TLSE HAKOL - July/August 2020 – Tammuz/Av/Elul 5780

T he L iberal Synagogue E lstree

Hakol

July/August 2020 – Tammuz/Av/Elul 5780

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Rabbi’s Word Congregants’ Views of Lockdown

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Pages 3/4 Jacqueline Bernard’s Pages 4-7 Lockdown experience

Page 12/13

Care and Welfare

Page 14

‘Mothers’ Day’ – Val Dickson Page 8

A Fond Farewell

Page 15

Coronavirus – the Positives

Page 9

Myisrael’s Coronavirus work Pages 16/17

Meet the new Trustee (1)

Page 9

The History of the Jews of England

Page 10

More Congregants’ Views of Lockdown

Meet the new Trustees (2 & 3)

Page 11

Page 17

The Lingering, Lengthening Page 18 Lockdown General Information

Page 19

RABBI’S WORD – JULY 2020

Rabbi Pete Tobias

LESSONS FROM LOCKDOWN

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t’s been a long time. And there’s not really any end in sight. Whatever restrictions get lifted in the days and weeks to come, there will still be restrictions for some time to come.

At the start of lockdown, I, like many others, glimpsed the possibility of a different future: a quieter, slower world that offered the promise of respect, gentleness and kindness. But it also took us into catastrophic places: overcrowded hospitals, frightening national and global statistics, embarrassing shortcomings in political leadership. Many of the utopian visions expressed in social and other media began to ring hollow set against the human cost of the pandemic that brought the world to a standstill.

It was all summarised in a poem written by Tom Roberts that was turned into a video that went viral (no pun intended) https://youtu.be/Nw5KQMXDiM4 . It put forward the idea that humanity would learn from the virus to rebalance our lives. It included such lines as: ‘We always had our wants, but now, it got so quick You could have anything you dreamed of, in a day and with a click We noticed families had stopped talking, that’s not to say they never spoke But the meaning must have melted and the work life balance broke And the children’s eyes grew squarer and every toddler had a phone They filtered out the imperfections, but amidst the noise, they felt alone.’

And… But then in 2020, a new virus came our way, The governments reacted and told us all to hide away But while we were all hidden, amidst the fear and all the while, The people dusted off their instincts, they remembered how to smile They started clapping to say thank you and calling up their mums And while the car keys gathered dust, they would look forward to their runs And with the skies less full of voyagers, the earth began to breathe And the beaches bore new wildlife that scuttled off into the seas Some people started dancing, some were singing, some were baking We’d grown so used to bad news, but some good news was in the making And so when we found the cure and were allowed to go outside We all preferred the world we found to the one we’d left behind.

But as the reality of Coronavirus began to bite, such visions seemed naïve, almost insulting to those at the heart of the suffering that was taking place all around us. I remember thinking at the time that it was too early to reach for such visions of the future, and I kept my peace. I hoped that a time

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would come when it would be possible to recall such moments when the potential of a new world was within reach and the will to achieve it might be harnessed.

As we race headlong into economic recovery and an effort to re-establish the old normal, it feels as though that potential may be lost. Perhaps it will be easier to see what the future might hold when September comes along.

For now, I am bringing a selection of members’ responses to my survey asking how people have coped with the lockdown. For now, it would seem, the future will still have to wait…

Stay safe.

SURVEY RESULTS

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re is a selection of quotes from respondents to a recent survey sent to TLSE members. These are all answers to the question ‘Please share any further thoughts or comments about what the synagogue has offered during the lockdown, and how you have benefited (or not) from whatever has been on offer. Also any general thoughts about how you personally have coped with the lockdown and other issues relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.’

The responses have been anonymised. For those who’ve not yet seen the survey, it is included with this edition of Hakol. In the next edition, we’ll be considering how we might organise the forthcoming High Holyday services…

I must compliment Rabbi Pete on efforts to maintain constant offerings for the community and making that as diverse as possible. It is a real challenge as various emotions & struggles come at varying times and, as is clear from reactions (or not) of government and other services/organisations, we have a constant learning and re-learning of what exactly we are managing/dealing with. Working throughout this period in the health care sector has been interesting and, at times, challenging. There have been times when emotions are great because there has been a huge sense of providing service. At other times, there has been a huge low of 'sitting & waiting' and, wondering what the future may hold. The other challenge has been matching this with life at home. Where I've been leaving the house on a daily basis and interacting with multiple people, my family at home have isolated strictly.

They've had fun together, driven each other mad and indulged in many repetitive walks ... and maintained the fear that, if they're going to get infected, it's most likely going to be down to me! Recognising also that what ever stresses and strains I may have at work, it's also not been easy for those locking down ... and they way in which these stresses manifest are so wide and often surprising!

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‘I feel more part of the community by joining in with the evening services. I feel lucky to have been working throughout lockdown so I've been in contact with other people and had my normal routine. Right now I feel a sense of frustration because all the work that has gone into making schools safe and making sure that children are not interacting with other bubbles is being made a mockery of when I see the lack of social distancing especially when shopping for food.’

‘Tuesday and Friday morning 'teach-ins' are great. Evening gatherings are excellent.

Particularly for my husband who is rated as 'extremely vulnerable' and only leaves the house to attend dialysis three times a week, so we are both in 'lock down'. We manage okay.’

‘Apart from the Seder service, I basically haven't joined any of the services. This is predominantly because I don't feel I can get into the spiritual mood at home.’

