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Magazine of the New West End Synagogue

Rosh Hashanah5771 / 2010

Mosaic

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Mosaic

Its time to shake your Lulav! Just in time for Sukkot, the Lulav Wizard is the first ever virtual Lulav and Etrog simulator. The Wizard walks you through all steps of the mitzvah of waving the Lulav. As you shake your iPhone or iPod touch, watch the Lulav and Etrog shake in a realistic 3D simulation. The Wizard includes: Realistic 3D motion, sound effects, Step-by-step instructions and blessings in Hebrew and English. According to its creators, Stuart Rubin Software, it is “Good fun for the vilda chaya or altacocker. Is it a mitzvah to buy the Lulav Wizard application? Maybe not, but it couldn’t hurt!”

Believe it or not, this is not a joke – this is a real application that has come out for the iPhone. While it may fun, I am obviously not promoting it in any way as a substitute to buying your own set of Arba Minim – there is nothing like picking up and shaking your own Lulav and Etrog on Succot.

While, unlike most other Synagogues, the New West End does provide sets of Arba Minim for the congregants to use during the Service, it is a far better experience – and you will be doing the mitzvah to a much greater level – if you buy your own set.

The Torah tells us (Lev. 23:40), “You shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of a goodly tree, a branch of palm trees, and the boughs of a thick tree, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the L-rd your G-d seven days.” By specifically saying “for yourself”, the Torah is telling us that on the first day of Succot (in Israel and first two days outside of Israel) one must own the Arba Minim they are using. For a synagogue member this can be achieved by using a shul set as they are considered to be a part-owner in the Arba Minim. Having said that, it would be preferable to have your own set as, not only would it be completely yours, but other members of the family could also use it at home. Obviously, non-members and Associates need to buy their own set to perform the mitzvah properly.

Please contact me at the Office to let me know how many sets you would like, and I will be more than happy to order and assemble them for you.

Together with my wife Shana, we wish you a Shana Tova U’metukah – a happy, sweet, and peaceful New Year.

03 Message from the Editor

04 United Synagogue’s Chief Executive’s Message

05 Social and Personal

06 Chief Rabbi’s Rosh Hashanah Message

07 Message from Rabbi Shisler

08 New Year greetings

14 Chairman’s Letter

15 “Generations” The NWES Guild Recipe Book & Recipes

18 The Call of the Shofar

19 Arms, Bums and Tums

20 Yom Ha’atzmaut Party

22 BP and the Business Year

24 Cheder Prize Giving

26 Raising the roof

27 Administrator’s Message

28 250 Years of the Board of Deputies

30 Ready, Steady... DAVEN!

32 Darwin & Davening: The Voice of Creation

34 It’s a Dog’s Life

36 Some Thoughts on The New West End

38 NWES Israel Group

39 Times of Service

40 Yom Tov Guide

42 CST: Sharing responsibility

Contents

MinisterRabbi Geoffrey Shisler CantorChazan Jeremy Lawson

ChairmanFrank Miller

Vice ChairmanDorothea Josem

WardensStanley Blum Jonathan Skry

Financial RepresentativeHarry Sieratzki

Board of Management Sandra Blackman Lynn BrownRachel Cohen Natalie CutlerAndrew Jacobs Harvey KatzStephen Levinson Henry Magrill Rachel Magrill Jonathan MathesonToni Nagel Jonathan Paisner Valerie Richman Michael SharronAngela Skry Michael TalalayTrevor Toube

Representatives on theCouncil of the United SynagogueDorothea JosemJonathan Matheson

Representative at the Board of Deputies of British JewsDori Schmetterling

AdministratorMichael Wahnon

BeadleEli Ballon

ChoirmasterElliot Burman Office hoursMonday to Thursday 8am-4pm Friday 8am-�pmSunday �0am-�� noon

Telephone 0�0 7��9 �6�� Fax 0�0 7��9 ��55Email nwes@newwestend.org.ukWebsite www.newwestend.org.uk

DesignedandProducedbyCreative Interpartners, London

Message fromthe EditorLulav Wizard 1.1 for the iPhone

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MazalTovto

• Simon Turner on his 60th birthday• Jeff Hammerschlag on his 60th birthday• Jonathan Skry on his 50th birthday• Rabbi Mendy and Soroh Loewenthal on the birth of their daughter Chaya Mushka• Stanley Brodie QC on his 80th birthday• Olivia Sharron on her Bat Mitzvah• Judy and Julian Machet on their daughter’s wedding• Michelle and Martin Zulberg on their son’s wedding• Mr. Lionel Manuel on his 85th birthday• Yvonne and Elliot Burman on their 25th wedding anniversary• Karen Katz, daughter of Jacquie and Stuart Katz, on her engagement to David Alberts• Zoe and Andrew Braham on the birth of a girl

The Board of Management along with the members, as well as visitors to the NWE, wish to thank all those who have sponsored Kiddushim over recent months. The Kiddushim provide a time to make new friends and catch up with old ones. We would like to thank you all!

Weregrettoannouncethe

followingdeaths:

• Mrs. Daisy Barnett• Mr. Gerald Fine

Social & PersonalWeofferaverywarmwelcometo

thefollowingnewMembersof

theSynagogue:

• Mr. Michael and Mrs. Marilyn Harris• Mr. Martin and Mrs. Michelle Zulberg

MazalTovtoallwhoweremarried

attheNewWestEndoverthelast

fewmonths:

• Stephanie Graham and Lewis Lee• Lee Gower and Sam Shaerf• Simone Kaye and Brett Simon• Natalie Silver and Scott Belasco• Michelle Hyams and David Ross• Katie Monk and Philip Korklin• Hayley Lamb and Robert Sethill• Karen Milner and David Darwin• Laura Wallis and Samuel Sloma• Dahlia Marcusfield and Jake Weiner• Zoe Rosenblatt and Robin Grainger• Stacey Album and Adam Gross• Lara Sinclair and Michael Lewis

Closer to home our students face increasing anti-Zionist sentiments on campus, the JFS case has seen dramatic changes to Jewish schools’ admissions, and legislative changes continue to bring new requirements regarding (amongst other things) disability, equality, VAT and CRB checking. And yet, life goes on for every one of our local communities.

Week in, week out, thousands of members continue to live a Jewish life enriched by their belonging to the US. Ours is a very special community living an authentic, inclusive and contemporary Jewish life. My commitment as Chief Executive of the US is to ensure that our members have access to the greatest possible benefit from their membership.

Living, Learning and Caring

It’s been quite a year…

The Jewish community faces many challenges. We see antisemitism on the rise across Europe, in New Zealand shechita has been outlawed and in the world’s press Israel is vilified.

Jeremy Jacobs, Chief Executive of the United Synagogue

Taking the lead from the Chief Rabbi, quoting the second mishna in Ethics of the Fathers, the work of the US is built on the foundations of Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Chasadim. In practice this translates into an enormous wealth of opportunities some of which you will be familiar with, and others which are new. Here are some examples of the latter:

Our “Living and learning” programme is an inspiring new strategic approach to Jewish education and living Judaism that links communities, schools and homes. As this new initiative gets under way, new activities and events will offer stimulating opportunities to engage all our members with our vibrant Jewish heritage. A guide to the festivals of Tishrei, new children’s service resources for children and parents, programmes for newlyweds, explanatory videos – these are just a taste of what is to come.

US Chesed is working on a growing number of initiatives under the umbrellas of Project Chesed and US Community Cares. The determination that members of our community must care for one another lies at the very heart of the US. As a result of this, the work of US Chesed touches thousands of people who are profoundly affected by this work and it is something

of which we can be justifiably proud.Letting our members know what is on offer to them is crucial – especially for those less involved. This is why we are working to improve our member communications. Look out for our new publication You & US which in addition to its New Year printed edition will come to life as an online resource giving every member access to news and views of interest as well as articles and features to do with all areas of US activity. There will also be room for comment, feedback and debate – so if you feel strongly about something, here’s how you can share your thoughts with a (world)wide audience.

Everything we do is focussed on servicing our communities and meeting members’ needs and aspirations. Our professional team, trustees and council, our Rabbonim and lay-leaders – all are working together to ensure we go from strength to strength: Living, learning and caring.

Finally may I take this opportunity of wishing you all a healthy, happy and peaceful new year.

Weextendourcondolencesto:

• Mr. Elliot Berman on the loss of his father• Mr. Michael Herman on the loss of his father• Mrs. Fay Miller on the loss of her husband• Mr. Michael Scheuer on the loss of his mother• Mrs. Marcella Spelman on the loss of her brother• Mrs. Michele Tarsh on the loss of her father

May the Almighty comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem

WEWILLREMEMBERTHEM

We have introduced the practice of reciting Memorial Prayers to recognise the generosity of those who have left legacies to the Synagogue in their Wills, and who will be permanently acknowledged in our Yizkor Book.

We are extremely grateful to those congregants who have made bequests, which enable us to maintain and preserve our beautiful Synagogue together with its activities.

If you would like to make provision in your Will for the future benefit of the Synagogue please contact the office.• Mrs. Zena Lewis

• Mr. Leslie Miller

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Bebirkat ketivah vechatimah torah

ChiefRabbiLordSacksRosh Hashanah 5771

305 Ballards Lane London N12 8GB Tel: 020 8343 6301 fax: 020 8343 6310 info@chiefrabbi.org www.chiefrabbi.org

One of the enduring features of Jewish spirituality is that we relate to God as a people, not simply as individuals in search of salvation. It was as a people that our ancestors were rescued from Egypt, as a people that they made a covenant with God, and as a people that we have lived out our destiny ever since.

Once a year, on Yom Kippur, the High Priest would seek forgiveness for the entire people. And though we have not had a Temple for almost 2000 years, still we confess together. We say “We have sinned,” not “I have sinned.” The same is true for other prayers. When we pray for people who are ill, we ask that the sufferer be healed“ along with others in Israel who are sick.” When we comfort mourners, we say, “May God comfort you together with the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.’’ Our destinies are interlinked. A tragedy for one is a tragedy for all. As the sages said, ‘’A1 Israel are responsible for one another.”

