The Shabbat Project

By Glen BerdNo Comments
Join us this Shabbat, 16th November,  for a special Africa israel Shabbat followed by kiddush, with our special guests who will speak to us about the Africa israel partnership. More than 1 million people from more than 1,500 cities in more than 100 countries are expected to celebrate the Sabbath in some fashion this weekend as part of the 12th annual Shabbat Project, which describes itself as “a global grassroots movement uniting Jews of all backgrounds and levels of observance to experience one full Shabbat together in unity.” “Since Oct. 7, Shabbat has emerged as a source of strength and comfort—a fortress of faith and family, a shining light of inspiration and meaning amidst the pain and uncertainty,” stated Warren Goldstein, the chief rabbi of South Africa who founded the project in 2013....
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Simchas Torah 2024 – Catch Up – The Speeches

By Glen BerdNo Comments
With echoes of "we will dance again" we approached Simchas Torah this year with a mixture of feelings - but following the example of all our brave brothers and sisters in Israel, we celebrated and remembered. Our lunches grow more popular every year, and this year we had a record number of bookings. The Ladies Circle catered a delicious 3 course lunch, sponsored by the Shul and hosted by Chatan Torah, Abe Richman and Chatan Bereishit, Stuart Levi. In case you missed it, or indeed, if you forgot your hearing aids, here are the inspiring (!!) and humorous (!!) speeches on the day. We started with Robert Pinkus, our Warden and ex President who introduced Abe Richman, our Chatan Torah : TOAST TO CHATAN TORAH 2024 Rabbi Bergson, Chatan Torah, Chatan Bereishit, Ladies and Gentlemen It’s my very great pleasure to propose a toast to our chatan torah this year, Abe Richman. Abe is a great example of the many new people who have joined our congregation in...
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Living with the Sirens

By Glen BerdNo Comments
This is an article by journalist, Andrea Samuels, Manchester expat now living in Israel, who writes for the Jerusalem Post. This was written for the Jewish Telegraph in her Diary of an Expat column. 𝗕𝗼𝗺𝗯 𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻... 23.10.2024 What do you do when a siren sounds? Well, that depends on a number of factors, including where you are. Where we live, in Netanya, for example, we have 90 seconds to get to our mamad (protected room) which, like in many houses, also doubles as a bedroom. Once inside, we shut the heavy iron door and pulled the iron curtain across the window. Then we wait for 10 minutes, listening to what we fervently hope are booms of the Iron Dome intercepting the rockets above, and not direct hits on nearby buildings or roads. Although we have one and a half minutes, we don’t use that time to make a cuppa, but instead, gather up the dogs and head straight for the mamad. Those living further north...
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Yom Kippur

By Glen BerdNo Comments
(Borrowed from an online Jewish Group post) Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It’s a 25-hour period dedicated to reflection, repentance, and reconnecting with our moral and spiritual compass. But what does that actually mean for Jews, and why should it matter to non-Jews or non-religious Jews? At its core, Yom Kippur is about making things right. Judaism teaches that during the Days of Awe (the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), the Book of Life is open, and our actions, good or bad, are written in it. Yom Kippur is the final chance to reflect on the past year, seek forgiveness from those we’ve wronged, and make a sincere commitment to do better in the year ahead. Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Unlike some religious practices that emphasize sin or punishment, Yom Kippur focuses on personal growth. The goal isn’t to feel guilty or wallow in regret. It’s...
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Happy New Year

By Glen Berd1 Comment
Dear friends Chag Sameach and a Shona Tova from St Anne's Synagogue.  This year our hearts are heavy with anxiety for Jews everywhere but especially for our friends and family in Israel and we hope for a better future soon. Am Yisrael Chai Glen and Spencer Berd Website Administrator...
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A Concert for Israel

By Glen Berd2 Comments
Sunday 22nd September and our Ladies Circle Fundraiser production of A Concert for Israel with dinner took place. As a fundraiser for Magen David Adom, the event was full to capacity with 90 people, there were locals and many visitors from out of town - travelling from Manchester, Southport, Leeds and Leicester. Everyone was plied with Champers and Orange juice as they arrived, although we discovered it wasn't necessary to get everyone in the mood, as without exception everyone's good spirits upon entry was already evident. In true Blackpool spirit, Dave Windle (Master Organist of the famous Blackpool Tower organ) played us in, with tunes reminiscent of Reginald Dixon and the North Pier ! Hannah Goldstone of Manchester Magen David Adom was introduced by our new president Ian Glass (or Supreme Leader as he self nominates, and referred to by no one :-)), who gave an inspiring and informative talk on the work of MDA and how important the funds we collect are to...
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