This Shabbat at Alyth Alyth is open for in person prayer, learning and gathering. Erev Shabbat 25 February, 18:30 with Special Guest Join us in person or online as we bring in Shabbat together. We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Noa Sattath, newly appointed Executive Director of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI). Noa will be with us in person to give the D'var Torah in our Friday night service. Please let us know you are coming by clicking here. The link to join online can be found below.
Shabbat morning 26 February, 10:30 A choice of three services for Shabbat morning. Our choral and Imrei Finu services can also be joined online. More details of the services can be found below. Please let us know you are coming by clicking the link for the appropriate service. Links to join online can be found below. - Choral Service - Imrei Finu - Atidenu For more details of this Shabbat and the week ahead, please see below.
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Covid Update
Over the coming weeks, many aspects of Alyth life will return to pre-Covid patterns. At the same time, ours is a diverse community and it is important that we honour the needs of all individuals within the congregation. We continue to have an obligation to care for the well-being of one another:
Keeping each other safe: 1. We ask that you still do not come to shul if unwell or if you have had a positive Covid test. We know that this is no longer legally required, but expect that members will continue to do this, in order to protect one another and to make it possible for as many people as possible to return to shul. 2. We will no longer be requiring mask wearing in shul from 25/2, though this remains advisable especially in busier services. We encourage those who would prefer to do so to continue to wear masks. 3. Ventilation remains our best weapon against transmission at a time of continuing high prevalence. Windows will remain open for all activities. (Please dress appropriately). 4. From next Shabbat, 4/5 March you will no longer need to pre-book for services, though this will be needed for some activities to allow us to prepare for appropriate numbers. 5. The Beit Tefillah will still contain an area with additional distancing for those who wish and 'please leave this space free' cards will still be available in the foyer. Online provision While we are delighted to welcome many members back in person, we know that not everyone is able to return at this point. Services will continue to be available to join via Zoom or to watch on YouTube and Facebook. It will continue to be possible to mark lifecycle events by involvement in services over zoom for those who wish.
A new normal We recognise that pre-Covid there were moments in our communal life which would now feel uncomfortable or unsafe for many among us. For the time being, members will notice a number of continuing changes to our pre-Covid practice as we seek to make Alyth as welcoming a place as possible for as many of our members as possible. Please bear with us as we go through ths transition together.
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FRIDAY 25 FEBRUARY
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN PERSON Baby Den (10:30) Chug-a-lug into Shabbat with Cantor Tamara and Ella. Baby Den must be pre booked by clicking here.
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN PERSON Pre-Shabbat Story Time (16:30-17:00) Pre-Shabbat Story Time must be pre-booked by clicking here.
YOUTH AND EDUCATION IN PERSON Ruach 1-4 (17:15) Our Friday night Bar and Bat Mitzvah programme. Contact mike@alyth.org.uk for more information.
BE WITH US ONLINE JMM (17:00-18:00) Jewish Mindfulness Meditation helps us to open our hearts and find peace through our spiritual heritage. Click here to make a donation towards the costs of employing the facilitators. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 977 611 369 Password: 035091).
EREV SHABBAT 25 FEBRUARY
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Erev Shabbat Service (18:30-19:30) We welcome Shabbat as a community, joining together online and in person, led by Rabbi Josh, Cantor Tamara and Rabbi Elliott. This Shabbat, we are delighted to welcome Rabbi Noa Sattath, newly appointed Executive Director of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), which is Israel’s oldest and largest human rights organisation. Noa will be with us in person to give the D'var Torah in our Friday night service. IN PERSON Please let us know you are coming by clicking here. ONLINE If you are joining us online, click hereto join (Meeting ID: 828 3486 4947, Passcode: 785089). The "Zoom screen" can also be seen via our YouTube channel by going to www.youtube.com/c/AlythRS The Shabbat Supplement and Community News will be available here from 17:00 Friday afternoon.
SHABBAT MORNING 26 FEBRUARY
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE New Member's Shabbat Over the last two years, over 100 households have joined Alyth. Unfortunately, for most of this time, we have been unable to gather together in the way that we would have liked, to meet other members and members of the Alyth staff team. New members are invited to join us on Saturday 26 February, starting at 9:15 with breakfast. Please let us know you are coming by clicking here.
Followed by a choice of three services.
