14th January 2021 - 2nd Sh'vat 5781 |
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Greetings!
We will not be gathering in our beautiful Kent House for a while still. This is the decision that the leadership of our community has reached. I believe it is the right and sensible decision. I am proud of it. The vast majority of services will continue to happen on Zoom from people’s homes.
I am proud of this decision, although it is an extremely difficult one. It means disappointing people, and this is so hard. It means actually making a decision, not just assuming we will do the most that we can legally under the religious exemption, but instead considering what we should do, as we become increasingly aware of the current rate of infection and risks.
We continue to prize life and health. We are minimizing risks. We will continue to monitor the situation and endeavour to decide what is right.
In the meantime, we look for hope, learning and companionship in this lockdown which is so trying, sad and disappointing for so many of us. We have adapted extremely well as a community. Zoom in to our Saturday morning service this week, in which both Rabbi Thomas and I look forward to saying a few words to celebrate the 90th birthday of Claire Connick.
In just over a week’s time, it is Mental Health Shabbat - to coincide with the plague of darkness. Join us on that Friday and Saturday, as we say a special prayer to compliment our singing, learning and connecting. We'll also be inviting Esther Marshall, author of Sophie Says It's Okay To Not Be Okay, to speak during our Saturday Morning Service; alongside opportunities for you to practice mindfullness and explore the weekly Torah Portion. Most of all, do be in touch if you would like a chat with me or Rabbi Thomas, or another member of the community. One of the most uplifting achievements of this last year has been that more members have called each other to see how we’re doing than ever before. If you would like a call, or like to be a regular caller, please let me know. We are increasingly a community of care. You may have seen that we have started the process of employing a part-time, pivotal Welfare (Chesed) Manager to complement our Rabbis’ work, and to train and organise our volunteers to look out for others. We will continue to develop and to grow - communally and personally too.
Moses, it seems, loses his temper with G-d in Egypt. “You’re making things worse!,” he said in last week’s parsha. The Chassidic commentator Mei Hashiloach suggests that underneath the anger is bewilderment at why the Divine does not bring freedom immediately - but with all these to’s and fro’s, and up’s and down’s, these plagues, and changes of heart. The Mei Hashiloach suggests that, although we may be disconcerted by the disruptions and delays, we must use the time for birurim, for self-clarifications. So, we are taught at this time to develop and to learn about ourselves.
You can watch my sermon attached from last Shabbat on how we have adapted well but must also continue to look forward to when we can really worship together.
Sending love,
Rabbi Benji
P.S. On Tuesdays 19th and 26th January, at 8:00pm, we are continuing our Chulyot sessions, where we come together, over Zoom, to learn the music for our services. Join myself, Yael and Yoav as we explore the second half of our Kabbalat Shabbat service, from Mizmor Shir to the Kaddish this upcoming Tuesday; and then also the 26th when we will be having an open-ended workshop with Yoav, where members can ask any questions about the music in our service. Book in here.
P.P.S. You may have seen our Community Tallit during our Eighth night Chanukah Celebrations sewn together by our wonderful Mitzvah Co-ordinator, Nik von Mehren. Due to popular demand, we are extending the deadline for sending in squares to Wednesday, 20th January. If you did not receive a Tallit square, do let the Events Team know and we'll ensure one is sent to you.
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Holocaust Memorial Day falls on the same day as Tu B'Shevat this year, and so we will be marking it ahead of time with a session on Wednesday 20th January, at 6:30pm.
In the session, our Guest Speaker, Annie Cohen will present an overview of the history of the Holocaust using a mixture of well-known and less familiar sources, including some of the archival materials from her own research.
The focus on the session will be on understanding the historical factors and events that paved the way to genocide, as well as how Jewish victims at the time responded to and resisted it.
Annie is currently in her final year of a Masters in Historical Research at Goldsmiths, University of London and in her first year of a PhD in Modern Jewish Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary of New York, where her major focus is on Jewish responses to the rise of fascism. She previously completed a research internship at the Weiner Library where she curated an exhibition on the Kindertransport, and she is currently writing a thesis on a Jewish militia unit who fought in the Spanish Republican army during the 1936-1939 civil war. She is a former B'nei Mitzvah Teacher at Westminster Synagogue, and we are happy to have her back for this important session.
Wednesday 20th January
6:30pm
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Members are invited to join the Or Chadash session from 6:30pm, on Wednesday 27th January, to take part in a Tu B'Shevat Seder on Zoom.
We will be welcoming Judith Silver, a Jewish musician, whose work has an emphasis on joy, companionship, connection and inspiration. Whether performing or teaching, composing or leading music in services, she always brings her own deep experience of the power and potential in singing and her passion to share these with others.
