What does Kashrut mean to you? Something my grandmother did, but meaningless to me personally An important part of being Jewish No pork Separation of milk and meat No shellfish Animals should be slaughtered without stunning I keep it at home, but not when I eat out...... What does the Bible say about it? What do the Rabbis of the Talmud say about it? Express your views and listen to those of others. Maybe even change your views?! Ivor and Hilda Lask (second and third left) celebrated their diamond I hope to see you on Thursday, 12 wedding with a festive kiddush after the Shabbat morning service on March for a sicha (discussion), start- 28 December. Here they are photographed with their children Laura ing with a cup of tea/coffee at 7.30 pm, and Hugh, son-in-law and daughter-in law Michael and Shane, and finishing no later than 9.30 pm. granddaughters Emma and Molly. John Posner [email protected]

The Beatles of Shushan In This Month’s Highlight Live performance View from the Chair...... 3 There is no Haman ...... 3 at Cheder News...... 4 Sunday, 8 March Social Centre News...... 4 SE10 and Beyond...... 4 Refreshments at 10 am CCJ...... 4 seating at 10:30 am Remembering Lila and Shoshana...... 5 Statement from Rabbi Laura Help wanted! Auditions open to all adults and Janner-Klausner...... 5 children, regardless of experience or ability Talmud Study Classes...... 5 Civic Service Sermon...... 6 level, to join the Fab Four Social and Personal...... 7 Knit and Natter...... 7 Traditional Megillah Connections Rio 2015...... 8 Reading, with Fancy Dress Recipe for Hamantaschen...... 8 Services...... 9 parade and Hamantaschen, Riding4Reform...... 9 on Erev Purim, Bet Debora...... 9 Dates for Your Diary...... 10 Wednesday, 4 March Synagogue Contacts...... 11 7.30 pm. Advertisements...... 12 March 2015 – Purim 5775 BROMLEY REFORM SYNAGOGUE A constituent of the Movement for 28, Highland Road, BROMLEY, Kent, BR1 4AD Telephone: 020 8460 5460 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bromleyshul.org.uk (Office - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) Minister: Rabbi Jason Holtz 07454 021 892 Synagogue Administrator: Mrs Janet Burlem

HONORARY OFFICERS President: David Barnett Vice-Presidents: Desirée Barnett Zena Goodman Sally Rosebery Norman Goldberg Ivor Lask, MBE Bob Symonds Ronnie Goldberg Dianne Mathews David Zerihan Executive Offcers Chairman: Joanna Koenigsberg 020 8309 1061 [email protected] Vice-Chairmen: Toby Allin 01892 528053 [email protected] Matthew de Lange 020 8858 6206 [email protected] Secretary: Lesley Freeman 01689 818731 [email protected] Treasurer: Sandra Hurley 07770 661 898 [email protected] Senior Warden: Larry Shall 01732 873361 [email protected]

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (in the event of a bereavement) Contact Mrs Janet Posner: 020 8650 7521 (Mobile: 07841 373 309) or Stephen Weil: 020 8299 4141 (Mobile: 07764 475209)

Editor: Bob Symonds: 020 8402 2197; [email protected] Opinions expressed in “Highlight” are not necessarily the official policy of the Synagogue

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Copy date for April Highlight: Sunday 15 March 2 We’re a little famous – View from the Chair ’ve discov- year it takes place on Tuesday 17 March were in the Cheder, I remember the Iered we’re a at 8:00 pm. frantic fruit chopping for the customary little famous: It just so happens that this year a Seder which celebrated the birthday of when we had our sizeable group of Board members have the trees. This year Vicki and the Rabbi Civic Service on decided to step down for a variety of (assisted by many others) orchestrated a 24 January, the reasons, so a new group have stepped child- and family-friendly service, which Bromley MP Bob forward to become Board members – but involved many of the Cheder children. Neill came and they need to be elected to serve. The There was lots of music, involving the later wrote about voting is the duty of each synagogue congregation in singing. it on his website. member – please come to the meeting to I enjoyed it, as it was so lovely to He seems to have enjoyed himself and to hear about what’s been happening over hear the confident Hebrew and presenta- appreciate the fact that we are outward the past year, to thank past members for tion styles of our Cheder children. The looking and try to reach out to the whole all their hard work, and to elect the new songs were cheerful and uplifting, and Bromley community. He posted the ones. the chopped fruit still featured, as the group picture of all the dignitaries. I I enjoy it when the shul tries some- Kiddush! Each year I try and remember think my eyes are closed in the picture, thing new. In Fiddler on the Roof, great the different classifications of the fruit but everyone else looks lovely! importance is placed on “tradition!”, (edible outside not inside/edible inside Being a Board member means attending but there’s room within that tradition to not outside) and every year I forget! meetings throughout the year, and listening explore new ways of doing things. The Please remember to attend the AGM! I to many details about the running of your complete unrolling of a Torah scroll at look forward to seeing you there. shul. Being a shul member, there is only Simchat Torah is one such innovation Joanna Koenigsberg, Chairman one big meeting you need to remember to and this year we did something differ- [email protected] attend – the Annual General Meeting. This ent for Tu B’Shvat. When my children

