22nd December 2020 - 7th Tevet 5781 |
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Greetings!
This week and next week we are heading towards the final readings from the Book of Genesis, which has detailed the way in which our ancestors imagined the creation of the world; how the first Jew - as it were - was born, as well as depicting every single aspect of human behaviour, from family to general dynamics.
The stories confirm how every human being and his or her behaviour is a mystery. Think for a moment about how many of our desires, fears, quirks, and interests are concealed, some known to a few, some known only to ourselves, and a few hidden even from our own conscious thought. The human soul has unplumbed depths that never fail to astonish me - and indeed bring delight or dismay.
As you may know, there is a Blessing in Judaism for almost everything and so it is small wonder, that the berakhah - the blessing, which our tradition mandates upon seeing a Monarch, is one that praises God and gives honour to a King or Queen:
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I find this fascinating, as the creator of us all, having created us in His own image, urges us to respect the one or those who are providers of the rules and laws of society.
The manifold layers of human personality are nothing new, extending back to the earliest beginnings of mankind, and which find expression in our biblical heritage as well. Telling us that we are all the same and that we should help and assist one another as we share this earth together.
In Vayigash this week’s Torah portion, we find how Joseph and his brothers found love in their hearts knowing that it would bring their inner peace and ensure their future. It was also their faith in God which kept them on the path of understanding, not only of one another but also of humanity. The rabbis of antiquity - careful readers of Torah - understood the verb Vayigash to mean drawing close, and that is the message which we can take from this portion.
The name of next week’s Torah portion is Veyechi, it translates as 'he lived ' and it is the last Portion of the book of Genesis. It is to celebrate life whilst acknowledging that both life and death are part of the reality of all living beings and things.
The importance and greatness of this portion is the courage and openness of Jacob who, shortly before his death, praised, rebuked and accurately described his sons - who they were in their essence, and what were their strengths and weaknesses. He did it with candidness and bravery knowing that what he had to say had gravitas and would or could have an important influence on their lives. He spoke wisely, advising them of what they could achieve. This is a fitting continuation of the previous portion of reconciliation and which should be the order of the day as we go through life.
As we have left Chanukah behind and are heading towards Christmas, I love how lights, and in many ways, enlightenment, play such an important role in our religions and how interconnected we are as peoples of the world. Whilst the virus has caused and is causing so many difficulties it is also a reminder of how we need each other and how we must and should help and try to understand everyone’s needs and wants, and also their dreams
and aspirations.
The two combined portions teach us that each of us can provide attentive listening and persistent questioning to those around us. All of us have the ability to create something positive for those who are close, as well as those who are physically or emotionally far from us.
I am grateful that this time of year allows many of my friends and neighbours to embrace the highest and best values of their faith. The Christmas message of hope and the values of generosity, kindness, and joy are ideals that we share with Christians. In a world so torn it is gratifying to have a time when we can celebrate such goodness.
Through a willingness to truly listen, to truly care, and to truly be present, we too can give such a gift of life and closeness and carry in our hearts the message of light and generosity.
B’Shalom
Rabbi Thomas
P.S. You may have seen our Community Tallit during our Eighth night Chanukah Celebrations sewn together by our wonderful Mitzvah Co-ordinator, Nik von Mehren. Due to popular demand, we are extending the deadline for sending in squares to Wednesday, 20th January. If you did not receive a tallit square, do let the Events Team know and we'll ensure one is sent when the Office re-opens on Monday, 4th January - see below for more information about office hours.
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Shabbat Services Links and Resources
Friday at 6:30pm
Shabbat Evening Service
This week, 25th December, Edward Glover will be leading the evening Service as we welcome in Shabbat.
Next week, 1st January, Nick Stalbow will be leading the Evening Service.
Saturday at 10:30am
Shabbat Morning Service
This Saturday, 25th December, and next Saturday, 1st January, Emeritus Rabbi Thomas, will be leading our Shabbat Morning services.
To follow along, click here to download the Siddur we will be using.
