Care in your own home… Etz Chaim Volume 26 September 2008 Caring passionately Issue 3 Elul 5768 about your health and welfare L’Shanah Tovah Our services include Ø Help getting up or going to bed Ø Preparing meals Ø Shopping Ø Washing and ironing Ø Personal hygiene and bathing Ø Cleaning the home Ø Mobility issues a realistic alternative to residential care Call on: 01843 570 638 Happy New Year www.bluebirdcare.co.uk Rabbi Emeritus: Rabbi Sonny Herman Community Rabbi: Rabbi Cliff Cohen Bluebird Care (Canterbury & Thanet) Chairman: Godfrey Fischer 161 King Street, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 8PN Vice Chairman/Treasurer: Ian Smiler Tel: 01843 570 638 Fax: 08452 992 395 Honorary Secretary: Eleanor Miller Council Members: Brian Abraham, Hélène Cohen, Esther Solomon, Email: [email protected] David Fox, Simon Wolfe, Janine Chilley

Thanet & District Reform Synagogue, 293A Margate Rd, Ramsgate, CT12 6TE “good old fashioned service” TEL: 01843 851164 - A constituent member of the Movement for Reform Judaism 24 Shabbat services and Festivals Calendar Kol Nidre Appeal palliative care in East Kent. They Monday 29th September – Sunday 28th December 2008 care for patients with a range of life Elul 29 – Shevat 1, 5769 As in previous years, we are support- limiting illnesses including cancer, Kabbalat Shabbat services are held every Friday at 7.30pm (except the Shab- ing one Jewish and one local charity. heart failure, respiratory conditions bat Suppers – 6.45pm.) We have had a long association and neurological diseases. Care Saturday services are on the fi rst and third Saturday of each month at with WJR and hope that you will is provided from their three sites in continue to support them through our 10.30am. Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet. appeal. Our links with the Pilgrims Torah breakfasts start at 9.15am, followed by a shorter service at 10.30am. Hospice in Margate has also been Pilgrims Hospices provide a range (NB Festival times vary – see below) an important one over the years and of support services for patients, their As the calendar is prepared in advance, details shown may be subject to they have been of considerable help families and carers, and their attrac- amendment. Call 01843 851164 to check. to a number of our members and tive grounds and facilities provide a SEPTEMBER Mon 20 Oct, Tishri 21, 7pm their families. Donation forms will be welcome retreat for both patients and Mon 29 Sep, Elul 29, 7pm Erev Shemini Atzeret/ sent to you with your High Holydays visitors. Erev Rosh Hashanah Simchat Torah & Festivals ticket or the Newsletter. If you would like extra copies, please 2008/5769 Tue 21 Oct, Tishri 22, 10am leave a message on the synagogue Tue 30 Sep, Tishri 1, 10am Shemini Atzeret/ number or send for one by email. Rosh Hashanah Simchat Torah World Jewish Relief NOVEMBER OCTOBER Founded in 1933, WJR is the main Sat 1 Nov, Cheshvan 3, 10.30am Sat 4 Oct, Tishri 5, 10.30am overseas aid arm of the UK Jewish Noach Shabbat Shuvah community. It provides basic welfare Y Vayelech support in the form of food, medica- Sat 15 Nov, Cheshvan 17, 10.30am tion and fuel as well as sustaining Vayera, including the Baby Blessing and renewing Jewish life in communi- Wed 8 Oct, Tishri 9, 7pm of Isaac Miller Kol Nidre ties across the world. With its global outlook today WJR is positioned as DECEMBER the charity to channel the UK Jewish Thu 9 Oct, Tishri 10, 10am Sat 6 Dec, Kislev 9 community’s response to disasters Yom Kippur Torah breakfast 9.15am and need affecting the international Shabbat service 10.30am community regardless of race, reli- Mon 13 Oct, Tishri 14, 7pm gion or nationality. This year’s High Erev Sukkot Sat 20 Dec, Kislev 23 10.30am Mazel Tov on the birth of Nell Lily on Holy Days appeal will focus on two Blessing for Tevet 20th July to David and Niki Wythe. A key Ukrainian projects - social assist- Vayeshev 3rd daughter to them and a sister to Tue 14 Oct, Tishri 15, 10am ance for the elderly (nationwide) and Freya and Daisy. A 5th grandchild for Sukkot caring for children with special needs Sun 21 Dec, Kislev 24 Audrey. in Kharkov Chanukah 1st candle Sat 18 Oct, Tishri 19, 10.30am Mazel Tov also to Janine Chilley, Shabbat Chol Hamoed Sukkot Pilgrims Hospices whose son Simon and partner Sun 28 Dec, Tevet 1, 3pm Katerina had a baby boy, Sebastian Chanukah Party Pilgrims Hospices is an independ- on 17th September. 