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.
Why Chevruta? Chevruta is the perfect study for our complicated times as it can be done flexibly at a convenient time, in-person or online, and keeping to the rule of six. It is also a great introduction to text study as it can be done in partnership with someone with similar experience and at your own pace.
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 pair by clicking here. You can also for a group of three if you would prefer. 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 click here to complete the online form. Please make sure that you register by Friday 18 December.
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.
Click here to join on Zoom (Meeting ID: 879 1581 3414, Passcode: 785089).
How do I find out more? The Alyth Chevruta Project launches on tonight, 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.
Click here to join on Zoom (Meeting ID: 879 1581 3414, Passcode: 785089).
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FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN-PERSON 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. This service is fully booked.
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN-PERSON Pre-Shabbat Story Time Live in the Sukkah (16:30-17:00) Those pre-school in age are invited to join Rabbi Hannah for a pre shabbat story to help bring in shabbat. This service is fully booked.
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. 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 our Rabbi Josh and Rabbi Hannahas 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: 891 7918 3081, 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 5 DECEMBER PRAY WITH US Bat Mitzvah Early Start Service (9:00) Rabbi Josh is leading an early Shabbat morning service from the Youth Hall to mark the Bat Mitzvah of Milly Blank. Please click here to download the Torah sheet and service booklet. You can join this service online by: Clicking here to join (Meeting ID: 814 3192 2986, Passcode: 785089).
LEARN WITH US Shiur: What Are Jews For? The ‘Mission of Israel’ in the History of Reform Judaism (9:15-10:15) Some Jews today tend to emphasise their similarity with others and are often a bit uneasy with the idea of being a “chosen people”. The nineteenth century Reform rabbis saw things differently. Developing the idea of the ‘mission of Israel’ as a cornerstone of their theology. Rabbi Elliott is joined by Professor Adam Sutcliffe (Department of History, King’s College London, and author of the book ‘What Are Jews For? History, Peoplehood and Purpose’) will trace the history of this idea, from nineteenth-century Germany and the United States through to its more muted place in today’s Jewish world. Click here to join by Zoom (Meeting ID: 240 937 705 Password: 602287).
PRAY WITH US Shabbat Morning Service (10:30) Rabbi Hannah is running the Shabbat morning service from the Beit Tefillah. 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: 875 5080 7776, Passcode: 551841).
PRAY WITH US Imrei finu online (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 Rabbi Josh and Cantor Tamara. Click here to download the Torah sheet and service booklet. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 856 5933 2015, Passcode: 214974).
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SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER 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).
BE WITH US Singing for Pleasure (at a later time of 16:00-17:00) 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 7 DECEMBER
PRAY WITH US IN-PERSON Monday Shacharit (08:30) Small in-person Shacharit Services every Monday in the synagogue sukkah or Youth Hall. This morning with Cantor Tamara. Click here to sign up.
BE WITH US Craft, Chat and Cuppa! (15:00-16:00) Join Brenda and the Craft, Chat and Cuppa group who 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).
BE WITH US Alyth Book Club (18:30-19:30) This month's book is Reuben Sachs by Amy Levy. Join Rabbi Colin and Katie for our monthly Book Club discussion. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 816 0975 2765, Passcode: 785089).
TUESDAY 8 DECEMBER YOUTH & EDUCATION IN-PERSON 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 as you delve deeper into your leadership journey with Alyth.
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. This week: Chanukah. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 668 234 069 Password: 419681).
WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER
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 10 DECEMBER
PRAY WITH US Thursday Shacharit Online (8:30) Our Thursday Shacharit online. This morning with Rabbi Elliot. 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 (13:00-14:00) Throughout December we will explore a different text from within our rich library with a different member of the Alyth Clergy. This week with Rabbi Hannah. 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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CHANUKAH WITH ALYTH
The Great Alyth Community Candle Lighting A special moment of community togetherness online We may still be physically distant from one another, but that doesn't mean that we can’t all come together. On Erev Shabbat Chanukah, Friday 11 December at 18:30 we will create a special moment of community wherever we are by joining together in lighting chanukiot in our homes over Zoom.
Whether you have been joining us on Zoom every Friday night since March, watching over YouTube or only dipping in occasionally, we invite you to join us so that we have hundreds of chanukiot on our screens, creating a moment of community unique to 2020, that we will all remember for years to come.
