WADS News Rosh Hashanah 2015

ISSUE TWENTY FOUR Autumn 2015 Rosh Hashanah 5776 www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADSNews Inside: Celebrating Simchas!

WADS Exclusive!

Top Tips on creating and enjoying your simcha! (page 12)

Brownies report (p10)

Tribe report from Scott Michaels (p17)

The WADS Barbecue in Pictures (p20)

The 2nd annual Golf Day (p26)

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

THE CHIEF RABBI’S MESSAGE ROSH HASHANAH 5776 At the height of our High Holyday services we will declare: “Penitence, Prayer and Charity can avert the evil decree”. We will recognise that prayer is a central, fundamental and transformative ingredient of our Jewish experience. According to the Talmud, prayer is “worship of the heart” and one of the pillars upon which the world stands.

During the past year I have enjoyed wonderful prayer services in numerous communities across Great Britain and the Commonwealth. In recent months I have begun engaging with our Rabbis and other community leaders to explore ways in which we can stimulate added enthusiasm for tefilla, including, for example, seeking to encourage Batmitzvah and Barmitzvah celebrants to have greater knowledge of and proficiency in our tefillot.

The Hebrew term tefilla, is, however, significantly different from the English “prayer”, which is derived from the Latin precari, meaning to beg or entreat. The root of tefilla is the Hebrew word “pileil,” meaning to judge. It is found in the Torah in situations in which action has been taken or an intervention has been made. For example, in recounting the famous Biblical story of Pinchas’ intervention when he encountered a couple engaging in an adulterous relationship, the Book of Psalms states ‘Vaya'amod Pinchas Vayefalel’ – “Pinchas stood up and intervened”.

From here we learn that tefilla is far more than words spoken in supplication to or in praise of God. The reflexive “lehitpaleil,” means to judge or to analyse oneself. Through self-evaluation we engage in a constructive and healthy activity that can re-fashion our lives. Tefilla affords us the opportunity to take a long, hard and honest look at ourselves in the Divine shadow of God’s presence, where nothing can be denied or hidden; to differentiate between what we want and what we need; and to give voice to our deepest hopes and aspirations, resolving to work passionately to achieve them.

Sometimes, those for whom tefilla is second nature can pray as a matter of routine and can struggle to find genuine meaning in what they are saying. Conversely, those with less grasp of the liturgy sometimes find that a catchy melody or special atmosphere provides them with great inspiration. It is revealing that as we finish the ‘Amidah’ we say, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable before You.” Neither the words nor the sentiment alone are sufficient – both are required together to be truly impactful. This is something that every one of us can achieve.

5775 has been a challenging year for Jewish communities at home and abroad. Murderous attacks on Jewish communities in Europe have left many feeling vulnerable and concerned. None of us can change the world overnight, but we can change ourselves, which, in turn, does indeed transform the world we live in.

Tefilla provides us with the key to unlocking that potential if we can approach it with the requisite humility and vigour.

May we all merit to discover the great beauty and value of tefilla, so that we begin 5776 with renewed positivity and sense of determination. Valerie and I extend to you all our very best wishes for a happy, healthy, peaceful and fulfilling New Year. Shana tova.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis September 2015 • Ellul 5775

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

Rabbi Ephraim Levine Rosh Hashanah 5776

L

ast year just after the Chaggim, WADS celebrated Shabbat together as a

community. It was a first for

Watford and was a great success.

We prayed, ate, sang, danced and schmoozed together from sunset on Friday until nightfall the next

day. Everyone left feeling uplifted

having spent the last 25 hours on a spiritual high.

That Shabbat we were part of the

Shabbos Project, an idea conceived

by Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein

of South Africa. His vision was that the Jewish people should keep one whole Shabbat from beginning to

end. It was a tall order at the time but the outcome exceeded his

expectations. People celebrated

and connected with Shabbat in a

way that many never had before.

So successful was the project that it went viral overnight and by the

following year the Shabbos Project was being kept around the world.

Our own Chief Rabbi Ephraim

Mirvis adopted the project and

named it ShabbatUK and it too had a special effect on communities

that were involved. Watford was no exception and we had a full

shul as we celebrated with Friday night and Shabbat day meals,

concluding with a Seudah and a musical Havdalah.

We are planning to be involved

with the Shabbos Project again this year and I can tell you that plans are already under way for an even better and more special Shabbat celebration. Everyone will agree that we all need a day off during the week, and an opportunity to connect with something a little higher than ourselves. Shabbat is a gift to the Jewish people and provides that opportunity so that we can take ourselves away from the mundane activity of the week, focusing in on our own personal and family needs.

But for one reason or another we don’t always get the opportunity to celebrate, observe and appreciate Shabbat for everything it has to offer. And this is why the Shabbos Project is so special. Last year in Watford, people’s love for Shabbat was changed for the better as a result of this project, and this year I want us to achieve even more.

I hope to be in touch with as many of you as possible in the run up to Shabbos Project and get you on board for what will be the most exciting and spiritually uplifting 25 hours of the year! The project will be kicked off with a massive challah make in Brent Cross and will conclude with an even bigger Havdallah concert at the same location. I am looking forward to us joining together, not just with the rest of the UK celebrating Shabbat, but with hundreds of Jewish communities across the globe.

Make a resolution for the New Year this year: clear your diary on 23-24 October and get ready to keep it together!

Rochel and the boys join me in wishing you and your families a shana tova umetuka!

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Mike Gordon speaks from the Wardens Box

A

s we approach the Yomim Naroim and reflect on the past year, I was wondering what had given me, not as a Warden but as a member, the greatest personal pleasure over this period so far as our shul is concerned.

Whatever the undoubted successes we have enjoyed, tinged by the indubitable, but hopefully not as frequent, failings we have encountered, to me the highpoint of the last twelve months has been the continued and seemingly increasing complimentary comments that are made by visitors to our shul. Visitors come to us for a variety of reasons – usually for a simcha but sometimes to be with family or friends and occasionally to be nearer to someone who is hospitalised. Virtually without fail, word gets back to us as to how enjoyable the whole shul “experience” was - from the ambience of the building to the warmth and friendliness of the welcome from the members and our Rabbi.

So much so that this year we have had new members joining the shul as a consequence of spending a Shabbat with us as visitors.

However pleasing this may be, I personally should perhaps not be surprised. Some thirteen years ago when Lindsay and I were looking for pastures new we drew up a list of half a dozen shuls in and around the Hertfordshire area with a view to visiting each as a change from the North West London heartlands. Watford was first

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on the list. We never got to visit numbers two, three, four, five or six. We received such a warm and friendly welcome we joined the shul and moved to Watford – in that order.

This can only augur well as we strive to grow and expand our community. Improved transport links to and from Central London and the ever spiralling property values of London and its suburbs may make Watford more attractive to newcomers – particularly in the younger age range. Against that however is the increasing problem of the paucity of places in Jewish schools available to Watford residents. This is something that the Executive will be seeking to address in the coming months.

It was often said to me that one of the reasons for Watford’s warmth and friendliness was the lack of politicking amongst its members. Everyone simply wanted what was best for Watford and worked together to achieve that. On the other hand it could, I accept, have been nothing more than apathy but I prefer to believe that was not the case.

In recent times however I have sensed a gradual, albeit slight, shift from this position.

If I am correct then perhaps, particularly at this time of the year, we could all undertake a little introspection and soul searching. So many people do so much for our community (a few more would not come amiss) let us not waste that talent and effort but strive together – all together – for the benefit not only of our shul but of each and every one of us.

On behalf of Henry, Stephen and myself, I wish you all k’tiva vechatima tova.

WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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From the Chairman

A message from Ronnie Jacob good can come of it. Elsewhere in this magazine you will see plenty about ShabbatUK. Please put it in your diary and come along. Last year was great and this will be even better.

F

irstly let me wish you all a happy and above all a healthy New Year.

Inspiration. Before writing any article for this magazine I have to be inspired. Where does the inspiration for this article come from? I was watching television the other day and saw a diver being interviewed. In all innocence he referred to diving being an “up and down sport”. That got me thinking, and I have to say that being chairman is indeed similar in terms of being up and down.

One day I am attending a fantastic Simcha; the next, dealing with a bereavement. My role sees me dealing with differences of opinion, administration issues, the marvellous new Cub pack, where to locate a shed and much more.

There are indeed ups and downs and as the Rabbi often says to me “we are lucky we do not know what is around the corner”. It is the same for all of us involved in running the shul.

So back to the inspiration. Last night I had the pleasure of attending a meeting of the shul ShabbatUK committee. A great bunch of people volunteering to put on an a large event involving a lot of us coming to the shul for one entire Shabbat, to experience the whole thing from beginning to end. It involves a lot of planning and vision. From speakers to food, from timing to table planning.