8th candle ent registered charity (293968) and the principal provider of specialist 2 23 A very personal New Year Message from Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfi eld, Head of the Shalom and Welcome to Etz Purim - will be at the start of Febru- Movement for Reform Judaism Chaim ary, looking back at the Chanukah Not JUST ‘any dream will do’ party and forward to Purim and Happy New Year to all of our readers Pesach. Linda Bayfi eld defi ned herself, fi rst and foremost, as a wife and mother. But - may you all be inscibed and sealed she was also a Jewish educator of great talent. She was Head Teacher of for a good year. Summer - will be a May edition, look- Akiva School at the in Finchley, the fi rst Progressive Jewish ing back at Pesach and Purim, and primary school in Britain. It was a private school with 160 pupils. This issue of Etz Chaim follows fairly forward to Shavuot, with advance sharply after the rather late previous notice of the High Holy Days. Linda’s educational style was characterised by love and care for each edition, and the Synagogue Coun- individual pupil. It contributed much to Akiva’s popularity. cil has agreed to a slightly different High Holy Days - will be an August edition, looking forward to the Days of She had a dream. She wanted Akiva to be available to all, regardless of their timeframe for upcoming issues, so Awe and reviewing the summer. income. She wanted Akiva to offer a lot more places. Thanks to many people that we can advertise the upcoming but particularly her Chair of Governors Philip Simmons and her successor Sue festivals in good time, whilst at the We hope this change will make the de Botton, the new Akiva opened its doors in January, a matter of metres from same time, reviewing the previous newsletter more relevant and helpful its old premises. It is now a state school, in a state-of-the-art building, with festivals before we’ve all forgotten to every subscriber. 420 places. them! There will still be four editions a year, and they will be: This September our elder daughter Lucy’s fi rst child Francesca, who spent L’Shanah Tovah, much of her fi rst 2½ years with grandma Linda, will be in the junior school. Chanukah - between mid-November Her brother Oliver will be in the reception class. Linda’s son, Daniel, hopes and the start of December, look- Eleanor and Graham Miller that Zachary, born last November, will manage to get a place when he is old ing back at the High Holy Days and enough. Getting a place will be a challenge, as Linda’s younger daughter forward to Chanukah. Rabbi Miriam Berger knows well, since Finchley Reform Synagogue has experienced a huge increase in membership over the last two years, many hoping that their children can go to Akiva. Despite the two and a half fold Y increase in places, the Akiva waiting list is longer than ever. The Editors reserve the right to edit The articles, letters, advertising and any material accepted for publication. content in this newsletter do not If I stand at my offi ce window I can see the new Akiva and catch a glimpse necessarily refl ect the views of the of Francesca running into grandma Linda’s school. Life is a perplexing and The deadline for the next issue is Thanet and District Reform Syna- challenging business, full of dreams and loss, joy and pain. Most of us carry 14th November 2008. gogue or of the Movement for Reform both at the same time. Judaism. All correspondence or articles to: But thinking about Linda, our three children and our grandchildren – with Linda’s dream now, fi ve years on, fulfi lled – my sense that there is more to life Etz Chaim News, 11 Watchester than the secularists would have us believe; that there is meaning and purpose Lane, Minster, Ramsgate CT12 4DA Many thanks to Helene Cohen for in there somewhere, is stronger than ever. or email [email protected]. providing the picture on the front of this edition, her own original artwork. May the New Year be a good one in which our best and worthiest dreams Tel: 01843 822550. come to fruition.