There is no Haman, but there are plenty of Mordecais and Esthers 2014 was not an easy year for Jewish faced was because Haman was in power incident and it was communities across Europe and, after and no one, save the Jews, seemed to not fatal. That is the murders in Paris and Copenhagen, care that he was bent on genocide. Only serious, but with sta- 2015 is not off to a good start. Here in when Esther, whose very name means tistics like that, I still the United Kingdom, the Community “hidden,” reveals not only her identity, worry more about Security Trust recorded over 1,100 anti- but the fact that she cares, does the getting hit by a car Semitic incidents. This is twice as many danger begin to pass. There are many, in a traffic accident. as 2013. It’s a frightening trend. Some many things that are different between I do not mean to people are going so far as to wonder now and Esther’s time. For one, we minimise everything that has happened, what the future of Jewish life in Europe have no Haman. Haman is not the vil- just the opposite. Much of what helps me is going to look like. We also have to lain because he dislikes Jews. He is the to be reassured is that others, particularly remember that this isn’t just political villain because he had the power to act government leaders, do not minimise it talk or something that affects a com- on his anti-Semitism. There is no one in either. And, oddly enough, that is why I munity in abstract ways. Real people are Europe with that much power that has still feel perfectly comfortable and safe affected. For some families that have an anti-Semitic agenda. Sure, there are living in London. We will and we should been touched by violence, things will some politicians — too many — who take precautions, but those precautions never be the same. People are under- harbour anti-Semitic views. Yet these must enable us to live and not stop us standably concerned about this rise in politicians are very small in number and from living as we should. Life not only anti-Semitism. I am concerned also. But have little, if any, real power. Rather, can go on, but it must. Jewish life is too I am not panicking. our government leaders are not only important. This month we celebrate Purim. As not Haman, they are a lot less like King Rabbi Jason Holtz much as it is a holiday where we do Ahasuerus, who is largely indiffer- [email protected] our best not to take anything seri- ent, and more like Mordecai or Esther, ously, there is actually a serious mes- people who care and are doing some- Torah Text Study Group sage behind it. In the Biblical Book of thing. This is true even in France, which This very popular Monday evening study Esther, the Jewish people face the worst is perhaps struggling more than any group, led by John Posner, will meet on possible fate from Haman. Only Queen European nation with anti-Semitism. 9 and 23 March. Esther, placed in a position close to the In the United Kingdom, 2014 was the It runs from 7.30 to king, perhaps by chance or perhaps by worst year on record (going back several 9.30 pm and there is Providence, was able to influence the decades). Yet having said that, there was no obligation to attend outcome. The great danger that the Jews only one extremely violent anti-Semitic every session - just drop in when you can.

