3 minute read
Chairman’s Message
by Graham Nussbaum
These are crazy times, every Minyan is a challenge, nevertheless the services are well organised and those who conduct them do so expertly.
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After the Chagim the restrictions applying to attendance at Shul services were intensified as the Covid-19 infection rate increased. When managing the situation our number one priority was, and continues to be, a strict adherence to the law thereby keeping our members as safe as possible. We are determined to provide services for our members in the Shul building, Yomim Noraim, Succot and Simchat Torah inside and outside was small, the services were meaningful and special in so many ways. A L’Chaim was held on Zoom two days after Simchat Torah so all members were able to participate in honouring the Chatanim, Rabbi David Woolf and Ronnie Lawrence. Similarly, the Nashei Chayil, Sala Newton-Katz and Joanna Rosenberg were honoured on Tu b’Shvat. Both occasions were enhanced with entertainment. The Chatanim and Nashei Chayil represent all that is good in our Community.
when possible, or outside at various sites in the area. No matter the weather conditions our members come to daven. Equally as important as holding services is keeping in contact with our members, thereby keeping the Community together, and Zoom events certainly help this endeavor. The weekly Monday Club and Melave Malka have become “not to be missed” events and likewise the Shiurim have many devotees. The website is also a cohesive medium full of communal information. Thank you to David Glass who retired after many years as the Shul’s webmaster, he did an excellent job. Alex Stuart as the new webmaster, has made a dynamic start.
Even though the number of people allowed to attend services on the
Joanna Rosenberg has retired as Chairman of the Irgun Nashim, a role which she carried out well, thank you Joanna. Betty Wahnon has taken over the position and I am sure that she will be equally successful.
Although the Covid-19 restrictions were eased prior to Purim we still had challenges to overcome to ensure an enjoyable Purim. The Megilla readings were well organised and having a Zoom link to the reading meant every member who wanted to hear the Megilla was able to do so. The Purim Spiel on Zoom was superb and lifted our spirits as did the Whisky. The home delivered Purim breakfast organised by the Irgun Nashim went down well.
The Rabbi’s extensive knowledge of Halacha enabled us to cope with so many halachic considerations when planning services for the Yomim Noraim, Succot, Simchat Torah and Purim. During these unpredictable times the Rabbi was willing to think tangentially but above all he was always concerned about how any decision would impact on our members. We really do have a special Rabbi.
At an EGM in January the Community voted overwhelmingly to share part of YINN’S building with a Yeshiva High School which is being pioneered by the Rabbi.
After many years as editor of the Shul magazine Alan Gold has retired and Sharon Carr has taken over this role. Thank you to Alan who was a superb editor and I am sure Sharon will be a worthy successor.
A huge thank you to our members whose work for the Shul has become an integral part of their lives. We are so fortunate to have so many talented individuals who are dedicated to the Community.
Creative solutions have become the order of the day but they would not have succeeded without the team spirit, resilience and excellence of the members of the Executive, the experience and commitment of the members of the Board and the support, understanding and encouragement of you, our members. Thank you all so much.
Rowena and I wish Rabbi Boruch and Esther Boudilovsky, Rabbi Eddie and Frankie Jackson, Rabbi Morowitz and the whole Community, Chag Kasher V’Sameach. A
