In Memoriam

We remember our President, David Barnett, Members of the Religion and Ritual Committee led the Shabbat morning service on Shabbat Shuvah (Saturday, 8 October) who died on 14 October May his memory be for a blessing BRS Education Committee is delighted to welcome Rabbi Stephen Leon In This Month’s Highlight Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation B’nai Zion, Personal view from the Chair...... 3 El Paso, Texas, and Rabbi to the Crypto Chanukah Fair...... 3 Jews of the American South-West, who will Thanksgiving and Hakarat HaTov...... 4 speak to us on Social Centre News...... 4 ‘The Return of the Crypto-Jews - The UK Jewish Film Festival...... 4 Biggest Secret in the Jewish World Cheder News...... 5 Today’ Kindertransport...... 5 Sunday, 20 November, at 10 am Abraham - Religious Rebel...?...... 6 Mitzvah Day...... 6 In 1492 King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella ordered the Jews of Spain to The Trouble with Easter...... 6 leave. Tens of thousands remained as Christian converts, many practising ...... 6 Judaism in secret – the so-called crypto (or hidden) Jews. An estimated SE10 and Beyond. 200,000 left, many for the New World, heading for border areas where Social and Personal...... 7 they would be far from those who would look too closely at how they Remembering David Silver...... 7 lived their lives. That’s where Rabbi Stephen Leon comes into this Remembering Norman...... 7 story. In 1986, Rabbi Leon, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., moved to the LBC 60 years...... 7 city of El Paso. Within days, he experienced three succesive incidents UK’s first ever Jewish Farm...... 8 that led him to study the fate of crypto-Jews, also known as anusim, the Death of Sir Sigmund Sternberg...... 8 Hebrew word for “forced ones”. High Holyday thanks...... 9 Services...... 9 This subject, the return to their roots of the B’nei Anousim, has become Limmud Conference 2016...... 9 a passion for Rabbi Leon, and he has spoken about it throughout the Chanukah Candle Lightings...... 9 world. We are indeed fortunate that he is able to come to Bromley. “Sad News” Announcements...... 9 Why has it become a subject so close to his heart? Dates for Your Diary...... 10 What were those incidents which aroused his interest? Knit and Natter...... 10 Do join us to learn more on this fascinating subject. Synagogue contacts...... 11 Further details from Rabbi Holtz or Barbara Kurtz, [email protected] Advertisements...... 12 November 2016 – Cheshvan 5777 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 Vice-Presidents: Ronnie Goldberg, Zena Goodman, Ivor Lask MBE, Dianne Mathews Sally Rosebery, Bob Symonds, David Zerihan

Executive Offcers Chairman: Dr John Posner 020 8650 7521 [email protected] Vice-Chairman: Kieron Hyams 07980 647108 [email protected] Secretary: Anna Sedenu 020 8297 5249 [email protected] Treasurer: Sandra Hurley 07770 661 898 [email protected] Senior Warden: Daniel Posner 07866 761 181 [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 475 209)

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 December Highlight: Tuesday 15 November 2 David Barnett, z’l – a personal view from the Chair

