December ‘19 - January ‘20

Shofarthe magazine of finchley progressive synagogue

FPS building outside & in From the Guest Editor... deb hermer

I’m delighted to have added bits but to me it’s a welcoming space and been involved in the the heart of a community I craved. guest editing of Shofar You’ll see in this edition that thankfully this month as a new others have far more fully formed ideas than member to FPS. me. And I love that too. Jews have long held When I first arrived views and opinions on every subject and you’ll Rebecca asked me see inside some grand ideas and some more what I thought of down to earth schemes. Everyone’s views are the building and in honesty it’s part of what welcome, so please keep them coming and appealed to me about this community. Yes it’s hopefully together we can develop a space fit for a bit shambolic, yes it has a long, dark corridor all members of our fantastic community. Finally, and we have frozen through winter services and we introduce a monthly recipe slot, starting with could only hear muffled sounds through the PA Claudia Prieto-Piastro’s for bimuelos on page 14. system. It’s very obviously a 60s prefab with

Shofar is always interested in hearing Cover photos: Zoe Jacobs Copy deadline is the 10th your news and including photos of FPS of each month. Please members, and their families, near and far. email all content to We welcome your articles on any relevant [email protected] topic. Please send these to [email protected]

2 From the Rabbi rabbi

I love visiting synagogues wherever I go. There is something about witnessing the style and atmosphere of synagogues, so often true to their surroundings that makes the Jewish story that bit more real. See my recent photos of the Rome Synagogue and the tiny one in Stellenbosch outside Capetown on page 4. I loved the Reform synagogue in Greenpoint too where I went for Shabbat for its beauty and light with the South African sun shining through. The Roman synagogue was funded by plants growing over it like a 1970s health food members (in itself intriguing - with marble and restaurant. ornate tiling and gold balustrades). Built in the No-one can say our building lacks character early 20th century on the banks of the Tiber and charm. But I believe we could improve it overlooking the former ghetto, it’s pretty fancy without embarking on a million pound drive. and has a square dome - the only one in the city I am certain we could match-fund some of making it easy to identify. Maurice Needleman’s legacy to enhance what Intriguingly the Mishnah says it’s more we have. Let me share some of my ‘modest’ important to build a Mikveh than a synagogue, hopes. They do not include marble and gold the ritual bath used for life transforming balustrades; balconies and Persian carpets, moments such as conversion, Shabbat, Yom but they do involve improving the spiritual Kippur and Family Purity for orthodox women. possibilities of our building. I like to think Mikveh represented community 1. We need a second large space/sanctuary. life and so actually our synagogue buildings, We have grown out of the small hall when we whilst not containing ritual baths, do hold all gather for Family Services, Ivriah assemblies, community events. lectures and shiurim. Extending the small hall I love our synagogue home. I see it as a and that side of the building would take over beautified scout hut. I have called it our messy just 8 parking spaces. synagogue with a soul: the mosaic at the 2. Change the windows and fire door in the front door to mark our 60th anniversary; the sanctuary so it looks more like a room of prayer overflowing plant pots softening the external and less like a bathroom! walls; the rose garden nurtured by Lionel 3. Perhaps we can raise the hall roof and bring Lassman and others; the wooden doors of our more light flooding into our sanctuary. ark and the tribes etched delicately in the glass; 4. Develop the Sukkah area to have a year round my cosy nook of an office with the skylight being courtyard and garden of beauty that is then my access to the clouds. ready for Sukkot every year. There are parts of our FPS building I love. What do you think? Add your thoughts to Indeed even as a student visiting I used to admire those of members who have written in to this the wide Bimah and the multitude of green pot edition of Shofar.