Highlight, March 2015 - Adar/Nisan 5775 3 Cheder News Social Centre News Hello Cheder Parents, Gan Parents, and ednesday, 28 January was a very anyone else who is interested in what Wcold and windy day, but there was BRS is doing with the littlest members a warm welcome for everyone at the of our community! Here’s what’s hap- Social Centre. pening in Cheder: Our guests were two charming 1) We had a little experiment with Japanese ladies who had visited us moving our Cheder day to Saturday before. Previously, they had taught us in honour of Tu Bishvat! Formal origami and, this time, they showed Cheder was replaced by a Children’s us how to make sushi rolls, using rice, Service, and I hope you’ll agree that The Cheder Tu b’Shvat Tree in the smoked salmon and asparagus. They our children did a wonderful job lead- synagogue foyer - Everyone was invited looked so attractive when completed ing us through the Shabbat service to take a recycled paper leaf and write on (and tasted delicious). and tying it in to Tikkun Olam - look- it how we can help the trees or how the Jean Wallis is moving to live with ing after the world around us. It was trees help us, before attaching it to one of her daughter in North London. We all so lovely seeing all the members, the tree’s branches. wished her good luck and expressed the young and old, in the same room at 5) Family Services are continuing, hope that we might soon see her again. the same time. In fact, it was so suc- with one planned every other month. cessful that we may try to repeat the We look forward to seeing everyone at These are Rabbi-led family-friendly experience next term, so watch this our future meetings. services (not to be confused with space! Valerie Cohen Children’s Services, which are led by 2) Emma Mittelman came to talk to us the children). They’re shorter and the Social Centre Diary Dates about a charity that she and her friend music is a bit bouncier than regular Wednesday, 11 March are setting up called Summer Hype - services, so why not give one a try? Talk by Stephen Ison of Jewish Care a camp for children in Hackney who 6) And last, but not least, we are plan- might not otherwise have opportuni- Wednesday, 25 March ning a mandatory Security Meeting ties like these. Emma is one of our Exercises, Socialising and Lunch; for the parents, where we will discuss former students and helpers. It really also Hi Kent hearing aid clinic, 10.30 our current security arrangements and is wonderful to see our children to 12 noon our plans for carrying them forward. grow up and become such productive This meeting is very important and members of society, living a life of SE10 and Beyond will be mandatory for parents of charity and chesed - kindness. We Michelle Brooks-Evans writes: children in Cheder, so please look out are looking forward to supporting her for flyers and/or emails from Tamir All are welcome to any or all of the by using our Tzedaka money col- Hargittai, our head of security. future planned dates: lected this term for Summer Hype. Monday, 9 March, 7.30 pm at Barbara’s Well done Emma! That’s all for now … With best wishes for a happy and healthy March, in Blackheath - Jewish Artists 3) By the time you read this, rehearsals Friday, 10 April, 7.30 pm at Michelle’s for our Purim Shpiel will be under Vicki, [email protected] in Greenwich - Passover way. We are so looking forward to seeing how the Beatles conquer Council of Christians and Jews Tuesday, 19 May, 7.30 pm at Maxine’s Shushan as part of our Purim celebra- South East London Branch in Lee - topic to be decided tions at Cheder, so let’s hope we Tuesday, 3 March at 8.00 pm We had a great evening at the beginning have a great turnout and a day full of Refreshments from 7.45 pm of February at Sue Blackie’s house, hamantaschen. at Catford and Bromley where twelve of us gathered around a 4) Plans are also under way for our Synagogue, Crantock Road, SE6 giant map of the world to discuss where we came from. It was a lively discussion next Cheder Seder, which will take Sacred Music: how Christians place on the last day of Cheder this with fabulous food, too. and Jews use music to create term - 22 March. This is a proper If you are interested just drop me a line: joint child and parent seder, and will sanctity [email protected] be the only children’s seder the shul Our discussions will be led by will offer this year. We absolutely Rev’d Dr Rebecca Lloyd, Curate, Advance Notice need help from parents for this event St Stephen’s, South Dulwich A Jewish Kent Yom Ha’atzmaut event is to take place, so please contact our The Rev David Rome, Cantor and being planned for joint heads of Horaay Cheder, Dani Leader of Catford Synagogue Sunday 19 April, 2.00 pm at Chatham and Michelle, to see how you can Memorial Synagogue, followed by tea. help. You can contact them by email: For further details, please contact Yom Ha’atzmaut Today Dani at [email protected] or Stephen Weil on 020 8693 2051; What it means Michelle at [email protected]. E: [email protected] Where Israel is going? ... co.uk Speakers to be confirmed.