The eternal symbol - and today the living reality - of that collective existence is the land and the state of Israel. In the 4000 years since the days of Abraham and Sarah, it is the only place where Jews have ever had the chance to construct a society according to our own principles and beliefs, to govern ourselves, defend ourselves, and live a collective life.

Chief Rabbi’s Rosh Hashanah Message 5771

When I speak to groups of non-Jews, particularly children, and ask them what the word ‘rabbi’ means, I usually get answers such as “a priest” or “holy man.” I always tell them that I’m not a ‘holy’ man (and if they don’t believe me they can ask my wife!) and I’m also not a priest. I am a teacher, and the word rabbi means just that - “a teacher”.

I think it is very significant that a religious leader in Judaism is called “teacher” because, the fact that the spiritual leaders of our people are given this title, reflects the importance that Judaism places on education. Indeed, there have been times in history when people have tried to stop us learning, and Jews have laid down their lives rather than cease learning and teaching our religion.

When the Romans issued a decree against learning and teaching Torah, Rabbi Akivah ignored them and continued to teach. He did it quite openly, gathering around him vast numbers of students. When someone asked him why he was so brazen in going against the edict of their overlords and putting his life in peril, he said that Torah was his entire life and without it he would be like a fish on land. Out of the water, the fish would certainly die. In the water it might, or might not get caught by the fishermen. Similarly, while he continued to learn and teach Torah, he may or may not be caught by the Romans and be put to death, but were he to cease studying, he would certainly die.

Another Rabbi, Yochanan ben Zakkai managed to get himself secreted out of Jerusalem while it was being besieged by the Romans, in the year 70 CE. He approached the Roman General Vespasian and greeted him as “Emperor”. When, moments later, an envoy arrived from Rome proclaiming that Vespasian was indeed the new Emperor, Rabbi Yochanan was offered anything he wished, as a reward.

Rabbi Yochanan could have asked for anything his heart desired, but, knowng that the future of the entire Jewish people was at stake, he asked that the town of Yavneh and its scholars be spared. This request was granted, and there’s no doubt that the re-establishment of a place to teach and study Torah enabled our people to survive. In fact, there are many laws and customs that we continue to observe today that were established at Yavneh.

The Rabbis have always looked upon Torah study as an occupation that should continue to the very end of our life. Every evening we say in our prayers:

“They (Torah and Mitzvot) are our life and the length of our days, and we shall meditate on them by day and by night...”

As Jews we have a responsibility to learn and to teach. I think it is very sad when people proudly tell me that their children and grandchildren, who go to a Jewish School, are now teaching them. Imagine if they came home from Primary School to teach you some Arithmetic that they knew and you didn’t. An adult, who has forgotten all the Arithmetic he/she learned at that level, won’t have got far in life. While it may be “cute”, it’s not appropriate that 8 and 9 year-old children know more about basic Judaism than their parents and grandparents.

In the New West End we run a weekly study session on a Tuesday night, to which every single member of the Shul is invited - and would be most welcome. This is a very lively and interesting discussion group, and we are currently studying “The Ethics of the Fathers”. If you have not been before, please give it a try. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

This year we are also trying an innovation on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. From the beginning of the “Reading of the Torah” we shall be holding an “Explanatory Service.” During the course of the Musaf service we shall stop occasionally to explain the history of some of our prayers, their meaning, and the correct way to daven. We hope that you will find this interesting, and that it will aid you in your understanding of the service, and help you gain more from the service.

I hope that your davening will be enhanced by this new venture, and that all our prayers, for ourselves, for our families and for our people will be answered for good.

Anne and I wish you a sweet and healthy 5771.

Rabbi Shisler’s Message

“Jews have laid down their lives

rather than cease learning and teaching our religion.”

Israel is built into the very idea of teshuvah, which means not “repentance’’ but “return” All the prophets who experienced or foresaw exile, saw the Jewish getting to the land as an essential accompaniment to the Jewish return to the faith. Our connection to the land is more than merely political. It is written in to the very terms of Judaism as a faith, the West’s oldest faith.

Since the day it was born, 62 years ago, Israel has been under assault. Hardly a year has passed without war or the threat of war, terror or the threat of terror. But today its very legitimacy - its right to be, and to defend itself - is under attack. Israel has become the Jew among the nations, an international pariah, charged, as Jews were charged in the Middle Ages, with demonic crimes and wild accusations. lt is hard not to see this as the continuation, in a new form, of an ancient and terrible history about which the world once said, “Never Again.”

Israel needs our prayers. It has achieved great things. It has rescued threatened Jews across the world. It has turned Hebrew, the language of the Bible, into a living tongue. It has built centres of Jewish learning unparalleled since the days of the Mishnah. Today we can say, with the prophet, “From Zion shall go forth Torah, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.’’ Born a mere

three years after the Jewish people walked through the valley of the shadow of death, it represents a momentous affirmation of life.

Please, in the days and weeks ahead, hold Israel in your prayers. Its people are our people. Its land is the only land Jews have known as home in the sense given by the poet Robert Frost: “the place where, when you have to go there, they have to let you in.” In the coming year may God bless the people of Israel in the land of Israel with security, tranquility and peace, and may He write us all in the Book of Life.

RabbiGeoffreyShislerRosh Hashanah 5771

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Rabbi & Mrs. SHISLER and family wish the community a healthy and peaceful New Year.

u

Wishing everyone a peaceful, healthy and happy New Year from The ADMINISTRATOR

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Best wishes for a peaceful, healthy and happy New Year from Zara BRICKMAN and Lionel KAUFMAN

u

Geoffrey and Valerie GREEN wish all the community a happy and healthy New Year

u

Wishing Rabbi & Mrs. Shisler, Honorary Officers and the entire New West End Community a happy and healthy New Year

from the HAMMERSCHLAG Family

u

All best wishes for a very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year – Jane and Cyril HODES

u

To the Congregation and Honorary Officers – Happy New Year from Yolande HOPMEIER

u

Susan & Harvey KATZ wish Rabbi and Mrs. Shisler together with our family and friends a happy and healthy New Year and

well over the Fast

Chag Sameach to the Rabbi, Anne, Jeremy and the Congregation from Roy and Barbara LEVIN

u

With our best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year to all our Community - Linda and Martin LEWIN

u

New Year greetings and well over the Fast to all at the New West End Synagogue – Denise and Melvyn LUX

Happy New Year from the LUX-DAYS

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Wishing the community a healthy and happy New Year from Collette LUX and David PRICE

u

Maxine & Michael MARGOLIS and Family wish Rabbi & Mrs. Shisler, the Honorary Officers and the entire Community a

happy and peaceful New Year

u

Hilde and Jonathan MATHESON wish Rabbi & Mrs. Shisler and all their friends a happy and healthy New Year and well

over the Fast

u

Happy New Year to all – Renée and Valerie RICHMAN

We wish all the NWES community a sweet & peaceful New Year

Wishing the Rabbi, Chazan, Wardens and all the Congregation

a happy and peaceful New Year and well over

the Fastu

Pauline & Frank BARNETT, David Chantal, Richard,

Jo & all the children.

A happy and healthy year

to you allu

Sandra BLACKMAN and Family

Sybil SCHAPIRO wishes everyone a healthy, happy Year.

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Be healthy, be happy, be wealthy in 5771 from Fariba, Dori and Raphael SCHMETTERLING

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Mrs. Phyllis SHAPRO wishes everybody a peaceful New Year and well over the Fast

u

The SHARRON Family wish all members and friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year

u

Wishing the whole community a healthy and happy New Year – Angela, Jon, Rachel and Zac SKRY

u

Marcella and Bobby wish all their friends a happy New Year

u

Happy New Year to all the community from The STEINFELD Family

u

A very happy New Year to all at the New West End from the STONE Family

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With best wishes to you all for a happy and healthy New Year – Morris WEINTROUB

With all best wishes to the Honorary Officers,

the Beadle, staff and fellow members of the congregation a

most rewarding and healthy year

u

Lord & Lady WOOLF

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Victor, Esther, Rudi & Theo Fieldgrass wish their family and

friends a happy, healthy and joyous New Year

Best wishes to Rabbi & Mrs. Shisler, Rev. Lawson, Eli and

co-members for a healthy and happy

New Yearu

Hilary & David SLOVICK

Jacquie & Stuart KATZ u

Wish all their friends in the community a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year

LANDO – Carol, Laurence and Jessica wish all congregants

a healthy, happy New Year and well

over the Fast

Frank, Felicity, Alex, Ben and Josh MILLER wish Rabbi and Mrs.

Shisler, Cantor Jeremy Lawson, the Honorary Officers, the Board of

Management and the whole community

a L’Shana Tova – a happy and sweet

New Year

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May this New Year bring Mazel, Brocha to all our members and may our morning minyanim also prosper with an increase in numbers each day

Stanley BLUM

We wish all the NWES community a sweet and peaceful New Year

Gaby, Howard, Josh & Lucy MORRIS

Wishing all the congregation a healthy, happy & prosperous

New Year u

Stephen Wax Architects

Derry and Tony DINKIN

u

wish everyone a happy and peaceful

New Year

Norman and Thelma EPSTEIN wish Rabbi & Mrs. Shisler, The

Honorary Officers and members a happy New Year and well

over the Fast

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Dear Members of the New West End Community,

When my wife and I first came to the New West End Synagogue nearly a decade ago, I never imagined that I would write to this community as the Chairman of the Board of Management. In fact, the thought was the furthest thing from my mind. This may have been primarily a result of feeling overwhelmed by the history of the New West End and the imposing splendour of the building itself. What would an American raised in the suburbs of New Jersey have to offer a long established West London Jewish community that had its Shabbat services overseen by men in top hats?

