day of Judgement occurs at the beginning of the year. The verse is interpreted: ‘At the beginning of the year, man is judged as to his fate (from now) until the end of the year’. The Torah connecting God bringing rain to Eretz Yisrael with the schedule when Judgement takes place, is to teach us that Hashem’s Judgement has a universal and collective element. Just as Hashem does not send rain to each individual or private farm, but rather to an entire area, and the individual who is part of that area benefits, so Hashem judges us not only as individuals but also as a community, each connecting with the other. Many commentators conclude from this that the way to receive and “ensure” a favorable verdict is to attach and contribute to the broader kehillah of the Jewish People. May this year not be one of “stop-start, stop-start” regarding Covid, but one of complete recovery and may Hashem help us to achieve true unity, prosperity and peace. Ketivah v’chatimah tova. n 8 | Rosh Hashanah 2021
From the Chairman by Jeremy Rosenstein As I write these words and watch the news, I am not sure whether we are “reconnecting” or “disconnecting” for the coming Chagim! But as our members know, we will find the best way to adapt to the situations as they change. The last 18 months have been quite a challenge for the world, for our beautiful country, for Am Yisrael, for our families, for us individually and for us as a Kehillah. We have met many challenges, from Corona, from not being able to travel, from a short war and much more. As a Kehillah we have over the last few months slowly increased our numbers at Shabbat services, reinstated two daily Minyanim, continued the Rav’s Shiurim both live and by Zoom, and most importantly hosted “Kiddushim and Seuda Shlishit”! (until last week). I have received many compliments (and a few complaints) on the way that the Kehillah has functioned over the last 18 months, but it has been great team effort from a number of individuals that have made it work and succeed. The usual thanks go to Laura, Laurie and Moshe for keeping the office and facility running and to Bernie for his perfect Gabbaut, not even taking proper leave and rest when he was recently unwell. Thanks to Elizabeth, Ruth and David and Therese for their work on the Yizkor book; thanks to Edoardo for keeping the shul “digital”; to Jacques and Elizabeth for the website