3 From the Chair cathy burnstone

Writing the monthly Chair’s article for Shofar mention the state of provides me with another opportunity to reflect our world. I’ve found on our Synagogue. I had been a member of two that doing something synagogues before joining FPS and although for our community and each had much to offer, FPS for me is in a Synagogue helps me different league. What has engaged me the to feel that I’m doing most is the Social Action and Social Justice something, albeit small activities that are central to our Synagogue. to improve things. It’s Some members of FPS recently attended the also very enjoyable and Citizens Delegates Assembly. Our work making new connections with Syrian refugees really stands out as does counts for a lot too. our winter night shelter. As a Synagogue we always welcome ideas It’s so easy to feel despondent and powerless for social or other activities that engage and also when we see and read about the state of our encourage people to participate in the many country riven with the endless discourse about interesting activities that are already on offer. Brexit and our politics of polarisation, not to

Left: Rome Synagogue right: Stellenbosch Synagogue, both taken by Rabbi Rebecca Birk

4 Chanukah Notice Board

Put your Chanukah photos on our Facebook page, or send them to us to upload! Prizes will be awarded for the photo with the most chanukiot, for the photo taken furthest afield, and for the photo with the most delicious- looking food!

5 Notice Board

ajex parade We were delighted to attend the AJEX Parade today where over 2000 people turned out to march to remember the brave men and women who served in our armed forces. Rabbis Margaret and Richard laid a wreath in memory of Rabbi Harry Jacobi. It was a very moving occasion enhanced by marching to the Bands of the JLGB and Scots Guards. Many young people were also present - a worthy tribute to our parents & grandparents who served in the war. Stanley, Maureen, Melvyn, CA and Brenda

‘cleaner and greener’ - mitzvah day 2019 and snowglobes from reused jam jars! With Our Mitzvah Day events this year were on the thanks to Ollie and Ann Pelham, Ruth Logue theme ‘Cleaner and Greener’, as we helped and Michael Hudson and Barry and Beverly clear Highgate Cemetery, and made dog toys Kafka. from recycled T-shirts for Battersea Dogs We also joined the Somali Bravanese at Home, ecobricks from plastic bottles and non- their new home in Tarling Road to plant bulbs - recyclable plastic for Highgate Primary School, alongside many locals!

From left: Rabbi , Ruth Logue, Rabbi Rebecca Birk, Michael Hudson planting bulbs at Highgate Cemetery. Photo taken by Yakir Zur for Mitzvah Day

6 Beit Tefillah services at fps

services – december / kislev leading into tevet Friday 6 December 6.30pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service Saturday 7 December 11.00am Musical Shabbat B’yachad Friday 13 December 6.30pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service Saturday 14 December 11.00am Shabbat Service Friday 20 December 6.30pm Shabbat Resouled Saturday 21 December 11.00am Shabbat Service Friday 27 December 6.30pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service Saturday 28 December 11.00am Shabbat Service

services – january / tevet leading into sh’vat Friday 3 January 6.30pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service Saturday 4 January 11.00am Shabbat Service Friday 10 January 6.30pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service Saturday 11 January 11.00am Shabbat B’yachad Friday 17 January 6.30 pm Shabbat Resouled Saturday 18 January 11.00am Shabbat Service Friday 24 January 6.30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service Saturday 25 January 11.00am Shabbat Service Friday 31 January 6.30pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service people welcome to Anna Simons & Patrick Cook Rosalind Miller, Louise Gellman, Jonathan Fowler Karstadt, Rabbi Frank Hellner, Barry Kail, Alison mazeltov to Abi Wharton & Al Cooper whose Pilpel, Alison Rees baby Evie will be blessed at FPS on 7 December congratulations to Gabriel & Manuela condolences to Michael Hart on the death of Kanter-Webber on their marriage in November; his mother Hilda, long-standing member of FPS, Four couples celebrating significant wedding in October anniversaries: Gabi Highman & Dan Luxon their 20th, Doreen & Hugh Isaacs their 53rd, Myra & happy birthday to the following members Gunter Lawson their 58th and Katalin Aradi & celebrating milestone birthdays in December Michael Posylkin their 25th and January: Betty Gould, Lionel King-Lassman, Ruth Hoffmann, John Olbrich, Barbara Vigon, Continued on page 8

