Shul Social Group

Do you have some time to spare? Would you like to help with social events at the Shul? The commitment is very small but the impact huge. We have a Klezmer-Jazz live music event and a quiz planned, but we cannot do this without YOU. Helpers of the Trussell Trust collect the trolley full of food and toiletries donated by synagogue members in observance of the miztvah Please contact me for more details: of Matanot Le’evyonim at Purim Michelle via the synagogue: 020 8460 5460 Beit Midrash Sunday Morning Adult Education Classes In This Month’s Highlight Rabbi Chava Koster is to give a series of classes View from the Chair...... 2 Asking a Jewish Question...... 2 Introduction to Judaism Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration...... 2 Are you looking to improve or revise your knowledge of Cheder News...... 3 basic Judaism? Maybe you are a parent needing to keep Social Centre News...... 3 Young Adult Learning...... 3 up with your child in Cheder. Perhaps you are looking at From Π to PI...... 4 conversion to Judaism. These are for you. What the Ambassador thought...... 4-5 Classes will be held on Cheder mornings when no other Yom Hashoah Commemoration...... 5 event is being held, as follows: Write to Comms...... 5 Sundays, 19 May, 16 and 23 June Klez-Jazz Evening...... 5 Social and Personal...... 6 Starting at 10 a.m. ‘Oliver’ Review...... 6 Further information from Food Bank Donation Thanks...... 6 Rabbi Koster or Barbara Kurtz via the synagogue: SE10 and Beyond...... 6 020 8460 5460 Report from Eastern Europe...... 7 Shirei Chagigah...... 7 A small charge is usually made to non-members. Please Deborah Lipstadt Lecture...... 7 contact the synagogue administrator on the above number. Book Review...... 8 Services...... 8 Find us on Facebook! Study Sessions...... 8 www.facebook.com/BromleyReformSynagogue Dates for Your Diary...... 9 or Tweet us @BromleyShul) ... Mental Health Conference at WLS...10

May 2019 - Nisan/Iyar 5779 Advertisements...... 10 Putting in the Effort - Asking a Jewish Question – View from the Chair from the Rabbi’s desk uring Did you know Dmy there are three first month conditions for as Chair asking a Jewish the first question? The thing I have first is that we realised is seek genuinely that it would to learn, not to Two of the young finders of the afikomen be easy doubt, ridicule, at the Communal Seder to forget dismiss and Friday Evening Services just how reject. Second Friday evening services are starting up is that we accept our own limitations much effort again with the traditonal type of service of understanding. Not everything can people put on Fridays 10 and 17 May at 7 pm, led be grasped by our intellect at any given in to managing the day to day dealings moment. There were those who refused to by the Rabbi, and a new form of service of our Synagogue. We are lucky to on 7 and 28 June, again at 7 pm, led have a Rabbi full of new ideas, our understand that a young man’s dream of by the Rabbi and with music from Orot administrator Janet who puts in valuable gliding down a beam of light would give (Lights), the newly formed Bromley and endless work for us, and Vicki our rise to the relativity theory and others who Cheder Head who has nurtured our thought that a dream of a return to Zion synagogue music group, followed by a Cheder into a vibrant place, tirelessly was just a sentence to be removed from our shared Friday evening supper. supporting children and their parents. prayer books. Third is that when it comes to We do hope our members will give these However it is easy to forget about the Torah, we learn by living and understand by services their full support. selfless involvement of many who are doing. I learnt to love literature by reading volunteers. They serve on committees, it, not about it. I am learning about music by Cheder celebrates do security, provide Kiddush, organise listening to it and playing it. So too with our YOM HA’ATZMAUT the Communal Seder, help with events, Jewish lives; they can only be understood produce Highlight and talking Highlight, from the inside out. Judaism remains and the list goes on and on. Volunteering always has been a faith in motion, our text has often been undervalued in Britain. on rollers require movement, a listening It is seen as an amateur version of work to coupled with action. A tradition that that could be better done by the State. had been sparked and sustained by your Politicians speak about it, and in the interaction, your questioning. background all we hear is the sound of As we prepare our Seder tables, may our homes be filled all sorts of questions, Don’t forget to send your kids budgets being cut. Voluntary work is actually something else altogether. It is may we answer them with knowledge, and to Cheder on Sunday, 12 May, an expression of shared responsibility for humour and love for our tradition. From my when we’ll be celebrating our common good. It is personal engagement home to yours, have a zisn pesakh relationship with Eretz Yisrael, in pursuit of an ideal. It proves to us that Rabbi Chava Koster the Land of Israel. not all compassion can be paid for by This will be a day full of stories taxes or subscriptions. A place where continued from col. 1 there are high levels of voluntary activity and crafts, dancing and (of maintain a communal infrastructure they will simply be a better, happier place course) food. would have to do it for themselves. So than one where there are not. Ask any began a tradition of collective voluntary The Mayor of Greenwich volunteer why they do what they do, and responsibility. Christine May, Deputy Mayor they will usually tell you that they gain more than they give. They don’t do it for I would like to ask for more help Mick Hayes and Councillor recognition or praise. They do it because though. There are never enough Danny Thorpe will be joining it helps change the world because it volunteers and there is so much more we in to help us celebrate. changes us. would like to do, especially now Rabbi Koster is here and we have lots more Parents (and all shul Our community could not exist for new ideas. Please don’t wait to be asked. members) are invited a day without its volunteers. They are Give me a call, email me or just catch to attend our earlier the lifeblood of our Synagogue. It is a me for a chat. tradition going back to the Babylonian assembly at 12 pm to help Let me finish by thanking the Rabbi, exile when, for the first time since welcome the Mayoress Janet, Vicki and all our volunteers, past Egypt, Jews found themselves without a and learn some extra and present. Without you we wouldn’t land or home of their own, without rights be here. Israeli music in honour of or power. They knew if they were to Michelle Brooks Evans, Chair the day.