Chanukah Minibus Tours Alyth comes to you this Chanukah Following the success of our Simchat Torah hakkafah, the Alyth minibus will be making 5 local journeys throughout the week of Chanukah bringing the Alyth team to you. Wave down the bus to say hello, collect your doughnut and a little drink for the adults. The minibus will be driving a route around the following areas between 17:30-18:30. On Thursday 10 December the minibus will be in the Finchley area. Go to www.alyth.org.uk/alythchanukah for the minibus route and approximate timing (this will be updated on Tuesday 8 December).
In-Person Lighting on the Forecourt Come to Alyth to join us as we light the Chanukiah Join us for in-person chanukiah lightings of our special new outdoor chanukiah, made for us by Alyth member David Baker. These will take place on Thursday 10, Monday 14, Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 December from 19:00 and must be pre-booked by clicking here. These services will be on the forecourt and subject to strict distancing and protective measures to protect staff and members. Please make sure that you wear appropriate clothing. Doughnuts and drinks will be served.
Please click here to see all the other Chanukah activities.
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FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER 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. The service is indoors and will be subject to strict distancing and protective measures to protect staff and members. Click here to sign up. 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. The service is subject to strict distancing and protective measures to protect staff and members. Click here to sign up.
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 Sing with us (17:30-18:00) Prepare for Shabbat Chanukah with half an hour of singing of old and new melodies. Click here to join on Zoom (Meeting ID: 830 3248 6189, Passcode: 785089).
PRAY WITH US The Great Alyth Community Candle Lighting Erev Shabbat Chanukah Service (18:30-19:30) On Erev Shabbat Chanukah, we will create a special moment of community wherever we are by joining together in lighting chanukiot in our homes over Zoom. Whether you have been joining us on Zoom every Friday night since March, watching over YouTube or only dipping in occasionally, we invite you to join us so that we have hundreds of chanukiot on our screens. Please remember that this service is online only. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 815 7673 6546, Passcode: 785089).
SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER PRAY WITH US Bat Mitzvah Early Start Service (9:00) Cantor Tamara is leading an early Shabbat morning service from the Youth Hall to mark the Bat Mitzvah of Lucy Woolf. You can join this service online by: Clicking here to join (Meeting ID: 892 3848 8765, Passcode: 785089).
BE WITH US Choir Rehearsal and Breakfast (9:15-10:15) A special online choir rehearsal including breakfasts from your home. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 836 0523 2483, Passcode: 943829).
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 Chanukah Service (10:30) Led by Rabbi Josh, Rabbi Elliott and Katie Hainbach from the Beit Tefillah. A special choral service for Shabbat Chanukah, accompanied by piano with special recordings by the choir. Please remember that this service is online only. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 835 4791 8428, Passcode: 785089).
PRAY WITH US Kollot (10:30) Our informal participatory minyan. With Rabbi Hannah, Cantor Tamara and Justin Wise.Please remember that this service is online only. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 864 4908 6799, Passcode: 138638).
PRAY WITH US FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN-PERSON Sensory Chanukah Havdalah (16:30) Havdalah is one of our most Sensory experiences. We see the flickering candle flame, smell the sweet spices and taste the wine. Join Rabbi Hannah for this special Sensory Havdalah experience where our youngest members can wave goodbye to Shabbat and prepare to start the week new. Feel free to come in your PJs or onesies! This service will be indoors and subject to strict distancing and protective measures to protect staff and members. Click here to sign up.
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General Meeting of Congregants to approve Subscriptions for 2021
We invite you to join us for a General Meeting of Congregants which will be held on Zoom on Sunday 13 December 2020 at 10:30am. Click here for the Notice of Meeting, including the Agenda & resolution for approval; click here to see the Budget front page and proposed subscriptions; and click here for the notice of meeting cover letter.
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THE GREAT BRITISH REBOOT Monday 14 December, 20:00-21:00
We are delighted to welcome Alex Brummer, a multi-award winning journalist who has been City Editor and economic commentator for the Daily Mail for the last 20 years. Previous to this, Alex was associate editor, financial editor, foreign editor and Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian where he worked for 26 years. His new book ‘The Great British Reboot’ is an optimistic vision of how Britain can lift itself out of the gloom and doom of Brexit and Covid and adapt to a more global future. It looks at what the country is good at, how it can become better and how to repair social divisions and weaknesses in the nation’s and corporate governance. Join us for an optimistic end to a challenging year. Hosted by Rabbi Josh.
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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
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.
