ShalomMag HHD 2012 - Loughton Synagogue

Loughton
Synagogue
Shalom Magazine
Rosh Hashanah 5773 -2012
At Loughton Synagogue we pride our self on one simple thing:
A Spirit of Community
We're not just a Shul, we're a vibrant, youthful and energetic hub for Jews in and around
the Loughton, Buckhurst Hill, Theydon Bois, Chigwell and Abridge areas.
Renowned for a modern approach to traditional orthodoxy, Loughton Shul offers a warm,
caring and non-judgmental environment to every person who walks through its doors.
LOUGHTON SYNAGOGUE, Borders Lane, LOUGHTON, Essex, IG10 1TE
Tel/Fax: 020 8508 0303 Email: admin@loughtonsynagogue.com
www.loughtonsynagogue.com
R Abbi

Shalom Editorial
Rosh Hashanah is a upon us, the summer is over, the
Olympics have been and gone and the Paralympics
are coming to an end (and Spurs have still to win a
game). The summer has confined itself to the Olympic
weeks only we have seen the end of the drought and
the hosepipe ban!
I always think it is appropriate that Rosh Hashanah
coincides with start of the academic year. I realise it is
a pain taking time off when just coming to grips with a
new timetable or school and this time of the year
yomtovs are like busses - you don’t see one for
months and then there are three or four together.
However a new year is time for new start whether you
are starting school entering into a new year at school
or going off to college or university. It is a chance to
wipe the slate clean and start again.
I would to thank my co editor and everyone else who
has helped to put together this magazine. Please read
and enjoy and if you forgot to submit your article this
time you are not too late for the Pesach edition.
We wish all of you a happy and peaceful new year
here in our community, to our fellow Jews in the UK
and especially those in Israel.
Shanah Tovah,
Michael Newman
Loughton
Synagogue Judaica
Shop
Stocking: Mezuzahs, Talleisim, Books,
Machzorim, silver-ware and much more...
The shul now offers you the ideal place to purchase
gifts for births, bar/bat mitzvah's, weddings or any
other occasion!
This year get a Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur
Machzor that makes the prayers come to life: £25 each
For an appointment to view/purchase, Contact Merle in the
office 0208 508 0303 or admin@loughtonsynagogue.com
GENTLEMEN: To enhance the
spirit of the day and the
feeling of community, please
wear your white Kappel
(Kippa) on the High-Holy Days
Sponsor a Kiddush!
Do have a reason to celebrate?
Why not share it with the community by
sponsoring a Kiddush!
You can also sponsor a Kiddush in memory of
a Loved one.
It can be a Friday Night Kiddush or a Shabbat
Morning Kiddush .
Contact the office:
8508 0303 Prices from £40
Are you travelling abroad?
Don't forget the
community when
shopping duty-free!
All single malts are
enjoyed at the kiddushim
so do your duty and feel
free to bring back a
bottle!
READ YOUR OWN HAFTORAH!
Do you want to read the Haftorah to
commemorate a special occasion?
Contact Rabbi Aronovitz for a Free
MP3 recording and lessons.
Surprise yourself at how EASY it is!

A Message from the Rabbi
Dear Friends,
Just last week we read the mitzvah of bringing one's first fruits
(Bikurim) to Jerusalem. The farmer must thank G-d for the bounty
with which he has been graced. In addition to the declaration, the
Torah commands the farmer to rejoice: "You shall be glad with all
the goodness that Hashem, your G-d, has given you and your
household..." [Devarim 26:11]
Rabbi Mordechai Gifter (1916-2001) asks, why it was necessary
for the Torah to add the command for the farmer to be happy?
The farmer has just had a bountiful harvest and has arrived in
Jerusalem loaded down with first fruits. He already feels terrific.
So why must the Torah specify a new positive command - be
happy with all that G-d gave you?
Rabbi Gifter explains that this command is necessary. A person could come up to Jerusalem with a
bounty of Bikurim and still be thinking to himself "it could have been better!" He could be jealously
looking at his neighbour's fruits and thinking, "he had a better crop than I did". Unfortunately, one
can be blessed with the biggest bounty and yet choose not to be happy. Therefore, as part of the
mitzvah of Bikurim, The Torah commands that we should be appreciative. We must look at what we
have and be happy about what we have.
We must be happy with what we have even if it COULD have been better and even if our neighbour
DID have a better crop. If G-d has seen fit to bless us with this, then we must be happy with it.
It is a mitzvah to be happy!
Rabbi Yissacher Frand takes this one step further: In fact, this may be the interpretation of the
verses in the middle of the Tochacha [Curses] in Ki-Tavo [Devarim 28:47-48] "Because you did not
serve Hashem your G-d, amid gladness and goodness of heart, when everything was abundant".
These terrible curses, described in graphic detail in the Tochacah, are occurring because we failed
to serve G-d out of joy and happiness - when we had abundance of everything (m'rov kol).
These two words ('rov' and 'kol') should remind us of an
earlier passage in the Torah. Eisav is the one who said
[Bereshis 33:9] "yesh li ROV" [I have plenty] and Yaakov is
the one who responded [Bereshis 33:11] "yesh li KOL" [I
have everything I need]. The difference between an Eisav
and a Yaakov is that however much Eisav possesses, he
only sees it as "plenty". Yaakov, however, recognises that
what he has is, in fact, "kol" - everything that he needs.
The verse in the Tochacha is explaining that the source of a
person's unhappiness is "m'rov kol" - the fact that he views
all the good things that he possesses as only "plenty", in the
same way that Eisav viewed his possessions. Anytime a
person thinks that he does not have "kol" [everything], he will
never be happy. The greatest amount of "rov kol" [plenty] will
never make a person happy, as the Talmud teaches, "One
who has one hundred wants two hundred".
May the coming year be one of contentment and happiness.
L'chaim and wishing you and your families a shanah tovah!
Rabbi Yehuda Aronovitz

Dear Member,
A Message from the Chairman.
Rosh Hashanah Edition 2012
Welcome to another super edition of the Shalom Magazine. I do hope that you have all had a
wonderful summer and thoroughly enjoyed yourselves being with family and friends.
Rosh Hashonah and the High Holy Days seems to have come around very quickly this year but then
again our lives seem so busy that we blink and another birthday is upon us!
There has been a lot of hero-worshipping this summer with both the Olympics and Para-Olympics
coming into our lives. How wonderful to have lived through the London 2012 experience!
We have many unsung heroes within our community and I felt it proper to bring them to your attention.
Community life is not just about the Rabbi, the Rebbetzen, the Wardens or the Administrator! All are
high profile individuals. There are many more that contribute and are rarely acknowledged. Take for
example our trusted caretakers Jerry & Joe. Always smiling when we attend Shul, schlepping the
chairs , Machitzas and books around each week. Always respectful to the community and to our faith!
(By the way next time you see Joe, he has had a knee operation and had been doing his job under
extreme pain! Wish him well!) Ensuring all is in place for our functions with Jerry keeping abreast of
essential maintenance. (You probably haven’t noticed new window winders!!) like putting down grit
when it snows and mowing the lawns!
Then there is Diane Young who comes to help at the Cheder! A lovely lady who just gets on with it and
cares for the children and the community.
The ladies “that do lunch” in an attempt, successfully I might add, to knit together the ladies and have
quality “Girlie” time to talk about how they can continue contributing to the community’s welfare. Also
“Cooking with Compliments” a major operational service to the community who provide meals when
needed to the bereaved, the sick and the family who have needed support when a newborn was
brought home!
Michael Newman, who very capably puts together and coordinates this magazine. Vince Goodman
and David Galman who have taken responsibility for the security rotas and high holyday security team
which involves them having meetings wit the local police.
And last but not least, there are the Ladies Guild who provide Kiddushim year round! With lots of hard
work and a cohesive team led by Ruth Leigh, there is never any doubt that our hospitality to members
and guests remains at a very high standard.
On your behalf I think that they deserve a massive THANK YOU! for their quiet but devoted approach
to community life.
Why not be part of the community and come forward with an idea. We need a Mum’s and Tot’s club
coordinator! Could that be you? [We have found one! C.C.- Ed.]
Wishing you all L’Shona Tova and well over the fast.
A big THANK YOU! To all those that have worked tirelessly and supported me over this past year!
Frank Tiller
Chairman

From the desk of the President
As one who enjoys having the last word, bare with me while I have possibly present the last word on
the 2012 Olympic Games.
Although according to my birth certificate I am now entering the final strait in the race of life, I am
fortunate to be blest with a faultless long term memory as opposed to the short term which on
occasions has the distinction of causing some embarrassment from time to time.
I have in fact been looking forward to having the Olympics in our home town since Helsinki in 1952.
Having been a very late starter in the World of Athletics, and in fact any kind of sport at all, until I
finished my teenage years. I was amazed how easily I adapted on entering into it in my 20's. My
parents who although totally supportive during my childhood were also ridiculously protective. "Don't
run you will fall over — don't jump you will hurt yourself."
They were even secretly delighted that in suffering severe sinusitis, our Doctor recommended that I
was excused swimming. The reason that even today, although I have no fear of water, and have in
fact water skied, am still unable to swim. At my best, however, in training with Haringey Athletic for
selection for the 200 meters at Rome, 1 cold not manage better than a very average time of 21.5 on
Finsbury Park's then cinder running tract.
As one who does not give up easily, I tried again for Tokyo in 1964 by training with a squad in
Redbridge for freestyle wrestling. This was a totally unique experience and I can't help smiling
inwardly when I recall we were a squad of just eight guys training 5 days a week in a makeshift gym
above a car dealers next door to the Redhouse Pub. Although primitive to the extreme, it was the first
gym in Essex to have a Sauna. Once again, I did not make selection, obviously not the sport for a
Yiddisha Boy. However, two of the eight I trained with did make it to Tokyo.
Having been dogged with wrist problems for several years, my last and final op could within the next
few months restore the strength in my arms. That PG being so, I am surveying the scene of Olympic
disciplines to find a sport that would allow me to train for Rio in 4 years time.
Having tried fencing (reactions miles too slow) and Golf not being an Olympic Sport just yet (as if I
would be good enough anyway). I have found a new challenge which, although requiring considerable
skill, does not require high degrees of fitness. Yes, it's Archery for me for 2016. Please wish me luck I
feel certain I am going to need it. We should all feel very proud both of our Country's results in 2012
and even more importantly, our efforts in designing, building and organising the games. Truly a feat of
outstanding logistical achievement. I still have my doubts regarding the environmental benefits in inner
city regeneration as I have yet to see any sign of a sinking Fund that has been set aside for the future
maintenance of the facilities, let alone the site.
While on the subject of sport, I am sure you must have noticed the enormous number of Sportsmen
and women who, when competing in their respective sport, display a totally unashamed outward
gesture of religious belief both on entering the Arena and at the finish of the event.
I personally give them great credit for this. It seems a pity that few (if any) Jews, (probably because
they are so few in number) seem to qualify as elite Athletes and Sportsmen and Sportswomen.
I wonder, however, if they were, how many would in fact give thanks to their god for their success, or
in fact, for just being fit and strong enough for just being there. I have been guilty on numerous
occasions of taking the seemingly small things in life for granted. I am now trying hard to remedy this
and as I think I have said before - Appreciate the moment!.
Perhaps not as overtly as in some other religions, I just say a silent prayer of gratitude whenever
things seems to go my way.
Rest assured should I be fortunate enough to just even get close to being there in 2016, I may even
be bold enough to shout it out loud.
Shana Tova to you all.
Phillip Leigh
Hon. President