2 Copy date for June Highlight: Wednesday 15 May 2019 Cheder News Social Centre News Hello, all of you interested in our Cheder accompanying e had a good attendance on 27 News! all of the WMarch. There were the usual All parents please note: We are b’nei mitzvah games, exercises and a delicious lunch entering a part of our calendar full of students, so with second helpings to those who bank holidays and half terms. This if you have could manage the trifle. a child aged means that the Cheder’s “Opening Because we had a full attendance, 11+, please let Hours” can become a bit unpredictable the discussion was especially lively - PLEASE check the calendar or the Lili know you are coming: this time, ranging from the films we website if you’re unsure whether or not had seen to the visits we had made Cheder is open on any given Sunday. lili.evans@ live.co.uk and, of course, telling each other about 1. This year we will have our Yom our various ailments. Hashoah Memorial Service on 5 Last but not least, please check the Security Alisa Jaffa May at 11am. This will be followed Rota on this page to see if we are expecting We welcomed as a new by a talk from Roosje Steenhart you to show up for security. If you realise member. Alisa is a former synagogue Drukker, who will talk about her you cannot attend on the day you have been member and was a good friend of Eva life as a Hidden Child. Please come allocated, please contact Katia Pisetzky: Byk. It was interesting to hear about at 11 am to show your children that [email protected] her travels round the world. we as a community must never forget Enjoy a happy and healthy May, Time to go home seemed to come those who died and indeed those who Vicki, Cheder Head Teacher round very quickly, probably because survived the Holocaust. we had enjoyed the whole morning in Cheder Term Dates 2. We’ll celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut each other’s company. Shavuot Term 2019 - Israeli Independence Day - on Sundays, 28 April to 19 May Dianne Mathews adds: Sunday, 12 May. The Mayor of Half Term: NO CHEDER on Sundays, We had another good attendance at Greenwich will be joining us to help 26 May and 2 June the meeting on 10 April when David us celebrate this day full of Israeli Sundays, 9 to 30 June Coronel and Tom Shiels presented culture and cuisine. Please join Sunday 9 June: Shavuot, Festival another of their music programmes, us for a special musical assembly service at 10.30 am which was both entertaining and at 12 midday to show her a warm Last Day of Cheder: Sunday, 30 June informative. They would be delighted welcome! ending with Awards Assembly to receive requests from anyone who 3. And speaking of special assemblies, would like to hear music by their I have great news: This term we’ll Cheder Security Rota – current or past favourite composers or be having regular music classes with Shavuot Term 2019/5779 artists. Just tell me (Dianne) and I’ll our new Cheder Music Teacher, Sundays pass the message on to them. You will Joe Parks! Joe is a student at the 5 May: Rachel Kamhi probably learn some little known but Royal College of Music and will interesting facts after David and Tom’s be teaching the children traditional 12 May: Elisabeth Megitt research. as well as modern Jewish music to 19 May: Antony Miller the whole of our Cheder, starting Our meetings this month will be on 26 May: Cheder Half Term with a Special Music Assembly at Wednesdays, 8 and 22 May from 12 midday on Sunday, 12 May in 2 June: Cheder Half Term 10.30 am to 2.30 pm. honour of Yom Ha’atzmaut. If you 9 June: Danielle Woodward Young Adult Learning Series would like to learn some music, why 16 June: Michael Abrahams not join us? We will be exploring the role of the 23 June: Ru Elson-Gant 4. In other musical news, Joe will also Outsider in Judaism with Rabbi Chava 30 June: Judy Taylor be starting a Klezmer Band. If Koster. your child can play an instrument, Bromley Knitters, Everyone is welcome; you don’t have or even just wants to have a go Stitchers and to be a member of Bromley Reform with a triangle, please keep an eye Natterers Synagogue, and we encourage everyone out for rehearsals, which will take will meet again at to get involved, no matter what your place directly after Cheder between Jewish educational background. 12.30 and 1.30 pm. This month’s Pauline’s on Thursday, We will be meeting at The Ivy House rehearsals will take place on 5 and 16 May from 10 am until around 12 May, so if you want to take part noon. Community Pub in Nunhead SE15 on please come along! All are welcome Wednesdays, 1 May and 26 June at 7:30 pm. 5. Youth Club will be going to see the Please contact Pauline through the Czech Scrolls on Sunday, 19 May. synagogue to say you are coming: Further details from Lilinaz Evans, Rabbi Chava will be on this trip 020 8460 5460 through the synagogue: 020 8460 5460