n the 52 years since the founding accurate and were filed meticulously. his usual place Iof BRS, we have only had two Most importantly, he ensured that in the Crofton presidents. The first was our founder decisions were actioned. He it was who Halls but he had Mervin Elliott and the second was met the project manager to ensure the a nasty fall from David Barnett. With the passing of work was being done in accordance with his wheelchair David this October, I offer a few words our wishes and Michael Mittelman’s after leaving and of personal reflection. architectural drawings. He it was we knew he was David was a dear friend to so many who would obtain brochures for us to nearing the end. of us but he was more than that. He was scrutinise and would place orders with On the day before a man who was decent and honest and suppliers. He it was who would keep all he died, he was cared for others. Some 34 years ago, of us committee members informed. The as lucid and realistic as always and we when Janet and I first joined BRS and result was that the project ran to time talked for a few minutes about life and got to know David and Desirée, we and to budget. death. The Rabbi then arrived and, after were so impressed by the amount of David was a family man and enjoyed talking to David, he called Richard and time they spent visiting sick people and life; he was always telling jokes and he me back into the room to recite a prayer. helping others. Having come to Bromley and Des enjoyed the company of many We stood at the bedside and David lay from Streatham Liberal Synagogue, friends, with some of whom they played there, all of us listening to the words David was not a traditionalist and had bridge. He was also courageous; having of the prayer. With a sad heart, I said no time for rituals such as bowing to the once been strong and fit and a keen goodbye to David, knowing I would not Sefer Torah as it was paraded though, cyclist it was terrible to see him struck see him again. He had suffered enough admittedly, he did take some pride in down in an instant by a vascular event and it was time for him to go. performing hagba’ah (elevating the from which there would be no recovery The manner of David Barnett’s scroll) without flexing his wrists! Far but his attitude was always positive. living and dying sets an example to more important were the principles by There were hospital admissions with us all. Moreover, to those of us who which he lived his life. Suffice it to say serious infections but he kept going and were not family but knew him as a they were the essence of Judaism, which it was only the sudden loss of Desirée fellow congregant, friend and latterly teaches us to be honest and upright in last year that broke his spirit. With the as President of our shul, he leaves our dealings and to care for the sick, the support of his children, Alison and a wonderful legacy of an active and stranger and the disadvantaged. Richard, and their families, as well as vibrant Reform Jewish community For half a century, David showed excellent dedicated carers and visits in Bromley. His memory is indeed a dedicated commitment to the Reform from friends, he continued longer than blessing. movement and to our shul. There was most of us would have thought possible. John Posner, Chairman nothing he would not do, whether it was On Rosh Hashanah, he was there in [email protected] leading a Friday night service, chairing the Shul Council, helping to maintain the building or coming out when the alarm had gone off in the middle of the night. Chanukah Fair He was one of that dedicated group of Sunday, 4 December 12.30 to 3 pm DIYers who converted the building from There is a lot going on at the Chanukah Fair a block of four flats back into a place of this year: worship. He was responsible for putting - Brick Lane bagels, pizza, donuts, a cake stall and up the wood veneer panels to cover the rough walls. He apparently did this refreshments with such enthusiasm it was said that if - Stalls selling cards, plants, new books, makeup and you stood near a wall for too long, you Judaica goods. were in danger of David nailing the next - Second hand books and toys. panel over you. Most people would look back with satisfaction at what they had - Arts and crafts. done and would think that it was for - A fantastic raffle and more … others to continue carrying the torch but Can you please come to the Fair? David was a man who looked forward. Forty years later, it was my pleasure Can you help in any way? to work with him on the building of Can you donate your time, books, toys, cakes, biscuits, a raffle our classroom and office block and prize? renovation of the sanctuary and garden room. I chaired the committee and Contact: Michelle – [email protected] or David served as secretary. His minutes 07956 234309 of the meetings were detailed, clear and Dani – [email protected]

Highlight, November 2016 - Cheshvan 5777 3 Thanksgiving and Hakarat HaTov Social Centre News or those of us who are American, him a loan to get through the tough time. The Social Centre will meet on Wednesdays, FNovember means one thing. It took a long time before he could pay 9 and 23 November for the customary Thanksgiving. While it is entirely an the loan back, but one day he approached socialising, exercises, discussion and American holiday, it was inspired by the lender with the money and the lender lunch. David and Tom will give one of the Jewish festival of Sukkot—the refused to be repaid. The man objected their popular musical talks after lunch on autumn harvest festival. For those and said, “I’m not a charity case. I the 9th. Do come along and enjoy. who like a little Hebrew word play, always intended to pay you back.” The Dianne Mathews the word “hodu” can be translated lender responded by saying that the same Ruth Young writes: “Shanah Tovah to either as “thanksgiving” or “turkey,” thing had happened to him years ago. He all friends at the Social Centre and good without which, there could not be a was given a loan and when he tried to wishes and thanks to all the helpers who Thanksgiving meal! Speaking of turkey, pay it back, the lender refused. He was look after us all. Shalom, Ruth.” some people believe that it comes upset, also thinking that he was being Social Centre members will be very sad from the Hebrew word “tuki” which in treated as a charity case. That original to learn of the death of their good friend modern Hebrew is translated as “parrot,” lender explained, though, “It was indeed Ruth shortly before Highlight went to press but that understanding is pretty recent. a loan, and you do have to pay it back, and will wish to send condolences to her but not to me. I want you to pay back Personally, I love Thanksgiving. family and friends. the loan in the following manner. One It’s a chance to be with those whom day in the future, when you come across we care about and to have a good time a person or a family who needs the The Macmillan Coffee Morning and a good meal. More importantly, money, pass it along … as a loan. And Pauline Jeffree writes: though, it encourages us to pause and to when they come to pay it back, explain Thank you to all who contributed in so focus on all of the things that we have the terms of the loan to them, as I just many ways to make our Coffee Morning to be thankful for and that is something explained them to you. The money I for Macmillan the most successful to date. that goes to the core of Jewish living. gave you was indeed a loan to me, and We have sent to Macmillan £868.50p. In Hebrew, the phrase for gratitude now it’s your turn and obligation to pay We all appreciate how important specialist is hakarat hatov, “recognition of the it back in the very same manner I paid nursing care is and Macmillan nurses are good.” Hakarat hatov is not just a back my loan. I chose to pay it to you, trained to provide the best cancer care mindset though. It is an enacted emotion. someday you will pass the money on to possible. Judaism doesn’t just ask us to feel someone else.”1 This month, whether grateful; it asks us to express gratitude. you celebrate Thanksgiving or not, may Sometimes gratitude is nothing more we both recount the many blessings that than acknowledgement, but sometimes we have and also commit to blessing the best sort of gratitude is reciprocation. others in return. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin recounts a Rabbi Jason Holtz story of a man who had run into financial 1 Telushkin, J. (2006). A Code of Jewish difficulties. A friend of his father offered Ethics (Vol. I). New York: Bell Tower.