WARDEN’S REPORT 2012
Loughton Synagogue appointed Daniel Kempner, Dennis Posner, Peter Leach, Lewis Lane and Gary
Lewis to be Honorary Wardens on behalf of the community. We have divided our responsibilities and
as a team have enjoyed serving the community and although matters may not have always turned out
as anticipated we can assure you that we have always done our best in all circumstances.
Many thanks to the community for your support and assistance which is greatly appreciated … please
remember that all the Wardens are open to receiving constructive advice/criticism and
recommendations etc.
As you will appreciate, as Wardens we are in close contact with Rabbi Yehuda and have enjoyed
receiving his guidance and leadership. You are all aware that he has now served the community for 5
years and we believe that we as a community have benefited tremendously from his inspirational
sermons, both on Friday evening and Shabbat morning. The atmosphere in Shul is of great friendship
and enjoyment both amongst the community and between the community and the Rabbi. The
services are conducted in a way that allows all members of the community to take part. The
enthusiasm and dedication of the Rabbi have even resulted in some of our regulars coming earlier to
the services on Shabbat morning and certainly the numbers on both Friday and Saturday have
increased.
The atmosphere is particularly enhanced when there is a Simcha to celebrate and the Rabbi in his
address to the community will always make mention of the celebrant of the Simcha. On many
occasions visitors to the Shul have approached me after the service to comment on how much they
enjoyed the sermon and the general atmosphere of the Shul.
I am pleased to note that I also receive compliments on the excellent Kiddush which is provided by our
hardworking ladies who form the Ladies Guild.
Throughout the year services are of course held both on Friday evenings and Shabbat mornings and
of course all the festivals are celebrated in the proper manner. I am pleased to confirm that even the
mid-week services have been supported throughout the year.
Due to the hard work and dedication of the Rabbi and of course Rebbetzen Gitty many members of
the community and their families have benefited and enjoyed events throughout the year. I will not list
out all the activities but to give you a flavour, there have been communal events to celebrate the
various festivals, Friday evening dinners at the Shul, many of the community have been invited to the
home of Rabbi Yehuda, Rebbetzen Gitty for Friday evening dinner and Shiurim have been conducted
throughout the year. In addition we now have a monthly children’s service, an early morning Shiur on
Shabbat and we have had the first introductory explanatory service for Friday and a similar service is
to follow for Saturday morning service.
The community receives the Shabbat talk, which gives an insight into the Sedra of the week and also
contains announcements as to the events being held.
For the benefit and protection of the community the security officers have set up a security rota so that
when services are held in the Synagogue on Friday/Saturday there is security outside for our
protection.
One of the unique features of Loughton Shul is that we have two almost separate Shul attending
communities. There are the Friday night attendees and Saturday morning attendees and the young
children and pre-Barmitzvah/Bat Chail children attend. Each service creates its own special
atmosphere enhanced by the address from the Rabbi and the Kiddish after the service.
I would like to acknowledge hard work and dedication of Frank in assisting the Wardens and generally
organising the affairs of the Synagogue. In addition thanks to Norman Segal and Leslie Adams who
act as our ‘meeters and greeters’ on simchas to ensure that all visitors are welcomed into the
Synagogue and made to feel comfortable. Further, we are grateful to those members who are willing
to assist in conducting the service when the Rabbi is absent.
If there is anyone who would like to come and join us we would be delighted to have you as part of our
Warden’s team, either on a Friday/Saturday or even just for Yom Tovim.
LEWIS LANE

Dear Loughton Members,
Another year has passed and we
continue to meet, have fun and
work hard, never quite sure why
we enjoy standing cutting,
chopping and buttering when we
could be having a manicure! We
do have a laugh and that is what
keeps us going.
Once again during the last twelve months we have hosted a huge
amount of Simchat … we hope the upcoming year will once again have more good news than
bad! If you have had the opportunity to join us for one of our savoury Kiddushim you will have
experienced the type of lavish spread that we put on. If you have a Simcha coming up then
we look forward to celebrating with you.
In addition to our ‘weekly’ Kiddush duties we also find time to organise extra events. During
the last year we had another fantastic Ladies Luncheon with Jackie Marks as our guest, she
was amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting her . The year before we had Anne Hegerty
of the host our luncheon, she too was very interesting and entertaining. We have also
continued to have our ‘personal’ Ladies Luncheons which we take turns hosting, some of us
pop in for a quick bite (the workers) and others take a more leisurely approach! We would
also like to set-up regular bridge/kalooki/games evenings in the upcoming year, any volunteers
to organise this for us?
Some of the things you are perhaps unaware of is that the Ladies Guild also sponsor many
events: We purchased gifts for the Chanukah and Purim parties and covered the cost of
Chanukah entertainers, ensured Loughton celebrated the Queens Jubilee in grand style. All
the Friday night dinners, the Simchat Torah party, the Shabbat morning cholunt Kiddushim are
all organised by us. As usual we will also supplying lots of apples and honey to ensure a
sweet new year!
Continuing on the theme of giving … being charitable … we also ask that you give of
yourselves … when you have a Simcha coming up please come along and help on a
Friday or Saturday morning - get involved and really learn what it is all about.
They say it is better to give than to receive … so if you would like to give of your time and
make new friends just contact the office and one of us will contact you. One phone call is all
it takes … 0208 508 0303
Afrikaans Voorspoedige nuwe jaar, Basque Urte Berri on. Bengali Shuvo noboborsho,
Chinese (Cantonese) Sun nien fai lok. Chinese (Mandarin) Xin nian yu kuai, Czech Stastny
Novy Rok … or to put it another way Shana Tova
Ruth Leigh

ABC's of Rosh Hashanah
Pre-Rosh Hashanah
A key component of Rosh Hashanah preparation
is to ask for forgiveness from anyone one may
have wronged during the previous year. To
whatever extent possible, we want to begin the
year with a clean slate – and without anyone
harbouring a grudge against us. One should also
be quick to forgive those who have wronged him.
Many people have the custom to go to the mikveh
before Rosh Hashanah after midday. A mikveh,
which has the power to purify from certain types of
spiritual impurities, can be an important part of the
teshuva process.
Some have the custom of visiting a cemetery on
the day before Rosh Hashanah and praying at the graves of the righteous. Of course, we do not pray
"to" the righteous, but only to God who hears our prayers in the merit of the righteous.
The morning before Rosh Hashanah, we perform "Hatarat Nedarim" – annulling all vows. In Torah
terms, saying something as simple as "I refuse to eat any more sweets" can be considered a legal
vow. Therefore, before Rosh Hashanah, we annul any vows, whether they were made intentionally or
not. This is done by standing in front of three adult males and asking to be released from the vows
that were made. The full text can be found in a Siddur or Rosh Hashanah Machzor.
The Festive Meal
During the High Holidays, a round challah is used – symbolising fullness and completion. After
making the "Hamotzi" blessing, it is customary to dip the bread into honey – symbolising our prayer
for a sweet new year.
Then, after most of your slice of bread has been eaten, take an apple and dip it in honey. Make a
blessing on the apple (since "Hamotzi" did not cover the apple) and eat a little bit of the apple. Then
say, "May it be Your will, God, to renew us for a good and sweet new year." (OC 583)
Why do we ask for both a "good" AND "sweet" year? Doesn't the word "good" automatically include
"sweet?"
Judaism teaches that everything happens for the good. It is all part of the divine will. Even things that
may look "bad" in our eyes, are actually "good." So when we ask God that the year should be
"sweet" (in addition to good), it is because we know that everything will be for the good. But we also
ask that it be a "revealed" good – i.e. one that tastes "sweet" to us.
On Rosh Hashanah, we add the paragraph Ya'aleh V'yavo in Grace After Meals.
Symbolic Foods
On Rosh Hashanah, we eat foods that symbolize good things we hope for in the coming year. We
contemplate what these foods symbolize, and connect with the Source of all good things.
The symbolic foods are based on a word game which connects the name of a certain food, to a
particular hope we have for the new year. Here is a list from the Talmud of symbolic foods
customarily eaten on Rosh Hashanah. (The food and its related meaning are in bold.)
After eating leek or cabbage, say: "May it be Your will, God, that our enemies be cut off."
After eating beets, say: "May it be Your will, God, that our adversaries be removed."
After eating dates, say: "May it be Your will, God, that our enemies be finished."
After eating gourd, say: "May it be Your will, God, that the decree of our sentence should be torn
apart, and may our merits be proclaimed before You."

After eating pomegranate, say: "May it be Your will, God, that our merits increase as the seeds of a
pomegranate."
After eating the head of a sheep or fish, say: "May it be Your will, God, that we be as the head and
not as the tail.
You can also use other foods and make up your own "May it be Your will..." For example, you could
eat a raisin and celery, and ask God in the coming year for a "raise in salary" (raisin celery)!
Rosh Hashanah Prayers
Since there are so many unique prayers on Rosh Hashanah, we use a special prayer book called a
"Machzor."
In the "Amidah" and "Kiddush" for Rosh Hashanah, we say the phrase Yom Teruah. However, if Rosh
Hashanah falls on Shabbat, we say Zichron Teruah instead. (If one inadvertently said the wrong
phrase, he needn't repeat the prayer.)
The supplication "Avinu Malkeinu" should be said on Rosh Hashanah, except when Rosh Hashanah
and Shabbat coincide, since supplications are not said on Shabbat. If Rosh Hashanah falls on a
Friday, "Avinu Malkeinu" is not said at Mincha.
During the High Holidays, the curtain on the ark is changed into a white one, to symbolise that our
"mistakes will be whitened like snow."
The chazan (cantor) for the High Holidays should not be chosen for his vocal talents alone. Ideally,
the chazan should be over 30 years old, God fearing, learned in Torah, humble, and married. A
learned man under 30 with the other qualifications is acceptable. Though it is preferable to allow an
unfit chazan to lead services, rather than cause strife over the issue in the community.
Since it is a question as to whether the She'hechianu blessing should be said on the second day of
Rosh Hashanah, we are accustomed to eat a new fruit or wear a new garment and say She'hechianu
upon it. When saying the She'hechianu, one should also have in mind the mitzvot of lighting candles,
"Kiddush" and hearing the shofar.
The Shofar
The essential mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah is to hear the sounding of the shofar. The shofar blasts
after the Torah Reading are called "Tekiot M'yushav."
The minimum Torah obligation is to hear nine blasts. However, there is a doubt whether the sound of
the shofar should be a groaning type of cry (Shevarim), or a sobbing weep (Teruah), or a
combination (Shevarim-Teruah). Therefore, we perform all three sounds, each preceded and
followed by an unbroken blast, Tekiah. Three of each set results in 30 blasts total, which are
necessary to remove all doubt that the Torah precept has been fulfilled.
It is customary to blow shofar in the same place that the Torah is read, so that the merit of the Torah
will support us. The shofar should be blown during the daytime. In ancient times, when the Romans
persecuted the Jews, the rabbis instituted blowing the shofar before Musaf, since the Romans had
guards in the synagogues during the early morning.
The person who blows the shofar must stand. He should be instructed immediately before blowing to
have intention to fulfill the obligation for all those listening. Similarly, all those listening should be
reminded to have intention that their obligation is being fulfilled.
Before blowing, two blessings are recited: "to hear the sound of the shofar," and She'hechianu. Once
the blessings have been made, one may not speak until the end of the shofar blowing.
Women may sound the shofar for herself and say the blessing. (Sefardi women do not say a
blessing.) A child who is old enough to be educated regarding mitzvot is required to hear the shofar.
The shofar is not blown when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat.
The shofar used on Rosh Hashanah should be a curved ram's horn, and longer than four inches. It is
permitted to use the shofar of an animal not ritually slaughtered. After the fact, any shofar is
acceptable except the horn of a cow, ox or an unkosher species of animal.