It did not take long to learn that even a brash American could find a dependably warm welcome here. With each passing Rosh Hashanah, I have discovered that one cannot claim merely to “attend services” at the New West End Synagogue. We do not simply spend time at the shul - we invest time here in the way people invest time with their family and friends. As my own family has grown, the New West End has come to be our spiritual home, and a place where we can share and enjoy a rich Jewish life amongst friends.

And so I have come to recognise that the true splendour of the New West End Synagogue is to be found in its people and not merely in its edifice. And the history of this shul is not nearly as compelling as the promise in its future.

With these thoughts in mind, the idea of accepting an opportunity to serve as Chairman was not such an outlandish notion. Instead, it was a question of whether I could accept the responsibility of serving people who had become dear to me. When put that way, how could I refuse?

Only after the vote did I consider what enormous shoes there were to fill. During

my time as a member, the New West End Synagogue has been immensely fortunate to have had at its helm our previous Acting Chair, Gaby Morris, and our former Chairman Melvyn Lux. I am deeply indebted to them both especially, as well as to each of the former Chairmen and Vice Chairpersons, Financial Representatives and Wardens. I have called on many of our previous Honorary Officers to share their experiences and insights with me as I began my term, and I expect to continue to do so from time to time. I know I speak on behalf of the entire community when I express to each of them, and to all of the members of our Board of Management who have ended their tenure, our thanks and appreciation for their service.

I must also mention Rabbi Shisler and Rebbetzen Anne Shisler. They have together a better understanding about how to organise a synagogue serving an Orthodox Anglo-Jewish community than I can ever hope to learn, and I am grateful for their unwavering support for me and the other Honorary Officers.

I would also like to mention our Vice Chair, Dorothea Josem, Financial Representative Harry Sieratzki, and Wardens Jonathan Skry and Stanley Blum. We have been working closely over these past few months and have come to understand better both the extraordinary accomplishments we can recall with justifiable pride as well as the challenges that lie ahead. And we are supported now by our new Administrator, Michael Wahnon, who is providing dedicated support in the shul office.

At this point in this letter, it seems the custom for the Chairman to recite the previous year’s notable events and achievements and to recall as many of the individual contributions made as space permits. I am happy to report that space simply would not permit a full and fair accounting. Many, many people have contributed selflessly both their time and

Chairman’s Letter energy towards organising our events and

activities and ensuring the smooth operation of our services, from Purim to Pesach, from the Cheder to Club Sameach. And while the efforts of individuals and our various committees are too many to mention, it seems to me that first among all is our Guild which serves as the pulse of our community under the able stewardship of Anne Shisler.

I want to conclude by describing for you two challenges I have set for the New West End Synagogue for the coming year, each of which has been endorsed by the Honorary Officers and the full Board of Management.

• The first is for the New West End Synagogue to establish a reputation for having a reliable minyan. I have set this challenge in recognition of the indispensible role we play in providing a place for Jews in our community to daven and fulfil the obligations of Jewish life. This is not a burden to be borne, but rather a responsibility to be embraced.

• The second is to become known far and wide for our promotion and preservation of music in the Synagogue and the strength of our musical tradition. This challenge is one I chose to set because it builds on one of our greatest strengths and an inspiring feature in our services about which there is broad consensus. We should not settle for what we have, however - we should strive for more.

You will be hearing more about these two challenges as we move beyond the Yamim Noraim and into 5771. Whether you are a seasoned regular or a new member just finding your way and getting used to the top hats, I can assure you that each of us will have a chance to make a contribution.

It only remains for me to offer to each of you, on behalf of the Honorary Officers and the entire Board of Management, and from me and my family, sincere wishes for a peaceful, healthy and happy New Year.

FrankLMillerChairman of the Board of Management

August 2010 / Av 5770

I am not sure who had the bright idea to produce a recipe book (it might have been me!) but we started a very long time ago. We collected recipes and then got busy with other things. Occasionally we got a few more recipes together but life intervened again and the project got put on hold. However, we did decide on a name - Generations.

This year we decided we were really going to do it. We collected recipes from every generation of our community. We even acquired some from Aunts and Grandmas no longer with us and some from the youngest members of our synagogue – and so the project was revitalised.

The guild has been very lucky to have two amazing people who helped us. Shana Ballon put onto computer every single recipe we received and Sheli Rodney collated and edited them - truly mammoth tasks. In the end we had more recipes than we could possibly use. We would have loved to use them all but the cost of printing is such that it was impossible, so please forgive if we were not able to use all that you sent us, but we have tried to pick an unusual and interesting mix.

A suggestion has been made that we put the recipes we could not use onto the shul website. So watch that space.

The community supported our committee by putting greetings and advertisements in the book and a special ‘thank you’ must go to Susan Katz and the committee for all their help. The more money we raise on the book the more we can support the synagogue and all the charities that ask for our help. Our latest donation of £1000 has gone to the Friends of Jewish Servicemen and Servicewomen. Hopefully this will help them wherever they are – in Iraq, in Afghanistan or other far-flung places.

The book is dedicated to the memory of Sharlott Toube – Felicity Miller’s mother, Trevor’s late wife. She was a dedicated cook and we hope that some of the recipes will inspire you too.

We could not have finished this project so professionally without Caryl Harris and her brilliant team at Creative Interpartners. Caryl’s team help us produce the shul magazine and have entered enthusiastically into the job of producing the book. They have taken photos, come up with amazing

creative designs, helped design the pages and been absolutely wonderful.

As I write this article the book is finally being put together and going to print. The launch is scheduled for Sunday September 5th and we have guest star cook Silvia Nacamulli coming to give us a demonstration. We are planning to invite some of our recipe donors into the shul kitchen the week before to make their creations for you to taste. I hope you will be there to support us. The price of admission to the demonstration will include one recipe book, and you will be able to buy more books as gifts on that night and before September 5th at a special pre-publication price. Order forms will be on the website too as well as being sent out by post and email.

“Generations”The New West End Synagogue Guild Recipe BookAnne Shisler

On the next page you can see some recipes that we didn’t have room for - but there are lots more in the book!

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Line a round cake tin 220cm in diameter by 85cm depth with

grease proof paper and non-stick parchment paper on top.

2 to 3 hours prior to making the cake, take a large mixing bowl,

wash and grate the oranges placing peel in the mixing bowl with

the juice from the oranges. Wash and dry the mixed fruit. Add to

the orange juice with the mixed peel. Stir every now and again so

that the fruit absorbs most of the orange juice.

To make the cake, sieve both flours together with the baking

powder. Use an electric mixer to cream the margarine/butter and

sugar in another large bowl, until light and soft. Beat 2 eggs at a

time and fold in a small amount of flour with a wooden spoon.

When all the eggs have been used, fold in the remainder of the

flour. Transfer to the large mixing bowl containing the fruit and

orange juice.

Put into the cake tin, smooth the mixture. Bake gas 2/electric

150C for 2 to 21/2 hours. Test with a knife to come out clean; if not,

continue baking for a further 20 minutes or so, using your own

judgement.

Leave cake in tin until cold. Remove from tin leaving the cake in

the greaseproof paper and wrap firmly in foil. Keep in a sealed

cake tin for 1 to 2 weeks for maturing.

Shopping List

5 medium eggs weighing 280g

280g Tomor margarine or butter

350g flour (half wholemeal

& half white)

1 tsp. baking powder

280g soft brown sugar

450g mixed dried fruit

75g mixed peel

2 oranges

Fruit CakeValerie Green

For a larger cake add an

extra egg, weigh and adjust

ingredients pro rata.

Che

f’s

note

We collected recipes from every generation of our community. We even acquired

some from Aunts and Grandmas no

longer with us

Some of the many tasty meals featured in the ‘Generations’ cook book.

Stir fry noodles and onions in oil until golden. Add all

the other ingredients and cook for 15 – 20 minutes.

Lo MeinMarcia Goodman

Shopping List

8 oz. fine noodles (lokshen) uncooked

Oil

1 pkg. Onion soup mix

1/2 cup Uncooked rice (quick cooking)

3 cups Boiling waterMushrooms

Peas

Onions, thinly sliced

Tip:

This speedy supper dish can be reheated

in the oven

Sauté onion in a pot with the butter and olive oil on a low to moderate heat until it begins to go translucent; this will take about 8 minutes.

Add all remaining ingredients except for the tomato sauce and stock. Making sure the heat is not too high; sweat the vegetables for 5 minutes. The vegetables should not colour at all in this time. Add the stock and tomato sauce and boil at a moderate rate for about 35 minutes; you will need to check that all the vegetables are tender at this time. Taste the stock and add salt and pepper to taste, if it is too watery increase the heat and allow the soup to reduce until the consistency suits.

If required, add more water at the end to obtain the optimum texture. This soup tastes great the day after, so you might want to make more than you need!

Minestrone Soup (without beans or pasta!)Toni Nagel

6gms of butter1 tbsp of olive oil

1 onion, peeled and diced finely1 large potato, peeled and diced

1 large stalk of celery, sliced into 1 cm segments

1 medium - large carrot, peeled and diced

2 medium leeks, washed and sliced into 1/2 cm rings (white only)

2 cups finely chopped cabbage1 tomato, peeled,

cored and diced finely100 ml of tomato sauce

(ketchup)900 ml stock of choice

Salt and Pepper

Tip

To serve, garnish with some freshly grated

Parmesan cheese and crusty bread.

Including recepie’s from top

celebrity chef’s

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From the second day of Rosh Chodesh we begin to blow the Shofar. The custom in most places is to blow after the Shacharit Service, although some blow after the Maariv Service as well.

The source for the blowing of the Shofar comes from Yaakov ben Asher, the Tur (Cologne, 1270 - Toledo c.1340), who explained that when Moses went up Mount Sinai the second time to get the tablets of the Ten Commandments, it was Rosh Chodesh Elul. As he ascended, they blew on Shofars to indicate that Moses was going to be gone for 40 days (until Yom Kippur). They shouldn’t make a mistake again with a Golden Calf.

On the day before Rosh Hashana, the Shofar is not blown. There are two reasons. One is to make a separation between the blasts which were designated for Rosh Hashana by the Torah, and those which were instituted by the Sages during Elul. The second reason is to confuse the prosecutor (Satan), into thinking that the Day of Judgment has already passed!