L’shanah tovah. . Y 22 3 there because of another simcha A bad matzo ball makes a good And now, a word from our Sponsors: - our niece’s wedding in London. paperweight The day was a success and I Without Jewish mothers, who would wish to thank all those who gave need therapy? of their time and expertise before According to Jewish dietary law, pork and during the day. One visitor and shellfi sh may be eaten only in told me that it was excellent last Chinese restaurants, on Sundays year and that this year’s presenta- tion was every bit as good. Praise If you are going to whisper at the movies, make sure it’s loud enough indeed from a person whose opin- for everyone else to hear ion I value. I should mention that the musical performances were all No meal is complete without leftovers A Message from the President, All this is on top of our daily work given on a voluntary basis, as was Henry Grunwald QC in the key areas of education, If you have to ask the price, you can’t everyone else’s. afford it But if you can, make sure communal affairs, civil society, as you tell everybody what you paid This past year has seen both well as the international arena. Hazel and I wish you all a happy, Non Jews leave and never say good- signifi cant challenges both locally With your essential support we peaceful and healthy New Year. will continue to represent our bye Jews say good-bye and never and around the world. Antisemitic leave discourse in the media, calls for interests to the highest levels of L’shana Tova boycotts against Israel and threats government and act as the fi rst Israel is the land of milk and honey; Florida is the land of milk of magne- to our security all mean that the port of call for those seeking to Godfrey Fischer sia Board needs to remain as vigilant engage with British Jewry. as ever. Y If you don’t eat it, it will kill me In this spirit I would like to thank Anything worth saying is worth all those who do so much both for Rules for Jewish Living. repeating a thousand times Yet, as we turn the page on their respective communities and Never take a front-row seat at a bris Next year in Jerusalem The year 5768 and look to the future, we for clal yisrael - our people as a If you can’t say something nice, say it after, how about a nice cruise? take pride that the Board has whole. Without such generosity in Yiddish responded to these issues ro- of time and effort - the tradition of Spring ahead, fall back, winter in bustly, leading the community’s service to the community - British The High Holidays have nothing to do Florida anti-BNP electoral drive, playing a Jewry would not be able to fl our- with marijuana Laugh now, but one day you’ll be key role in the memorable Salute ish as it does. And what’s wrong with dry turkey? driving a big Cadillac and eating to Israel parade, heading a ‘Dia- dinner at four in the afternoon A good kugel sinks in mercury mond Delegation’ to Israel for its There comes a time in every man’s 60th anniversary, pioneering the On behalf of the Board of Depu- Guilt is critical to your existence ties of British Jews, I wish you life when he must stand up and tell ‘Shared Futures’ schools linking One mitzvah can change the world; his mother that he is an adult programme and launching a new a Shanah Tova Umetukah – a two will just make you tired This usually happens around age 45. ‘Jewish Way of Life’ CD-ROM. Happy and Sweet New Year. May the coming year bring peace to us Never leave a restaurant empty- all. handed 4 21 A word or two drains, but that’s another story!). Actually, I have one word which Have you ever had that feeling will do. Tzadekah. We often trans- that you would just like, once in a late it as ‘charity’. But it means while, to be self-centred? Not self- much more that that. It incorpo- MAJOR DRIVE TO INCREASE movements the statement says ish, just focus on the ‘me’ instead rates caring and ‘right action’. JEWISH CROSS-COMMUNAL that the Jewish community cannot of keeping in mind that there are Its root is tzadek, which means COLLABORATION afford to divide against itself and others to consider? It¹s an emo- ‘justice’. calls for a new voice, which is tion that usually tries to creep into Three of the largest synagogue open, tolerant, collaborative and the conscientiousness of those Well, being Jewish might just al- movements within Judaism – respectful. who do put themselves out for low you to be self-centred without representing around a third of others. I don’t think you should the guilt. Actually, the guilt comes British Jewry - have agreed Its signatories say that the feel guilty about it. After all, we¹re in somewhere else. I imagine you a “Statement of Community statement is, in part, prompted by only human. have already realised the route Collaboration”, committing them growing Jewish fundamentalism I¹m taking. The end of September to drive forward cross-communal which, they say, is exclusive and Consider the opposite situation is Rosh Hashanah. Eight days working and respect each others’ judgmental. They quote as one