Chanukah at Alyth Thursday 7 December Alyth Children's Theatre, starting with candle lighting (17:00) Candle-lighting at Home: please share your photos with us on our socials!
Friday 8 December Pre-Shabbat Service Community Chanukiah lighting (17:30) You are invited to Alyth’s communal candle lighting on the building site! Lighting will take place on the site of our new Leo Baeck Hall in celebration of our new building. Please join us for live music, mulled & cider wine, hot chocolate & doughnuts. The communal candle lighting will be at 18:10. Contact sarah@alyth.org.uk for more information.
Saturday 9 December Sensory Chanukah Havdallah (16:00)
Sunday 10 December Chanukah Concert featuring Alyth Youth Singers (15:00)
Monday 11 December Special Chanukah Film Club with Candle Lighting (19:00)
Tuesday 12 December Jewish Essentials Candle Lighting (20:00)
Wednesday 13 December Chanukah in the Home If you live in Borehamwood, Muswell Hill, Barnet, or anywhere else and would like to invite members into your home for a chanukiah lighting, please contact alythadmin@alyth.org.uk to offer to host.
Thursday 14 December Young Adult Board Game Café (19:30) Contact Sam (sam@alyth.org.uk) for more information.
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Responding as a Community to Events in Israel
We are sure that like us, many of you continue to be 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.
Being together as a community Over the next few weeks we will be organising activities where members can gather, support one another and gain insight into life in Israel and Gaza in these troubled times. These activities will include a session with the Bereaved Families Forum (next week - see below for more information), briefings from UK organisations, and from our friends and colleagues in Israel, as well as space to reflect and talk together, supported by Alyth clergy. See December’s ‘Around Alyth’ for more information.
Ways you can help We are a collection point for Sebby's Corner. Please click here for a list of items that they are collecting.
Please click 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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FRIDAY 24 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.
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 and Rabbi Or Zohar. Click hereto join online (Meeting ID: 892 7116 7329 Passcode: 785089).
SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER - SHABBAT MORNING LEARN WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Shabbat Shiur (09:15) Join Rabbi Or for a special shiur at the conclusion of his residency with us as he helps us to explore this week’s parashah from Galilean, Israeli and global perspectives. The story of Jacob’s ladder is one of obtaining new vision and shifting paradigms. It is also one that gives us new hope in a time of crisis, as we go in search of a new vision for the Holy Land. Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 240 937 705 Passcode: 602287)
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Shabbat Morning Service (10:30) Led by Rabbi Elliott and Viv Bellos. Including the B’nei Mitzvah of Jonah and Minnie Conway. Click hereto join online (Meeting ID: 828 1256 3058 Passcode: 785089).
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Imrei Finu (10:30) An informal Shabbat morning service with guitar, including the singing of new and familiar melodies. Led by Rabbi Or. Click hereto join online (Meeting ID: 846 7042 3842 Passcode: 726866). SHABBAT AFTERNOON YOUTH AND EDUCATION Year 7 Bowling (16:00) Part of the B’nei Mitzvah process at Alyth is focused on social bonding. Join Phoebe and madrichim for an evening of bowling with dinner and a chance to get to know people having a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in your year! Email phoebe@alyth.org.uk for more information and to book.
EVENING
BE WITH US IN PERSON ACS Concert: An Evening of Opera Choruses (19:00) Alyth Choral Society welcome guests from Zeist in the Netherlands for an evening of opera choruses. Directed by Alison Smart Fisher and Michiel Van Laarhoven with accompanists Tim Hooper and frank Leurs. Tickets £20 from www.alythchoralsociety.org.
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SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER 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.
BE WITH US IN PERSON Refugee Choir (13:30) This multi-faith, multicultural choir is open to refugees, Drop-in volunteers and the wider Alyth community. BE WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Singing for Pleasure (15:30) Join Viv and sing songs from the shows, Israeli folksongs, songs from the 60s and more. No need to audition, read music or feel intimidated.