Rabbi Wolff – A Gentleman Before God The ladies who served coffee, tea and cakes at Sunday November 13, 6.00 pm the Macmillan Coffee Morning Odeon Wimbledon, 39 The Broadway, SW19, 0333 006 7777 How is the money we donate used? Your Original title: Rabbi Wolff - Ein Gentleman vor dem Herrn, Director: Britta Wauer donation could: • help a Macmillan chemotherapy nurse RABBI WILLIAM WOLFF is nearly 90 and perhaps the most unconventional rabbi to give vital treatment to a patient in the world. As the State Rabbi of North-East , he looks after the Jewish with cancer; communities in and , but still lives in a bungalow near Henley-on-Thames. • ensure a Macmillan Nurse can help Having started his career as a rabbi at 70, William Wolff is not your average man. Born more people living with cancer to get into an Orthodox family in , Wolff moved to with his parents at the the equipment and support they need age of 12. He was a successful political correspondent before deciding on pursuing his to stay living in their own home; dream of becoming a rabbi, a decision that brought him back to his homeland. This • ensure a Macmillan Nurse can spend heart-warming documentary introduces us to the fascinating and delightful Wolff as time talking with family and/or he travels back and forth between his home in Henley-on-Thames and north-eastern friends to help them to understand Germany where he serves as a State Rabbi what is happening to someone they This is just one of the more than 80 films being shown at this year’s UK International Jewish love. Film Festival, which runs from 5-20 November at cinemas all over the U.K. Thank you all so very much. (go to http://ukjewishfilm.org/) Pauline Jeffree Caring Community