It all has to be done. There are few things I like better that to be among volunteers getting together to organise things for others. Only

We are currently organising interviews to replace our youth leader, Scott, who has gone to Camp America and is then off to University. I want to thank him for all the work he has done and off course we will see him around when he comes down during his holidays. (Do you see the theme continuing here? University students go up and down too!) OK very corny! One of the things the leader will do is lead the youth service at least once a month. I am very grateful to the members who have offered to put up the new appointee over Shabbat. Thank you.

The new board was elected in May and it is taking longer than I would like to get some parts of the programming up and running. That will all be sorted out at the next Board meeting. We have a great Board with some new faces and we are already making some great strides in areas such as education and goal setting. After the Yomim Noraim I am looking forward to the Rabbi’s “off the cuff” series restarting as well as the new Cub pack.

Not too long after the holidays Liz and her team will start planning for Holocast Memorial Day 2016.

So if you want to get involved now is the time to speak up by contacting Liz Maekels or myself. It is a mitzvah to take part in a truly moving day that lets today’s kids know about the Holocaust in a way that has been honed and polished by experts in the education field over a period of many years.

So finally let me wish you all an inspired and happy New Year with only ups and not downs.

This page has been sponsored by Susie & Clive Walters

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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From the US President

Working Together to Build our Future

A

s we approach Rosh Hashanah it is a good time to take stock of what has been happening in the US. Our wonderful Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, has now been in this role for two years and he continues to inspire and support our communities and as an ambassador to the wider world. It is a great privilege to work with him and also with the highly respected Dayanim of the London Beth Din. Our new Chief Executive, Dr Steven Wilson, has been with us almost a year.

He is already making a massive contribution to the professional team and together with many other staff and lay leaders, he is driving the implementation of the actions in our Strategic Review. Our Trustee Board has completed their first year and I am in my fifth year of six as your President. The months and years fly by and we are impatient to implement the recommendations aimed at ‘building vibrant, engaged communities at the forefront of British Jewry.’ Once again I would like to thank everyone who played a part in the Strategic Review, led by the indefatigable Marc Meyer.

We have also benefited from several new Rabbinic appointments both at Senior

and Assistant levels. Our Rabbonim are the key agents of change for our Shuls and we see many examples of communities being transformed under their leadership. We already have some great examples of strengthening of our local shul communities. Thanks to two forward-looking mergers this year we have welcomed Redbridge US (previously Clayhall and Newbury Park) and Woodford Forest US (previously Wanstead & Woodford and Waltham Forest Hebrew Congregation) into our family of communities. They are now going from strength to strength helping their members to lead fuller Jewish lives. Meanwhile, major milestones have been marked this year with Golders Green celebrating its centenary and with Borehamwood & Elstree and Alei Tzion their 60 year and 10 year anniversaries respectively. These amazing communities are jewels in the crown of our organisation and I wish them a hearty Mazel Tov and continued success for the future. Membership of all these communities and many others is increasing and we welcome our new families warmly.

The passion and enthusiasm in US shuls is so important in building the vitality of the wider Jewish community. When only a couple of months ago, a group of neo-Nazis tried to organise an antisemitic rally in Golders Green, the Jewish communal response was united and robust.

I believe that the vibrancy of our local communities played a crucial part in this. We continue to be challenged by a small

number of extremists who are intent on disrupting our lives.

Together with our partners in the CST and the police, we are responding to these challenges as vigorously as we can, whilst recognising that the vast majority of British society are peace-loving people who are equally concerned about these extremists.

Every day throughout the United Synagogue our staff, lay leaders and countless volunteers work together to produce outstanding activities that touch the whole of UK Jewry. One fine example of this is ShabbatUK, which we are all gearing up for on 23rd and 24th October 2015. Last year it was wonderful to see thousands of people embrace Shabbat UK with their friends and families.

This year ShabbatUK is set to be even bigger with the opening event, the Great Challah Bake on 22nd October, set to break all records.

Finally, as always, we look to our future; our youth. Through the work of Tribe and Young US we are investing in inspiring and engaging the next generations of our community. The Tribe activities are more popular than ever and are including more of our youth. They are supported

by US Futures whose fundraising efforts this year included the wonderful ‘Run Rabbi Run’ team at the Maccabi Community Fun Run. Cheryl and I wish you and your family a Shana Tova Umetuka a happy, healthy and sweet New Year.

Stephen Pack President

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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A Change Would do you Good…

Lauren Hamburger juggles tradition and change

I

t’s not often I find myself quoting Sheryl Crow, who famously sang “A Change Would do you Good” but it is at this time of year, when we find ourselves embracing familiar routines, such as food, family, shofar and food again I daresay, that we take a moment during the prayer services to think back and reflect.

In Judasim there is huge emphasis placed on continuity and tradition.

Our calendar is filled with chagim (festivals) and we celebrate year on year with a commitment to the rituals and the details, whether it’s the Pesach Seder and its ceremonial procedures, hearing the Megillah on Purim or the sweet taste and crunch combination of the first bite of apple dipped in honey over Rosh Hashanah.

We need those traditions. Their familiarity gives us comfort, taking us back to our own childhoods where things were so different.

No internet, no mobile phones, no iPad! Yet these rituals were the same as they were 30 years ago or even 300 years ago. The Jewish people have always been a wandering tribe; we settle in some places longer than others, but our traditions and our Torah have always kept us together. And it’s not just the chagim. Shabbat, our weekly gift of a mini-break, begins the same way for millions of families all over the world: candles, kiddush, challah (and chicken soup - the fourth unofficial mitzvah!). As Ahad Ha’am said: “More than the Jewish people have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jewish people.” This weekly pause helps us to retain our collective Jewish identity, allowing us to reflect and connect.

The Hebrew month of Tishrei is

filled with festivals, traditions and repetition – in the tunes we enjoy in the davening or in the meal we break our Yom Kippur fast with.

Crucially and perhaps seemingly contrary, this time for traditions is also a time for change. Rosh Hashanah, meaning the head of the year, has the same root as the verb ‘to change - Lishnot’.

Now is the start of a new year, an opportunity to change something about ourselves for the better.

At US Women we are gearing up for some significant change as our elections take place in November.

Once every three years, they provide a chance to change the make-up of the Executive with familiar faces stepping down and new women, bringing new ideas and energy, joining. Two people who will be saying goodbye are our co-chairs Dalia Cramer and Leonie Lewis. Chairs for six years and three years respectively, they have overseen significant change for good, working tirelessly to ensure that women can now stand as chairs of their synagogues and as trustees of the United Synagogue. They have encouraged the creation of the ‘Female Jew’ educational roadshow, attended by hundreds of men and women, giving members of the United Synagogue a chance to learn more about Halacha and women’s participation in the community.

Above all, Dalia and Leonie have been role models for girls and women about how they can get involved in the community to make a change for good, and I doubt they will rest on their laurels. Dalia has already committed to hosting this October’s Great Challah Make for ShabbatUK, following on from the success of last year; and Leonie carries on as Director of JVN (the Jewish Volunteering Network).

While they will both be missed, by stepping down they allow for change and for new women to step up with fresh ideas on how we can ensure the more women across the United Synagogue feel a connection with their local and national community.

The US Women elections are in November and, as everyone knows, a group of people offering different skills and experiences will make the organisation stronger and more successful for us all.

What can you bring to US Women to help the next generation of United Synagogue girls feel passionate about their Judaism?

Are you a creative mind that can help initiate new campaigns and programmes to ensure that more women connect? Perhaps your planning skills are renowned – we need them for our events! Or maybe your leadership skills at work are second to none – now is the time to use them in the community and inspire more women to find their place and role within Judaism.

If this year, the Jewish year 5776, is a time you would like to change something for the better and help our community grow stronger, contact us about the forthcoming elections and how you could get involved. Sheryl Crow gave us a good song, and the shofar is giving us a good wake-up call. A change would do you good…

Lauren Hamburger sits on the US Women’s Executive. The Elections and AGM will take place on Tuesday 24th November. Email uswomen@theus.org.uk to tell us about your ideas.

Chag Sameach from Roz and Mick Abrahams

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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Meet the BoD President A message from Jonathan Arkush

T

his is my first Rosh Hashanah as President of the Board following my election in May and I have much to do in order to continue the fine work we have been doing over the past 12 months.

It is a year which we can look back to with some pride in our accomplishments. We have worked closely with the Government to ensure that our community is protected against the evil of antisemitism. The good relations we have fostered led to Home Secretary Theresa May and Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles attending our monthly Board meeting to reassure our community in the wake of the terrorist attacks against Jews in Paris in January.

