of the Uyghur Rabbi Eleanor Davis and the Rosh Chodesh Group Muslims in China. with guests including Councillor Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Borough Council. In this Chanukah inspired special session, open to all regardless of gender identity, we took another Live - Chanukah 3rd Night Candle Lighting look at traditional Chanukah foods and the miracle and Havdallah. Led by Rabbi Richard Jacobi behind them, then discussed what challenge a with Mich Sampson and featured the children Chanukah heroine might offer us for the coming of our cheder. month of Tevet.

A wonderful 8th and final night Chanukah Shelanu Service led by Rabbi Richard, Mich Sampson and Tommy Precious. Lets hope we can keep the light and hope alive. Thanks too to June Bradbury for hosting the event.

4th Night Candle lighting. “Tonight marked the end of eight nights of ELELS communal The service was led by David and lighting where so many of our members, friends and guests joined Tina Gold. This weekend we also in. It has been so moving and meaningful for us all to join had a spectacular Doughnut and together, albeit on Zoom, a wonderful community. Thanks to Latke live Chanukah cook-along everyone who organised this, led the services and all who took with Alice Wilcock (pictured left), part. Chag Sameach Chanukah” Stewart Spivack a fantastic afternoon - enjoyed by many, particularly our Cheder members Daniel Delow and Emilia “Thanks entirely to Rabbi Richard, Mich Sampson and Tommy Hulbert (pictured left). Precious who made the Shelanu service such a joyous meaningful occasion and as for me, being host was a pleasure. However a big thank you must also go to all the enthusiastic participants without whom Shelanu could not happen” June Bradbury Page 19 5781 ELELS Page 20

