We are sure that like us, many of you are pained and worried about events in Israel. Please know that we continue to be here for you if you need us. If we can do anything to support you in this difficult time, please contact Lynette by email to lynette@alyth.org.uk or at 020 8457 8793.
Leaders, rabbis and members from across the Jewish community have signed a statement of Jewish values and core principles in response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Click hereto read the statement.
Please see below for details of upcoming activities at Alyth and other ways that you can lend your support.
Friday 10 November, 17:15 Join Rabbi Elliott and Rabbi Or before Shabbat for an hour of reflection, sharing with each other, listening to and supporting one another. More details in the body of the email below.
Drop in for Israeli families Alyth, together with MRJ and FRS, are hosting a Drop In for Israeli families who find themselves in the UK and not able to return home. Families must register beforehand by clicking here. If any adults from the Alyth community would like to attend the Drop In to help host our Israeli guest and if you speak Ivrit and would like to volunteer please email lynette@alyth.org.uk. Rabbi Or Zohar We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Or Zohar for a three week residency in November, in which he will teach, lead services, and bring his unique musical gifts to our community. It is particularly meaningful to have Rabbi Or and his family with us in these troubled times. As a Progressive Rabbi in Israel Rabbi Or has a unique perspective to offer on what it means to live in Israel at this time. At the heart of his visit will be a special “in residence” weekend for which he will be joined by his wife Feliza Bascara-Zohar. This will include a ‘Sing With Us’ and Erev Shabbat Service on Friday 17 November, and a special concert on Saturday 18 November, at 18:00 in which they will showcase some of their original compositions specially selected to reflect our current moment. Book now for the concert on Saturday 18 November by clicking here. The “in residence” weekend is part of Alyth Composers and Songwriters in Residence, a programme made possible in memory of Raymond and Joy Goldman. Click here to see November's Around Alyth which includes complete details of Rabbi Or's residency.
Other ways you can help We are a collection point for Sebby's Corner. Pleaseclick here for a list of items that they are collecting.
Pleaseclick here for a list of resources and ways to help, collated by The Reform Movement, including appeals to which you may wish to donate. Security at Alyth In these times of heightened security, it is very important that we have full teams for volunteer security. Please make sure that you open your Rota Central emails and respond positively if you are able. If you are willing to do an extra shift at this time please contact security@alyth.org.uk. CST are running additional training courses, please see their website if you are interested in doing any of these. We are very grateful to our security team leaders for their extra commitment at this time.
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Tonight LEARN WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE The Alyth Chavruta Project: A Special Series with Rabbi Or Zohar (19:00) The Alyth Chavruta Project returns for a special 3-week course taught by Rabbi Or. This course will take us on a textual journey into the mysteries of Kabbalah. Considered by many as the crown of the Kabbalistic tradition, the Zohar literature is intriguing, enigmatic, creative, thought-provoking, and radical. Described as one of Judaism's greatest cultural and spiritual treasures, the Zohar literature serves as a precious resource for those seeking inspiration from the ancient occult traditions of the world. Please let Rabbi Elliott (elliott@alyth.org.uk) know if you would like to participate, or if you would like more information. Click hereto join online (Meeting ID: 819 0556 4940 Passcode: 311220)
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FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN PERSON Baby Den Chug-a-lug into Shabbat. Sing your favourite Baby Den songs, dance to a Shabbat beat and wave to some familiar faces. For families with Young Children.
BE WITH US ONLINE JMM (17:00) 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).
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Ruach 1 - 4 (17:15-19:30) Our pre Bar/Bat Mitzvah programme delivered by our wonderful team of madrichim. Participants explore their Jewish identity through the lens of community. Contact phoebe@alyth.org.uk for more information. BE WITH US IN PERSON Space for Refelction and Sharing (17:15) This week marked a month since the horrific attacks of 7 October. Many of us continue to mourn the dead, pray for the injured, and worry about those who are captive or caught up in the fighting. Join Rabbi Elliott and Rabbi Or for an hour of sharing with each other, listening to and supporting one another before the Erev Shabbat service. Rabbi Or has just recently arrived to spend three weeks with us, taking time from his day job as reform rabbi of the Misgav Region in Israel and Director of Spirit of the Galilee Association. Including prayers for peace, for the release of captives, and for healing.
FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER - EREV SHABBAT PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Erev Shabbat and Service (18:30) We welcome Shabbat as a community, joining together online and in person. Led by Rabbi Elliott with Justin Wise. The D'var Torah will be given by Rabbi Or Zohar. Click hereto join online (Meeting ID: 892 7116 7329 Passcode: 785089).
SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER - SHABBAT MORNING PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Shabbat Morning Service (10:30) Led by Rabbi Elliott. Including the Bat Mitzvah of Sophie Kanter. Including a 2-minute silence and special liturgy for Remembrance Day. Click hereto join online (Meeting ID: 828 1256 3058 Passcode: 785089).
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Kollot (10:30) Our informal, unaccompanied, participatory minyan. Led by Justin Wise and Rabbi Or with members of the community reading and teaching Torah. Click hereto join online (Meeting ID: 829 4576 6870 Passcode: 963246 ). SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER - SHABBAT AFTERNOON
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Shabbat Afternoon Service (15:00) Led by Lynette Chazen with Justin Wise. Including the Bat Mitzvah of Lily Bo Stanley-Hooper.
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Year 5 and 6 Secret Cinema (17:30-20:30) We are very excited to be launching our first Secret Cinema of 5784 for school years 5 and 6 Join us for an evening of games, adventures, dinner, immersive cinema and lots of chocolate, all right here at Alyth! This is an exclusive social event for Years 5 and 6; expect to see friends old and new. £15 for Alyth members, £20 for non Alyth members. Contact hannahwood@alyth.org.uk for more information and click here to sign up.
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SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER
BE WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Alyth Cycling Community Bike Ride (09:00-10:15) Bringing riders of all abilities together to enjoy cycling and conversation. For more information contact laurancemendoza@aol.com. BE WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Sunday Shacharit (09:00-10:15) Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 864 4782 5935, Password: 785089).
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Sunday Morning Galim (10:00) SMG provides our youngest members the opportunity to explore their Jewish identity, key Jewish behaviour and rituals and Jewish texts. Contact phoebe@alyth.org.uk for more information or to enrol. LEARN WITH US ONLINE Biblical Hebrew (11:15) A programme for those with high level Hebrew reading ability. Email edwardjgold@hotmail.com if you would like to join this class so that you can be sent the link and materials in advance.
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Alyth Academy of Performing Arts (18:00) A feature of the Alyth calendar for Secondary School aged children for over 20 years. The end of year production takes place in March. Contact abi@alyth.org.uk for more information. MONDAY 13 NOVEMBER
BE WITH US IN PERSON The Alyth Social (14:00) Part of the Alyth Friendship Project. Join us for an afternoon of entertainment, discussion, tea and great company! Today: Rabbi Or Zohar and Adam Zohar Rabbi Or and Adam Zohar, our visiting Rabbi from Israel and his son, Adam, as part of our Musical Scholar in Residence made possible by the legacy of the late Joy and Raymond Goldman. Adam will play cello and Rabbi Or will sing for us and introduce some new melodies. BE WITH US IN PERSON Monday Club (19:00) A friendly in-person meeting place for people with learning disabilities. For more information or to let us know that you will be attending, please email lynette@alyth.org.uk.
TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Year 10 Hadracha (17:00) Our Year 10 cohort comes together for our weekly leadership programme. Contact phoebe@alyth.org.uk for more information.
LEARN WITH US IN PERSON Intensive Hebrew (19:00) For beginners, to learn the alphabet and basic decoding skills. Taught by Alyth member Jan Roseman. Contact sam@alyth.org.uk.