Concerning this one must ask. Satan (or Yetzer Hara – evil inclination), is a wily and clever being always finding ways to

The Callof the Shofar

Everybody knows how important it is to exercise. Keeping fit and eating the right food is the key to longevity and wellbeing. Unfortunately it is one thing to know this and another to act upon it. If only someone could invent a pill we could pop to immediately become healthy, I would be first in line. Though we have a large choice of food available in the shops and know what is good for us, we have no influence on what is injected into meat, added into sausages or what pesticides were put into fruit and vegetables. Even if we are clever and reject fast food and cook “from fresh” we still consume all the added extras. It

is just mind blowing to know that if our

ancestors were to

eat what we are eating now, they would die quickly. We are obviously immune, like one can become immune to poison by taking small amounts over a long period of time. Today though I am not going to speak about nutrition I will leave it for another time.

I would like to talk to you about exercise which is the other vital point to keep young and agile. Everybody knows how important it is, so I am not going to bore you repeating what you already know.

If you walk briskly every day for about half an hour you are already exercising your heart and lungs. Cardiorespiratory fitness is often referred to as stamina and in everyday life gives rise to energy for daily activities and

a sense of vitality. It is often viewed as the foundation of fitness and is important in reducing the risk of heart disease. Walking, however, does not do much for your muscles apart from to the heart and legs.

Muscles give the body its form and shape. They determine posture and cause the body to move. Muscle fitness is important in everyday life to protect the joints and the muscles themselves from unusual stress and strain, as well as preventing injury. In everyday life muscle strength helps with tasks like moving or lifting objects, carrying shopping, luggage or walking up stairs or hills.

1. 2.

Sit down on the edge of a chair keeping feet a hip’s-width apart.

Take your weights in each hand; fix your elbows firmly to your waist.

Lift the weights up to your shoulders and down to your thighs.

Do 3 x 10 repetitions.

Move your elbows back and as closely to each other as possible, keep them firmly fixed over duration of this exercise.

Move your forearms up towards the ceiling and down only to be able to touch your thighs.

Do 3 x 10 repetitions.

Arms, Bumsand TumsDee Fitness tutor

Remember: keep shoulders down, stomach muscles in and elbows attached to the waist. Keep your wrists steady and immobile.

of Polnoye (died 1782) answers, that the Shofar arouses in the world the sparks of the final redemption, a time when there will be no Yetzer Hara and no death. By not hearing the Shofar Erev Rosh Hashana the Satan thinks that Rosh Hashana has passed and he has become superfluous. His job is finished. It is similar to waking up in the morning to find your name in the obituaries.

In the words of the Rambam, the Shofar calls out, “awaken you sleepers from your (spiritual) slumber. Search out your ways and return to Hashem in Teshuva.”

tempt and trip up Jews, encouraging them to disregard the will of Hashem. Is he so foolish that he doesn’t understand the calendar enough to know when Rosh Hashana falls? Moreover, presumably the Satan would be wise enough to know after 4000 years, that not blowing the Shofar on Erev Rosh Hashana is the Jewish custom. (This is also why we stand during the Shofar service. In Halacha those blasts are called the “sitting blasts”. Technically, one does not have to stand. We only stand to fool the Satan.) The Rav Yaakov Yosef

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Photos of Yom Ha’atzmaut Party showing the marvalous Israeli-style buffet supper of pita, falafel, humus and numerous other tasty accompaniments, laid on by the wonderful functions committee,

The children making their tzedaka boxes and having

their faces painted.

Over 60 New West Enders and guests turned out on the evening of Sunday 18th April to celebrate Israel’s 62nd birthday in style at our Yom Ha’atzmaut party. Dressed in blue and white for the occasion, the grown-ups sipped Israeli wine and tested their knowledge in the Israel quiz, while the children enjoyed the arts and crafts corner, making their own tzedaka boxes and having their faces painted.

Rabbi Shisler led a short ceremony to mark the end of Yom Hazikaron and the start of Yom Ha’atzmaut, with everyone joining in with some hearty singing. This was followed by a delicious Israeli-style buffet supper of pita, falafel, humus and numerous other tasty accompaniments, laid on by the wonderful functions committee.

Other highlights included blue and white nail painting, a slideshow of images from Israel’s history running throughout the evening, and Abi Warren’s divine blue and white cupcakes – which speedily disappeared off the plate! After some impromptu Israeli dancing, the evening ended with prizes for the quiz winners, as well as a raffle. A wonderful time was had by all.

Yom Ha’atzmaut Party

Mosaic

Among the lessons to be learned from the main business story of the last year, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, Jewish business ethics have something to contribute. In a world increasingly dominated by legalities and litigation, BP might have relied on the rules of the American Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, according to which their liability for damages (as distinct from restoration work) would have been limited to $75 million. But in fact, at an early stage BP announced that they were not intending to rely on this legal limitation of liability, but would establish a fund to compensate anyone harmed by the disaster, a fund whose assets currently total $20 billion. Of course, it is not unreasonably cynical to speculate that this massive gesture may have owed more to commercial and political pressures and realities than to ethical commitment; but it does reflect Jewish ethical teaching. The one feature of Jewish business law that is at most striking variance with secular commercial law throughout the modern world is the complete absence of the concept of limited liability. In Britain, the development of limited liability companies began with the need to finance industrial growth, and they have become a feature of the commercial world taken for granted by the entire business community. But while limitation of liability is the norm for the secular commercial world, with the courts

“The notion of liability and responsibility is the essence of Jewish business ethics and, indeed, of the Jewish world-attitude generally.”

prepared to “pierce the corporate veil” and impose personal liability on directors only in very limited circumstances, the halachic presumption is the reverse, with limitation of liability only being permitted as a rare exception. The notion of liability and responsibility is the essence of Jewish business ethics and, indeed, of the Jewish world-attitude generally. Judaism encourages entrepreneurial endeavour; but the more my activities take me into areas that affect other people’s lives, the more I am required to accept responsibility for their lives, and to ensure that I do not do more harm than good for those with whom I comeinto contact. The spiritual stock-taking which Jews undertake on Rosh Hashanah, in regard to our business and other activities of the previous year, includes checking that if we have inadvertently harmed others in the course of our activities, we have also done everything possible – and not just everything convenient or required by secular commercial law – to put things right.

Daniel Greenberg, honorary consultant to JABE, Jewish Association for Business Ethics.

JABE is a registered educational charity that aims to raise standards of honesty, integrity and social responsibility through:

Educating young people about moral dilemmas they will face in the workplace through our highly acclaimed ‘Money & Morals’ school programme. Seminars & educational events for business people and professionals

Thought provoking publications on key moral issues

For further information please contact JABE on 0208 905 4048, e-mail: info@jabe.org www.jabe.org

BP and the business yearDaniel Greenberghonorary consultant to JABE, Jewish Association for Business Ethics

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“Jews, being such a small proportion of the world’s population, are still able to make a significant contribution to the welfare of the world with their values”

The Golda Cohen room was set up with a top table for our guest of honour, NWES chairman, Frank Miller and his wife, Felicity, together with Rabbi Shisler, Mira Grant (headteacher) and Michael Sharron (teacher/parent liaison), and the rows of seats were filled by over 25 Cheder children together with their parents who came to witness the prize-giving, having earlier mingled over some welcome refreshments, prepared by Rebbetzen Anne Shisler.

Michael Sharron introduced the proceedings and thanked the Rabbanim and Rebbetzin of New West End and Holland Park for their valuable input to the Cheder over the last year, as well as the headteacher, Mira Grant, and her dedicated staff for all their hard work in teaching the children and keeping them enthused in their continued learning and array of class activities. He also thanked the security staff who help make the Cheder a safe and secure place to learn. Mira Grant addressed the room and read out a letter from Rabbi

Labi”s daughter, Shirelle, who was unable to attend, and is now studying in Israel.

Frank Miller spoke to the children, quoting Mark Twain and his description of how it is that Jews, being such a small proportion of the world’s population, are still able to make a significant contribution to the welfare of the world with their values.The reason proffered by Mr. Miller was “education”; he provided a physical prompt of a sponge to illustrate how the soaking up of Jewish knowledge is what the Cheder children will be able to take with them into their adulthood and he thanked the children collectively for attending Cheder, as this one act embodies what Mark Twain was saying when he wrote “what is the secret of (the Jews’) immortality?”.

The prize-giving then took place with Siddurim, books and certificates handed to all the children, and special prizes of a Shield and Cup, all presented by Felicity and Frank Miller.

Rabbi Shisler addressed the children to congratulate them on their efforts and to stress the importance of their learning, and how when Jewish people stick together (as manifested through our own Cheder classes), they remain strong; a thought-provoking analogy was made, that if each individual represents a stick, it is still possible to break, however if each stick is held together as part of a bunch, then it is not possible to be broken.

Everyone left the Shul after a wonderfully uplifting day for both the children and their proud parents.

Cheder Prize Giving

The next Cheder term

will commence on Sunday 5th September, to

be held at Holland Park.

On Sunday 27th June, the New West End Synagogue hosted the annual Prize-giving for the joint Cheder classes, held with Holland Park Synagogue, which are appropriately named “Or Torah Chadash”.

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Dear Rabbi, Mrs. Shisler and Members,

I am delighted to introduce myself to you as your new administrator. My name is Mesod Wahnon but I am also known as Michael. I started on the 2nd June 2010 and took over from Esther Berhman. Please feel free to either pop into the office or call me on the phone and introduce yourselves to me. I am always happy to help you.

I speak English, Spanish, French and a little Hebrew.

I was born and bred in Gibraltar. I have one brother and three sisters. We came over to London in 1965 and I finished my education here in London. I then embarked into a career in Bookkeeping and Accountancy, until June 2010 when I joined your beautiful Synagogue, The New West End.

As you might gather from where I was born that my origins are Sephardi, but I am learning

Administrator’smessage

some of the Ashkenazi way.Please do not hesitate to contact me, with any queries that you may have, I am here to help.