Chesed team Criteria – Naomi Joseph in It is something for us to be totally proud conversation with Emma James of, that so many members of the We were delighted in October to host a screening of synagogue member, actress and synagogue have volunteered, prior to writer Naomi Joseph’s award winning and extremely poignant short film ‘Criteria’. and during covid, either with KIT (which has been in place for some time), or the Phone Tree, which was set up out of the The film ends with her being an eligible current situation. candidate because she succeeded in ticking every box in equal opportunities section of the The Synagogue wished to establish a Care convalescing, bereaved, have mental/physical application form. Committee, to ensure we continue to connect health issues, are responding to life-changing The film explored Naomi’s unique and with and support our members. Rabbi Richard, events (e.g. new birth, divorce, retirement, complex situation, using her own life Nick and Stewart are involved with the group. trauma/loss etc). circumstances/experiences. I felt that this was I was asked to take the lead for the Chesed The goal of the Chesed Team is to ensure that a very brave thing to do and am very thankful Team, which I accepted and am pleased to all members of our community have an to Naomi for doing this. Comments from inform, the Chesed Team has recently been opportunity to have regular, friendly and viewers on ELELS Facebook page also set up and our first meeting took place in Criteria started off as a live spoken word personal support and contact with fellow expressed gratitude. November. congregants. The resulting relationships companion piece to Naomi’s solo theatre One of the messages of Naomi’s powerful A huge thank you to those members who have enrich the entire community. show Motherland, performed at the Lyric piece seems to be that there is no perfect way offered to be part of the Chesed Team. theatre Hammersmith, before being If you would like further information turned into a short film released in 2019. for inclusion to work; it is an ongoing The purpose of the Chesed Team is building about the Chesed Team, please get in She describes it as “an exploration of conversation. It is about celebrating peoples on our vision of creating a caring community touch with me via the synagogue email identity through the eyes of a young differences, cultures and traditions. at ELELS. The Chesed team is a collaborative address. woman who has been forced to grow up In case you haven’t seen the film, I would effort of our Rabbis, staff and volunteers to Sonia Muscovitch too quickly”. strongly recommend you watch it, which can reach out to members who are alone, We were recommended to watch this short be found on Vimeo: https://bit.ly/ film before we all Zoomed in at 7.30 and then VimeoCriteria. The film gives an insightful and spent an hour or more in a relaxed and open positive way of thinking about inclusion, ELELS inclusion action group conversation talking about Naomi’s family, tolerance of others and a way forward. I am delighted to introduce the new ELELS Inclusion Action Group to through her eyes living in a mixed Jewish Naomi, as a performer, has felt the impact of you. The Group will be looking at what can we can do as a community family, Sephardi and white Ashkenazi and how the pandemic as everyone in her industry. to ensure that everyone no matter their age, race, gender, sexuality or the loss of her Mum has defined her. However, as we spoke, Naomi was busy disability feels safe and welcome in our synagogue. The introduction or the scene was set with working on fun online activities for 5-8 year Naomi filling in an interview pro forma which olds during the half term in Barking and It is so important as a community that we With the digital revolution seeing a rise in was then used as a basis for exploring the rich Dagenham. She is also exploring other short commit to being active and making a spreading hate and division - it’s more mix of her family background. As a platform films raising awareness on hope during this conscious effort to work against all aspects of important than ever that we stand together. to look at her own attributes around the key pandemic and beyond. racism and prejudice in wider society. We We will be organising some educational events topics highlighted in the film: confidence, need to be more than educated and informed; We were really pleased that so many through the year and encourage everyone to sensitive, team player, responsible. we need to help tackle discrimination both members joined us for this extremely join our events - whether you want to help, inside and outside of our community. It was interesting to hear how Naomi interesting and thought provoking event. find out more or especially if you have described herself and how she coped with The feedback since has been excellent The Jewish community has a long history of questions about the issues. the questions from others as a young person, and we hope that we can do more events campaigning and speaking out for human and If you would like to get involved in the “the looks we got as a family”; the questions with Naomi in the future. Thanks once civil rights across the world. Jewish people committee please feel free to contact me via around being mixed race; and after her Mum again to Naomi for making this important were the most actively involved non-black the office or by: passed away “now we are four minus one”. film and for sharing it with us. It was a group in the American civil rights movement [email protected] How as a young woman thinking about her very proud and moving evening for our and the anti-apartheid campaign. imagined role in the home as “something put community, especially those of us who It has been a difficult year and this is one Hopefully we can continue to be proud to play upon me” but “I am not the woman of the remember Naomi and have known her of the ways we can look to the future and our role in the causes and challenges of today. house”. But “am my mother’s daughter and family well over the years. end it on a hopeful note by coming For example, it is clear that racial injustice is through me in some way she lives on”. together to ensure all of our community By Jane Porte and Emma James not just an issue in the US and that many are welcome and included. black people living in Britain feel the injustices they face are often not even acknowledged let By Emma James alone addressed. Page 20 5781 ELELS Page 22

Susie Barnett received the British Empire Medal in January 2020 for ‘Services to Holocaust Education and Awareness’