Her conviction that no-one should be denied these gifts means that her groups are open, welcoming and accepting. They focus on the simple enjoyment of learning songs and co-creating sounds, being together, celebrating and supporting, creating community.
Tu B'Shevat, the 15th Shevat, is the day that marks the beginning of a 'New Year' for trees. It is the time that earliest-blooming trees in Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle.
The Seder will let us sample specific foods, and explore Jewish roots in caring for the world that we live in. Sign up via our website and we will send you more details of what you will need, shortly.
Wednesday 27th January
6:30pm
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We are delighted to announce that our Annual Supper Quiz will return this month - in virtual format.
Come together for a night to fight those January Blues as we put our minds to the test with a fun community quiz run by our favourite quizmasters QuizQuizQuiz.
We'll be playing in teams of 3-6 Zoom Accounts, so either create your own team, or join a community one by signing up below.
There is no charge for the quiz, however, any donations are greatly appreciated.
Sunday 31st January
7:00pm
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to be in touch.
To warm up, why not practice on these questions, how many do you know?
What is the capital of Westeros in Game of Thrones?
What is David Bowie’s real name?
Who scored the first Premier League hat-trick?
Who's going to win the Quiz on the 31st?
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Shabbat Services Links and Resources
Friday at 6:30pm
Shabbat Evening Service
This week, 15th January, Rabbi Benji will be leading the evening Service as we welcome in Shabbat.
Saturday at 10:30am
Shabbat Morning Service
This Saturday, 16th January, Rabbi Benji and Emeritus Rabbi Thomas will be leading our Shabbat Morning service as we celebrate the 90th birthday of founding member, Claire Connick.
To follow along, click here to download the Siddur we will be using.
Meeting ID: 809-168-590
Password: 146760
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Mental Health Awareness Shabbat falls annually on Shabbat “Bo”, which this year is on 22nd-23rd January. During this week we put extra focus on mental health and wellbeing and to raise awareness of mental illness - something that is even more important this year!
We will mark Mental Health Awareness Shabbat throughout the weekend:
Friday 22nd January
5:15-6:00pm
6:30-7:15pm
Saturday 23rd January
10:30-11:30am
6:00-6:30pm
For more information about what we are doing, about what Mental Health is and resources to help you and your loved ones cope and grow, click here.
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Please note all classes continue online this week:
Saturday 16th January
6:00pm
Friday 15th January
5:00pm
Friday 29th January
5:30pm
Wednesday 20th January
5:30pm
Wednesday 20th January
6:30pm
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GENEuary - Jewish Genetics Awareness Month
GENEuary is a brand new month-long awareness campaign, designed to raise awareness of recessive Jewish genetic disorders, the importance of carrier screening in their prevention, and the screening service we offer via The Jnetics Clinic
For this month only if you book the clinic you will pay £200 instead of £250.
As a part of GENEuary, Jnetics has also teamed up with Chana UK to hold an event on Sunday 24th January, at 7:30pm. Hear from leading experts about Jewish genetic disorder carrier screening, fertility advice and the reproductive options available to ensure you don't pass on a genetic disorder to your future children. To find out more and to sign up to this event, please email Jnetics here.
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Testing is the most effective way to control the spread of coronavirus. You can now get tested for coronavirus even if you don’t have symptoms.
The symptom-free coronavirus testing sites will be open seven days a week. You do not need to book in order to get a free test.
Symptom-free coronavirus tests will be available at the below locations:
Little Venice Sports Centre
10 Crompton Street, London, W2 1ND
Westminster Cathedral Hall
Ambrosden Avenue, Westminster, London SW1P 1QH
A test takes less than five minutes and results will be with you within an hour.
To find out more about testing (with or without symptoms) in Westminster, click here.
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Would you like to learn Ivrit?
Do you have relatives in Israel and you always wanted to speak with them in Ivrit?
Do you want to add a new skill to your life?
If you answered YES to one of these questions, then Shai is pleased to invite you to join his new and exciting online Ivrit courses.
Shai has been teaching adult learners for many years, including many members here at Westminster Synagogue, and is highly motivated about teaching the language.
The focus will be on practical aspects of the modern language, to enable you to utilise it easily and with confidence. He is well versed in online teaching and will always try to make sure lessons are supportive, enjoyable and meaningful experiences for you
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Shabbat Services
Shabbat Evening Service - Every Friday night, 6.30pm - Join here.
Shabbat Morning Service - Every Saturday morning, 10.30am - Join here.
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