In the "Amidah" prayer of Musaf, there are three special blessings: Malchiot (praises to God the
King), Zichronot (asking God to remember the merits of our Ancestors), and Shofrot (the significance
of the shofar). During the chazan's repetition, we blow an additional 30 blasts in the various
combinations.
It is the custom to blow 40 extra blasts at the end of services, bringing the total to 100. It is customary
to prolong the final blast, which is called a Tekiah Gedolah.
Other Customs
It is customary to greet others as follows: "L'shana Tova / Ketivah vi-chatima Tova." This means: "For
a good year / You should be written and sealed in the good (Book of Life)."
One should try not to sleep or go for idle walks on the day of Rosh Hashanah. (The Arizal permits a
nap in the afternoon.)
It is advisable to avoid marital relations, except if Rosh Hashanah falls on the night of mikvah
immersion.
If a Bris Milah falls on Rosh Hashanah, it should be performed between the Torah reading and the
shofar blowing.
Tashlich
The "Tashlich" prayer is said on the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah by a pool of water that
preferably has fish in it. These prayers are
symbolic of the casting away of our
mistakes. Of course, it is foolish to think you
can rid sins by shaking out your pockets.
Rather, the Jewish approach is deep
introspection and commitment to change.
Indeed, the whole idea of "Tashlich" is partly
to commemorate the Midrash that says
when Abraham went to the Akeida (binding
of Isaac), he had to cross through water up
to his neck
If Rosh Hashanah falls out on Shabbat,
"Tashlich" is pushed off until the second day.
If "Tashlich" was not said on Rosh Hashanah
itself, it may be said anytime during the Ten
Days of Repentance.
Both the body of water and the fish are symbolic. In Talmudic literature Torah is represented as
water. Just as fish can't live without water, so too a Jew can't live without Torah!
Also, the fact that fish's eyes never close serve to remind us that, so too, God's eyes (so to speak)
never close; He knows of our every move.
This is the text of "Tashlich:"
Who is like You, God, who removes iniquity and overlooks transgression of the remainder of His
inheritance. He doesn't remain angry forever because He desires kindness. He will return and He will
be merciful to us, and He will conquer our iniquities, and He will cast them into the depths of the
seas.
Give truth to Jacob, kindness to Abraham like that you swore to our ancestors from long ago.
From the straits I called upon God, God answered me with expansiveness. God is with me, I will not
be afraid, what can man do to me? God is with me to help me, and I will see my foes (annihilated). It
is better to take refuge in God than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in God, that to rely on
nobles.
Many people also read Psalms 33 and 130.
based on research by Rabbi Moshe Lazerus (Aish.com)

Rabbi Emmanuel Feldman -
Tishrei, the month of Rosh Hashana, is the first month of the
universe, and just as when God completed His Creation He
contemplated and evaluated it, so does He do every Rosh Hashana
-- which means that Rosh Hashana is actually the Day of Judgment
for the universe and for mankind collectively and individually.
That explains why, more than any other Jewish holiday, Rosh
Hashana's liturgy is not limited to Jewish themes exclusively, but
contains so many universal themes as well. On no other occasion, for example, is God referred to
as "King over all the earth," and at no other time is God's Holy Temple called a "house of prayer for
all the nations." This is all a reflection of the universal judgment of this day.
God evaluates us collectively, just as a shepherd looks over his flock with one glance. And
individually, He also judges us like a shepherd who looks at each single sheep as it files through a
narrow opening in the gate. So Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are more than just a Jewish version
of New Year's Day. It's a time of great introspection, of teshuva/repentance, of stock-taking.
According to an ancient Jewish tradition, it marks the creation of Adam and Eve -- who were
created, who sinned, and who were judged all on the same day.
All of these traditions underscore the idea that Rosh Hashana is the time of beginnings. For
example, the Talmud states that a number of other events took place on Rosh Hashana: Abraham
and Jacob were born on Rosh Hashana; the three barren women -- Sarah, Rachel, and Hannah
(the mother of the prophet Samuel) -- were all remembered by God on Rosh Hashana, when He
decreed that they will give birth. On Rosh Hashana, Joseph was freed from the Egyptian prison and
became viceroy of Egypt. And on Rosh Hashana, slavery ended for the Jews in Egypt and they
waited for the ten plagues to be completed so that they could go out to freedom.
Thus, Rosh Hashana is a time for significant initiatives. As such, it is an opportunity for us to
recreate ourselves, to return to a relationship with God, to strengthen our ties to our faith…
On the one hand, Rosh Hashana is an extremely solemn day, the most solemn of the year after
Yom Kippur. Because Rosh Hashana begins the Ten Days of Repentance, we stand at the bar of
judgment on those days. It's as if we were in a courtroom pleading for our very lives.
Our tradition gives us a vivid image: "The Books of the Living and the Books of the Dead are open
before Him," which means many things -- but one of the things it means is that we pray that our
names be inscribed by our loving and understanding God in the one book and not in the other.
Our tradition also tells us that beginning with Rosh Hashana, a Jew has the opportunity to return to
God, to perform teshuva -- which literally means to turn around, to return, to start all over again.
Rosh Hashana and its companion, Yom Kippur, are Divine gifts in which we are given the
opportunity to reopen our relationship with God, when we have the chance to wipe away the past as
if it did not exist, and to start over again with a clean slate.
The slate is not wiped clean automatically. The process has to
The overarching theme of
Rosh Hashanah and Yom
Kippur is "change:" to change
from what we were before and
to become new individuals.
begin with us, with a sense of true regret, with contrition for past
misdeeds, and with a serious resolution not to repeat them. The
opportunity is given to sincere returners, not to pro forma ones
who are just going through the motions. But once the process is
properly done, once the catharsis of Rosh Hashana and Yom
Kippur make their impact on us, what could be more joyous than
that? So, yes, it is solemnity filled with awe, and also filled with
spiritual joy.
Remember that in the religious context joy is deeply inward, and is not necessarily manifested by
laughter and smiles. As such, religious joy and religious awe are not contradictions. In fact, they go
hand in hand. In the second Psalm, King David says, "Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with
trembling."

The liturgy of Rosh Hashana, especially the additional "musaf" service, is the most magnificent
prayer the world has ever seen. It's like a symphony, perfectly balanced, divided into three separate
movements, devoted to the themes of:
a. making God our sovereign and acknowledging Him as our King;
b. remembering His intervention in our history, and underscoring our belief in Divine Providence
-- the idea that He listens and cares for us; and
c. recalling the numerous Biblical events where the shofar heralds God's presence and
protection, and longing for the time when the shofar will herald the redemption of all mankind
and the coming of the Messiah…
Bear this in mind: the overarching theme of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is "change:" to change
from what we were before and to become new individuals. The motif behind it all is accountability.
We are responsible for our actions. We do not live in a vacuum. What we do or say has an impact
and a resonance in the world. Yom Kippur represents the potential for a human being to change and
return: we are not eternally condemned to follow a certain habitual path; we do have the ability, if we
so choose, to change our ways.
It is amazing: in the Talmud (Nedarim 39b), the Sages tell us that teshuva, repentance, was created
before the world was created. That is to say, the idea of repentance, of a person changing himself
and changing his course, is an integral part of Creation -- and the world could not exist without it.
An excerpt from "On Judaism," conversations on being Jewish in today's world. Published by Shaar
Press, Inc. Distributed by ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications Ltd.
Why Round Challah?
Some surprising spiritual insights from the Rosh
Hashanah challah. by Aliza Bulow (Aish.com)
All year long our challah is braided, but it is round for Rosh
Hashana. What does the challah's shape teach us about
this special time of year?
Rosh Hashana is a holiday filled with physical doorways
into the spiritual world. The blasts of the shofar are the
prime example of this (see: Symbolism of the Shofar). But
there are many others as well All year round, we dip our
challah in salt before distributing it; during the High Holiday season, many use honey so that we
may have a sweet year. For the same reason, many make a sweeter challah dough as well.
We also begin the evening Rosh Hashana meals by dipping apples into honey and reciting a prayer
for a good and sweet year. Some continue with a Rosh Hashana "seder," sampling many different
foods and reciting a prayer that contains an allusion to the food's Hebrew name.
Every Jewish custom is significant on a very deep level. Some have levels that we can access;
others are beyond our grasp. Even the shape of the loaf of challah can teach us something deep
about the holiday on which it is consumed.
Creative Energy
The Shabbat challah is braided. "Six days shall you work (engage in creative activity), and on the
seventh shall you desist" (Exodus 34:21). Part of the preparation for the Shabbat is engaging in
melacha, creative activity. Braiding is creative activity. The braid is a shape that does not appear in
nature. (Ficus trees are hand-braided.) It is a shape that is made by humans and it is representative
of the human ability to manipulate the raw material of the world. Braiding the challah strands helps
us harness our creative capacities for the purpose of observing the Shabbat.
But braiding is more than that. The Talmud tells us that God Himself braided Eve's hair in
preparation for her wedding to Adam (Brachot 61a). Was He merely beautifying her? Rabbi
Avraham Chaim Feuer teaches that God's braiding of Eve's hair was His wedding gift to the couple.
He was arranging her creative energies, channeling her imagination into an ordered form that would
allow her to maximise her potential as a wife. He was both charging her and gifting her with the