Copy date for April Highlight: Sunday 15 March 4 Remembering Lila Remembering Shoshana Statement from Rabbi Laura … One of the efore there was a State of Israel, Janner-Klausner following places where Lila BShoshana was born in Jerusalem the attacks in Copenhagen liked to spend her on 30 June 1930 to Yitzchak and Dina he news from Copenhagen this time was working Dassa. Dina was actually the very first Tweekend is deeply saddening. at a charity shop female police officer in British Mandate We stand in solidarity with the to benefit Save the Palestine… Jewish communities of Denmark at Children. Oddly Shoshana loved cities and her great- this time, sending prayers of comfort, enough, that is est pasttime was shopping, even if she strength and consolation. where she was didn’t buy anything. She loved going up discovered as a television talent. She was to the West End, to Oxford Street and As with the attacks in Paris, our featured in a segment on Mary Queen of Regent Street. She really enjoyed spend- response must be to continue to Shops. Because her personality was so ing a day out in central London, and live our Jewish lives with pride well received on-air, she went on to film sometimes would go up twice a week. and dedication. No one should ever several segments and even went on other She was a woman full of energy, always gather in places of worship in fear or fashion shows as well. In fact, she was running around. Her sons suggested to working up until only about three years feel that their continued participation me that perhaps she was always running in the life of their country has no ago. around because she never had a car. She future. Lila loved crossword puzzles and had had countless lessons, even took the test, a very unique talent. She could recite the but as soon as she did, she never drove In particular, the tragic death of Dan entire alphabet backwards at lightning again. Still, she moved at 500 mph… Ozen, a volunteer security guard, speed. She loved the opera and had seen Shoshana was an independent reminds me of the important work all of the great stars. Her favourite actor woman. She was a leader. She was done by such volunteers in our was Sir Laurence Olivier and her first very supportive, very caring and very communities. I thank them for their son was named after him. Lila was an opinionated. In many ways she was the dedication and for looking after us. entertainer. She was a lovely cook and epitome of a native born Israeli, a true made an especially great pie. Sunday sabra, a cactus — strong on the outside, lunches were fantastic. and very sweet on the inside. More than Lila had a very outgoing and bubbly anything, Shoshana was a woman who Talmud Study Classes personality. She had a great sense of loved her family. She was an excel- Rabbi Jason Holtz, instructor humour and was quick with the jokes. lent mother and very supportive of her he Talmud is the foundational The thing with her jokes was that, while children… literature of Rabbinic Judaism. Lila appeared innocent, she would lean Towards the end, Shoshana some- FullT of legend and law, its teachings over and then whisper something shock- times found life painful and difficult. ing and a bit risqué in your ear. Lila When she suffered, those who saw her have guided Jews for thousands was a generous person, always giving and loved her suffered too. Despite that, of years, and it is still hugely presents. though, she was blessed with the pres- influential. No prior knowledge is Lila was proud to be Jewish and was ence of all of you who love her, and she necessary for this course, but it is active and well loved at Bromley Reform in turn was a blessing to everyone else proving challenging and thought Synagogue. through her love, care and devotion. May provoking for all. More than anything, Lila loved her Shoshana’s memory be for a blessing. Students need to bring their own Amen. family. She loved her family as a child, copy of Tractate Berachot, and they From the Hesped for Shoshana Dassa she loved Jack, she loved her children, are recommended to bring a Tenach her grandchildren and her great grand- redacted by Rabbi Jason Holtz (Bible) as well. Many publishers children. Jack’s sudden death in 1995 hit her very hard. It took her some time, but Introduction to Judaism have printed a version of the becoming a great grandmother seemed to taught by Rabbi Jason Holtz Talmud that will work well, but the Koren Talmud, with a translation give her a new lease on life… This Sunday morning series and commentary by Rabbi Adin Lila died very suddenly—no one will continue in March with an Steinsaltz, is recommended. This was expecting her to go when she did. Introduction to Sacred Jewish Texts version can be purchased from Her death is beyond sad. Yet her life on March 1 and 15. was blessed. She was blessed with good Amazon.co.uk A new series: Introduction to the friends and a loving family, and she Jewish Life Cycle will begin in May, The course meets on Thursdays offered her blessings of humour, of kind- with sessions on Sundays, 10 and from 10:30-11:45 am. ness, of caring and most especially of love. Now that she has passed, may her 17 May. For more information, please All the courses will be held in the memory be for a blessing. contact Rabbi Jason Holtz on Sanctuary and will run from 10:00- 020 8460 5460 or Barbara Kurtz From the Hesped for Lila Cailes 11:00 am redacted by Rabbi Jason Holtz by e-mail at [email protected]