Copy date for December Highlight: Tuesday 15 November 4 Cheder News Well, the Cheder the best care and support for seri- 6) And speaking of Youth Club, our year is rolling ously ill babies, children, young club for children aged 12+ is still on, and we seem people and their families, across meeting once a month under the to have survived East Sussex, Kent and South East superb direction of its new leader, the super-busy London. We’ll be hosting a “book Hayley Preston. Last week the Jewish holidays. swap” for them- bring 3 used pizza could not distract the group That means it’s books in good condition, leave with from a very competitive board time for the super- another one, and the leftovers will game as no one would walk away busy post-holiday be sold by the charity themselves. from the board! We’re hoping to events. Here are In addition, our Religion and Ritual plan trips to the cinema and even just a few you may like to know about: committee will be hosting their a sleepover in 2017, but remem- 1) A reminder that this term, your own Mitzvah Day in the sanctuary ber: if the kids don’t use Youth children’s Tzedakah pennies from 10 to 11 am, where mem- Club, they’ll lose Youth Club. will go to support the charity The bers will be invited to learn how Do encourage your older children Chartwell Cancer Trust Tiger to perform the Sabbath mitzvot, to attend regularly. Next date: Ward, which supports children from lighting candles to the prayers Sunday, 27 November (after undergoing cancer treatment at themselves. Please keep your eyes Mitzvah Day) the PRU and the Queen Elizabeth peeled for more details. 7) Last but not least, please check the Hospital in Woolwich. Please send 4) Our next exciting event will be Security Rota on this page to see in your spare change to support this our Chanukah Fair on Sunday, if we are expecting you to show very worthy cause. 4 December, directly after Cheder up for security. If you realise you 2) Our Parents’ Association called from 12.30-3 pm. There will be cannot attend on the day you’ve Hooray Cheder (a pun on the no Gan on that day. Lunches will been allocated, please contact Hebrew words “Hora’ay Cheder”, be on sale, as well as doughnuts, Graham Harris: grahamh4@aol. or “Cheder Parents”) had its Judaica, second hand Jewish books, com first coffee morning of the year toys, pottery - anything else you That’s all for now! Until next month, on Sunday, 16 October. Our might think could make a good L’Shalom, Hooray Cheder Leaders, Dani Hall Chanukah gift for the ones you Vicki, Cheder Head Teacher (mum of Katie and William) and love. Best of all? The money you [email protected] Michelle Brooks Evans (mum of spend will help support the Cheder Lili, Esther, Lloyd and Ezra) made and other Shul events, so before sure that we had coffee and cake you leave with your kids that to scoff while working out how we Sunday, please pop downstairs and could create a positive Jewish envi- have a look! ronment for our children. Please 5) Our Chanukah Party this year look out for their emails- they will will be on the last day of Cheder, be full of events for our kids and 18 December. Cheder will be can- really simple ways that you can celled that morning, so you’ll all help with fundraising- vital for our be able to come from 3.30 to 6 pm Cheder’s “extras” to keep it fun! instead. Gilbert Giggles will be on 3) Our synagogue will be participat- hand to entertain the younger ones, ing in National Mitzvah Day with latkes, sufganiyot (doughnuts) and dreidels everywhere. Youth on Sunday, 27 November, 10 The cast of Kindertransport came to the Shabbat am-12.30 pm. On this day, the Club will have its own party room morning service on Saturday, 15 October as entire BRS community will be with Mocktails and hors d’oeuvres. guests of Julie Binysh (far right) invited to join us to support We’ll end the evening with com- Demelza House- which provides munal candle lighting. bromley little theatre Cheder Security Rota – November and December 2016 KINDERTRANSPORT Sundays: by Dianne Samuels 6 November Ru Elson-Gant the cast includes our very own Julie Binysh 13 November Tracy Frankel 20 November Jason Friedler Fri 11 to Sat 19 November (not Sun 13) 7.45 pm 27 November Dani Hall 4 December Rhona Green Book online at 11 December Julia Hodges www.bromleylittletheatre.org or ring 0333 666 3366 18 December – Chanukah party! Kieron Hyams

Highlight, November 2016 - Cheshvan 5777 5 BRS Education Committee Join us for another Sunday Morning Adult Education Classes Oneg Shabbat Sunday, 6 November, on Friday, 4 November 10 am at the Synagogue Prof. Bernie Cohen, Rabbi Holtz will speak on back by popular demand after his fascinating talk on “The Origins of “Abraham – Religious Rebel or the Alphabet” will speak on Biblical Knight of Faith?” “The Trouble with Abraham is the man who is remembered as the first patriarch of the Easter” Jewish people, yet there are many different portrayals of who he was. Some label him a rebel, who not only smashed his own father’s idols, but even challenged God’s sense of judgment. On the other hand, some, like Søren Kierkegaard, think of Abraham as a “biblical knight of faith” who was fiercely loyal and obedient to God, It all began with Pesach and the even to the point of being willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac. problems caused by trying to fix the Because Abraham is remembered as the first Jew, this question is inherent date of Easter into the Roman calendar. in the character of the Jewish people: are we faithful and trusting in God Christians still haven’t resolved the problem of whether to fix the date or a people that charts its own path? Come along to learn and discuss. of Easter. Professor Cohen’s talk Further details from Rabbi Holtz or covers 4000 years of popes, bishops, Barbara Kurtz, [email protected] monks, kings, queens, theologians, astronomers, mathematicians, computer programmers, settlers and terrorists from Babylon, Jerusalem, Rome, Byzantium, Ephesus, Smyrna, Athens, Canterbury, Whitby, Iona, Holy Isle, The Hague, Drogheda and Belfast and places in between - and some astronomy and mathematics. Intrigued? Then do join us! from 10 am at the Synagogue The service will begin at 7.45 pm to enable you to have your evening Planned activities: meal with your family, and the talk For the adults, from 10 to 11am in the sanctuary, there will be a mitzvah will follow after Kiddush at 8.30 workshop to teach people who are interested in learning some of the mitzvot p.m. for participating in a service, such as scroll dressing, hagbah etc. Further details from Barbara For the Cheder children, there will be a book swap in partnership with PJ Kurtz at [email protected] Library*. The book swap will take place in the sanctuary during an extended break from 11 to 11.20 am. Gan parents can bring their children between 11.20 SE10 and Beyond am and 12 noon. Future programme The way it works is that the children bring in two or three books that they don’t - we are arranging a trip to see read any more with a note saying what they liked about the book (make sure Kindertransport at Bromley Little they fill out the notes at home before they come). They then swap one of the Theatre this month. books for one that they find interesting and leave the rest for the Demelza - in January we are planning a book Children’s Hospice. reading and discussion of ‘The Splits - A Chronicle of Conflicts in a Young Man’s For further details please contact Benjie Butler at [email protected] Life’ by Boris Rumney. This book is * PJ Library (PJ for pyjamas!) gifts away high-quality Jewish books to families written by one of our members and he with children aged between six months and eight years old every month. The will be discussing the book and what’s award-winning books celebrate Jewish culture, values and traditions through a behind it. wide range of stories and beautiful illustrations. PJ Library books are posted Contact Michelle Brooks Evans: directly to children so they can build their own Jewish bedtime libraries. [email protected] or 07956 234309.