ability and the task of channeling the energy of the couple into positive and creative directions. The
braid represents that directive, to focus and give order to the energies of one's household.
Significantly, many loaves are braided out of six strands. Six represents the days of the week that are
not Shabbat. My mother-in-law taught me that braiding six strands into one loaf represents the six
days of the week that are bound up in the one Shabbat. Six directed toward one, weekdays
manifesting on Shabbat, this world bearing fruit for the next. The six-stranded braid offers us the
direction of the channeling that we are enjoined to accomplish.
70 Faces of Torah
Round challahs are unique to the High Holiday season. Some say they represent a crown that reflects
our crowning G-d as the King of the world.
Others suggest that the circular shape points to the cyclical nature of the year. The Hebrew word for
year is "shana," which comes from the Hebrew word "repeat." Perhaps the circle illustrates how the
years just go round and round. But Rosh Hashana challahs are not really circles; they are spirals…
There are 70 faces to the Torah, or in Hebrew, shiv'im panim la'Torah. This means that there are 70
ways to understand every facet of Torah. The word "panim" can be translated either as "face," or as
"innerness." Thus the Torah presents 70 different "faces," appearing differently depending on the
psychological, intellectual and spiritual angle from which it is examined. It also means that there are
70 different inner realities for every facet we can see.
Even while studying the same weekly Torah portion, we are able to tune into a new aspect each year.
King David lived for 70 years, and, in our tradition, that is considered to be the "average" lifespan.
Each subsequent year of life makes a person into a different creation than the year before. So if one
lives the average lifetime, another understanding of "70 faces to the Torah" could mean that we,
through living 70 years, have our own 70 faces that we can turn to the Torah. That is why we often
have "aha!" moments even as we study the same concepts we studied last year, or hear the same
weekly Torah portion we have heard for years in a row. Turning a different one of our faces to the
Torah means that our "receptor sites" are different, and we are able to tune into a new aspect each
year.
Climbing Higher
The word "shana" has a double meaning as well. In addition to "repeat," it also means "change". As
the year goes go round and round, repeating the same seasons and holidays as the year before, we
are presented with a choice: Do we want this shana (year) to be a repetition, or do we want to make a
change (shinui)? Hopefully, each year we make choices for change that are positive, and each year
we will climb higher and higher, creating a spiritual spiral.
The shape of the Rosh Hashana challah reminds us that this is the time of year to make those
decisions. This is the time to engage in the creative spiritual process that lifts us out of the repetitive
cycle, and directs our energies toward a higher end. Have a sweet new year!

Shteebelchase Tzvi Zobin
GOOD MORNING. ladies and gentlemen. You are listening to CBA's live broadcast of the
finals in the great annual Shteebelchase Championship.
In this most exciting final round, the current champions, Reb Moshe's Minyon, are facing
the challengers and firm favourites. the Redford Avenue Sfardishers. The Reb-Moshemen
are putting in their strongest team, led by Reb
Moshe himself. Facing them are the top lineup
of the Sfardishers with Mr. Ziegal at the helm.
All in all, the greater experience of Reb
Moshe's Minyon should give them a handsdown
victory. but their 10-second handicap is
swinging the odds toward the challengers.
Here are the starting lineups. For Reb Moshe's
Minyon. Shmeelik will lead off with b‘rochos.
and korbonos. Nosson will take over for psukey d'zimra, and Reb Moshe himself will clean
up from Yishtabach. The lineup for the Redford Avenue favorites is Mr. Meir, Reb Yoina
and, of course, Mr. Ziegal.
And now a word from our sponsor.
And there's the whistle for the start! Wow! Shmeelik has flown into the lead and is already
three whole b'rochos ahead of Mr. Meir. The champions, of course, have excellent backup,
and the roar of their "boruchushmomein" is a familiar sound on the circuit. As Shmeelik
swings into the korbonos, Mr. Meir sings out, "Umosar ho'odom "
Now, as Nosson of Reb Moshe's team gets up and nervously walks to the omud to make
the first takeover, it's Reb Moshe's Minyon nicely in the lead. But there's still a long way to
go. What a beautiful takeover! After a classic 13-second Kadish Drabonon, Nosson
gracefully speeds into Hoidoo. Reb Yoina of the Sfardishers seems to be nervous. Oh
dear, they will really have to do better than this to stand a chance. That hemming-hawing
is costing his team precious seconds. Ah, he's getting into form now, but halfway through
Mizmor Shir Chanukas is a bit late.
Now, as we come to Oz Yoshir. Redford Avenue's
Reb Yoina is beginning to put on the pressure.
But the champs are not intimidated. And once
again the champs show their style with a beautiful
takeover at Yishtabach by Reb Moshe.
He's in fine form, It was reported before this
contest that his false teeth have been giving him
some trouble. But his new dental fixative will
surely live up to its reputation.
And now a word from our sponsor
What is the difference between a
Minyan and a horse race?
In a horse race everyone starts at
the same time and ends at
different times.
At a Minyan everyone starts at
different times but ends together.
The champs are now rolling into Sh'ma with the contenders just clearing Bor'chu. The
Redford leader, Mr. Ziegal, is trying out what he calls his inspiration davvening. That is, he
davens while inhaling as well as while exhaling. Well, his years of practice and training are
certainly paying off. Ziegal is shaving off vital tenths of seconds as he follows hot on the
heels of Reb Moshe. He's catching up with every breath.

Well. the champs are through Sh'ma with a good 32-second time and are just going into
the shrilla Shrnone Esrey with Mr. Z.egal's Sfardishers breathing hot fire down their necks
at Ezrass.
And now a word from our sponsor
Now, at Chazorass Hashatz, it's Reb Moshe's Minyon barely holding out Mr. Ziegal with a
l:45.S shtilla. Wow, what a Keclusha! Just listen to that Kodoish-doish-doish. Real style!
Reb Moshe's teeth seem to he giving him some trouble. Hear that clack- clack? They're
chattering quite badly, and he may have to signal for a replacement. Well. now it seems
that his teeth have righted themselves. but he'll really have to fly to make up lost time.
This is a real classic - l:52.3 for the Sfardishers' chazora as the Redford Avenue favourites
go down for Tachanun. What's this? The champs have swept straight into Kadish. The
judges are conferring. A note has been passed to me. There is a chossen in Reb Moshe's
Minyon. Well, there's nothing in the rules against it. Though it is a little underhanded, the
Reb Moshe-men are back to a 20-second lead.
That has really angered Mr. Ziegal. Is he furious!
Ladies and gentlemen. this has now turned into a personal match. I've never heard Uvo
Letzion disappear so swiftly. As he rounds into Kadish Sholeim. Reb Moshe's lead is down
to 10 seconds.
Mr. Ziegal's inspiration davening plus
his added fury are helping him pare
the edges off Reb Moshe's lead. He's
catching up! Now. at Kaddish
D'rabonon, he is actually ahead! Reb
Moshe is perspiring, his lead is
slipping as are his teeth. The final
Omein is a real victory "omein" from
the Redford Avenue men as they roll
into Oleinu Leshabei'ach a full seven
seconds ahead!
Oh dear, they're really rubbing the
champs‘ noses in the dust with an extra Shir Ha-rna'alos and a Kadish Yosom. And the
grandstands are going wild!

A Kohen on his travels.
As we were about to disembark the brass calypso band struck up "hot hot hot: - it certainly was . We
were in the Caribbean. It reminded me of the first Bond film do you not remember with the three blind
men. I looked around and fortunately every one appeared friendly and happy we were after all on
holiday. We made our way into town my navigator, my wife Marilyn map in hand as usual. She has
been my official map reader on our travels around the world and as we are still together after 49 years
I have conceded she must be good at it.
Do you remember the film 'The Blues Brothers' ? Well we were on a mission to find the shul. Its just
something we enjoy to do on our travels.
Our chairman Frank always mentions to barmitzvah boys on their special day to participate in Jewish
communities worldwide
When they get a chance to visit and hear the hebrew, our common tongue, how right he is. The
welcome we have received from other Jewish communities around the globe has been quite
something.
As we walked further away from the tourist area it was quite apparent how some of these flimsy built
homes suffered so badly during the hurricane season. Its amazing they survive any strong winds at
all. We followed the map to a crossroad and stopped. Left, right, unsure.
This map was hardly a Michelin guide. Suddenly the silence was broken by a voice 'hey man ya
looking for da shul? 'i looked around and on the roof of one of these houses stood a huge
Shvarzer ( sorry, to be politically correct ) a large black skin person. ' yes please ' I said
' turn left and it about 20 yards down da road ' I thanked him and we proceeded and sure enough
there it was.
The Hebrew congregation of St. Thomas was founded in 1796 the island was officially settled in 1665
and there is evidence that Jews lived here from that time, having come to the islands as shop owners,
chandlers, and brokers, entrepreneurs in sugar rum and molasses and traders between Europe and
the American colonies. The island got its thrust of settlers during the American revolution in 1781.
The British navy had stationed a blockade on the Dutch island of St. Eustatius nearby hoping to starve
out American revolutionaries. Admiral Rodney decided on a heavy bombardment and so the Jewish
merchants on the island left. Many of them sailed to St.Thomas with their families. The island had a
small settlement but a tradition of religious tolerance and happily welcomed industrious settlers. Their
arrival made certain the establishment of this synagogue which led to the enrichment of Jewish history
in the new world.
The synagogue is still active today and approximately 200 families are members. Since 1833 there
has always been a weekly shabbat service. It boasts it is the oldest synagogue building in continuous
use under the American flag and that it has the distinction of holding the first barmitzvah for Jewish
youth in the western hemisphere on October 14, 1843.
Its walls are specially designed to be hurricane proof as are the stained windows. They allow the free
passage of air while blunting some of the wind force. Perhaps the most unusual feature is the floor.
Completely covered in sand several inches thick, apparently it is symbolic of the desert through which
Moses and the Children of Israel travelled for forty years. However, another explanation was that
during the time of the Spanish inquisition when Spain persecuted newly "converted" jews, the
Marranos as they were called, using one of our gifts from G-d called seichol (!) , covered the floor to
muffle the sounds of their prayer.
In the ark were six torah scrolls. Three Sephardic and three Ashkenazic. The difference is not in what
is written but the way the parchment is sored and displayed when read. They are at least 150 years
old and two date back over 200 years.
This beautiful synagogue is a gem in the midst of the Caribbean. It is simple but stately at the same
time. As we stood there and looked around you could not help but feel proud to be in this outpost of
Judaism .
Mark Weigler

