Over the next few weeks, there will be a reduction in our programming as many of our now ‘regular’ online activities take a short break for the summer. From next week we will also be returning to one weekly email sent out on a Thursday, covering the following 10 days. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff team and volunteers who have contributed to offering such a rich programme over the last four extraordinary months.
TO LOOK OUT FOR IN JULY AND AUGUST
Tisha b'Av 5780 - From Lament To Resilience Wednesday 29 July, 20:00 Join Rabbi Josh and Cantor Tamara for a special combination of ma’ariv, study and Eicha, as we encounter Tisha b’Av and its meaning for our current moment. Together we will explore this period in the Jewish year, and begin the journey to the High Holy Days. How can we sing a song of the Eternal One on alien soil?’: Art and Music on the Book of Lamentations Thursday 30 July, 13:00 A special Pardes for Tisha B’Av with Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris. Regular Pardes sessions will continue throughout the summer.
Alyth@Home Book Club Monday 3 August, 18:30-19:30 "Rashi's Daughters, Book I: Joheved - A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France" by Maggie Anton. The first novel in a dramatic trilogy set in eleventh-century France about the lives and loves of three daughters of the great Talmud scholar. Please email katie@alyth.org.uk to let her know you are reading the book and plan on joining the group. Elul at Alyth From Friday 21 August The month of Elul, which this year begins on Friday 21 August, is a time of preparation for the High Holy Days. We will begin Elul with our annual ‘New Year for Animals’ dog walk, and with the start of our Elul Half Hour programme – a series of short reflective and study sessions before each of our services in Elul. This year, these will each explore a different name or idea of God in our tradition, and how we can understand these for our current lives. During Elul we will also come together to explore how we can make the best of this High Holy Days which will be very different to any other year. Look out for these sessions. The full High Holy Day programme will be available at the end of August
Services in the Sukkah We are currently exploring the possibility of running a number of small outdoor services in the synagogue sukkah during August, weather permitting. Though outdoor activities are not without risk, the advice is that they are substantially safer than gathering inside. Places in these services will be very limited and will need to be pre-booked. The services will be subject to strict distancing and protective measures to protect staff and members. Please look out for details of these in future weekly emails.
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THIS EVENING AT 19:00
Alyth Online Lectures
Dr Mark Berelowitz on “From the Thai boys trapped in the Cave to Covid - lessons for our understanding of resilience”.
Alyth Online Lectures will be taking a break over the summer.
Dr Mark Berelowitz is director of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) at the Royal Free Hospital. In this lecture he will talk about the Thai boys trapped in the cave, and other examples of resilience under extreme adversity, with an update about what we have all observed about our own society during Covid. He will extract some key themes from this, and some proposals about the way forward.
An eclectic series of lectures on a variety of Jewish and non-Jewish topics. The lectures have two things in common: the speakers are all members of Alyth and leading experts in their field. Some of our previous lectures have been recorded and can be viewed by clicking here.
Next week (Thursday 23 July) “Why schools need a revolution when they return after Covid-19”. With Peter Hyman, founder and Executive Headteacher of School 21, and former political strategist to the Prime Minister.
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FRIDAY 17 JULY
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Baby Den (10:30-11:00) Chug-a-lug into Shabbat with Rabbi Hannah and Beth. Sing your favourite Baby Den songs, dance to a shabbat beat and wave to some familiar faces. For families with Young Children. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 142 813 452, Password: 346202).
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Pre-Shabbat Story Time Live (17:15-17:45) Those pre-school in age (and in heart) are invited to join Cantor Tamara for a pre shabbat story to help bring in shabbat. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 423 529 768, Password: 785089).
BE WITH US Jewish Mindfulness Meditation (17:15-18:00) Jewish Mindfulness Meditation helps us to open our hearts and find peace through our spiritual heritage, especially in these challenging times. Join for contemplation, breathing, movement and meditation. Suitable for all. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 977 611 369 Password: 035091).
PRAY WITH US Erev Shabbat Service (18:30-19:30) Join Rabbi Hannah and Justin Wise as they lead the Erev Shabbat service from the Beit Tefillah. Please remember that this service is online only. We invite you to have Shabbat candles and Kiddush ready in advance of the service so that we can join together in these moments from our homes. We will light candles together at L’cha Dodi and make Kiddush at the end of the service. Please click here to download the Shabbat Supplement for Friday night and the Community News and Yahrzeit list (these will be available from 17:00 Friday afternoon). Please click here to view the Reform Judaism siddur online.
Click here to join by Zoom (Meeting ID: 862 2460 5399, Password: 785089) If you do not wish to use Zoom, then the "Zoom screen" can also be seen via our YouTube channel. This can be accessed by clicking here(www.alyth.org.uk/youtubelive) or going to www.youtube.com/c/AlythRS.
SATURDAY 18 JULY
LEARN WITH US Shabbat Shiur: What can Cities of Refuge teach us about prisoner rehabilitation? (9:15-10:00) With Rabbi Hannah. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 240 937 705 Password: 602287).