Copy date for December Highlight: Tuesday 15 November 6 Social and Personal Baby Blessing Remembering Norman BIRTH - A hearty mazal tov to Talya A letter from his carer, Mike Watts and Dov Hellman on the birth of a baby Dear Janet [Burlem], girl, Ya’el Lydia, in Chicago, U.S.A. on 5 I am writing to you, but my email is really October, and congratulations to the proud for everyone at the Synagogue who knows grandparents Janet and John Posner and me and knew Norman Goldberg. Chaim and Shoshi Hellman in the U.S.A. I acted as Norman’s carer for a little DEATHS - We are very sad to announce over a year, bringing him to Shul on many the death of our founder member and occasions. I would like to say that I feel President, David Barnett, and extend our that I have been extremely privileged to deepest condolences to his children Richard visit the Synagogue in this capacity and and Alison and their families. Please see that I have felt very much at home there. the tribute to David by our Chairman on I have experienced so many touching page 3. The Editor would be pleased to moments and very much looked forward publish readers’ memories of David in the to each Shabbat. I have enjoyed wrestling December issue of Highlight. with my own ‘philosophical atheism’, and Five-week old baby Samuel Jonah Butler admired Jason’s delight of Maimonides We are also very sad to report the death was blessed in the Synagogue during the Sir Sigmund Sternberg (whom I looked up on Wikipedia, a very on 18 October of , Shabbat morning service on 15 October. interesting guy). Life President of Reform Judaism, at the Here his mother Kerry is holding him, in age of 95. Please turn to page 8 for a tribute the company of his father Benjie and big I have also come to appreciate Gilly Shulman by , Head of Community brother Noah. something that you all have as regular Partnership & HR of the Movement for attenders of Synagogue, not just the ‘social Reform Judaism. Remembering David Silver catch-up’, but the weekly chance that all We also learned shortly before going religions offer - the dual opportunities of Born 31.12.1935 - died 02.04.2016 to press of the death at the age of 95 of both ‘realising a path’ and ‘examining one’s Ruth Young, a regular attender at the Some of our older members may actions’, two things that we ‘non-believers’ Social Centre and a generous donor to remember David Silver, who died very much lack in our lives... the Synagogue. We send our sincere earlier this year in Manchester. His I especially held the prayer songs in condolences to her family and friends. friend, Ivor Lask writes: very high regard. It is true that the music BAT MITZVAH - A hearty mazal tov David Silver spent a lot of his time helped me to find my own place of comfort, to Galya Friedler and her family on the in supporting Nightingale and to that beside Norman and many’s the time I found myself humming ‘Oseh Shalom’ or occasion of her Bat Mitzvah, which she end he was a member of the South ‘V’Shamru’, as I drove him home. Sadly, will celebrate on 19 November, Shabbat West London Society of which he Vayera. many of the songs are impossible to find was made a Vice President in honour online, especially in the way you do them GOLDEN WEDDING - A hearty mazal of all the years he had devoted to the tov to Alan and Barbara Kurtz, who - so very beautifully. cause. He certainly was responsible for will celebrate 50 years of marriage on 13 I would like to thank everyone at the November. There will be a celebratory persuading many of our congregation Synagogue for their friendliness, and if I kiddush after the Shabbat morning service to play an active part in his mission. He bump into you in Bromley, I expect you on 12 November. We wish Alan and was very much into practical support to have the latest gossip and events ready Barbara many more happy and healthy and regularly took residents shopping. to tell me. years together. He had two sons, Julian and Phillip, Love and Shalom GET WELL SOON - Pauline Jeffree with his first wife Ruth. When she Mike Watts, [email protected] writes: We are thinking of and wish a tragically died he married Hynda and speedy recovery to those known to us who moved to Manchester. This move did are unwell at this time and to any attending not stop his support for Nightingale. He hospital, awaiting investigations or their 60th Anniversary and Hynda still came down to London results or waiting hospital admission. May Service of for our annual Dinner and Ball and he you all feel the strength and loving support celebration of your community around you. was to be found running the Barbecue at our Summer Fete. Sunday, 6 Welcome to New Members: November Mr and Mrs Jerome and Cheryll Bresin Writing as the then Chair of the of Beckenham; SWLS I know how much he readily Liberal Jewish Mrs Aleksandra Love and her family of contributed to our successful fund Synagogue Beckenham; raising. We knew him as a warm, St John’s Wood, NW8 Mrs Ruth Dwight and her family of generous friend and he will be sorely 3 pm start, followed by Tea Catford. missed. and Refreshments Ivor Lask