Repent now... the beginning of the the year is nigh!
Rabbi Yehuda Aronovitz
Many years ago, Rav Shimon Schwab was standing at a
bus stop, in front of a church. An obviously Jewish woman
came out of the church and seeing a Rabbi, she walked
over to him.
“Rabbi, She said, “ you’re probably wondering what a
Jewish woman is doing in a Catholic church. Well let me tell
you something, those Catholics, they have something that
Yiddishkeit doesn’t have, something that is wonderfully
liberating.”
“Really?” asked Rabbi Schwab. “And what is that?”
It’s the confessional,” she said, “you sit in this booth and the
priest is sitting on the other side of the partition. You say ‘forgive me father, for I have sinned.’ The
Priest says "You’re forgiven" and BOOM! Forgiveness! You’re forgiven and you feel amazing.
Yiddishkeit doesn't have that!
"Excuse me but you’re quite mistaken,” he said. “Yiddishkeit certainly does have confession. Three
times a day we say “ Selach Lanu - forgive us Father for we have sinned. We say Vidduy on Yom
Kippur. What do you mean, Yiddishkeit doesn’t have confession?”
Rabbi, you don’t understand,” she replied. “At the Catholic church, somebody is listening.
“Lady, it is YOU who doesn't understand,” said Rav Schwab. The Jewish people also have Someone
Who is listening. ALWAYS. And not just some man in a costume who doesn’t have the power of true
forgiveness, but the Borei Olam - the Creator of the universe Himself.”
So what is teshuva? How can we make that move that will change our lives forever (for the good)?
Many years ago, when I was in Yeshiva in Manchester, having just experienced the "true confessional"
of Yom Kippur, I tried to get an early night's sleep so that I could wake up on time to catch a train to
London and get a flight, together with my brother, to Eretz Yisrael for Succos. It was not meant to be.
The fire alarm went off and the klaxon rang until three in the morning (it was a false alarm). Eventually
I fell asleep. Sure enough we both over-slept and missed the train. Frantically I tried to get another
train ticket but it made no sense to buy a ticket on the day for so much money. Eventually I found
somebody who was willing to give us lift to London and we would make our flight.
After driving for about an hour on the M6, our driver informed us that he had made a terrible mistake.
He had take the wrong ramp and, for the past hour, we had been travelling north instead of south! Oh
no! We turned around. In the meanwhile I called the travel agent and managed to change our flights.
We eventually made it to London and caught our flights to Eretz Yisroel.
The Rambam (Maimonides) explains to us the laws of repentance. The legal u-turn!
One should abandon the malpractice, try forget about it and resolve never to do it again. He should
regret it and accept on himself ,verbally that he will stay far away from such a situation.
Teshuvah - repentance is a gift. Not only can we once again find favour in the eyes of Hashem but we
are also lucky to carry along with us in life the lessons of our mistakes. When you turn around in life,
you can always catch a flight to your correct destination.
We read in the Torah this Shabbos - "Ki haMitzvah hazos, asher Anochi mitzavecha hayom". "For this
HaMitzvah which I command of you today is neither too difficult for you nor is it too far".
What is this speaking about? What mitzvah is so close to us?
The Ramba"m and Sforno and many other commentators say that this is the mitzvah of Teshuvah -
repentance. We are being told that the ability to return through repentance is accessible to all of us. It
takes no superhuman efforts to repent.
The obvious question is - Why is this Mitzvah singled out as the accessible mitzvah? what is the
necessity for this reassurance?

I think the answer is that teshuva is like exercise. It is not so unfamiliar that when you go to a wedding
and join in the dancing that you realise how un-fit you are. The bochurim (yeshiva students) in the
centre circle have a Hora going that you just cannot keep up with. Never mind trying to remember the
"three steps forward - one step back" move, but before long I am panting and wondering if maybe I am
really consigned to the outer circle shuffle.
"I'm going to exercise" I say to myself. Get more fit.
But then I remember - I’ve been there - I’ve tried it
before. I ran to catch a minyan quicker. I joined a
kosher gym. I even considered cutting back on the
cholent.
It is a frustrating battle that more often than not is
doomed to failure from the word go.
The same is true with teshuva. "We’ve been here
before” we tell ourselves. We’ve made resolutions.
We’ve made commitments. We even shed tears,
yet here we are again. Whats the use of starting?
We may as well give up!
"No!" Says the Torah - Do the teshuva. You are not entering a commitment which you will fail to keep.
It is accessible.
How is it accessible? It is accessible if we make the first move.
In this week's parsha, regarding the "free spirit" - the person who does what he wants, the Torah says
" When such a person hears the words of this oath and they invoke a blessing on themselves,
thinking, “I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way,” they will bring disaster on the
watered land as well as the dry. Hashem will never be willing to forgive them; His wrath and zeal will
burn against them..."
Rav Shimon Schwab explains that of course if this person wants to do teshuva he can - Hashem will
ALWAYS accept teshuva. The only disadvantage he will have is that Hashem will not help him! He
forfeited that benefit of help when he decided he didn't care.
In any normal scenario
where we genuinely want to
do teshuva, Hashem will
help us to repent. We only
have to call out and he will
be there guide us. It can be
compared to a baby with a
soiled nappy. When the baby
cries the mother or father
comes and cleans the baby
and puts on a fresh nappy.
We have to cry out to
Hashem and he will do the
rest.
Let us take advantage of this
wonderful gift called
Teshuvah. This year, let us
truly hear and internalise the
message of the Shofar!

Head and Heart בלו שאר Rosh v’lev
Two things come to mind for me at this time of the year and both centre around the word ‘rosh’.
On the one hand there is Rosh Hashanah, or head of the year, a time where we look back over the
previous year and forward to the New Year in anticipation of what it holds.
On the other hand, I wonder how those who are experiencing emotional difficulties are coping,
especially at a time when families traditionally come together to celebrate, i.e how they are dealing
with things in their head.
RAPHAEL
THE JEWISH COUNSELLING SERVICE
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Sometimes we tend to lose sight
of the fact that, during this
generally joyous time, there are
those who will be experiencing a
first Rosh Hashanah without a
loved one; those who have had a
change in financial circumstances
and might be unable to afford a
family get together as in the past;
those whose incapacities prevent
them from joining in; those who
c h o o s e n o t t o a d m i t t h e i r
difficulties.
We can say ‘our hearts go out to
these people’ but are we proactive
in our approach? Maybe this year
we can look around and see who
might welcome contact from us –
a phone call, an offer of help, an
invitation for a meal. And also
think on the wider scale for those
who might benefit from longer
term help, which we might be
unable to give. If this is the case
you might consider telling them
about the new service which
Raphael –The Jewish Counselling
Service is bringing to your area,
where they can receive support in
the secure knowledge that,
whatever their problems or
financial circumstances are, they
will not be turned away. A gesture
from the heart to help their heads.
Roberta Coffer -
Chairman of Trustees

Chocolate Buttons, Grape Juice and Sweets
Peculiar title for an article you might think, but the epicentre of a Friday night for my eldest Grandson!!
For the last 6 months a typical Friday starts at about 4:30ish when my grandsons and I start our
“quality” time with each other! We play, we talk and have fun!!
“Zaidy” as I am known to them, is all about laughter, kindness, chocolate buttons, grape juice and
sweets. Not all the laughter is generated by me nor all the kindness and definitely not the chocolate,
grape juice and sweets!!
We always make kiddish at the supper table, albeit early as Aron is such a slow eater. He has, through
repetition and then nursery at IJPS, got to know the Brachot for wine and bread and I have to say it is
so sweet to hear a 3year (NO! Zaidy I’m 4 now!) recite the blessings.
Then it’s cutting the Cholla with special pieces reserved for special people and special events. Firstly
we have to give the crust to Sweep, our pet and wish her “good Shabbos”. We have an unsalted slice
for Grandma because she doesn’t like the salt, we have a slice each to eat with our meal and a
special slice for the journey to Shul!!
Then its off to Shul for the Friday night service!
Well as time has passed he is not only endeared himself to the
community but them to him as well! He is more vocal as the he gets more
comfortable with Rabbi Yehuda and all the regulars. I now have to
manage his expectations by telling him how many pages it is before he
gets his chocolate buttons. This is an initiative introduced by Rabbi
Aronovitz for the boys and girls who are under Bar/Bat mitzvah age to
come up on the Bima and read the Shema with the community. This tiny
little man is up there like a shot!
As soon as he is off the Bima after receiving his little pouch of buttons he now teases everyone with
the fact that they are NOT getting a single one. Not selfish just protective…..(I manage to get one off
him now, must be because I’m special in his little world). We haven’t even started the Amidah and his
thoughts immediately hone in on the fact that there is wine (grape juice) not too far away. Again the
children are invited to the Bima for Kiddish! Unfortunately he manages to express his desires for wine
mainly when the Rabbi is giving his sermon but Hey Ho! His is the voice of the future generations!
Aron is then back on his starting blocks for the kiddish in the Kashket classroom where he is drawn to
the sweets. 2 immediately go in his pocket for the journey home and 2 are consumed on sight. (or is it
on site?)
All through his experience in Shul, he articulates his week with the community, even wearing or taking
with him something he had made in school that day. He is happy to sit with, talk to or engage with all
who will listen to him. All show him kindness and we all laugh with him.
We leave with a warm feeling, having bonded with each other and the community with a genuine
“Good Shabbos” to all and the promise that I will take him again next week.
It’s a wonderful experience for all……………………..Come and join us ! Like Aron says “We will be
your friend………”
Frank Tiller

My Journey Back in Time to Holocaust Poland
By Miriam Kaye
Between October and November 1940, the Jewish ghetto of Warsaw, Poland, was established.
Two percent of the city’s area now designated for 40 percent of its population.
This was how the trip began – taking us back in time not long after our aeroplane touched down at
Warsaw Airport, 3 May 2012. For me, I cannot remember a time in my life when I was not aware of
the atrocities of the Holocaust, both as a terrible historic event, but also on a personal level as a Jew.
Most of my education has come from the latter (I studied history only until school Year 9/14 years old).
When I was 19, I went on holiday to Holland, and, during our stay in Amsterdam, we visited Anne
Frank’s House. I remember being amazed at the length of the queue to get in, but people did not
seem to be annoyed by this. Perhaps they felt their standing in line did not compare with what they
were waiting to experience. I found it very moving, and I think her story particularly connects with me,
as I was a similar aged Jewish girl that could have suffered the same. I had tried to read Anne Frank’s
diary at a similar age, but could not finish it. We still have it, and perhaps I am now ready to read it. I
also read Schindler’s List when I was about 17, but I remember at a younger age my family watching
the film, and that it was just too realistic for me when I peaked at one scene. Again, maybe now I
should watch it. After this Poland trip, J-Roots gave us each a copy of “To Vanquish The Dragon” by
Peal Benisch, a personal account of the Holocaust. I have nearly finished it, and is has made
compelling reading. When I was 20, I was fortunate enough to go on the once-in-a-life-time trip on
Taglit/Birthright to Israel. Here we visited Yad Vashem Holocaust museum, and we also heard from a
survivor. I was unable to hold back the tears as she retold her story.
My trip to Poland came about from knowing other young
people who had gone on the same group trip in the last
few years. It was organised by J-Roots with the
assembling of the group mainly through Aish (as were the
leaders). We had a guide, originally from America, now
living in Israel. We were always on the move on this trip,
but we did get some rest on Shabbat (both physically and
mentally). After a brief stop in Warsaw, we were
immediately on the way to the first concentration camp in
Majdanek (“Midonik”), situated near the city of Lublin. It
really made things come to life as we came face-to-face
with original barbed wire fences, barracks, shower rooms,
the gas chamber and crematorium. The most emotive
part of this camp for me was the gigantic pile of the ashes
of cremated victims, contained within a stone memorial.
Our visits were of course accompanied by factual information from our guide, but also by stories from
people there. Even on our coach journeys between places, I could be crying as we would be watching
a Holocaust film (none of which had I seen before: Escape From Sobibor, Uprising, The Last Days – 5
personal accounts with original photos and footage, which made for harrowing viewing). Shabbat was
spent in Krakow, and this was a more relaxing experience and more joyful atmosphere. On the
Shabbat day we visited Krakow synagogues of various age. However, at the lunchtime, tears were
flowing again when we had the privilege of hearing from a non-Jewish lady who, together with her
parents, helped save Krakow Jews, whilst putting their own lives at risk, purely because they believed
their suffering was unjust. I found it so inspiring, and hopeful to hear of honourable non-Jews during
this horrific time. She and her parents were awarded the “Righteous Gentile” or “Righteous Among
The Nations” from Yad Vashem.
Our final day, in an unusually hot and sunny Poland, was spent mainly in the Auschwitz camps
(Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II – Birkenau). I did not know there were two camps in this area.