I am very much looking forward to a mutual beneficial working relationship in this beautiful Synagogue and Community.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Shana Tova and Chatima Tovah.

Mesod Wahnon

Chai Lifeline Cancer Care Registered Charity No. 1078956

CANCER DOESN’T CARE

Chai Cancer Care is the Jewish community’s cancer support organisation.

We provide comprehensive support services for cancer patients, their families and friends nationally. For more information or to speak to someone in confidence please call our telephone helpline on 0808 808 4567 or visit our website at www.chaicancercare.org.

Chai Cancer Care is the Jewish support services for cancer patients, their families and friends nationally. For more information or to speak to someone in confidence please call our telephone helpline on 0800 808 4567 or visit our website at www.chicancer.org.

Chai Lifeline Cancer CareRegistered Charity No. 1078956

Raising the RoofHarry Sieratzki

During the past year (from February to August 2010) the roof of our synagogue has undergone extensive remedial works.

Comprising the replacement of the asphalt of the north and south aisle roofs with Welsh slates as original, replacing/overhauling the cast iron rainwater goods, and the renewal of the main ridge.

The photographs show some of the details of the works which were carried out by the firm of Tanner & Hall with Barker Associates acting as surveyors. Special thanks are due to our members Mr. Harvey Katz and Mr. Michael Sharron who generously offered their time and expertise to organise and overview the entire project.

The total project costs will amount to about £205,000 excluding VAT (which will be reclaimed). About half of this amount is provided through an English Heritage grant; the other half is being funded by our Roof Appeal and a loan from the United Synagogue.

The Roof Appeal has up to date (early August) generated nearly £20,000 with contributions from about 140 members (out of about 350 members) of the community. I believe we can regard this as very encouraging and gratifying and we do of course hope that when the Appeal closes, the names of ALL members will be entered into the special scroll which a Sofer will be asked to write.

In the past, the maintenance of our beautiful synagogue was strongly supported by substantial donations from a few members and by charitable funds with long historic ties to the New West End Synagogue. As time moves on, we have to find new sources for the costs of maintenance. Most of the works which we will need to carry out in the coming years will not be eligible for an English Heritage grant and our loan facility at the United Synagogue is now used up.

Although the loan has helped us to spread the financing over several years, at the end of the day we, the community, carry the costs for the maintenance of our beautiful synagogue.

No doubt, we can do it. In this spirit, I take pleasure in wishing Rabbi and Rebbetzen Shisler and all members, friends, employees, or those otherwise involved with the NWES a healthy, happy, sweet, and - yes - prosperous New Year.

“Slating in progress to north aisle roof”

“New clay decorative ridge tiling to high level roof”

Emebet & Leon APFEL w

wish Rabbi and Mrs. Shisler, the Honorary

Officers and all congregants a happy and healthy New Year

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*The book is published by Vallentine Mitchell at a price of £35, but while stocks last is available at £25 including packaging and postage (for U.K. orders) from the Board of Deputies, 6 Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2LP, T: 020 7543 5400, E: info@bod.org.uk W: www.bod.org.uk. Please make your cheques payable to: “The Board of Deputies”.

On 19 November 1760, a committee established by the leaders of the Bevis Marks synagogue in London met to prepare and issue a loyal address to King George III, who had just ascended the throne. There was nothing unusual in this, in that on the accessions of George I in 1714 and George II in 1727 similar addresses had been presented by the Sephardi community (or Portuguese nation as they then referred to themselves). What was unusual was the reaction of the Ashkenazi community.

They had not commented on the previous loyal addresses that had also omitted them, but this time they appear to have been furious. Indeed the senior warden of the Great Synagogue went to Bevis Marks to lodge a formal complaint. In due course peace was restored and this Bevis Marks committee evolved into what we know today as the Board of Deputies, the representative body of Jews in Britain.

The Board is now celebrating its 250th anniversary and as part of these commemorations I have written a book entitled 250 Years of Convention and Contention: A History of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, 1760-2010.* The early years of the Board included the first occasions for what proved to be some of its most enduring features. Most important was its protection of religious observance for British Jews, as well as combating antisemitism and securing civil rights.

The book concludes by looking back over the last 250 years thus enabling the reader to answer for himself the question ‘Has the Board been good for the Jews?’. Raphael Langham is a Vice-President of the Jewish Historical Society of England,and an Actuary by profession. Following retirement, he joined the Hebrew and Jewish Studies Department of University College London where he obtained a first class degree in Jewish History. In 2005 he had a book published entitled The Jews in Britain: A Chronology.

Why it took more than 45 years from its foundation in 1841 for the West London Reform Synagogue to be admitted to the Board of Deputies.

Why the Jews of Manchester were restless with the Board in 1847.

How, in 1852, the President of the Board tried unsuccessfully to place the religious instruction in Jewish schools under the control of the Chief Rabbi.

Success in Damascus in 1840, but failure in Rome in 1859.

Why the Board bought a manuscript of a book by Sir Richard Burton in 1909, decided to suppress it, and put it on sale nearly 100 years later.

Why the President of the Board was censured in 1917 for being an anti-Zionist and why the President of the Board was not censured in 1956 for voting in Parliament against the British action at Suez.

Why the deputies from the progressive synagogues walked out of the Board in 1949, and why the deputies from the strictly orthodox congregations walked out of the Board in 1971.

The current issues facing the Board, which might prove of significance to future historians.

The book relates not only the history of the Board, but also describes the issues and events that involved the Board in both Britain and overseas. In the book you can read:

250 YEARS of the

BOARD OF DEPUTIES

By Raphael Langham

Another was its concern in the affairs of Jews in foreign countries, particularly when they faced crises. From its very early days the Board insisted that it was the sole representative body of the Jews in Britain and confirmed this in its first constitution in 1835, but this self-proclaimed monopoly did not always receive complete acceptance within the Jewish community. Finally, as in the days following its first meeting, there were arguments, disputes and controversies between different members, groups

and factions both within the Board and between the Board and individuals or groups outside the Board.

Indeed, on at least one occasion a plenary Board meeting became the arena for two sides to a dispute to harangue each other, and on a matter not involving the Board. When I came across all these disputes during my research, I considered calling the book 250 Years of Machloikes and B’roigus.

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When we sing “El Melech Yoshev”, the composition we use is hauntingly beautiful, sung in part by a boy soprano, followed by the elevating sound of the community at one in song resonating throughout our the stunning setting of our beautiful surroundings; whilst “Zacharti Lach” and “Haben Yakir Li” resonate compassion and tenderness. Look at the words of “Hin’ni” and discover why it is so personal, soulful and pleading. Why are “Unetaneh Tokef” and “Uvashofar Gadol” so dramatic and theatrical? “Sh’ma Kolenu” begins as a soft supplication, interwoven with the powerful invocation of the choir and congregation in response, and then diminishes once more.

Even our Shofar, an ancient and historical musical instrument calls us, disturbs us and pierces our ears and souls. Yet our shofar, too, brings joy and delight.

With a bit of preparation and participation, the music of this holy season will really come alive and speak on a deeper level. As a community we will together attempt, yet again, to create a mood unique to this season of the year.

It has been written that the music of the High Holydays “sings all year long.” May our worship this Yamim Norayim elevate and sanctify our lives throughout the year ahead.

I wish all of our extended congregational family a Shanah Tovah, a good year of health, blessing and peace. May we be judged mercifully by G-d and together be sealed in the Book of Life.

Shanah Tovah um’tukah ug’mar Chatimah Tovah - A good and sweet New Year!

As summer wanes, it is time to ready ourselves for this emotional, theatrical and spiritual time in our calendar. We will be together in shul longer and more often than perhaps we are all year long. And

this takes practice and preparation.

Our High Holyday Machzor is a tantalizing compilation of moving

theatrical drama and poetry, of historical readings and teachings. It is a book of

metaphor and mystery. The Machzor expresses raw human emotions and feelings which during

our services speak to us through music. To set a mood of reflection and inspiration, the music of the High Holydays paints in sound the central themes and moods of each prayer - like a musical drama or opera.

The word for prayer in Hebrew is “l’hitpalel—to judge yourself.” This lofty challenge is accepted with unique

Before attending a symphony concert, a play or even an opera that I have not heard for a while, I tend to listen to a recording

to acclimatise myself for what I am about to hear and experience.

It is my way of preparing for the event. And so I ask,

are you ready for the High Holy Days?

Jeremy Lawson

Ready, Steady... DAVEN!

music of the season, and the special prayers and their musical settings invite your participation, your thoughtful ear and heart. The music of the Torah reading, the unique and optimistic nusach hat’filah — the familiar modal/musical settings of the prayers sung a capella or with choral and congregational accompaniment, the use of an historic instrument -- the shofar -- all help us achieve a holy convocation.

Music has been an appreciated staple of our services at The New West End Synagogue since its inception and I strive to communicate the majesty, theatre and passion of the holy texts in the most expressive and beautiful way possible. Our goal is to make the High Holyday services meaningful, provocative and uplifting – intellectually, musically and spiritually.

You are invited to help us transport you from the physical realm to the spiritual with the vehicle of the music in two ways.

Firstly, when we sing congregational melodies that are familiar to you, please join with us openly and robustly, in key, off key — just sing! No one is judging. We want you to become an active participant. The congregational tunes are sung in an accessible key and pace that should enable everyone to join in. Don’t be shy!

There are prayers whose music commands reflective listening, like in the larger choral works which sound like sacred mini-concerts; congregational melodies beckon your responses and dialogue with the Chazan and choir, whilst at other times there are passages intoned quietly invoking moments of silent introspection and contemplation.

A second way to fully participate is to refer frequently to the Hebrew text or English translations. You might then see and hear how a composer captures the tension, poetry, theatre and drama of the text. The more you understand the mood of the prayer the more relevant the music becomes.

The Shofar - an historic Rams horn instrument pre-dating the bible.

