Alyth Lockdown Thursdays: ISRAEL What's been happening in Israel while our attention has been elsewhere? Thursday, 19 November, 19:00-20:00
The second of three special evenings during this second lockdown looking at areas close to Alyth's heart. This week, our focus will be on Israel. Rabbi Josh will be joined by guests from ACRI - the Association for Civil Rights in Israel: Executive Director Sharon Abraham-Weiss; Gadeer Nikola, director of the Arab Minority Unit and Atty. Maskit Bendel, director of the Right to Live in Dignity program. Together they will speak about the work of ACRI, and especially the last nine months and the impact of COVID on Israeli society. About ACRI Founded in 1972, ACRI is a policy driven, non-profit organization protecting the human rights and civil liberties of all people living in Israel and the Occupied Territories. We welcome ACRI in conjunction with the New Israel Fund UK. ACRI received one of the New Israel Fund UK’s Human Rights Award 2020 at their recent awards ceremony.
Click here to join (Meeting ID: 836 9118 9791, Passcode: 785089).
See below for details of next week's Lockdown Thursday, exploring with special guests the impact of pandemic on those working in the performing arts.
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FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Baby Den (10:30-11:00) Chug-a-lug into Shabbat with Cantor Tamara. 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 on Zoom (Meeting ID: 142 813 452 Password: 346202).
YOUTH & EDUCATION RUACH (17:00-18:15) This half-term, we will once again be bringing Ruach 1- 4 all together on Zoom for our Friday evening programme. Join Mike & Sophie and our team of madrichim, who will help you to engage with Torah and offer breakout spaces during the sessions to connect with your Ruach cohort. Families of students in Ruach 4 please note: as we are currently unable to deliver an in-person mentoring programme, Mike will also be in contact with students individually in the month of their ceremony to arrange support for the writing of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Prayer. Click here to join on Zoom (Meeting ID: 832 9038 5347, Passcode: 727813).
BE WITH US JMM on Friday (17:15-18:15) Jewish Mindfulness Meditation helps us to open our hearts and find peace through our spiritual heritage, especially in these challenging times. Click here to join on Zoom (Meeting ID: 977 611 369 Password: 035091).
PRAY WITH US Erev Shabbat Service (18:30-19:30) Join Rabbi Josh and Rabbi Elliott 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. Please click here to download the Shabbat Supplement for Friday night and the Community News with 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 (Meeting ID: 880 6209 4029, Passcode: 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 going to www.youtube.com/c/AlythRS.
SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER LEARN WITH US Shabbat Shiur (9:15-10:15) Our fortnightly Shabbat morning shiur, currently taught online. This week with Rabbi Colin. Click here to join by Zoom (Meeting ID: 240 937 705 Password: 602287).
PRAY WITH US Shabbat Morning Service (10:30) A guitar led service with Rabbi Josh led from the Beit Tefillah. Including the Bar Mitzvah of Zachary Bayfield, reading Torah from home. The sermon will be given by Rabbi Josh. Please remember that this service is online only. Please click here to download the Torah sheet and the Community News with 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 (Meeting ID: 815 9661 6030, Passcode: 785089).
PRAY WITH US Little Bang (11:00) A smaller online version of our musical family service led by Cantor Tamara and Mark Greenfield. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 817 4605 8524, Passcode: 216040).
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SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER 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).
YOUTH & EDUCATION Alyth Sunday Mornings (10:00-11:00) SMG covers a wide range of topics, challenging our young members to question and form their own understanding of Jewish practice; through games, arts and crafts, discussion and more. This half term, join our team of educators and madrichim, as we explore the circles of Tikkun, with activities for our young people to digest the Jewish concept of being kind to ourselves, our community, and the world. Reception - Year 2:Click here to join on Zoom (Meeting ID: 844 4569 3329, Passcode: 138638). Year 3 & 4:Click here to join on Zoom (Meeting ID: 853 4608 7290, Passcode: 261227). Year 5 & 6:Click here to join on Zoom (Meeting ID: 879 3016 1529, Passcode: 429937).