Auschwitz I is probably the more famous, as it is a formal museum, with much of the camp still intact,
and the entrance motto is “Arbeit Macht Frei” – “Work Will Set You Free”. We had one of Auschwitz’s
own tour guide’s to take us around. I was amazed
by how many possessions had been collected –
shoes, luggage, crockery, and the most horrible
sight was the mass of human hair. The Polish
Government rightly ensured due attention to the
non-Jewish victims of the camp. As the title of my
story states, it really did feel like I had been
transported back in time to the Holocaust. At
Birkenhau, I was amazed by the sheer size of this
camp. We were there for three hours, and still did
not cover most of it. The days spent by some of
the victims in the stifling cattle carts en route to the
camp, with many dead on arrival, was an image I
found hard to comprehend. I tried to imagine how
they slept in the cramped barracks, and had to do
their laborious work day after day with little
nutrition to sustain them. Despite having already
lost their family, and watching their friends and loved ones perish in the camp, they still tried to hold on
to the possibility that the living hell may come to an end in time for them. We walked out of the camp
along the railtrack – so easy for us, but just not possible for the numerous prisoners. I found it
somewhat of a comfort to read the notes left on the memorial from people around the world, and even
from schools. I felt very humbled to hear of the groups of Jews who would continue to observe their
Judaism as far as they could. Such as scrambling into a barrack to get a glimpse of the lighting of the
Chanukah candles, or saying The Shema as they approached their death, in spite of the Nazis making
them feel sub-human.
I still cannot fathom how something of this scale and evil occurred in a supposedly civilised country in
the 20 th century – only 40 odd years before my birth. In the 1930s, Germany was probably the most
sophisticated country in Europe. As a 25-year-old Jew in 21 st Century Europe, I knew it was the right
decision to go on this trip, and I felt the connection with my heritage, now even stronger, and perhaps
more vividly than I did from my Birthright trip to Israel. It certainly added to the experience, to go on
this factual and emotional journey with other Jews and of a similar age.
If you were thinking of making a similar trip, please do not hesitate to do so. It is so important that we
gain even a little of the Holocaust experience, so that it is not forgotten, and we can educate future
generations of Jews and non-Jews, so
that it never happens again.
As we stepped out of Birkenau, we
began singing and dancing; I was
crying as I tried to join in. We were
soon joined by a group of visiting
Israelis, and we all held aloft flags with
the bright blue Magen Dovid.
As Jews visiting Birkenhau 70 years
on, we were showing Hitler and his
Nazi followers :
You may have murdered at least
6,000,000 Jews, but you could not
extinguish the Jewish flame – we
are still here!

COOKERY CORNER by Shelley Posner
ROSH HASHANAH 2012
For those of us who bake honey cakes at this time of year, the poor season for honey last year gave
us some pretty disastrous results! The addition of extra oil to the honey production upset the ratio of
ingredients in the mixture and produced heavy and unpalatable cakes.
Therefore this year I have done some extensive research into alternatives. Whilst honey is the
traditional sweetener for Ashkenazi Jews, golden syrup is a more recent ingredient that produces a
cake with a slightly lighter consistency, whilst still keeping the essential balance of flavour that we
come to expect from this cake. The recipe below produces a light, moist cake with a less dense
texture than honey, but one that still has the original taste of Rosh Hashanah honey cake!
This recipe is baked in a 2lb loaf tin, although you could also cook it in the more traditional tin if you
prefer. These days it is simple to buy ready-to-fit parchment cake tin liners – loaf or round – that make
it so much easier than greasing and lining the tin with parchment or greaseproof paper, which can be
extremely tedious! (John Lewis or online at Lakeland have the most choice of sizes). It is most
important to keep the cake tightly wrapped in foil for several days before cutting to improve the flavour.
The apple cake is my definitive recipe after many years of trying hundreds of variations. The basic
recipe came from a column in the Evening Standard about 25 years ago and I have honed it through
the years until it has become – for me at least – a fail-safe cake to serve at any opportunity!
I wish you all a happy healthy and peaceful New Year and well over the Fast.
HONEY CAKE :
175 g plain flour
75 g caster sugar
½ teaspn ground ginger
2 teaspn cinnamon
1 teaspn mixed spice
1 teaspn bicarbonate of soda
100 ml vegetable oil
225 g golden syrup
Zest of 1 orange
100 ml orange juice
2 tabspn flaked almonds to decorate
COOKS NOTE :
The easiest method of weighing sticky ingredients like golden syrup, honey or treacle is to put the oil
into the scales first and then weigh the syrup on top. Then when you tip it into the bowl it slides out
easily leaving no residue in the scales.
Preheat the oven to 180oC 350oF Gas mark 4
Line a loaf tin with a prepared liner.
In a large bowl or food mixer combines the flour, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, mixed spice and
bicarbonate of soda. Make a well in the centre and add the oil, golden syrup, orange zest, eggs and
orange juice. Beat together well until smooth.
Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and scatter with the flaked almonds. Bake for about 50 minutes
or until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
Leave to cool in the tin then turn out and wrap tightly in foil.
Store for at least 3-4 days before serving to allow the flavours to mature.

THE DEFINITIVE APPLE CAKE:
3 large eggs
An equal weight of self-raising flour
An equal weight of butter
An equal weight of caster sugar
1 level teasp of baking powder
1 lb cooking apples
1 teasp of mixed spice
Preheat the oven to 180oC 350F Gas Mk 4
Grease and line a loose-bottomed 8” cake tin
First take the eggs at room temperature and weigh them (in their shells). I usually find they weigh
between 6-7 ozs. Set aside
Then take an equal weight of butter and of sugar and beat them together with an electric beater until
soft and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time with a tablespoon of flour, beating well with each
addition. Sift and fold in the remaining flour and baking powder.
Peel, core and quarter the apples. Cut into thin slices. Spoon half the cake mixture into the baking
tin. Then add the apples pressing the slices gently into the mixture. Sprinkle them with the mixed
spice and then cover them with the remaining cake mixture, smoothing the top so its level. The
apples should be completely covered.
Bake in the centre of the oven for 45-55 minutes. Test with a skewer – when it comes out clean the
cake is cooked. Cool on a baking tray and foil wrap when cold. Dust with caster sugar to serve.
The Yeshiva Skier
In a slalom race, the skier must pass through about 20 gates in the fastest time.
Well, it happened that a very Orthodox Yeshiva in Montreal had an exceptional skier among its
students. So fast, that in practice, with tzitzis
streaming out behind, he had beaten the world
record several times.
After first checking to make sure none of the men's
slalom races would be on the Sabbath, he tried out
for and made the Canadian Winter Olympic team.
With his times in the trial heats, he was the favorite
for an Olympic gold medal.
Came the day of the final, the crowd waited in
anticipation.
The French champion sped down the course in 38
seconds.
The Swiss in 38.7 seconds.
The German in 37.8 seconds.
The Italian in 38.1 seconds.
Then came the turn of the Canadian Yeshiva
bocher. The crowd waited, and waited . . . .
Finally, after a full five minutes, he crossed the
finish line.
"What happened to you?" screamed his coach when the skier finally arrived.
Breathing hard, the exhausted yeshiva student replied, "All right, who's the wise guy who put a
mezuzah on every gate?"

Ilford Jewish Primary School - Shaping the future from the heritage of our past
Ilford Jewish Primary School promotes a positive commitment to modern Orthodox Judaism
and a sense of identity with Israel. It is committed to ensuring every child is provided with an
opportunity to reach their full potential. All members of the school community work hard to
ensure that the school is a positive, challenging and stimulating learning environment where it
encourages self-respect and respect for others and the wider community.
From when children join in the Gan nursery aged two, until they leave at age eleven,
IJPS develops well rounded, happy, secure children and provides them with the tools to deal
with a rapidly changing world. Judaism is the magic ingredient; everything it stands for is
based on the morals and teaching of Judaism which permeates every aspect of the school’s
work. The school wants all children to be secure in their traditional family roots and
empowered to follow a successful personal route throughout their future lives.
Without question, one of its key strengths is its warm family feeling, which was commented
upon in the latest Ofsted report [September 2011] which stated: "This is a good school whose
strong partnerships with parents, carers and the community contribute to its warm and positive
family ethos". "One pupil wrote 'I love being in IJPS and I would not want to go anywhere
else'".
Ilford Jewish Primary School is about to enter its most exciting phase, when, in September
2013, it will move to a new state-of-the-art building on the King Solomon High School
Campus. This new building will help to fulfill its aim of providing the very best education for all
of its pupils.
The Early Years Foundation area will house the Gan (pre-nursery), Nursery and Reception
classes – each with its own purpose built, landscaped outside area. The central block will be
for years 1,2 and 3 (ground floor) and years 4, 5 and 6 (first floor). All ground floor classrooms
will have direct access onto the playground which will also have covered areas in case of bad
weather. All classrooms will have interactive whiteboards and pupils will be able to take
advantage of numerous laptops, iPads and Notebooks. The new building will also boast its
own Jewish Studies classroom, primarily for use by its younger pupils.
IJPS is very excited about its beautiful new premises which will ensure that pupils can
continue to study in a bright, safe, happy and stimulating learning environment and that they
develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and desire to independently continue their own
learning beyond the school day and for the rest of their lives.
The school community will launch a series of fundraising initiatives over the coming months
including a 100 Club and the opportunity to help build the school, brick-by-brick. For more
details about the school and its new building, visit www.ijpsonline.co.uk

Summer in Israel
This summer I went to Israel with FZY for 3 ½ weeks. I was one of around
500 chanachim (participants) and we were divided into 12 different tour
groups. My tour group had a mixture of chanachim from Essex, North West
London, Manchester, Leeds and Scotland. Although I attended the FZY
summer camp last year most of us had never met before yet it didn’t stop
everyone becoming friends.
During our time in Israel we managed to tour most of the country. Some of my personal highlights
included: staying at the Bedouin tents then hiking up Masada the next morning to watch the
sunrise; visiting the Kotel and snorkelling in Elat. The visit to the Bedouin tents was made even
more special since we got to have tea with the Bedouins plus they made us a traditional dinner.
Even though we had to be up at 3am the next morning (and got less than 3 hours sleep) to hike up
Masada, it was all worth it once we
saw the sun rise and learnt the
fascinating history behind Masada.
As well as touring the country our
days were also packed full with
different activities. Some of my
favourites were: rafting; going to an
Ethiopian bar/ bat mitzvah ceremony
and celebration and the Maccabiah
games. The Maccabiah games was a
two day event during the last week of
tour, where every single FZY and
Young Judaea (our American sister
movement) tour met for a competition
and party. The first day was filled with
competitive events such as: talent
show; volley ball; football and tug of war, to name a few. It was a fun filled day and to top it off
there was a disco at the end where we could see both old and new friends. The next day the fun
continued as everyone got to go to a waterpark
where we got to race down all the
slides and go banana boating with friends.
Overall I have had the best summer ever -
making new friends, visiting new places
and learning about the history of Israel and
the Jewish people. I would highly
recommend anyone out there who is
considering going on tour, to definitely do it
as you will have the time of your life.
Aimee Shulton