7 Beit Knesset community events, all welcome!

bridge group such as sandwiches, soup and cake. Not on Mondays @ 7.30pm, £4. There are even small 26 December or 2 January prizes for winners! For details: Paul Silver-Myer pilates via the synagogue office020 8446 4063 Thursdays @ 5.30-6.30pm. Led by Tali Swart. art with eden Beginners to intermediate; individually tailored 5 December @ 6.00pm, 16 December @ instruction. Payment in blocks of six, about £8 7.30pm, Monday 20 January @ 7.30pm per lesson. Contact [email protected] Relaxed experimenting with art for those who cafe ivriah are interested to try but fear they ‘can’t draw’. Saturdays (Ivriah term only), 9.45-10.45am From January, monthly with Eden Silver-Myer. All welcome to an informal Book via www.edensilvermyer.com discussion, on a wide range book club of topics, over coffee and Wednesday 11 December @ 8:00pm biscuits, between Ivriah & Wednesday 8 January @ 8:00pm drop-off and morning The Book Club meetings are held in people’s service. Weekly Torah homes on the second Wednesday of each portion to current affairs. month. Contact Sheila King Lassman [email protected] or Edgar Jacobsberg [email protected] people / cont. from p.7 rosh chodesh (tevet & sh’vat) stone settings Monthly celebration of the New Moon by The stone setting for David Kahan will women who meet for sharing, learning and be at 10.15am on Sunday 1 December at spiritual exploration @ 8.00pm in FPS library. Edgwarebury Cemetery. Rabbi Rebecca Tevet, Wednesday 30 December: Book Talk & Birk will officiate.

Swap session The stone setting for Lorna and Harry Sh’vat, Wednesday 27 January: ‘Does Tolerance Roberts will be at 10.30am on Sunday 7 Really exist in Islam?’ with Nisrin Akkam, Arabic February at Edgwarebury Cemetery. Rabbi law legal advisor, interpreter and Syrian refugee Rebecca Birk will officiate. Contact Wika Dorosz on [email protected] delving into judaism 50/50 club draws winners, october Wednesday 7.00-9.00pm. Weekly adult class 1st Sadie Westbury £20 exploring the building blocks of Judaism 2nd Andria Charilaou £10 3rd Emilia Lassman-Watts £5 plus Hebrew classes. Not on 2 5 D e c e m b e r o r 1 January 50/50 club draws winners, november lunch & learn 1st Lionel King Lassman £20 Thursdays, 12.00-1.00pm 2nd Kate Lassman Long £10 An hour’s learning in the small hall with 3rd Eden Silver £5 Rabbi Rebecca with a bring-and-share lunch

8 8 Beit Midrash coming up at fps

9 Building for the Future richard greene

Our congregation has a vibrant, welcoming make the building more attractive. community with an inspiring yet approachable With this issue of Shofar, we continue the rabbi and talented, enthusiastic musicians. discussion around key questions including: What it does not have is a building of the same Should we make the building larger? What calibre. The problem isn’t that it’s a little bit improvements will make it easier to use the down at the heels – I don’t think many of us classrooms, small hall and other common mind that (very much). spaces? How can we make it easier for everyone The problem is that, having grown to hear what’s happening during services? And piecemeal over the decades, it is neither attractive nor fit for purpose. That’s why, about Our congregation has a vibrant, a year ago, Council and I invited my friend Dean welcoming community with Willars, an architect, to take a look at Finchley Progressive Synagogue with an eye to making it an inspiring yet approachable more beautiful, functional and environmentally rabbi and talented, enthusiastic friendly. musicians. What it does not have is Since then, he has surveyed the site and produced industry standard architectural a building of the same calibre. drawings of the current building and grounds. We’ve hosted a special Cafe Ivriah session to critically, how can our building be as green as discuss what we like and don’t like about the possible? building, surveyed all the clubs, groups and I’ve been delighted by the amount of renters of the space, established a committee to feedback that I’ve heard so far and by the drive the project enthusiasm for making improvements. Within forward, the next couple of months, we should have an and sought updated set of design ideas from the architect, feedback on and from there I hope we can move towards some of Dean’s planning permission, costing the project, and initial design fundraising. (You’ll hear more about that from suggestions which were posted for examination me soon....) during the High Holy Days. As a congregation, we are approaching our The main ideas included creating a more 70th anniversary in 2023. I hope to use that inspiring place for prayer by raising the roof of milestone as a cornerstone for this project: the sanctuary and replacing windows so we have creating an inspiring, functional, eco-friendly more sight of greenery; placing solar panels and space that will house Finchley Progressive a garden on the roof to make the building more Synagogue for a generation to come – perhaps eco-friendly; and rendering the exterior walls to even until our 100th anniversary!

