October 2014 – Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 John Posner Shalom Rav These Sessionsaboutonceeachmonth

October 2014 – Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 John Posner Shalom rav these sessionsaboutonceeachmonth. interest to most people. of Our intention be is to would hold think you that Sichot future for 29 October, finishing no later than 9.30 pm. So IhopeyouwilljoinmeintheGardenRoomoneveningof study session–it’sfreewheelingandeveryone’sviewisvalid. (historical, contemporary) onasubject,butthisisnotintendedtobe please. We may have some input from the Rabbi about Jewish attitudes we direction any in go can discussion the and debate formal a not It’s as a place to live today, for us personally, for Jews, for everyone?” country Kingdom United the of think this we do What century. last to the within immigrated that families from are us of “Many (singular) willbeonthetopic: Sicha first Our ‘Discussions’. for Hebrew is which ‘Sichot’, sessions these called I’ve pm. 8.00 at starting discussion the and pm 7.30 at tea our first session will be on the evening of and blessing its proposal this given has Committee Education The us. I Sichot (nottobeconfusedwith‘Slichot’!) service is on ison service dogs. Don’t out, miss early! come festivalThe morning 15 October celebrationsThe start at 6.30 pmon yearsmany inLinda’s many (very case). the Cheder, influence but back and theirwork goes recenttheir profile through high wellknown roles in people, important very two In addition, weshall behonouring favourite your to find bit.round get you chancea to and ithold help and/or up run theSynagogue, round our Torah scrolls all of unrollwe one when oftheyears isone This Bromley Torah 5775at Simchatenjoy Three to reasons So it’s time we started a discussion group about things that matter to t is undeniable that Jews enjoy a good argument – sorry, discussion. Linda de Lange de Linda with our traditional soup and veggie hot veggie traditionalwithand our soup Thursday 16Thursday October and and Vicki Ashmore Wednesday, 29 October Please come with proposals at 10.30 am. Wednesday Wednesday . They are. They with

In This Month’s Highlight View from the Chair BoD Community Briefing A Taste of Judaism Abraham and Sarah Social Centre News Limmud Conference 2014 Gretel’s Journey. List of Jubilee Events Cheder News. Sukkot events. Hagar meeting Chanukah Fair New style Friday Family Service 4th Jubilee Lecture Social and Personal WIZO and Maccabi Supper Quiz CCJ items. Leo Baeck Collage Lehrhaus Six Point Foundation Services. Jubilee Shabbat Service Dates for Your Diary. Synagogue Contacts JW3 event

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...... 7 BROMLEY REFORM SYNAGOGUE A constituent of the Movement for Reform Judaism 28, Highland Road, BROMLEY, Kent, BR1 4AD Telephone: 020 8460 5460 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bromleyshul.org.uk (Ofﬁce - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) Minister: Rabbi Jason Holtz 07454 021 892 Synagogue Administrator: Mrs Janet Burlem

HONORARY OFFICERS President: David Barnett Vice-Presidents: Desirée Barnett Zena Goodman Sally Rosebery Norman Goldberg Ivor Lask, MBE Bob Symonds Ronnie Goldberg Dianne Mathews David Zerihan Executive Offcers Chairman: Joanna Koenigsberg 020 8309 1061 [email protected] Vice-Chairmen: Toby Allin 01892 528053 [email protected] Matthew de Lange 020 8858 6206 [email protected] Secretary: Lesley Freeman 01689 818731 [email protected] Treasurer: Sandra Hurley 07770 661 898 [email protected] Senior Warden: Larry Shall 01732 873361 [email protected]

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (in the event of a bereavement) Contact Mrs Janet Posner: 020 8650 7521 (Mobile: 07841 373 309) or Stephen Weil: 020 8299 4141 (Mobile: 07764 475209)

Editor: Bob Symonds: 020 8402 2197; [email protected] Opinions expressed in “Highlight” are not necessarily the official policy of the Synagogue