This trustful relationship proved its worth in July when a small antisemitic group on the far right threatened to rally in Golders Green. We felt that the whole community should demonstrate its united resolve against bigotry and the Board, in partnership with the London Jewish Forum and antifascist organisation HOPE not Hate, together with the support of the Community Security Trust, formed Golders Green Together to turn a hateful occasion into a positive outcome for our community. The result was that all races and faiths in Golders Green came together to celebrate both their unity and diversity while behind-the-scenes work with the Government and police led to the rally being moved to central London – well away from the Jewish community that the racists were hoping to intimidate.

The long-term work of the Board in building alliances and deepening mutual respect and understanding often goes unsung, but this episode demonstrates the benefits that it brings to our community.

We also acted against attempts to boycott Israel and antisemitism

masquerading as anti-Zionism and have won some important battles – including against Rev Stephen Sizer, who has now been effectively disciplined by the Church of England after one rant too many. We also took prompt action against an antiIsrael conference at Southampton University and the conference was cancelled following representations led by the Board. We have been very active against those calling for boycotts, divestment & sanctions.

Our document, ‘A Better Way than Boycotts’ highlighted a more constructive path to peace in the Middle East and has been very well received by major non-Jewish bodies in Britain and abroad.

Of course, my election was not the only one in May. There was also the small matter of a General Election. Ahead of this the Board produced its Jewish Manifesto – the most comprehensive ever produced which covered 14 areas of interest including religious freedom, antisemitism, Israel, education, social care and social Action – all produced after consultation with more than 300 organisations and individuals. The Jewish Manifesto and its 10 Commitments which encapsulated the key aims of the document was sent out to every parliamentary candidate. We received videos of support from all three main party leaders supporting the Manifesto and its pledges.

In education, we have been working hard to maintain GCSE Ivrit and Biblical Hebrew and we are promoting Judaism through our Jewish Living Experience exhibitions and tours, in which thousands of non-Jewish children learn about our faith every year.

We have also been reaching out through Jewish Connection, which is supporting small communities all over the UK needing pastoral and social care, networking and advocacy support from the

mainstream of the community.

In 5776 we will be pushing ahead with our new, dynamic team of Honorary Officers, dedicated Deputies and professional staff.

Jewish core beliefs and practices are not currently threatened in the UK and that is the way we want to keep things – we must retain our ability to continue to practise brit milah and shechitah and there should be an understanding of the importance of these traditions. Our relationship with the Muslim communities of the UK will be a priority. Jews have an important role to play in showing to them and other faiths that it is not only possible but admirable to combine British values with adherence to religious tradition, and that these two things are not mutually exclusive.

We will be working with the Government to safeguard the security of our community and the continuation of that productive relationship is a priority, particularly in light of the shocking rise in antisemitism. The fact that the Government has pledged millions of pounds to enable effective security to be provided outside schools, synagogues and other institutions is welcome but cannot hide the grotesque fact that such vigilance is still required because hatred of our community remains in some, albeit very limited, corners in our society.

I hope that 5776 is a peaceful one for members of our community.

We will continue to represent your interests as only a democratically elected body can.

May this New Year bring you and your families health and strength, and may it be peaceful for Am Yisrael.

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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The Board Of Deputies

Leigh Lewis talks about his experience with the BoD

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ttending meetings of the Board of Deputies as our Shul’s representative - or ‘deputy’ to use the formal term - I am often reminded of that well known political cliché that “democracy is the worst form of government apart from all the others”. There is no doubt that at times it can be pretty depressing fare; bogus points of order, impassioned but off the wall contributions, more than its fair share of people liking the sound of their own voices. It is easy to come away on a bad day wondering why I ever said ‘yes’ when Ronnie Jacob asked me if I would consider following in the very considerable footsteps of Allan Solomon as Watford’s representative.

And yet, and yet. For all its foibles and weaknesses the Board of Deputies of British Jews - to give it its full title - has one unique and powerful attribute. It is the only body that brings together the democratically elected representatives of almost every Shul - from Reform to Federated and Jewish communal organisation in Britain into a single body which can speak to the government, to the media, to other faiths and to wider British society on behalf of virtually the entirety of the Jewish community in this country.

As I know from my own time in government there is no doubt that its voice is a powerful one to which Ministers, senior civil servants and members of Parliament listen. To employ another cliché I have little doubt that if the Board didn’t exist we would have to invent it.

So what does the Board spend most of its time debating and considering? One substantial topic has been the defence of brit milah and shechitah from those who oppose one or other, or both, either from genuine if misguided

motives, or simple hostility towards these high profile tenets of our religion. The Board - and its officers - devote a good deal of their time to rebutting the misconceptions, misunderstandings and sometimes plain prejudices of those calling on the government to restrict or even outlaw one or other or both. The Board also tackles head on antiSemitism in all its forms whether it comes from the extremist fringes of British politics or from the voices of the sometimes much more subtle, but potentially more dangerous, commentators - fortunately few in number - who question whether we as Jews in Britain must inevitably have divided loyalties.

More positively the Board also spends a good deal of its time seeking to deepen our links and common bonds with the other key faith communities in Britain; Christian, Muslim, Sikh and others.

The decision by the Board at the height of last summer’s Gaza conflict to issue a joint statement with the Muslim Council of Britain seeking to calm tensions between the Jewish and Muslim communities in this country was a controversial one which was hotly debated at the Board. But in the end a very substantial majority backed the joint declaration on the basis that, whatever one’s views on the Middle East, it could never justify anti-Semitism or anti-Islamic feeling. More recently a profound dialogue between the Board and the Methodist Church in Britain was undoubtedly highly influential in persuading Methodists to turn down calls to take an avowedly anti-Israel stance in the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza.

Israel, of course, is never far away from the Board’s agenda. There is, inevitably, a fine line which the Board seeks to tread. As the Board

of Deputies of British Jews it is not the role of the Board to give unquestioning public support to each and every decision or action of the Israeli government. There are as many different views within the Board on the best way to achieve peace between Israel and its neighbours as there are no doubt within our own Shul. But at the same time the Board stands proudly and steadfastly for Israel’s right to exist and live in peace, and opposes volubly and clearly those who argue for boycotts of Israel and who seek to de-legitimise its existence.

In the end I have no doubt that it is worth the odd day when I come away from the Board thinking that banging my head against a brick wall would have been a more pleasurable experience in order to have a Board of Deputies that can and does speak for us all on matters of real importance to our future as Jewish citizens of Britain.

And even in respect of some of the nonsenses, or ‘mashugas’ to use the term my parents would have used, there are grounds for optimism. The most recent elections for the President and honorary officers of the Board for the next three years have returned a group of people - led by Jonathan Arkush as President - who are committed to making the Board both better behaved, which it certainly sometimes needs to be, and even more effective. The Board’s current Chief Executive, Gillian Merron, a former MP and Minister, is similarly proving a breath of fresh air. So when you next see on your Shul bill the line which reads ‘Board of Deputies’ I hope that you will agree that it is indeed money well spent.

Though if you would like to send me the odd paracetamol to take on the days when the Board is still at its worst I will remain profoundly grateful!

This page has been sponsored by Philippa & Ronnie Jacob

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

28th Watford Brownies

Brown Owl, Laura Roberts, gives the Rosh Hashanah report

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e have had a fantastic few months at Brownies, learning new things and enjoying a variety of crafts. We started back after Pesach with a fun Yom Ha’Atzmaut craft of biscuit decorating.

We had a visit from Michelle Webb who taught the children a form of Sign Language called Makaton. They not only learnt the alphabet, but they also learnt the Brownie Promise, as well as some entertaining Nursery Rhymes that they

performed with confidence.

Our fundraising night was a big hit, raising some well-needed funds for the pack. The girls did an excellent job of using makeup, nail varnish and hand cream to pamper their mums and sisters.

We finished the year with our annual bowling trip. We all had a wonderful time, with lots of giggles.

We have an exciting term planned for the winter, including designing our own treasure

chests and a trip to see the

pantomime, Peter Pan, in St Albans!

A big thank you to Michelle

Keene for volunteering to be our treasurer, she is already doing an amazing job!

28th Watford Brownies runs

every Tuesday evening from 5:45pm until 7:30pm and

welcomes all girls between the ages of seven and ten!

Contact Laura on 07762 194256 for more information.

This page has been sponsored by Carolyn & David SIlverman

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

11

Cubs Becomes a Reality

Tim Bannon and Marc Sacks give the update on Watford’s new cub pack

A

fter nine months of discussions with the Scout Association,

the 11th North Watford Cub

Alexis Corzberg is our treasurer and Barry Freed is our chairman.