10 10 Building for the Future : 4 Responses

Following Richard Greene’s introduction, 2 michael lassman: a place to worship we include four responses written by FPS All the discussion over the past few months members and musicians on the building and and the release of possible plans for the FPS changes being considered: building development has got me thinking 1 franklyn gellnick, musician about the sort of building I want to worship in. The ‘building & beautification’ programme Firstly, I want to be part of a community with affords a wonderful opportunity to enhance the common values and understandings as well as music at FPS, whether for services or concerts. differing views for challenge. I want a place to Ideally - assuming the bimah remains in its discuss the issues of the day with people who I current place - Dean and I would like it extended may have known all my life or just a few months. full width and for us to make a permanent ‘aliyah’ Our lovely FPS building has been my second there, alongside those who lead and participate home for most of my life. It was built in 1961 as a in services. One immediate advantage of this utilitarian and functional space to accommodate is greater ease of communication with Rabbi the needs of the community in prayer and not. Rebecca and others. Liberal Judaism of the 1960s was very Whatever form the ark takes, an area either different. Services almost exclusively in English side could incorporate secure, hidden storage (save the central prayers), hardly a head covered for all our music, instruments and accessories and barely a tallit except on the rabbi. To me it - as at other shuls. If you’re not already aware was religion almost devoid of spirituality – like of the countless hours Dean spends setting up “the baby thrown out with the bath-water”. and packing down for Shabbat Resouled and Now we want something more. A deeper other services, spare a thought for him now! connection to the global family of Israel, a You might also bear in mind that it’s not his closer link to our past and a sense that there is fault when we get howling feedback from our something deeper. I seek a purpose and a path, inadequate sound system. An upgrade is long founded in my Jewish heritage and connecting overdue and, when finally installed as part of the me to a cosmic energy (spirit) that I believe binds programme, should put to rest this disturbing all people across the world. (and occasionally embarrassing) issue. I want to be able to worship in a place that Being ‘on show’ naturally has its drawbacks: is a testament to that spirit – a House of Prayer I shall no longer be able to eat a three-course and a House of God. I believe one of our charms meal behind the piano on Yom Kippur, but is our humility as a congregation so it would overall I think the advantages greatly outweigh not be fitting to have great spires, towers or the disadvantages. I’m sure many of you will ornate carvings in marble and gold. But why have some useful suggestions of your own, so shouldn’t we have a more expansive view for our please come forward over the weeks and months synagogue? A vision beyond tinkering around ahead and make them known. Given the nature the edges, even though we certainly could do and scale of the project, it’s important we get it with some of that. right first time. Money is clearly an issue. We do not have

Continued on page 12

11 Building for the Future : 4 Responses

michael lassman / cont. from page 11 I would like to come into a space that sings of millions in a kitty marked “building fund”, but I community. There would be a wide open space would like us to seek new inspiration. In Torah, lit by a skylight and perhaps with a ‘living wall’ God tells our forebears in the desert, in great along one side. From this atrium, offices and detail, how to build the Mishkan, its size and its activity rooms including a sanctuary could be decoration – our own IKEA instruction booklet reached without going up and down a corridor. for a flat-pack space, fit for divine presence. Perhaps this communal area would house a Surely, as a community, we could have a gallery illustrating our history as a movement new sanctuary, not one that doubles as a dance and as a synagogue. Old photographs of North studio, karate dojo, or yoga hall. FPS is nearly 70; Finchley in the ‘60’s, or our community when it it’s time for a dedicated space to be our House of was housed in the North Finchley Library and/or Prayer and maybe with a new plan that inspires Northside School would be nice. the community with passion and expectation, I know two architecturally forward looking we might be able to raise the amount needed synagogues each with its own distinctive history for a beautiful home for our Liberal Judaism in that in my mind meld tradition, function and Finchley. modernity well. These are New North London where the synagogue hall is regularly used 3 sarah rosen-webb: some thoughts on the fps building development plans for concerts, but is still essentially a quiet, A Midrash respectful space and Holy Blossom Temple in When house hunting as a young couple, Toronto where elements of the original 1935 Neil and I were sent by estate agents to at buildings have been retained and a large atrium least 30 wrong-for-us houses before we met added to bring the different buildings together another agent who took a different approach. with light and additional activity space. While He showed us two photographs in distinctly both of these congregations have had more different styles, sadly well beyond our limited funds than we will, I believe we can gain from funds. ‘Never mind’, he said, ‘look at these two looking at what they have done. (I’d hope we pictures and tell me which one you would have might be able to get some money from the if you had unlimited funds’. Fortunately we both Heritage Lottery Fund to help fund historical choose the same house. ‘Ah, now that I know and educational aspects of our works.) It might the direction we are heading in, I think I can find also be worthwhile to take a look at the newly a good house in your price range’. And he did! repurposed office block on the High Road which A Commentary operates as St Barnabas Church. As we make decisions regarding changes to FPS If we were to buy the piece of land adjoining I ask myself ‘what kind of synagogue space do our site we could develop separate vehicle I want?’ We could aim for awe inspiring or go entrance and exits and at the same time re- in the direction of the cosy-functional-humble orient our building entrance and/or the direction human and humane style that I think is more of our sanctuary so our congregation can face in keeping with the underlying philosophy and towards Jerusalem in prayer (rather than turning tenets of Liberal and Progressive Judaism. our backs on Jerusalem as we do now).