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Copy date for November Highlight: Wednesday 15 October 2 Buoyed up by recent events - View from the Chair Board of Deputies I’m feeling event, and perhaps extended to clothes for Community Briefing buoyed up right men as well? Board Chief Executive meets the now thanks to two I recently attended a meeting of Chief Rabbi very successful Synagogue chairmen at the Sternberg In September Board Chief Executive Jubilee events Centre. Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner and Gillian Merron met with Chief Rabbi held recently. Robert Weiner represented the Movement. Ephraim Mirvis, to discuss a range of The first was It was interesting to have a chance to meet issues affecting the Jewish Community, the Thursday members of other synagogues, and one including education and interfaith evening spent with of the most remarkable elements of the work. the Speaker of the meeting was to be able to hear from an House of Commons, John Bercow. I have Israeli reform rabbi, Gilad Kariv. It was Chief Rabbi Mirvis was presented with to say that the Speaker is an excellent a bit of an eye-opener to hear the range the first published copy of the newly speaker. He spoke very amusingly about of issues Reform Jews face in Israel, launched General Election 2015 Jewish his work and some of the personalities in some recognisable, and some definitely Manifesto, which includes issues of the House of Commons, all without notes. not. It was really positive to hear that the vital importance to the community, He explained that a Speaker has to eschew Reform Movement in Israel is growing, such as Anti-Semitism and Religious any party affiliations. However, this doesn’t reinforcing the message Reform Jews have Freedoms. Ms Merron said: “It was a mean he can’t do the things he needs to do been presenting to Israeli Governments for pleasure to meet Chief Rabbi Mirvis to on behalf of his constituents. In fact, he can many years. We also discussed personnel discuss ways in which the Office of the sometimes do better than other MPs, as he changes within the movement (recent Chief Rabbi and the Board can work can be confident of getting the attention retirements and resignations have left together to help drive positive changes of ministers and relevant government them understaffed), the latest in Rabbinic for the UK Jewish community.” departments. Mr. Bercow gave the sell-out remuneration, and the worrying shortage Information supplied by Joe Millis, our audience some behind the scenes details of mohelim. It was a thought-provoking Board Representative. about the House of Commons, including meeting, a useful opportunity for me to how the Parliamentary committee chairmen learn where Bromley fits in with the MRJ. To read Board President Vivian are chosen, and how he finally managed to Even in this age of the Internet and virtual Wineman’s Rosh Hashanah message, establish child care on site. John Posner communications, we can benefit by meeting go to http://www.bod.org.uk/live/ ably handled a question and answer session, face to face. content.php?Item_ID=130&Blog_ during which the Speaker revealed that, L’shana Tova ID=1280 although the sound of Big Ben is loud in Joanna Koenigsberg Speaker’s House, he and his family have Chairman, [email protected] become accustomed to it. After the Speaker departed, delightedly clutching a packet of A Taste of Judaism Bromley Jubilee napkins (!), the rest of us were free to indulge in an orgy of desserts. Rabbi Jason Holtz will be repeating this very successful series of three weekly Barbara Kurtz arranged for an amazing talks this autumn. It is an introductory class on Jewish spirituality, value and array of cakes, trifles, fruit salads, strudels community, aimed at Jews and non-Jews alike, with an added bonus in that the and a few things I didn’t know the name “taste” is exactly that – a sample of Jewish cooking during the mid-session break. of to be served; it was truly the ‘Dessert The schedule is – Tuesday, 7 October – “God and Spirituality” Heaven’ we had been promised. Tuesday, 14 October – “Jewish Values” The following Sunday, Beit Or held Tuesday 21 October – “Jewish People” its first (or certainly first for a long time) All talks start at 7.30 pm. Fashion Show, master-minded by Lesley The course is ideal for anyone, regardless of background, who is interested in Freeman. One of the most entertaining acquiring a basic knowledge of Judaism, or as a refresher course for all those things about it was that the Shul provided some of the models, who looked glamorous “coming back” to Judaism after a break whose last encounter with Jewish study and elegant, and were clearly enjoying was perhaps at cheder. themselves as well. The audience enjoyed Shabbat Explained: Shabbat Morning Service “Teach-In” the show, accompanied by tea, coffee, or Shabbat, 25 October, starting at 10.30 a.m. wine, participated in a raffle (Thank you A special Shabbat service for those unfamiliar with this service or who want Suzanne Burgess for your enthusiastic to learn more about the format and prayers ticket selling technique) and the whole event basked in a really lively and positive Basic Judaism atmosphere. I expect we will be able to Basic Judaism will begin again on Sunday, 16 November. notice members appearing in new autumn Please contact Janet in the office on 020 8460 5460 fashions throughout the coming season. I’m or [email protected] thinking we should make this an annual for further details or if you plan to attend any of these.