We have been working closely

pack will open our doors in

with the Watford North Scout

WADS on a Thursday evening

leaders have the necessary

September. We will meet at

Association to ensure that our

between 6.30pm and 8.00pm

security checks and training.

during term time.

We have decided to start by creating a Cub pack (aged

between eight to ten and a half) and hope to start Beavers (aged

We have lots of fun practical activities planned and look forward to welcoming all of our cubs at our first meeting on Thursday 3rd September.

six to eight) and Scouts (ten

We would like to thank all the

we can find volunteer leaders

this a reality and look forward

and a half to 14) in the future if

people who have helped make

to assist. The group will be run

to many years of safe and

by Tim Bannon and Marc Sacks.

enjoyable scouting.

If you are interested in your child joining, or would like to volunteer on an adhoc or regular basis, please contact us on 11northwatford@gmail. com or call Tim Bannon on 07771 610625

W

e are pleased to announce that the guest speaker at this years ShabbatUK will be Rabbi Plancey. Many of you will know him having met him, or you may know him by reputation. The former Rabbi at Borehamwood is a phenomenal speaker, and we are honoured that he and his wife have agreed to join us for this great occasion.

This page has been sponsored by Liz & Lawence Maykels

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

Simchas

As Jews, there is nothing that we look forward to more than celebrating a simcha together with famiy and friends, so Emma Sosner asked some of our members for their top tips and secrets for organising a succesful celebration

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hen my sister’s boyfriend popped the question in Jamaica, whilst she was still glowing in the love and diamond sparkle, my life became just that little bit more hectic.

From the moment she said yes, I have been kept very busy. The politics of an engagement party began before the lovebirds even took their seats on the return flight, and within moments of touch down there were

discussions on venues, colour schemes, bands and the all important dress.

So being the dutiful older sister, I took the pressure off the happy couple and immediately said “I Do” to accepting the role of Maid of Honour and chief Wedding Planner.

Having only my own wedding in 2009 as a point of reference, I began my research into the key elements that make a wedding in 2015, and pretty quickly the

event has come together, and with a little bit of love and luck, this November we are going to have one of those fantastic simchas which everyone talks about for years to come.

All this planning got me thinking; with so many members of our community celebrating their simchas, and with many more to look forward to, we could all do with a helpful set of tips to take the pressure out of planing!

Helen Gordon shares her experience planning Danielle’s Bat Mitzvah

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lind panic! Invites, venue, caterers, DJ, entertainment, not to mention clothes for Shabbat and the party and then the allimportant guest list! Eeek – it’s enough to send anyone over the edge!

From the day your beloved child is born, you joke about it, but there is still a tinge or a frisson of excitement because that countdown to simcha has begun. But at least you have 12 or 13 years to plan. It seems a long way off and plenty of time, but before you know it there’s that anxiety that it’s all up to you to provide your child with the time of their life!

Whether you are able to book the top venue in London or intend to have an intimate afternoon tea, always remember keep to your budget, it’s your family and friends that make your function!

We have had the fun to deliver

two functions in 22 months!

Although I still don’t quite know how I managed it, especially as my daughter was poorly and needed intensive treatment on the run up to, during and after the event! However, with careful planning and preparation I enjoyed every moment of it – well almost!

My brief to myself with both my children’s functions was to give them a meaningful introduction and celebration into their Jewish adult life and be in keeping with their personalities.

James’ was a traditional Barmitzvah at Watford Football Club, perfect for the season ticket supporter, but for our Batmitzvah it was possible to be more creative and focus on Danielle’s love of performing.

There were numerous choices, but Danielle chose to do her D’vah Torah in shul on Shavout surrounded by her close friends, family and community which was beautiful. We then

had a celebratory service the following night which included an introduction by Danielle’s Batmitzvah teacher Rochel Levine. Danielle’s D’vah Torah, parents blessing introduced by the Rabbi which she ended with an inclusive candle lighting ceremony where we gave LED tea lights to all our guests. Danielle then worked her way through the values of life and aligned them to groups of friends and family.

She delivered the service with poise and confidence and made everyone very proud.

Highlight of the evening also had to be the dad and daughter song ‘My Girl’ in which Elliott’s performance and vocal abilities (which he had kept hidden) enthralled and impressed everyone!

It was an amazing evening, we danced and celebrated with all our friends and family and thankful for everyone to coming to celebrate with us.

This page has been sponsored by Liz & Lawence Maykels

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

Helen’s Countdown to Simcha!

Helen’s Top Tip: Plan Ahead! With a Bar/Bat Mitzvah you have time on your side so use it carefully, plan your years, months, weeks, days and hours leading up to your function.

1½ to 2yrs - Set budget (devise spreadsheet of all costs), decide on type of function and make a guestlist.

Book caterer, venue and DJ. There are party planners who will organise everything for you, but I enjoyed organising and saved more than £500! The DJ or music company can also help with planning

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Services Helen used Venue - Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth; holds 200 people easily with dancing Music/Entertainment – Soundivision; able to cater for all function needs Decorations - Scotts Balloons; personal and quality service Caterer – Reich Caterers; professional and always deliver plenty of food!

Photographer - James Shaw photography; beautifully captured the evening

Videographer – Grant Kay, The Video Guy; recounted and edited the memories of the day!

Chair covers – Ruths Bridal bits; good selection of covers and extras for the day Kippahs – Simcha Invitations; however, if you know what you want and give yourself enough time ordering from America is cheaper Invitations – Tracey Jacobs, Daisypops designs

1 year in advance – book invitation company, photographer, videographer, decide on decorations, centrepieces, start compiling spreadsheet for addresses 6 months – organise novelties, photo booths, dancers and any extra entertainment, start clothes shopping!!!

2-3 months – send out invitations Top Tip: Ask your guests to email replies to save money!

1 month – organise table plans, liaise with companies and venue to ensure smooth arrival and departure on the day, plan itinerary for the day, choose music play list, and put together photo presentation 2 weeks – make table plan, last minute alternations, presentation gifts, book food orders for Friday nights and Shabbat 1 week – don’t panic, have your list of final things to organise ready to work your way through 1 day – Enjoy the nachas from your children and friends This page has been sponsored by Michael & Marilyn Apple

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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Melanie Silver shares her top tips to Simcha Success!

Double and triple check your dates – this can be difficult as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is typically booked so far in advance (18 months to two years). Don’t do what I did and inadvertently book the party for the night before a sibling’s A Level exams!

Don’t succumb to the pressure to spend a lot of money on ‘extras’ like photobooths, dancers and decorations if you can’t afford it.

There are a lot of thoughtful touches you can incorporate that don’t cost anything. For example: Instead of boring table numbers give your tables names instead.

We had a baking theme as Jemima makes great cakes so names included Cupcakes (for the kids’ table), Merringues, Victoria Sandwich and Chocolate Brownie.

We followed the theme through with the table decorations.

Instead of expensive floral centrepieces I bought cupcake stands (about £6 each from Homebase) and filled them

with 100 delicious homemade cupcakes matching the colour theme commissioned from Ravit Freeman of Peaks and Swirls (https://www.facebook.com/ peaksandswirls). They went down very well with guests of all ages! We had a mint and silver colour theme and balloons from Scotts Balloons (http://www. scottsballoons.co.uk/) added height to the centrepieces and reinforced the colour theme.

Be prepared for the kids to disappear if there is the opportunity for them to do so.

At a friend’s barmitzvah at the Village Hotel Elstree all the boys mysteriously vanished. They were later found in the hotel lobby where a major football match was being screened. At Jemima’s BM the kids ‘escaped’ to the beautiful gardens of the De Vere Hunton Park (http:// www.deverevenues.co.uk/en/ venues/hunton-park/) where they had a lot of fun away from the adults. As the party organiser I found it frustrating that they weren’t on the dancefloor – but they were enjoying themselves, which ultimately is all that matters.

Services Melanie used Venue - De Vere Hunton Park Decorations - Scotts Balloons; a great job producing fantastic table displays on a tight budget Cupcake Centrepieces – Ravit Freeman of Peaks and Swirls Photographer - Pam from Maxims Photoshow

This page has been sponsored by Elaine & Melvyn Shoob

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

Full Entertainment Service Disco and m.c. with full Itinerary Programme Design Service Bat/Bar Mitzvahs Weddings Teenage Parties and Proms Special Occasions

Corporate and “Add on” Entertainment Discos Magicians Caricaturists Giant Scalextric U.v. Circus skills Walk About Entertainers Various Themes Balloonists Singers Dancers Nutty Number Plates Casino Table Bead Bar Much Much Much More!!!!!!!!!!!!

