March 2017
A Newcomer’s Guide to the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation
We are delighted to welcome you to the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation. We hope you will find this guide a useful introduction to our town and to our Congregation.
Introduction to Bournemouth
Bournemouth, a vibrant, modern town of about 185,000 inhabitants, is the largest town in Dorset. Nestled between Christchurch to the east and the historic town of Poole to the west, Bournemouth forms part of the South East Dorset conurbation, which has a total population of over 400,000.
Due to its location on the south coast, Bournemouth has a temperate climate with moderate variation in annual and daily temperatures. Average annual rainfall in Bournemouth is around 800 mm (31 inches), much lower than the national average of 1,126 mm (44 inches).
The town is well served by road, rail and air transport links and is less than 2 hours away from London by rail or road; Hurn Airport provides flights to many popular holiday destinations. Bournemouth is justly proud of its vibrant cultural scene. The Bournemouth Symphony orchestra is world famous and performs regularly in the town, including open air concerts during the summer months. There are numerous theatres such as the Pavilion, and of course the Bournemouth International Centre attracts many world-class concerts and other cultural events.
Bournemouth University, located between Poole and Bournemouth, is a flourishing university with an excellent reputation especially in the field of media studies. It has 17,000 students many from other parts of the UK and even from overseas. Our congregation supports and hosts the Jewish students at the university. Over the years, various Limmud events have been held at the Bournemouth University premises.
Bournemouth Pier during the Air Festival
Bournemouth is well served by some of the best beaches in the country. They extend all the way from Boscombe Pier to Bournemouth Pier and continue to Sandbanks in Poole, a total of 7km of beaches with golden sand. The promenade along the beach is very popular with locals and visitors alike and provides many restaurants, pubs and other attractions.
1
March 2017
Jewish Bournemouth
Bournemouth has an estimated Jewish population of around 2500. The town is served by an Orthodox Shul and a Reform Shul; it has a Chabad Centre, and other Jewish denominations are also represented. Bournemouth attracts a lot of Jewish visitors from around the UK and abroad throughout the year. Especially during the Jewish High Holidays and during the school holidays the town’s Jewish population can double.
There are two Jewish publications in town, Ruach and Wessex Jewish News. Ruach, edited by Corinne Rein, is published three times a year and is delivered free as part of your BHC subscription. It can also be found electronically on the BHC website. Wessex Jewish News, edited by Andrew Sanger, is published 4 times a year. To have all 4 editions delivered to your home just send a cheque for £10, made payable to Wessex Jewish News, to WJN, 60 Keverstone Court, Bournemouth BH1 3BY.
Introduction to Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation (BHC)
The centre of the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation is the Wootton Gardens Synagogue. In 2005 we celebrated our 100th anniversary on this site. Over the years the original Synagogue building has been extended and new facilities added. The Prayer Hall can accommodate 455 male and 400 female worshippers and gets pretty full on high holidays such as Rosh Ha’Shana (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement). More information about the history of our synagogue can be found on our Shul website www.bhcshul.co.uk.
Our Synagogue building is a multi-function building. At the heart of the building is our beautiful Prayer Hall which is used for daily prayers by congregants and visitors alike. The building also contains a Torah study room (Beit Ha’Midrash), a ritual bath (Mikveh), a library, two function halls, kosher kitchens, classrooms, a kosher food shop and the administrative offices.
The Prayer Hall
The Synagogue building forms a focal point for communal activities; adult education lectures, table tennis, flower arranging, Meet N’ Munch, modern Hebrew classes and Israeli dancing to name a few.
The BHC has around 600 members, a number of whom are non-resident members.
2
March 2017
Our Rabbi and Rebbitzen
Rabbi Adrian Jesner and Rebbitzen Pamela Jesner have been leading our congregation since 2008. Rabbi Jesner, who is originally from Glasgow, was the minister of the Reading Jewish Community before becoming the rabbi of the BHC. Rabbi Jesner is well known for his compassion and tireless hard work for the community.
