A House Divided

By Glen BerdNo Comments
As we approach one of the most sombre days in the Jewish calendar, Tisha b’Av, Israeli politicians should reflect on the damage that is being done to the cohesion of Israeli society by pushing ahead with legislation to limit the powers of the Supreme Court. Netanyahu, in a bid to remain prime minister, has made alliances with far-right parties that expect a return for their support, namely a lessening of Israel’s liberal democracy. The threat to the survival of the state is not from external enemies that caused so much suffering to past generations and for whom we mourn on Tisha b’Av, but from internal dissension that is self-inflicted. Israel has enemies enough to confront and for the Netanyahu coalition to provoke such a strong reaction from Israelis is mind blowing; even members of the IDF, the guardians of Israel’s security, have voiced concerns about the dumbing down of democracy. These are serious issues that cannot be brushed aside to aid...
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“Fifty years later, it’s 1988 – Nicholas Winton

By Glen Berd1 Comment
First pictures of Nicholas Winton film with Anthony Hopkins as 'British Schindler' The movie will tell the story leading up to his emotional reunion with children he saved from Nazis Anthony Hopkins in One Life (Warner Brothers) The moment Nicholas Winton comes face to face with just a few of the Jewish children he saved from the Nazis on That’s Life, in 1988, is one of the most iconic clips in British television history.   Now the first photographs from an eagerly awaited film about the story leading up to that moment have been released. Starring Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Flynn as older and younger versions of Winton, the man who saved 669 Jewish children from the Nazis through the Kindertransport project, and Helena Bonham Carter as his mother Babi, One Life will cement the Jewish stockbroker’s reputation as one of the heroes of the war effort. Johnny Flynn in One Life (Warner Brothers) Billed as the ‘British Schindler’, the descendants of the Jewish children he saved are...
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Fancy some ‘Shtick’?

By Glen Berd1 Comment
Jewish Chronicles (and other stories) SHOWING ON MON 31 JUL 2023 at 8pm at The Lowther Theatre, Lytham Running time: 1 hour CLICK HERE TO BOOK Daniel Cainer extends a personal invitation to us : I just thought I'd let you know that my musical show 'Jewish Chronicles' is going to be at the Lowther Pavilion on Monday 31st July on its way to Edinburgh. Perhaps you can let the community know and I'm sure I can arrange some discounted tickets if anybody is interested? ‘You don’t have to be Jewish or British to get a kick out of Cainer’s shtick.’ says the LA Times, but you do have to like beautiful music, virtuoso piano-playing and brilliant lyrics. Smart, funny, timely and moving, Cainer’s story-songs are about all our families and foibles. Cainer is a veteran of six off-Broadway runs and 18 Edinburgh Fringes (Highly Recommended Show in 2014/15/17/18/22). "A gifted musician and an extraordinary performer. Heartbreakingly poignant, laugh-out-loud funny.’ —Edinburgh Festival Guide. ‘A must-see’, Daily Mirror. ‘An...
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Invitation from Sollihull Shul

By Glen Berd1 Comment
We've received the kind invitation below from Graham Stone at Solihull Shul ...... Please let me (Glen) know REALLY REALLY fast if you want to attend - if there are enough people, we can make transport arrangements but time is really short. Cut-off date to let me know is Monday 17th July.  Email me HERE Here's the invitation : I am a friend of Ruth and Stephen Abrahams and a member of Solihull Shul. We have a BBQ on Sunday 30th July from midday and would love it if you could bring a coach load! Price is £10 per head and although we can’t guarantee the weather at least we can assure you of great food, entertainment and company. For catering purposes please let us know asap. Best wishes Graham Stone 07889 464583...
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Invitation – The League of Jewish Women

By Glen BerdNo Comments
The Fylde Group of the League of Jewish Women is holding their Annual Summer Afternoon Tea by the Sea on Wednesday 16th August in the Synagogue Hall, Orchard Road, St. Annes. The invitation (at the subsidised donation fee of £10) is for men and women and anyone identifying as anything else (excluding cats LOL) Please register early as demand is always high for all our posh events and seating is limited :-) Register HERE ...
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Visit by Michelle to Bevis Marks Shul

By Glen BerdNo Comments
Our Vice President and Board of Deputies (BOD) representative, Michelle Morris, was privileged to attend a BOD unique event held at Bevis Marks synagogue.   This magnificent Sephardi synagogue founded in 1701 is the oldest synagogue in the UK. After meeting up with Gillian Moonman from Southport Hebrew Congregation beforehand Michelle and Gillian attended a most fascinating and insightful afternoon listening to The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby (who insisted on being addressed as Justin as opposed to Your Grace) interviewed by Simon Seabag Montefiore (call me Simon) whose parents were themselves married at Bevis Marks synagogue. The Archbishop spoke openly about his own childhood, about having a Jewish stepfather and an alcoholic mother. He spoke about how important it is to support the safety of Jewish students on campus and that Universities should be fined if they are found not to support not only Jewish students but those other minority students. He was thanked by the President of the BOD, Marie Van...
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I said, “I want you to put on tefillin” He said, “I can’t, I gotta fly the plane,”

By Glen BerdNo Comments
(By Mushi Fogelman) I boarded a plane at 6 am from Los Angeles to NY this morning. It was too early to daven before we left. I didn’t want to daven at 2:30 when we landed because I was going straight to the Ohel. I made sure I had an exit row bulkhead. I knew with this plane configuration, I would have plenty of room to daven. About an hour after takeoff, I stood up, took out my Tallis and tefilin, and started davening. The plane was pretty quiet, most people sleeping, and it was really a pleasant davening. As I was taking off my Rashi tefilin, a stewardess approached. I could see she was uncomfortable and said, “You know you will have to sit down soon.” I told her I was just about done and thought nothing more of it. As I looked up, a gentleman was standing, talking to his son and pointing toward me. I heard him say “tefilin,” and...
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Birmingham Calling !

By Glen BerdNo Comments
What a Treat We Had ! Rabbi Yossi Jacobs and Rebbetzen Rachel Jacobs escorted a party from Singers Hill Synagogue in Birmingham to visit us in St. Annes. After a stroll on the beach and a shmy around the shops in the square - the party called on us at the shul on Orchard Road to have a look at our lovely shul and join us for afternoon tea in the hall. Rebbetzen Rachel told us that her 18 years at Singers Hill had been a little busy - having escorted coach trips to just about every small Jewish Community in the UK  - and soon Dublin and Morocco are on the cards to follow ! Photos in no particular order :-)   (scroll down for the videos !) All of us in action !! ...
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