Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue

Hannah’s Batmitzvah coincided with the 29th anniversary of the date of the first trial service of the then embryonic Epping Forest & District Reform Synagogue (Buckhurst Hill Reform Synagogue) and now known as Sukkat Shalom.

Her portion was from Genesis Chapter 37 which deals with Joseph and the troubles with his brothers. As it was the 1st day of Channukah her father and our Senior Warden read from the second scroll Numbers Chapter 7.

Hannah was quite relaxed on the day and handled the first party of the Shabatt service well.

Congratulations to Lexie Massie on becoming Bat Mitzvah

Lexie’s Torah portion was Genesis 28 and 29.  It was the portion about Jacob's Dream.  This dream section followed on from a situation where Jacob deceived Esau of his birthright by tricking his father into thinking that he was Esau.  He then travelled to Haran to escape his brother. Her study passage was about animals and the environment. The normally shy Lexie was very assured and competent on the day and also conducted some of the Shabbat service.

Guy Colman became Bar Mitzvah on Saturday 31st October 2009

Guy conducted a good part of the service and read from the Torah.

His portion was Lech Lecha Genesis Chapter 12 verses 1-20. Guy read his portion extremely well.

His study passage was based on The Festival of Tu B'Shvat and was very interesting.

On the same day Sidney Frank Redding Guy's Grandfather celebrated his 83rd birthday. He thus celebrated his 2nd Bar Mitzvah by reading the portion in English.

Joseph Watch became Bar Mitzvah on Saturday 5th September 2009

Joe conducted a good part of the service and read from the Torah.

His portion was Deuteronomy Chapter 26 and he read and sang it beautifully.
His study passage was based on a piece by Maimonides from sefer ha-mitzvot.

Many comments have been received on how beautifully Joe performed on the day.

Rachel Southern Thomas reached Bat Mitzvah on Saturday 18th July 2009

Rachel conducted a good part of the service and read from the Torah.
Her portion was Numbers Chapter 34 and she sang it beautifully.
Her Drasha was about borders a theme which Rabbi Becker expanded upon later in his address.

Her study passage was about art and in particular a piece of art attached to the family for many years and painted by Dorrit Yacoby. The artwork was on display in front of the bimah for congregants to see.

Hannah Pedro became Batmitzvah on Saturday 20th June 2009.

Hannah conducted a good part of the service and read from the Torah. Her portion was Numbers Chapter 16 and it was one of the longest portions ever attempted at Sukkat Shalom. Her Dracha was about Korach and was very thought provoking. Tracy, Melvin and David participated in the service which was followed by an extended Kiddush which was enjoyed by all.

James is the last of the Goodman boys to become Bar Mitzvah at Sukkat Shalom.

On Saturday 6th June he took part of the service before reading his Torah Portion. He also delivered a Drasha (Study Passage) entitled "The Show Must Go On". Those who are familiar with music from Queen will recognise the words of the song.

It must have been a proud day for Sandra and Andrew to see all of their boys together on the Bimah taking part in the service.

The community were invited to an extended Kiddush after the service.

On February 14th 2009 Luke Vatlousky became Bar Mitzvah at Sukkat Shalom. A large congregation including many guests saw Luke conduct a considerable part of the Shabbat Service and read from the Torah. There was also a Kiddush after the service. Lukes family was in attendance and they participated in the service as well.

It is likely that we will see Luke in Synagogues on many occasions in the future

On January 10th 2009 Emily Balcome became Bat Mitzvah at Sukkat Shalom. A congregation of 130 people including many guests saw Emily conduct a considerable part of the Shabbat Service and read from the Torah. There was also a special Kiddush after the service. Emily and her family were in attendance and they participated in the service as well.

Congratulations Alon Cohen

The synagogue received an e mail from Uzi Cohen the father of Alon Cohen saying that he, his wife and son Alon would be in London for his Bar Mitzvah on the 12th July 2008 . Melvin Pedro our Warden invited the family along and Alon received an Alya on the day.