that there was nobody to think later is Yom Kippur. What an op- traditions. example of this trend the exclusion about. No family, no friends. What portunity to become introspective. of pupils from JFS (a UK’s largest a terrible state to be in. And, as Time to think about the ‘me’ and The statement is seen as a major Jewish school) because of a refusal we know, there are very lonely the year that has just past. None shift in the way in which the to recognise Israeli and other souls out there. Fortunately, it of us are perfect. We can always various synagogue movements Jewish conversions as legitimate. generally comes as second nature do better. And we can use the representing the UK’s quarter of a to be thoughtful for others. Even time during the Rosh Hashanah million-strong Jewish community In contrast, the statement describes if, sometimes, it can be inconven- and Yom Kippur services to look behave towards each other. The the cross-communal educational ient? into our souls and resolve to face signatories are inviting the broader programme, Limmud – attended the future in a better frame of community to follow their example by Jews from all sections of the Of course, if you think about it, it mind. And for those of you who and commit to the same values. community - as the “most inspiring works both ways. Without realis- tend to be one of the band of example of pluralism” and also mentions the UJIA and Jewish Care ing it, you may fi nd others have cultural Jews, why not come along The statement says: “ Diversity is as “respectful and creative cross- been considerate to you. Even a during the year and see what we a reality within the British Jewish community but true pluralism communal partnerships”. smile at the right time can be the have to offer - you may just fi nd (treating with respect other medicine needed. I have to admit you like it. to not taking the time to research groups and their philosophies) is It calls on the whole community the scriptures to prove the point That word ‘culture’ gives me the not, yet. We believe that British to show respect for one another’s Jewry both needs and deserves leaders by honouring them, where that Judaism is a religion in which perfect link to Sunday 7th Sep- better. ” appropriate, with titles such as being together and helping oth- tember when we held open house “Rabbi” and “teacher”, a practice ers is part of our way of life. (To again for the European Day of Signed by the Chairs, Chief which is currently not universal. be honest, I was way behind my Jewish Culture and Heritage. Al- Executives and senior Rabbis of It pledges the three movements deadline target for the newsletter though Hazel and I were involved the Liberal, Masorti and Reform to respect “the dignity of each - something to do with unblocking with the planning, we could not be individual at sensitive times in the 20 5 life cycle, including marriage, the “This pluralist approach is one Advertising in Etz Chaim celebration of namings, Brit and with which I believe many people A great way to raise awareness in the community of local serv- Bnei Mitzvah, as well as during across the community will be ices illness and after death,” all of able to identify. It is in no way which have led to distress and intended to be exclusive to the confrontations in recent times. three signatories and I, for one, am Quarterly newsletter for Thanet and District Reform Synagogue hopeful that others will choose to The document identifi es three share our vision for the community Publication for the local Jewish community including events, specifi c areas for increased and endorse it.” reports and items of general interest. collaboration in the short term, being: the further development of Rabbi Danny Rich, Chief Executive Jewish schools, such as JCoSS, of Liberal Judaism, said: Reaches over 75 households in the Thanet/East Kent region. the UK’s fi rst cross-communal Jewish school; support for students “Liberal Judaism sees this as an Annual Charges and young people to “avoid on-going process and believes that wasteful duplication and create a we can do much more together. well-resourced programme”; and Of course our three movements B/W: Full Page £50, Half page £30, Quarter page £20 Jewish ethics, where the three have substantive differences of movements have backed the belief and practices and in no way Colour: Full Page £75, Half Page £30 setting up of ResponsAbility, a do we seek to diminish them - but cross-communal ethics think tank. as a people our responsibility is to accentuate what we share in If you would like to submit an advert for inclusion in Etz Chaim, Commenting, Chair of the common and fi nd areas in which please contact David Fox by email: [email protected] or by Movement for Reform Judaism, we can work together, rather than post. Stephen Moss, said: to focus on what divides us to keep us apart.” c/o Thanet and District Reform Synagogue “With a falling Jewish population, Judaism in this country needs to The three signatories together be inclusive and collaborative