View from the Chair – 6 feet away of course! In This Month’s Highlight nprecedented, unique, once in a Puppets at Purim...... 2 Ulifetime, these are all phrases I have The (postponed) AGM...... 2 said and heard again and again over the Improving the Shul Garden...... 2 last few weeks. Usually to me they are Cheder News...... 3 associated with something special or The Social Centre...... 3 something to look forward to. However, Adult Hebrew Class...... 3 unfortunately, this time it has not been the case with the virus Covid 19. The Passover Seders (poem)...... 3 AGM has been postponed, events put Passover Customs and Rituals...... 4 off to another date, services are to be Prayer for a Pandemic ...... 4 streamed, and Cheder is moving to Comms in a Time of Crisis...... 5 an online system. Yes unprecedented, South Community Support unique, once in a lifetime, but we as Jews have been faced with many Service...... 5 challenges and, once again, we will overcome them. Social and Personal...... 6 Most of you will be viewing this Highlight online and others who do not have internet access will still get their copy delivered RJ:TV...... 6 by a volunteer or posted if they are too far away. Within hours of Lehrhaus@ College...... 6 the decision that the doors of Shul must be closed, via the Knitters, Stitchers & Natterers...... 6 Cheder parents’ WhatsApp group there were over 20 volunteers Three Readings, lots of firsts...... 7 offering their time and services. If you are able to join this group of These Uncertain Times...... 7 volunteers please email me at [email protected] or phone Our Jewish Cemetery in South London.. 8 me 07956 234309, or if you would like to receive a call or need help with your shopping, or are just feeling a bit anxious or lonely or would Services...... 8 like a chat contact me. We are working closely with Pauline Jeffree The Book Group...... 8 and the Caring Community to ensure we have continuity with the Linking Past and Present at BRS...... 9 fantastic pastoral care that they offer, and that we are able to meet Advertisements...... 10 the needs of our community. We are very lucky that we already have the ability to stream BRS services and this is what we will be doing from now on. As I write this, our senior warden, Stephanie Alberti, is mustering the troops and, thanks to our tech wizard Kieron Hyams, all this will be in place, so we will continue with Saturday services as usual. It will be different, but through this channel we will once again be united “virtually” and, as we all know, prayer has no boundaries. If you have never used streaming before all you have to do is to go to YouTube search “Bromley Reform Synagogue” and subscribe to the channel or use the following address: https://www.youtube.com/c/BromleyReformSynagogue/live Although the Communal Seder has been cancelled for this year, I understand Vicki is trying to set up an online Seder for the children and families on the second night of Passover on Thursday, 9 April and Senior Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner is also inviting those who would like to join her and her family online at a Seder on the second night. Please look out for future e-lights containing details. continued on page 3 April 2020 - Pesach 5780 April 2020 - Pesach View from the Chair, cont. from page 1 Puppets at Purim The children at Cheder are getting an extra two weeks holiday but we are using this time and the school holidays to work with the Cheder Head Teacher, Danielle Woodward, and the new co-chair of the Education Committee, Vicki Ashmore (she is joining Barbara Kurtz), along with the teachers and helpers of the cheder to move teaching to an online system ready for when term starts again on Sunday, 19 April. So parents, teachers and helpers please help us by answering emails and phone calls from Danielle and Vicki and bear with us while we get this up and running. The whole world is in anguish during this difficult time, and while we talk of our community at BRS we must also think of our family and friends in the UK and around the world, and members of the global community, we are all The puppeteers take their bow at the end of the Cheder Purim puppet show on inextricably linked. Our tradition and values place community and mutual Sunday, 8 March responsibility high in the agenda of life. We must use this to take care of ourselves and others, particularly the elderly and vulnerable and those who find themselves lonely or without supplies. This is the Jewish spirit and, if we maintain it, it will take care of us. “A little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness” – Jewish Proverb Michelle Brooks Evans, [email protected]