Highlight, October 2014 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 3 Abraham and Sarah, Jewish Weddings, Sukkot and a Social Centre News Taste of Judaism We had a very good meeting of minds week introduction hat do Abraham and Sarah, about Scottish independence during to our faith, our Sukkot, and Jewish weddings our discussion on 10 September. Then W values and our all have in common? Their central exercises from Andreas as usual. These imagery and stories all have to do culture. Like good hosts, we will were followed by the lovely Summer with hospitality. Abraham and Sarah Party meal. After the meal there was are said to have rolled up each side of provide plenty of food. The Shabbat music, sung mainly by Rafi Fuchs, the their tent, a sign to people passing by religious coordinator at Nightingale, that they would be welcome to visit. immediately following the and with some CDs. He presented a This was especially important in the mixture of religious, Israeli and popular ancient world, because there were no final week, on songs. Rafi has such a voice! restaurants, pubs or petrol stations on the 25 October, we will have Shabbat road. If one was travelling, the journey Explained. Shabbat Explained will be We wish more people would come, could be quite arduous. Abraham and a Shabbat morning service dedicated you are missing out. Every second Sarah’s hospitality to strangers was a towards providing introductions, and fourth Wednesday, unless our much-needed gift of rest, almost like teachings and time for questions and day coincides with a Yom Tov or a taste of Shabbat. The ancient rabbis answers. Beginning in November, we the MacMillan Coffee morning in claimed that hundreds of people visited will begin An Introduction to Judaism, September as it will have done this year. Abraham and Sarah’s tent and they were which is actually a series of mini-courses Our next meeting is on Wednesday, 8 so moved by the offers of hospitality such as An Introduction to Hebrew, and October, so we hope to see you there. that they converted to their Hebrew Introduction to Jewish Festivals, an Brenda Houlden Introduction to Jewish Beliefs, and so on. faith! One time, when God and Abraham Dates for Your Diary are speaking, three men all of a sudden I want as many people as possible to turn up at Abraham’s tent. Abraham feel welcome in our community, and I Wednesday 8 October immediately stops his meeting with believe it is important that we regularly Talk by Karina Brown on ‘Home God to get up and run out to greet these reach out to people both formally and Instead’ informally and say, “please, come and potential visitors. Wednesday 22 October feel at home.” Like Abraham and Sarah’s tent, a Return visit of Astrid Simpson the L’shalom, to peace, chuppah, the Jewish marriage canopy, weaver chuppah Rabbi Jason Holtz has no sides. The represents Wednesday 12 November the home that the couple will be creating [email protected] Musical entertainment with together. While the chuppah does have David and Tom boundaries—inside and out—the lack of Limmud - book today a side represents the couple’s eagerness Gretel’s journey to follow Abraham and Sarah’s model of Limmud Conference hospitality. All are welcome to celebrate this year is between Gretel spent her childhood and youth in with them. Sunday, December 28 the racially prejudiced and politically This month, we celebrate Sukkot. and Thursday, January fraught atmosphere of interwar A sukkah does have walls, for the most 1 (2015) at the University of Warwick Germany. part, but one of the central observances (with Shabbat Limmud on December 26 Escaping to England on the kinder- of Sukkot is to invite ushpizin, guests. and 27). We have already lined up an transport, she lost so very much, but in Some of these guests are mystical guests. exciting array of presenters from around the loving, caring home that gave her We symbolically welcome in figures the world. More presenters are being refuge, she learned how to transform like Abraham. However, we are also announced, you can keep up to date those experiences into the loving, caring supposed to invite other guests, more with the list online: www.limmud.org. person that she became and into her corporeal guests, into the sukkah as well. The Jewish Chronicle Power 100 lifelong dedication to those in need, So much of Judaism stresses the has recognised Limmud as “the major first within the nursing profession. She value of hachnasat orchim, welcoming cultural phenomenon of the past was for some time Matron of Bromley guests and honouring strangers. “You decade... There is no one figure who Hospital and later, during retirement, shall love the stranger for you were represents Limmud; that is its whole devoting much of her time and energy to strangers in the land of Egypt,” the point. Limmud is its volunteers - and friends, neighbours and anyone else in Torah teaches. so they are now on the list.” need who came her way. This mitzvah, this sacred obligation, We are a volunteer-driven organisation, And so we shall remember Gretel, her is not just for individuals or families, but if you would like to be a part of this, strength of character, determination and for communities as well. It is a religious please send an email to ‘loving kindness’ and her legacy to our duty that we actively invite and welcome [email protected] world, following the morning service, at people into our communities. For the Shana, Jonathan and the Limmud the dedication of the plaque and special second year in a row this month, we will Conference 2014 Team kiddush on Saturday, 11 October. begin A Taste of Judaism. It is a three- Jackie Harvey