Highlight, March 2015 - Adar/Nisan 5775 5 Civic Service Sermon given on 24 January 2015 (Shabbat Bo) by Rabbi Jason Holtz Mr Mayor and distinguished guests, Exodus. It contains the story that is at my fellow synagogue members and I the heart of the Jewish faith. We were are honoured to have you at our Sabbath once slaves and then we were redeemed. service today. Not only that, but we must always This past year, we have been cel- remember our origins as slaves and ebrating our Golden Jubilee — 50 years always empathise with the other, with of organised, and I use the word organ- the disadvantaged and the downcast. ised loosely, Jewish life in Bromley. The Exodus, and the Passover festival Today marks the final service during that is described in today’s reading, is this special anniversary year, and we are The Mayor and Mayoress of Bromley, not just a celebration of the Israelites’ so pleased to be able to share it with so Councillor and Mrs Benington, photographed freedom, it is a reminder of our respon- many civic and religious leaders from with synagogue chairman Joanna Koenigsber sibilities. The Exodus is ultimately a the area. and Robert Weiner, chairman of MRJ, at the story of morals, of right and wrong. Civic Service on 24 January. I am certain that everyone has The sin of the Egyptians was an caught on by now that I am originally common in the United States as a sub- extreme refusal to see anything but the from America. I grew up in Florida, stitute, I do a terrible job at it, singing “otherness” of the Israelites. When the in a small coastal town called Ormond completely off-key. This is a very kind Egyptians looked at their neighbours Beach. It is a great place to live, but and forgiving group. they did not see 95% the same, they saw otherwise is not known for much. In People often ask me if it is very dif- only the 5% that was different. Joseph, fact, it’s easier to talk about what it’s ferent living here compared to America. himself both a Hebrew and the Prime near. It is fairly close to Cape Canaveral, This is what I say: “At least 95% is the Minister in Egypt, was aware of this home of NASA. We’re also one of the same, but it’s easier to spot the differ- tendency. Towards the end of the Book closest beaches to Orlando. Orlando is ences than the similarities.” America of Genesis, Joseph told his brothers to an interesting place because its claim to doesn’t have the royal family. Although, be slightly less than honest with the Pha- fame is its most illustrious resident, an I have to admit, after American politi- raoh about being shepherds. Shepherds, 87-year old five-foot tall talking mouse cians were deadlocked for the umpteenth Joseph said, were abhorrent in Egypt. named Mickey. Just to the north of time last year and the Federal govern- It’s part of the 5% that’s different. So Ormond Beach is the oldest city in the ment shut down, many were wishing what did his brothers do? They said they United States, St Augustine. It’s well that the Queen would graciously take were shepherds. What could they do? over 500 years old. Which means it has back America in forgiveness, intervene You’re not allowed to lie on immigra- nothing on Bromley. But, to American and dissolve Congress. America also tion papers. ears, anything that’s over 500 years old does not have the NHS or anything at all As the Israelites are being led out is pretty impressive. When I first came similar for most people. Whatever flaws of Egypt, they are given one of their to England, I was taking pictures of and problems anyone might see with the most important lessons, which is found every plaque that said that the building NHS, the United Kingdom should be in the very first verse of this week’s was established over a hundred years very proud of it and the values behind Biblical reading. “There shall be one ago. I ran out of space on my camera providing healthcare as a basic right. law for both the native-born citizen and very quickly Still, most things are the same. the sojourner who now dwells amongst There were several adjustments that American or British, or whatever else, you.” After Egyptian slavery, the both the synagogue community and I people are people. We laugh, cry, care, Israelites know first-hand the evils of needed to make after I arrived. It took love, grieve, regret, celebrate, become magnifying the differences between one a few tries, but I’ve adjusted to driving angry, aspire and are inspired and usu- people and another, and so legal protec- on the left side of the road and using ally for similar reasons. So much of tions are now enshrined in Biblical law. roundabouts. I remember, actually, the what makes us human doesn’t change, That was a radical idea thousands of first time I came across a roundabout even when crossing a border. The side years ago, and unique in the Hebrew here. I was very much unprepared. I of the road one drives on, linguistic Scriptures at the time. Even the greatest was test-driving a Ford. Fortunately, variations and so on aren’t ultimately Greek philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, the car salesman, who was not expect- what makes us human. did not subscribe to such a radical notion ing to be my driving instructor, was Because it is easier to spot the dif- of equality. quick to react. “Stop!” he yelled, with ferences, it is sometimes easy to make Many Jews around the world, partic- a bit of terror in his voice. “Look right, more of the differences than the similar- ularly in Europe and even in the United go left!” Lesson learnt and adjustment ities. We look at people or peoples who Kingdom, are worried that they are made. There have been adjustments that are different and say they are not just increasingly being noted more as being the synagogue has had to come to as different, but very different. Strangely “other”. There is a lot of anxiety about well. I came not knowing some of the different. an increase in anti-Semitism. Some look British liturgical music that is customar- A few weeks ago, Jews all over the at the events in Paris and say, “Could ily used here, and what’s worse, when I world began reading from the Book of continued on page 8 sing some liturgical music that is more Copy date for April Highlight: Sunday 15 March 6 Social and Personal A Date for Your Diaries BIRTH - Lesley and Mike Zuke are so Jubilee Lecture, 2015 happy to announce the birth of Evelyn Laila Zuke Olson, a first grandchild, on Sunday, 10 May, 16 January at Lewisham Hospital. The 7.15 pm refreshments, proud parents are Jon and Elinor Olson 8 pm start (nee Zuke). Come and hear our very own DEATH - We are very sad to report the Baroness Professor death of our member Shoshana Dassa and Alison Wolf extend sincere condolences to her sons, Richard and Tony Oakes, and their families. Sir Roy Griffiths Professor of BEREAVEMENTS Public Sector Management at Sincere condolences to Jean McKennell Kings College London on the sad loss of her mother, Pamela Bradshaw, speak on - and to Tim Miles and his family on the “Not Quite Utopia?” sad loss of his father, Don Miles. (Tim “There are now many millions of is the husband of our Chairman, Joanna educated, professional working Koenigsberg). women, who are transforming GET WELL SOON societies around them. But have Pauline Jeffree writes: Rabbi Dr. Kate Briggs, who is still a we got the world that feminists and Bromley member, but is now rabbi at We wish well all those who are ill at this reformers dreamed of? Or have new time, and we are thinking of all those Glasgow Reform Synagogue, was our problems and injustices been created attending hospital, receiving treatment or guest preacher on 21 February (Shabbat waiting for results. Terumah). along the way?” Professor Wolf has recently Thanks to the congregation: Thanks to the congregation published a book covering this topic: from Erin Frankel from Pauline Jeffree “The XX Factor: How Working Erin Frankel would like to thank the whole Dear All, community for their support on the occasion Women are Creating a new Society” I have been quite overwhelmed not only of her Bat Mitzvah on 29 November 2014. with all the beautiful cards I have received Barbara Kurtz Erin writes: A special thank you to Larry wishing me well, but also by the visits [email protected] Shall, Rabbi Holtz, Pauline Jeffree and all you made whilst I was in hospital and the my Cheder teachers over the past five years, chocolate challah I shared with others in who have prepared me for this special day, my bay. which I will treasure forever. Knit and Natter In every way I have been aware of your kind from Stanley Solts The next ‘Knit and Natter’ will be on and practical support and I do thank you. Stanley and Brenda Solts would like to Monday, 9 March, from 2.30 pm at thank the Rabbi and all members of our very I came home to find it was easier for me to Pauline Jeffree’s home. caring community for being so supportive manoeuvre with friends who ensured that, Pauline writes: following the sad loss of Stanley’s mother, as one bed went out of my front door, all “All are welcome. We can help you to Hannah Solts. was ready to receive the NHS bed in time for my discharge. My freezer and fridge learn how to knit. Currently, to support were organised and dear residents and St. Christopher’s fundraising, we are making chicks. I have the wool, the Call for Sponsors friends at Park Court were bending over backwards to help me. needles and all the extras for the beaks Judi Sheffrin, Jo Jaeckel and their and eyes. I am ‘open’ for visitors, whether by a friend Jenny are swimming in aid personal drop in, e-mail or telephone and Please come - you are most welcome. of Marie Curie Cancer Care on 19 you are all most welcome. However, you Tea or coffee or cold drinks with cake April and plan to swim a total of might need to make your own tea or coffee! are also available for us to enjoy. 5,000 metres. L’shalom Parking is available within the grounds, They would welcome your financial Pauline Jeffree if there are spaces. support. However, there are Welcome to the Community other parking places Their team giving page address is not too far from the https://my.swimathon.org/sponsor/ There will be a festive kiddush after flat.” the serivce on Saturday, 28 March not-waving-but-drowning Please ring Pauline on 020 8650 4860 (Shabbat Ha-Gadol) to welcome the or email pauline.jeffree@btinternet. Campling and Waterman families into com to say you are coming. the community.