The (postponed) AGM Readers will be aware that the synagogue AGM, scheduled for Tuesday, 17 March, has been postponed but our Chair had already written her Report to the AGM. It has now been uploaded to the synagogue website, where you can read it at: Improving the Shul Garden http://www.bromleyshul.org.uk/?p=13163 Have you seen how the garden at BRS has been improved? Matthew de Lange, in the While you are surfing online you role of Head Gardener, has worked tirelessly to remove unwanted plants (weeds) from may also care to read or download the steep sloping flower beds, clear ivy climbing over the fence and tidy up the space. the online Siddur if you do not On Sunday, 15 March the children from our Gan had the opportunity to help by sowing already possess a Siddur of your own: wild flower seeds. https://online.flippingbook.com/ view/408118/ While Matthew prepared the ground for the seeds, Alona met the Gan children. She had brought two packs of wild flower seeds and a small bucket with compost and sand. Children explained to the adults that seeds need water, soil and sunshine to grow. They took turns to mix the seeds with the contents of the bucket before going out to meet Matthew. After Matthew showed where to scatter the compost and seed mix, each child spread a scoopful of the mix onto the ground. The seeds were watered in. Hopefully, some of the plants will grow and flower this summer, adding colour to the garden. Chag sameach Pesach to all our readers Alona Sheridan

2 Copy date for May Highlight: Thursday, 16 April 2020 Cheder News - April 2020 Always wanted to read and ou will have seen the recent e-light and Tuesday, speak a bit of Hebrew? Yannouncement that Cheder has 28 July, RSY- Do you have some free time on been given an extra two weeks’ holiday. Netzer will your hands? With developments in the world be running Beginners/Improvers changing by the day, we do have plans Garinim (day Hebrew for Adults for the terms ahead, but please be aware camps) at 10-week online course of the potential for things to change at Bromley for short notice and keep an eye on your 5-10 year Sarit Chen is an expert in GCSE email and text messages for updates. olds. There Hebrew and teaches both biblical and modern Hebrew. We are planning on using the extra will be activities, such as drama, time off from teaching at Cheder to singing, cooking and science, plus She is currently Head Teacher of set up ‘virtual lessons’ and online crafts to suit younger kids and fun the Cheder at South London Liberal resources. If you haven’t already, I learning sessions. More information Synagogue and teaches our Adult suggest you look to familiarise yourself to follow. Hebrew course. with Skype and Zoom. After the school Obviously the events we have planned Hebrew 1: Hebrew for Beginners holidays, we plan to start Cheder for the summer are all dependent on the Thursday evenings ‘virtually’ on Sunday, 19 April, so current situation, but we will keep you from 26 March – 4 June parents please check your emails. updated. (excluding 9 April, second night of Passover) Here’s a reason to rejoice, as it That’s all for now. From 6-7 pm seems that kindness is just as infectious B’Shalom, Hebrew 2: Hebrew for Advanced as the virus! Many Cheder parents are Danielle, Cheder Headteacher volunteering their time to help needy Beginners/Improvers people in our community, who are self- Thursday evenings from 26 March – 4 June isolating, with their shopping or just Saying Thank You to Lizzie a friendly ’phone call. Huge thanks to (excluding 9 April, second night everyone who has volunteered and our of Passover) Chair, Michelle Brooks-Evans, for from 7.30–8.30 pm organising this. Cost: £100.00 Members 1. We celebrated Purim this year £130.00 Non-Members in style with a fantastic Megillah To join us, RSVP by emailing Vicki: puppet play, directed by our [email protected] own talented Vicki Ashmore and starring the equally talented Passover Seders students of Kittot Vav and Chet, Passover Seders are like the night sky: Vav teacher Simon Samuels and A moment of moments long past and music teacher Matt Sear. Everyone just gone; dressed up in their finest costumes Starlight years old next to planets nearby and we baked and ate copious Shining as though joined in one joyous amounts of delicious hamantaschen. song. Thank you so much to everyone Over our heads is a book of the ages who brought in matanot le’evyonim On Sunday, 15 March the Cheder held Vividly chanting the stories of old, (food for the needy) which was a special kiddush at the end of the Even as under our fingers are pages gratefully received by the Trussell morning to say thank you to security Resplendent with light come from Trust Food Bank in Greenwich. guard Lizzie, who works so hard to cauldrons now cold. 2. On Yom Ha’atzmaut on 26 keep everyone safe. Lizzie is seen here So may we gaze at the past in the present, April, we hope RSY-Netzer leader cutting the very special cake made for Each prayer a jewel in a darkness Ella Janner-Klausner will be her by teacher Janvier. undone, joining us virtually to do a ‘Cheder Destined to light on our eyes in a moment Takeover’. More details to follow. Embracing all slaves out from Egypt 3. Advance notice of summer The Social Centre as one. events: on Sunday 5 July, we Dianne Mathews writes: Rejoice, then, in this living graveyard are planning a Cheder trip to In view of the current situation with of light, the Jewish Museum in Camden. the Coronavirus the Social Centre is Singing the words, that they last one More details to follow, so please cancelled until further notice. We hope more night. keep an eye out for emails in the Copyright by Nicholas Gordon coming weeks. On Monday, 27 to meet again in the not too distant future. Source: "Poems for Free" website