Copy date for November Highlight: Wednesday 15 October 4 Cheder News - Welcome Back! unday, 14 September was our first Sday of Cheder and the atmosphere look out for my email about our coffee List of Jubilee Events was electric! The children were kept morning when we’ll get ourselves very busy meeting new teachers, seeing organised for the year. Remember, only Friday, 7 November old friends, hearing the Rabbi blow his if you volunteer can these events carry Jubilee Family Service shofar (for a very, VERY long time) on. and hearing all about what’s going on That’s all for now! Until next month, Saturday, 8 November at Cheder this year. And it was really L’Shalom Jubilee Founders’ Service , wonderful seeing all those parents at Vicki Thursday, 20 November assembly! Remember that you’re all [email protected] invited to stay every week. It’s great Lecture by Baroness Rabbi P.S. Don’t forget to bring greenery and to have you there as it helps to build Julia Neuberger on ‘Whose come and help to decorate the Sukkah on community spirit, and it is ‘leading the morning of Sunday, 5 October. Life is it Anyway?’, 8 pm by example’ - showing your kids that (Cheese and wine from 7 pm) Cheder is important to you, too! Sunday, 14 December So what are all of those wonderful things Sukkot The Four Rabbis going on at Cheder, you ask? We shall be decorating the details to follow 1) The Great Shema Challenge: sukkah on Sunday, 5 October We’re asking all of the children to during Cheder. All welcome Jubilee Issue of Highlight learn the Shema by heart. If they - and please bring greenery, can get grownups to sponsor them, An Appeal to Founder great! If not, no worries- anyone fruit and vegetables, so that we Members who can learn the Shema by the can really enjoy the sight and o commemorate the foundation end of term will win a prize. And smell of the sukkah when our of our Synagogue fifty years the best news? Parents can join in Sukkot services end in there T the challenge too! Please pick up ago, in November 1964, we are on Wednesday 8 October and planning to produce a colour issue of a sponsorship form from Cheder. All money raised will go towards Thursday 9 October (services Highlight next month. running more children’s events at start at 6.30 pm and 10.30 am, As a special feature your Editor the shul. respectively). would like to include some personal 2) A children’s Yom Kippur service Chag Sameach! memories of members who were will take place on Saturday, 4 present at the foundation. Just a October from 10.30 am-12.30 pm, few sentences will suffice, as we during the adult services. PICNIC IN THE believe there may be an opportunity 3) There will be a picnic in our Shul’s SUKKAH! to contribute at greater length to Sukkah after Cheder on Sunday, 12 Celebrate Sukkot by eating with us in a collection of memories to be October from 12.30-1.30 pm. This the Sukkah. You bring a (vegetarian) compiled separately. The deadline is to fulfill the mitzvah of having a packed lunch, we’ll bring dessert. for contributions is Wednesday, 15 meal in the Sukkah, so please send Lunch made simple, and a mitzvah October. your kids with a packed (vegetarian) too! lunch, and we’ll provide something Thank you in advance for your special for dessert. cooperation. 4) Please don’t forget to sign up for Security. If we have no parents on 999 Club the doors, we cannot run Cheder! Last but not least, if you would like to needs your donations! get involved as a parent, we could really Kids’ and adults’ clothes, use your help. We all want our kids food. to enjoy positive Jewish experiences. But these events don’t happen by Please bring them to shul and themselves- parents make them happen. And they will only keep happening if earn a thank you from people Time: 12.30-1.30 pm (directly after more parents get involved. Joining our who don’t have Cheder) Cheder Parents Association could as much in life as mean anything- from running a service Date: Sunday, 12 October 2014 we do and need a to baking cakes, schlepping chairs, Place: The Sukkah (obviously!) helping hand. or making dreidels out of clay. So do See you there!

Highlight, October 2014 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 5 HAGAR Welcoming the Speaker of the House Jewish/Arab Education for Equality A talk by Hannah Rendell Director of Development for the Hagar Association on Sunday, 19 October at 8 pm Refreshments from 7.15 pm The Hagar Association was founded in 2006 by Jewish and Arab parents, teachers, community organizers and other concerned residents from Beer Sheva to create successful relations and equal opportunities The Rt. Hon. John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons (second left), photographed for Jews and Arabs in the Negev. with Rabbi Jason Holtz, Synagogue Chairman Joanna Koenigsberg, and Education As a grassroots organisation, Hagar Chairman Barbara Kurtz, following his very interesting Jubilee talk on 4 September. seeks change from the ground up. Fourth Jubilee Lecture It calls on innovative methods for A Date for your Diary! Thursday, 20 November education, bringing together Arab This year’s We are delighted to welcome and Jewish children and fostering Chanukah relationships built on knowledge Fair will be held in the Rabbi Baroness Julia and trust. Despite being part of the Garden Room on Neuberger, geographical and socio-economic Sunday, 14 December, who will speak on periphery in Israel, Hagar offers top starting at 12.30 pm. “Whose Life is it Anyway? education, and creates a supportive If you would like to How we Die and Who’s in community for 250 Arab and take a stall or offer Charge” Jewish children in a day school, help, please contact Baroness Neuberger is passionate about kindergartens and an elementary the rights of the old as demonstrated in her school. Hannah will be talking about Barbara Kurtz manifesto for old age “Not Yet Dead” and the creative solutions and challenges on a.bkurtz@ our treatment of the dying, another of her of building a bilingual and bicultural talktalk.net publications being “Dying Well”. environment and the importance Awarded the DBE in 2003 and made a of community enrichment and Life Peer in 2004, she chaired the review involvement in creating a shared New-Style Friday Night into the Liverpool Care Pathway and Family Service is very involved in the passage of the society. Assisted Dying Bill through the Lords Join other families and Rabbi Come and hear some good and Commons. Holtz news from an area of Israel She will speak to us about these important bordering on Gaza, and on Friday 10 October, matters that ultimately affect us all, as well Shabbat Chol Hamoed Sukkot, often victim to rocket attacks. as Jewish attitudes to suicide, euthanasia for a special service including and caring for the dying. With the current situation a lovely story and - provided The evening will begin at 7 pm with in the Middle East, you bring it - a bring and Cheese and Wine in the Garden Room. organisations such as share supper for the children The lecture will start at 8 pm. Hagar need and deserve (and adults) afterwards. Tickets, price £10, are available from our support. Janet in the Synagogue Office, Do come along and show 020 8460 5460 or we care. [email protected]