ELELS member Susie Barnett Although all of the members Since then, Susie has spoken Susie first heard from the that things like this don’t received. We send a heartfelt received the British Empire of her immediate family in colleges and schools, public Cabinet Office in confidence in normally happen in our road. and appreciative “Mazal tov” Medal in January 2020 for managed to escape, they libraries, town halls, ‘Services to Holocaust ultimately paid the price as a churches, synagogues and November 2019 that she was It was all very special.” along with immeasurable to be awarded the medal in gratitude for her work in Education and Awareness’. family. has also been a keynote Speaking about her work in For many years Susie has speaker at various Holocaust the New Year’s Honours List sharing a message of peace, After the extraordinary Holocaust education, Susie given talks to numerous Memorial Day in 2020. When she found out, resilience and shared challenges of her younger says that she has been schools and community commemorations around her first thoughts were humanity, regardless of years, Susie found happiness continually struck and thrilled groups as a survivor of the London. According to a count disbelief. “Coming from my creed, colour or any in adulthood, becoming a by the dedication, sincerity Holocaust and in January issued by the HET, Susie has French teacher with pastoral background I could never superficial difference. 2021 she will share her story reached at least 5000 people, and enthusiasm of staff responsibilities, living in have imagined receiving such with us at ELELS. although she knows that the organising these events in Susie will be sharing her Woodford with husband an honour.” number is actually much schools and their commitment family’s story with us at As she was unable to attend to Holocaust education ELELS on 26th January. the investiture ceremony for The talk will take place the “It’s heartening to know you the award of her BEM because day before Holocaust are doing something that of Covid, the Lord Lieutenant Memorial Day, which will educators in schools want to of Essex, Mrs Jennifer happen on Wednesday do and that they will carry on Tolhurst, came to her front 27th January. the work and the education. garden to present it to her. It doesn’t happen in America, In order to register for this Friends, neighbours and for example”. talk, please email Sam at family were able to watch the [email protected] ceremony from the street. Speaking with typical According to Susie, it felt very humility, Susie says, By Nick Young with Susie surreal as the medal was “I’m pleased to be a small Barnett part of the tremendous David, and her children, a son presented under a marquee higher due to the many impact of organisations like Born in Hamburg, in Nazi and daughter. She was for that had been specially unofficial talks that she gave Germany as the youngest many years a member of the erected by her neighbours. the HET and the Holocaust before speaking officially for child of four, her father was Woodford Liberal community. Memorial Day Trust. The fact HET. Susie continues, imprisoned in Sachsenhausen As a member of the that they are government The British Empire Medal is “After the presentation I had and her one brother and two Association of Jewish backed is a positive reflection awarded for 'hands-on' the opportunity to thank sisters were taken separately Refugees (AJR), she attended on our society, and we should service to the local neighbours and friends for the to England on kinder a talk by a speaker from the be very proud of their work” community. This could be a transport. Baby Susie was left Holocaust Educational Trust many kindnesses that have long-term charitable or with her mother in Nazi (HET). After the talk, she was been shown to us during the We at ELELS join Susie’s voluntary activity, or Germany and they only asked by the speaker to pandemic. The local vicar, a family and local community in innovative work that has managed to escape the herself give talks for the HET, lady, who lives in the road expressing how proud we are made a significant difference. horrors of the Holocaust due telling her own story. and was at the ceremony of Susie in her achievement to a ‘miracle’. wrote to me next day to say and the recognition she has Page 22 Page 23 How to start a food bank On 26th November, JW3 Social Action and Volunteer Coordinator and ELELS member Jacob Forman gave us an illuminating talk about the foodbank and meals on wheels service that he had established and coordinated at JW3.

