Tu B’Shvat higgia, Hag Ha-Ilanot Tu B’Shvat is here, the festival of trees.
Next week is Tu B’Shvat. Join us for special events through the week including our annual Essentials Tu B’Shvat Seder, a special Table Talk Gin Tasting, and the Annual Quiz on Sunday 31 January – this year, online. See below for more details.
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THURSDAY 21 JANUARY EVENING
LEARN WITH US Alyth Chevruta Project (19:00-20:00) Chevruta is a classical form of Jewish study, in which two people grapple with the text together. In the Alyth Chevruta Project, participants are sent a study pack on a Friday containing texts, questions and supporting material to study in chevruta. This pack is also uploaded to www.alyth.org.uk/chevruta. Every following Thursday from 19:00-20:00, Rabbi Josh and Rabbi Elliott host a review session looking at the material, and answering questions coming out of the week of study. In the lead-up to Purim, ACP is studying Tractate Megillah of the Mishnah. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 886 5917 6259, Passcode: 138638).
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FRIDAY 22 JANUARY
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 (Meeting ID: 142 813 452, Passcode: 346202).
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Pre-Shabbat Story Time (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. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 423 529 768, Passcode: 785089).
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Ruach (17:15-18:15) 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. Ruach 4: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 (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, Passcode: 035091).
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. This week we are delighted to host The World Union for Progressive Judaism as part of their “Shabbat Around the World” programme. 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: 845 0601 7677, 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 23 JANUARY LEARN WITH US Shiur: How Judaism finds light in the depths (9:15-10:15) This year has been particularly unsettling for everyone. On Mental Health Awareness Shabbat we are invited to reflect on how we are feeling. Join Rabbi Hannah and Lynette as we turn to our narrative for comfort, looking at the healing properties of water and discovering how to come out of this pandemic reborn through rituals of immersion.. Click here to join by Zoom (Meeting ID: 240 937 705 Passcode: 602287).
PRAY WITH US Shabbat Morning Service (10:30) Led by Cantor Tamara from the Beit Tefillah including the Bat Mitzvah of Amelie Conway.Please remember that this service is online only. Click here to join by Zoom (Meeting ID: 874 9488 4444, Passcode: 785089). PRAY WITH US Imrei Finu Service (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. Led by Rabbi Josh and Rabbi Hannah. Click here to join by Zoom (Meeting ID: 856 8979 3256, Passcode: 379591).
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SUNDAY 24 JANUARY 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 AND 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 term we will be exploring prayer. To find out more or to enrol, please contact mike@alyth.org.uk. Reception - Year 2: Click here to join (Meeting ID: 844 4569 3329, Passcode: 138638). Year 3 - Year 6: Click here to join (Meeting ID: 853 4608 7290, Passcode: 261227).
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.
MONDAY 25 JANUARY PRAY WITH US Monday Shacharit (08:30) Our Monday online Shacharit. This morning with Rabbi Elliott. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 854 5403 7876, Passcode: 785089)
BE WITH US Craft, Chat and Cuppa! (15:00-16:00) This group made over 100 gifts for the Refugee Drop-in. They are now thinking of other things to make, with many people joining to get encouragement to finish their past projects. Join Brenda and the Craft, Chat and Cuppa group for a good chat! Click here to join (Meeting ID: 588 095 846, Password: 468060).
TUESDAY 26 JANUARY
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Year 9 Hadracha (17:30-18:30) Our leadership training course covering teamwork, programme development, leading songs/games, role modelling, public speaking and much more! This is a great way to reconnect with your Alyth peers and build a future with your community. 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: Short Course on Jewish History (20:00-21:00) Our regular introduction to Judaism class taught by our clergy with Jon Epstein. This week: Annual Tu B’Shvat Seder and Jewish Environmental Ethics. 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 27 JANUARY
BE WITH US News, Views & Schmooze (11:00-12:00) Join us for an hour of schmooze to discuss what is going on in the world around us. Led by volunteers from the Soup and Schmooze group. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 810 6650 1155, Password: 847786).