Copy date for November Highlight: Wednesday 15 October 6 Social and Personal On the Catwalk Honoured by the congregation A hearty Mazal Tov to Linda de Lange and Vicki Ashmore, who will be Kallat Torah and Kallat Bereshit, respectively, at our Simchat Torah celebrations on 15 and 16 October. BAT MITZVAH - A hearty Mazal Tov to Melissa Harris and her family on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah, which she will celebrate on 18 October (Shabbat Bereshit). We learn that Melissa is raising money to send parcels to soldiers in Israel as part of her community outreach effort in connection with her bat mitzvah. There Leah Woosnam-Savage celebrated her Bat is information and a collection box on Mitzvah at the synagogue on 6 September (Shabbat Ki Tetze) the table by the lift in the Synagogue. GET WELL SOON to Lila Cailes. Bromley WIZO and Catford and Bromley Maccabi Your Editor would like to thank Youth Club Supper Quiz everyone for their kind thoughts and Sunday 26 October at offers of practical help during his recent indisposition. Catford and Bromley Synagogue, Crantock Road, Catford, SE6 DEDICATION OF PLAQUE - A quiz for all ages - fun, enjoyable and A plaque in memory of the late Gretel informative. All proceeds will be shared Jordan will be dedicated on the memorial between the two organisations. wall in the synagogue foyer after the Time: 6.45 for 7 pm. Shabbat morning service on 11 October. Donation: £17.50 (£10 for under 21s). Please call Marilyn Burchell on Thanks to the congregation 0208 658 4776 to book. from Esther Brooks-Evans Make up a table of friends, or we can On Saturday, 5 July I celebrated my Bat seat you with some clever and friendly Mitzvah at Shul. It was a day that I had people. been working towards for a very long time and it was well worth all the hard work. I felt so happy standing on the Macmillan Coffee Morning bimah in front of all my family, friends and teachers. Thank you all very much thanks for making my Bat Mitzvah so special. On Friday, 19 September we collected Special thanks go to my parents, Matthew £577 and I am happy to report that we de Lange, the Rabbi and the ladies who are still receiving gifts to support the work of Macmillan. provided all the delicious food after the service. Thank you to everyone who helped and Thank you, Esther supported in so many ways. Pauline Jeffree from Zachary Hall Shul members Abi Wood and Sylvia Ezer Thanks to everyone who sponsored Knit and Natter were among the models at the Jubilee me for my Triathlon. I finished it in Fashion Show on Sunday, 7 September 42 minutes and I had an amazing time. The ‘Knit and Natter’ group will meet With your help, I managed to raise £450 at Pauline Jeffree’s home on Monday, Important Notice The twice-monthly Torah Study sessions for Leonard Cheshire Disability. 20 October from 2.30 to 4.30 pm. Ring Pauline on 020 8650 4860 or before and after the Shabbat Morning I can’t wait to do it all again next year! e-mail [email protected] services will not be held from October. What’s coming instead? Watch this space! Zachary Hall to say you are coming.