Following a shout out for volunteers on social media, they were able to recruit people to prepare meals and also for deliverers so that the Feast! recipients wouldn’t go hungry. And so, it turned out that a total of 32 meals were cooked and sent out in that initial batch, but this was only the beginning. Having continued to cook and deliver, Jacob then received requests for food packages and got in touch with the Doorstep Homeless Families Project as well as Camden City Council. With more food being needed, they put out an appeal for food from the public, which drew an amazing response. Jacob told us that members of the community set up food drop off points in their In setting the scene, Jacob told us that he hails And so, from a humble start of cooking 30 meals shows that the public are wonderful, if you give garden inviting neighbours to bring tins and from Newbury Park and though he grew up as for local vulnerable individuals, JW3 is now them the chance”. other foodstuffs when out and about on their part of the New Essex Masorti community, since sending out 2,500 meals every week and seeing daily ‘lockdown 1.0’ exercise. Through these It also raises the question- what we can do to March he has been a member of ELELS with his demand rise with every passing day. JW3 have efforts, they were able to provide 48 food help? As Jacob pointed out- we don’t know wife, Paul Anne. become one of Camden’s ‘anchor’ (permanent) packages in addition to the cooked meals. exactly where the 350,000 hungry children are, food banks- and have sent out over 75,000 JW3, where Jacob works, is the Jewish but there are almost certainly many in need in In the meantime food was also being donated by meals and counting! community hub at the Northwest corner of our local area. local supermarkets- with Marks & Spencer Camden surrounded by areas that are perceived After his presentation, Jacob answered questions getting a special mention. For a period, Jacob To find your local foodbank, click here for the as being among the more affluent in London from the audience, one of which was the future and PA were spending their evenings touring The Trussell Trust, who run local centres and a such as Hampstead, Swiss Cottage and Belsize of the food bank at JW3. Jacob told us that the Marks’ stores in London and picking up the helpline for those in need: https:// Park. Prior to Covid, the centre hosted over 150 food provision won’t stop in the short-medium produce that they couldn’t sell and bringing it www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/ classes, activities, plays, screenings and other term, and its continuation in the longer term will back to JW3 to be sent off as food parcels. It was events per week as well as housing a restaurant be discussed next year but is likely to be a To find out more about the work of JW3 including a landmark moment when the project reached and nursery. All of that came to a halt as lock question of funding. how you can volunteer, click here: https:// 10,000 meals provided. down hit in March. www.jw3.org.uk/support-us/volunteer Many thanks to Jacob for his efforts and Jacob relayed how they really “hit the big time” At that point, Jacob was tasked with setting up achievements with JW3, and also for sharing the If you would like to help us to set up an initiative however when Camden Council got in touch with some kind of social action project that would story with us. It provided a timely and stark to help to address the problem of food insecurity a massive donation from the Arsenal Foundation make use of the building and make a difference. reminder of the many who are in need especially in our local area, please get in touch with me at which consisted of “tonnage” that could be The Trussell Trust, a nationwide foodbank during the winter and even more so during the [email protected]. added to the provision of food for needy identified an 89% increase in food insecurity in pandemic, even in supposedly affluent areas. recipients. A later connection with the Felix In order to see for yourself the video of April, which translates to 5 million people As Jacob pointed out, this initiative also shows Project- who bring in fruit and veg that what was a fascinating, and illuminating including 350,000 children not having enough to the kindness and goodwill that is out there in supermarkets can’t sell on a large scale, has talk, click here on our Facebook page: eat. This realisation helped to navigate Jacob society, upon which this tremendous support provided a further source of food that could be https://bit.ly/FoodbankJW3 towards discussions with an organisation called effort is based, whether through donors or redirected. Feast!, who provided food for people in places volunteers. As Jacob put it, “What we’ve seen By Nick Young like homeless shelters and women’s refuges. With significantly more food coming in than With Feast! having lost the use of their kitchens, before the summer, Jacob looked for others in Jacob offered to let them use the one at JW3 as need, and through the charities JAMI, Gift and well as the food that was in stock at the the Single Homeless Project they were connected restaurant. to many more including local mutual aid groups. Page 25 5781 ELELS Page 26

“I have learned to speak more Ivrit and also to write in Hebrew, but I think the main highlight of the course was having Hagi as the teacher. SLICHA, EIFO HA’SHERUTIM? I would definitely recommend learning Hebrew Learning to speak Hebrew like an through an Ulpan course like this” Israeli at ELELS

OK, so you will probably be able to find the bathroom when you’re next in Israel, even if you can’t ask for directions in Ivrit, But wouldn’t it be fun if you were able to?