PRAY WITH US Shabbat Morning Service (10:30) Rabbi Hannah and Cantor Tamara are running the Shabbat morning service from the Beit Tefillah. The Torah portion is from Numbers 35:9-21. The sermon will be given by Helena Miller. Please remember that this service is online only. Please click here to download a copy of the Torah portion and the Community News and Yahrzeit list (these will be available from 17:00 Friday afternoon). Please click here to view the Reform Judaism siddur online. Click here to join by Zoom (Meeting ID: 831 7814 6750, Password: 785089). If you do not wish to use Zoom, then the "Zoom screen" can also be seen via our YouTube channel. This can be accessed by clicking here(www.alyth.org.uk/youtubelive) or going to www.youtube.com/c/AlythRS.
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SUNDAY 19 JULY
PRAY WITH US Sunday Shacharit (9:00-10:00) Our lay-led minyan with bagel breakfast (please provide your own bagels…) Led by our lay members from their homes. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 864 4782 5935, Password: 785089).
LEARN WITH US Biblical Hebrew (11:00-12:00) Biblical Hebrew is having a break for a few weeks and is back on Sunday 9 August.
MONDAY 20 JULY BE WITH US Desert Island Discs (14:00-14:45) Hosted by Abi Symons. Every other week, a member of the Alyth team or community will share pieces of music that have helped, inspired, or changed us. This week: Mike Mendoza. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 863 2988 8743, Password: 138638).
BE WITH US Craft, Chat and Cuppa! (15:00-16:00) This ‘club’ is for anyone who would like to try any sort of hand craft. Join Brenda Freedman for anything from everyday sewing, tapestry, quilt making, knitting, and anything else you can think of! Click here to join (Meeting ID: 588 095 846, Password: 468060).
TUESDAY 21 JULY
LEARN WITH US Hebrew Reading from Scratch (19:00-20:00) Taught by Alyth member Jan Roseman, who has been one of the UK’s leading Synagogue-based Jewish educators for the last few decades. Take an hour a week in term time to learn to read Hebrew from scratch. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 909 882 685, Password: 686711).
LEARN WITH US E-ssentials (20:00-21:00) Our programme for all those who want to ensure that their Judaism has firm foundations. All are welcome. This week: Jewish Theology and Tisha B'Av with Rabbi Hannah. This is the last session before the summer break. Please click here for the resources which will be used during this session (available from Tuesday morning). Click here to join (Meeting ID: 668 234 069, Password: 419681).
BE WITH US Alyth Choral Society (20:00-22:00) Click here to join (Meeting ID: 976 4873 3959 Password: 113568). For Choral Society Members only.
WEDNESDAY 22 JULY BE WITH US Pre-dinner concert with Katie and Tom (17:00-17:30) Join Katie and Tom for a live concert streamed directly into your home. This varied programme will include repertoire from the operas, musicals and more. For all the community. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 108 960 491, Password: 961337).
PRAY WITH US Wednesday Ma’ariv (20:00-20:45) Join us for a mid-week evening service led by Alyth members. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 566 852 225, Password: 763158).
THURSDAY 23 JULY
BE WITH US Mellow Chair Yoga (11:00-12:00) Our special Chair Yoga and Meditation with Maxine is open to all ages wishing to enhance overall mental and physical wellbeing! It includes movement, breathing, stretching, standing, twisting, balancing and more. Great for releasing tensions and increasing, stamina, strength and immunity. Less active participants can do all the movements sitting in a chair. Please click here to sign up and to pay online. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 616 879 143, Password: 797658).
LEARN WITH US Pardes: My favourite... biblical character (13:00-14:00) A new twist on our weekly text-based study session. Over the course of each month, the Alyth clergy will each teach a passage or subject that is especially important or meaningful for them. In July we will be looking at our favourite biblical characters. This week with Rabbi Colin. Click here for the source sheets being used in the session (available from Thursday morning) Click here to join (Meeting ID: 123 761 361, Password: 019498) Pardes will continue throughout the summer.
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FRIDAY 24 JULY
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Baby Den (10:30-11:00) Chug-a-lug into Shabbat with Rabbi Hannah and Beth. Sing your favourite Baby Den songs, dance to a shabbat beat and wave to some familiar faces. For families with Young Children. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 142 813 452, Password: 346202).
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Pre-Shabbat Story Time Live is taking a break this week.
PRAY WITH US Erev Shabbat Service (18:30-19:30) Join Rabbi Josh as he leads the Erev Shabbat service from the Beit Tefillah. Please remember that this service is online only. We invite you to have Shabbat candles and Kiddush ready in advance of the service so that we can join together in these moments from our homes. We will light candles together at L’cha Dodi and make Kiddush at the end of the service. Please click here to download the Shabbat Supplement for Friday night and the Community News and Yahrzeit list (these will be available from 17:00 Friday afternoon). Please click here to view the Reform Judaism siddur online.