LEARN WITH US Biblical Hebrew (11:00-12:00) A programme for those with high level hebrew reading ability. Please email Edward Gold at edwardjgold@hotmail.com if you would like to join this class so that you can be sent the link and materials in advance.
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. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 731 393 138, Password: 197916).
MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER
PRAY WITH US Monday Shacharit Online (08:30) Our weekday Shacharit moves online. This morning with Cantor Tamara. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 854 5403 7876, Passcode: 785089).
BE WITH US Craft, Chat and Cuppa! (15:00-16:00) The Craft, Chat and Cuppa group are making small presents for the Alyth Refugee Drop-in participants. Please join us in knitting a scarf or beany hat, silk flowers, or even creating collage pictures. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 588 095 846, Password: 468060).
TUESDAY 24 NOVEMBER
YOUTH & EDUCATION Year 10 Hadracha (17:30-18:30) Our hadracha training programme, remodelled to enable participants to continue learning and to simulate leadership online. Join Sophie & Mike on zoom as you delve deeper into your leadership journey with Alyth. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 873 6286 0155, Passcode: 403496).
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 regular introduction to Judaism class taught by our clergy with Jon Epstein. Our short course on Jewish texts, taught by Rabbi Josh, concludes by looking at the way in which Jewish texts continued to develop after the Talmudic period. 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 25 NOVEMBER
PRAY WITH US Wednesday Ma’ariv (20:00-20:45) Join us for a mid-week evening service led by Alyth members. Click hereto join (Meeting ID: 880 9384 2526, Passcode: 543468).
THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER
PRAY WITH US Thursday Shacharit Online (08:30) Our weekday Shacharit moves online. This morning with Rabbi Elliott. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 854 8574 6664, Passcode: 785089).
BE WITH US Mellow Chair Yoga (11:00-12:00) Our special Chair Yoga and Meditation with Maxine, open to all ages wishing to enhance overall mental and physical wellbeing! 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 Short Course: The Apikoros (13:00-14:00) Is Judaism a community of belief? What would it mean to be a Jewish heretic? How did the authors of the Talmud feel about questioning the words of Torah or the edicts of the Rabbis? The final instalment of a 4-week series with Rabbi Elliott. This week: The story of Rabbi Yochanan, parallel texts (Pesikta deRav Kahana 18:4) and points of comparison (b.Shabbat 30b b.Kiddushin 81b). Click herefor the source sheets being used in the session (available from Thursday morning) Click hereto join (Meeting ID: 123 761 361, Password: 019498).
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ALYTH LOCKDOWN THURSDAYS: THE PERFORMING ARTS
Working in the Performing Arts in a time of Pandemic Thursday, 26 November, 19:00-20:00 Cantor Tamara and Katie Hainbach host a special hour with guests who work in the performing arts, sharing their experiences of the last 8 months. Special guests include Raye Cosbert, Sarah Playfair, and Debbie Chazen. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 836 9118 9791, Passcode: 785089).
Raye Cosbert is the managing director of Metropolis Music, part of the Live Nation group of companies. This year has presented a totally unexpected and challenging business environment. Raye says “2020 has made us look at our industry and now we have to contend with what will be the new normal”
Debbie Chazen has a CV that includes notable roles in Dr Who, Sherlock, The Smoking Room, The Last Kingdom, and she also stars as the popular semi regular character Fleur Fanshawe in Holby City. She was recently nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Ruth in Calendar Girls the Musical.
Sarah Playfair worked in casting and repertoire planning for over 24 years, first with English National Opera, later in senior positions with Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera, then as Director of Artistic Administration for the Glyndebourne Festival and running Glyndebourne Touring Opera. For the last 22 years she has been a freelance casting director, working mainly in opera but also with theatre companies and orchestras.
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FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Baby Den (10:30-11:00) Chug-a-lug into Shabbat with Rabbi Hannah. 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 on Zoom (Meeting ID: 142 813 452 Password: 346202).