ELELS teamed up with the “Breakout rooms are popular “I have learned to speak I would certainly recommend the World Zionist Organisation with students for informal more Ivrit and also to course to anyone who would like to (WZO) in 2020 to provide two conversations and role write in Hebrew, but I be able to converse when they year-long Ulpan classes. The playing. All this takes place think the main highlight of (hopefully) visit Israel. The idea of the classes is that by while you’re in your slippers, the course was having practice of reading Hebrew also will studying for a year with an enjoying your favourite drink Hagi as the teacher. I help with being able to follow the experienced, qualified native in the comfort or your own would definitely Shul service. Whether a beginner speaker teacher, our students home”. recommend learning or more advanced in their would make clear progress- Hebrew through an Ulpan knowledge, Hagi is a very patient The course is not only about and so it has proved, with course like this; it felt that teacher who manages to involve all learning to speak the classes set to restart in 2021. all who took part were the group no matter what level language, but also eager to learn and Hagi their Hebrew or their confidence to The class teacher is Hagi incorporates Israeli culture, taught at a pace that was speak.” Cohen, an Israeli who studied and Hagi likes to sing along to very easy to follow. I look Law at university in the UK an upbeat song in Ivrit, We are aiming to open forward to the and trained to teach Hebrew showing photos, and cuttings Beginner and Intermediate continuation of the course as a foreign language. about Israeli current affairs Ulpan classes in January 2021 in 2021” We were only expecting to and culture, and share with 30 sessions for each begin one Ulpan class, but highlights of her Israeli social- Lynn Brown, a fellow student group across the 3 terms in such was the interest in the media feed. in Mel’s class, said,“I wanted 2021. Classes will take place programme, that we were something to get my brain on Tuesday evenings The WZO have also added a able to set up Lower- working and I found it with (Beginners) and Wednesday wonderful variety of free Intermediate level class my Ivrit Ulpan lessons at evenings (Intermediate), online lectures, talks, virtual beginning in January, and a ELELS. I used to be quite 20:00-21:30 pm on Zoom, until tours of Israel, singing classes Beginner’s Group in February. fluent speaking Hebrew as I we are able to meet in person. and a very successful Hebrew lived in Israel many years ago The classes are affordable, as Hagi says, “Of course the Social Club for advanced Ivrit but I knew that I was very they are heavily subsidised by pandemic hit in late March, learners, and it includes rusty. The lessons have the WZO and as you read above and lessons moved onto people from all over the certainly improved my written are great fun and an excellent Zoom which has proved to be country who join informal Hebrew and reminded me of way to learn Hebrew. For effective and entertaining. chats in Ivrit about topics vocabulary that I had details check out the poster, Each lesson is accompanied such as Jewish humour, food, forgotten. As a result of the visit our webpage (https:// by clear presentations shared cultural differences, Israel, pandemic, most of our bit.ly/ELELSulpan), email Nick to the screens of students; dreams, architecture, lessons this year have been Young at and a digital textbook and gardening etc, while others on Zoom and I do hope that community.development@elels. materials have been provided prefer to just listen and follow in the next year we can org.uk or feel free to call/email by email. the conversation. return to live sessions. It is a Hagi directly at 07792160111 Mel Millenbach is an ELELS very friendly group and I do or [email protected] member who joined the enjoy when we have Lower Intermediate class. He ‘breakout groups’ and have a says of his experience as an chance of more personal Ulpan student in 2020: interaction. Page 26 Page 27 5781 ELELS Page 28 My dad and the Western The truly remarkable life Desert campaign of Edith Morley

The next time you're walking along the Strand, going west Elliott Porte gave a really interesting talk on his father’s Army towards Trafalgar Square, stop for a moment and look at the career on a very appropriate day – November 11 – Armistice Day. pictures outside King's College. They are of 30 of the most Harold Charles Porte joined up in 1941 when he was 21. He came distinguished people ever to have been associated with King's from the East End and lived in Skidmore Street; the area was, by and among them is is Edith Morley, who was one of the first the standards of the time, relatively prosperous. However, Harold women to obtain a degree from King's Ladies' Department. She was always aware of the activities of the British Union of Fascists went on to become a literary scholar, a suffragist and the UK's (BUF) in the area and became involved as a teenager with active first female professor. She was the subject of David Barnett's resistance groups. fascinating talk on the evening of 1st October, as part of the shul's Learn Together/Grow Together programme.