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 27 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: The Guildhall School of Music Concert: Jung Hwa Lee Returning in the first of many recitals over the coming months from Students of The Guildhall School of Music, Jung Hwa joins us and will play pieces by Haydn, Beethoven and Liszt. 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 28 NOVEMBER
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Year 10 Hadracha - Including graduation and chavurah supper (17:00) Our Year 10 cohort comes together for our weekly leadership programme. This week inlcudes the year 10 hadracha graduation and celebratory chavurah supper. 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: Post Talmudic textual development 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) Coming up: Alyth Choral Society, as part of Alyth Synagogue’s Yom Hashoah Commemoration on 5 May 2024, will be performing Annaliese by James Whitbourn. The Society would warmly welcome singers to join them and be a part of this special occasion. Weekly rehearsals start today; for further details please contact alythchoralsociety@gmail.com
THURSDAY 30 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 Returns on Thursday 7 December.
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.
BE WITH US IN PERSON Bereaved Families Forum (18:15) Join us for a special evening with the two members of the Bereaved Families Forum, Layla Alsheikh and Robi Damelin. Both Layla and Robi lost children to the conflict, and instead of turning to thoughts of revenge, resolved to devote their time and energy to pursuing a peaceful future. Layla Alsheikh lives in Bethlehem in the West Bank. In 2002, her 6 months old son, Qussay, became ill and Israeli soldiers prevented Layla from taking him to the hospital for more than five hours. Qussay soon died from the lack of timely treatment. Layla joined the Parents Circle in 2016. Following her son’s death, she never thought of revenge, but rather has devoted her time and energy to ensuring a better, more peaceful future for her children. Robi Damelin’s son, David, was killed by a Palestinian sniper in 2002 while guarding a checkpoint near a settlement during his army reserve service. She speaks to Israelis, Palestinians, and audiences all over the world to demand that reconciliation be a part of any peace agreement. Robi was named a 2015 Woman of Impact by Women in the World.
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FRIDAY 1 DECEMBER 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.
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. Click hereto join online (Meeting ID: 814 6531 8254 Passcode: 785089).
SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER - SHABBAT MORNING PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Choir Rehearsal (09:15) Rehearsing Alyth’s choral repertoire for Shabbat Services. PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE Shabbat Morning Service (10:30) Led by Student Rabbi Nicola with the Alyth choir. Including the Bat Mitzvah of Lilyrose Goodman. Click hereto join online (Meeting ID: 811 7011 0652 Passcode: 785089). PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE New Liturgy Service (10:30) Join Student Rabbi Eleanor for a service offering the chance to experience new versions of our prayers by modern liturgists and explore further in a study session on the week's Torah reading. This week: Vayishlach - many names, one God. AFTERNOON
BE WITH US IN PERSON Shabbat B'yachad Lunch As part of the Alyth Friendship Project, please join us for our Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30, followed by a lunch. For catering purposes, please let Lynette know you are coming at lynette@alyth.org.uk or 020 8457 8793. There is no charge for this but donations are always appreciated.
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TALK TOGETHER - last chance to sign up Sunday 26 November 10:30-12:30 Thursday 30 November 19:30-21:30
As we mark the beginning of a new year it is time for us to turn our attention as a community towards the future. 5784 will be a year of celebration, as we open the new building, and also of transition, as we work to build on the strong foundations that have been laid under Rabbi Josh's exceptional leadership. As we enter this period of transition, we have the opportunity to ask ourselves what we value about the community we have built so far, what we hope for the future, and what kind of leadership will support us as we meet the needs of both those who are with us today and those who will come in future generations.
To support this conversation, the Trustees invite you to one of our upcoming 'Talk Together' events on one of the dates below. Each will last for two hours, will be held in person, and will be an opportunity to talk with other members of the community and to share your thoughts, hopes, insights, concerns and aspirations for the future of our community. What we learn together will be really valuable as we begin the process of search and recruitment later in the year. You can sign up online by clicking here . Full details of the venue will be sent to you when you sign up.
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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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BUILDING AT ALYTH
Click here to see videos taken from the past week.
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.
