Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue

A new guidebook to Jewish London, co-authored by Rachel Kolsky and Roslyn Rawson, will be published shortly and in the bookshops from 1st March. Sukkat Shalom is featured in the Jewish London Further Afield section, complete with full colour photos and details of our wonderful shul.

The communities involved included: Bet Tikvah, Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue Cambridge, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow Jewish Community, Ipswich, Mildenhall, NEMS, PJCEA, Norwich, SWESRS, Southend, Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue, Woodford Liberal.

This year's theme was 'Jews, Pagans and Heretics' looking at encounters between Judaism and other religions in Babylonia and the Mediterranean.

As well as listening to the speakers' presentations, there was plenty of opportunities for discussion and debate, sharing ideas. There was also be ample time during the weekend for relaxation and socialising, enjoying the magnificent Victorian house and grounds, and the surrounding countryside of the Lea Valley.

There was be a full supervised programme of activities for children and young people. Families came together for meals, which were all vegetarian.

Kindertransport film at The Imperial War Museum.

The synagogue will be holding its Annual Tea in the Grounds from 3.00pm

On Sunday July 10th 2011 we repeated last year's event with Tea for all Members and friends in the Grounds of the synagogue.

Several other events took place on the same day. There was the "Close Shave" where Rabbi Becker had his beard shaved off for Charity. The target was £500.00 for money to go towards the Laura Brody Heating Fund. Up to the date we raised about £400.00. The final total with Gift Aid was £1000.00. The day was a complete success.

Also on the day several certificates were presented to winners of the Jack Petchey Awards.

Watch the video on U Tube www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxTbCcLUpJY
Just click on the link

Written by Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers Tuesday, 09 August 2011

Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers of West London Synagogue considers how we can respond to the riots and looting which have taken place in London and in cities across the country in the last few days.

There is something surreal about waking up yet again to reports of rioting in London. Rioting which essentially consists of damaging property and looting. As my brother joked on Facebook yesterday, in the middle east they are protesting and rioting for their freedom, here there are riots for flat screen TVs and trainers.

Redbridge Faith Forum

Charity No: 1118675

Marriage & Interfaith Marriage

This is the 9th in a series of workshops being held to enable women of all ages and from many different faith backgrounds to meet together and discuss, informally, topics that really matter to them.

This evening will give you an opportunity to discuss the following questions:

What are the ingredients for a good marriage?
What does your faith teach you about marriage?
Is having a faith belief important in helping you choose a life partner?
What is your view on interfaith marriages?

Have you ever wondered what our Rabbi would look like without his beard ????

Well now you have the chance to find out.

Rabbi Becker has volunteered to have a Clean Shave at the Summer Afternoon Tea on July 10th

But only if we can raise £500.00

You can make a donation by sending a cheque to

Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue 1 Victory Road Wanstead London E11 1UL

An organised walk in the local area. Details to be given later in the year

The synagogue will holding a Family Bingo session in the afternoon. All are welcome

Open House London at Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue on Sunday 19th September.

kicked off with Reeva & Frank Godson arriving at 9.30am closely followed by Simon Sugarman.

Badges were issued, Synagogue Histories & leaflets were laid out and Simon Sugarman put up the 2 banners on the front railings.

The drain which had become blocked over Yom Kippur was unblock by Jocelyn Shepherd during the cheder time in the morning.

Security was managed by members of the community.

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.

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.