Highlight, October 2014 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 7 CCJ SE London AGM LEO BAECK COLLEGE LEHRHAUS The CCJ SE London Home of Jewish Learning AGM took place in Sign up today to feed your enthusiasm for Progressive Jewish Education. A desire August. The various CJ to discover yourself in Judaism and Judaism in yourself is all you will need to study churches and synagogues C with us. which had welcomed us All the courses are taught by the College’s faculty. Our teachers are both passionate during the previous 12 months were about their subject and deeply knowledgeable. thanked: Bromley Reform Synagogue; Christ Church, Anerley; St Stephen’s, 18 sessions taught over two semesters Biblical Hebrew with Dr Alinda Damsma Dulwich; All Saints, Tudeley; and St. Tuesday evenings 14 October - 9 December 2014 at 7.30 - 9.15 pm Edmund’s, Beckenham. Tuesday evenings 27 January - 24 March 2015 at 7.30 - 9.15 pm We talked about how much pride we 8 session courses took in the appointment of new CEO Concepts of Kabbalah with Rabbi Larry Tabick Jane Clements. Jane has been doing Tuesday evenings 14 October - 9 December 2014 at 7.30 - 9.15 pm important work at FODIP making us (Please note that there is no session on 18 November) understand the need to listen to each Two courses in Jewish Sacred Music with Dr Annette Boeckler other rather than taking inflexible Life Cycle – the musical and liturgical perspective positions with regard to Israel- Wednesday evenings 22 October - 10 December 2014 at 7.45 - 9.15 pm Palestine issues (this good advice High Holidays – nusach, melodies and texts probably applies equally to other Wednesday evenings 4 February - 25 March 2015 at 7.45 - 9.15 pm contentious matters). 4 session courses The most interesting and Bible Stories for Grown-Ups with Rabbi Professor Jonathan Magonet unexpected part of the meeting was Thursday evenings 30 October - 20 November 2014 at 7.45 - 9.15 pm an off-the-cuff talk by a lady who Building fences, opening doors: Status in Jewish Tradition with Rabbi Josh Levy had just returned from a Catholic Monday evenings 10 November - 1 December 2014 at 7.45 - 9.15 pm pilgrimage to Israel. A group of 37 Introduction to Midrash with Rabbi Colin Eimer had travelled, despite the troubles. March 2015 (dates to be confirmed) They saw no sign of the war, staying Spinoza’s Jewish Philosophy with Rabbi Mark L Solomon mainly on the eastern side of Israel/ Tuesday evenings 3 - 24 February 2015 at 7.45 - 9.15 pm Palestine. Locations visited had Register included Tiberias, Nazareth, River To register interest please email: [email protected] or phone Jarek on: Jordan, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada 020 8349 5600 and Dead Sea. For full details about each course and registration information from They had with them Father Mark http://bit.ly/LBC_Lehrhaus_2014-15 from St Edmund’s, an Israeli Jewish guide and an Israeli Arab driver. Everyone got on harmoniously. The Council of Christians and Jews Arab driver had had no work for the South East London Branch CJ previous 3 weeks on account of the At the time of year between the Jewish High Holy Days C war, which is a disaster for Israel’s (including the Jewish New Year) and Advent tourist industry. The Israeli Jewish Revd Anna Macham, Priest-in-charge of St Philip Camberwell, guide was not allowed to accompany member of PRAXIS, a group of younger generation liturgists in the the group into the centre of Nazareth Church of England, and theological educator, or into Bethlehem. The speaker thoroughly enjoyed her visit. (A fuller and report of the pilgrimage, by Father Rabbi Jason Holtz, Rabbi of Bromley Reform Synagogue Mark, appears in the August issue of will discuss and compare the St. Edmund’s parish magazine). ‘Beginnings and endings of the Christian and Jewish The chair thanked in particular years’ branch secretary Stephen Weil for his unstinting love and service to the Sunday 19 October at 4.30 pm branch in the interest of CCJ, saying at Bromley Reform Synagogue that the branch was deeply lucky to be Refreshments from 4.15 pm blessed with such a conscientious and effective secretary! For further details, contact Stephen Weil on 020 8693 2051 Bernard Wilson Email: [email protected]