Highlight, April 2020 - Nisan/Iyar 5780 3 Passover: Customs and Rituals - The Seder Prayer for a Pandemic he Seder is the the Sephardic May we who are merely inconvenienced Tcentrepiece of any tradition, reminds Remember those whose lives are at Passover experience. A us of the bricks stake. Seder is a festive meal and mortar made May we who have no risk factors that takes place on the by the Hebrew Remember those most vulnerable. first night (and in some slaves May we who have the luxury of families also on the • Greens, karpas, working from home second night) of the symbolises spring, Remember those who must choose holiday. Family and the time of year between preserving life or making their friends join together when Passover rent. to celebrate. The word takes place May we who have the flexibility to Seder literally means care for our children when their schools • Also place on the “order,” and the Passover Seder has close table: 15 separate steps in its traditional Remember those who have no options. order. These steps are laid out in • Three matzot (plural of matzah), May we who have to cancel our trips the Haggadah, the book used during on a plate with a cloth or napkin Remember those who have no safe the Seder. Many congregations hold cover place to go. a community Seder during at least • Salt water, a reminder of the tears May we who are losing our margin one night of Passover. There are shed by the Hebrew slaves money also synagogue services held on the • Cup of Elijah, Kos Eliyahu, In the tumult of the economic market first day of the holiday, and Yizkor symbolizes the hope for a Remember those who have no margin (remembrance) services held on the redemptive future at all. May we who settle in for a quarantine last day. Along with these traditional symbols, at home Ritual Objects Cup families may choose to include a Remember those who have no home. The Seder plate contains various of Miriam, Kos Miriam, a special As fear grips our country symbolic foods referred to in the Seder goblet filled with water, on the holiday Let us choose love. itself. The contents of a Seder plate table. This symbol honours Miriam, During this time when we cannot vary by tradition, but most of them the sister of Moses, who played a physically wrap our arms around each contain a shank bone, lettuce, an egg, vital role in the history of our people. other greens, a bitter herb and charoset, Many families and congregations add Let us find ways to be the loving a sweet mixture of fruits, nuts and an orange to the Seder plate, too, as embrace of God to our neighbours. spices. a symbol of inclusion of the LGBTQ Amen. These symbolic foods should be community and others who feel The above prayer was received on placed near the leader of the Seder. marginalised in Jewish life (not, as the Facebook from Rabbi Jason Holtz, who During the course of the Seder, they story has often been told, as a symbol wrote: “Author unknown, shared with me are pointed out and explained: of women in the rabbinate). by Gigi. Thanks Gigi!” On the Seder plate (use either a The Haggadah contains the text of And thanks, Rabbi Jason, now at Temple special one for this purpose or a the Seder. There are many different Kehillat Chaim - Roswell, GA regular dinner plate), include: haggadot: some concentrate on involving children in the Seder; others The dream • Shank bone, zeroa, symbolises Moshe was talking to his psychiatrist. the lamb that was sacrificed in concentrate on the sociological or social justice aspects of Passover; "I had a weird dream recently," he says. ancient days "I saw my mother but then I noticed she there are even historical haggadot and • Roasted egg, beitzah, represents had your face. I found this so worrying critical editions. the Passover offering of ancient that I immediately awoke and couldn't days, as well as the wholeness and The afikomen is half of the middle get back to sleep. I just stayed there continuing cycle of life matzah that is broken in the fourth thinking about it until 7am. I got up, step of the Seder, yachatz. It is made myself a slice of toast and some • Bitter herbs, maror (horseradish customary to hide the afikomen, and coffee and came straight here. Can you and/or romaine lettuce), a the person who finds it gets a prize. please help me explain the meaning of reminder of the bitter lives of the The afikomen is eaten last of all at the my dream?" Hebrew slaves Seder, during step 12, tzafun. The psychiatrist kept silent for some • Charoset, the mixture of apples, Editor's note: the above is an extract time, then said, "One slice of toast and nuts, sweet wine, cinnamon and from a much longer article which can coffee? Do you call that a breakfast?" sugar in the Ashkenazic fashion be found at https://reformjudaism.org/ Source: The Jewish jokes of or dates, nuts and sweet wine in passover-customs-and-rituals www.awordinyoureye.com