to represent over a third of Britain’s 293A Margate Road survive into the 21st Century. We Jews, with Liberal Jewish believe that this type of pluralist synagogues accounting for around Ramsgate approach serves the best interests 8%, the Masorti movement 6% and of the whole community and we the Movement for Reform Judaism have a responsibility to provide the 20%. The three movements Kent leadership to promote it.” span from the progressive to the traditional, both in their practices CT12 6TE Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, Senior and their attitudes to Jewish law. Rabbi of the Assembly of Masorti For further information please Synagogues, added: visit www.liberaljudaism.org, www.masorti.org.uk , or www. reformjudaism.org.uk. 6 19 A Day In The Life! among the wider Jewish commu- nity and among the non-Jewish Here is the fi rst of what we hope community – and thus make us will become a regular feature, both more attractive to potential http://www.buyjewishstuff.biz showing the day to day realities of members and more involved in An online Judaica shop based in the UK. life for those who hold a position local affairs. of signifi cance within our commu- nity. This time, we gain an insight In a typical day between services, In Stock Now: into the life of our very own Rabbi I converse with perhaps ten or Cliff: fi fteen people, by email, by tel- Chanukah Candles ephone or face to face. Some If you have ever wondered what of this will be about the lives and Dreidls a Rabbi does in between serv- needs of our members and as- Travel Chanukiot ices, you will not be the fi rst. It is sociates. Some will be about my a question all Rabbis are asked, chaplaincy work in local hospitals and not infrequently, but at TDRS or at Canterbury prison. Some Coming Soon: it is perhaps more pertinent. After will be about Jewish Kent or all, I usually conduct only one Holocaust Memorial Day or Kent Chanukah Cards service each month, and in fact SACRE or the Thanet Interfaith Chanukah Gelt this is currently on hold while I Council. Last week, in one day look after a small community in I attended a SACRE meeting in North London during the maternity Maidstone, called in at William We are always open to suggestions – whatever it is, if leave of their Rabbi. TDRS has Harvey hospital in Ashford, came you want it, we’ll do our very best to fi nd it for you. looked after itself for twenty years home to make several phone on this basis. As far as services calls and deal with eight emails, are concerned, all I have really then went to Margate Mosque for At the moment, we have limited stock listed on our done is take over the monthly a meeting with the Imam. From eBay shop and our shop on eBid (uk.ebid.net, search input that Sonny Herman used to there I called on a member of the for BuyJewishStuff) but the best way to view our wares provide. TIC exec, then went home to pre- pare a talk to a local Church about is in Shul on the Judaica table. When I fi rst came to Thanet, God- the Jewish origins of Christianity. frey said to me, “We don’t need This is because BuyJewishStuff will be relaunching our a Rabbi for services, we need I am only your part-time Rabbi, online shop after the High Holy Days. A New Shop for a a Rabbi for everything else.” I and that day last week used greeted this with enthusiasm and nearly two weeks worth of the New Year! Please email [email protected], or relief. At last, a communal leader time you pay for. Of course, I am phone 01843 822550 for any Judaica requirements or with the right priorities! I agreed also a member of the community, further details. with the TDRS Council that what and so I give my voluntary time to I can provide is a raising of our it, as do many of you. That is why profi le – among Jews in Thanet, neither I nor your Council 18 7 measure my time on your behalf Coffee Mornings and Shabbat A Prayer for a Happy New Year. against the contract. But as with Suppers 2009 all of us, there are periods when (found on www.harryc.com) my voluntary time is in short sup- We are now planning next year’s programme. Would you like to May you be blessed with good neighbors who are there for you when you ply, and then our TDRS Golden need them, and who are not around too much when you don’t need them. Rule applies – the one question hold a coffee morning at your we never ask one another is house, or even arrange one (or May the clothing styles of yesterday come back so I can wear all that stuff “Where were you?” afternoon tea) in the synagogue, that I don’t have the heart to throw away. And may empire waistlines, and perhaps with a theme? muumuus, and granny skirts come back for women. After all, why should Today was a full working day those foreigners -- Armani, Gucci, Versace and Borsini dictate what we wear? Could you donate raffl e prizes? at the prison, but since coming Instead may those great American Jewish designers... Poly and Ester, reign supreme. home I have sent several emails, Or would you like to cater one of taken three phone calls and