Highlight, November 2016 - Cheshvan 5777 7 Sadeh the UK’s first ever Jewish farm Death of Sir Sigmund his month Sadeh Farm in Kent is Sternberg Tset to open its gates. This may not Gilly Shulman, Head of Community seem like news in itself, but Sadeh (field Partnership & HR of MRJ, writes: in Hebrew) is a unique kind of farm: a Jewish farm. Founded by Talia Chain Reform Judaism mourns Sir and Co, who have already begun work in Sigmund Sternberg KC*SG who the grounds of Skeet Hill House, Sadeh died on Tuesday, 18 October. He aims to reconnect people with their faiths was 95. and each other by working together on Sir Sigmund’s contribution to the land to grow vegetables. While the 3. Commitment to protecting our Reform Judaism in the United group are almost set up, they still need Kingdom was immense and cannot financial help to acquire polytunnels, environment sheds, tools, marketing and legal help “And put Adam in the Garden of Eden to be overstated. and more. Visit their Chuffed crowd- work it and take care of it” Genesis 2:15 Sir Sigmund held the position of funding page to donate. Though the environment is one of President of Reform Judaism from Why do we need a Jewish community the most pressing matters of our day, 1997 until March 2011, when he was farm? there are very few European Jewish elected as Life President. 1. Reconnecting to our heritage programmes focused on it, and only A businessman and “Jewish tradition comes alive when you one in the UK (JVS)! In our ancient philanthropist who dedicated a great engage with the physical world” Nigel texts, we are charged many times to take part of his life to serving the Jewish Savage care of our planet. As climate change community and the cause of dialogue According to a US study, a third of the reshapes our environment, Sadeh will and interfaith relations across the Jews who had been disconnected to provide education on how our actions globe, Sir Sigmund also had a long Jewish life and re-engaged with Jewish affect the planet and how we can be part and significant involvement with the life were inspired to reconnect to their of the solution. Judaism through Jewish outdoor farm work of the Board of Deputies of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and food educational programmes. British Jews. However, there are no Jewish outdoor wrote that the prophets of ancient Sir Sigmund served with farm and food educational programmes Israel “remind us of the moral state of distinction as sole Patron of in the UK. Sadeh will be the first! a people: Few are guilty, but all are the International Council of Here Jewish people of all ages and responsible.” (The Prophets, p. 16). Christians and Jews, co-founder backgrounds can connect with our Here’s what we’re doing of the Three Faiths Forum, vice- rich tradition of Jewish farming and “It’s a very basic human urge, it president of the World Congress be inspired by a religion based in seems, to plant a seed, watch it grow, of Faiths and co-ordinator of the agriculture. provision ourselves first-hand.” Barbara religious component of the World The farm will be at Skeet Hill House Kingsolver Economic Forum. He was also near Orpington, an amazing Jewish As well as growing delicious, organic retreat centre which has its own heritage an active participant in the work veg and fruit, we will be offering local of practising Judaism in the context of of Rotary International. He was volunteering, training and much more! working and being on the land. knighted in 1976, appointed a Papal We will be offering programmes to the Knight in 1985, and awarded the 2. Interfaith and inter-communal many groups of young people who come Templeton Prize for Progress in work and stay at Skeet Hill House and to those “It makes sense to act together as faith Religion in 1998 for his interfaith who want to come down for the day and communities on issues like climate work worldwide. His work for get their hands dirty. change. This is about working side-by- understanding and reconciliation side. This is about standing together, Sadeh farm is being spearheaded by between faith communities took him being united” Lord Sacks, Emeritus a member of the Charles and Lynn to every continent and has brought Chief Rabbi Schusterman Family Foundation him recognition from nineteen Through growing food together and network and has been awarded a countries as well as the Vatican. environmental education, diverse matching grant. Schusterman is a global We are grateful for Sir communities and faiths can come organisation that seeks to ignite the Sigmund’s enormous generosity and together in a united goal to preserve our passion and unleash the power in young environment. The farm will offer a space inspirational leadership; his legacy people to create positive change for for faiths and communities to discuss lives on in the Sternberg Centre themselves, the Jewish community and their differences and similarities and which bears his name. the broader world. how we can heal these tensions through May his memory be for a blessing. food growing. We can learn from each (Extracts from Sadeh’s crowd-funding other and discover how food unites us. page)

