Dear Members, As Shabbat went out last weekend, news filtered out to the Community and the wider world of the devasting news of the untimely passing of Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l. It is a huge loss, not only for the AngloJewish community, but also for the wider world. Chief Rabbi Sacks z"l was an incredible communicator who inspired millions of all faiths and none across the world. He was a oneoff whose loss will be felt by many. He was a remarkable man, whose legacy will live on, not just in his vast array of books, but in the large numbers of lives which he touched. As he so eloquently put it, "The good we do lives on in others, and it is one of the most important things that does." The United Synagogue is considering the opportunity for members to send in condolence emails which would then be printed and sent to the Sacks family in the form of a hard copy Condolence book to mark the sheloshim. I will keep you updated as to how this will work, as it was felt better to have one book than numerous books from multiple communities. We would, in the meantime, take the opportunity to wish Lady Elaine and all the family Chayim Aruchim, long life, with no more sorrows. On a different note, this week, we will please Gd, be able to commemorate AJEX Shabbat, as well as get involved in Mitzvah Day 2020 this coming Sunday. We would in normal years have been in Shul to commemorate AJEX Shabbat this weekend, but due to the temporary closure of our Shul, we are unable to be together in person. However, we will be honouring and commemorating AJEX Shabbat on Friday afternoon as part of our Taste of Shabbat Zoom session which this week starts at 2:30pm, with Rabbi Lew and Chazan Turgel. The Taste of Shabbat will also include some reflections about Rabbi Sacks z"l. As ever, the Zoom session can be accessed by logging in at [Zoom] – Password: 648395. Our Mitzvah Day team have worked tirelessly over the last few months to prepare as creative a programme as possible despite the current circumstances surrounding the Covid19 pandemic. Given the more recent restrictions which have been imposed by the Government, the Mitzvah Day team have had to update some of the Mitzvah Day activities – but there is still plenty to get involved in! Please see the [poster] which gives you full details of Sunday's activities. During the afternoon, please note that there will be a virtual AJEX parade and Remembrance Ceremony taking place at 2:30pm on Sunday which can be viewed on the AJEX [YouTube] Channel. Please then come straight onto the SACPS Big Community Tea party which begins at 3:00pm with some wonderful musical entertainment provided by our own talented Josh Nesbitt. This can be accessed by again logging in at [Zoom] – Password: 648395. There is also one other initiative to remind you about – the United Synagogue's virtual daily prayers (Daily Digital Davening). Every day on the United Synagogue [Facebook page] our community can join one of the US Rabbis and pray along with him, or watch them on demand. You can view the timetable at [dailydigitaldavening] It is anticipated that there will be a memorial prayer at the end of these prayers for those in mourning or observing a yahrzeit, as well as a mishna after davening for mourners. Rabbi Lew can also offer advice on further memorial prayers, you can say while davening alone should you, sadly, be in mourning or marking a yahrzeit. We thank you for your continued support and in the meantime, be well and healthy and stay safe.
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