Highlight, March 2015 - Adar/Nisan 5775 7 Civic Service Sermon continued from page 6 London be next?” Thank God, we have not experienced a parallel attack. Even so, anti-Semitic crime is on the rise. So let me address this issue. In Europe generally, this may not be the best of times. However, it is certainly not the worst of times either. Far, far from it. And London is not Paris. I simply don’t At Connections 2015, to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, members of the World experience British society as anti- Union for Progressive Judaism will celebrate the diversity of the Progressive Jewish Semitic. Neither do the vast majority of world, showcasing the strength and growth of the Latin American Progressive Jewish British Jews that I speak with. Rather, community. British society as a whole is remarkably Connections 2015 in Rio will serve to strengthen the bonds between our communities, tolerant and respectful. While there is united forever by a common Jewish destiny. an increase in anti-Semitic incidents committed by a relatively small handful This year’s conference theme is “Simcha, Soul and Solidarity”. of people, we know that our non-Jewish CONNECTIONS 2015 is essentially a celebration, a Simcha, of who we are: neighbours are as upset about it as we our differences, our similarities, what we stand for and why. The conference offers are. We know, too, that government and a wide range of opportunities to nourish the soul: learning, spirituality and various police leaders are taking it seriously and forms of observance that reflect the diversity of our different Progressive communities. working to combat it. There has been a By bringing our worldwide family of Progressive Jewish communities together, continuous Jewish community in Great CONNECTIONS 2015 will also convey a powerful message of solidarity. With our deep belief in the concept of Peoplehood, the conference will also enable us to reiterate Britain for nearly 360 years. This is our and reaffirm our strong, eternal support for Israel. And because CONNECTIONS home and our community is proud to be 2015 is in Latin America for the first time, this region will have the opportunity to British. I believe that when all is said showcase its thriving communities. and done, and the history books are writ- ten about Jewish life in Great Britain, Over the days of the conference, we will offer workshops and panel discussions, this time period will be remembered as hands-on Tikun Olam activities, study and entertainment, and the most uplifting and one of the best in history. Rarely has any international Shabbat celebration observed anywhere in the world. country anywhere in the world at any Registration Fees time had it so good. All of the citizens Adult Participants $600; Youth Participants (up to age 30) $300 benefit from that, including the Jewish INCLUDED: Participation in the Opening Ceremony and Reception, all sessions ones. Great Britain is truly great. The and materials, nametag credentials, field trips, walking tours, Closing Ceremony United Kingdom is truly united, even in and Gala Reception, all transport during the conference, lunch and dinner every its diversity. day except Thursday dinner, and CONNECTIONS 2015 souvenirs. Participation As beautifully diverse as human- will include transport to and from the Temple, prayer services and Shabbat ity is, and it is diverse, we share in a dinner with host families. There are no refunds for meals not taken or events/days common humanity. Let us celebrate and skipped. always, always remember that. NOT INCLUDED: Travel to, from, and within Brazil, airport taxes, airport transfers, Shabbat Shalom passport and visa fees, border taxes (where applicable), hotel accommodation, We are reproducing Rabbi Jason Holtz’s breakfasts, dinner on Thursday evening etc. sermon in response to requests from To register and for further information go to: www.wupjconnections.org/ synagogue members.