Notes from Clore-Tikvah
On Thursday 19 th July parents and pupils were in tears as they left their wonderful school on the last
day of their primary education at Clore Tikva, Redbridge. Children spoke passionately of their time at
the school and the way in which they had been prepared so successfully for the next stage of their
education.
A Year 6 pupil from Redbridge said “I don’t think any other school could have made me feel so
welcome and safe.”, with a pupil from Chigwell adding “I have learnt so much at Clore Tikva, it has
given me lots of confidence and I have made loads of friends.”
Year Six’s time at the school culminated in a formal Graduation Ceremony, celebrating pupils’ Jewish
knowledge and achievements. During the ceremony the pupils brought together aspects of prayer,
Torah learning, poetry and joyous singing.
A key strength at Clore Tikva is parent involvement, with staff and parents working together to ensure
their children have the best all-round experience possible during their primary years. Parent Mrs
Periera from Clayhall commented “Clore Tikva has been the best foundation for my boys, spiritually
and educationally.”, with another parent, Mrs Kieve from Loughton saying “As my daughter leaves this
lovely, nurturing school we know that she will take with her not only a sense of great learning but also
a love of Judaism and Israel.”
Head Teacher, Lenna Rosenberg, congratulated the Year 6 pupils on their outstanding results which
reflected a year of excellence. Results were well above the national average and were a significant
improvement on the previous two years.
“I am delighted that through sheer hard work and dedication from both teachers and pupils, most of
our students have exceeded their potential and achieved excellent SAT scores. Most of them will be
continuing their education to our feeder schools King Solomon High School or JCoSS, as well as
selective and private schools. We are so proud that the children leaving our school are passionate
about Judaism.”
This pattern of improvement was seen throughout the school with high standards and results in the
Reception and Year 2 classes.
There are many opportunities for you to learn more about the school:
Open Day:# # Wednesday, 21 st November # 9:30 – 11:30
# # # # # # # # 2:00 – 3:00
Open Evening:# Thursday, 29 th November# # 6:00 – 8:30
School Tour# # Wednesday, 20 th September# 9:30 – 10:30
School Tour# # Wednesday, 24 th October# # 9:30 – 10:30
School Tour# # Monday, 3 rd December# # 9:30 – 10:30
Visit our web-site www.cloretikva.redbridge.sch.uk to find out more.

Moving from the Middle
Shavout, 27 May 2012, Chicago, the town where lean hog
futures are traded but not even one omer of barley. Just as
well the counting had finished.
So where to go? We chose Chicago Loop Synagogue. It
described itself as ‘Traditional’ and boasted an impressive
stained glass window on the web. Good choice – I got
upgraded to ‘acting Cohen’ and Gwen comprised a significant
proportion of the ladies gallery. The shul (since it followed the
Ashkenazi rite) was large, well maintained, but almost empty.
The ornamental window did not disappoint. Unusual features
were the extended procession that took the Torah scrolls up
to the women and the positioning of the bimah. It was not in
the centre but placed along one wall facing an off-centre Ark.
“So what’s Traditional” I asked the rabbi, leading him to deliver a short history of the ‘Traditional
Synagogues of Chicago’. “After World War II” he said “servicemen returned to Chicago and wanted to
sit with their wives and were prepared to appoint rabbis who would permit that – Conservative rabbis.”
“Orthodox rabbis had no wish to surrender their pulpits” he continued “so they agreed to mixed seating
and kept their Conservative rivals out. But over the years the middle ground did not hold. It was not
that the members moved. For a long time they sat firm in their seats - men and women both. It was
their children; some went to the right and some to the left, leaving the middle with a large building but
few regulars. It was as if there was a bimah on both longitudinal walls but none in the middle.
Eventually it was decided to reintroduce separate seating, for most services at least.
“The Traditional Synagogue movement of the second half of the Twentieth Century is dying out” the
rabbi said. I comforted myself with the thought that Jewish movements of whatever type usually take a
long time dying. Some even continue long after they have no members.
And now for a clunking exploitation of the metaphor: at Loughton we hold fast to the middle ground
even if our bimah is collapsible. We practice ‘Orthodox Judaism Lite’. Not for us ladies galleries, a high
mechitzah, sheitels and the like. We listen politely and tolerate diversity. We do a little good but mostly
we avoid doing a lot of harm. In short: we hold the middle way, we are OJLs. That’s our tradition.
Neil Bradman
4 September 2012

Simon and Rob’s West Side Story
Last year, knowing a load of pointless rubbish finally paid off, as the BBC kindly handed over £9250
in recognition of our unrivalled knowledge of Ivorians and Ron Howard. Despite originally thinking
that we would blow the whole thing on DVDs, we came to our senses and decided to travel around
the West Coast of America and blow it in Vegas instead.
Before we could hook up with our old mate Prince Henry of Wales, we had some other stops to
make, starting in San Francisco. Turns out that there is way more to the Bay City than a lazy rhyme
with ‘disco’, and we found Frisco to be vibrant, multicultural and strangely English.
Staying on Fisherman’s Wharf, we were able to see Frisco at its coastal
best. The aforementioned Englishness of the city comes in part from its
debt to popular early 20 th century British seaside towns. Garish colours,
cheap treats and a feeling of nostalgic fun pepper the foggy air, giving
the place an uncanny homeliness. If it weren’t for the fleet of native sea
lions who occupy the pier, you might think you were in Blackpool.
Perhaps the most English thing about San Francisco is the cold. We
spent a lot of our time walking around the city but, like the plot to a Bmovie
zombie horror, when the sun goes down, you’re better off being
inside. Union Square, Chinatown and Alcatraz are fascinating places,
but they are particularly difficult to appreciate if you can’t feel your face.
If it weren’t for the perpetually icy miasma, we both agreed that we’d
" " " " move to Frisco in a flash.
Alas, we had to leave our hearts in San Francisco as we travelled to our second stop, San Diego.
There was one main reason for visiting this oft overlooked destination, but what a reason it turned
out to be. Aside from boasting beautiful beaches and a recreation of Shakespeare’s Globe, San
Diego is home to the best zoo in the world.
Name an animal. Got one? Panda? They’ve got two. Polar bears? Of course! The zoo covers 100
acres of Balboa Park, and looks after over 600 different species of animal which can be seen at
dangerously close proximities. There is so much variety there that you wouldn’t bat an eyelid if you
came across a unicorn enclosure.
Our short but sweet trip in classy San Diego quickly melted into a not-so-classy destination: Los
Angeles. In spite of its heavenly name, the cherubim of Michelangelo are nowhere to be seen, and
instead in LA one can only find angels of the ‘Charlie’s’ variety.
The truth is, Los Angeles is a sprawling plague of a city,
sullied by the now unimpressive past glories of
Hollywood and the sadness of new wannabes. There is
almost nothing to do or see in the popular areas, and
tour guides will skip interesting facts about a place to tell
you which celebrities can be seen there. As you drive
past the sixtieth hotel stayed in by Marilyn Monroe and
John Wayne, you struggle to see why anyone would
care.
If all this sounds depressing, that’s because it is. It is

difficult to walk (or rather, drive) around LA without thinking that everyone there must be continually
sad, unfulfilled by a world of once-attractive faces and trampled-on stars. The studios that were the
home of cinema’s most iconic titles are now used to film low-brow television like CSI and The Voice.
The movie business is certainly on its way out of LA, and with it every sane person.
That said, there are ways to have a good time in Los Angeles. The trick is to go as far away as
possible from Hollywood. We spent one day in Santa Monica, a small, incredibly peaceful seaside
town which should be permanently sound-tracked by Simon & Garfunkel.
And so, we approached our final destination, Las Vegas, where we would no doubt befriend Mike
Tyson and find our identical hand twins. Having built up to this point, we find that there is
surprisingly little to say about Vegas. This is not due to word limits or a What Happens In Vegas
pact, but rather that you, reader, can probably imagine exactly what Vegas entails.
Quite simply, Vegas is everything you would expect: excess, gambling, booze, girls and fauxglamour
all accented by the neon of the Strip. In the five
nights we spent here we saw fantastic shows, including Penn
& Teller and a Prince tribute act (not the Prince you were
expecting), but there is an irritating repetitiveness to the city.
The luxury hotels may look slightly different, but they all are
fundamentally the same: casinos, cocktails and pub carpets.
This is not to say that we didn’t have a fantastic time. Fremont
Street, where the gambling first began, is at the north end of
the Strip and is a refreshing, unashamed slant on Vegas
stereotypes, while we were also fortunate enough to take a
helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon. Being in a chopper was exciting enough, but the Canyon is so
much more than just a big hole. The landscape is so perfectly desolate here that you wonder
whether the whole thing might just roll up into a poster, like a Wile E. Coyote prank.
The vast emptiness of the Grand Canyon seems symbolic of Vegas itself, and also an appropriate
image with which to conclude. Despite being 5000 miles from home, you never truly feel the
distance until you’re standing in a silent chasm. With that clutch of dread closing in, it was finally
time to return home to the occasional pothole and a nationwide reluctance to tipping.

Youth Aliyah
This year’s Israeli appeal will be for Youth Aliyah. I have
provided some background information about the charity
before I make the appeal.
The origins of Youth Aliyah go back to the 1930’s in Nazi
Germany where children were saved from persecution and
brought to Israel.
Since then, more than 700,000 children have been
brought to the Villages in Israel having escaped a life of
neglect or abuse.
The 6 Villages are located around Hadera, Nathanya and
Haifa and are set in beautiful grounds offering a welcome
home to some 2000 children.
The children are brought to Israel from over 25 countries alongside Israeli born children and are
provided with a firm set of core principles and a sense of security about the future. Within a warm and
nurturing environment, they are offered educational and therapeutic programmes of the highest
standards, based on timeless Jewish values.
The principle of education at the Villages is “from
survival to leadership”, not only are they saving
children from a desperate situation, but they are
also brought to a top level of education by giving
them self confidence and teaching them that
everyone can make it, no matter where he or she
comes from. This is what makes their work so
special.
Today, the villages respond to the unique challenges
Israel faces, which are to a great extent, a result of
the recent wave of immigration. These challenges
are reflected in an enormous increase in the number
of “at-risk” youth. These young people, if not taken
in by the Villages are beset by poverty,
unemployment, drug abuse and social alienation.
Youth Aliyah Child Rescue seeks to cover the
shortfalls that exist between government subsidy
and the actual cost for the children in the Villages.
Their fundraising focuses on building relationships
with communities in the UK through Shuls and other
organisations.
They encourage children in the UK to form links with
the children in Israel and should you visit Israel on
holiday, why not take the opportunity to visit one of
the Villages and share their working environment
and leisure time. I can guarantee this will be a
fantastic day for you and your family to interact with
the children.
Simeon Newman
My name is Lior. I speak for the students living in
the villages. My friends have come from all over
the world. Some have travelled by foot through
Africa…Myself and my brother have come from
Russia. We arrived from a city just outside
Moscow where we grew up in an orphanage.
At the Youth Aliyah Village, we have found a new
home. Here, we learnt Ivrit. Here we started highschool
and, most importantly, here we have
friends and teachers who help us every day and
in every way of life. I know they will help us once
we leave the village. Everything is in place to
support us throughout our young adult life. –
even a graduate programme, scholarships to
universities, help with building our own home.
B’todah ubeev’rachah
(With thanks and good wishes)
Lior

