This evening and tomorrow is Purim - a Purim unlike any that we have known before.
Throughout this year, we have tried to find ways of making our Jewish life feel as special as possible despite the pandemic. The same is true for the next 24 hours - so please do join us. Full details of all of our activities are below.
You can also watch our special creation "Staged: The Purim Spiel". Click here for episode 1, click here for episode 2, click here for episode 3. Our actual spiel is at 19:00 this evening.
Also this weekend, please join us from 10:30 on Sunday for the Special General Meeting of Congregants to approve our Building Development. To register for this meeting, please follow the link that you can find below.
Wishing everyone in the Alyth family, 'Purim Sameach'.
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PURIM AT ALYTH THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY - EREV PURIM PURIM FOR FAMILIES Hamantaschen Bake-Off (16:30) You can't have a celebration without treats, so let's get our baking hats on once more and cook out some tasty triangles. Ingredients needed: 1 cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup vegetable oil, 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, ½ cup orange juice, 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 cup fruit preserves, any flavor and grease proof paper. Click hereto join (Meeting ID: 897 7936 6182, Passcode: 311220).
PURIM FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY The Great Alyth Interactive Purim Spiel (19:00) Have you ever wondered what would happen if Vashti went to the banquet, or Mordechai bowed down to Haman? Join us for our choose your own adventure Purim Spiel, where you decide what happens next. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 867 3425 3753, Passcode: 785089).
Ma'ariv and Megillah reading (21:30) After a break for dinner, join us for our evening service and reading of the Megillah, led by Rabbi Josh and Rabbi Colin. Click here for the special booklet, and here for the full megillah. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 843 4944 8902, Passcode: 311220).
FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY - PURIM
PURIM FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY Purim Shacharit and Megillah reading (08:30) Join us for our online Purim Shacharit and Megillah reading with Rabbi Elliott, Rabbi Hannah and Cantor Tamara.
Click here for the full megillah. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 874 9113 0328, Passcode: 785089).
PURIM FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Purim Baby Den (10:30-11:00) Join us over Zoom in fancy dress for a special Baby Den for Purim with Rabbi Hannah and Cantor Tamara. Sing Baby Den songs, dance to a shabbat and Purim beat and wave to some familiar faces. For families with Young Children. Click here for the Purim Baby Den song sheet. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 142 813 452, Passcode: 346202).
PURIM FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Purim Pre-Shabbat Story Time (16:30-17:00) Those pre-school in age are invited to join us for a special Purim story and to welcome in Shabbat together. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 423 529 768, Passcode: 785089).
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FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY
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 Elliott and Cantor Tamaraas 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: 852 1528 5223, 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 27 FEBRUARY
A special Shabbat morning with two ways to begin your day before coming together at 10:30.
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 Early Start Online Service with Torah Breakout (09:30) Join Rabbi Josh and Cantor Tamara at 9:30 as we take extra time over the early part of the morning service. At 10:15 we will pause for some silence (or a cup of coffee) as we e-welcome the rest of the community, and prepare for the Bar’chu which will be sung at 10:30. This special musical service will also include three pre-recorded pieces from our choir. At the Torah service, Rabbi Elliott will be offering the opportunity to study the parashat hashavua in a special breakout session. Please click here to download the special supplement, Torah portion 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: 831 7372 8510, Passcode: 785089).
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SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY
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).
PURIM FOR FAMILIES SMG Purim Special (10:00) If you missed the Megillah or simply want to hear it all over again, join us as we restart our term with a celebratory interactive megillah reading! Expect characters, fancy dress, treasure hunts and more! For all children Reception - Yr6 (+families). Click here to join (Meeting ID: 844 4569 3329, Passcode: 138638).
BE WITH US SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF CONGREGANTS Building Development (10:30) Thank you to everyone who has already registered for this special meeting, and the many members who have responded with questions and comments. We are excited to be at the final stage of moving towards our building project. This Special Meeting of Congregants will consider and approve proposals to proceed with the redevelopment of the building. Click here for the Notice of Meeting including the Agenda and Resolution. Click here to register.
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).
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MONDAY 1 MARCH PRAY WITH US Monday Shacharit (08:30) Our Monday online Shacharit. 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) We would like to invite anyone who enjoys crafts to create gifts for Homeless Action in Barnet. Join us to make: tote bags (pattern provided), masks (pattern provided), hats, scarves, gloves, shawls, leg warmers, socks, blankets or rugs. (We’re happy to receive knitted or crocheted squares and we’ll find someone to sew them together).We also intend to make small cuddly toys for children and distribute them via food banks.If you have other suggestions of things to make or people to help please do let us know. If you have any unused wool or fabric please consider helping by donating it to the project. Join Brenda and the Craft, Chat and Cuppa group for a good chat! 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 "Shtum" by Jem Lester. 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).
TUESDAY 2 MARCH
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: Shabbat in Jewish Life (20:00-21:00) Our regular introduction to Judaism class taught by our clergy with Jon Epstein. This week we look at the origins and significance of Shabbat, and what it means to 'keep' Shabbat as a Reform Jew. 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 3 MARCH 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 4 MARCH
PRAY WITH US Thursday Shacharit (08:30) Our Thursday online Shacharit. 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 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: The Haggadah (13:00-14:00) Throughout March, join Rabbi Josh to explore the textual origins and development of the Haggadah. We will take a journey through Tanakh, Midrash and Talmud, and will look at Haggadot of the past. In this first session, we will explore where the idea of the Haggadah comes from. Click hereto join (Meeting ID: 123 761 361, Password: 019498).
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FRIDAY 5 MARCH
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 Hannah 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: 838 9037 0808, Passcode: 785089).
SATURDAY 6 MARCH
PRAY WITH US Bat Mitzvah Early Start Service (9:00) Rabbi Hannah is leading an early Shabbat morning service from the Youth Hall to mark the B’not Mitzvah of Milly Bell and Lizzie Ostrovsky. Please click here to download the Torah sheet and service booklet. You can join this service online by: Clicking here to join (Meeting ID: 889 3719 4821, Passcode: 544887).
LEARN WITH US Shabbat Morning Shiur (9:15) With Rabbi Elliott. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 240 937 705 Password: 602287).
PRAY WITH US Shabbat Morning Service (10:30) Led by Rabbi Elliott and Cantor Tamara from the Beit Tefillah. Rabbi Colin will join from home to give the sermon. This service is online only. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 842 9097 0936, Passcode: 785089). PRAY WITH US FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Sensory Shabbat Online (11:00) Our Shabbat experience designed to stimulate your babies’ senses in the first years of their life. Join Rabbi Hannah in this service where you and your baby can touch, see, smell and hear your way through the service. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 923 1184 7370, Passcode: 148273).
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SUNDAY 7 MARCH
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.
BE WITH US Tea-time Concert with Katie and Tom (16:00) 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: 857 5504 7435, Passcode: 785089).
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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.
Some of our partner organisations are also running programmes during this period. Click here to see additional programming offered by Reform Judaism that you are invited to join. Click here for activities by other organisations.