Confectionary Popcorn/ Candyfloss Stands Chocolate Fountains Sherbet Machines Ice Cream Stations

Other Photography/ Videography Theming and Decoration Novelties and Give’a’ways Dance floor and Light shows

0845257 5005 enquiries@proactivecorporate.co.uk

WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

Proactive 4 parties Children’s Parties Adult Parties Tailor Made Parties Create ‘ur’ Own Entertainment ‘Add On’ Entertainment

Disco Parties With Games With Costumes and Catwalk With Karaoke With Theme Mayhem Collection With Jewellery Bead Bar

Active Parties Football Premier Sports Spectacular It’s A Knockout Dodge Ball Danger Quiz Spectacular – The Cube, Million Pound Drop, Deal or No Deal, Who wants to be a millionaire, Circus Theme

Combat Theme Gladiators Boot Camp Sumo Active Mayhem Deluxe Gladiators

Other Entertainment Choices Bouncy Castles Face Painters Spray Art Tattoos Magic and Balloons Decoration Prizes, Awards, Gifts and Presents

www.proactive4parties.co.uk enquiries@proactive4parties.co.uk

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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Making your occasion special Weddings Corporate Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Theme Nights Valentines Plus Much More!

Whatever the occasion, make it special with a professional display by “Scotts”.

From elegant table balloon displays to wedding arches and exploding balloons.

High standards. Competitive prices.

We would like to wish Rabbi, Rochel and the boys along with the rest of the community a Happy Pesach For more information, call Juliette or Gary “Scotts” 79 Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1AG Tel: 020 8953 6458 Email: enquiries@scottsballoons.co.uk

www.scottsballoons.co.uk

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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Tribe

Scott Michaels gives his final Youth report go on a Sunday evening where they can have fun in a Jewish environment.

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his will sadly be my final report as Youth Director for Watford Shul as I am off to work as a councillor at Camp America and then will begin studying at university.

However, 2015 has been one of the most productive years that Watford Tribe has seen to date. We have had many events, ranging from paintball, to bowling and of course our Chanukah and Purim parties.

The biggest change however is our Tribe room. In February we were awarded a £1,000 grant from Tribe, which has been spent, and our room is finally finished. We have a brand new games table, beanbags, a new music system, LED colour changing lights, a new TV and even an Xbox. The room has gone from being a rather outdated place for young members of our community to hang out, to a vibrant fun and enjoyable den. The grand opening of the room was on Sunday 7th June which was a great event with children, parents and a representative from Tribe all attending.

Tribe is something I have been very proud of and passionate about since I took up the role here as Youth Director, and I am glad to say the number of children attending events on average is nearly five times what it was when I started.

We have together built an amazing youth group, who I believe will stick together and be great friends. We now have an amazing, interactive and cool Tribe area, which can host movie nights, games nights and many other events throughout the year, which I hope will build the relationships the kids have, build the overall youth community and give the youth of Watford Shul somewhere to

We are actively looking for my replacement, so please don’t worry, Tribe will not stop at Watford, it will grow and flourish in the next few years. I have run many different types of events over the past few years, and many Tribe central events, such as Summer Camps will now be available to the kids, which they can learn from but most importantly have an amazing time on.

The last two and a half years working as the Youth Director of Watford Tribe have been great.

It’s been incredible to see the community grow, and more and more young adults and children attending the different events we run. I have loved every minute of being the Youth Director, being a role model and being someone who the kids can look up to and have a good time with.

So that’s it, its been a pleasure and a blast and I will miss working as the Youth Director, but Tribe is here to stay and will hopefully get stronger with every month that passes.

This page has been sponsored by Sue & Leigh Lewis

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The Latest Trends in Hats Fashionisers.com review the Autumn/Winter 2015 trends in headwear, and Emma Sosner takes a look at the high street offering Photos courtesy of Stylebistro

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here is no better excuse than a Yom Tov to refresh your hat collection, and adding a couple of new ones always offers a great pleasure. After all, nothing finishes your outfit better than accessorising with the correct headwear. This season has seen berets, pom poms, big brimms and styles inspired by protective headwear (yes I know!) grace the catwalks, so I thought I would break down the top trends and help you to find your dream piece of millinery on the high street.

#1: Totally French Berets

#2: Brimmed Hats

#3: Pretty Knitted Hats

Some of the biggest fashion houses have opted to bring back the berets with full force.

They are widely available in a multitude of colors as well, from your simple black to fun designs and impossibly embellished.

They go well with everything from your classic coats to tartan wraps, and bring a hit of sophistication to any look. These are the perfect headwear come the chillier days. This is one accessory that can redefine your outfit entirely.

Brimmed hats are a big feature this Autumn/Winter. Brimmed hats can be found in a multitude of colors, with medium sized brim tribys used to keep the sun away and the cold at bay, as well as fun additions of material like tulle to really spruce it up.

Wide 3 brimmed fedoras seem to have become an overnight classic, and oversized floppy hats are booming in popularity, Side brimmed cloche hats are also making an appearance and make quite a 4 statement with their unique designs and perfectly lovable shapes.

Knit hats were huge on the Autumn/Winter runway. The best part is that they can be handmade, and they can be made by you as well! Pinterest has a great many instructions to different patterned knit hats available for your use. We will be seeing pompoms and studs as well as an array of colours being worked into their basic form to brighten up any look you walk out of the house wearing, all the while ensuring your ears are kept nice and warm.

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This page has been sponsored by Helen, Elliott, James & Danielle Gordon together with Millie Graham

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

#4: Headwear in Felt

Prepare to see a whole lot of the felt hats appear across the high streetFrom wide brimmed with tassels, to bowler hats with rounded tops.. Even some of the pretty French berets are coming in a felt material that looks structured and perfect on curling hair.

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#5: Those Funky Helmets and Riding Caps

#6: Hats With Lots of Pompoms

It seems that the eco-friendly fad has penetrated our wardrobes. and we’ll be biking around a lot more often while still maintaining our trendy looks, from floral prints to checked designs, available in tweed and meant for riding around town. Those funky helmets actually also come in feathery designs. We also have a few intriguing leather riding caps that have appeared The visors offer a good alternative to the brimmed designs seen elsewhere.

Whether we see pompoms on knit hats or making up their own wacky, multi-colored, outof-this-world style, we know that pompoms are in. They are appearing on shoes and on different accessories as well as hats.

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How to wear these trends for Yom Tov

7. Black felt trilby - River Island, £22

1. Wool beret - John Lewis, £15

9. 80s felt Lipsy hat - Next, £26

2. Wool beret - TopShop, £16

10. Wool Baker Boy cap - Accesorize, £15

3. Ellie pink fedora - Accesorize, £29

11. Black fleck Baker Boy cap - John Lewis, £30

4. Oversized floppy hat - River ISland, £25

12. Beige Pom Pom Fedora - River Island, £30

5. Knit beret - Accesorize, £8

13. Black Pom Pom cap - River Island, £18

6. Multi Colour knit beret - John Lewis, £15

14. Navy Pom Pom fedora - River Island, £30

8. Whiteley Claire Breton felt - John Lewis, £45

This page has been sponsored by Alan, Cheryl & Hannah Fisher

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

This page has been sponsored by Stanley & Evelyn Fisher

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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Socials and Fund Raising Committee report

David Walters sums up what the Social and Fundraising committee have been up to

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t was good to see so many of you at our summer barbecue on 21st June which was held at the home of Cheryl and Alan Fisher. We are very grateful to Cheryl and Alan for offering their garden and home for the event.

The weather was kind and it proved to be another enjoyable evening to add to our list of successful summer barbecues.

The weather also smiled kindly on the guided tour of Holland Park and Kensington Gardens that Joe Kent conducted on 28th June. Those who went enjoyed it so much that they asked for more so Joe arranged a guided

tour of Regents Park in August which will have occurred before you receive this magazine.

We have plenty of future events for you to put in your diary. The ShabbatUK Project will be on 23rd - 24th October and there will be a Melava Malka at the shul on 5th December. Dates are already booked in 2016 for our annual Quiz Supper on 21st February and a visit to Cambridge on 2nd March to view the Genizah Scrolls. Other events are planned which we hope will both entertain and enlighten so please check the shul diary on our website from

time to time to see what is happening.

Our hard-working committee currently comprises Francesca and Daniel Raphael, Gary Michaels, Joan Manning, Daniel Burke and Rachel Brett. Should you wish to join the committee you would be very welcome as we are always in need of help, advice and volunteers.

Unfortunately Brian Levy has had to stand down from the committee for personal reasons and I would like to thank him on behalf of everyone for his time and commitment.

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

Community Greetings and Messages APPLE: Our best wishes to the community for a happy and healthy New Year from Michael and Marilyn.