The Machzor is a tantalizing compilation of moving theatrical drama and poetry, of historical readings and teachings.

“When we sing congregational melodies

that are familiar to you, please join with us openly and robustly, in key, off key — just sing!”

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On Pesach we relive the Exodus, on Shavuot the Revelation at Sinai and similarly every one of our festivals recall a key moment in Jewish history, that is, except one. Rosh HaShanah is special because it recalls the beginning of all human history for it is the anniversary of the creation of Adam.

Rosh HaShanah even has implications beyond the human species. God had begun that day in Eden with the formation of the animal kingdom, and when they were paraded before Adam he gave a name to each one (Genesis 2:20). According to the rabbis he also named himself and even God. He chose the name Adam, ‘because I was created from the ground (adamah)’ and Adonai, ‘since You are Lord (adon) over all your creatures’ (Genesis Rabbah 17:4). This story is teaching us something about the role of humanity. We name, classify and make sense of every aspect of our world; we are the consciousness of creation.

The animals and humanity, formed on the same day of creation, are intimately linked. According to midrash, Adam had both lower animal and higher divine traits in equal measure (Genesis Rabbah 14:3). In The Emergence of Ethical Man R. Joseph Soloveitchik places evolution in a Jewish context and insists that “Judaism does not accent unreservedly the theory of man’s isolationism and separatism within the natural order of things”.

We are the culmination of creation – that is what is celebrated on Rosh haShanah. Which brings us to Charles Darwin...

In the concluding chapter of Origin of the Species he argues “that it is just as noble a conception of God to believe that He created a few original forms capable of self-development into other forms, as to believe that [for every one of the billions of species on our planet] he required a fresh act of creation”. It is clear that Darwin did not want to challenge religious faith. He actually made an effort to explain that the theory of evolution pointed to a nobler and thus greater conception of God.

Without getting into the details of evolution, I think it is the random process at the heart of the theory that makes people think that it is anti-religious. How can humanity be the pinnacle of the creation story and at the same time have evolved by chance over millions of years? And yet we all witness daily the randomness of natural phenomena as well as the unpredictability of human history. Only when we look back do we see a pattern. Only in hindsight do we recognise the ‘hand of God’. The rabbis recognised the paradox between free choice and divine predetermination. In Darwin’s words, “it is like a dog trying to comprehend the mind of Newton.”

Randomness is also central to the High Holy Days prayers. In Unetanah Tokef we

sing, “On Rosh HaShannah it is written and on Yom Kippur it is sealed... who will live who will die... who by water, who by fire...” We are humbled as we recognise the element of chance in Nature. Darwin wrote surprisingly similar words about natural selection, “A grain in the balance will determine which individual shall live and which will die, which variety or species shall increase in number and which shall decrease, or finally become extinct...”. So chance is not ungodly, on the contrary, it is what God does daily, “The lot is cast into the lap; and the decision is all from God.” (Proverbs 16:33)

The Unetanah Tokef ends with a description of the fragility of life. It is like, “withering grass, a fading flower, a passing shade, a dispersing cloud, a blowing wind, flying dust, and a fleeting dream.” Reading Darwin’s Origin of the Species taught to me the biological truth of these poetic words in a profound way. It intensified my faith in our Creator and gave me a deeper sense of awe of God. It might help your Rosh HaShanah too...

Dr Raphael Zarum is the Chief Executive and Head of Faculty at the London School of Jewish Studies. He gives a Jewish tour of the Natural History Museum. Learn more at www.lsjs.ac.uk

Darwin & Davening: The Voice of CreationDr Raphael Zarum

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It’s a Dog’s Life John Harris

A few months ago my dog ate my grandparents’ Ketubah.

He doesn’t usually chew anything. It must have been the small of the parchment – Freddy couldn’t resist it.

Don’t laugh! It was my fault really. I was clearing up at the time and had left a pile of papers on the floor with the Ketubah on the top. Any food dropped on the floor is Freddy’s domain - he acts like a Hoover.

Normally this is useful but on this occasion it was disastrous. In addition to the fact that the Ketubah was one of the few personal items I treasured - it was like losing part of my heritage - was its unique calligraphic style.

As an artist and a designer I have always admired the creative skill of the sofer. The guilloche treatment on my grandparents’ Ketubah was superb and individual and cannot be replaced. Even a photocopy of the original could not do it justice as the tactile quality and the way the ink varied in consistency and bled into the parchment was beautiful to the eye.

Today many people have creatively designed Ketubot which more often than not, are printed – mass produced with many colourful decorative elements and illustrations. On the other hand Sifrei Torah have remained the same world wide. They are created completely by hand. The only decorated elements are the tagim – the little crown shapes above some of the letters. There are no illustrations; I presume this would make them individual and competitive. The amazing thing is that you can travel to any part of the world and read from the Torah – except for a handful – the scrolls will be exactly the same wherever you go and whatever year it was produced. The Sofer will even use the same recipe for the ink.

Hebrew calligraphy is unique. It has to be done by hand with a feather pen or a reed pen to achieve the thicks and thins of the strokes and the almost watercolour impression of its characters. It cannot be effective by ball point pen or any similar medium. Even a printed Hebrew typeface cannot do it justice. It deserves to be created by hand. It has to be written on parchment.

Can you imagine a printed Sefer Torah, however thick the paper is?

The Sefer Torah is the focal point of the service. The justified (width of line) measurement of wording is carefully protected by strict hallachic ruling as well as content, style, nib width, line spacing and the way it is read and chanted and although the size and length of some of the characters might vary, everything else is strictly adhered to. Also there are no vowels or punctuation marks. This makes it more difficult for the baal keriah to read but aesthetically pleasing by its visual simplicity.

The Sefer Torah’s contents are holy; so holy that you cannot touch the parchment that they are written on. The words are alive – they almost breathe and the contents are discussed more than any other document, yet the way in which they are reproduced is visually so simple in contrast to the lavish way in which they are protected because in its contrast, the ark where they are housed is splendid in appearance. So too is the scroll’s covering usually in velvet with silver and

gold embroidery covered by a decorative breastplate which hangs on a chain, with the yad – the pointer - hanging in a special way and with the wooden scroll handles usually embellished on silver sheaths and often small bells attached.

Scribing calligraphy by hand is not an easy process and good Soferim are becoming more and more difficult to find. There can be no mistakes or crossings out and writing is extremely time-consuming. Although a woman is not allowed to become a professional Sofer - specifically as a scribe for Sifrei Torah, Tefilin and Mezuzot - it should not stop her or you from practicing the art of calligraphy by producing other items – from Ketubot to greeting cards, from prayers to famous quotes...

as long as the dog isn’t around.

www.wanderjew.comwww.jerise.com

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The “big event” on Kol Nidrei was the pompous entry of Lord Herbert Samuel in full dinner dress, no less! He sat a few rows in front of my father’s seat. During the sermon, he listened with a hand set ear phone which was built into the back of the seat in front of him. It always puzzled me how clockwork mechanism could enhance the sound waves delivered at the pulpit and to this day, I have not worked out the technology of the apparatus. He graced the congregation with his presence again for the closing service of the day but I do not recall he visited the NWE for any other service.

My mother sat in the front row between the second and third pillar from the left and I was able to see her from the front row where I used to sit on the left almost opposite the steps leading up to the bimah. I usually sat next to Elkan Levy, the Chazan’s son and Ivor Roth, the shamash’s son. My mother used to hold

nothing short of amazing! His weekly rendering of “Hee-who” for the Monarch of the Realm remains with me to this day. His promise to those around his seat who listened attentively to the words of his sermon, to include the name of the winner of the 2.30 at the afternoon race meeting was a legend! His gaiters and dog collar and his swift repartee and sense of humour set him apart from one’s perceived vision of a Synagogue Minster.

Reverend Chaim Pearl, with whom I went to Denmark on a JYSG summer school in 1950 came from Birmingham. He died in Jerusalem in December 1995. Rabbi Dr Louis Jacobs with whom I learnt my first Gemarah, Mesechet Pesachim used to send a hand written letter on a Bar Mitzvah anniversary with a “mazal tov” and an invitation to an aliyah on the Shabbat anniversary. I treasured that act of thoughtful chesed and I have tried to emulate his example in small ways during my life. I still recall the words Rabbi Jacobs brought to comfort my family at my father’s funeral when he quoted from Psalm 24 – “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? - he who has clean hands and a pure heart who has not taken a false oath by My life or sworn deceitfully.” He was the last person to speak words of comfort to my late sister before she died.

Rabbi S B Leperer was my first Chumash teacher in the Sunday morning cheder with his speciality of “bicycle rides” to keep the attention of the class. The Reverend Isaac Goldstone was Headmaster of the cheder when I started there in 1944. I recall enthusiasm and a soft smile and warmth whilst he taught.

The beloved Reverend Raphael H. Levy and his wife, Celia, were great friends to my family. I recall on one visit to our home when I told him of my interest in Gilbert and Sullivan he sang some with me. The Reverend Raphael H Levy was at the side of me at my Bar Mitzvah. He recommended that I went to the Faculty for the Training of Teachers at Jews College in Woburn House after my Bar Mitzvah and also spoke and conducted both the burial service and stone setting for my father, my mother, and my sister. He also travelled to Leicester to officiate at my wedding. His singing on the High Holy Days, especially for the Kedusha still ring loud and clear in my ears when I close my eyes each year and yearn for them.

her hands over the front of the railing with fingers showing indicating to me the page number in the Singers Prayer Book! In contrast, I discovered two things which seemed peculiar to the NWE and which have never been clearly explained to me. Each Shabbat morning we arrived by 10.15 am in adequate time to hear the choir singing “Ma Tovu.” I cannot recall at what age I discovered that there was part of the Shacharit service called Pesukei d’zimra! The second amazing revelation was that the format for Musaf, colloquially known as a “heicha Kedushah” (a shortened form of Repetition of Musaf) was not the normal way of Tefilla.

