GAZETTE December 2019

Chairman’s Warning I will have served on the Board of by Joe Burchell Management, we would remain an Affiliate Member of the United Synagogue. Basically, this means that I cannot believe that 2019 will soon have we control our own destiny. Our gone and we are about to enter not only a current Board, Honorary Officers and new year but a new decade. I believe that Trustees are nearly all in their (very) the next decade will be of great importance mature years and although our cheder to our community and is likely to be a is thriving, unfortunately the parents turning point, but more of that later. of the children have neither the time Since our last Gazette we have ended nor the enthusiasm to take on the 5779 with our first ever Selichot responsibility of synagogue service and started 5780 with Rosh management. It is with regret that I Hashanah and Yom Kippur. All the have to say that the new decade will services were reasonably well inevitably bring renewed pressure led by two Ministers, Rev Zeev Amit, attended. Those who came had the from the United Synagogue, who are a very experienced Minister and now pleasure of hearing our Minister and very keen that we become a Member our Emeritus Minister who left us his assistants making all those Synagogue under their jurisdiction. In after many years to make his home in occasions very musical and enjoyable. the event that it appears that we are Israel, and Rev. Cantor David Rome Sukkot and Simchat Torah, although unable to efficiently run our own who not only brought us his talented not so well supported, were also very affairs, the United Synagogue will singing but also some fresh ideas. pleasant and I know that Chatan grab the opportunity to take control Torah Barry Leaf, Chatan Bereshit On behalf of the Board of Deputies we and that would mean we would lose Natan Dan and Eshet Chayil Phyl recently hosted an Invest in Peace our Affiliate status. I believe this Tomlinson all enjoyed a memorable conference, which is reported in detail would fundamentally change the experience . Our special Shabbat for elsewhere in this Gazette. It was a ethos of our synagogue. them was well supported and catered. very special event and quite unique. I hope that I am proved wrong. I wish It was enjoyed by all. I have always maintained that, when I you all a happy 2020. During the last decade we have been stand down in May after the 49 years

Prayer and Melody Combine by Paul Stanton

We have never held a Selichot service at Catford and Bromley Synagogue before so this year Rev. Rome took the bull by the horns and organised our first. This, as tradition demands, took place on the Saturday night prior to Rosh Hashanah. Selichot means forgiveness and the service includes penitential prayers to set the tone for the days ahead. This special and beautiful service contains many of the famous melodies that we sing during the High Holydays. The service was led by Rev. Cantor David Rome and Cantor Henry Black, accompanied by the London Cantorial Singers with boy soloist Rafi Sandford, who sang exquisitely. The tunes rang out, with the voices of the Minister and young Rafi soaring beautifully above the bass tones of the London Cantorial Singers. Continued on page 2 1 It’s Good To Talk by Paul Stanton

Arguments over the causes and solutions holding a gun. Eran hopes that he can In response, it was explained that to the ‘Israel-Palestine conflict’ have raged help to find a solution to the conflict Jordan had completely absorbed many for generations, even erupting into for the sake of future generations. refugees and given them full outright war between two polarised citizenship but Lebanon justified Dawoud was brought up in Ramallah groups, one thinking of itself as oppressed preventing Palestinian refugees from in the West Bank and found life and needing to resist and the other working and studying there on the particularly difficult during the 2014 perceiving the need to defend itself against grounds that as they would eventually Intifada. He studied at Tel Aviv an existential threat. We may not have the go home, it was in their interests not University but was denied a permit to answers but we can all benefit from a to assimilate but to retain refugee live there, resulting in a regular five- greater understanding of the issues. status, therefore Lebanon was hour commute. He spent as much time assisting them! Eran believed that that The Board of Deputies with Churches listening to Israeli opinions as to those situation needed an international Together in Britain and Ireland, of Palestinians, finding in many cases solution. On the disparity of power, working with the charity Solutions they were the same. He believes that Dawoud observed that the only power Not Sides threw the issues into the whenever peace is within touching Palestinians have is the power to say spotlight in a multi-faith event at C&B distance extremists on one side or the no, and that they are learning to use it in November. What better way than other destroy the process. wisely. However, as to the tipping to hear and question the views of Both agreed that they wanted an end point for the Palestinian leadership, he Eran, a Sabra, and Dawoud, a to violence including air strikes, rocket thought it would be employment. He Palestinian sharing the same platform. attacks, incitement and street crime, believes that they need democratic Members of many communities were and also the free movement of people. elections as quickly as possible; welcomed to the synagogue by our Dawoud pointed out that although the mentioning that the last time they had chairman, Joe Burchell, followed by Palestinian negotiating position is an election, in 2006, there were no Rev. David Rome, who spoke of the comparatively weak their needs social media. He believed that it need to work to make the world a include, among others, an end to would be possible to use technology to better place regardless of faith and to occupation and military law, control awaken the silent majority and that make dreams real. Father Steffan of their own water supply, statehood Hamas would not be able to contain it. Mathias from St Mary’s Church spoke with their own currency and The Mayor of Lewisham, Damien of building trust between passports, free access to holy sites, an Egan, stated that the aptly named communities. Solutions Not Sides’ air or sea port to allow for travel, trade Invest In Peace format chimed director, Sharon Booth, explained that and tourism, which would increase beautifully with Lewisham Borough’s her charity usually works with productivity, an end to the Gaza policy of diversity, tolerance and teenagers, offering them the blockade and removal of the democracy. There is much to be said opportunity to listen to both the Israeli separation barrier. for empathy and understanding. Rev. and Palestinian viewpoints first hand. There were many questions from the Peter Colwell, Deputy General Eran’s grandparents fought in the audience which Eran and Dawoud Secretary of Churches Together in 1948 war and his childhood memories answered in turn such as: Is it possible Britain and Ireland, spoke of his include living in a world of bus for Israelis and Palestinians to admiration for Eran and Dawoud, bombs, bomb shelters and gas masks, understand each other’s interests? whose words were encouraging, and with a continual sense of fear. He What role can the internet play? Why thanked them for their integrity, served with the Israel Army Special have more of the surrounding passion and insights. Gillian Merron, Forces in the West Bank. He lost countries not absorbed more Chief Executive of the Board of friends and was involved in Palestinian refugees? How might Deputies of British Jews, thanked operations that traumatized him. On Palestinians remove leaders who are Catford Synagogue and St Mary’s leaving the army, he studied political not interested in peace? How can the Church for co-hosting the event. science and joined the Peace Now disparity in power between Israel and The conversations over tea and cake movement, which was the first time Palestinians be resolved? went on long after the speakers left. that he met a Palestinian without