FREED: Barry and Gill wish the Rabbi, his and our own families, and all friends in the WADS community a happy and healthy Rosh Hashanah and an easy Fast FISHER: Alan, Cheryl and Hannah wish Rabbi Levine and family, together with the WADS Community a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.

GOLDBERG: Stuart, Eileen and family wish the Watford Community a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year and well over the Fast.

GORDON: Wishing WADS Community a very happy and healthy New Year and well over the fast. Helen, Elliott, James and Danielle together with Millie Graham.

JACOB: Philippa and Ronnie Jacob wish the Rabbi, Rochel and the family, as well as the whole

congregation, all the best for a happy and healthy New Year.

LEVY: Brian and Esther wish Stephanie and Stuart, Rabbi Levine, Rochel and the boys, and all their friends in the Watford community a happy and peaceful New Year and an easy Fast.

LEWIS: Sue and Leigh wish their family, friends and the whole community a very happy New Year and well over the Fast.

MARCUS: Glenda, Mike, Daniel and Zara would like to wish all our friends and family a happy New Year and well over the Fast.

Get Well: Brian Turner Valerie Woolf Barry Freed Michael Brett Esther Levy Danielle Gordon Lydia Goldbloom Stuart Goldberg Eileen Goldberg David Mindell Frances Turner Jackie Nathan

Condolences & Bereavements:

MARKS: Betty and Eddie wish their family and friends in the community a very happy and healthy New Year and well over the Fast.

NEWMAN: The Newman family wish the Rabbi, Rochel and the children and the Watford Community a happy and healthy New Year and well over the Fast.

PEARL: Renee, Stephen and Adrian wish Rabbi Levine, Rochel and family, our many friends in the Watford Community a very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.

ROBERTS: Ellard and Di wish all the WADS family a happy New Year and well over the Fast.

SHERMAN: Judith and Antony send very best wishes to Rabbi and Mrs Levine and family, and members of the Watford community, for a happy and healthy New Year and well over the Fast.

SHOOB: Elaine and Melvyn wish their family and good friends in the Watford community a very happy and healthy New Year and an easy Fast.

SILVERMAN: Carolyn and David Silverman wish everyone in our community a happy and healthy New Year.

SOSNER: Jackie, Don and family wish all of the WADS Community a happy and healthy New Year and well over the Fast.

WALTERS: Susie and Clive wish all of their family and friends in the community a very healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

WOOLF: Wendy, Alan and family wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year and well over the Fast.

Bernice Katz on the passing of her Father Simon Beale, Adrienne and Brian Gray on the passing of their wife and daughter, Simone Ivor Chenagle on the passing of his wife, Freda David Peter on the passing of his father Linda, Michael and Daniel Shane on the passing of their daughter and sister

Mazeltovs: Engagement: Son of Joe and Ilean Lewis

Marriage:

Alex to Charlotte

Births: Lindsay and Malcolm Gordon on the birth of their grandson Sue and Leigh Lewis on the birth of their grandson Marilyn and Mike Apple on birth of their granddaughter

Welcome to New Members: Deborah and Craig Harris Darren and Hayley Morley Dov and Lixen Bloom Alan and Wendy Woolf Alfred and Trudy Raphael

Family of Peter Nathan

Paul and Adele Fishman on the

Claire Khan

Malcolm Garnett on the passing of his Mother

marriage of their daughter, Julia

Paul Levene

The Newman family on marriage of

Natasha Woolf (Tribe member)

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

Shul Services and Timings Shiur Mincha Sermon Ne’llah Maariv Fast Ends

4.15pm 4.45pm 6.15pm 6.30pm 7.40pm 7.44pm

8.30am 10.00am 10.45am 11.00am 11.15am 5.00pm 7.00pm 8.05pm

Sunday September 27th Erev Succot Mincha/Maariv Yom Tov begins - Light candles

6.30pm 6.33pm

Monday September 28th 1st day Succoth Shacharit Mincha/Maariv Light candles after

9.45am 6.30pm 7.32pm

8.30am 10.00am 10.45am 11.00am 11.15am 7.00pm 8.03pm

Tuesday September 29th 2nd day Succoth Shacharit Mincha/Maariv Yom Tov ends

9.45am 6.30pm 7.30pm

Friday October 2nd Erev Shabbat Chol Hamoed Shabbat begins - Light candles Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat

6.22pm 6.30pm

Shabbat October 3rd Chol Hamoed Succot Shacharit Mincha and Maariv Shabbat ends

9.45am 6.30pm 7.21pm

Sunday September 13th Erev Rosh Hashanah Mincha/Maariv Yom Tov begins - Light Candles

7.00pm 7.05pm

Monday September 14th 1st day Rosh Hashanah Shacharit Reading of the Law Sermon Shofar Musaph Tashlich (Bridge in Cassiobury Park) Mincha/Maariv Light Candles after Tuesday September 15th 2nd day Rosh Hashanah Shacharit Reading of the Law Sermon Shofar Musaph Mincha/Maariv Yom Tov ends Wednesday September 16th Fast of Gedollah Fast starts Fast ends

4.56am 7.54pm

Friday September 18th Erev Shabbat Shabbat Begins - Light Candles Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat

6.54pm 7.00pm

Shabbat September 19th Shabbat Shuva Shacharit Mincha Maariv Shabbat ends

9.45am 7.00pm 7.53pm

Tuesday September 22nd Erev Yom Kippur/Kol Nidre Fast begins - Light candles Kol Nidre service Sermon

6.45pm 7.00pm 7.15pm

Wednesday September 23rd Yom Kippur Shacharit Reading of the Law Sermon and Yizkor Musaph Break

9.00am 11.30am 12.15pm 1.00pm 3.15pm

Sunday October 4th Hashanah Rabba & Erev Shemini Atzeret Shacharit 8.15am Mincha and Maariv 6.15pm Yom Tov begins - Light candles 6.17pm Monday October 5th Shemini Atzeret Shacharit (Yizkor) Mincha, Maariv and Hakkalot Light candles after

9.45am 6.15pm 6.17pm

Tuesday October 6th Simchat Torah Shacharit Mincha/Maariv Yom Tov ends

9.45am 6.15pm 7.14pm

Children’s Services on both days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will start at 11.15am

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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WADS Walk Around Holland Park

Joe Kent talks us through the hidden gem of Kensington a few of the Park`s delights gradually revealed by Joe. The tour took in some of the many stimulating, museumquality, sculptures which were beautifully set around the Park.

Even the café had a Jacob Epstein sculpture-so it was hardly the usual park café!

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group of 16 were lead on tour of discovery around Kensington`s surprisingly little-known Holland Park.

It was a sociable as well as scenic walk and all the money raised was donated to WADS. WADS member Joe Kent introduced both the Park and its spectacular surrounding villas to the group on a perfect Summer afternoon.

He incorporated discussion

about the old-established Sephardi Community of Holland Park and the group noticed mezzuzot on a few of the area`s grand villas.

The tour entered the Park using a somewhat secret entrance gate and immediately discovered a sub-tropical garden and a modern sculpture.

The Japanese Kyoto Garden, the Peacocks, the well -painted Mural, the Dutch Garden and the bosky woodland were just

A visit sees some of the nearby palatial studio houses built for illustrious Victorian painters of the “Holland Park Circle” finished the tour. One of these, later occupied by Michael Winner, was now home to Robbie Williams. Imagine a “studio house” with over 40 rooms.

The feedback was positive, including:“Will definitely revisit again and again” “A lovely afternoon in Holland Park, introducing us to such a beautiful place and showing us its delights” More WADS walks are planned.

This page has been sponsored by Esther & Brian Levy

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

CST Protecting our Jewish Communities

CST, Community Security Trust, is here to help ensure that our Jewish communities throughout the UK are protected year round and able to lead their Jewish lives with peace and dignity.

CST’s work at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur depends upon the cooperation and participation of all of our Jewish communities.

There is no other time when the partnership is more obvious, nor more necessary, and thousands of volunteers help to make that a reality.

This year, CST will once again be working in close cooperation with Police, synagogues, security volunteers and security rotas at hundreds of synagogues over the chagim, but you may also see more commercial security guards working at synagogues than has previously been the case.

These additional guards are now largely paid for by government and are organised by CST and synagogues, as part of our joint security response to the tragic terrorist attacks in Paris and Copenhagen earlier this year. We regret that the additional security is necessary, but we sincerely hope that it provides a practical and reassuring response to the current situation.

Thank you once again for cooperating with our security teams at this busy time, and thank you for playing your part in our joint security efforts.

Shana Tovah and well over the fast to all of our community, and to all of our volunteers and their families, to whom we all owe a special thanks.