Copy date for December Highlight: Tuesday 15 November 8 HIGH HOLYDAYS 2016 A thank you from Zena Goodman SERVICES I would to say a big thank you to all the November 2016 – Cheshvan 5777 many people involved in arranging and setting everything in motion in order that Fridays at 7.00 pm, unless otherwise stated. the congregation can attend the services Saturdays at 10.30 am, unless otherwise stated for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Wednesday 2 November Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan First, thank you to all the organisers, then thank you to all the shleppers who Friday 4 November Shabbat evening service at 7.45 pm carry all that is needed to the Orpington then Oneg with talk by Prof. Bernard halls and then set it up. Next, thank Cohen on The Problem with Easter you to each person who led part of the Saturday 5 November Noach (4 Cheshvan) service so capably. Thank you to our fine young rabbi Jason Holtz. In addition to Friday 11 November his other accomplishments he can blow Saturday 12 November Lech-Lecha (11 Cheshvan) the ram’s horn longer than most. It could Festive Kiddush after the service in become a Rabbinic competition. celebration of Alan and Barbara Thank you to our capable Senior Kurtz’s Golden Wedding Warden. Friday 18 November Thank you to all those standing outside on security duty. Saturday 19 November Vayera (12 Cheshvan) Bat Mitzvah of Galya Friedler Most of all thank you to our terrific choir, who so willingly give their time Friday 25 November and effort year after year to enhance the Saturday 26 November Chayeh Sarah (19 Cheshvan) service. Long may you do so and stay well. Zena Goodman CHANUKAH CANDLE LIGHTINGS Limmud Conference 2016 An Appeal from Judi Sheffrin Sun 25 to Thurs 29 December Dear All, (Shabbat Limmud 23 to 24 Dec) Before I get on to Chanukah, may I thank everybody who sent me such We’ll be back in delightful messages over the High Holydays. Thank you. the hotels around We are now looking forward to Chanukah, which falls at the end of December Pendigo Lake by the (from 24 December onwards). We always invite people to host candle lightings NEC Birmingham for in their homes and try to cover as much of our large geographical area as we another educational, can. I am particularly looking for hosts in Bromley, Beckenham, Orpington, engaging and exciting Limmud, where Sydenham/Forest Hill, Kentish Fringe and Greenwich/Blackheath, but if you live you can expect: elsewhere and would like to host a party, don’t be shy: it will be great to have • a world-class and diverse some new areas represented. programme with outstanding You can fix it for any time you like (bear in mind almost every night will be educators, artists and performers during school and public holidays this year, so there is more scope than usual), from across the UK community and specify whatever you like in terms of guests and around the globe bringing some or no food or something particular; • to celebrate Chanukah every night bringing their own Chanukiyot or not and so on. All of Conference in a unique and we ask is that you let me know before 15 November memorable festive atmosphere so that the details can go in the December Highlight • expanded capacity for Families and e-lights. Thank you in advance, and the Young and Teen Limmud JUDI Sheffrin, 07968 324981, [email protected] programme “Sad News” Announcements For the first time this year we are able to offer an instalment payment When we need to circulate urgent news, most often that of a death or the arrangements for a funeral/shiva, we do so mainly via email. However, we are aware that many members scheme to spread the cost of Limmud either do not have email at all or cannot always access their account. We are therefore Conference over a few months — book considering reinstating the telephone ladder for such news, but only for those who wish early to take advantage of this. to opt-in to such a system. If you would like to be included on the ladder (i.e. somebody Book online now at www.limmud.org/ will call you and you might then have to pass the news on to one or more others) please conference/sign-up contact the synagogue office (020 8460 5460) by Sunday, 13 November.