made the Shabbat Suppers? Experience May the expressions “you know”, and “like”, and “whatever” be retired. And two, and late at night I am writing shows that if the meal is kept may those old fashioned expressions: “thank you”, “pardon me”, “after you”, this, which I shall send by email simple, the task is not onerous. and “you look lovely”, come back into use instead. to Eleanor before going to bed. May we sing songs that are singable, that have lyrics that are understand- There are other tasks still waiting These events are a major part of our fundraising programme and able, and may we not have to wear ear plugs when our children play music in to be done, but they will not be their rooms. In this new year that now begins, may your hair, your teeth, your every little penny earned helps done today. Tomorrow is Friday, facelift and your stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, your cholesterol so after another day at the prison keep the synagogue fees down. and your mortgage interest rate not rise. I shall not get round to them. I For Coffee Mornings please let shall not even think about them May the world enjoy a year that is free of hurricanes, earthquakes, fi res, Esther Solomon know. And for the drought, and political speeches, which produce the most wind of all. on Shabbat, so it will be Sunday Shabbat Supper, Godfrey Fischer before I return to my list. is your contact. May you have a spouse, or a child or a friend, or a grandchild, who loves you, even though they really know you. And may you learn that giving love away Some people will be disappointed freely without strings is the surest way of receiving it in return. at how long it takes me to get round to them, most will simply be Y May you win the lottery, and thereby acquire a host of long lost relatives, and may you remember Beth Tikvah when you win. glad I did. If one of them is you, Vacancy please be in the second group. May your children or your grandchildren receive a good report in school. and Please remember that I also have may you receive a good report too, from your dentist, from your ophthalmolo- a wife and four children, and a Volunteer Wardens to assist with gist, from your dermatologist, from your cardiologist, from your gastro enter- wider circle of family and friends the organisation and smooth run- ologist, from your podiatrist, from your urologist, and ultimately, from your God. ning of our services. who all have legitimate demands May there be peace this year between the Jews of Israel and the Arabs, and on my time. And occasionally I may there also be peace between the Jews of Israel, which sometimes seems For further information please call also like to sit in a chair and read much more diffi cult to achieve. a book! Godfrey Fischer on 01843 851164 L’Shana Tova! Cliff Cohen

8 17 campus security to make sure that community in all circumstances. Ask The Rabbi ous reasons: partly because it is not all incidents are investigated fully, In particular, CST also thanks the traditional and is seen as imitation and that Jewish students can have partners and families of all our per- Dr answers ques- of a gentile custom; partly because pride in their identity. sonnel, for supporting them in this tions fortnightly on www.reformjuda- it is considered akin to mutilating a important work. ism.org.uk, and we reproduce some corpse, which is forbidden in Jewish Streetwise of the more interesting for you here: Law; and partly because it involves CST asks that the community the destruction of one’s body and CST joined forces with Maccabi GB co-operate with our personnel I know Reform Judaism allows would therefore prevent the physical in 2005 to create Streetwise. We and that any incidents or security cremation - but why? resurrection of the dead with the com- work together with Jewish schools concerns are reported as soon ing of the Messiah. Reform considers The original method of disposing a and community organisations, as possible. In an emergency, that all of these objections are insuf- dead body in Jewish tradition was fi cient arguments to deny cremation enhancing the personal safety and call the Police immediately on that of burial. However, there was for those who so wish. personal development of young 999 and contact your local CST nothing distinctively Jewish about Jewish people to support their safe, offi ce on 020 8457 9999. this, and it merely refl ected a contem- The fact that cremation in the West physical, and emotional wellbeing. porary practice. Thus the patriarchs is a modern development is not Streetwise embraces all Jewish were buried above ground, as was necessarily grounds for automatic youth regardless of their religious, the custom then, in the family tomb of disqualifi cation, otherwise many political or social outlook and has Dear EverybodyY Machpelah (Genesis 23. 