12 Building for the Future : 4 Responses

4 melvyn newman: plans & ideas comparison, and we could start with a clean Our Shul has a heart and soul with a vibrant canvas. We might even have a bimah that faces community led by a committed and gifted team in the right direction. It might be a pipe dream that is let down only by its fabric. The debate but it is possible. The only change we shouldn’t on how and what changes should be made make is to our generous welcoming and friendly to address the shul’s tired exterior has been spirit that is inherent within our synagogue. wrangling for some time with many different Lastly, as we discuss the plans and ideas thoughts on the improvements required, we would like to implement, there is an idea of including possibly building a second storey. my own that would be inexpensive and a great To go forward, we need a comprehensive project for younger members. This would involve plan that will incorporate the most important designing narrative stained glass windows, and relevant ideas with a strategy that may which would certainly add to the beauty of our extend several years.The strategy should include Shul (whether it’s here or elsewhere). This is a monetary targets: if, for instance, £1m - 2m was beautification project that can be achieved in our total target we could then stage our scheme the near future with funding available. to kick in at certain levels of finance thereby Many thoughts to dwell on as Autumn achieving a gradual transformation over time seems to have rapidly evolved into Winter. with the final goal always in mind. Funding will not be easily achieved. It will require commitment and dedication from a committee that would need to focus on donations, legacies, and possible lottery money. Realistically there would be many hurdles as we go through the process of planning, including disruptions involving timing, as inevitably there will be delays. In spite of this there is an indomitable spirit within our community that will deal with the inevitable disruptions while focussing on the much awaited transformation. Change hurts, but it is necessary for us as a synagogue to move forward and to attract new members. The initiative we are taking will benefit the whole of our community. The other alternative is to look for new premises although finding a suitable and affordable new home would be difficult. The advantage would be that any disruptions involved in moving would be minimal by

13 The Sephardic History of Sufganyot claudia prieto-piastro

They say that a little bit of fat makes everything Here you have a recipe of bimuelos, they are taste better; and there is no question that a bit more simple to make than sufganyot. although we are sometimes afraid of the impact that fried food has on our health, we all love Ingredients a deep fried treat from time to time. Chanukah 250ml water of course gives us the perfect excuse to indulge 150g plain flour in deep fried pastries, fritters, latkes, etc. Each 30g butter Jewish community around the world has their 40g sugar own “frying traditions” but sometimes, they 1tsp salt are more connected that they might seem. A 4 eggs perfect example are the sufganyot particularly 1 tsp vanilla extract popular in Israel where around Chanukah more (optional) that 18 millions of these sweet fried treats Oil to fry are sold. Their history dates back to the 1920s when the Histadrut, the Israeli workers union, Method promoted their consumption and most home 1. In a pan, mix the butter, sugar, water, and cooks preferred to buy the delicious treats salt. Bring it to a boil and add the flour. Reduce rather than bake them. the heat to medium and stir constantly with But the story of sufganyot started in Spain a wooden spoon until the dough comes easily with their Sephardic ancestors; the Bimuelos. from the sides of the pan. By the thirteenth century these Spanish fritters were the chosen Chanukah treat of the 2. Turn off the heat and start adding the eggs Sephardic community that later took different one by one and the vanilla if using, while forms: some of them took a Middle East twist constantly stirring. Leave the dough to rest for and were drowned in a sweet syrup, in Greece at least two hours. they were covered with honey and cinnamon or lemon juice, and in Germany they were filled 3. Heat gently the oil for frying on a medium with jams and became what we now know as flame. Slowly, drop spoonful of the dough just sufganyot; although originally they were known a few at a time as they will puff up and will as gefulte krapfen. need space. Turn them at least once to make Nowadays, little bimuelos are called in sure they are cooked through. Once they are Spain bunuelos de viento and eaten during All golden brown take them out of the oil and put Saint Day festivities in November. There is a them on paper towels. You can then cover them rumour that those Christian families that have with sugar or syrup or just eat them as they are. a tradition of making these fritters probably Remember to serve them as soon as possible as have Jewish ancestors that decided to keep the they become soggy after a few hours. tradition of eating the fritters during the late Autumn even when they have been forced to change the festivity they marked with them.