Rabbi and Rebbitzen Jesner
Rebbitzen Pamela Jesner hails from Cardiff and has been involved in Jewish communal concerns continuously since her teens. Her areas of involvement in Bournemouth include shomering, Chevra Kadisha and Mikveh – plus whatever comes along.
Rabbi Jesner can be contacted by email: [email protected] or by phone: 07932 723811
The Executive
The BHC Annual General Meeting is held every February during which the President, Vice President and other honorary officers are elected. As of February 2017 the Executive members are as follows:
President Brian Lassman
Vice President Mahir Ozdamar
Wardens & Religious Affairs Bernie Dexter, Richard Saunders
Education Tony Rose
Functions & Shabbat UK Angela Sklan
Fund Raising Harvey Lipsith
House, Health and Safety Anne Ozdamar
Kashrut Brian Lassman
New Members & Shul Aid Lorraine Stein
Publicity Michael Freedland
3
March 2017
Shul Shop Tony Miller
Welfare Jane Victor
Trustees Geoffrey Feld, Ivor Weintroub, Stephen H. White
Life Presidents John Kasmir, Ivor Weintroub
Religious Services
Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation is possibly one of the few provincial Congregations in the UK which provides Shaharit, Mincha and Maariv services throughout the year ensuring that any Jewish person who needs to say Kaddish can do so. A core of diehard Minyan men, supplemented by visitors, ensures that a Minyan is almost always available.
Rabbi Jesner, the Assistant Minister Rev. Barry Sklan and the Executive Committee members ensure that all members and visitors receive a warm welcome.
The Shabbat morning services and the services during Jewish holidays are well attended and lively. After most Shabbat morning services the congregation is treated to a Kiddush. The Shul has a male choir which sings on Shabbat Mevarhin and other special occasions. If you wish to be considered for the choir please contact Frank Morris. Community members are encouraged to play an active part in the services in whatever capacity they are able to. Visiting Chazans are often invited to take the service in order to bring new colour and interest to the services. In addition, Sephardi services are held on some Shabbat mornings and on Festivals.
Member Facilities
The following facilities are available to the BHC members.
Mikveh The Mikveh is available to members and visitors by appointment only. For an appointment please call the Synagogue Office on 01202 557433.
Menorah Suite The Menorah Suite is an ideal venue for a party or event, seating 300 people in theatre style and up to 170 people for catered meals. The venue comes with a fully equipped kitchen. This spacious and very attractive hall can accommodate events of various sizes to suit all needs. For further information concerning availability, hire, catering, supervision and related matters please contact the Synagogue Office on 01202 557433.
Sponsoring a Kiddush The Menorah Suite is available for sponsoring a Kiddush for your special occasion. You can find more information about the charges from the Shul website or by contacting the Shul Office. 4
March 2017
Please contact Thelma Cowan on 01202 290798 of the date and other details of your Kiddush so that she may organise the Ladies Guild or if you have any queries or problems.
Welfare Drop-in Clinic Is usually held on Thursdays between 10.00-12.00 by appointment only. If you require assistance or would like to volunteer your services please get in touch with the Shul Office. Please call the Synagogue Office on 01202 557433.
Shabbat Children’s Service Our Warden, Bernie Dexter has been holding the Shabbat morning children’s services for the past 25 years. Your children and grandchildren are guaranteed to have fun and learn in the process.
No appointment required; Just turn up.
Shop@the Shul
Our kosher shop, Shop@theShul, has been serving Bournemouth’s Jewish community and the many visitors to our town since 2010. Run by community volunteers, Shop@theShul carries an extensive range of traditional Jewish foods including ready-made and home-made (in the Shul Kitchen) meals. The range of home-made meals includes Cholent, Roast Chicken, Chicken Schnitzels, Fried Fish, Soups, Quiches, Latkes and more.