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Pre-Shabbat Story Time (17:15-17:45) Those pre-school in age are invited to join Rabbi Hannah for a pre shabbat story to help bring in shabbat. Click here to join on Zoom (Meeting ID: 423 529 768 Password: 785089). YOUTH & EDUCATION RUACH (17:00-18:15) This half-term, we will once again be bringing Ruach 1- 4 all together on Zoom for our Friday evening programme. Join Mike & Sophie and our team of madrichim, who will help you to engage with Torah and offer breakout spaces during the sessions to connect with your Ruach cohort. Families of students in Ruach 4 please note: as we are currently unable to deliver an in-person mentoring programme, Mike will also be in contact with students individually in the month of their ceremony to arrange support for the writing of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Prayer. Click here to join on Zoom (Meeting ID: 832 9038 5347, Passcode: 727813).
PRAY WITH US Erev Shabbat Service (18:30-19:30) Join Rabbi Josh and Rabbi Hannah as they lead the Erev Shabbat service from the Beit Tefillah. Please remember that this service is online only. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 891 8593 6299, Passcode: 785089).
SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER BE WITH US JMM on Saturday (9:15-10:15) Jewish Mindfulness Meditation helps us to open our hearts and find peace through our spiritual heritage, especially in these challenging times. Click here to join on Zoom (Meeting ID: 844 520 435, Password: 753749).
PRAY WITH US Shabbat Morning Service (10:30) A Kollot style service led by Rabbi Josh and Justin Wise from the Beit Tefillah. Including the Bar Mitzvah of Joe Hermer, reading Torah from home. The sermon will be given by Rabbi Colin. Please remember that this service is online only. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 820 0042 7349, Passcode: 785089).
PRAY WITH US FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Sensory Shabbat (11:00 tbc) Our Shabbat experience designed to stimulate your babies’ senses in the first years of their life. Join Rabbi Hannah from your homes. Suitable for babies from birth to 2 years. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 923 1184 7370, Passcode: 148273).
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ALYTH CHEVRUTA PROJECT
LAUNCHING THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER RUNNING IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2021
Beginning in January 2021, we invite you to join us in a special learning project for the whole community.
Chevruta is a classical form of Jewish study, in which two people grapple with a text together. The Talmud declares, “Two students learning together sharpen one another”. Throughout January and February 2021, in the lead-up to Purim, the Alyth Chevruta Project will set-up and support study in pairs of Tractate Megillah of the Mishnah.
How will it work? Every Friday, starting on 1 January, participants will be sent a study pack containing texts, questions and supporting material to study in chevruta. Every following Thursday from 19:00-20:00, a member of the clergy team will host a review session looking at the material, and answering questions coming out of the week of study.
How do I find a study partner? If you have a partner in mind, please approach them directly, and let us know about your pairclicking here. We can also find you a suitable study partner from within the community, based on your study experience and how and when you are available to study. Please clicking hereto complete the online form.
How do I find out more? ACP launches on Thursday 3 December with a special introductory session with Rabbi Josh and Rabbi Elliott from 19:00. The session will introduce the idea of chevruta, and tips to make it work, as well as introducing Mishnah Megillah.
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Chanukah Delivery Volunteers
Our 'Darkness into Light' project are looking for volunteers to deliver Chanukah parcels to children in the Alyth community. These deliveries will take place during the week commencing 7 December. If you are able to help please contact Ruth Smilg at ruthcc@alyth.org.uk.
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Financial Support - How we can help
We believe that everybody who wishes should feel able to be a member of Alyth irrespective of ability to pay. In these difficult times, please do not leave the shul for financial reasons. If you are facing financial challenges, 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
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Limmud Festival (25-29 December) 2020 is now open for booking
With hundreds of presenters and thousands of participants, this year Limmud is bringing the Limmud community feeling to you at home. From Shabbat packs to virtual social spaces, Limmud is innovating to bring you one step further on your Jewish journey. Sign up here, or visit the website for more information. Alyth has special grants available to enable participation in Limmud. Please contact a member of the clergy team.
Please remember that we also have two special numbers in addition to the main synagogue number: Alyth Careline – 020 8457 8798 This will be answered by a member of the Alyth professional team between 08:00 and 21:00. Emergency Careline – 07726 631808 Please use this number if you need urgent pastoral support, for example in cases of hospitalization or bereavement. This number will be answered by a member of the Alyth professional team.
