newsletter

TONIGHT 

BE WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE 
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. 
Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 316 316 6763 Passcode: 311220)

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! Use #alythchanukah to share. 
 
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 (15:00-17:00)
Come and join us for a fun filled Chanukah concert with Singing for Pleasure, the Refugee Drop in Choir and the Alyth Youth Singers Alumni. Songs you love, songs to join in with and songs to dance to, not forgetting those delicious Chanukah treats. Please bring non-perishable food for our local food banks so that others can benefit too. 
 
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.

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 here to 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 (tonight- see above 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. 
Share and Reflect Together, in person, Fridays 1 and 15 December, 17:15
An opportunity to come together with others to talk and reflect on events in Israel and the UK in a loving, non-judgemental space. Facilitated by Rabbi Elliott, including prayers for peace, for the release of captives, and for healing.
Israel Briefing with Rabbi Golan, Monday 18 December, 18:00
We look forward to welcoming Rabbi Golan Ben Chorin into our community as Interim Rabbi in January 2024. Rabbi Golan is joining us from Haifa, and has worked in a number of Progressive synagogues and communities across the north of Israel for many years. This will be an opportunity both to meet Rabbi Golan and to hear from him his perspective on the events of the last few months, as well as how progressive communities in Israel are responding.
Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 360 360 6763 Passcode: 785089)

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.

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.  

BE WITH US IN PERSON
Share and Reflect Together (17:15)
An opportunity to come together with others to talk and reflect on events in Israel and the UK in a loving, non-judgemental space. Facilitated by Rabbi Elliott, including prayers for peace, for the release of captives, and for healing.

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 Student Rabbi Eleanor with Ben Levett. 
Click here to 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 here to 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.

Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 676 367 6367 Passcode: 963246)


SHABBAT 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.

SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER 
 
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 4 DECEMBER 

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 Recital
Greg Hartman and Sooyeon Baik – two students from The Guildhall School of Music will perform for us works by Mozart, Grunfeld, Beethoven and Liszt

BE WITH US ONLINE 
Alyth Book Club (18:30) 
Join us online to discuss this month’s book, The Prison Minyan by Jonathan Stone. Welcome to Otisville, America's only Jewish prison…where a new celebrity inmate is about to shatter the peace.
This month’s book club is online only, with Rabbi Elliott.
For next month's Book Club on 8 January, we will be reading a collection of short stories. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for Book Club, please contact Rabbi Elliott (elliott@alyth.org.uk)
Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 676 367 6367 Passcode: 963246)
 
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 5 DECEMBER 

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: Chanukah
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 7 DECEMBER  

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: Two Chanukah Pardes Specials with Rabbi Elliott
The classical Chanukah hymn, Maoz Tzur (‘Rock of Ages’) can be difficult for progressive readers – to the extent that the final verse of the traditional version was removed from our prayer book by its editors. Join Rabbi Elliott to learn about this poem and its origins, as well as interpretations both ancient and modern.

Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 123 761 361 Passcode: 019498)

YOUTH AND EDUCATION
Alyth Children's Theatre: this week starting with candle lighting (17:00)
Our drama group for Primary School aged children. The group rehearse all year and then perform the show in June 2024. Please note this is the last ACT of term. We resume on Thursday 11 January 2024. 
Contact abi@alyth.org.uk for more information.

CHANUKAH: BE WITH US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA 
Candle-lighting at Home: please share your photos with us on our socials! Use #alythchanukah to share. 

FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER 

FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN PERSON
CHANUKAH: Baby Den: Chanukah Special (10:30)
Chug-a-lug into Shabbat and Chanukah. 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. Please note this is the last Ruach of term. We resume on Friday 12 January. 
Contact phoebe@alyth.org.uk for more information.  

BE WITH US IN PERSON
CHANUKAH: 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. 

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 here to join online (Meeting ID: 892 7116 7329 Passcode: 785089). 

SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER - SHABBAT MORNING 

LEARN WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE
Shabbat Shiur: Parashat VaYeshev and dreams (09:15)
Join Student Rabbi Josh Scharff for this week’s Torah portion which kicks off the story of Joseph: a dreamer, who draws the ire of his brothers. We will examine dreams in the Tanakh and how we understand the importance of being dreamers in our texts.
Josh is a fourth-year rabbinical student in the Israeli Rabbinical Program at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, and serves as student rabbi and also as Development Associate at Beit Daniel Reform synagogue in Tel Aviv where he is responsible for overseas fundraising. He also tutors b’nei mitzvah students, leads services, and is the liaison for the local youth group branch. Josh's passions revolve around sharing his love and passion for Judaism, the Jewish People, and Israel - his adopted home.
Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 240 937 705 Passcode: 602287)

PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE
Early Shabbat Morning Service (09:00)
Led by Rabbi Elliott. Including the Bar Mitzvah of Jak Simler.
Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 676 367 6367 Passcode: 963246). 

PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE
Kollot (10:30)
Our informal, unaccompanied, participatory minyan. Led by Rabbi Elliott and Justin Wise, with members of the community reading and teaching Torah.
Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 828 1256 3058 Passcode: 785089). 

FOR YOUNG FAMILIES
CHANUKAH: Gesher (11:00)
If your child is too old for Sensory , but Big Bang feels too grown up, join us for 'Gesher', a service designed to bridge the gap between our two family prayer spaces, so your child can grow through tefillah that works for them. Led by Rabbi Hannah and Abi. 
Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 846 7042 3842 Passcode: 726866). 

SHABBAT AFTERNOON 

FOR YOUNG FAMILIES
CHANUKAH: Sensory Chanukah Havdallah (16:00)
Havdallah is one of our most Sensory experiences. We see the flickering candle flame, smell the sweet spices and taste the wine. Join us for this special Chanukah themed Sensory Havdallah 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! Led by Rabbi Hannah and Han. 

BUILDING AT ALYTH

Click here to see videos taken from last 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 here for Faces of Alyth on Instagram and click here for Facebook. 

Click here or phone 020 8457 8794 to be in touch.

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 here to view our partner organisations including links to sign up to their weekly communications.