Recipe for Hamantaschen Method pastry cutter or the rim of a drinking Ingredients Prep: 30 min › Cook: 12 min › Ready glass. Place circles 5cm (2 in) apart Makes: 24 in: 42 min onto the prepared baking trays. ♦ 3 eggs 1. Preheat oven to 180 C / Gas mark 4. 4. Spoon about 1 dessert spoon of ♦ 200g (7 oz) Grease baking trays. preserves into the centre of each caster sugar 2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and circle. Pinch the edges to form three ♦ 175ml (6 fl oz) vegetable oil sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in corners. ♦ 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract the oil, vanilla and orange juice. 5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the ♦ 110ml (4 fl oz) orange juice 3. Combine the flour and baking preheated oven, or until lightly ♦ 675g (1 1/2 lb) plain flour powder; stir into the egg mixture to browned. Allow biscuits to cool for ♦ 1 teaspoon baking powder form a stiff dough. If dough is not 1 minute on the baking tray before ♦ 300g (11 oz) fruit preserves, stiff enough to roll out, stir in more removing to wire racks to cool any flavour flour. On a lightly floured work sur- completely. face, roll dough out to .5cm (1/4 in) http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/1403/ in thickness. Cut into circles using a hamantaschen.aspx

Copy date for April Highlight: Sunday 15 March 8 COLLEGE SERVICES LEHRHAUS March 2015 – Adar/Nisan 5775 Home of Adult Education All Fridays at 6.45 pm, unless otherwise stated. New opportunities for Saturdays at 10.30 am, unless otherwise stated study in 2015 Wednesday 4 March Erev Purim Sign up today to feed your enthu- Reading the Megillah with Fancy Dress siasm for Progressive Jewish Edu- parade and Hamantaschen, 7.30 pm in cation. the Synagogue All the courses are taught by the College’s faculty. Our teachers are Friday 6 March Ki Tissa (16 Adar) both passionate about their subject Saturday 7 March and deeply knowledgeable. Friday 13 March Parah (Vayakhel-Pekudei - 23 Adar) Tuesdays, 3 - 24 March Saturday 14 March at 7.45 to 9.15 pm Friday 20 March Rosh Chodesh Nisan Why Did God Laugh? - Introduc- Saturday 21 March Ha-Chodesh (Vayikra) tion to Midrash with Rabbi Colin Eimer Friday 27 March Ha-Gadol (Tzav - 8 Nisan) Saturday 28 March Festive kiddush to welcome Campling Information and Registration and Waterman families into the community For full details about courses and registration see http://bit.ly/LBC_Lehrhaus_2015 or phone/email Jarek on 020 8349 5600 or [email protected] Bet Debora 7th International Bet Debora Conference of European Jewish Women, Activists, Riding4Reform 2015 Academics and Rabbis The 12th annual Engendering Jewish Politics – Redefning Riding4Reform five- the Role of Women day bike ride is just in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire around the corner! This unforgettable experience Thursday, 16 to Sunday, 19 April is an opportunity to After a series of successful conferences in European cities we invite interested meet Reform and Progressive Israelis, people from all streams of Judaism to our 7th conference, this time taking visit IMPJ communities and enjoy the place in England. Our aim is to further the meaningful exchange of ideas and beautiful scenery that Israel has to offer. thoughts between people who come from different backgrounds. This confer- Riding4Reform is an unforgettable ride ence will be of interest to anyone for whom the future of Judaism and Jewish through the width of the Galilee, passing women in Europe is of consequence and will include lectures, workshops and by the Carmel region and Emek Jez- reel, and a chance to support Israel and plenary discussions: Reform Judaism. Presenters from Eastern and Western Europe, Israel and the USA will determine Following feedback from the past year the form of the conference. The conference language is English. the organisers have decided to make the Programme Information light route easier so that more people can The conference venue is the High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon, Herts. participate. Combined with the original All conference meals will be vegetarian. “challenging” track and the walking track, the R4R event is suitable for all Conference costs levels of riders and walkers. Residential participation (all accommodation and meals): For the first time in its history, the ride Single room with en suite bathroom: £300 will take place in April, hitting the road Double / Twin room with en suite bathroom: £300 on Sunday, 26 April and ending the ride Non-en suite accommodation in a single room with shared bathroom: £220 at the sea of Galilee on Thursday, 30 Non-residential participation (all meals, no accommodation): April. Whole Conference: £180; Day Pass per day: £70 Join those who have already confirmed their participation and send an e-mail Booking closes on 31 March via www.bet-debora.net with a picture and a few words about You can also contact Rabbi at [email protected] yourself to [email protected] for further information.