One of his great interests was He was transferred to the newly Harold had a number of David lives in Billericay. He retired in 1991 as In 2017, a student-led campaign resulted in amateur radio and he built formed 8th Army and, following ‘adventures’ with the LRDG but Director General (chief executive) of the Road the Humanities and Social Sciences building crystal sets; an early form of the first battle of El Alamein, his real job was to direct Transport Industry Training Board. After at Reading University being renamed in Edith’s radio that used a crystal and promoted to sergeant. He took artillery fire and to make his retirement he studied for a PhD at the University honour. fine ‘hair’ or filament to pick up his precious crystal set with seniors aware of enemy of Nottingham, and wrote a book: ‘London, Hub Edith’s time at King’s also encouraged her to radio waves. At the age of 10 him. He spoke Yiddish and, artillery movements. of the Industrial Revolution’, based on this take a strong interest in politics and she became Harold built his first set made latterly, Italian and came to the research which was published in 1998. He is a member of the Women’s Social and Political of Bakelite with headphones attention of senior echelons as In fact, he often spoke of the currently working on another book. David was Union (WSPU). She marched, attended and soon became an expert. In someone useful to them in frustration he felt when at the Volunteer Exhibitions Manager and Walk Guide demonstrations and once used her professor 1938, when only 18, he applied gathering Intelligence of enemy second battle of El Alamein, he at London Canal Museum 2001-12. title to sign a letter to The Times on behalf of for and joined the prestigious dispositions etc. was ensconced twenty feet He is currently Deputy Chairman of trustees the WSPU at Emmeline Pankhurst’s request. Radio Society of Great Britain. under the sand directing an of a major pension fund and is a member of Edith also continued to teach English at King’s As a consequence, becoming As a consequence, he attended artillery battery when the huge ELELS. He gives talks about Edith as she was and was one of the original members of the the only Jewish HAM in the East an advanced signals course and bombardment of enemy lines connected to his wife's family, although he London branch of the British Federation of End – something he found hard became friendly with a signals began. So frustrated in fact regrets never having had the opportunity to University Women. to live down! specialist from the Brigade of that after a while he and his meet her in person. Guards. This developed into an Officer could stand it no longer, When he joined up, he was Edith Morley OBE (1875-1964) was one of the “She was the only head of department offer to become attached to the they clambered up the escape posted to the Royal Artillery most remarkable members of the Anglo-Jewish not to be awarded a professorship, Long Range Desert Group hatch and joined the advancing Signals as a bombardier. His community of the last two hundred years. Born simply because she was a woman. (LRDG), something he 51st Highlanders each armed first posting was to a into a wealthy upper middle class Jewish family, Outraged at yet another unacceptable undertook on a number of only with a pistol. battery of gun at Seaton in her early years, she was an active suffragette discrimination, Edith successfully occasions where he had the Down, Devon. The ‘guns’ He was demobbed in 1946 and and an early feminist and socialist. She went on fought for her right to be named a dangerous job of going out on were large and impressive came home and joined the anti- to become the first woman ever appointed as a professor, and succeeded.” patrol behind enemy lines, but were actually logs fascist Group 43 to bring to professor at a British university and an whereupon, as he said, ‘bury painted to fool the Germans. justice those in the British internationally renowned literary scholar. In later himself into a sand dune’ and She committed herself to helping refugees Establishment who supported life she became a magistrate, a prison reformer listen to enemy signals traffic. during World War II, sealing her reputation for the BUF. He worked as a and active in the probationary service. After her being a courageous and passionate fighter for hatmaker and later as a retirement, she was hugely involved in working human rights and freedom. Toastmaster, well known in the for Jewish refugees from the Nazis before, City and West End. Of the War, during and after World War II. David also told us You can read more about Edith’s life in her he always maintained that said that University College, Reading, became a autobiography ‘Before and After’, described he found it exciting and was university in 1908 while Edith was lecturing by June Purvis of the Times Higher ‘too frightened to be frightened’ English there. Education as but ordinary life must have “a poignant first-person account by a She was the only head of department not to be been an anti-climax after such pioneering feminist who struggled for awarded a professorship, simply because she brave deeds. recognition in her academic life. Her story was a woman. Outraged at yet another will resonate with many female academics By Stephanie Kerstein unacceptable discrimination, Edith successfully today”. fought for her right to be named a professor, and succeeded. By Jan Martin-Ellis