Highlight, May 2019 - Nisan/Iyar 5779 3 From π to PI – an illustrated Brexit, BBC, Labour ... what does the Ambassador think? history of computing s the country fell apart over hostile, praising the support of former From our Roving Reporter Athe B-word and members of leaders, particularly Harold Wilson. BRS convened for the first AGM of It was said in 2016, on what would Professor Bernie the Koster era, two intrepid (mad?) have been Wilson’s 100th birthday, Cohen is one of our southerners shivered their way to “… shortly after the Yom Kippur War most popular and deepest NW on the notorious [we] told Harold that we would happily regular speakers. On Thameslink. We’d heard a whisper volunteer to fight for Israel if she were March 15, he returned that the Israel Ambassador, Mark under threat of extinction. Neither of us to BRS to give a talk Regev, was being interviewed by South is Jewish but that was the strength of exploring the history of computing. London-based broadcaster Nick Ferrari our feeling. He was very sympathetic Although computing is often presumed in aid of an Israeli charity. An interesting to that point of view. He was a great to be one of the newest sciences, we combination, we thought. supporter of Israel,” and, “[Lord Wilson] discovered that its origins date back The event was hosted by Mill Hill would be ashamed that we seem to have lost our way on Israel. His support of to Ancient Greece – the Antikythera Synagogue, which was warm and Israel was never in doubt. He realised mechanism (named after the island welcoming on that wild, wet, windy night and was in aid of Keren Malki, the responsibility that the Labour Party where the artefact was retrieved) is of which more later. It was an amusing had in the run up to the creation of the probably the earliest analogue com- and, to a point, informative evening. state … Israel is built on the founding puter. It was used for astronomical The only problem was that Mr Regev is principles of socialism in this country.” purposes and was fundamental in such a master of the diplomatic arts that “What makes you most proud the creation of the Hebrew calendar, he was able to answer many of Ferrari’s of Israel?” he was asked. “That it ensuring that major festivals coincided questions with enormous sincerity and is an amazing success story. From with the correct seasons. passion while saying nothing at all. defenceless, hopeless, weak victims However, until the 20th century, most However, when he did respond and refugees we are now strong in a computers were human – a person who directly, he made some very strong strong democracy, technologically in the forefront and a force for good in the makes calculations with a calculating and interesting points. On a question world. We have only two faults: our machine (Oxford English Dictionary). about whether Israel should enter into talks with Hamas, he reminded driving and our grasp of politeness.” Jewish mathematicians made signifi- the audience that as far back as 2004 Indeed, talking about the threats in cant contributions to the development the UN had made three conditions Europe from both the far Left and the of computing – John von Neumann for dialogue between itself and the far Right, the ambassador asserted that (1903-57) designed the model that organisation, none of which has yet been the big difference between the 1930s provided the basis for the modern satisfied, so if the UN cannot have such and now is the existence of the state digital computer. discussions, why should Israel? Back of Israel, as Jews now have their own in July 2005, President Chirac declared, land. He also made what I thought John Kemeny (1926-92) developed “Hamas is a terrorist organization was a fascinating distinction between BASIC (Beginner’s All-Purpose Sym- that cannot be an interlocutor of the the attitudes of the UK and the USA to bolic Instruction Code) which made international community so long as it Israel. As a former colonial power the computers accessible to non-scientists. does not renounce violence and does not UK is inclined to see and judge Israel by J Lyons and Co recognized the future recognize Israel’s right to exist. This is its own standards whereas the USA, as a importance of computers in commerce the unambiguous position of the EU and country formed by pioneers, sees Israel in that light and judges it by different and commissioned their own digital it will not change.” criteria. computer, LEO (Lyons Electronic The ambassador also made many And what did he think were the Office), in 1951, the world’s first busi- allusions to the strides that Israel has big challenges of the next 4 – 5 years? ness to use a computer for company made in trade and technology in general “Moving forward with our neighbours accounts and logistics and as a trading partner with the UK in particular, and mentioned co-operative in peace. We are speaking to many Professor Cohen’s enthusiastic deliv- ventures such as that between our neighbouring countries. Common threats ery gave us an enjoyable evening with respective air forces. Diplomatically have brought us together in dialogue a bonus – examples of his personal side-stepping all questions about the and co-operation.” He also mentioned collection of