Woodford Liberal Synagogue

bimah May-June 2011 LINENS DIRECT CURTAIN, NET & LINEN SPECIALISTS Unit A Goldtone House, Langston Road, Debden, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TQ Tel 020 8508 0707 Fax 020 8532 1352

BranchesBranches at:– at:– Crawley Leicester Southend BasildonBasingstoke CrawleyDebden LeicesterMaidstone SuttonSouthend BasingstokeBasildon DebdenEastbourne MaidstonePerry Bar UxbridgeSutton BorehamwoodBorehamwood EastbourneEnfield PerryPeterborough Barr WalthamstowUxbridge BrightonBrighton EnfieldHarlow PeterboroughPoole WatfordWalsall BromleyBromley HarlowHarrow PooleRedhill WalsallWalthamstow BuryCamberley St Edmunds HarrowHigh Wycombe RedditchRedditch WoodWatford Green CamberleyChelmsford HighHounslow Wycombe RedhillRomford WoolwichWood Green Chelmsford Plus, we are openingHounslow soon in: IpswichRomfordand Bury St. EdmundsWoolwich

East London Branch 14 Claybury Broadway Gary Green Clayhall, Ilford, Essex IG5 0LQ Tel: 020 8551 6866 Fax: 020 8503 9889 MONUMENTAL STONEMASONS North London Branch 41 Manor Park Crescent Edgware, Middlesex HA8 7LY Tel: 020 8381 1525 Fax: 020 8381 1535 www.garygreenmemorials.co.uk

We at Gary Green Memorials will endeavour to make your choice of memorial as easy and stress-free as possible. Our sensitive and understanding staff will guide you through the process of choosing a memorial, from the type of stone to the individual wording of the inscription. For those who prefer a more confidential/personal service, we can also arrange home visits. Memorials can also be viewed and inspected in our showrooms, prior to fixing, for your added convenience. Please take your time to browse through our selection of memorials online. Should you require anything that’s now shown on our website or need to discuss things further, please feel free to drop into one of our showrooms or contact us for an informal chat. 1

WLS – Building the new vision!

On Sunday 10 April, an enthusiastic and engaged • Education, Social, & Cultural Activities (Children group of 35 members of WLS gathered at the & Adults) shul to start a dialogue about the future of our • Building & Usage community. This was the first, of we hope will become a series of events, to develop the Vision • Growing the Membership for 2020; building on the success of the 50@50 Everyone then went into one of four groups, each celebrations. However, to build that vision, it is choosing the group they wished to contribute to, necessary to firstly engage with the wider and each group developed a timeline of actions community, and develop a shared vision that we leading to 2020 – also now on a wall in the annex. can take forward together. We all gathered for the final plenary session, Everyone recognised that this where the facilitator was a first step – a need to from each of the discuss issues and develop groups talked our aspirations – the theme through the timeline. of the afternoon being very There were a number much one of ‘hope’. Our of overlapping issues hopes for the future, our and some hopes for the development of dependencies our community, and our hope between the timeline that WLS is a thriving beacon actions, so more of Liberal Judaism in 2020. needs to be done to develop the ideas. Breaking into small groups, However, this is not – each with a and was never meant facilitator from within to be – a definitive the WLS Community, list. we discussed the key questions of; It is very much a first what we liked about step towards building WLS, and what was that shared vision. missing, or is As a community we needed at WLS? have had a The discussions successful 50th year, were at times quite now the discussion passionate, as has started that everyone was looks to our 60th. encouraged to give We want everyone to their opinion – have their say whatever their age or and, with your involvement in WLS. Pages help, we hope to of flipcharts were filled with build some bullet point notes of tangible discussions and the key deliverables to issues from each group was take forward. captured (appropriately Finally, I would enough) on Star of David like record my diagrams – which are thanks to Jonny now on the doors in the Hurst who led the annex. event, alongside my From the Star of David fellow facilitators diagrams, four key Simon Benscher, themes emerged: David Gold, Tina Gold, and • Continuity of the Ruth Seager. Rabbinic & Lay Leadership Bob Kamall 2

WLS Golden Supper Quiz Kol Nidre Appeal Suggestions Although we did not have a sell-out quiz this year, it was nevertheless a very successful evening. The Synagogue Council would like to consider any suggestions you have for charities which Tina and David Gold and myself put the quiz we will support as part of our Kol Nidre Appeal together and we think by the laughter and good this year. humour that our teams enjoyed themselves. This If you have a charity that is close to your heart, year we decided to have the quiz catered instead we need you to present all the information to of the usual fish ‘n chips; from comments our administrator, Donna, at the Synagogue afterwards we know this went down well. office as soon as possible.

Tina, David and I would like to thank all the people If your suggestion is chosen, you will be asked that helped us both set up and clear away on the to make a short presentation to the day. From the raffle and the ticket sales we raised congregation on Rosh Hashanah explaining £500. your choice. If you are interested please email Donna – As an aside, we would like you to know that even [email protected] – or send your though the Rabbi's table won there was no bribery suggestions in writing to Donna Faber at the involved! synagogue, marking your envelope KNAppeal. Jenny Sclaire

Erev Shavuot - One Night Special! A Cross-Communal Evening of Learning and Receiving Torah (in the broadest sense) Held jointly by local synagogues and Redbridge JCC

Date 7th June 2011 Time 7:00pm until late Venue SWESRS, Oaks Lane, Newbury Park

Early evening will be family-friendly with the later evening catering for a range of interests: religious, cultural, culinary, musical, etc.