14 THIS WEEK, LIKE EVERY OTHER WEEK, JEWISH CARE WILL TOUCH THE LIVES OF 10,000 PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

Just as a chanukiah needs a shamash to make the other candles come alight, we need your help to bring light to the lives of Holocaust survivors in our community.

Zigi lived through a Polish Ghetto and Auschwitz. Now he always celebrates Chanukah at Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre together with other survivors, like Jan, who have shared his experiences.

Our Holocaust Survivors’ Centre supports more than 500 members. With your kindness and generosity, we can continue to enable Holocaust survivors to celebrate Chanukah together with people who understand what they’ve been through.

Please make a gift by calling 020 8922 2600 or visit jewishcare.org/donate

Charity Reg No. 802559

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19-394-NJ Chanukah advert 2019 A5.indd 1 12/11/2019 10:21 Citizens UK Delegates Assembly tamara joseph

Six FPS members represented us at the London Londoners. We discussed what issues had been Citizens Delegates Assembly on 20 November. most important to FPS members in our listening Zoe Jacobs was one of three co-chairs of the campaign in the spring, which had the most meeting of more than 500 people representing winnable and meaningful campaign asks, and churches, mosques, schools, synagogues and whether to give all three of our votes to climate other institutions from across London. change. Youth Safety and Violence emerged as Campaign Teams presented each of the five the highest campaign priority, then Housing issues of the London Citizens Manifesto for the and Homelessness, Climate Change, Welcome Mayoral Election. Adrian Lister was part of the and Living Wage. Climate Change Campaign Team. There was Each institution discussed how many people powerful and moving personal testimony from we would bring to the Mayoral Assembly at the a six year old boy about the impact of poor air Copper Box on 21 April. We pledged to bring 30 people from FPS. Please put the date in your diaries and come and see the power London Citizens in action on 21 April! Between us all we pledged to bring over 5,000 people! That’s a great start, but we need 7,000 to fill the Copper Box, so there is still some way to go. We left the hall feeling powerful, inspired and motivated to build the campaign. Rebekah and I are going to join the (refugee) Welcome Team for a demonstration at 5pm on 19 December at City Hall. Come and join us! Keep up quality on his health and quality of life; from to date with the Mayoral Campaign at a woman talking about how she had feared to https://citizensuk.org/London-2020-plan. call the police when she was abused by her ex- partner because of her irregular immigration status; from a representative from the Salvation Army who has officiated at six funerals of people he knew personally from their projects supporting the homeless in the last year. The diversity of the people speaking from the stage was really striking – people of all ages, races, religions and walks of life from all over London. Delegates from each voted to prioritise the issues. It was clear how vital they all are and how much impact they have on the lives of

16 17 KT in Amsterdam rabbi rebecca birk

The photos below and on the next page family names through the Holocaust Memorial capture our Kabbalat Torah Trip to Amsterdam and narratives they learned from the Resistance led recently by Zoe and me for our 10 young Museum and Anne Frank’s house. people (school year 10s). Whilst some might be remembering the Hopping on Eurostar direct to Amsterdam toppings they chose for their pancakes, and the shortly after 7.00am on Friday morning enabled coffee shops they were not allowed to enter, us to visit the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue they all engaged fully in the learning whilst we and the adjacent Jewish Museum by lunch time. were there. Observing the pianist and chazan at We followed a chronological journey of Jewish the Amsterdam Liberal Synagogue they noted, history from exiles from the Iberian Peninsula “Oh they have their own Dean and Franklyn!” through the Second World War and the family That is how well trained they have been. stories that emerged. Two followed their own

The group outside the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue (left to right) Ollie, Alex, Leo, Jess, Maya, Noah, Rachel, Rachel, Alex and Elias.