4 Copy date for May Highlight: Thursday, 16 April 2020 Comms in a Time of Crisis hings are moving so fast that this think I am right in saying that he has of our media or have ideas for new Twill be out of date before I finish only once missed sending it out in approaches, please contact me. As well writing it, so please keep watching out person during that whole time. That as ideas, we do need practical help, for the news flashes from our brilliant was due to illness and, even then, he especially with the website. Kieron Chair and Vice-Chair, who must have made sure it was ready for others to is a spectacular webmaster but he has been on quadruple espressos to keep complete, print and distribute. We did many other even more important jobs everything going as they have done; give him a present after 25 years but within BRS and outside, and it would be check the website (www.bromleyshul. it’s high time we thanked him again good to free him up to focus on them. org.uk) for updates; and read carefully for his contribution to BRS, which also Ronnie, too, sometimes needs a break, future e-lights. Rather than promoting includes photographing almost every so it will be helpful if somebody can act physical events, we plan to bring occasion going back to the 1960s, as occasional e-light editor to give him you links to virtual events, on-line especially B’nei Mitzvah, and producing a breather. And now Bob, after only 40 classes, skype meetings and so on. the annual luach (calendar), a very years, is starting to consider passing on My thanks to our indefatigable e-light fiddly job. Bob, we were hoping to his baton. Could you carry it forward? editor for trying to keep on top of make a formal presentation to you at the He’d be happy to let you shadow or job- this. You will see elsewhere that until AGM but, as that has been postponed, share so as to learn the ropes. further notice our services please, for now, accept an even bigger We know there’s a lot of talent out are to be “led” by individuals sitting vote of thanks than ever from all your there. Many of you have experience on their own but accessible through readers and contributors. I hope that we with the written and spoken word, the wonders of Skype + streaming will soon be able to gather together in editing, publishing etc. Please don’t at either https://www.youtube. person to salute you as you deserve. be shy if you think you can help with com/c/BromleyReformSynagogue Constant change any of the above. We won’t overload or https://www.youtube.com/c/ Although Bob and Ronnie do an you and will be thrilled if you have BromleyReformSynagogue/live, so do amazing job, we know that the way suggestions as to how we can be more log on at 10.30 on Saturday mornings people access information is constantly efficient and resilient. and keep them and each other company. changing, so we regularly review how Keep well. A fantastic team and when we let members know what Judi Sheffrin Thanks to the postponement of the is going on. If you can help with any ([email protected]) AGM, we were unable to hand out some much deserved literal and metaphorical bouquets. However, Our South London Community Support Service Can Michelle has agreed that I can do it Help You! here before the moment is lost. Comms has not had that much to do in the past The South London Community Support Service is jointly funded by year due to the fact that she is such a Jewish Care and Nightingale Hammerson to help you find the support keen communicator. Her speed and and care you or your family may need. Kieron’s thoroughness are a winning Jewish Care is the largest health and social care organisation serving the Jewish combination, whether contacting the community in London and the South East. Together with 1500 dedicated staff and entire community, special interest 3000 generous volunteers, we run over 70 centres and services, caring for more than groups or individuals, so may I thank 7000 people every week. them for lightening our load. However, Nightingale House is one of the largest care homes in Europe. It is a leading provider I did praise my amazing team and of residential, nursing and dementia care to older members of the Jewish community. mentioned particularly Ronnie The Clapham home has a 170-year-old history and is renowned for its excellent Goldberg, who has sent out e-light and facilities, dedicated staff and high quality care: www.nightingalehammerson.org.uk e-light extra almost every week despite having had a very difficult year himself. We can help you: Call us directly or ask a relative or friend to do so. We take referrals from local GPs or So a big hand, please, for Ronnie! health or social care professionals. Our team comprises qualified community support 40 years of Bob practitioners and experienced and knowledgeable volunteers who can help you. Every year I mention Bob Symonds’ Call us now via Jewish Care Direct helpline: 020 8922 2222, please quote Stephen dedication; attention to detail; Ison to filter your call to our South London Community Support Service. For more determination to meet every deadline, information visit www.jewishcare.org however inconvenient; timely, helpful and courteous reminders; and Further information can be found at www.southlondonjewishservices.org.uk, a consistently high standards but this website in partnership with Jewish Care and Nightingale Hammerson which provides year I must give him more than just a information on local Jewish facilities, events and services. mention. In March he completed 40 years – forty! – as Highlight editor. I