vintage computers UK Government, B**x*t and the BBC bringing minorities into the workforce, (including the classic Apple II) and (when asked whether it gives him a fair particularly Palestinian women and the Curta calculator, which combined hearing he stated that it is its job to give Charedi men, whose respective men and women already do work. function with aesthetic appeal, created him a hard time), he did answer head-on by Curt Herzstark (1902-88). the one about whether Jews in the UK The only question, it seemed to me, today could feel comfortable supporting that he neither side-stepped nor got to Many thanks to Professor Bernie and the Labour Party. He suggested that it grips with was one on how to counter the Education Committee for arranging is solely the current leadership that is this oneg. continued on page 5

4 Copy date for June Highlight: Wednesday 15 May 2019 continued from page 4 Dear Mr Editor, antisemitism on campuses, something Want to communicate with the about which many in the audience felt community? Write to comms. strongly. Like them, I should have liked I very much regret having to use your to hear whether he had any constructive columns yet again to remind anyone who suggestions. wants to submit something for one more The evening concluded with a film of our publications, particularly e-light, to featuring a recipient of support from use only the email address that you kindly Keren Malki, a woman whose son print so prominently on the contacts page was born with such severe disabilities in Highlight: [email protected] that she was told he had little chance of Please, people, it is for your benefit, not developing normally, and was advised A trio of Frankels. Megan, Nick and Jake ours. If you write to this central address, to place him in an institution. However, Frankel as they appeared in the production then whoever is editing/distributing the she was determined to bring him up with of Oliver in last month, reviewed publication will receive it and deal with it. a stimulating home life. He responded on the opposite page If you send it to the private email address well but, although she and her husband of an individual and that person is not “on had well paid jobs, they soon ran out Yom Hashoah duty” that week or month, it will go nowhere of funds. Desperate, and demoralised Community and you will miss the deadline. Even our from years of hearing “NO” from Highlight editor has been ill twice in the other agencies, they heard by chance Commemoration Morning past 40 years and others have needed access of the tiny Malki charity, which gave Sunday, 5 May to contributions! them not only financial and material We hope all our Synagogue help but the most important gift of all, Finally, please remember that we are all community will join us to reassurance, encouragement and moral volunteers. Most of us have day jobs and/or support. As a result, their son now goes remember this important day. family commitments so we cannot always to a mainstream school and wishes to Parents especially are requested keep up with you. For example, once I am at become a lawyer. More information to join their children on this my desk at the Agency for Misinformation, about Keren Malki can be found at special Sunday morning. Non-essentials, Euphemisms, Shambles, www.kerenmalki.org Irregularities and Anomalies (people do 11 a.m. Short Memorial keep asking what I do - hope this fails So, was it worth the trek? Yes. Do Service to help), I am unable to attend to shul I regret having missed the Bromley matters. So, if an email is urgent it’s in the AGM? Of course. Will I be supporting followed by a talk from sender’s interests for someone else in the Keren Malki? Yes, indeed, and I hope Roosje Steenhart comms group who is free to see it and take we will choose it as one of our Kol Drukker action. We love the fact that you want to Nidre Appeal charities this year or some on her life as a “Hidden communicate with other members of the time soon. And how about Thameslink? Child” in Amsterdam during community and we want to help you to do Despite its reputation, it did us proud in so, so please help us! both directions. As John Goodman so the Second World War. often says, “I can complain.” Happily, On a dark September evening in Thank you, Judi Sheffrin, [email protected] this time I didn’t have to. 1942, Fietje Drukker dresses her Judi Sheffrin little daughter in a double set of clothes, puts her in a pram and FUNDRAISER FOR BROMLEY pushes her in the direction of REFORM SYN A G O G U E Koninginneweg in Amsterdam. Sunday 30th KLEZ-JAZZ As agreed with the underground, June - an evening of live music she places her daughter in the Lunch 12.30 pm Featuring jazz chanteuse upstairs porch of number 9, rings CPR & First Aid training Rachel Sutton, sax & clarinet the doorbell and walks home 1 to 2 pm in the Garden Room Jeremy Shoham, piano with the empty pram. Roosje All are invited straight after Cheder. Roland Perrin lands in the state orphanage, We will provide you with a light lunch. SATURDAY 15 JUNE where she is given the name Please bring nibbles, fruit or cake to 7 pm to 10 pm Irma van Schinkel. The events share. BYO W i n e & Beer that follow shape the story of a An invaluable and practical talk by our Nibbles provided lost and entangled youth and of very own Dr Dan Sado. unresolved fears and sorrows. Admission: £10 per person Ring the synagogue on: Join us to hear Roosje’s story, now 020 8460 5460 to let us know you are For tickets and inquiries, ring preserved in a book by Mink van coming. 020 8460 5460. Rijsdijk