Picture of Elliot’s dad at Elliot and Jane’s daughters wedding Page 28 Page 29 5781 ELELS Page 30

Newgate Prison and the Old Bailey Ben Dror Yemini at ELELS: – a talk by Eleanor Bloom A few personal observations

The following article was sent in by one of our members who On 20th August Eleanor Bloom gave a very attended a speaker event back in February 2020. interesting talk (via Zoom) on Newgate Prison and Unfortunately, it did not appear in the September edition, and the Old Bailey, representing one thousand years of so we are publishing it here. criminal history all woven into London’s folklore: As an open community, we value hearing differing villains and debtors, their crimes, punishments and perspectives and encourage discussion and education. executions. Tour Guide and ex-Metropolitan Police Officer Eleanor Bloom took us through the grim and grizzly history of one London’s most notorious The May edition of HaGesher expulsion, as an American accepted in Israel as citizens. locations. included a short report on the political science professor has By contrast, Palestinians talk given by Ben Dror Yemini written. He put forward two landed in quite different at a Friday evening service on lines of argument about the countries, Jordan and 7 February which was based Nakba. First, the familiar Lebanon, where they were The symbol of the Old Bailey some prisoners were able to the Old Bailey to be on his book, The Industry of explanation that the local not welcomed, with the result is the ‘Statue of Justice’, a have a last drink, and ‘on the sentenced. The last execution Lies: Myths and Facts about inhabitants left their homes that they and their 12” high by 8” wide solid wagon’ comes from those were in this country took place in the Israeli-Arab Conflict. I feel because they were simply descendants continue to live bronze statue built in 1902. unable to get off for a drink. 1965. that the presentation obeying instructions from in refugee camps. While ‘Old Bailey’ is actually the The Magpie & Stump pub, This was a very interesting deserves more scrutiny than their leaders. This has long forced population transfer, name of the street where about 30-50 yards from what is the brief article in HaGesher been disproved, particularly ‘ethnic cleansing’, talk, containing far more the Central Criminal Court is now the Old Bailey, gave a very suggests. From various from the late 1980s when the unfortunately has not ended, information than that given situated, but the actual site, good view of the gallows, and it questionable points he made I ‘new’ Israeli historians (Tom the action taken against the above, but unpacked for us previously Newgate Prison, was possible to pay the will concentrate on just two Segev, Benny Morris, Ilan Rohingya in Myanmar being a by Eleanor in a way that was is always known as the Old landlord for a window seat. The issues, first the population Pappé) started publishing recent example, it is now accessible as well as being Bailey. Prior to the building bell of St. Sepulchre’s Church situation during the Ottoman their researches based on established as being wrong in illustrated by photographs of period in the area which later Israeli archives. They showed international law as well as, of Newgate Prison would toll at execution time. the various locations including became the ‘Palestine’ of the that there was a clear Israeli of course, being immoral. It is executions were held at After the hanging, the those that constituted the British Mandate and second policy of expelling Arab beyond me to understand Tyburn (today known as prisoners’ bodies would be ‘Dead Man’s Walk’ from which the 'Nakba'. residents, often by force, and how any Jew, knowing as we Marble Arch) for the lower thrown into a burial pit nobody ever returned - preventing them from do our own melancholy classes and Tower Hill for containing liquid lime which (apparently 11th hour Yemini showed us an Ottoman returning after the fighting history of expulsions, can those of higher social would help the bodies to reprieves were unheard of!). period map in which the few had ended. condone us doing the same standing. Executions took decompose. Before the 1830s urban areas delineated such thing to other people which is place as punishment for bodies were often taken to the Thanks to Eleanor for her as Jerusalem and Jaffa were But second, and somewhat how I understood Yemini's many reasons: witchcraft, Royal College of Physicians, talk. I’m also very grateful very small. He said this contradictorily, Yemini said it justifications. treason, debt, heresy, as near the back of the prison. for all the courses, quizzes meant that the whole area was like other 'population well as murder. and talks which have been was underpopulated. What exchanges' which have in the This piece is intended to In around 1868 Charles provided for us by the was the population situation? past been internationally provide an alternative Executions were carried out Dickens and other social Synagogue in these The Wikipedia article accepted, such as the those perspective on some of the on about 20 prisoners at a reformers lobbied Parliament to 'Demographic history of which followed the 1919– statements those present difficult times. time, about 6-8 times a stop public executions, for Palestine (region)' shows that 1922 Greco-Turkish War. In heard from Ben Dror year. They were considered which the public could buy By Ruth Harris this was simply a pre- support, he referred to the Yemini. No doubt, the by many as entertainment tickets. Other forms of industrial, not very urbanised movements of a comparable situation of Israel and the and a good day out. punishment for various crimes society. number of Jews from Arab Palestinians will continue included whipping, flogging, countries after 1948. The idea to concern us all. There were many side The Nakba, the Arabic word that there was a population pillories and the stocks. 200 shows and a fairground for 'catastrophe', means the exchange does not bear By Miriam Greenwood, different crimes could lead to atmosphere along the route events in the 1948 war that investigation. Arab Jews left May 2020 the death sentence until 1868, of the wagon taking led to about half the countries including Egypt, after which many prisoners prisoners to the execution Palestinian population leaving Iraq and Yemen under varying were transported from site: the saying ‘one for the their homes and becoming circumstances which certainly Newgate. From 1902 to the road’ came from the wagon refugees. Yemini disagreed included persecutions but also 1960s all condemned prisoners with this being called a crime often involved Zionist stopping at a pub on the were taken to No.1 Court at and the result of Israeli mass promotion, and were way to the execution where Page 30 Page 31 5781 ELELS Page 32 Directory - organisations offering support ELELS contact list