7:00pm A theatrical reading of the story of Ruth 7:30pm Bring and share supper (vegetarian and permitted fish) 8:30pm Evening Service for all 9:15pm Tikkun Leyl Shavuot: Your choice of 3 or 4 different sessions

~ Refreshment break ~

Second choice of 3 - 4 different sessions

11:30pm Late-night session(s) for those who want it (approx)

It would help if we have some idea of numbers, so could we ask you to express interest / intention to come by phoning Donna at the office – 020 8989 7619 3

Beam Me Up Scotty!

Chairman’s log. Star We have an AGM on 24th May where you can date 5771. My three all come along and take part as the year tenure in the office membership elects new Officers to take our of Chairman of community forward into the next few years. Woodford Liberal And rather than having to breach barricades, Synagogue is coming to you’ll be offered tea and cake. an end. I’d like to thank And to top it all off, I’m delighted to announce Council and Officers that Council member Bob Kamall is standing and Rabbi Richard for for election as the next Chairman of all their help and Woodford. Bob, and his wife Di, and their support along the way. children Rachel and Sam, have been a For those who think the Chairman is due tremendous asset to Woodford over recent special merit, let me correct you by reminding years, contributing to the religious, you that managing our Synagogue is a shared educational, social and pastoral wellbeing of responsibility and a real team effort. I hope our community. I have great respect for Bob I’ve sometimes been successful in the role, and I am confident that our community will but as Woody Allen quipped, “Eighty percent continue to move forward and thrive under of success is showing up”. Any success Bob’s leadership – if you choose to elect him. during my three years is really down to the great group of people who volunteer their time I’ll leave you with a quote from Albert Einstein and energy to support the Synagogue. You’ve that I think is apt for Liberal Judaism. “Learn showed up and it’s your success! from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop You’ll be glad to know that transition at questioning.” Woodford Liberal Synagogue is generally easier (and safer) than some of the transitions Best wishes, you’ve been witnessing in the Middle East and North Africa over the last weeks and months. Dan

WOODFORD LIBERAL SYNAGOGUE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday 24th May 2011 – at the Synagogue – 8.00pm

The Annual General Meeting of the Synagogue will be held in the Synagogue on Tuesday 24 May at 8.00pm.

It should be noted that according to the Constitution of the Synagogue only members not more than two calendar months in arrears with their subscriptions shall have the right to vote at the meeting and be eligible for membership of the Council.

J Toffell, Hon Secretary - AGENDA -

1. Opening Prayer 8. Membership & PR report 2. Minutes of last AGM 9. Education report 3. Chairmanís Report 10. Rites & Practices report 4. Rabbi’s report 11. Election of members to Council 5. Treasurer’s Report 12. Election of Auditor 6. Burial & Cremation Secretary’s report 13. Resolutions 7. Bimah report 14. Any other business 4

Will you still need me?… will you still feed me?

Pesach has gone for medicine, technology, and agriculture. another year, and as you read this, we are Recently, after a very slow start, the just a few days away Progressive Jewish movement in Israel has from Yom Ha-Atzma’ut started to grow rapidly and this is something – Israel’s Independence of which we should be proud and support Day. where we can.

As Israel enters its 64th At the same time, there are attempts being year, I am reminded made in the Knesset and by strictly orthodox that The Beatles who asked: “Will you still rabbis to invalidate our form of Judaism and need me, will you still feed me, when I’m deny Jewish status to people we would see sixty-four?” I’d like to venture some answers as being indisputably Jewish. We should, I to the Fab Four’s questions. think, ensure that we do not knowingly or unknowingly support such anti-Liberal Do we still need Israel? For me, the answer is actions, and we should aim to nourish those an undisputed and emphatic “Yes!” I find it parts of Israel that align with our values and impossible to conceive of a healthy Jewish aspirations for Israel. community across the world without the interaction, stimulus, joy, focus, learning, and We know Israel, like Britain, can never be so on that Israel provides. In some respects, perfect. Yet, as its anthem’s title suggests, we Israel is like the wealth of museums, historic must always hold on to and contribute to buildings, entertainment and sporting venues Hatikvah – “The Hope”. available to us in London. We may not make use of all of them all of the time, but our lives are somehow enriched by the knowledge that Richard Jacobi they are on our doorstep.