Prayer and Melody Combine Continued from page 1

The synagogue was full, including representatives of many followed by MP for Lewisham East, Janet Daby. Boris faiths who were joined by several from the world of politics. Johnson took time out from Brexit to send a message to the Rabbonim from many South London synagogues attended, community conveying his regret that he could not attend, the main religious address was delivered by Richmond and sent his warmest wishes for a successful and soul- Synagogue’s Rabbi Meir Shindler and Anabelle Simmonds stirring evening. Rev. Rome also read out a lovely personal presented a moving D’var Torah from the bima. message from Lord Norman Tebbit, who wished the members of the community, and all well-wishers present, The congregation was addressed by various dignitaries; happiness and prosperity in the year to come. Shaun Bailey, the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London, spoke movingly about Holocaust education and the This was a high profile event for the synagogue and thanks Jewish new year and the Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan, are due to our Minister, Rev. Cantor David Rome, for spoke about the healthy diversity in the borough. He was organising it. 2 Mazeltov Joan & Vic on the occasion of their golden Goldberg wedding anniversary

Judith & on the bar mitzvah of their Eddy Arram grandson, Lior Condolences Leila Power on the loss of her husband, Gerry, father of Andy, Barbara and Michelle and Honorary Life Vice President of Catford & Bromley Synagogue

Ruth Baum on the loss of her husband, Laurie Stone Consecrations Cecil Levart Sunday 29th March midday Waltham Abbey

Harold Coronel Sunday 26th April 11.30 am Waltham Abbey

Thursday 21st May midday Joseph Cohen-Setton Waltham Abbey

Betty Benn Sunday 24th May 12.30 pm Bushey

Gerry Power Sunday 5th July 11.30 am Waltham Abbey

Thriving at the Synagogue by Rowena Rosenfeld Bromley WIZO Eretz Antiques Road Show at C&B The Friendship & Social Club is still thriving, with strong support Hear about life as an antique dealer. Free valuations! from the community. There is often something to celebrate and Monday 13 January recently we marked Joe Burchell’s birthday with a party, which was a great success. Donation £15.00 Call Marilyn: 020 8658 4776 We have been running the club with all our helpers for a number of years, and we are very pleased to say that a lot of WIZO International Quiz good friendships have developed as a result. We have enjoyed many lunches together, day trips and even holidays. Join our team in an online quiz Compete against teams from all over the country We look forward to enjoying many more celebrations with our members in future and welcoming newcomers and guests. Everybody can be assured of a very warm welcome. Saturday 1 February 7.30 pm – 10.30pm Donation £17.50 Call Marilyn: 020 8658 4776 We would like to thank members of the community who very kindly donated money to the Friendship & Social Club this year. Rest assured this will be put to good use. Club Hosts a Free Event by Joe & Jacob Kat, Joint Youth Leaders

By the time you read this, Club will have joined with the cheder to host a free event on 8 December for all children, their parents and grandparents, with lunch provided as well as activities organised for all ages. We're hoping that the event will result in more children attending sessions, as regular attendance has dropped off since the very successful summer project. We've again been invited to take part in the Borough of Lewisham’s Holocaust Memorial Day event on 26 January at Catford Broadway Theatre. It's obviously vital for there to be a Jewish youth presence at this event and we're proud to be able to participate again. 3 Question Time

