As we reach our first anniversary as Rabbi and Rebbezten of St Anne’s Hebrew Congregation I thought it appropriate to reflect back on what a busy and exciting year it has been! 
Firstly we were welcomed last summer with open arms which was so appreciated. In fact many members knew at least one parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle from either mine and/or my husband’s family (Mishpachology in force here being so close to Manchester).
It was a pleasure to see the shul so full over the Yamin Noraim (High Holy Days) and to be joined by our beloved and determined Chazzan Lawrence Goresdon. The harmonies he produced with my husband were spine-tinglingly beautiful and made me realise St Anne’s is the place to be!
We were delighted to welcome the entire community into our Sukkah on Bromley Road for a hot Kugel Kiddush on Sukkot.
Men and women certainly had their dancing shoes on for Simchat Torah and the communal lunch (Ladies Guild – you are amazing!) in honour of the Chattanim was another opportunity to meet the community at large.
Moving towards Channukah my husband was able to showcase his musical talents with the help of some fantastic musicians from Manchester. With only a few weeks to rehearse they produced a very professional and sleek concert which not only pulled in Jews and non-Jews from St Anne’s but also attracted people from Manchester including Ivan Lewis MP who told me nothing half as interesting was going on in Manchester over Channukah so he booked for himself and his family!
We were thrilled to share our younger daughter Avital’s Bat Mitzvah with the community in January. All our children do so much behind the scenes to help us in our role as Rabbi and Rebbetzen and I believe the chessed they do for no personal recognition or reward is a mitzvah of the highest level. Avital (like all our children) has experienced so much as our daughter making space for members from all walks of life and backgrounds into our home and she inspires me how sensitive she is to other’s needs. As I said at her Bat Mitzvah – ‘Avital, if, when I grow up I can be anything like you – I will be happy!’
By this point our monthly Social & Discussion @ Bromley Road was firmly under way. I find it very productive for my own personal growth to prepare a synopsis of all the Torah ideas/customs of the upcoming Jewish festival/month which between me and my husband we share with the group (as well as an array of refreshments!).
I was requested for one of these evenings to speak about my fledgling career as a Holistic Health Practitioner and Hypnotherapist and those that came were gifted a ‘Private Prescription’ which I hope has been of use.
Purim was fun and I was amazed that the community really got the spirit with some amazing costumes! The Ladies Guild pulled out all the stops as always to make a delicious Purim Seuda (meal).
We were delighted to share our Seder night @ Bromley Road with members who might not otherwise have had a Seder. It was a very special evening and we had such a varied range of people from all backgrounds. The four cups of wine didn’t seem to be a problem for anyone – I was very impressed!
We also hosted a Kiddush for the entire community last day Pesach just in case people hadn’t had enough macaroons!
We coordinated another Social evening with second day Shavuot which was well attended (the promise of cheesecake might have helped!) and also by this point in the year our 5 year old Naftali was able to join Ilan (9) learning Anim Zemiros off by heart. Thank you boys for your contributions in Shul every Shabbos.
Our Induction by the Chief Rabbi was attended by MP Mark Menzies, the Deputy Mayor and other important dignitaries. It was an amazing afternoon of celebration for our community. My husband has worked hard to forge strong inter-faith links and relationships and the support and love from the other faith leaders and wider community was a real Kiddush Hashem (Sanctification of God’s name). The St Anne’s Hebrew Congregation really shines as a beacon of light in Lancashire.
More recently we were honoured to host the Israeli Disabled Soldiers for their annual visit. After lunch at the shul they were thrilled to go on all the rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. My husband was quite glad he didn’t eat much after being dragged on ‘The Big One’ and the new ‘Icon’ ride!
The day ended in a lovely BBQ at the Pincus’s and I know everyone was very grateful to Robert and Ingrid for their hospitality.
Another BBQ was enjoyed last Sunday at our home (this is now British Summertime!) and it was nice to welcome so many people I don’t usually see at Shul.
For those members who we see regularly I now feel we are just one big family – so if somebody is away we really miss them.
This almost raps up a year in the life of St Anne’s (from my perspective anyway). As we know life here on earth is precious and finite it would be amiss of me not to mention those special members we have sadly lost during the year. Being a small community we feel each loss very deeply but their memories are forever etched in our minds and hearts. You are still with us in spirit.
The longer Shabbos afternoons provide more opportunity to take in the beauty and fresh sea air along the coast and I still wonder as I sit on the beach if I am still in the UK?! It’s funny how life works out – I always wanted to live by the sea but it was always a dream….now by virtue of being Rebbetzen of St Anne’s I really do!
May we as a community always go from strength to strength.
Lots of love
Anna x
PS – Huge ‘Thank You’ to Glen Berd for managing this website. She has done an amazing job with it and continues to update it in an interesting, attractive and professional way – Glen you are a star!
It’s the first time I’m scrolling this app. And it’s truly enlightening and amazing 👏🤩 at what beautiful memories it brought back. Your wit and humour in the recounted events bing them back to life with a smile. We’re truly blessed to have you in our midst. May God bless you. Big ginormous hugs Ninette.xxx