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Choral Service (10:30) A formal Shabbat morning service led by Cantor Tamara and Rabbi Colin, accompanied by the synagogue choir. IN PERSON Please let us know you are coming by clicking here. ONLINE If you are joining us online, click hereto join (Meeting ID: 876 2804 4503, Passcode: 785089). The "Zoom screen" can also be seen via our YouTube channel by going to www.youtube.com/c/AlythRS The Shabbat Supplement and Community News will be available here from 17:00 Friday afternoon.
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Imrei Finu (10:30) An informal, guitar led service with new and familiar melodies, including an informal Torah study in place of a Torah service. Led by Rabbi Josh. IN PERSON Please let us know you are coming by clicking here. ONLINE If you are joining us online, click hereto join (Meeting ID: 813 7901 4085, Passcode: 529308). The Shabbat Supplement and Community News will be available here from 17:00 Friday afternoon.
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON Atidenu (10:30) A musical service for all the family, including an activity on the theme of the Torah portion. Led by Rabbi Elliott with Mike and Ella from our Youth and Education team. IN PERSON Please let us know you are coming by clicking here. The Shabbat Supplement and Community News will be available here from 17:00 Friday afternoon.
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WEEK COMMENCING 27 FEBRUARY
SUNDAY 27 FEBRUARY PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Sunday Shacharit (09:00-10:30) Our weekly minyan led by Alyth members. Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 864 4782 5935, Password: 785089).
YOUTH AND EDUCATION IN PERSON Sunday Morning Galim (10:00-12:00) Our Jewish education programme for Reception to Year 6, led by a wonderful team of Educators and Madrichim (youth leaders). Click here to enrol into SMG. For more information, contact mike@alyth.org.uk
LEARN WITH US ONLINE Biblical Hebrew (11:00-12:00) A programme for those with high level hebrew reading ability. Email edwardjgold@hotmail.com if you would like to join this class.
YOUTH AND EDUCATION IN PERSON Academy of Performing Arts at Alyth (18:00-20:00) This year's show: Legally Blonde! Contact sam@alyth.org.uk for more information.
TUESDAY 1 MARCH LEARN WITH US ONLINE Hebrew Reading from Scratch (19:00-20:00) Taught by Alyth member Jan Roseman. Take an hour each week in term time to learn how to read Hebrew from scratch. Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 909 882 685 Password: 686711)
LEARN WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE E-ssentials - Ritual, Prayer (and bits and pieces) (20:00-22:00) This week: Prayer 1: What's it for? The building blocks of the liturgy. With Cantor Tamara. This week can be joined both online and in person. New students are always welcome. Please contact Rabbi Elliott for more information or to join the group. Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 668 234 069 Password: 419681)
BE WITH US IN PERSON Alyth Choral Society (20:00-22:00) New singers in all parts are welcome. Go to www.alythchoralsociety.org for more information.
WEDNESDAY 2 MARCH BE WITH US IN PERSON News, Views and Schmooze (13:00-14:30) Join us for a couple of hours of schmooze to discuss what is going on in the world around us. Led by volunteers from the Soup and Schmooze group. All are welcome but these sessions must be pre-booked with lynette@alyth.org.uk.
THURSDAY 3 MARCH
BE WITH US ONLINE Mellow 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. Click here to register and pay for the class. Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 892 6465 8503, Passcode: 202122). LEARN WITH US ONLINE Pardes (13:00) The stories of Esther. On 17 March, we will read the story of Esther as it is found in the Tanakh. But this is not the only version. On 3 and 10 March, join us for two special Pardes sessions in which we will explore other versions of the text. On 3 March, join Rabbi Josh to look at the story as it is found in the Targum, the Aramaic 'translation' of the bible. On 10 March, Rabbi Ellliott will explore additions to the story as it is found in the Septuagint. Click hereto join (Meeting ID: 123 761 361 Password: 019498).
YOUTH AND EDUCATION IN PERSON ThursWAY (16:00-17:00) Kids come play… brighten up your Thursday afternoon with some cosy vibes with Alyth Youth! Click here to let us know you are attending. Contact mike@alyth.org.uk for more information.
YOUTH AND EDUCATION IN PERSON Alyth Children's Theatre (17:00-18:15) This year's show: Matilda! Contact sam@alyth.org.uk for more information.