Yours, CST.

In an emergency contact the Police on 999, then contact CST, London: 0800 032 3263 Manchester: 0800 980 0668 In a non-emergency, please call the Police on 101, then contact CST, London: 020 8457 9999 Manchester: 0161 792 6666

www.cst.org.uk

@CST_UK

Community Security Trust

Community Security Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (1042391) and Scotland (SC043612)

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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WADS Golf Society

Barry Freed tells us how the 2nd annual Golf Day scored another perfect round twenty two four ball teams, all arrived in good time for breakfast and a 9 am shotgun start.

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he WADS Golf Society Annual Charity Golf Classic was established in 2014 by Clive Walters and myself, as we chatted one afternoon whilst spoiling a good walk by trying to play golf. We decided to couple our passion for this frustrating game with our desire to demonstrate our local Jewish community's commitment to the wider Watford community by raising funds not only for the Shul, but also for Watford's Peace Hospice Care.

Following the success of our first event at The Grove in March last year, Clive and I, together with support from Susie and Gill organised our second annual Charity Golf Classic. This took place on Monday 27 April 2015 at the historic West Herts Golf Club in Croxley Green, Watford.

In addition to the four of us, we could not have run the event so successfully without Mike Gordon and Jonas Alter taking on the vital role as marshals, specifically keeping an eye on the important 4th hole and a team of former Lady Golf

Captains led by Clive's sister Sandra, who took control of the scoring. We are also very grateful to Ronnie and Rob for their support throughout the planning stages and on the day itself, as well as to those Shul members who participated and encouraged their friends to do so, and to those who “sponsored holes". Special thanks also go to Rob and Darryl Alter for donating so many wonderful items of memorabilia, assisting us to raise an impressive £4,500 for the two charities.

The overall victors - a team named ‘UHY Hackers’ and consisted of Simon Waller, Jeff Duffy, Mark Waterman and Les Kenny. Everyone reported back that they had enjoyed a great day's golf with plenty of good food and lots of interesting auction items.

There was possibly one slightly disappointed player from Melvyn Shoob's team whom, Mike phoned through to report had just missed scoring a hole in one and the prize of a Honda Jazz by less than 2 inches! So near...but yet so far...better luck next time Bob! At the end of the 18 holes, everyone came together for a

For the second year running we were blessed with blue skies and dry weather.

Our 87 participants, making up

This page has been sponsored by Esther & Brian Levy

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

luncheon and auction. Richard Harrington took time away from his hectic campaign to support both worthy causes by starting the Auction with a bottle of House of Commons whisky signed by David Cameron.

The successful bidder did not disclose whether he had been hoping it would increase in value because of its potential rarity or whether he hoped to celebrate

WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

the outcome of the Election by drinking it! Among the unique items auctioned were a tee flag and photograph signed by the winning 2014 Ryder Cup Team, a Watford FC pennant signed by members of the town’s newlypromoted Premiership team.

We are now embarking on the organisation of our third annual Charity Golf Classic to be held in the spring of 2016. For this next

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event we are seeking sponsors for each of the 18 holes and would welcome hearing from any Shul members who would like to publicise their business or personal message in this way.

To find out more and, or to book a team into the 2016 WADS Charity Golf Classic please contact Clive at cawaltersuk@yahoo.co.uk or myself at barry.freed@sky.com

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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Hot Off the Press A round-up of the papers featuring WADS

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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The Big Bar Mitzvah Challenge

WADS Kol Nidre Appeal supports Myisrael, and so can you!

T

here were tears of joy streaming down her face as the screen came alive and she connected with her friends at the Click activity centre for seniors. Micha, a 90 year old Holocaust survivor, hasn’t left her home in 6 months. This is the first time she has been able to engage with her friends since. Click is funding a life-changing iPad project, linking housebound seniors to a Click centre. Using two way communication, they can participate in real-time activities e.g music appreciation, lectures and exercise classes.

Michal’s teachers and friends talked to her in her home. I watched Michal dance, sing, chat and smile. I smiled as I knew that six Bar Mitzvah boys had made this particular connection a possibility.

out at 7.30am in the sunshine, walked past lots of sheep and watched the darkening clouds filling the sky. After two and a half hours of chatting, seeing sheep, climbing, seeing more sheep, laughing, seeing even more sheep and watching the cloud at the top growing bigger and bigger, they finally reached the summit. The temperature was -6°C with wind chill factor, and they were knocked around by wind speeds of 45mph but they all had huge smiles on their faces. After photos with their Israeli flag at the top, they had a quick lunch and began their cold and windy descent. By 3.30pm they had walked 18km and they finally reached the bottom, missing the rain by exactly two minutes. Jonah Jayson said “This may feel tough for us Climbing Mount Snowdon but just think how tough it is for the lonely, elderly people and the homeless teenagers who are the same age as us. It makes me very grateful for what I have’

Jonah Jayson, Toby Onona, James Levy, Joseph Henley, Jonah Lazarus and Elijah Djanogly wanted to help other people as part of their own Bar Mitzvah celebrations, so they packed their bags with waterproofs, gloves and hats and set off to Northern Wales to complete the challenge of climbing Mount Snowdon.

The boys chose to raise money for Myisrael, who WADS will be supporting with their Kol Nidre appeal again this year. Myisrael are a UK charity who act as a fundraising platform supporting small charities in Israel, making a big difference to people’s lives. Myisrael are unique in that 100% of the money you raise and donate, goes directly to the charities in Israel, and they fundraise for their admin costs separately.

The boys survived two days with no wifi, TV, or mobile phone(!) reception. They set

Donors are encouraged to choose any one of 18 projects to support, and Myisrael will

give them feedback as to how their money directly changed someone’s life.

Myisrael also ensures that the charities in Israel are working as effectively and efficiently as they can, and they give practical advice to help them improve and grow, benefiting both the charity and the recipients.

The boys chose to support both Click and Crossroads - a support centre for teenagers who have lost their way. Many live on the streets with no-one to support them. Crossroads give them clothes, toiletries, counselling, education and support. Robbie Sassoon, Executive Director at Crossroads said “I was totally inspired by your decision to raise money for Crossroads through your climbing of Mount Snowdon for your B’nei Mitzvah. The teens at Crossroads are constantly challenging themselves to climb the mountains of their lives too, so please celebrate each step of your journey on this trek” Myisrael can help you to put together great fund-raising activities for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah. If you would be interested in fundraising as part of your celebration go to www. myisraelcharity.org or email judianne.myisrael@gmail.com

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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Zahav Social & Cultural Society

Stuart Goldberg

W

ADS’ over-50’s group is now well into its third year.

We continue to have a broad range of interesting meetings.

Since Pesach we have had the following speakers. ➢ Alan Wise spoke about the work of a psychologist ➢ Gemma Meek from Watford Museum described the history of Watford High Street ➢ Our own member and local architect, Joe Kent, discussed the architecture of the Shul and the surrounding buildings ➢ On a return visit, Jennifer Paul discussed her passion for Gilbert & Sullivan ➢ David Filer described some biblical murders from a forensic perspective

➢ Tony Eaton discussed a real mystery: the disappearance of Major Glen Miller. (Evidence suggests that the Hollywood film may not be correct.) ➢ Also on a return visit, David Barnett narrated the story of Joseph Nathan, a Victorian Jewish boy who made good and founded a world-leading business.

At the time of writing, we are intending to hold a games afternoon and an outing in August.

After the Yomim Tovim there will once again be a stimulating programme of speakers followed by our Chanukah Party (with entertainment). Our programme is kept up to date on the Shul website.

PESACH 5776 in BOURNEMOUTH

The Queens Hotel & Spa (formerly ‘The Langham’) Invite you to join our House Party Ten days: Friday 22nd April – Sunday 1st May 2016 • Resident Rabbi, Chazan, Choir & in-house Shul • Under Strict Supervision • All Inclusive including two Sedarim (private Sedarim by arrangement)

• Fine Wines & Beverages included • Full Entertainment Programme, Excursion, Family Activities & Guest Speakers • Spa facilities & on site hairdresser • Hotel Restaurant open to non-residents (By prior reservation only)

• Early bird discount for bookings before Chanukah • A small deposit secures the Holiday

pesach@queenshotelbournemouth.com

01202 554415

Zahav meetings continue to be a great place to meet new friends and stay in touch with existing ones. So if you are over 50 and fancy an interesting afternoon away from home, join us. You will be very welcome.

Zahav is run by a small, hardworking committee who make sure that meetings run as they should. If you would like to join the committee or help in any way (e.g. provide lifts), please call the number below.