Copy date for November Highlight: Wednesday 15 October 8 Six Point Foundation - a helping hand for Holocaust Services survivors and refugees October 2014 – Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 Six Point Foundation was set up in All Fridays at 6.45 pm, unless otherwise stated. 2011 with some of the proceeds from Saturdays at 10.30 am, unless otherwise stated the disposal of assets which were owned by the Otto Schiff Housing Association Friday 3 October Kol Nidre (OSHA). OSHA had its origins Service at 7.30 pm at Orpington in a fund set up in 1933 to rescue Saturday 4 October YOM KIPPUR (10 Tishri) Jewish people from Nazi oppression Services from 10.30 am in Orpington in Germany. Since the Foundation Wednesday 8 October Erev Sukkot made its first grant, it has awarded Service at 6.30 pm in the Synagogue over £360,000 in over 340 grants to individual Holocaust survivors and Thursday 9 October SUKKOT (15 Tishri) refugees in financial need. Service at 10.30 am in the Synagogue Grants have been for one-off Friday 10 October Chol Hamoed Sukkot (17 Tishri) expenses to improve quality of life Family Evening Service such as home adaptations, medical Saturday 11 October Dedication of plaque to the late Gretel bills, travel costs and temporary care. Jordan Five partner agencies work with the Foundation to give out grants: The Wednesday 15 October Erev Shemini Atzeret - Simchat Torah Association of Jewish Refugees Service at 6.30 pm in the Synagogue (AJR), Holocaust Survivors Centre Thursday 16 October SHEMINI ATZERET - SIMCHAT TORAH (Jewish Care), Agudas Israel Housing Service at 10.30 am in the Synagogue Association (AIHA), Bikur Cholim and North London Bikur Cholim. They Friday 17 October Bereshit (24 Tishri) confidentially assess people who have Saturday 18 October Bat Mitzvah of Melissa Harris requested help and make requests for grants to the Foundation on their behalf. Friday 24 October Rosh Chodesh (Noach - 1 Cheshvan) Saturday 25 October ‘Shabbat Explained’ Before it closes within the next three years, the Foundation aims to reach Friday 31 October Lech Lecha (8 Cheshvan) and help as many struggling Holocaust Saturday 1 November survivors and refugees as possible in modest but meaningful ways that would not come about if it did not exist. A Special Shabbat Service to Celebrate Our Jubilee Holocaust survivors and refugees On Saturday 8 November we will be holding a very special Jubilee must be of Jewish origin living in the Shabbat Service to celebrate the 50 years since the founding of the UK with an income of less than £10,000 Shul. We’ll be honouring founding members and past and present per year (excluding pensions or social members of the community and looking to the future with the security) and have assets less than £32,000 (excluding a primary residence participation of our Cheder children. and a car). Please contact one of the Do you remember when you joined? agencies below for more information: We’re first and foremost a community shaped by our members so The Association of Jewish Refugees 020 8385 3070 we’re inviting everyone to come and be called up to the Torah. We’ll Agudas Israel Housing Association be calling up: 020 8802 3819 • Original Founding Members Bikur Cholim 020 8800 7575 • Members joining in the 60s Holocaust Survivors Centre (Jewish Care) 020 8203 9033 • Members joining in the 70s North London Bikur Cholim • Members joining in the 80s 020 8802 5032 • Members joining in the 90s Or visit the Six Point Foundation • Members joining in the 00s website www.sixpointfoundation.org.uk • Members joining in the 10s Six Point Foundation, 25-26 Enford Street, London With a special Kiddush and the chance to catch up with friends old and W1H 1DW new, come and join the celebrations.

Highlight, October 2014 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 9 Dates for Your Diary

October November W 1 S 1 Lech Lecha Th 2 S 2 F 3 Kol Nidre M 3 Service at 7.30 pm at Orpington T 4 S 4 YOM KIPPUR Services from 10.30 am at Orpington W 5 S 5 Decorating the Sukkah during Cheder Th 6 M 6 F 7 Jubilee Family Service T 7 A Taste of Judaism, 7.30 pm at the S 8 Vayera Synagogue Jubilee Founders’ Service W 8 Social Centre, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at the Synagogue. Talk by Karina Brown of Home S 9 Instead. M 10 Erev Sukkot Service at 6.30 pm in the Synagogue T 11 Th 9 SUKKOT W 12 Social Centre, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm Service at 10.30 am in the Synagogue at the Synagogue. F 10 Family Evening Service at 6.45 pm Th 13 S 11 Chol Hamoed Sukkot F 14 Dedication of plaque to the late Gretel Jordan S 12 Picnic in the Sukkah after Cheder S 15 Chaye Sarah M 13 S 16 Basic Judaism course recommences - 10 am at the Synagogue T 14 A Taste of Judaism, 7.30 pm at the Synagogue M 17 W 15 Erev Shemini Atzeret-Simchat Torah T 18 Service at 6.30 pm in the Synagogue W 19 Th 16 SHEMINI ATZERET-SIMCHAT TORAH Service at 10.30 am in the Synagogue Th 20 Lecture by Baroness Rabbi Julia F 17 Neuberger, Whose Life is it Anyway? 8 pm at the Synagogue (Cheese and S 18 Bereshit - Bat Mitzvah of Melissa Harris Wine from 7 pm) S 19 CCJ meeting on ‘Beginnings and Endings’, from 4.15 pm at the Shul F 21 Talk on HAGAR by Hannah Rendell, S 22 Toledot 8 pm at the Shul, refreshments from 7.15 S 23 Rosh Chodesh Kislev M 20 Knit & Natter, 2.30-4.30 pm at Pauline’s T 21 A Taste of Judaism, 7.30 pm at the M 24 Synagogue T 25 W 22 Social Centre, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at the W 26 Social Centre, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm Synagogue at the Synagogue. Th 23 Th 27 F 24 F 28 S 25 Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan - Noach ‘Shabbat Explained’ S 29 Vayetze - Bat mitzvah of Erin Frankel S 26 WIZO/Maccabi Supper Quiz, 6.45 pm at S 30 Catford M 27 T 28 W 29 Sichot - 7.30-9.30 pm at the Synagogue Th 30 F 31 Copy date for November Highlight: Wednesday 15 October 10 Contact nos. for subcommittees and other groups BR5 and 6 and Friends: Library: Jean Garelick, 01689 850668 Judi Sheffrin, 07968 324981 [email protected] [email protected]