Israel is accessible to all of us, available for an infusion of Judaism, Jewishness, Israeliness (something a little different!), ancient history, I’d like to take a little space to modern architecture, international cultures, or acknowledge that Dan Janoff and Ruth even just sun! Seager end their three-year terms as Chairperson and Vice-Chair at our AGM Israel will soon overtake the USA as the on 24th May. We all owe them a debt of country with the largest Jewish community in gratitude for the commitment and skills the world (or already has done – it depends they have brought to this congregation, on how the estimating is done), which takes and I hope you will show your thanks on me to the second question. Will we still ‘feed’ the evening of the AGM. Israel, now it’s sixty-four? Here, I’d like to venture a more nuanced answer, along the That evening, we will also wish their lines of school dinners. In other words, we successors ‘chazak ve-ematz’ (be strong might focus on helping Israel to maintain a and of good courage!) as they take on balanced and nutritious diet. What I mean by the mantle of leadership. this is that there is much that goes on and is achieved in Israel about which we should be Remember – leaders need other leaders incredibly proud. It is a country that over- as well as followers. Please do your bit achieves for its size and population in so at the AGM and in the coming year. many aspects of commerce, industry, science, 5

Purim talent? They’ve got oodles of it! 6

What’s going on? Sue Kaye reviews London’s theatre scene

Birdsong final period of a great talent. Comedy Theatre The great surprise is the As they say, now for something performance of Tracy Bennett completely different. Based on who plays Judy. She gives an Sebastian Faulk’s international extraordinary performance both best-selling novel, the play tells as an actress and a singer. I the story of one man’s had only seen her as an actress Garrick Theatre experiences in Europe in the in and I was early part of the 20th century. amazed at the manner with JB Priestley’s play, written 70 which she captured the essence years ago, is an established Stephen Wrayford, (wonderfully of both the strength and favourite on the London stage played by Ben Barnes) stays in vulnerability of a true superstar. and this production is a good France as the guest of his illustration of its lasting appeal. father’s business contact, where There were standing ovations for he has a passionate affair with Ms Bennett at the performance I For those who have not seen his host’s wife. War clouds are saw which I understand is a this play before, it tells the tale gathering in Europe and regular occurrence. It was of 3 well to do Yorkshire couples Stephen finds himself in France thoroughly deserved and I can who meet to celebrate their several years later as a soldier recommend it highly. silver weddings. They were all at the Battle of the Somme. The married on the same day at the life of everyone is changed same church by the same vicar forever by the effects of the war Dreamboats & Petticoats and, at the celebration, they and nothing can ever be the Playhouse Theatre receive staggering news. The same again. vicar who married them was not Finally a slice of pure nostalgia. properly qualified so they are A moving and beautifully Don’t worry about the plot. This not legally married. produced play with a fine cast, is an opportunity to enjoy a Trevor Nunn’s direction gives a couple of hours of rock and roll Not being married gives them fine portrayal of a way of life and I was transported back to the opportunity to deliver home which was destroyed by war. the 60’s by the music of Roy truths to their “other halves” Well worth seeing. Orbison, the Shadows , Eddie Henpecked husbands have the Cochran and many others. courage to stand up to their wives and everyone can End of the Rainbow The cast sing and dance with honestly look at their lives in the Trafalfar Studios huge energy and enjoy every light of the new situation. minute. The audience seemed Judy Garland has been the old enough to remember the The star studded cast gives subject of many books, plays music first time round and they wonderful comic performances and films. She was a childhood all sang along with the actors. without ever descending into prodigy with amazing talent and Everyone had a fabulous time. farce. , versatility who often made the Michelle Dotrice and Suzy Blake headlines because of her On a rainy and dreary winters are brilliant as the three ladies disastrous private life. day this was the perfect while Simon Rouse, David antidote. I came out humming Horovitch and are In 1968 she made another the music and the world seemed also superb as their husbands. comeback, this time in London, a much brighter place. Roy Hudd is wonderful as the by which time her health had photographer who comes to been destroyed by drugs and take pictures of the happy alcohol and she struggled couples but finds a totally unsuccessfully to complete the different scene. programme of appearances to which she was committed. Great cast, great fun. I laughed Sadly she died a few months like a drain. later so what we witness is the 7

Philippa & Josh Newham on their recent Do you remember going to the engagement cinema in the East End before the Sue & David Powell on their daughter war? If so Dr Gil Toffell of the Charlotte’s marriage to Chris Department of Film Studies at Queen Mary, University of London Simon Rothstein on being elected Editor of would like to speak with you. LJ magazine Dr Toffell is currently undertaking a research project entitled 'Jewish Happy Cinema Culture in Interwar Britain' and would like to speak with Birthday to: individuals who have first hand memories of this period. Ezra Nathanson-Perry He can be contacted by email at Tobi Liebeskind [email protected], or by telephone Ben Charles on 07881 537476. Brandon Cramer Sam Kamall Louie Marcus Bianca Muswell Friendship Club Sunday 15th May, 2–4pm ENGLISH Bingo Afternoon TUTORING Please ring : Harriet (020 8524 4505) or Nicola (020 8418 9586) Experienced Head of to book your place to ensure Key Stage 3/4 English we can adequately cater and AQA Examiner Entrance fee: £3.00 available to tutor at all ages, including GCSE and A-Level. A speedy recovery to anyone who is unwell at this time. Please contact Clare Rothstein 07779 254 193 Sincere Condolences

Philip Gee and family on the recent sad passing of both his mother and his father DAN JANOFF MASSAGE THERAPIST

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congratulate WLS on reaching this milestone

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