LEARN WITH US IN PERSON Judaism: The Essentials (20:00) Our regular introduction to Judaism class taught by our clergy with Jon Epstein. Essentials is the perfect class for those coming to Judaism for the first time, or looking to consolidate the learning of a lifetime - or anywhere in between. New students are always welcome. Today's session: The Formation of Judaism: Rabbinic Literature - Halachah & Aggadah. Please contact Rabbi Elliott (elliott@alyth.org.uk) for more information.
LEARN WITH US ONLINE Hebrew Reading Course (20:00) For those already proficient in Hebrew reading, to continue to develop their skills. Taught by Alyth member Jan Roseman. Contact sam@alyth.org.uk. Click here to join (Meeting ID: 812 5752 6877 Passcode: 461382)
BE WITH US IN PERSON Alyth Choral Society (20:00) For Choral Society Members only. Go to www.alythchoralsociety.org for more information.
THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER
BE WITH US ONLINE Mellow Chair Yoga for All Ages (11:00) 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 (Meeting ID: 892 6465 8503 Passcode: 202324)
BE WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Pardes: Kabbalah for the 21st Century (13:00) Join Rabbi Or for a special series of Pardes, in which he will introduce the basic premises of the ancient spiritual path of the Kabbalistic tradition in a way that is approachable, meaningful, and useful for a progressive and curious 21st-century audience. We will explore various Kabbalistic ideas and practices, immerse ourselves in intriguing Kabbalistic texts, engage in Kabbalistic meditation, and discuss how these ancient concepts and practices can be relevant to our lives today. Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 123 761 361 Passcode: 019498).
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Alyth Children's Theatre (17:00) Our drama group for Primary School aged children. The group rehearse all year and then perform the show in June 2024. Contact abi@alyth.org.uk for more information.
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Year 5 B’nei Mitzvah Date Booking Information Evening (19:00-20:00) During this evening we will explain how booking a Bar or Bat Mitzvah date works, what sharing a date looks like, how the B’nei Mitzvah journey works and there will be an opportunity for questions. This is also a lovely opportunity to meet other parents in year 5 going on the B’nei Mitzvah journey together. This evening is for parents only. Contact sam@alyth.org.uk for more information.
LEARN WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE The Alyth Chavruta Project: A Special Series with Rabbi Or Zohar (19:00) The Alyth Chavruta Project returns for a special 3-week course taught by Rabbi Or. This course will take us on a textual journey into the mysteries of Kabbalah. Considered by many as the crown of the Kabbalistic tradition, the Zohar literature is intriguing, enigmatic, creative, thought-provoking, and radical. Described as one of Judaism's greatest cultural and spiritual treasures, the Zohar literature serves as a precious resource for those seeking inspiration from the ancient occult traditions of the world. Please let Rabbi Elliott (elliott@alyth.org.uk) know if you would like to participate, or if you would like more information. Click hereto join online (Meeting ID: 819 0556 4940 Passcode: 311220)
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FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN PERSON Baby Den (10:30) Chug-a-lug into Shabbat. Sing your favourite Baby Den songs, dance to a Shabbat beat and wave to some familiar faces. For families with Young Children.
BE WITH US ONLINE JMM (17:00) 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).
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Ruach 1 - 4 (17:15-19:30) Our pre Bar/Bat Mitzvah programme delivered by our wonderful team of madrichim. Participants explore their Jewish identity through the lens of community. Contact phoebe@alyth.org.uk for more information.
BE WITH US IN PERSON Sing With Us (17:15-19:30) Join Rabbi Or and Feliza Bascara-Zohar to sing new and familiar melodies, exploring harmonies and preparing our voices for our Shabbat service.
FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER - EREV SHABBAT PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Erev Shabbat and Service (18:30) We welcome Shabbat as a community, joining together online and in person for a special Erev Shabbat service lead by Rabbi Elliott, Rabbi Or Zohar and Feliza Or-Bascara. They will lead us in many of our familiar Shabbat melodies, as well as introducing us to some of their own musical settings to our traditional prayers. Click hereto join online (Meeting ID: 814 6531 8254 Passcode: 785089).
SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER - SHABBAT MORNING PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Shabbat Morning Service (10:30) Led by Rabbi Elliott with Justin Wise. Including the Bat Mitzvah of Emily Rae. Including a Torah Breakout with Student Rabbi Eleanor during the Torah service, and a sermon by Rabbi Or. Click hereto join online (Meeting ID: 811 7011 0652 Passcode: 785089).
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON Gesher (11:00) Our musical service providing a bridge between our youngest family services and the next stage in Alyth families’ prayer life. SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER - SHABBAT AFTERNOON
BE WITH US IN PERSON Composer in Residence Concert (18:00) Join us for a special concert at 18:00 in which Rabbi Or and Felicia Bascara-Zohar will showcase some of their original compositions. Or and Feliza will be accompanied by members of the Alyth choir, as well as musicians from the community. Book now for the concert on Saturday 18 November by clicking here.
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CAN YOU HELP? Do you have a 2-bed room flat or similar to let for 8 months?
Rabbi Golan Ben-Chorin will be with us at Alyth from January 2024, during which time he will need accommodation. We are helping him look for a 2-bedroom flat or maisonette to rent for the 8-month period that he is in London. Ideally the property will be located near Alyth, but a little further afield is okay too. Do you have a property to rent or know of someone who does? Please be in touch with Noeleen who is helping to coordinate Rabbi Golan’s arrival in January. Email: noeleen@alyth.org.uk
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Annual Meeting of Congregants and becoming a Trustee of Alyth
At the General Meeting of Congregants, which will be held towards the end of January 2024, we will elect three new Trustees to the Alyth Board. The Nominations Group is now inviting applications to join the Board. To express your interest in joining the Alyth Board of Trustees, please fill in the short form here (https://shulcloud.alyth.org.uk/form/trusteeapplication) Please email vicechair@alyth.org.uk for an informal conversation with a current member of the Board.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - ALYTH REFUGEE ACTIVITIES
At Simchat Torah, we honoured Cheryl Brodie and Debbie Rose, who together dedicated 11 years to developing and running the Refugee Drop In at Alyth. While the Sunday Socials are on a break, we still run monthly trips around London and a Refugee Choir, which meets monthly at the synagogue. We are always looking for volunteers who are welcoming, empathetic, and able to pitch in for 2-3 hours a month. Please email Rabbi Elliott (elliott@alyth.org.uk) if you would like to be involved.
MITZVAH DAY COLLECTION
This year, for Mitzvah Day on Sunday 19 November, children at SMG will be delivering items for the All Saints Childs Hill Food Bank and Great Ormand Street Hospital.
The All Saints Childs Hill Food Bank is a community run food bank in association with the All Saints church. With an objective to be a constant source of help for families who do not have enough to feed their families, the All Saint Childs Hill Food Bank relies on local donations to keep everyone fed and sustained. Following the success of our visit on Mitzvah Day 5783, having donation 157 kilos of food, we will be returning with donations to stock up the food bank.
Every day, around 750 seriously ill children and young people from across the UK are seen at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Many children, who visit GOSH have extended hospital stays, complex medical needs, illnesses, and go through great challenges. Despite the greatest challenges a child can face, the hospital is a place where being sick does not always mean being sad. During these extended stays, where children and young people (from the ages of 0-18) often spend birthdays, the gifts (no matter how big and small) that are donated, will go directly to poorly children, making their days seem a little brighter.
Click herefor the items we are collecting for the food bank and hospital.
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BUILDING AT ALYTH
Click here to view this week's bi weekly update. Click here to view previous newsletters and blogs. Click here for our Instagram and click here for our Facebook page for regular building updates. There are photos and a face of Alyth on social media this week.
FACES OF ALYTH During the expected 54 weeks of the building project, we’ll share short video clips of Alyth members, Trustees, Clergy and Staff Team speaking about why they love Alyth, what matters to them, and why the renewal of our building is such an important and exciting time for the future of the whole community. Click herefor Faces of Alyth on Instagram and click here for Facebook.
Emergency Careline – 020 8457 8798 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.
Click hereto view our partner organisations including links to sign up to their weekly communications.
