newsletter

Chanukah at Alyth

We wish everyone at Alyth a happy Chanukah. 

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)
 
Saturday 9 December
Sensory Chanukah Havdallah (16:00)
 
Sunday 10 December
Chanukah Concert featuring Alyth Youth Singers (15:00-17:00)
 
Monday 11 December
Special Chanukah Film Club with Candle Lighting (19:00)
 
Tuesday 12 December
Judaism the Essentials Candle Lighting (20:00)
 
Wednesday 13 December
Candle-lighting at Home: please share your photos with us on our socials! Use #alythchanukah to share.
 
Thursday 14 December
Young Adult Board Game Café (19:30)
Contact Sam (sam@alyth.org.uk) for more information.

More information is in the body of the email below.

FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER 

CHANUKAH FOR YOUNG FAMILIES 
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.  
This is the last Ruach of term. We resume on Friday 12 January. 

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 18:15. Contact sarah@alyth.org.uk for more information. 

EREV SHABBAT 

PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE
Erev Shabbat and Service (18:15)
Please note the earlier start time. The service will start with the Chanukiah lighting at 18:15.
We welcome Shabbat as a community, joining together online and in person. Led by Rabbi Elliott and Abi. The D'var Torah will be given by Youth and Education Hub Educator Phoebe Decker.
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). 

CHANUKAH FOR YOUNG FAMILIES
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.

SHABBAT AFTERNOON 

CHANUKAH FOR YOUNG FAMILIES
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. 

SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 
 
BE WITH US IN PERSON 
Alyth Cycling Community Bike Ride (08:15) 
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. This is the last SMG of term. We resume on Sunday 14 January. 

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.

CHANUKAH: BE WITH US IN PERSON
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. 
 
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 11 DECEMBER 

CHANUKAH: 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 Chanukah Party
Come and join us for our Annual Chanukah Party. With the delightful sounds of our very own  Alyth stars The Solomons-Wise Quartet. This group of exciting young jazz musicians are already making their mark on the London jazz scene as individuals, performing at venues across London. Students of prestigious London Conservatoires (The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal academy of Music), these talented musicians are ones to watch and a   treat to listen to!  Noam, Liam, will play a range of danceable, classic jazz and swing tunes guaranteed to get you on your feet. They will also play some more modern jazz repertoire alongside some Chanukah songs with a jazzy twist! For catering purposes, please let lynette@alyth.org.uk know that you are attending.
 
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.

CHANUKAH: BE WITH US IN PERSON
Chanukah Film Club: Dinking Across Faith (19:00)
A Cross-Cultural Israeli Pickleball Adventure. Join us for the screening of a special film on a sport you may have never heard of, but which is increasingly popular in Israel, and can be a way in which to meet across the religious divide. Following the screening of this short documentary on the Pickleball scene in Haifa, there will be an opportunity for conversation with the filmmaker, Rabbi Golan Ben-Chorin, who will be joining Alyth as Interim Rabbi in January 2024. This will be a chance to meet Rabbi Golan and get to know him, as well as see another side to his activities as a progressive rabbi in Israel.
 
TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER 
 
CHANUKAH: 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 Synagogue
Please contact Rabbi Elliott (elliott@alyth.org.uk) for more information.
 
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

WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER  

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. 

THURSDAY 14 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)
 
CHANUKAH: BE WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE
Pardes: The Many Different Origins of the Chanukah Story (13:00)
There are so many origin stories associated with Chanukah. Join Rabbi Elliott to delve into the different reasons and rationales that we have for the festivities of Chanukah – which celebrates a military victory, remembers a miracle of oil, brings light in the coldest time of the year, and even carries echoes of Babylonian fire-worship.

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

CHANUKAH: BE WITH US IN PERSON
Young Adult Board Game Café (19:30)
Join Rabbi Elliott and Sam to play some classic board games and maybe even try some new ones! With latkes, doughnuts and refreshments.
Please let sam@alyth.org.uk know if you are coming for catering purposes.

FRIDAY 15 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. This is the last Baby Den of 2023. We resume on Friday 5 January. 

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).

BE WITH US IN PERSON
Israel: 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. 
Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 814 6531 8254 Passcode: 785089). 

SATURDAY 16 DECEMBER - SHABBAT MORNING 

PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE
Choir Breakfast (09:15)
Breakfast for Synagogue Choir Members.
​​​​​​​
PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE
Shabbat Morning Service (10:30)
Led by Student Rabbi Eleanor and Rabbi Elliott. Accompanied by guitar and including the Bat Mitzvah of Lily Akgul.
Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 811 7011 0652 Passcode: 785089). 

PRAY WITH US IN PERSON AND ONLINE
Shabbat Morning Choral Service (10:30)
Led by Student Rabbi Nicola with the Alyth Choir. Taking place in the Upstairs Prayer Space.
Click here to join online (Meeting ID: 837 8470 9795 Passcode: 636118)

HOLIDAY OFFICE OPENING HOURS   

The building/office is closed on 24, 25, 26 and 31 December. The office on 27, 28 and 29 December is open 10am-4pm. In case of an emergency, please call the emergency careline – 020 8457 8798. Please use this number if you need urgent pastoral support, for example in cases of hospitalisation or bereavement.  This number will be answered by a member of the Alyth professional team.

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 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.

BUILDING AT ALYTH

Click here for this week's bi weekly building update. 

Click here to see videos taken from November. 

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 hospitalisation 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.