A HEARTY MAZELTOV TO:
Simone & Simeon Herbert on the occasion of the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Jasmine
Sarah & Martin Bradley on the occasion of Sammy's Bar Mitzvah
Simon & Danielle Schaffer on the occasion of Joshua's Bar Mitzvah
Arlene & Jeffrey Pelta on the engagement of their daughter, Emma to Simon Schaer
Arlene & Stuart Swead on the engagement of their Son, Jonathan to Annabelle Barnes
Millicent & Michael Newman on the engagement of their Son, Simeon to Olivia Mason
Stephen & Gemma Lane on the occasion of their Wedding
Shirley & Lewis Lane on the occasion of Stephen & Gemma's Wedding
Natalie & Stanley Baskin on the occasion of Roger & Sara's Wedding.
Paula & John Abramson on the occasion of their Wedding
Daniel & Claudia Glassman on the occasion of their Wedding
Ian & Daniella Pinkus on the occasion of their Wedding
Lee & Simon Raine on the occasion of the birth of their daughter, Abigail Samanatha
Nigel & Sheila Raine on the birth of their grand-daughter , Abigail Samantha
Adam & Carly Conway on the occasion of the birth of their daughter, Summer Morgan Phoebe
Nigel & Connie Conway on the occasion of the birth of their granddaughter, Summer Morgan Phoebe
Delia & Clive Kaye on the occasion of the birth of their granddaughter, Ella
Andrea & Ivan Kovler on the occasion of the birth of their grandson, Nathaniel
Hayley & David Galman on the occasion of the birth of their Son, Max Henry
Rev Jonathan & Sandra Lorraine on the occasion of the birth of their granddaughter Chana Bracha
Natalie & Stanley Baskin on the occasion of on the occasion of the birth of their grandson Edward Harley
Marilyn & Stephen Franklin on the occasion of the birth of their granddaughter, Abigail Miriam Franklin
Hazel & Stephen Selby on the occasion of the birth of their granddaughter, Georgia Lucy
A SPEEDY RECOVERY IS EXTENDED TO ALL THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO ARE SUFFERING ILL HEALTH
CONDOLENCES ARE OFFERED TO:
Arlene Swead on the loss of her Father, Mr Samuel Bernstein.
Galit Goldstone on the loss of her Mother, Mrs Lily Cohen.
Cyril Cowan on the loss of his Wife, Shirley Cowan
Vivien Klein on the loss of her Mother, Shirley Cowan
CONSECRATIONS;-
4th November 2012 - Cheshunt Jewish Cemetery - Leslie Green (Father of Clive & Mitchell Green)
25th November 2012 - Rainham Cemetery - Golda Palmer (Mother of Jessie Glassar)
Merle’s Memos
CELEBRATE A SIMCHA.
Why not celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special family occasion with a Kiddush at the Shul. Please contact the office.
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The Shul Hall is available for functions. Please contact the Shul Office for details.
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If you have a son 25 years of age or over or a daughter 25 years of age or over, they are not covered under your Family
Membership. Further information from the Shul Secretary.
*****************************************
The Shul Office is open:-
Sunday 10.00am to 1.00pm. Monday 10.00am to 2.00pm
Wednesday 10.00am to 4.00pm. Friday 10.00am to 12.00pm
*****************************************
The Shul is ‘on line’. It would be very helpful if you would let us have your Email address. Please also inform us if you
change your email address.
The Shul’s Email address is admin@loughtonsynagogue.com
*******************************************
We now have a Memorial Board commemorating the Yahrzeits for loved ones erected in our Shul. Should you wish to have
a name included in this lifetime memoriam to your dearly departed, please contact the Shul Office.
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We have a limited amount of Art Scroll Machzorim available. Should you require an Art Scroll Machzor for the Yomtovim,
Pesach, Shavuot, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Succoth/Simchat Torah. Please contact the office
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Bar Mitzvahs/Bat Mitzvahs.
To avoid disappointment please make sure to book your Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah 24 months before the required date.
Please contact the Shul Office.

MUMS 'N TOTS
COME AND JOIN US
FOR A MORNING OF
FUN.
Everybody is welcome!
DURING TERM TIME 10.00-11.30AM.
JUST £1 AND NO NEED TO PRE-BOOK.
JUST COME ALONG!
LOUGHTON SYNAGOGUE
FULL DETAILS TO BE
ANNOUNCED AFTER
THE HIGH-HOLY DAYS
See you there!
LOUGHTON SYNAGOGUE
Borders Lane Loughton, Essex IG10 1TE

A HAPPY AND PEACEFUL
NEW YEAR
FROM MARILYN AND MARK
WEIGLER
AND FAMILIES.
Wishing the
community of
Loughton
Synagogue a happy,
healthy and peaceful
year ahead.
Leanne, Adam,
Jacob and Sofia
Waldman

L.A. BEAUTY
Manicures, Pedicures
Bio Sculpture
Shellac & Gelish Gel Nails
Individual Eyelash Extensions
(Great for holidays and special occasions!!)
Email:
lesley@diamondpersonnel.co.uk
Tel: 07956 902177
Millicent & Michael,
Lucy & Alex
Simeon & Olivia
wish the community
a happy new year
and well over the fast
Ruth & Phillip
Leigh
wish the
Community a
Happy & Healthy
New Year.
PAUL AND MARLENE
SUGARMAN
together with their
children,
Emma, Daniel & Leanne
and Lynsey and their
grandchildren
Josh, Adam,
Mia and Dylan
and Nana Hetty, wish the
entire community Shana
Tovah, Peace and
Prosperity

‘WRAPTURE’
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE WRAPPING!!
INDIVIDUAL GIFTS, BEAUTIFULLY WRAPPED
FOR ALL OCCASIONS
YOMTOV, BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES
OVER TO FRIENDS FOR DINNER
OR JUST TO SAY ‘THANK YOU’!
CALL: 07956 902177
Merle and Gary
Lewis and Family
wish the entire
community
Shana Tovah,
Peace and
Happiness
and well over
the fast

The Redbridge - Israel Lobby:
From theory into practice
BICOM and We Believe in Israel are two prime organizations
dedicated to creating a supportive environment for Israel in
Britain.
This evening will be dedicated to exploring the challenges
that Israel is facing but mainly aimed at grassroots activism.
Tuesday 28 August
About the speakers
Luke Akehurst is the first Director of the We Believe
in Israel network. Outside of work he is a member of
the Labour Party National Executive and a Councillor
in Hackney.
Professor Alan Johnson is a Senior Research
Fellow at BICOM (Britain Israel Research and
Communications Centre). He is a Senior Research
Associate at the Foreign Policy Centre think tank and
blogs weekly for “World Affairs”.
Location and Times provided by RSVP.
Invitation Only
Contact redbridgejcc@jcare.org or call us on 020 8551 0017
Charity Reg No. 802559

In partnership with the Rabbinical council of N.E London
CHIEF RABBI LORD SACKS
joins us to discuss
‘WHAT TESHUVAH MEANS
FOR US TODAY’
Sunday 23 September
Doors open at 7.30pm, 8.00pm start
Free Entry- Refreshments included
Redbridge JCC, Sinclair House,
Woodford Bridge Road, Ilford, Essex, IG4 5LN
Loughton Synagogue
Super Quiz
11th November
2012
Loughton Synagogue
Borders Lane
Loughton, Essex
IG10 1TE
7.00 PM
Email:
shirleylane2@yahoo.com
Telephone Barbara
07957 141197
Charity Reg No. 802559
Fancy some salt beef,
latkes, coleslaw?
Then book early to
make sure you have a
great seat!
We wish everyone a
Happy and Healthy New Year
and well over the fast.
From Arlene & Stuart Swead
along with
Kim, James
Jonathan and Gemma
and Grandchildren
Our quizzes are
infamous, they are
good fun, the food
is great and the
company cannot be
surpassed.
Come along and
join in the fun,
bring a friend or
sell a table.
Seats will sell fast
so book early.

Simchat Torah
Evening: Monday 8th October 2012
Candle Lighting 7:09 pm
Afternoon and evening services 6.30 pm
To honour our Chattanim and Ayshet Chayil(s)
HAKOFOT will commence at 7.15 pm
Our Chattanim will be honoured at ! 7.30 pm
to be followed by our
Simchat Torah Party, ending at 9.30 p.m.
Loughton Synagogue
Simchat Torah Day: Tuesday 9th October 2012
Service & HAKOFOT! 9.00 am
HAKOFOT will commence at !! 10.00 am
Our Chattanim will be called up at 10.30 am!
Festival ends! ! ! 7.07 pm
Come and join in the enjoyment
Bring family and friends
Chatan Torah - Dougie Adams Chatan Bereishis - Barry Bennet
Eishet Chayil - Ruth Leigh
Junior Chatan Torah - Ethan Berg Junior Eishet Chayil - Emily Galman

DWL IS COMING TO ESSEX!
Please contact our office for more information:
info@dancingwithlouise.com
020 8203 5242
@ www.dancingwithlouise.co.uk
An exciting timetable of Tots Ballet, Hiphop and ZUMBA for
teens & adults, will be launching in October at the Loughton
Synagogue! Call the office today to book your place!
Ballet, Hiphop and Zumba classes will start on Thursdays @ Loughton Shul.
Book 3 Trial classes for only £15 (subject to availability) on any of the courses!
Louise Leach (nee Cohen) opened DWL in 2001, with the intention to provide quality Dance & Performing
Arts training for ladies and children in the community.
Now, 10 years later, DWL runs over 90 classes, in locations across London teaching more than 1500
students!!
Louise's passion for Dance and the Performing Arts has well and truly spread, and together with a fantastic
and dedicated team of professionals, she has made accessible to all children & adults, regardless of
experience, her popular classes which include Ballet, Tap, Hiphop, Modern/Jazz, Israeli Dancing, Drama,
Zumba, Musical Theatre & Adult Bootcamp. There is something for everyone!
The mission at DWL is simple:
• To create a professional and positive environment where students of all ages are given
encouragement to learn and develop their confidence & self-esteem through Dance & Performing
Arts.
• To offer a broad base of dance training and technique in a disciplined yet fun atmosphere where
students will thrive and grow.
• To provide the foundations for a solid training where students will also develop their fitness as well
as their performing skills through our classes and in-house productions.
• To inspire dance and fitness throughout the community! - Louise has seen first hand that the
benefits of Dance & Drama classes can last a lifetime!
Think Dance! Think DWL!
I look forward to dancing with you soon!
Louise xx