1-20). This other aspects of life today would be been warmly praised by education tradition later changed to burial below forbidden to Jews, from the car to the authorities. Look out for courses in David & I would like to thank you all ground, whilst another, much later aspirin. Instead, it has to be judged your area or phone us on 020 8457 for the warm welcome which you development, was that instead of the on its own merits. Mutilation does 2331 to book a course at your loca- gave us last Shabbat. We both felt body just being wrapped in a shroud, not occur in the sense of maliciously tion. www.streetwisegb.org that we’d known you all for a long it was put in a coffi n so as to conform destroying a body; on the contrary, while and the sincerity stood out with civil law. Cremation has been cremations are conducted with the Vote of Thanks a mile. I know that Betty was very the normal practice in certain parts of utmost solemnity and reverence. The proud of the Shul and its members. the world for several thousand years. opposition of Jewish tradition to the CST’s work would simply not be We hope to come and see you in It did occur in the land of Israel in burning of a body was based on the possible without our personnel, the not to distant future. biblical times, although only in special assumption that it was a disgrace. It the support of their families, and circumstances, as in the disposal did not envisage a situation where the partnership of our community. of the remains of King Saul, and in it was the specifi c wishes of the Throughout the year CST works David and Monty Ceen times of plague (I Samuel 31. 12-13; deceased. Few Jews today believe Amos 6. 10). in the physical resurrection of the alongside hundreds of communal Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex organisations and their many volun- dead, with most subscribing instead Today in Britain, cremation accounts teers.We sincerely thank them for July 2008 to a belief in an afterlife for the soul. for 70% of all funerals, and is also their continued supportand partner- Even if one does accept resurrection often chosen by Jews. Some people ship in our work. literally, it would be only logical that (Monty & David are Betty Gee’s prefer it because it means they need in miraculous times new life could not worry about the future upkeep of CST would also like to warmly twin brother and nephew, Ed) be given to ashes as much as to old their grave; or because it does not bones, many of which would have thank our network of over three use up land; or because it is less ex- crumbled to dust themselves. There thousand trained volunteer person- pensive; or because they personally is no reason, therefore, not to opt for nel across the UK who give their feel more comfortable with it. Ortho- cremation. At the same time, hon- precious time to protecting our dox Judaism opposes it for numer- ouring the last wishes of the person 16 9 concerned is an important obligation Judaism are about what we should Antisemitism warns us all of deep in itself. Moreover, the actual service and should not do – not about what problems and fears within society. at a cremation is exactly the same we should and should not believe. CST is dedicated to building part- as that at a funeral: all that differs is This was partly because once you nerships within, and beyond, the the location. Full mourning rites can defi ne God, you limit God. It was also Jewish community to help reduce occur too, be it reciting the kaddish or because humans cannot really under- antisemitism, prejudice, division holding a shivah. Of course, there are stand the whole being of God, just get and extremism. CST is working with many Jews who still prefer the idea partial glimpses. In addition, Judaism politicians and Police to educate of a burial - it is entirely a matter of was happy to assume the existence about antisemitism and the dan- personal preference. of God, but not go into minute details. Security issues are sadly a feature gers it poses. Crucially, the 2006 It was this gap that eventually led All-Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Moses Maimonides to try to defi ne of modern life, but this should not Antisemitism resulted in the Gov- Y the beliefs of Judaism in his Thirteen prevent us from living our lives as Principles of Faith – although it was we choose. This is why CST works ernment making an unprecedented throughout the year, ensuring that commitment to work with CST and Ask The Rabbi - Part 2 not until the 13th century that this happened! – and it was still fairly our community can openly enjoy other communal groups to combat A friend and I are having an ongo- general (it was then written in song its Jewish way of life with pride and antisemitic hatred. Police co- ing argument as to whether you form – the Friday night Yigdal). safety.Rosh Hashanah is a high operation with CST security teams can be a Jew but have doubts point in our Jewish calendar and is excellent and we look forward to about God ? If I stick to the Jewish Still, many people fi nd God a puzzling CST looks forward to being with our further co-operation and partnership laws and commandments even concept, because they question what community at this