If you need a lift to a meeting or have any queries about Zahav, please call Eileen or Stuart on 01442-259028.

Once again, we look forward to meeting both old and new friends in the coming months.

www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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WADS Welcomes Watercolour Sketching Class

I

n Spring 2015 a group of six enthusiastic students attended a course at WADS to learn Watercolour Sketching.

Local artist and synagogue member Joe Kent came up with the idea and through the United Synagogue advertised it to surrounding communities.

As a result three students were

from Watford and the others were from Bushey, Radlett and Edgware.

The studio was in one of the Shul`s light and spacious classrooms. Joe`s fresh, creative and enjoyable teaching methods inspired his students over the 6 sessions. There was a 2 week break over Pesach during which

time students could practice their newly acquired skills. After the course both Joe and his students were delighted at how much they achieved in a very short time.

Anyone interested in discussing future courses please phone Joe on 07904024359

Wishing You All a Happy New Year

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www.watfordsynagogue.org.uk

WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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Barmitzvah Boys to Lead

Chief Rabbi Mirvis pledges to transform barmitzvah ceremonies within two years - Jewish News, 16th July 2015

B

oys about to start preparing for their barmitzvah will no longer just study a portion from the Torah, but will instead learn to lead a whole prayer service, said Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis this week.Addressing a conference at Kinloss in Finchley, Mirvis outlined a raft of changes, telling rabbis that to “change our services from being bimah-centric to congregantcentric,” to leave congregants “more Jewish-ly charged”.

He also made the “unusual” offer of “inviting everyone to midnight slichot service with me at Kinloss,” ahead of the High Holy days, and committed to meeting every communal Rabbinic couple in the UK before Pesach.But it was his announcement on barmitzvahs

that raised eyebrows. “On barmitzvahs, we often get it wrong,” he said, revealing his agreement and consultation with Dayan Binstock on the issue. “We spend 15 months teaching a boy to do something that will take him 20 minutes to do, and which he will never do again in his life,” said Mirvis.

“Surely it’s better to teach our boys how to daven (pray), because once they can lead a service, they can follow any service.” He told more than 100 rabbis present to start the new teaching straight away with any boys beginning their barmitzvah learning, while those who have already begun learning could continue as before. Mirvis said he would engage Jewish schools to help roll it out.“Let us guarantee that from two

years’ time, every barmitzvah boy in our community will have a component of tefillah (prayer) as part of his celebration. This can be for him to lead part or all of the service.”In addition, Mirvis will hold a seminar on “developing and enhancing the way that we approach batmitzvah ceremonies,” again acknowledging that “in many of our shuls we can do better”.

Outlining the changes, he said: “We need to see fruitful follow-up in the years after, that devening will be part of the course, and that there will be a prayerful ingredient. In so many of the ceremonies, girls stumble over the one or two Hebrew verses. The overall knowledge around the siddur is relatively poor.”

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis speaking during the Chief Rabbi’s Conference at Finchley United Synagogue (Photo credit: Blake Ezra Photography)

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Citrus Salad with Pomegranate Seeds An alternative fruit salad is always useful during Rosh Hashanah and the forthcoming chagim. This salad uses pomelos, which are large citrus fruits - a cross between a grapefruit and an orange. The pith that surrounds a pomelo is generally quite bitter but the fruit is deliciously sweet!

Serves 4 Ingredients

Method

4 Jaffa oranges

Using a sharp knife, remove peel and pith from the oranges, pomelo and tangerines.

with pomegranate seeds and orange-flower water. Top with pistachios and salt.

Working over a bowl, cut between membranes to release segments into bowl; reserve juice.

To serve the stylish way: spoon the salad onto individual plates and dollop a big tablespoon of Greek yoghurt and another of thick honey on the top and dust with icing sugar.

1 pomelo 4 tangerines 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds ½ tsp orange-flower water 1 tbsp chopped roasted pistachios flaky sea salt (for serving)

Mix citrus segments and juice

Beef and Pomegranate Tagine

I love the subtle saffron and coriander spices that are cooked in this tasty beef tagine. The generous garnish of fresh pomegranates provides beautiful colour to a great Yom Tov meal Serves 6- 8

Garnish

Ingredients

3 tbsp fresh parsley, seeds of 2 fresh pomegranates

4 tbsp olive oil 3 kg cubed chuck beef 4 large onions, peeled and sliced

Method

8 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan.

2 cm fresh ginger-, peeled and finely chopped

Season the beef with salt and pepper. Fry in batches for about 5 minutes or until golden brown all over. Set aside.

2 tbsp plain flour 2 tbsp coriander seeds 2 tbsp cumin seeds Large pinch of saffron, soaked in 2 tbsp boiling water 750ml beef or vegetable stock 2 cinnamon sticks 2 lemons, sliced Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Turn down the heat and fry the onions, garlic and ginger for 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

In a small separate pan, dry fry the spices for 2 minutes.

Remove and transfer to a pestle and mortar. Crush the spices

and then add to the tagine.

Pour in the saffron and stock and add the cinnamon sticks.

Bring to the boil, cover with a lid and simmer for 2 hours.

Add the lemon and simmer for a final 15 minutes.

To serve the stylish way: garnish with sprigs of fresh parsley and a generous sprinkling of pomegranate seeds. Serve with couscous or basmati rice.

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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Chocolate Apple Streusel Cake At this time of the year, an apple cake of any description is most welcome and this combination with chocolate will certainly impress the family. I have kept it parev with the use of soya yoghurt, which successfully gives it a beautiful creamy texture without the dairy! It makes a large cake but it will last 3- 4 days well wrapped and refrigerated so it’s ideal to make when Yom Tov is followed by Shabbat Serves 12 Ingredients: Cake 450g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder

Streusel 100g rolled oats 75g finely chopped walnuts 50g dark brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1 egg white

½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

½ tsp salt

Method

500 ml Alpro plain yoghurt 1 tsp vanilla essence 55g margarine 225g caster sugar 2 eggs

Pre-heat the oven to 180ºF/350ºC/Gas mark 4.

Line and grease a 23cm round cake tin.

2 apples – peeled, cored and roughly chopped

Combine the dry ingredients together and place in a mixing bowl.

100g chocolate drops or roughly chopped plain chocolate

Cream the margarine and sugar together until light and smooth.

Denise Phillips shares her recipes with us

Add the yoghurt and vanilla essence.

Mix in the all the dry ingredients followed by the eggs.

Stir in the chopped apples and chocolate drops and pour into the prepared cake tin.

Stir the dry streusel ingredients together – the rolled oats, chopped nuts, brown sugar and cinnamon.

Whisk the egg white and vegetable oil together. Stir this into the dry streusel ingredients and pour over the top of the cake mixture.

Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 1 hour or until the mixture in the centre is cooked.

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The League Helps All

H

elping cancer patients, visiting people in hospitals, manning Contact Centres, supporting families, the elderly and children. These are just some of welfare projects carried out by the 2,000 members of the League of Jewish Women.

The League of Jewish Women is a nationwide welfare charity, set up during the war in 1943, to provide a platform for Jewish women to voluntarily help people from all communities.

Over the years demand for our services has continued, although the nature of the welfare work has changed.

We are one of the few charities that enables Jewish women, whatever their degree of religious observance, social or economic background, to work together to help others.

Men are also welcome to join us and contribute to our volunteering through projects such as Paperweight, Meals on Wheels, and AJEX. Equally, not all of our members are Jewish, and we actively welcome new members who share our vision of community action regardless of their religion.

Our Head Start project, which received the Queens Award for voluntary service, helps women who have lost their hair through chemotherapy. This service was the inspiration for The Way Ahead, a project which offers a similar service in Essex, Harrow, Surrey and North and North West London, working with many of the major London hospitals and offering a home visiting service for women who have lost their hair.

The League of Jewish Women is the UK affiliate of the International Council of Jewish Women and, through this, is able to make a contribution to world issues joining the voice of over two million Jewish women worldwide. Our members are given the opportunity to meet women at conferences and events all over the world.

We aim to educate and empower our members through informative seminars on social issues, health matters and literary events organised by our Head Office. Our arts and cultural committee, LeagueArtz, organises group outings to theatres, exhibitions and places of interest and has proved hugely popular to members who want to enjoy cultural pursuits with likeminded women.

Join us today: we welcome new members, whether you want to give something back to the community through volunteering or are just interested in our meetings and social events. If you would like more information please call our office on 020 7242 8300, email Jackie@ theljw.org or visit us at www. theljw.org.

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Happy Pesach to all

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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WADS News | Rosh Hashanah 2015

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Wishing you a Happy New Year

129 The Parade, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1NA 01923 831 020 watford@deykingharia.co.uk www.deykingharia.co.uk