18 Meet Our Ivriah Teachers

As our first term of Ivriah comes to a close, we own temples there is asked our wonderful teachers to report back never a dull moment on their experiences of being part of the Ivriah on a Saturday world. morning! class alef/bet/gimmel class daled/hay & their teachers evyatar & evie: & their teachers eddie & rebekah: I love teaching at Ivriah! It is a great way to give back to my community whilst having fun, and retain an active role in synagogue life. I’ve also learned so Being a teacher at Ivriah enables me to be at much in my time as a the heart of the FPS community, working with teacher, from Jewish its youngest members. history to improving my Hebrew (as well as I enjoy planning lessons and working as a gaining so many transferable skills). team to develop the children’s understanding of The kids are all so sweet and it’s lovely to see Jewish studies while of course having as much them bond as a class and learn more about their fun as possible! I loved coming to Ivriah as a Jewish traditions and identities. My favourite student and was taught by great teachers who session this year so far has been playing snakes inspired me to follow in their footsteps. From and ladders in Hebrew! tefilla with Dean, to designing and creating our a word from john, our hebrew teacher I’m the old fella in the Ivriah staff. But not an old fuddy duddy – I hope! The youngsters to whom I teach Hebrew in Vav and Zayin inform me as much as I like to think I teach them. This give and take in the welcoming and inclusive environment of FPS’ Ivriah is what makes teaching here such a unique experience. And a special mention to the teaching assistants. Your energy and ideas make all the difference. A big Our Ivriah assistants (from left) Maya Stubbings, thank you from an old hand. Alex Treganna & Elias Rosenthal

19 Contacts fps website: www.fps.org

finchley progressive synagogue Life President: Sheila King Lassman 54 Hutton Grove N12 8DR Vice Presidents: Renzo Fantoni, Josie Kinchin, 020 8446 4063 www.fps.org Alex Kinchin-Smith, Laura Lassman, Lionel King facebook.com/finchleyprog Lassman, John Lewis, Paul Silver-Myer, Andrea Rabbi Rebecca Birk – [email protected] Rappoport, Joan Shopper Emeritus Rabbi: Dr Frank Hellner contacts Board of Deputies Reps: Janet Tresman, Community Development Manager: Stanley Volk Zoe Jacobs – [email protected] Beit Midrash (Adult Education): Adrian Lister Musicians in Residence: Franklyn Gellnick, [email protected] Dean Staker Beit Tefillah (Rites & Practices): Valerie Joseph Synagogue Manager: Pauline Gusack [email protected] Keep In Touch Team (contacting members): reached via Pauline in FPS office executive 2019 Website Editor: Philip Karstadt Chair: Cathy Burnstone, [email protected] [email protected] Vice-Chair: Anjanette Pavell, Shofar Guest Editor: Deb Hermer [email protected] Shofar Team: [email protected] Treasurer: Chris Nash, [email protected] Sarah Rosen-Webb, Wika Dorosz Honorary Secretary: Tamara Joseph, FPS Office: [email protected] [email protected] The Finchley Progressive Synagogue is a company limited by board members guarantee (Company No 9365956) and a registered charity Sam King, [email protected] (Charity No 1167285) whose registered office is 54 Hutton Phillip Raphael, [email protected] Grove, Finchley, London N12 8DR Ann Pelham, [email protected] Roy Balint-Kurti, [email protected] President: Alan Banes

ashley page janet tresman insurance brokers mediator & collaborative family law solicitor Commerce House Altermans Solicitors 2a Litchfield Grove 239 Regents Park Road, London N3 3LF London N3 2TN Office phone: 0208 346 1777 Tel. 020 8349 5100 Email: [email protected]

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