Meeting ID: 809-168-590
Password: 146760
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We are meeting again to sing, connect to each other and enjoy ourselves- and if you didn’t come to these wonderful sessions when we were in person then you absolutely can start coming now.
We will take a break for a few weeks and come back on Tuesday 19th January from 8:00-9:00pm.
We are excited that Yoav Oved will teach some Leyning and singing. Hebrew, transliteration and sheet music will be provided. You don’t need to be “a great singer” to come, the purpose is to connect to our services and each other better, and to enjoy the singing.
You can come to any or all the sessions.
Many of you will remember some wonderful Chulyot sessions, and a service in which we all sang before Lockdown. Our momentum was postponed, but we have now thought about how to really make this work over Zoom, and can’t wait to be together singing again.
For more information and to sign up to (one or all of) the sessions, click here.
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Synagogue Office
Opening Hours
The Synagogue Office will be closed from tomorrow, Wednesday 23rd December, until Monday, 4th January.
Staff will have their personal out of office dates set outlining when they return; however, if your email is urgent, please call 020 7052 9710, leave a message and someone will reply to you shortly.
Please note that we will be holding our normal online Shabbat services during this time on Friday 25th & Saturday 26th December, as well as Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd January.
We hope you have a great break and a Happy New Year.
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We are delighted to announce that our Annual Supper Quiz will return in 2021 - in virtual format.
Come together for a night to fight those January Blues as we put our minds to the test with a fun community quiz run by favourite quizmasters QuizQuizQuiz.
We'll be playing in teams of 3-6 Zoom Accounts, so either create your own team, or join a community one below.
There is no charge for the quiz, however, any donations are greatly appreciated.
Sunday 31st January
7:00pm
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to be in touch.
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Limmud is a place for community, learning, discovery, empowerment, diversity, debate, laughing, dancing, families, volunteering. Limmud Festival is a place for you to discover something new.
You really can create your own journey and curate a Limmud Festival experience that’s unique to you and one where you discover something new. Whether you’re 3 or 103, there’s something for you to discover.
The main festival will be held on Sunday 27th-Tuesday 29th December, but you can join from Friday 25th December for Limmud Shabbat Programming as well. Starting around midday on the Friday, there will be some Shabbat prep sessions (e.g. challah bake along), some pre Shabbat study sessions and a communal Kabbalat Shabbat before Shabbat comes in.
Shabbat Programming will resume on Saturday evening with Havdalah, followed by evening entertainment programming.
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Please note all classes are currently on break for holidays. They will return on:
Saturday 9th January
11:00am
Saturday 9th January
10:00am
Friday 8th January
5:00pm
Friday 29th January
5:30pm
Wednesday 6th January
5:30pm
Wednesday 6th January
6:30pm
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Testing is the most effective way to control the spread of coronavirus. You can now get tested for coronavirus even if you don’t have symptoms.
The symptom-free coronavirus testing sites will be open seven days a week. You do not need to book in order to get a free test.
Symptom-free coronavirus tests will be available at the below location:
Little Venice Sports Centre
10 Crompton Street, London, W2 1ND
Westminster Cathedral Hall
Ambrosden Avenue, Westminster, London SW1P 1QH
A test takes less than five minutes and results will be with you within an hour.
To find out more about testing (with or without symptoms) in Westminster, click here.
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As we know, London is in Tier 4 as of the weekend, but even though many places may be closed, you can still make a visit to the Jewish Museum, virtually.
You can either book in for a virtual tour, which lasts 45 minutes and highlights key objects from our designated collection, here, or have a look at upcoming online events here.
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Please find information attached on the food support available in Westminster over the holiday period.
Westminster Connects works with a network of food banks and charities to provide food to any residents in Westminster who are facing hardship. If you, or someone you know, is in need of food, you can contact the Connects team for a referral or get in touch with one of the services in the document.
More details on advice for vulnerable residents can be found here.
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Shabbat Services
Shabbat Evening Service - Every Friday night, 6.30pm - Join here.
Shabbat Morning Service - Every Saturday morning, 10.30am - Join here.
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