important time. in the coming year. though I am not sure what I believe sort of God would create a world in God, then am I still Jewish ? that is both wonderful and imperfect, Security Enhancement On Campus or because they have not felt any To my mind, the short answer is ‘yes’. sense of God in their own lives, or CST’s ongoing work takes place Unfortunately this year has seen a To go back a step : of course Judaism because they do believe in a divine at hundreds of communal build- continued increase in antisemitic is founded on a belief in God – God is being but doubt what religion says ings throughout the UK, including rhetoric and incidents on university about God. This applies in particular the third word in the Hebrew version schools, synagogues and com- and further education campuses of the Bible and is central to Judaism to many Jews, who are unsure about munity centres.Working in partner- across the UK. This has happened in two distinct roles – fi rst, as the the nature of God but still reckon that ship with local communities and in an atmosphere of increasing creative power that was responsible Judaism (with its sense of community, organisations, CST has installed a anti-Israel hatred that has left many for the world; second as a moral force morals, family structure, individual Jewish students, and their parents, whose notion of ethics has been responsibility) is worthwhile and range of physicalsecurity measures communicated to humanity through benefi cial. It can mean that they feel across our communal buildings. nervous about physical safety and a series of laws (such as the Ten services are irrelevant but still value These include the fi tting of shat- the preservation of basic Jewish Commandments). being part of the synagogue. This is terproof fi lm on windows. Further rights on campus. CST is commit- not being heretical or hypocritical - it’s enhancements will follow during the ted to ensuring that Jewish students However, Judaism is rather curious very Jewish! Ideally, a Jew takes God coming year. are free from political intimidation in the way that it has been careful very seriously – but there are different and that they are safe and secure not to defi ne God. The Bible tells us ways of doing that, which is why I Combating Antisemitism as they go about their daily life on, lots about humans and expectations have always liked the saying “To be a and around, campus.We will con- about us, but very little about the good Jew , you don’t have to believe All of society is threatened by the tinue working closely with the Union nature of God. It is noticeable, for in God – you just have to do what he escalation in recent years of an- of Jewish Students (UJS), local instance, that the 613 laws of says’ . tisemitic incidents and rhetoric. Police, university authorities and 10 15 European Day of Culture and Heritage

Once again this year, Thanet and District Reform Synagogue opened its doors for the European Day of Culture and Heritage. The many highlights of the day in this year’s theme of Jewish Music included

Y display boards of a historical timeline in the main room of the shul

Y a PowerPoint display created by Benjy Cohen of common Jewish religious songs and hymns Painter and Decorator Y two members of Thanet Concert Clarinets playing Klezmer music

Y our very own David Barnet playing music by Jewish songwriters Y our very own Jonathan Fischer with his A Capella ensemble For all your painting & decorating jobs Y and an essential part of heritage and culture, cakes and biscuits by two archetypal Jewish Mothers, Hazel Fischer and Helene Cohen Internal & External.

The day was a stupendous success, thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended, and even raised £25 for the Synagogue funds from the sale of said cakes, biscuits and beverages. Many thanks to everyone who helped to make the day so successful and enjoyable. Fast & reliable professional service.

Competitive prices.

Free quotes.

Phone: (01227 277592) Mobile: (07784 746861) Fax: (01227 282110)

Rabbi Cliff Cohen shows Ramsgate’s Lady Mayor Councillor Mrs Kay Dark and husband the Torah Scroll at the European Day of Culture and Heritage 14 11 Rabbi Sonny Herman and Mrs Herman, Sandra and Jonathan Newman Rabbi Cliff Cohen and Mrs Cohen and Miriam Bendon family, Chairman and Council, wish Denis and Jeanne Coberman everyone a happy and healthy New Year, Rebecca Senel, Hannah and Sarah and greetings from the following mem- bers and friends: Jacqui Rose Bill and Pat Price Barbara and Ian Smiler and Betty Gee Frances Gallacher and family Syb Stubbs Erwin and Esther David Joseph Erlick Esther Solomon Hazel, Godfrey & Jonathan Fischer and Rachel & Gordon Fox Muriel Gillis Lorna and Bob Taylor Diana, Anthony, Marcus and Edward da Costa Audrey Wythe, children and grandchildren Eleanor and Graham Miller, Toby, Reuben and Isaac Brian Abraham Tom and Rivka Dodds Zena Pettle Jon and Anne Leigh, Dan, Jen, Kira and Summer Simon Wolfe and Family Hilton, Dan Viv, Josh and Luke Leigh L’Shana Tovah! 12 13