Highlight, November 2016 - Cheshvan 5777 9 Dates for Your Diary November December T 1 Th 1 Rosh Chodesh Kislev W 2 Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan F 2 Th 3 S 3 Toledot F 4 Shabbat evening service at 7.45 pm S 4 Chanukah Fair - 12.30 to 3 pm at the Shul follwed by Oneg with talk by Bernie M 5 Cohen on The Trouble with Easter T 6 S 5 Noach W 7 S 6 Study Session on Abraham with Rabbi Holtz, 10 to 11 am in the sanctuary Th 8 WIZO-Eretz - Bridge/Card/Games F 9 afternoon at Barbara Fiszzon’s Leo Baeck College - 60th Anniversary service S 10 Vayetze of celebration, 3 pm at the Liberal Jewish S 11 Synagogue, London NW8 M 12 M 7 T 13 T 8 W 14 Social Centre, 10.30-2.30 at the Shul W 9 Social Centre, 10.30-2.30 at the Shul - Th 15 musical entertainment by David and Tom F 16 Th 10 S 17 F 11 Vayishlach S 18 Chanukah Party with Gilbert Giggles S 12 Lech Lecha - from 3.30 pm at the Shul S 13 Film about Rabbi William Wolff (A Gentleman Before God), 6 pm at Odeon M 19 Wimbledon - part of UK International T 20 Jewish Film Festival W 21 M 14 Th 22 15 T F 23 Shabbat Limmud at Birmingham W 16 WIZO-Eretz - outing to Museum of Brands S 24 Vayeshev - First Candle of and Packaging in Notting Hill Chanukah Th 17 S 25 Limmud Conference begins in F 18 Birmingham S 19 of Galya Friedler Vayera - Bat Mitzvah M 26 S 20 Talk by Rabbi Stephen Leon on the T 27 Crypto Jews of the American South West, 10 am at the Shul W 28 Social Centre, 10.30-2.30 at the Shul M 21 Th 29 Limmud Conference ends T 22 F 30 Rosh Chodesh Tevet W 23 Social Centre, 10.30-2.30 at the Shul S 31 Mikketz - Last Candle of Chanukah Th 24 F 25 Knit and Natter Thursday, 30 November, 10.30 am-12 noon at S 26 Chayei Sarah Pauline’s S 27 Mitzvah Day - activities from 10 am The demand for the items we are making is ever M 28 increasing, so please do come and help. T 29 Pauline Jeffree, 020 8650 4860 W 30 Knit & Natter, 10 am to 12 Noon at [email protected] Pauline’s

Copy date for December Highlight: Tuesday 15 November 10 Contact details for subcommittees and other groups

BR5 and 6 and Friends: J.J.B.S.: Jean Garelick, 01689 850668 Janet Posner, 020 8650 7521 [email protected] [email protected]

Board of Deputies Rep.: Kiddush Rota: Joe Millis, 020 8299 3458 Harriet Posner, 07810 361731 [email protected] [email protected] Membership Inquiries: Caring Community: Janet Burlem, 020 8460 5460 Pauline Jeffree, 020 8650 4860 [email protected] [email protected] Newsletter Editor: Cheder Head Teacher: Bob Symonds, 020 8402 2197 Vicki Ashmore, 020 8290 4220 [email protected] [email protected] Religion and Ritual: Cheder B’nei Mitzvah Kiddushim Daniel Posner, 07866 761 181 Elka Carr, 020 8699 2138 [email protected] [email protected] SACRE Samantha Barnett, 020 8467 8868 Choir: [email protected] Dianne Mathews, 01689 826096 [email protected] School Visits Coordinator: Marilyn Freeman, 020 8650 7178 Communications: [email protected] Judi Sheffrin, 07968 324981 [email protected] SE10 and Beyond Michelle Brooks-Evans, 020 8293 4999 Education (including Josef Hausmann Library): [email protected] Barbara Kurtz, 020 8650 1284 [email protected] Security Graham Harris, 020 8656 7611 Gan Yeladim: [email protected] Sue Bowyer, 020 8464 6738 [email protected] Social Centre: Dianne Mathews, 01689 826096 Tracy Frankel, 01732 843224 [email protected] [email protected] Subscriptions: Hooray Cheder: Janet Posner, 020 8650 7521 Dani Hall, 07740 282 562 [email protected] [email protected]

Michelle Brooks-Evans, 020 8293 4999 Website: [email protected] Kieron Hyams, 07980 647108 Housing, Health and Safety: [email protected] Graham Harris, 020 8656 7611 [email protected] Youth Club: Hayley Preston, 020 8290 0472 [email protected] Israel Information: via e-light [email protected] Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/BromleyReformSynagogue or Tweet us @BromleyShul) ...

Highlight, November 2016 - Cheshvan 5777 11 A constituent of the Movement for Reform Judaism – www.reformjudaism.org.uk

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