Highlight, April 2020 - Nisan/Iyar 5780 5 Social and Personal RJ:TV – a Message from The Covid Virus Pandemic A message from the Caring RJ:TV is our interactive broadcasting Community platform for these challenging times. From Monday we will provide a range Dear Synagogue Members, of interactive programming that you Undoubtedly these present times, with are invited to join – from daily prayer regard to the risk posed by the virus which services and adult learning sessions to is sweeping the world, are very worrying fun for all ages and casual catch-ups. and frightening. Whilst physical events and activities at The Caring Community and others will our synagogues have been postponed, we be keeping in regular touch by telephone, can still come together virtually to share e-mail, text or slow mail to make sure each in learning and meaningful interaction. and every one is well and has all they need. Find the latest RJ:TV listings at https:// Please do not hesitate to contact me, www.reformjudaism.org.uk/rjtv-online- Pauline, Chair of Caring Community, community-from-reform-judaism/ either by leaving a message at the RSY-Netzer are temporarily re branding Synagogue office 020 8460 5460 or to 'Remote Synagogues Youth' and will telephoning 07745 740114. Any message also be broadcasting interactive activities you leave will be followed up. for children from Monday. Register Founder member Hilda Lask, who celebrated her 90th birthday on 17 March. Pauline Jeffree for this virtual RSY-Netzer experience at https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/ Sadly, the festive kiddush to celebrate [email protected]. rsy-netzer-remote-synagogue-youth/ the happy occasion had to be postponed and you will receive links to participate because of the coronavirus pandemic, CAREER SUCCESS along with weekly schedules. but we hope it will be held in the not too A hearty mazal tov to Justin Golberg Good wishes from everyone at Remote distant future. who, we learn, has been promoted to Synagogues Youth & RJ:TV Please turn to page 10 of this Highlight Group Director, Government Solutions for Judi Sheffrin's appreciation of Hilda's P.S. Everything can be joined on the - Defence & Security at Jacobs UK contribution to BRS over 56 years. Limited. telephone so please do share this with those isolating friends and congregants WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER who may not be as confident online. Dr. Eileen Fry of Blackheath. Knitters, Stitchers and Natterers Pauline writes: LEHRHAUS @ The scheduled Bromley Knitting, Stitching Home of Adult Jewish Learning and Nattering meetings are cancelled because of the current health risk. Spring 2020 On-Line Courses (more still to come) I have been in touch with King’s College Duration & Dates Course & Teacher Hospital and the staff of the Intensive Refer to the LBC website Modern Hebrew Ulpanim: Beginners Neonatal Unit and we continue knitting and Intermediates and sewing as usual please! Liat Aharonovich The Tea Parties held at my home are also 4 weeks Levinas and Us: Ethics, Politics, cancelled until future notice. 4 - 25 May Religion and Art Pauline Jeffree, 020 8650 4860 Dr Jakub Kowalewski 4 weeks Wandering Jews 29 April - 20 May Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen 4 weeks The Warsaw and Lodz Ghettos: 6-27 May Archivists and Photographers as Witnesses and Recorders Rabbi Dr Frank Dabba Smith 4 weeks The Origins of Jewish Mysticism 14 May - 4 June Dr Alinda Damsma For all information about the courses, enrolment and payment: Chag sameach Pesach visit us - www.lbc.ac.uk email us - [email protected] (Happy Passover) call us - 020 8349 5600 to all our readers