Come next April, Rev. David Q: What occasions come to mind as your highs and lows of Rome will have been minister the last eight years? of C&B for eight years. A: There have been so many highs! Perhaps celebrating How’s he finding it? During Liane’s time as Mayoress. The lows have definitely been the most tempestuous pre- losing stalwarts such as Morris Springer – the election week in the news for longest-serving chairman of a US shul — and our Vice Jews, we stole along to President, Gerry Power. That was hard, they are still here Crantock Road to ask. in the community in spirit. Q: What do you enjoy most about your job? Q: You describe C&B as modern orthodox. How would A: Meeting people, talking to people, getting to know them. you define that? Being there for them when they need someone. In fact, this A: Acknowledging and valuing our customs, traditions and is my approach in all walks of life. People respond to a Torah; having due respect for rabbinic sages and literature smile, and I believe in positive energy. It creates good without detaching from the 21st century and isolating things. Empathy is very important. That is one of the ourselves from those around us. For example, being able to benefits of working in a Borough such as Lewisham but if I dress in a similar way to our surrounding society. We value were in an area where the opportunity didn’t exist, I would both secular and Jewish education. Both are very important make it. and we should not have one without the other. Q: And what do you find difficult? Q: Do you have a role model and if so who? A: Seeing what people are going through and trying to help A: My grandfather. Everyone tells me about the way he them but knowing I am not a miracle worker. The main understood people. He said that everyone is different, so thing is to listen and be empathetic. the same question will have a different answer for each of Q: How do you prioritise your week? them; you need to know the person in order to understand them. [And, by the way, I don’t mind being regarded as A: There are a number of regular things, so I have a routine: “the Rockman’s grandson”. It makes me feel very warm.] learning the weekly Torah portion and researching sermon material; preparing my weekly class; attending the My other role model would be the Dalai Lama, in so far as Friendship Club, keeping in touch with our members and he represents love in its purest sense, loving everything and supporting those in need, attending and teaching at cheder everyone and trying to understand where everyone is whilst advising our excellent teachers. I enjoy the relaxed coming from. He doesn’t take anything personally. The atmosphere, which is so much better than formal classes. warmth and positivity in the way he speaks and writes is a Children need to feel that they are not at school, but great influence to people. somewhere they like, and want to come. I could go on... Q: You are known for your singing voice. How did music Q: Do you think your position as a religious leader gives become such an important part of your life? you autonomy? I was in the shul choir in Ilford and the chazan there A: In halachic matters, yes. It is part of my contract that I encouraged me, “coaxing” me to do solos. One week I was should take the lead regarding these matters, but in thrown in the deep end and had to sing out, with no training everything else, no. We need to encourage as many people other than a little experience, above 15 strong male singers. as possible to engage in communal matters. They were really good. After that, a lovely man, Leon Schaller OBE, got me started by enabling me to train with Q: Falling attendance at Shabbat services seems to be a Stephen Robins. By the time I was 16, 17, I was singing with problem for many shuls (and churches, come to that). the London Jewish Male Choir, the London Cantorial Have you any ideas about how to address this trend at Singers and as Cantor at Ilford United Synagogue (Indeed, Catford, and particularly how might you encourage more a couple of years ago Rev. Rome discovered young Rafi children to attend? Sandford, whose voice so many, including C&B members, A: Approximately every six weeks we have cheder on have admired). Actually, I did sing at Catford when I was Shabbat. The children have their own service then come in about six. My grandfather and I sang Anim Zemirot for the at the end of ours, talk in front of the congregation and lead Liverants. There might still be a recording somewhere … Anim Zemirot and Adon Olam. We adults have a semi- Q: What are your interests outside shul and music? regular Kiddush where I like to invite members to my home. I love cooking and entertaining. So far as attracting more A: I am a Conservative Party constituency chairman, and I people regularly is concerned, I am involved in all sorts of love roaming antique shops, especially in England. I once organisations and keep meeting unaffiliated Jews, I try to found a 150-year-old clock and a haul of sheet music, mainly encourage them to come along. There is so much potential. jazz, that I haven’t yet had time to learn. I also enjoy art [as evidenced by some interesting examples on Rev. Rome’s Also, we have been creating more one-off events, such as the walls] . I must stress that my job at the shul comes first; recent AJEX Shabbat, when we were delighted to invite Sir everything else is secondary. But I do hope that most of the Steve Bullock back in his capacity as Representative Deputy things I do outside of the shul help to promote it, make it Lieutenant for the London Borough of Lewisham. Women more “visible” and put it on the map. have been participating more, as they are able and encouraged to do after the service. Rev. Cantor Rome, thank you very much. 4