I wonder if the socially obligatory bowler hat still exists and whether the dignified bowing towards the warden’s box following an aliyah is still part of the unwritten constitution! Is the wonderful and greatly

on those rare moments when he sat down. At Succot he toured the entire Shul loaning the Arba Minim to those interested in using them, waiting until the gift was returned to his safekeeping. On Simchat Torah he took the invitations proffered by The Warden to those honoured with the privilege of carrying a Sefer Torah for one of the seven circuits after which is was ceremoniously handed to the next “invitee.” It was quite a shock to my system when I discovered the “real” version of the Hakafot.

In the background was Beadle number two, the quiet, pleasant Mr Phillips. I am quite sure that my contemporaries will remember those faces of the past….Willy Goldstein in the front corner seat with his pince-nez perfectly aligned. Across the aisle sat “The Jacobs brothers” of Times Furnishing fame, Simon R. with his half glasses always in place. Behind them sat Yisroel Fredman and I frequently sat next to him on Shabbat morning. He encouraged me to say the Haftarah when I was about ten or eleven years of age! Michael Lyons sitting in “the box” and later Frank Levine and Frank Rossdale. I could not forget Isaac Kaska the Secretary always on the bimah and prompting the gabbai with the call up list for Yahrzeit etc!

Finally, we reach “The Minister’s” seat. Memories of The Reverend “Ephie” Levine and his sixteen minute reading of Megilat Esther to a totally silent congregation were

Some thoughts on The New West EndBy Noach miTelshestone

Climb the few steps, enter through the imposing large front doors, and turn to your right. In the far corner push open the door and struggle your way through the heavy red velvet curtain.

Right again, up the two steps and walk behind the seats to the next block. In the back row, locate seat number 382. Is this the right number? Is this memory dating back to 1944 reliable? Mr Roth, the Shamash, would have not hesitated. Equipped with his ever present key holding wallet, he could produce the key to unlock the “box” of any member, nimbly and without even looking down.

Can anyone fail to hear in their mind’s eye the high notes reached by Greta, his daughter, in her solo performance in the choir? Mark you, I vaguely recall she was hidden from sound and vision on the extremely rare visits made by the incumbent Chief Rabbi.

Mr Roth performed de rigueur the duties of The Beadle. Decked out in his long black robes and silk top hat, he answered the hidden button concealed under an arm of the seat of the “Warden” which clicked demandingly in the small box situated in front of the seat which Mr Roth occupied

‘Later he was a popular writer

in a national newspaper.

He was named Michael Winner.’

missed minhag of Blessing the New Moon rendered to the tune of any forthcoming Festival in the month being announced maintained? I have never discovered any other Minyan anywhere that followed that tradition. To the Americans it is simply mind boggling! I have met a South African familiar with the minhag but maybe that stems from the jurisdiction of the British Empire and the Chief Rabbi!

More than sixty years ago, I became a Bar Mitzvah on Parshat Shemini, 24th Nisan 5709, 9th day of the Omer, alongside two other boys. One became world famous as a film producer. Later he was a popular writer in a national newspaper. He was named Michael Winner. I cannot recall the name of the third boy. The Reverend Ephraim Levine addressed all of us from the pulpit. Today, however, I cannot recall one word of what he said!

Shortly after becoming a Bar Mitzvah, I “revolted” against using the Singer’s Prayer Book and its very old fashioned English and non-Jewish printer. My mother was aghast and confronted the Reverend Levy over this act of rebellion, followed later when I persuaded her, with great fortitude, not to encumber my children with such a burden.

As I write, I have before me a copy of “The Authorised Daily Prayer Book of the United Hebrew Congregations of the British Empire – Revised Edition with commentary by The Chief Rabbi Dr J H Hertz published by Shapiro Valentine & Co., London 5707-1947.” The book plate announces that it was the “New West End Synagogue Hebrew & Religion Classes Isaac Goldstone Memorial Prize awarded for Synagogue Attendance Chanukah 1949.” It bears the signature “Raphael H Levy – Headmaster.” It smells musty and shows signs of usage but I cannot recall the last time I opened it!

“Somewhere amongst the hidden treasures packed away are two silver cups – The Ruskin Cup” awarded for what I cannot now recall, to both my late sister – one of the first ladies elected to the NWE Board of Management when that revolutionary and epoch making tradition breaking event happened – and to me. Perhaps I should find them and send them for recycling to the present Headmaster of the Synagogue cheder.

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Wednesday 8th SeptemberErev Rosh HashanaShacharit (selichot) 6.35amEruv TavshilinMincha and Ma’ariv 7.15pmYom Tov begins 7.17pm

Thursday 9th September First Day Rosh HashanaShacharit 8.00amTorah Reading / Shofar 9.30amTashlich (outside shul) 4.45pm(Serpentine) 5.15pmSecond Night Rosh HashanaMincha and Ma’ariv 7.00pmCandles to be lit after 8.17pm

Second Day Rosh Hashana

Friday 10th SeptemberExplanatory ServiceShacharit 8.00amTorah Reading / Shofar 9.30amMincha and Ma’ariv 7.00pmShabbat commences and candlesshould be lit before 7.12pm

Shabbat 11th SeptemberShabbat ShuvaShacharit (followed byShabbat Shuva Lilmod) 9.15amMincha followed by Seudah 7.00pmShabbat ends and Ma’ariv 8.12pm

Sunday 12th SeptemberFast of GedaliaShacharit (selichot) 8.30amFast Ends 8.04pm

Monday 13th - Thursday 16th SeptemberShacharit (selichot) 6.45am

Erev Yom KippurFriday 17th SeptemberShacharit 7.00amMincha 1.30pmFast begins 6.56pmKol Nidrei 7.15pm

Shabbat 18th SeptemberYom Kippur Shacharit 9.30amTorah Reading 12.30pmYizkor (approx) 1.15pmMusaf 2.00pmAsk the Rabbi 5.00pmMincha / Torah Reading 5.30pmNeilah 6.40pmFast and Yom Tov end 7.55pm

Wednesday 22nd SeptemberSuccotEruv TavshilinMincha and Ma’ariv 6.30pmYom Tov begins 6.45pm(Succot Dinner by reservation only)

Thursday 23rd SeptemberFirst Day SuccotShacharit 9.15amMincha and Ma’ariv 6.30pmCandles to be lit after 7.44pm

Friday 24th SeptemberSecond Day SuccotShacharit 9.15amMincha and Ma’ariv 6.30pmShabbat commences and candlesshould be lit before 6.40pm

Times of service

Shabbat 25th SeptemberShabbat Chol HamoedShacharit 9.15amMincha followed by Seudah 6.30pmShabbat ends and Ma’ariv 7.39pm

Sunday 26th September Chol Hamoed SuccotShacharit 8.30amMonday 27th – Tuesday 28 th SeptemberShacharit 6.45am

Wednesday 29th SeptemberHoshana Rabbah / Shemini AtseretShacharit 6.30amEruv TavshilinMincha and Ma’ariv 6.15pmYom Tov begins 6.29pm

Thursday 30th SeptemberShemini AtseretShacharit 9.15amYizkor (approx) 10.45amMincha 6.45pmSimchat TorahCandles to be lit after 7.27pmMa’ariv and Hakafot 7.30pm followed by Simchat Torah celebrations

Friday 1st October

Shacharit 9.15amHakafot 10.00amMincha and Ma’ariv 6.15pmShabbat commences and candles should be lit before 6.24pm

Supporters of the Israel Group recently gathered to see the Oscar-nominated film Ajami. Co-edited by Israeli Arab, Scandar Copti and Israeli-Jew, Yaron Shani, this intense and challenging, soap opera for the world cinema crowd is not for the faint-hearted. Winner of five Ophirs, Israeli Oscars, set in the Ajami district; it’s a story of gang warfare in the claustrophobic streets of Jaffa. At times it’s hard to work out who are Jews, Muslims or Christians as their intertwined lives become more entangled with tragic consequences - visiting Jaffa will never seem quite the same again. The film has deservedly gained wide acclaim across the world and its fresh feel is due in no small part to the actors all of whom acted for the first time, which must have been a

directorial challenge for the director. And this film, like “Lebanon”, the harrowing story of an Israeli tank crew fighting in the Lebanon poses an interesting challenge for those who promote a cultural boycott of Israel.

Arabic dialogue, Israeli state funded, with a truly mixed cast and crew this film represents a film industry with an independent and questioning voice, a cultural independence and narrative that is growing and thriving and showing a growing number of people that Israel is a far freer and self-critical society than it’s boycott obsessed critics would have us think.

It’s in this cultural area that the NWES Israel Group wants to particularly focus. In recent years we have focused on the

bigger political issues and geo-politics of the region. We don’t want to neglect these crucial aspects but we also want to focus also on the rich cultural, scientific and technological and business facets of a society that has develop to be a leading nation in so many respects. And in all of them we will experience the diversity and achievements of Israeli society and endeavour. Food, music, literature, theatre, cinema, medicine and business. In all these areas Israel has something of significance to say and very often across the religious and political divides that belies the simplistic perspective of some observers. For us this means exploring these aspects of Israel and while it sounds more fun than political talks we shall not neglect our Israel Advocacy but enable it.

NWES Israel GroupGaby Morris

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Wednesday night, 8th September

Light the Yom Tov candles before 7.17pm and recite the following two blessings:

“Barooch atah Adonye Eloheinoo melech ha’olam, asher kiddshanoo b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik neir shel Yom Tov.”

“Barooch atah Adonye Eloheinoo melech ha’olam she’hecheyanoo, vekiyemanoo, vehigianoo lazman hazeh.”

Prior to lighting the candles, it is important to light a twenty-five hour candle e.g. a Yahrzeit candle, so that one can transfer the flame from the twenty-five hour candle to a new candle in order to light the Yom Tov candles on the second night of Yom Tov

Services in the Synagogue commence at 7.15pm

Following services, and your return home, make Yom Tov Kiddush, then wash hands ritually and make the blessing over the challah. The challot for Rosh Hashanah are traditionally round and represent continuity and wholeness. After eating some challah, dipped in honey, we take an apple and dip a piece in honey and say the following prior to eating it: “Barooch atah Adonye Eloheinoo melech ha’olam, Borei Peri Haeitz”

After eating it recite the following:

“Yehi ratzon milfanecha Adonye Eloheinoo veilohei avoteinoo, she’techadesh aleinoo Shana Tova oometooko” “May it be your will O Lord our Gd and Gd of our forefathers that this year will be a happy and sweet year for us.”