UK Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 Ceremony (19:00-20:00) The Central London Commemoration is an hour of reflections, films, interviews, and music with high level political, celebrity, and religious speakers. This year, rather than being limited to survivors and VIPs, it is open to all. You are warmly invited to attend on line. Please register here to receive the link for the national UK Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony in advance of the ceremony. Light the Darkness (20:00) At 20:00, get ready to Light the Darkness. Households across the UK will be lighting candles and safely putting them in their windows to remember those who were murdered for who they were, and to stand against prejudice and hatred today. #HolocaustMemorialDay #LightTheDarkness
PRAY WITH US Wednesday Ma’ariv Online (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 28 JANUARY
PRAY WITH US Thursday Shacharit (08:30) Our Thursday online Shacharit for Tu B'Shvat. This morning with Cantor Tamara and 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 allthe 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 - ‘Is this not a logical argument?’ Where halachah comes from? (13:00-14:00) The rabbis of the Talmud often struggle with the question of why Jewish law falls the way it does. Join Rabbi Elliott throughout January to examine this question through an account of what happens when Pesach falls on Shabbat, as it develops through different rabbinic texts. Ths week: Babylonian Talmud Pesachim 65b-66b 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).
LEARN WITH US Alyth Chevruta Project (19:00-20:00) Chevruta is a classical form of Jewish study, in which two people grapple with the text together. In the Alyth Chevruta Project, participants are sent a study pack on a Friday containing texts, questions and supporting material to study in chevruta. This pack is also uploaded to www.alyth.org.uk/chevruta. Every following Thursday from 19:00-20:00, Rabbi Josh and Rabbi Elliott host a review session looking at the material, and answering questions coming out of the week of study. In the lead-up to Purim, ACP is studying Tractate Megillah of the Mishnah. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 886 5917 6259, Passcode: 138638).
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Online Table Talk:
Tu B’Shvat Gin Tasting
Thursday 28 January (20:00-21:00)
On Tu B’Shevat we traditionally have a seder based around different categories of fruit and cups of wine. This year, instead of four cups of wine, join us for four gin and tonics. Emma Parker, Co-Founder and Director of Madam Geneva & Gent Gin Experiences, will be joining us to taste four gins with fruity tasting notes. Learn about the history of gin and see which fruits you can detect on the palate. It is too late to order the specific gin, but you can attend without the official set. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 828 9438 0432, Passcode: 785089).
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FRIDAY 29 JANUARY
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 (Meeting ID: 142 813 452, Passcode: 346202).
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Pre-Shabbat Story Time (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. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 423 529 768, Passcode: 785089).
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Ruach (17:15-18:15) 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. Ruach 4: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 (Meeting ID: 832 9038 5347, Passcode: 727813).
PRAY WITH US Erev Shabbat Service (18:30-19:30) Join Rabbi Josh and Cantor Tamara 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: 889 5845 5800, Passcode: 785089).
SATURDAY 30 JANUARY PRAY WITH US Bat Mitzvah Early Start Service (9:00) Rabbi Josh is leading an online early Shabbat morning service to mark the Bat Mitzvah of Emma Domb.
BE WITH US Synagogue Choir Rehearsal (9:15-10:15) Online choir rehearsal. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 836 0523 2483, Password: 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 Morning Service (10:30) Led by Rabbi Elliott and Rabbi Josh with Rabbi Colin joining from home. Please remember that this service is online only. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 859 6714 0774, Passcode: 785089).
PRAY WITH US Wellbeing Service (10:30) Join Cantor Tamara and Justin Wise as we take time for ourselves to relax and breathe. During our Shabbat morning service, we will explore our mental and physical wellbeing through tuneful prayer. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 873 9281 7736, Passcode: 311220).
Celebrate Tu B’Shvat with us at our Annual Alyth Supper Quiz. We can’t sit together, but we can join together over Zoom for an interactive new format. Click here to register so that we can send you additional material including the first marathon round, cocktail recipes and joining instructions. This will be sent to you on 24 January. Please note you can join as groups or individuals. However each zoom user will be considered a ‘team’. This year will be different but it will still be great fun! Click here to join (Meeting ID: 871 0048 5108, Passcode: 785089).
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Welcome back to Sam Heller
We are delighted to welcome Sam back from her maternity leave. Sam returns to a new role as Head of Member Engagement.
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Save the date: Alyth Book Club Monday 1 February, 18:30-19:30 This month's book is "All Who Go Do Not Return" by Shulem Deen. Click here for more information about the book. Join Rabbi Colin and Katie for our monthly Book Club discussion. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 816 0975 2765, Passcode: 785089). Future books are: - 1 March: Beware of God by Shalom Auslander - 5 April: People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
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Shofar Day Care Centre: Chair and Trustees Needed
Shofar is a joint project of Alyth and FRS, based at the Sternberg Centre. The centre started 5 years ago and is now an established early years provider. The current Shofar trustees wish to expand and enhance the trustee board, including findind a new Chair. Please click here for more information about the roles.
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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.