Highlight, March 2015 - Adar/Nisan 5775 9 Dates for Your Diary March April S 1 BeaTles of Shushan rehearsal, W 1 1.00-2.30 pm at the Shul Th 2 Talmud Study, 10.30-11.45 am M 2 F 3 First Seder Night T 3 CCJ meeting on Sacred Music, from 7.45 pm at Catford Synagogue S 4 First Day of Pesach Communal Seder, 7 pm W 4 Erev Purim - Reading the Megillah, 7.30 pm in the Shul S 5 Cheder Pesach Break Th 5 PURIM M 6 Talmud Study, 10.30-11.45 am T 7 F 6 W 8 Social Centre, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm S 7 Ki Tissa at the Synagogue S 8 The Beatles of Shushan live, 10.30 am at Th 9 Talmud Study, 10.30-11.45 am the Shul (refreshments at 10 am) F 10 Seventh Day of Pesach M 9 Knit & Natter, from 2.30 pm at Pauline’s SE10 and Beyond, 7.30 pm at Michelle’s Torah Text Study Gp, 7.30 pm at the Shul in Greenwich: ‘Passover’ SE10 and Beyond, 7.30 pm at Barbara’s in Blackheath: ‘Jewish Artists’ S 11 Shemini T 10 S 12 Cheder Pesach Break W 11 Social Centre, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm, talk M 13 by Stephen Ison of Jewish Care T 14 Th 12 Talmud Study, 10.30-11.45 am W 15 Sicha on Kashrut, 7.30 pm at the Shul Th 16 Talmud Study, 10.30-11.45 am F 13 7th Bet Debora Conference begins at S 14 Parah (Vayakhel-Pekudei) Hoddesdon, Herts S 15 F 17 M 16 S 18 Atzma’ut (Tazria-Metzorah) T 17 Synagogue AGM, 8 pm at the Shul S 19 New Cheder Term begins W 18 Bet Debora Conference ends Th 19 Talmud Study, 10.30-11.45 am M 20 Rosh Chodesh Iyar F 20 T 21 Rosh Chodesh Nisan S 21 W 22 Social Centre, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm Ha-Chodesh (Vayikra) at the Synagogue S 22 Cheder Seder and end of term Th 23 Talmud Study, 10.30-11.45 am M 23 Torah Text Study Gp, 7.30 pm at the Shul Yom Ha’Atzma’ut T 24 F 24 W 25 Social Centre, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm at S 25 Acharei Mot-Kedoshim the Synagogue Hi Kent, 10.30-12 noon S 26 Th 26 Talmud Study, 10.30-11.45 am M 27 F 27 T 28 S 28 Ha-Gadol (Tzav) W 29 Festive kiddush after the service Th 30 Talmud Study, 10.30-11.45 am BST begins (clocks go forward one hour) S 29 Cheder Pesach Break M 30 T 31 Shirah (Beshallach)

Copy date for April Highlight: Sunday 15 March 10 Contact nos. for subcommittees and other groups BR5 and 6 and Friends: Kiddush Rota: Jean Garelick, 01689 850668 Harriet Posner, 020 8291 9775 [email protected] [email protected] Library: Board of Deputies Rep.: Judi Sheffrin, 07968 324981 Joe Millis, 020 8299 3458 [email protected] [email protected] Membership Inquiries: Caring Community: Janet Burlem, 020 8460 5460 Pauline Jeffree, 020 8650 4860 [email protected] [email protected] Newsletter Editor: Cheder Head Teacher: Bob Symonds, 020 8402 2197 Vicki Ashmore, 020 8290 4220 [email protected] [email protected] Religion and Ritual: Cheder Security: Larry Shall, 01732 873361 Tamir Hargittai, 01689 600142 [email protected] [email protected] SACRE Choir: Samantha Barnett, 020 8467 8868 Dianne Mathews, 01689 826096 [email protected] [email protected] School Visits Coordinator: Communications: Marilyn Freeman, 020 8650 7178 Judi Sheffrin, 07968 324981 [email protected] [email protected] SE10 and Beyond Education: Michelle Brooks-Evans, 020 8293 4999 [email protected] Barbara Kurtz, 020 8650 1284 [email protected] Social Centre: Gan Yeladim: Dianne Mathews, 01689 826096 Sue Bowyer, 020 8464 6738 [email protected] [email protected] Subscriptions: Tracy Frankel, 01732 843224 Janet Posner, 020 8650 7521 [email protected] [email protected]

Horaay Cheder: Security: Dani Hall, 07740 282 562 Eric Lewis, 020 8460 4353 [email protected] [email protected] Website: Housing, Health and Safety: Kieron Hyams, 07980 647108 Graham Harris, 020 8656 7611 [email protected] [email protected] Youth: Israel Desk: Linda de Lange, 020 8858 6206 Hugh Lask, 020 8467 0470 [email protected] [email protected]

J.J.B.S.: Janet Posner, 020 8650 7521 Find us on Facebook! [email protected] www.facebook.com/BromleyReformSynagogue or Tweet us @BromleyShul) ...

Highlight, March 2015 - Adar/Nisan 5775 11 A constituent of the Movement for Reform Judaism – www.reformjudaism.org.uk

Highlight Advertising Fill this Space! Advertise your business and support your shul by advertising in Highlight. £80 will secure you a box measuring 100 mm x 120 mm for a whole year (11 issues) Contact Dianne Mathews ([email protected]; 01689 826096) or the Editor ([email protected]) today.

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