Thursday 9th September

Shacharit services begin at 8.00am

It is important for every man, woman and child to hear the blowing of the Shofar which commences at approximately 10.00am It is important to hear the blessings recited by the Ba’al Tekiah (the one who actually blows), and to answer “Amein” to each of the three blessings. Then, during the course of the morning, we are obliged to hear one hundred blasts of the Shofar.

It is forbidden to talk from the time one hears the first note of the 100, right up until the last one.

In the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, we will return to the Synagogue at 4.45pm to walk together towards the Serpentine for the traditional Tashlich Service at 5.15 pm at the Peter Pan Statue. This is performed by reciting several prayers at a source of water. Afterwards, the pockets are symbolically emptied as if a person is shaking off his sins and casting them into the water. As a source for this ceremony the verses in Michah are often quoted:

“He will again have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou will cast all our sins into the depth of the sea ....”

We then return to the Synagogue for Mincha and Ma’ariv at 7.00pm

Thursday night 9th September

We usher in the second day of Rosh Hashanah by lighting the Yom Tov candles as soon as possible after 8.17pm. We do this by transferring the flame from the existing flame which was lit before the first night Rosh Hashanah began (see above) and then reciting the two blessings. Since there

is a doubt about whether we should recite the She’hecheyanu Beracha on the second night, it is traditional to have on the table a new fruit that one has not eaten yet that year, while one makes the blessings over the candles. Alternatively one can wear a new item of clothing. However, if one does not have a new fruit or a new item of clothing, one still makes both blessings including “She’hecheyanu”.

Friday 10th September

This year, the Shacharit Service on the second day of Rosh Hashana will be an explanatory one and will begin at 8.00am. Rabbi Shisler will explain the various parts of the Service, what we are saying and why we say them. This will give us a deeper understanding to our prayers, and will ensure that the prayers read that day are not just a repetition of those read on the first day.

Shabbat commences and candles should be lit by 7.12pmMincha and Kabbalat Shabbat will be read at 7.00pm

SHABBAT SHUVA

Saturday 11th October

Shacharit will be at 9.15 am and will be followed by Rabbi Shisler’s Shabbat Shuva LilmodMincha and Ma’ariv at 7.00pmShabbat ends at 8.12pm

THE FAST OF GEDALIAH

Sunday 12th September

The day after Rosh Hashanah is observed as a fast day, in memory of Gedaliah ben Achikam. This year it is observed two days after Rosh Hashanah. Gedaliah had been appointed Governor of Judea by

Yom Tov GuideRosh Hashanah

Nebuchadnezzar, after the destruction of the first Temple in 586 BCE. He had been charged with the responsibility of rebuilding Jewish life among the remnant of the Jews still in the Holy Land.

As a result of internal strife among the people, Gedaliah was assassinated and, many of those Jews who had remained in Judea, fled to Egypt. Since this represented the final stage of the destruction of Jerusalem, it is observed as a fast day, when we recite special Selichot prayers.

Shacharit will be at 8.30am and the Fast ends at 8.04pm YOM KIPPUR

Friday 17th September

Mincha

On Erev Yom Kippur, Friday 17th September, at 1.30pm in the Synagogue, we will conduct the pre-Yom Kippur Mincha (afternoon) service, which includes the first of the ten times that we recite “Al-cheit” prayer (confession) throughout the day.

A festival meal on Erev Yom Kippur is a mitzvah (obligation) because one thereby reveals joy over the approach of his or her time of forgiveness. This meal is called the “seudat hamafseket” (meal of cessation). There is no Kiddush prior to this meal, but we do wash our hands ritually, make the “Hamotzi” (usually over a Challah) and say Grace after Meals. The meal should be concluded well before 6.56pm, allowing enough time to light candles and to get to the Synagogue in time.

The following Berachot are said over the candles:

“Barooch atah Adonye Eloheinoo melech ha’olam, asher kiddshanoo b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik neir shel Shabbat v’Yom HaKippoorim.”

“Barooch atah Adonye Eloheinoo melech ha’olam she’hecheyanoo, vekiyemanoo, vehigianoo lazman hazeh.”

Wearing Non-leather Shoes

It is forbidden for men, women and children to wear leather shoes on Yom Kippur.

Kol Nidrei

Services in the Synagogue commence at 7.15pm

The Yom Kippur prayers begin with the chanting of Kol Nidrei. We have to commence before sunset since this prayer is a form of the repealing of vows, and we are not permitted to repeal vows on Shabbat or Yom Tov.

Shabbat 18th September

Shacharit commences at 9.30am

Yizkor on Yom Kippur Day will be at approximately 1.15pm

If one’s parents are still alive, it is permissible, but not essential, to leave the Synagogue during Yizkor. However, it is our custom that we commence with a public Yizkor, which includes Memorial Prayers for the victims of the Holocaust and for Israel’s fallen soldiers, for which everyone should remain in the Synagogue. There will then be a short break to allow those who wish to leave to go out before we commence the private Yizkor.

Before Mincha, at approximately 5.00pm, we will be having an “Ask the Rabbi” session. If any questions occur to you over Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, please feel free to ask, and Rabbi Shisler will be only too happy to try and provide you with an answer.

The Fast ends at 7.55pm. SUCCOT

The Building of the Succah

If you haven’t built a Succah before and intend to do so this year, the Rabbi will be very happy to advise on the requirements to ensure that it is Kasher.

It is a Mitzvah to decorate the Succah. If you are able to assist with the Shul’s Succah, please contact the Synagogue office for details of when it will be done. Also please let us know if you are able to donate laurel branches, fruit etc.

Dwelling in the Succah

It is a great Mitzvah to eat in the Succah. The congregation is invited to join us for a festive dinner in our Shul Succah following services on Wednesday evening 22nd September. Please make reservations at the Synagogue office on 020 7229 2631. Kindling of the Lights

Lights are kindled on the first Yom Tov night in the Succah (if you have one - or else indoors) and two Berachot are said:

“Barooch atah Adonye Eloheinoo melech ha’olam, asher kiddshanoo b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik neir shel Shabbat v’Yom Tov.”

“Barooch atah Adonye Eloheinoo melech ha’olam she’hecheyanoo, vekiyemanoo, vehigianoo lazman hazeh.”

Note that the same requirements regarding the 25 hour candle apply as they did for Rosh Hashanah.

Four Species - The Lulav

The four species are taken hold of each of the seven festival days (except Shabbat) and a Berachah is said over them daily.

Anyone who wishes to have a set of lulav and etrog, please contact our Shammash Eli Ballon in the Shul Office. Even if you do not have your own Lulav and Etrog there will be several sets in the Synagogue for your use.

SIMCHAT TORAH

Please note that our annual Simchat Torah party will take place this year on Thursday 30th September following the evening service which commences at 7.30pm. Please bring your children both on the Thursday night and Friday morning for Hakafot - there will also be a special Kiddush after the service on the Friday morning. This year’s Chatan Torah will be chorister Stanley Warren, and the Chatan Bereshit will be Jeff Margolis. We wish them both a hearty Mazal Tov.

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Above all, the purpose of CST, the Community Security Trust, is to ensure that any member of our community is able to lead the Jewish life that they choose. CST is part of our community, so it can only succeed if our community takes its share of responsibility.

Sharing responsibility means a whole range of things. It means contacting your local CST and asking what role you can play with our local security teams. It means understanding why we do security and co-operating with our local teams.

Sharing responsibility also means keeping a sense of perspective about where things stand. Antisemitism should not define our lives as British Jews, not now and not ever.

Today, our community is largely able to express its Jewishness in whatever way it wishes. That can be religious, cultural, political, charitable, sporting or whatever sort of Jewish life you do, or do not, wish to have. Our community is, on the whole,

successful and well integrated into the rest of society. We have come a very long way indeed since the newly arrived immigrant generations of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

However, we often see rises in antisemitic incident levels when Jews or Israel are in the news. These are mainly directed against the most vulnerable and visible parts of our community, whether it is people, property or community groups.

In recent years, the threat of terrorism is something that all of our society has come to understand and find a way of living with. The fact that these terrorists have also targeted Jews is what underpins all of CST’s work.

We sincerely hope that CST’s efforts help our community to feel confident that someone is standing up in defence of its rights. We take responsibility for the physical security of the community; and provide a professional and confidential reporting service for the minority of people who are unfortunate to suffer antisemitic hatred.

It is not CST’s wish to tell individuals how they should feel about the situation. How you react to all of this is up to you. Some people regard it as unimportant, but others feel real fear and are deeply concerned for their own, or for their children’s, wellbeing.Because of our work with the victims

of antisemitic crime, CST regards its work as being about people’s physical and emotional well-being, not about statistics. It is the human aspect that makes us all the more determined to work against antisemitism; and against the fear that antisemitism causes.

We want to deter those who wish to harm our community, and we work with politicians, police and others in ensuring that our community’s concerns are understood, heard and acted upon.CST, however, can only be as strong as the community that we serve. We rely upon the community for our volunteer personnel and for co-operation with our work: whether that is in schools, synagogues, community events and rallies, or wherever.

In total, we secure over 1,000 events each and every year, across the community. In the last two years we have installed security upgrades at hundreds of communal buildings, including shatter-proofing for windows. We do not charge the community for our services and rely upon charitable donations for our running costs.

Sharing responsibility

All of this relies upon partnership between CST and our Jewish community. We want you to join us in that partnership.

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Special guest recipes from cookery writers Denise Phillips, the Jewish Princess and

Silvia Nacamulli, recipes from the kitchens of caterers Tony Page and Steven Wolfisz