Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue

Sippur with Rabbi Larry Becker

at the home of Deirdre & Jeff Soraff

5 Crownfield Avenue Newbury Park Essex IG2 7RP

On Sunday 18th July at 4.00pm

Topic

“Medieval Travellers Tale”

On Sunday 4th of July over 60 members turned up for a chat, tea, sandwiches and cake.

It was a very lovely day and it was nice to sit in the grounds of the shul.

Many familiar faces were there and some not so familiar.

Andrew Fox turned up with this very interesting machine for people to ride.

Rosalie Hirst set up a crafts stall which proved very popular.

It is intended to make this an annual event.

Maybe you will come next year.

What do we believe and What do we do?” Reform Judaism and the MRJ

On Wednesday June 16th Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand, Executive Director of the Movement for Reform Judaism, discussed several texts relating to the values of progressive Judaism. This discussion lead up to a further discussion on what we, as progressive Jews, believe in.

In addition, she shared with us the Movement for Reform Judaism's view of the future including, programmes supporting synagogues, rabbis, youth, students, interfaith and schools.

To be held at the home of Jocelyn Shepherd 14 Dale Gardens Woodford Green Essex

Lady Levy and the Women’s Interfaith Network [WIN]

I have invited Lady Levy to speak to the KS year 12 students on June 22nd at 11.00 am.

Some five or so years ago, Lady Levy set up the Women’s Interfaith Network and has worked tirelessly with the female leaders of all faiths to initiate discourse, understanding and respect.

I take pleasure in inviting the men and women of your communities to join us on that morning to hear Lady Levy describe her work.

Meeting with Mrs Paula V. Edelstein

On Sunday 21st February Jocelyn Shepherd gave a talk to the Leyton and Leytonstone Historical Society on the History of the Wanstead site. The talk was put together with slides by Frank Godson who was due to give the talk but who eventually went on holiday on the agreed date. So many thanks to Jocelyn for standing in at the last minute. The group were very appreciative and the followinge mail was received after the event.

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Dear Jocelyn -

On Sunday 18th January the synagogue hosted a question and answer evening on the current situation in Israel and Gaza.

Rabbi Larry Becker of Sukkat Shalom opened the proceedings by presenting the format for the evening.

Lee Scott the local MP then addressed the 150 or so antendees with his take on the situation.

Hagai Meirom then present his point of view. He is a former member of the Israeli Knesset and is currently the Treasurer of the Jewish Agency.

Others on the panel included Rabbi Maurice Michaels and Revital Shloman the the Jewish Agency Shlicha.

EAST – EAST ANGLIAN SYNAGOGUES TOGETHER

FIRST WINTER CONFERENCE, December 2008

The Induction of our new rabbi - Larry Becker

Proceedings commenced around 2.00 pm on Sunday 2nd November. The synagogue was full with many members attending along with many distinguished guests. Together with the children from the synagogue cheder there were around 100 in the synagogue.

Amongst the guests were a considerable number of rabbis including Rabbi David Hulbert the Inducting rabbi.

Suitcase 70th anniversary commemoration of kindertransport arrival at

Liverpool Street Station on 2nd december 2008

On 2nd December 1938, the first Jewish child refugees from Nazi Germany arrived in Britain, at the start of what became known as the Kindertransport. Over a period of 18 months more than 9,500 children – mostly Jewish but including 2000 children of Hitler’s political opponents – were saved from almost certain death. Very few ever saw their parents or extended families again.

On Sunday 16th November 2008 the synagogue held a Cabaret Night staring “Darklights”

Davida Robinson vocalist, and Jason Rose, pianist. They featured a variety of songs and music including show tunes, standards, jazz and blues.

It was a very enjoyable evening and was attended by 50 members and guests.

A small sum was raised on the evening for building projects

A talk was given by Frank Godson about the life and times of the synagogue along with an architectural history of the buildings on the Wanstead site.

On Sunday 5th October 2008 Frank Godson who is the Honorary Life President of Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue gave a Talk and slide show as part of the Woodford Festival.

The Talk centred on the current Home of the synagogue which was once part of the old Wanstead Hospital and before that the Merchant Seaman's Orphan, Asylum.

Around 40 people attended

As part of the Woodford Festival the The Meljon Singers under the Musical Director - Janette Ruocco performed in the synagogue

The concert was entitled LE CHAIM! TO LIFE!

The ensemble sang music by Jewish composers including Adon Olum and Ein Keloheinu and their contemporaries.

Other music included a piece by Aaron Copland and Benjamin Britten

To conclude there were 3 lighter number Over the Rainbow, Lets do it and Tea for Two.