6 Copy date for May Highlight: Thursday, 16 April 2020 Three readings, lots of firsts These Uncertain Times and no congregants The following message has been received from Reform Judaism ur first virtual Shabbat service was on 18 March 2020 O21 March, when Matthew and I had Dear Members, https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/ the interesting challenge of trying to cover Our faith and our communities are covid-19-information/ several unique circumstances in one go. It part of our lives to bring us joy, but Pesach, the celebration of our was our first service with no congregant more importantly, equip us for times freedom, is also on the horizon and the whatsoever visible to the leaders; we were of difficulty. The ongoing coronavirus current guidance on gatherings may making up for the fact that it was the day situation is concerning, but while many prevent your usual celebrations from on which the whole community had been elements of daily life are shutting down, taking place. Many communities will be due to meet one of our rabbinic candidates our Jewish values will ramp up. Whilst running an online second night Seder for while also celebrating the 90th birthday we are having to distance ourselves all of their members to give everyone of Hilda Lask; there were three scrolls to physically, our communities can come the opportunity to join with others at read between the two of us; and we had closer together than ever before. We this special time of the year. If your inadequate experience of the new sound are here to do all we can to support community is not running their own system. Plus, of course, we were only too our members and communities to not online, you are invited to join Senior aware of the reason for all these "firsts", only get by, but thrive to the best of Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner virtually the virus that was keeping congregants our ability no matter what the current for second night Seder - please email at home, and we wanted to reflect the situation brings. [email protected] to register and for more anxiety that that was engendering while The physical doors of the synagogue information. also exuding the joy of Shabbat. Going may be closed, but our communities are At the Pesach Seder, we read that, by the amazing response on email and open. We are meeting with communities in every generation, our community WhatsApp, it seems that we managed most on a weekly basis to do all we can to has faced challenges, but our tradition of that. We had literally too many delightful offer our help as we all adapt to the and our community have enabled us to messages to answer each separately - thank current situation. overcome them. That remains true today you all - but I was thrilled to see the words On the Reform Judaism website, - our values as Reform Jews are as vital "meaningful" and "inclusive" in a number you can access our Covid-19 advice and now as ever. We must recall the ultimate of them, as that is what we were aiming resources page, which will be updated value of life and ensure we do our bit to for, not to mention three or four spellings regularly with the latest information suppress the spread of this illness to save she'koach of . IS there a right way? and a wide range of opportunities lives. Then we must see the vulnerable to engage in Jewish life during this Now Wash Your Hands in our communities and do all we can Before I get to the point, I forgot to mention time. Our Reform Judaism siddur and to help them. There seems to be a lot while holding up the hand-washing haggadah will shortly be available online needed today to complete the vision diagram that, if you are getting fed up with and many communities are streaming of tikkun olam - repairing our world. singing Happy Birthday, God Save the services which all are welcome to join Together, we can make a crucial start. Queen or your favourite nursery rhyme, try virtually. Our Youth Department and RSY-Netzer, our youth movement, will May we soon see an end to these "Baruch Atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech uncertain times, Ha'Olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav also be making activities and resources Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, v'tzivanu al netilat yadayim", the blessing available for our children. All of this can Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism for hand-washing (see the diagram at foot be accessed through the dedicated page of col. 3). I also got muddled about the date on the Reform Judaism website: Rabbi Fabian Sborovsky, Chair, of the new moon - been indoors so long Assembly of Reform Rabbis & Cantors I have lost track - it is/was on 26 March. Everything is new and experimental, This was our first virtual Shabbat so your input and feedback are vital service. We are delighted that so many of and very welcome. Services can be you tuned in. For the foreseeable future, found at https://www.youtube.com/c/ all our services, like all our classes and BromleyReformSynagogue and, in case other activities, will be online only, but you don't have your own book, the very from now on they will be led from people's accessible on-line RJ siddur is at https:// homes rather than the synagogue building online.flippingbook.com/view/408118/ so that as many people as possible have an opportunity to participate. Finally, massive thanks again to our Help us make things even better wizard webmaster Kieron, who has gone If you have any comments or suggestions well above and beyond his duties to make - things you would like to see included or all our online events possible in such a short left out, ideas about how to make them more time and who has put up with my technical inclusive, whatever - please send them incompetence with such fortitude. to the Board or to our Senior Warden, Judi Sheffrin, Stephanie ([email protected]). 07968 324981