LEARN WITH US ONLINE Alyth Chavruta Project - Special Guest (19:00-20:00) A special session of the Alyth Chavruta Project. This week we will be joined by Emma Rozenberg, who is a PhD student at King’s College London, researching mamzerut as a contemporary issue in the British Jewish community. Mamzerut - an ancient stigma in Judaism, handed down at birth and passed on through generations – is something we have already touched on in our study together. Hosted by Cantor Tamara. Email Rabbi Elliott at elliott@alyth.org.uk for more information.
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FRIDAY 4 MARCH
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN PERSON Baby Den (10:30) Chug-a-lug into Shabbat with Cantor Tamara and Ella.
FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN PERSON Pre-Shabbat Story Time (16:30-17:00) Pre-Shabbat Story Time with Cantor Tamara and Ella.
YOUTH AND EDUCATION IN PERSON Ruach 1-4 (17:15) Our Friday night Bar and Bat Mitzvah programme. Contact mike@alyth.org.uk for more information.
BE WITH US ONLINE JMM (17:00-18:00) Jewish Mindfulness Meditation helps us to open our hearts and find peace through our spiritual heritage. Click here to make a donation towards the costs of employing the facilitators. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 977 611 369 Password: 035091).
EREV SHABBAT 4 MARCH
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Erev Shabbat Service (18:30-19:30) We welcome Shabbat as a community, joining together online and in person. You do not need to pre-book this service if you are joining us in person. ONLINE If you are joining us online, click here to join (Meeting ID: 837 1831 9255, Passcode: 785089). The "Zoom screen" can also be seen via our YouTube channel by going to www.youtube.com/c/AlythRS
SHABBAT MORNING 5 MARCH LEARN WITH US INPERSON AND ONLINE Shabbat Morning Shiur: Leadership with Integrity (09:15) In an age in which we might question the integrity of some of those in public office, join Rabbi Josh as we explore texts from our tradition on leadership, including rabbinic readings of our Torah portion. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 240 937 705, Password: 602287)
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Shabbat Morning Service (10:30) Led by Rabbi Josh and Cantor Tamara in our Beit Tefillah. Including the Bar Mitzvah of Jonah Chinn. You do not need to pre-book this service if you are joining us in person. ONLINE If you are joining us online,click hereto join (Meeting ID: 827 6085 8435, Passcode: 785089). The "Zoom screen" can also be seen via our YouTube channel by going to www.youtube.com/c/AlythRS
SHABBAT AFTERNOON 5 MARCH
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON Sensory Havdallah (16:00) Havdalah is one of our most Sensory experiences. We see the flickering candle flame, smell the sweet spices and taste the wine. Join Cantor Tamara and Ella, in the Youth Hall with the windows open, 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 wear your PJs or onesies!
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PURIM AT ALYTH
We are delighted that for the first time in two years we will be able to join together in person for Purim, both on Erev Purim and during the day. Never have we needed this opportunity to let our hair down and be silly together more!
EREV PURIM: OY! Story Wednesday 16 March, from 18:00 Get in touch with your inner child - whatever your age. Join us on Wednesday 16 March, for fun, film and food. Come dressed as a toy or favourite character from a cartoon or animated film. Join us for a light ‘pre show’ dinner and entertainment before we see if Buzz can make his way back to the ark, kicking back and watching 'OY! Story' together. There will be cinema snacks (and alcohol for adults) provided.
At 20:00 we will break for refreshments and for little ones to head home (and others to join us) before our annual Ma’ariv and late night Megillah reading begins at 20:15
Please click hereto let us know which part of the programme you will be attending. This will allow us to manage capacity and cater appropriately.
PURIM DAY Thursday 17 March, from 13:00
13:00: Purim Pardes Join us for a special Purim Pardes with megillah reading and light lunch. For catering purposes, please let sam@alyth.org.uk know if you would like to come.
16:00: ThursWAY Purim Party Join us for a special Purim party and tea, where we will also be celebrating a regular ThursWayer's birthday. Come dressed in your best fancy dress, ready for an afternoon of excitement and fun! For catering purposes, please let ella@alyth.org.uk know if you would like to come.
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Welcoming back Rabbi Hannah
Rabbi Hannah will be returning to Alyth next week. Due to ill health, she will initially be working from home with reduced hours. We look forward to welcoming her back.
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UKRAINE CRISIS FUND
In the light of the recent conflict on the Ukrainian border, the World Union for Progressive Judaism launches the Ukraine Crisis Fund. We ask people from all over the world to make donations towards the support of the Jewish community in Ukraine. Money will be spent on individuals and communities to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Please click here for more information.
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.