Highlight, May 2019 - Nisan/Iyar 5779 5 Social and Personal Food Bank Donation The Communal Seder BAR MITZVAH - A hearty mazal tov Matanot Le’evyonim to Leo Campling and his family on the The following thank you letter was occasion of his bar mitzvah, which he received from the Trussell Trust fol- will celebrate on 4 May, Shabbat Atzmaut lowing the receipt of the generous (Kedoshim). donation of food and toiletries at Purim in the spirit of Matanot Le’evyonim GET WELL SOON - Pauline Jeffree Dear Bromley Reform Synagogue, writes: We are thinking of and wishing Over 90% of the food distributed well to members of our community and by food banks in the Trussell Trust others known to us who are unwell or network is donated by the public – undergoing treatment. that’s why your food donations are Rabbi Koster (right), accompanied by Welcome to New Members absolutely vital to our ability to give Cheder Head Teacher Vicki, ably led the Mr. Anthony Akerman of Otford, everyone referred to us a balanced joyful Communal Seder on 20 April Mr. Raymond Epstein of Sidcup, and nutritious three-day supply of Drs Joel and Elsa Raffel and family food. Without your goodwill, our food of Peckham banks would really struggle to operate. and welcome back to Mrs Tina Higgins So thank you to all within your of Send near Woking, a former member community who have generously who has returned to the fold. donated food items. They will be welcomed and enjoyed by local “Consider yourself at home” individuals and families. f course, everyone in Bromley Thank you. Owill recognise this enduring BRS The Trussell Trust welcome but, guess what, an obscure You can see the picture of the musical has just come to light promoting recipients from the Trust posing with the same sentiment (okay, so it was the trolley-full of our donations on the Rabbi Koster making Havdalah with the written some years before we were front page of this Highlight. help of Cheder pupils before the Seder proper began founded but don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story). Oliver! was SE10 and Beyond Take It Away! performed by Maidstone Amateur Tuesday 7 May in Greenwich at 7 pm A Maxi-Cosi Rodi Car Seat Operatic Society in early April with an we have a special guest talking about Suitable for a 3.5 - 12 year-old child. 15 evocative set, a fantastic orchestra and a politics and antisemitism within the - 36 kg, Nomad Black. If you would like colourful cast that included not one, not Labour Party. Damien Egan, Mayor it, you can pick it up from the shul free two but three of our very own Frankel of Lewisham will be speaking of of charge. family, including Jake in the title his experiences and thoughts on the Contact Barbara Kurtz or Effie via the role, where he struck a perfect balance subject. synagogue: 020 8460 5460. between vulnerability and defiance Megan Nick Saturday 15 June at Bromley Shul while siblings and danced Reviving the Book Group their feet off and sang themselves hoarse. from 7 pm an evening of Klez-Jazz, live music staring jazz chanteuse Judy Woolfe writes: I am interested in (See the picture on page 6, opposite.) resurrecting the shul book group, which Rachel Sutton, sax and clarinet Jeremy We often hear at Cheder that so-and-so used to meet monthly in the evenings. If Shoham, and piano Roland Perrin. will be absent because (s)he is singing/ enough people are interested I would be dancing/playing sport or an instrument, Tickets £10. Bring your own drinks very happy to co-ordinate it. It would be so it is wonderful to have the occasional and we will provide the nibbles. useful to know if there is a preference for opportunity to see the result of all that Sunday 7 July in Greenwich Park from a daytime or evening group effort. Please don’t forget to tell us if 3 pm a free concert at the Bandstand by You can contact me via the synagogue on you or your children are involved in KIX Jazz Orchestra. Bring a picnic and 020 8460 5460. something that is open to the rest of us enjoy good company and good music. and, if possible (and legal, taking data Saturday 14 September at Bromley Memorial plaques to the late protection into consideration), send us Shul from 7 pm, save the date for the Gerda and Herbert James, Ivor a photo or a report. Otherwise, how Quiz of 2019! Lask and Malcolm Mathews will will we know what to think when we’re be dedicated in the synagogue Michelle Brooks Evans “reviewing the situation”? foyer on Saturday, 18 May after [email protected] Judi Sheffrin Mobile: 07956 234309 the Shabbat morning service.