Shop@theShul Wide Range of Kosher Food
Fresh challah, bread and cakes are available on Thursdays and Fridays. Fresh kosher milk is available throughout the week. Fresh meat is delivered weekly and the Shop aims to keep a full range in stock.
You can email your orders to the Shul Shop using the following address: [email protected] Alternatively you can call Jane Victor on 07854 698802 or 01202 557433 option 1.
Supermarkets in the Bournemouth area stocking kosher food
The following local supermarkets carry a limited and unpredictable selection of kosher food.
Tesco Tesco Poole Road Riverside Avenue Branksome, Off Castle Lane East, Poole Bournemouth BH12 1AU BH7 7DY
5
March 2017
ASDA Sainsbury St Paul’s Road 637- 641 Christchurch 4 Alder Park, Alder Rd, near the Railway Station, Road, Boscombe Poole Bournemouth Bournemouth BH12 4BA BH8 8DL BH1 4AP
The Social Scene
Bournemouth Jewry in general and the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation in particular has a vibrant and busy social calendar. There is bound to be something for you whatever your hobbies or interests. Here is an overview of the regular social and cultural activities taking place within the BHC during a typical week:
Monday AM – Table Tennis AM – Hebrew Language Classes AM – Rabbi’s Surgery PM – Duplicate Bridge PM – Opera Group (fortnightly) PM – Adult Education (fortnightly)
Tuesday AM – East Cliff Walking Group AM – Meet n’ Munch (fortnightly) PM – Israeli Dancing for ladies PM – Ladies Parsha Group (in members’ homes)
Wednesday AM – Jewish Art Group (Simcha Hall) PM – Flower Arranging
Thursday AM – Rabbi’s Surgery AM – Welfare Clinic (by appointment only)
Sunday PM – BBYO meetings for teenagers Community lunches and dinners
In addition to the above, there is a well-supported Wessex Jewish Golf Society. They meet every week for a friendly game of golf, as well as competing against other Jewish golf societies from London, Sussex and Wales throughout the year. Any new members (male or female) interested in golf would be very welcome. For further information visit the WJGS website http://www.wjgs.org.uk.
For more information about these organisations visit the BHC website www.bhcshul.co.uk. You can also find a list of communal organisations and contacts at the end of this document.
Local Community Interests
In addition to the social and cultural activities mentioned above, the following is a list of some of the organisations that are actively represented and supported in Bournemouth. 6
March 2017
AJEX - The Association of Jewish Ex-Service men and Women
Bournemouth BBYO – (B’nei Brith Youth Organisation)
BJRC - Bournemouth Jewish Representative Council
Bournemouth Golda Emunah
CCJ – Council of Christians and Jews
League of Jewish Women
Bournemouth WIZO - (Women’s International Zionist Organisation)
For more information about these organisations visit the BHC website www.bhcshul.co.uk. You can also find a list of communal organisations and contacts at the end of this document.
Hannah Levy House
Hannah Levy House is the only Jewish care home in Bournemouth; it is run by the Hannah Levy House Trust.
Hannah Levy House has been established on the West Cliff since 1956. The house was bought by Solomon Levy for the benefit of elderly Jews and is named after his mother.
It provides full time residential care for up to 34 persons over the age of 65 years. All the bedrooms are for single occupancy and many are en suite. In addition to providing residential care, the home can provide short term care, day care and Kosher Meals on Wheels for housebound elderly Jews.
Although the home is run on strictly Orthodox lines, it is open to Jews of any religious practice. Both self-funded and Local Authority funded persons are accepted. The home is registered with Bournemouth and Poole Local Authorities as well as the Commission for Social Care Inspectorate.
Purim at Hannah Levy House
BHC maintains close links with the Hannah Levy House; Rabbi Jesner and many of our members regularly visit Hannah Levy House in order to maximise the involvement of its residents in Jewish life.