Highlight, April 2020 - Nisan/Iyar 5780 7 Our Jewish Cemetery in April 2020 – Nisan/Iyar 5780 South London SERVICES - Dear Members, Shabbat morning services will be continued in an We wrote to you a few weeks ago online/streamed format only, beginning at 10.30 am. about setting up a Jewish cemetery Please subscribe to BRS’ YouTube channel (https://www. in Kemnal Park, a cemetery local youtube.com/c/BromleyReformSynagogue/live) for further to our community. So much has information. Do not come to Highland Road. happened since then and we did not have the opportunity to explain to the Saturday 4 April Hagadol (Tsav - 10 Nisan) membership at the AGM how this Leviticus 7:22 scheme would operate and the extra Malachi 3: 4-24 costs involved. Wednesday 8 April Erev Pesach - First Seder Night We want to stress that this project is adding another option for our members Thursday 9 April First Day of Pesach - – burial at either of the Cheshunt Festival service at 10.30 am cemeteries or cremation is still available Exodus 12: 37-51; Deut: 8: 10-18 and all reserved plots will be honoured. Ezekiel 37: 1-14 However, a number of our members have said that they would very much Saturday 11 April Chol Ha-moed Pesach like the option of being buried locally (Ki Tisa - 17 Nisan) according to the Jewish tradition and Exodus 13: 3-10; Deut: 10: 12-19 Kemnal Park would fulfil that need. Song of Songs 2: 1-17 Kemnal Park have offered a or Jeremiah: 45: 13-28 dedicated enclosed area large enough for 50 plots, with a surrounding hedge, Wednesday 15 April Seventh Day of Pesach gate and shingle path to be maintained Exodus: 14:30-15:18; Deut: 4: 32-39 by them. They have priced the first 2 Samuel: 22:1-7, 17-31 20 double-depth plots at £3,700 each. Saturday 18 April Shemini (24 Nisan) Members can have the option of paying Leviticus 10: 1-15 up front to lock into the price or their estate can pay at the time of death. 2 Samuel 6: 1-12 There would be no further costs for Tuesday 21 April Yom Hashoah service led by John a second interment in the same plot. 7 pm Posner and Marilyn Freeman Undertakers’ costs, digging fees etc. and all arrangements for burial would be Saturday 25 April Atzmaut (Tazria-Metzora) handled by the shul and the JJBS, as is Rosh Chodesh Iyar the case with a Cheshunt burial. Leviticus 13: 47-59 to 14: 1-20 You may be interested to know that Genesis 1: 14-19; Deut: 11: 8-12 if you choose to be buried in the general 2 Kings 7: 3-20 area at Kemnal Park the costs would be more than doubled and you would be looking at something in the region The Book Group of £8,000 for the first interment and, of Members of the book group are busy course, you would need to handle all the reading Aron Lansky’s book “Outwitting arrangements. History”, on how he rescued a million If you are interested in considering books, saved a vanishing civilisation and this option, whether you pay up front established the National Yiddish Book or would prefer to wait for your estate Centre in New York. to pay, we would appreciate your Instead of gathering in the Shul library contacting us. There is no obligation if to discuss it on Thursday 14 May at you register your interest. 7.45 p.m. the discussion will take place Please contact either via Zoom. Please email Judy Woolfe to Janet Posner: [email protected] add your name to her list. . 07841 373309 or Details: Judy Woolfe: Adrian Jackson: Batman led the festival service on [email protected] [email protected] Erev Purim or 07989 091066 / 020 8464 8909. 07877 577737