Board of Deputies Rep.: Membership Inquiries: Joe Millis, 020 8299 3458 Janet Burlem, 020 8460 5460 [email protected] [email protected]

Caring Community: Newsletter Editor: Pauline Jeffree, 020 8650 4860 Bob Symonds, 020 8402 2197 [email protected] [email protected]

Cheder Head Teacher: Parents’ Forum: Vicki Ashmore, 020 8290 4220 to be announced [email protected]

Cheder Security: Religion and Ritual: Tamir Hargittai, 01689 600142 Larry Shall, 01732 873361 [email protected] [email protected]

Choir: SACRE Dianne Mathews, 01689 826096 Samantha Barnett, 020 8467 8868 [email protected] [email protected]

Communications: School Visits Coordinator: Judi Sheffrin, 07968 324981 Marilyn Freeman, 020 8650 7178 [email protected] [email protected]

Education: SE10 and Beyond Barbara Kurtz, 020 8650 1284 Michelle Brooks-Evans, 020 8293 4999 [email protected] [email protected]

Gan Yeladim: Social Centre: Sue Bowyer, 020 8464 6738 Dianne Mathews, 01689 826096 [email protected] [email protected]

Tracy Frankel, 01732 451977 Subscriptions: [email protected] Janet Posner, 020 8650 7521 [email protected] Housing, Health and Safety: Graham Harris, 020 8656 7611 Security: [email protected] Eric Lewis, 020 8460 4353 [email protected] Israel Desk: Website: Hugh Lask, 020 8467 0470 Kieron Hyams, 07980 647108 [email protected] [email protected]

J.J.B.S.: Youth: Janet Posner, 020 8650 7521 Linda de Lange, 020 8858 6206 [email protected] [email protected]

Kiddush Rota: Harriet Posner, 020 8291 9775 Find us on Facebook! [email protected] www.facebook.com/BromleyReformSynagogue or Tweet us @BromleyShul) ...

Highlight, October 2014 - Tishri/Cheshvan 5775 11 A constituent of the Movement for Reform Judaism – www.reformjudaism.org.uk

JW3 – Jewish Community Centre London Live @ Zest: Flora Curzon and Francesca Ter-Berg Tuesday 7 October at 8 pm Live @ Zest is a brand new series of gigs for you to enjoy, for free, over a drink and a bit from Zest. This collaboration between violinist Flora Curzon and folk cellist Francesca Ter-Berg focuses on the traditional string music of Eastern Europe. The two specialise in Klezmer, Eastern European folk and gypsy music and improvisation, after studying with internationally renowned musicians for many years. This new project combines Curzon and Ter- Berg’s shared love of Transylvanian music, melodic lyricism, groove and improvisation. They combine the traditional music that has inspired them with their own unique arrangement style to create a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. JW3, 341-351 Finchley Road, London, NW3 6ET Box Office: 020 7433 8988 [email protected]

TOTAL Mazal Tov! Get Well Soon! COMPUTERS Thinking of You Happy Birthday! BACK PAIN? Season’s Greetings for all your BEAUTIFUL CARDS for computer needs We offer effective treatment all occasions using local for back and neck problems, images, including parts of Don’t let a virus have the sciatica, sports injuries and Beckenham, Sevenoaks, last word much more. Otford and Shoreham - as Call Michael Andreas Jochim DO MSc well as other flora and fauna, Candice McKendrick plus blanks. I can prepare any PC Problems message to suit (e.g. mazal M.Ost DO ND No job too small tov on the birth of your great- 12 Station Approach Hayes grandchild). Phone and Fax Bromley Kent BR2 7EH A percentage of every sale will 01322 667061 020 8650 0509 go to the Synagogue. E-mail www.strawberryhouseclinic.co.uk Details, prices and samples from [email protected] Judi Sheffrin: 07968 324981 [email protected]

Registered Charity No. 1098431. Bromley & District Reform Synagogue Ltd. is a Company limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales. Company Registration number 4583645.