Hannah Levy House Trust, 15 Poole Road, Bournemouth BH2 5QR Tel: 01202 765361 7
March 2017
The Cemeteries
There are three Orthodox Jewish cemeteries in the Bournemouth area, in Boscombe, Kinson and Throop. Of these three Throop is the most recent and has been an important step in ensuring the continuing viability of the BHC. As the Boscombe and Kinson cemeteries reached saturation point it was essential to find a new site for Jewish burial. Through hard work, determination and generous contributions from some leading community members Throop cemetery was made a reality and it was consecrated by Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler and Rev Israel Cohen in 1996.
Throop Cemetery Throop Cemetery Gardens
Most visitors acknowledge that Throop is quite possibly the most aesthetically pleasing cemetery in the country thanks to the skills of Shul member Leon Taylor, whose landscaping ideas and horticultural skills are a local legend. The day-to-day upkeep of the Cemetery is now in the capable hands of Richard Saunders.
Map & Directions to The BHC Cemeteries Boscombe Cemetery BH7 6JB Kinson Cemetery BH11 8AA Throop Cemetery BH8 0AE Map Get Directions Map Get Directions Map Get Directions
BHC Contact Details
BHC Shul Office details can be found below.
Synagogue Office
Office Administrator : Mrs Gilian Walker
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01202 557433
Please inform the Shul Office of any notices/Mazal Tovs by 12.00 midday on Thursdays for inclusion in the notices for the forthcoming week.
Please provide the Shul Office with your email address and other contact details so that you receive regular communications such as the weekly Shabbat Announcements. BHC Address and Contact Details
8
March 2017
Wootton Gardens Bournemouth BH1 1PW
Tel: 01202 557433 Fax: 01202 557578 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bhcshul.co.uk
BHC Shul Website
The BHC website can be found at www.bhcshul.co.uk. It contains lots of information about the BHC and community activities. On the website you will find information about Service Times, the weekly events Diary, photos from recent social events, weekly D’var Torah and thought provoking articles to name a few. Please visit the website regularly for the latest information about the BHC.
Communal Organisations and Contacts
AJEX (for information only) Nat 01202 558684
Association of Jewish Refugees Mark 01202 552434
BBYO Eliana or 01202 759780 Amy 01202 767007
Bournemouth Action for Israel Bryan 07958 792603
Bournemouth Golda Emunah Thelma or 01202 290798 Corinne 01202 514879
Bournemouth Hebrew Ladies’ Guild Thelma 01202 290798
Bournemouth Jewish Art Group Hillary or 01202 394230 Julie 01202 929542
Bournemouth Jewish Representative Council Greg 01202 314984
Bournemouth Jewish Social Services Pat 01202 298817 (mobile) 07881 016127
Bournemouth UJIA Geoffrey or 01202 559777 Jonathan 01202 557748
Bournemouth WIZO Judy 01202 252123
9
March 2017
British Friends of the Hebrew University Nigel 0208 349 5757
CCJ Bournemouth and Wessex Peter 01202 730002
Duplicate Bridge at Menorah Jeffrey or 01202 701117 Adrian 01202 467303
East Cliff Walking Group Andrea or 01202 399666 Ros 01202 552788
Hannah Levy House Office 01202 765361
Jewish Lads and Girls Brigade Deborah 0208 989 8990
Jewish Open Minds (JOMs) Laurie 01425 280280
JNF (To empty blue boxes only) Alan 01202 394386
Ladies Weekly Parsha Group Carole or 01202 767040 Katarina 01202 520671
League of Jewish Women Thelma 01202 2909798
Meet N’ Munch at the Menorah Katarina or Brian 01202 520671
Opera Video Club David 01202 300573
Ramblers Alf 01202 526463
Sephardi Minyan Simon or 01202 745168 David 01202 292412
Table Tennis Vicky 01202 701117
The Socialites Michelle 01202 426233
Wessex Jewish Golf Society Jeffrey 01202 701117
Wessex Jewish Singles (35-55) Michelle 01202 426233
World Jewish Relief Louisa 01202 317315
10