6 Copy date for June Highlight: Wednesday 15 May 2019 A Viisit to Belarus - from Our Eastern Europe Correspondent Shirei Chagigah 2019 Tom Thelander, known to many as the big guy who helps out with security and at the 11-14 July at Alyth Reform social centre, has been on an extended visit to Belarus which was, he points out, the Synagogue London NW11 birthplace of no fewer than three Israeli Prime Ministers, Begin, Shamir and Peres. He Shirei Chagigah is absolutely about sent us a series of bulletins, starting on 8 March. singing, about being together, creating Dobry Veechor and Shabbat Shalom As for further observations of Minsk, community and learning new melodies from Minsk. It feels like a place that is it is a city that pays an enormous tribute but that’s not all. Shirei Chagigah is being pulled in two directions, towards to WW2. There’s a huge Victory Park, an opportunity to relax, enjoy and be Moscow and towards the West. Parts of combined with a war museum. A major spiritually uplifted. Whether you are in it look seedy but the cruelly beneficial intersection with an eternal flame, a choir, a musician, lead services or just factor of being semi-authoritarian 40-metre tower and underground war love to sing in the shower Shirei Chagigah means you can feel relatively safe. No memorial within the Metro station. It is for you! litter or graffiti, either. It’s also dated goes without saying that this city and Shirei Chagigah blends the traditional and and a bit run down, especially the country suffered unimaginably during the new. Whether you want to incorporate ugly, badly built Soviet-era flats that WW2. Belarus is a country with huge nusach or drumming, new melodies or old are everywhere. In fairness, it had to forests. Within them, numerous partisan standards into your services this is where be rebuilt after WW2. Another way to groups formed. Minsk even has a you will find like-minded individuals and summarise Belarus is this: There is a Metro station named after them. It’s teachers to support you. busy major street in Minsk that is still We are delighted to be joined by three named after Lenin, but this is where you heartening to know that there were many Jewish partisan groups too, perhaps fantastically talented musicians and will find a McDonald’s. The forests here educators as well as our very own Cantor are wildly beautiful, though. The saddest the most famous of them the Bielski Zöe Jacobs. thing of all is that just over a century group depicted in the film Defiance. ago the majority language in Minsk was A good book about this is Fugitives Stephen Glass is an internationally Yiddish. of the Forest. I often wonder whether renowned composer and choirs director. Last Shabbat I visited a WW2 this history is an important factor in the Cantor Rosalie Boxt is the Director of memorial site, The Yama, otherwise strength of the IDF and Mossad, which Worship for the Union for . known as Zaslavskaya Memorial, where might well have learned lessons from A past Vice President of the American I said Kaddish. It reputedly marks the these experiences. Conference of Cantors, Rosalie serves as faculty of the URJ Music and Songleading boundary of Rakovskaya suburb, where More famous Jewish sons of Belarus Workshop Hava Nashira, is on the Vision the Minsk ghetto was situated. include Lazar Meir, or Louis B Meyer Team for the URJ’s Campaign for Youth of MGM Studios, Mafia figure Meyer While in Minsk I visited the Museum Engagement and is the executive director Lansky; Irving Berlin; Michael Marks of Jewish History and Culture. It’s only of Kesher Shir, a venture which brings in one room but it contains interesting of M&S; first Israeli President Chaim together diverse Jewish musicians to study, information about Jewish life here. It Weizmann. Sadly, this is not the case collaborate, and create meaningful music. is part of a facility known as the Minsk today, but pre-1917 Minsk may have had Noah Aronson was with us in 2015 and Jewish Campus. It may be of use in a majority Jewish population. Today, 2017 and we are delighted that he will establishing links with what Jewish although the population is much reduced, community still exists in Minsk. be with us again in 2019. Noah is an Judaism still exists here. extremely talented songwriter, composer and musician, having produced two full- The Morris and Manja Leigh Memorial Lecture length albums and song books. Antisemitism: a clear and present danger? Reform Judaism strongly believes Professor Deborah Lipstadt that none of our members should be Date: Wednesday 22 May prevented from joining an event because Venue: Jewish Museum, Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street, London NW1 of finances. For a confidential discussion Deborah Lipstadt is Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies please call Sarita on 020 8349 5716 or at Emory University. Her books include The Eichmann Trial; Denial: Holocaust history [email protected] on trial Denying the Holocaust: the growing assault on truth and memory Beyond ; ; For further details and to book go to the Belief: the American press and the coming of the Holocaust, 1933–1945 . Her latest Reform Judaism website: Antisemitism here and now book, , is a timely analysis of the new antisemitism, by the www.reformjudaism.or.uk/events/ historian who defeated Holocaust denier David Irving in court. shirei-chagigah-2019 In the chair: Lord Leigh of Hurley, President, Institute for Jewish Policy Research 17:00 – 18:30: Museum open for viewing and light refreshments Dulwich College on 18:30 – 18:45: What the data show: a brief empirical view of contemporary antisemitism Thursday, 16 May at 7.30 pm by Dr Jonathan Boyd, JPR Executive Director Dulwich Festival in association with AJR 18:45 – 20:00: Lecture by Professor Deborah Lipstadt, followed by Q&A Refugee Voices present opportunities to 20:00 – 21:30: Museum open for viewing; Professor Lipstadt will be signing copies explore the impact of the Kindertransport of her latest book, which will be available to buy. on the 80th anniversary of the arrival of the children

Highlight, May 2019 - Nisan/Iyar 5779 7 A new book bridging the Orthodox/Reform divide SERVICES What does Judaism May 2019– Adar II/Nisan 5779 say about 150 Friday evening services will be held on 10 and 17 May, starting at 7 pm pressing topical Saturdays at 10.30 am, unless otherwise stated issues in family Friday 3 May problems, sexual Saturday 4 May Atzmaut (Kedoshim - 19 Nisan) mores, faith Bar Mitzvah of Leo Campling questions and business ethics? And Sunday 5 May Rosh Chodesh Iyar what is the difference Friday 10 May Shabbat Evening Service, 7 pm in the Orthodox and Saturday 11 May Emor (6 Iyar) Reform approach? Bring and share lunch and Study A remarkable collection of answers has Session after the service (see notice been compiled by ’s below) two rabbinic columnists – Rabbi Naftali Friday 17 May Shabbat Evening Service, 7 pm Brawer and Rabbi Dr Jonathan Saturday 18 May Behar (13 Iyar) - Dedication of Memorial Romain of – plaques after the service who respond (and periodically contradict each other) in a book that will both Friday 24 May Saturday 25 May Bechukotai (20 Iyar) entertain and inform. Bring and share lunch and Study Questions such as: Session after the service (see notice Should I inform my best friend that her below) husband is cheating on her? Is it acceptable to accompany a friend to Friday 31 May Bamidbar (27 Iyar) a suicide clinic abroad? Saturday 1 June Can I lie to my children about taking drugs when I was a teenager? Our father wants to be cremated, but my Bromley Education Committee invites you to attend mother wants him buried – what should we do? Shabbat Study Sessions Can I be Jewish if I do not believe in on Saturdays, 11 and 25 May, and 29 June God? There will be no sermon during the normal Shabbat morning service. Can you have a virtual minyan through Instead we hope members will join us afterwards for a skyping? Is a circumcision performed by a non- Bring and Share Lunch Jewish surgeon valid? followed by a study session “Re-Reading the Rabbis of the Talmud” The book costs £12.99 and is available from The Jewish Chronicle online or by led by Rabbi Chava Koster calling 020 7415 1570. French bread and drinks will be provided. Please bring cheese, salads, fruit or similar. World Jewish Relief Please contact Barbara Kurtz via the synagogue (020 8460 5460) Commemorative Berlin to to avoid duplication. London Kindertransport Bike Ride, 16 to 21 June The 600-mile 6-day route emulates Jewish Museum – Special Exhibitions the journey taken by the children 80 Great British Jews: A Celebration years ago, setting off from Berlin and A celebration of the contribution made to the UK by Jewish immigrants and their travelling to London via the Hook of descendants. Discover some very recognisable inventions, innovations, products Holland and the overnight ferry to and people that you never knew were Jewish, from the worlds of culture, commerce, Harwich. science, sports and more. Until 23 June Register at Jews, Money, Myth www.worldjewishrelief.org/ Explore the role of money in Jewish life and its problematic stereotype in relations berlin2london between Jews and non-Jews. The exhibition looks back over 2,000 years, drawing Further information from Zara together manuscripts, prints, Jewish ritual and ceremonial objects, art, film, literature Kletz, Community Engagement and cultural ephemera. Until 7 July Officer, on 020 8736 1250. Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street, London NW1 7NB. 020 7284 7384.