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CHARITY DIRECTORY PROFESSIONAL/ELELSOFFICE

CHAI CANCER CARE: www.chaicancercare.org.uk Office administrator Samantha Ly [email protected] 020 8989 7619 0208202 2211 Richard Jacobi 0800 808 4567 [email protected] Rabbis Emeritus Rabbi JAMI - JEWISH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE www.jamiuk.org 0208 4582223 Hulbert Contact through the office Community development manger Nick Young [email protected] JEWISHBLIND&DISABLED www.jbd.org 0208 371 6611 Address ELELS, Marlborough Road, South Woodford, London, E18 1AR

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KESHETFORLGBTQEQUALITYINJEWISH Chairman Stewart Spivack [email protected] 07745 790869 LIFE www.keshetuk Vice-chair Elliot Porte [email protected] Hon.Secretary Richard Stevens [email protected] Treasurer Tina Gold [email protected] LEAGUEOFJEWISHWOMEN www.lgw.org 0207 242 8300 Rites and Practices Ben Glassman Contact through the office GDPR / Bob Kamall [email protected] AHADABEREAVEMENTSUPPORT www.ahada.org.uk 07758 727328 communications

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DINASEXUALVIOLENCESUPPORTLINE [email protected] 0808 8010656 OTHERCOMMITTEES

SAMARITANS. www.samaritans.org Free phone 116 123 Sue Nathanson 07922 904643 Burial Officers Jane Porte 07922 904643 Judith Konzon Contact through the office

Friendship club Di Kamall Contact through the office

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