Click here to join by Zoom (Meeting ID: 895 0735 6872, Password: 785089) If you do not wish to use Zoom, then the "Zoom screen" can also be seen via our YouTube channel. This can be accessed by clicking here(www.alyth.org.uk/youtubelive) or going to www.youtube.com/c/AlythRS.
SATURDAY 25 JULY
BE WITH US Jewish Mindfulness Meditation (17:15-18:00) Jewish Mindfulness Meditation helps us to open our hearts and find peace through our spiritual heritage, especially in these challenging times. Join for contemplation, breathing, movement and meditation. Suitable for all. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 844 520 435, Password: 753749).
PRAY WITH US Shabbat Morning Service (10:30) Rabbi Colin is leading the Shabbat morning service from the Beit Tefillah with Katie joining from her home. Please remember that this service is online only. Please click here to download a copy of the Torah portion and the Community News and Yahrzeit list (these will be available from 17:00 Friday afternoon). Please click here to view the Reform Judaism siddur online. Click here to join by Zoom (Meeting ID: 896 2531 7541, Password: 785089). If you do not wish to use Zoom, then the "Zoom screen" can also be seen via our YouTube channel. This can be accessed by clicking here(www.alyth.org.uk/youtubelive) or going to www.youtube.com/c/AlythRS. PRAY WITH US Imrei Finu (10:30) Imrei Finu is a special, spiritual prayer experience, including lots of singing to new and familiar melodies, davening and space for personal prayer, with an informal Torah service (if time allows). With Rabbi Josh.
Please click here to download the service booklet (this will be available from 17:00 Friday afternoon). Please click here to download a copy of the Torah portion and the Community News and Yahrzeit list (these will be available from 17:00 Friday afternoon).
Click here to join (Meeting ID: 836 6208 6486, Password: 138638).
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SUNDAY 19 JULY
PRAY WITH US Sunday Shacharit (9:00-10:00) Our lay-led minyan with bagel breakfast (please provide your own bagels…) Led by our lay members from their homes. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 864 4782 5935, Password: 785089).
BE WITH US Singing for Pleasure (15:00-16:00) Join Viv and sing songs from the shows, Israeli folksongs, songs from the 60s and much, much more. No need to audition, read music or feel intimidated. Please email vivienne.bellos@btinternet.com in advance for the song list and lyrics. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 731 393 138, Password: 197916).
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Alyth Kindergarten is looking for an Early Years Practitioner/Key Worker to join the team.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced NVQ3 practitioner to join our dedicated and committed team. You need to be passionate about young children and their development, creative, energetic, enthusiastic and a team player.
23.5 hours per week, term time only for 39 weeks per year.
Please email Tor Alter (Head Teacher) at tor@alyth.org.uk for more information.
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COVID-19 SURVEY OF JEWS IN THE UK Your experience matters
A major Jewish communal survey has been launched this week to gather data about the impact of COVID-19. Conducted by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR), the survey will gather the thoughts and experiences of Jews living in the UK who are aged 16 and over. If that applies to you, JPR would like to invite you to complete the survey.
This research will gather valuable insights into how the coronavirus pandemic has affected Jews in terms of their health, employment, social relationships and Jewish lives. This will allow us all to understand better the overall impact the virus has had, and provide Jewish charities and organisations working across the community with the information they need to help them respond effectively to the crisis. All data will be held securely and will only be used for research purposes. Personal data will never be shared with third parties. Your individual answers will be treated in the strictest confidence and no individuals will be able to be identified in the results.
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Financial Support - How we can help
If you are facing financial challenges at this difficult time, please do not hesitate to contact us. As well as discussing the level of your annual synagogue contribution, we can help you to access a number of Alyth funds that are specifically here to help our members in times of challenge. Please contact Lynette at lynette@alyth.org.uk or Rabbi Josh at josh@alyth.org.uk
If you feel able to support other Alyth members in financial difficulty at this time, please email Rabbi Josh at josh@alyth.org.uk
The Jewish Leadership Council in partnership with Work Avenue has also established a fund to support those across the community whose earnings have been directly affected by COVID-19. This fund was set up to specifically assist those who are ineligible for Government support or who face delays accessing Government funds. Go to www.theworkavenue.org.uk/covid19 for more information.
Some of our partner organisations are also running programmes during this period. Click hereto see additional programming offered by Reform Judaism that you are invited to join.
Please remember that we also have two special numbers in addition to the main synagogue number: New Alyth Careline – 020 8457 8798 This will be answered between 08:00 and 21:00 by a member of the community for anyone who needs someone to speak to. Emergency Careline – 07726 631808 Please use this number if you need urgent pastoral support. The hard reality of this pandemic is that we as a community will support an increased proportion of our members and families through hospitalization and bereavement. This number is there for these cases and will be answered by a member of the Alyth professional team.