8 Copy date for May Highlight: Thursday, 16 April 2020 Linking past and present at BRS via Parashat Vayakhel and a special matriarch One of the many casualties of the move “… the one singled out by the Lord Zelda, some of which surely applies to self-isolation and social distancing has skill, ability and knowledge. Rashi today: “Everyone has a name given was the eagerly anticipated Kiddush on defines “skill” as what a person learns to him by his stature; and the way he 21 March to celebrate the 90th birthday from others; “ability” as the result of smiles; and given to him by his clothing of Hilda Lask, which had taken place a one’s own insight and experience and ... given to him by the stars; and given few days earlier, so when I found that I “knowledge” as divine inspiration, ideas to him by his neighbours. Everyone has was “leading” the service that day I took that suddenly come to a person from an a name given to him by his love … and the opportunity to reflect on her role at unknown source.” given to him by his work.” BRS. This is entirely a personal view. I Dedication hope the shul as a whole will have the By a wonderful coincidence we read Hard work and humour opportunity to salute Hilda very soon. this portion in the week of the 90th So what is in a name? For the first hen my sisters and I joined the birthday of one of those BRS matriarchs nine years of my life, Hilda meant only Wthriving Bromley cheder one who dedicated her willing heart, her one thing to me: she was my mother. cold November morning in 1965 we skill and her hard work to this shul all The only other people I’d heard of by had no sense of time. The shul had those years ago and whose children that name were Corrie’s Hilda Ogden been running for only a year but so far and grandchildren continue that family and the Lancashire character actress as we were concerned it might as well tradition in so many amazingly varied Hylda Baker, best known for playing have been there forever. And the reason ways. I’d love to embarrass every Lask malapropism-fuelled gossips. Then I the cheder and the shul seemed so and Mittelman by enumerating their met Hilda Lask. At first glimpse she established after such a short time was skills, kindnesses and contributions to could not be more different from those the dedication of its founders. Among BRS and the wider world but that would last two: elegant, beautifully spoken, our “patriarchs”, who brought the shul take another 55 years. into being by a combination of their educated, discreet. But think about it: Tradition intellect and the work of their own hands she has a great sense of humour; is More to the point, it would be to ignore was Ivor Lask, a keen and talented tenacious in looking out for those she the work of our remarkable current amateur builder, who was part of the loves; generous to anyone in need; a generation of leaders and members, team of lay members that converted men and women, who are not only ferociously hard worker both in her own our present building. He later became, sustaining the Bromley self-help ethos home and anywhere else she puts her among other things, Hon Secretary and so strongly implanted by our founding mind to it; a great cook; and a famously Editor, so there was no question about generation but expanding it, never loyal, steadfast and dedicated friend his intellectual ability either. If you are more demonstrably than in this testing to many around the globe. I am one of familiar with the portion Vayakhel, you time. As our extraordinary Vice- them and I thank her for showering me might see where this is going …. Chair Kieron -- whom I am happy to with love and generosity for more than Bromley’s strong women embarrass any time and who embodies 54 years. For most of that time, Ivor, And the BRS “matriarchs”? Then, as that combination of physical ability and with his skills, ability, knowledge and now, our leadership included a huge intellect called for in Vayakhel – posted cohort of strong, competent women. Just humour was by her side. His absence is within days of the announcement of the tangible today. like the Children of Israel in Vayakhel, first restrictions: “We have been touched our founding members were called upon by the overwhelming generosity of a Mazal tov, Hilda to bring their valuables – the 1960s volunteer list that has already ballooned On top of the coincidence of this portion equivalents of gemstones, precious beyond expectation.” and Hilda’s special birthday, on 21 metals, animal hair and skins to spin and What’s in a name? March we were due to welcome Rabbi dye, acacia wood etc – or their skills Schell, a potential leader for BRS as it or both. Verses 21 to 26 tell us, “And Verse 30 states that B’tzalel was singled continues to evolve in its second half they came, every one whom his spirit out by name. Prompted by this verse, the century. How utterly appropriate that made willing … men and women … and Midrash speculates on the importance of brought [all those valuables] … and all having a good reputation, a good name. Hilda, who was there at the inception the women whose hearts stirred them up “A person’s first “name”, we are told, is and birth of the community, who in wisdom spun the goats’ hair …. based on the reputation of his parents brought to it her gold and acacia wood and family. But one can go only so far and spun for it her goats hair, who Skill, ability and knowledge based on inherited merit. A person then The commentary to verse 25 adds, nurtured it and has seen it grow and acquires a second “name” based on his “Throughout our history, Jewish women change over the years, should be among or her communal activity. However, have contributed to ‘Hiddur Mitzvah’, those standing ready to welcome him there is a danger that that can be the the practice of giving the mitzvot an and find out how and where he might result of superficial factors. Therefore, aesthetically pleasing context in their ultimately, it is only our living a good lead us. She is a mensch and it is a homes and synagogues through the life that establishes our name.” That privilege to know her. skilled and creative work of their teaching is reflected in the poem by Judi Sheffrin, written 16/3/2020 hands,” while that for verse 31 explains

Highlight, April 2020 - Nisan/Iyar 5780 9 A constituent of Reform Judaism – www.reformjudaism.org.uk

CARDS FOR ALL SEASONS

BACK PAIN? We offer effective treatment for back and neck problems, sciatica, sports injuries and much more. Andreas Jochim DO MSc Charlotte Parker M.Ost Ernesto De La Cruz Seasonal cards, greetings for most occasions and Valdes B.Ost many with no message. 12 Station Approach Hayes To pre-order a particular card/quantity please Bromley BR2 7EH contact: [email protected] 020 8650 0509 www.strawberryhouseclinic.co.uk

Always wanted to write? A novel? A blog? Your memoirs? COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

A gift for a loved one? ALSO A I can help! I am a writer COMMERCIAL DRONE PILOT and professional editor, BAR/BAT MITZVAH trained in facilitation and LAND helping people bring their SURVEYING FAMILY ideas to life! PROPERTY BIRTHDAY ROOF INSPECTION

EVENTS LARGE PROPERTY ESTATE CELEBRATIONS VIDEO & PHOTO Contact me, Amelia Kyazze, on [email protected] 07721-649901 [email protected] “ENGAGING PHOTOGRAPHY , ENDLESS MEMORIES”

Registered Charity No. 1098431. Bromley & District Reform Synagogue Ltd. is a Company limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales. Company Registration number 4583645.