I have often wondered why we Jews have always been persecuted. I have also wondered why we Jews are associated in the wider world with making money and how did this come about. I watched a program in July on the BBC entitled “History Cold Case” and I was moved by its content not only because of the tragedy that it uncovered but because the answers to the above questions became more apparent to me.

Th Shema is the Sukkat Shalom Bi-monthly Newsletter

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The synagogue produces a bi-monthly magazine called Shema. It is full of interesting articles and current topics.

If you would like to receive a copy or advertise in its pages please contact the Administrator on 020 8530 3345 (answerphone) or by email admin@sukkatshalom.org.uk

Dear Frank,

I felt that I had to write and let you know how very much I enjoyed spending Rosh Hashonnah at Sukkat Shalom, both the lovely service and also experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the community afterwards.

They say that you cannot always choose your family but you can choose your friends, but in being a member of Sukkat Shalom I have found both, friends and feel that I am part of a family there too.

When I first visited the Shul eight years ago, I was greeted by you and Mitzi and made to feel welcome and so I became a member.

Hi Frank,

Thought I would write something that maybe you could put in the Shema.

I just wanted to say what how much we enjoyed Rosh Hashanah. The service was very enjoyable and as always, Larry's thought provoking comments were seamlessly introduced between the traditional Hebrew service. The choir sang beautifully, the Shofar was blown splendidly and the Children's song was fantastic, although I could be biased as two of them were mine but judging by the Shul full of smiling faces I doubt it.

The Shadow of the Holocaust

Why me?
A life of opportunity
To work
To love
In freedom

Born in the shadow of the Holocaust
I heard the hushed voices of my family
As I played behind the worn leather sofa
I knew they were speaking of bad things

A whisper …. a sob….a sigh…. a Yiddish curse

Later I was told
But I did not really understand.
Much later I met a friend whose father
Had escaped the Warsaw Ghetto
He told us…and then I knew.

Why me?
A life of relative peace
To mother
To sleep at night
To live

Lilly Friedman doesn't remember the last name of the woman who designed and sewed the wedding gown she wore when she walked down the aisle over 60 years ago. But the grandmother of seven does recall that when she first told her fiance' Ludwig that she had always dreamed of being married in a white gown he realised he had his work cut out for him. For the tall, lanky 21-year-old who had survived hunger, disease and torture this was a different kind of challenge.