8 Copy date for June Highlight: Wednesday 15 May 2019 Dates for Your Diary May June W 1 Young Adult Learning, 7.30 pm at the Ivy S 1 Bamidbar House Community Pub, Nunhead SE15 S 2 Cheder Half Term Th 2 Yom Hashoah M 3 F 3 T 4 Rosh Chodesh Sivan S 4 Atzmaut (Kedoshim) - Bar mitzvah of Leo Campling W 5 S 5 Yom Hashoah - Commemoration Service with Th 6 the Cheder at 11 am, followed by talk by a F 7 with the Rabbi Holocaust survivor Friday evening service and music from Orot, and shared Friday M 6 Rosh Chodesh Iyar evening supper T 7 SE10 and Beyond - Talk by Damien Egan on S 8 Naso Politics and Antisemitism, 7 pm in Greenwich Erev Shavuot - 7 pm service followed by W 8 Yom Hazikaron Cheesecake and Tikkun Leyl Social Centre - 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at the Shul S 9 SHAVUOT - Festival service at 10.30 am Th 9 Yom Ha’Atzmaut M 10 F 10 Shabbat evening service, 7 pm T 11 S 11 Emor - Study session led by Rabbi Koster on W 12 Social Centre - 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at the ‘Rabbis of the Talmud’ after Kiddush with the Shul bring-and-share lunch Th 13 S 12 Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration from 12 F 14 noon, with visit from the Mayor of Greenwich M 13 S 15 Beha’alotecha Klez-Jazz Evening - 7-10 pm at the Shul T 14 S 16 Bromley Beit Midrash - Introduction to W 15 Judaism, 10 am in the Shul Th 16 Knitters, Stitchers and Natterers - from 10 am at Pauline’s M 17 The impact of the Kindertransport, 7.30 pm T 18 at Dulwich College W 19 F 17 Shabbat evening service, 7 pm Th 20 S 18 Behar - Dedication of Memorial plaques after the service F 21 S 19 Bromley Beit Midrash - Introduction to S 22 Shelach Lecha Judaism, 10 am in the Shul S 23 Bromley Beit Midrash - Introduction to Youth Club visit to the Czech Scrolls Judaism, 10 am in the Shul M 20 M 24 T 21 T 25 W 22 Social Centre - 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at the Shul Prof Deborah Lipstadt on anti-Semitism - W 26 Social Centre - 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at 6.45 pm at the Jewish Museum the Shul Young Adult Learning, 7.30 pm at the Th 23 Lag B’Omer Ivy House Community Pub, Nunhead SE15 Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference, 9.15 am - 4.30 pm, W.L.S. Th 27 F 24 F 28 Friday evening service with the Rabbi S 25 Bechukotai - Study session led by Rabbi Koster and music and shared Friday evening supper on the ‘Rabbis of the Talmud’ after Kiddush with S 29 Korach - Study session led by Rabbi Koster bring-and-share lunch on the ‘Rabbis of the Talmud’ after Kiddush S 26 Cheder Half Term with bring-and-share lunch M 27 S 30 Last day of Cheder term T 28 CPR & First Aid Training, 12.30 to 2 pm W 29 Th 30 F 31 Highlight, May 2019 - Nisan/Iyar 5779 9 A constituent of Reform Judaism – www.reformjudaism.org.uk

REFORM JUDAISM Communities that Care Initiative MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING CONFERENCE 23 MAY, 9:15 am to 4:30 pm at BACK PAIN? Featuring a variety of interactive and experiential We offer effective treatment workshops including: for • Self Care back and neck problems, • Singing for wellbeing sciatica, sports injuries and much • Mindfulness more. • Resilience • LGBTQ+ and mental health Andreas Jochim DO MSc Charlotte Parker M.Ost • CBT café — Cake Before Therapy! Ernesto De La Cruz • End of life support Valdes B.Ost • Emotional literacy for children 12 Station Approach Hayes Bookings open now: Bromley BR2 7EH www.reformjudaism.org.uk/conference Email: [email protected] 020 8650 0509 www.strawberryhouseclinic.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL CARDS A range of lovely nature-based images, plus bespoke designs for special occasions PET PHOTOGRAPHY Unique images of your pets taken at home or on location CALL SIMON 07721 649901 www.takenbysimon.co.uk

A percentage of every sale will go to the Synagogue. Details, prices and samples from Judi Sheffrin, TAKEN BY SIMON.CO.UK via the synagogue: PHOTOGRAPHY ON LOCATION 020 8460 5460 FAMILY PORTRAITS ALSO COMMISSIONED

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