‘I think the shul, essentially Rabbi Pete, has been superb in what has been offered and talking to friends from other shuls, I realise we have been very fortunate in what TLSE has been doing. I've tried to think of other ideas (book group, creative writing programme, art appreciation, music appreciation, a Desert Island Discs picking on various members to talk about their lives and choose music etc.) but I do wonder how much people would be prepared to take on, and as things are I fear any more put on Rabbi Pete would be overloading him. Is there a Culture Committee to spread the load/come up with ideas? As for my personal experience of lockdown... well I have been enjoying it and it has taught me a lot.

Firstly I have enjoyed time with my partner. I think of people who are on their own and know several who have found loneliness a hardship, so I consider myself blessed. My partner is an interesting man who helps stretch my mind. I have loved having time to read, discover one or two new authors. I am a keen gardener and time in my garden is a pleasure. I love my dog - she's done well out of this period. I do love walking in the countryside. I keep meaning to do some watercolour but finding time has proved difficult! I have talked hours on the phone to family and friends so I'm up to date with them, but not driving out to see them, then driving back, not getting dressed and made up (okay I've turned into a bit of a slob) not planning dinner parties, meeting up in town for an exhibition, a glass or three of wine - well, I could go on. In fact I have discovered the value of having time to do things I enjoy, so many of these things were rushed or postponed... So yes, this has been a good time for me but I am keenly aware that it hasn't been for many. How lucky that it has happened in the summer with good weather. If we get a second spike, in the autumn..... well this could be a different picture. So what has this period taught me - okay, that I am selfish. Fact. That I'm halfway to being a loner despite everyone thinking otherwise. That I am more self-sufficient that I had realised. That in this period, getting out and helping others, donating time and energy to causes, has been off limits and so this salves what there is of my selfish conscience. Okay - that's enough. Recommendations to a good therapist may be welcomed in the coming months!’

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‘I am astounded by the excellent way TLSE has responded to the pandemic and the support it has offered to all members.

I am even more astounded by the selfish attitude of a minority of the general public who feel that they are somehow 'immune' and have little or no concern for the general population as they crowd around each other disregarding social distancing and face coverings. Notwithstanding this, we must do everything we can to halt this terrible virus and the best way for the TLSE community will be to continue to present services on-line and look forward to safe communal activities in 2021.’

‘Totally admire the rabbi for his efforts and consideration to reach out to members and non members Also keep in mind that many people could be signing in to watch and listen but not necessarily comment as some prefer to stay anonymous! I feel the synagogue has done much to connect us all and stay in touch during trying times when loved ones have been missed and normal social life was not possible! Thank you TLSE.’

‘The evening gatherings are brilliant, as is adult Ed. I think the synagogue has gone above and beyond in all aspects of support and the situation has engendered a closer feeling of community. Thank you for everything.’

‘Full marks to Rabbi Pete for all the services etc. on offer. They have made me feel connected during what has been a depressing experience and something to look forward to in an otherwise lonely day.’

‘I've benefited from and enjoyed the online adult education but not finding screen-based meetings generally satisfying I've not used any of the other things on offer.

Equally, I would not find online High Holy Day services enjoyable. The pandemic has been relatively easy for us to accommodate being a couple with a garden, internet, home deliveries of food et al. Our outside life, however, is non-existent and has been limited to family only outdoor visits but a small price to pay for limiting risk of severe illness or possibly death.’

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‘We have been, and continue to be very cautious, especially when going out for necessary shopping etc. Because of our age and ‘underlying’ risk factors, we’ll remain in semi-lockdown until a cure or a vaccine is found. Hardest has been not socialising in person with family and friends and hardest has been not being able to properly support those who have lost loved ones….’

‘I think what Rabbi Pete has done for our TLSE congregation is amazing. It has brought the community together and helped us cope with the lockdown situation. I am certain we are all extremely grateful for all he has done.’

‘The synagogue (and Rabbi Pete) have offered a lot during lockdown, every day. Will you please reconsider your use of Facebook now that even large companies no longer trust it. I have never understood why Zoom is not used for all services. During lockdown I have missed my normal activities like everyone but I have more than made up for that by much greater use of online. For example I am reading far more library books online than I ever did by physically going (or not going) to the local library.’

‘I have absolutely loved logging into the service at 6.30pm each evening. I’m usually preparing dinner and it’s such a relaxing & peaceful half an hour, in an otherwise bonkers world!’

‘I have loved being a part of the online services... I prefer it in that I can multi task sometimes also, I like my own space if I’m connecting religiously at times and although a very social person have enjoyed the quietMichael focuswith of the thewinning shul trophy services on line.’

‘Been able to attend Eruv Shabbat services online, at a time that I ‘Have coped far better than would normally be returning expected with tremendous from work. Can catch up on support from family and many streamed services after the event. other offers if needed including Would prefer services via Zoom Shul. Thank you.’ allowing interaction with other participants before/after service.

Have coped OK with lock down really enjoying not having hour plus ‘I journeys home. Interacting with feel I others online, so not isolated. Working have full time from home, so can keep benefited from structure to week. Also using time to run what the synagogue and cycle regularly, so keeping fit. Still has offered during keeping socially distanced much as lockdown. Going to shul to throughout lock down.’

‘I feel more part of the community now, with very accessible live ‘gatherings’ I would otherwise have missed. Positive messages on live social media and lots of humour, which is much needed. I really hope the community can quickly find a way to use the building again safely. Seeing faces again is also needed. Perhaps we can give rabbi Pete a break and have members run services and sessions.’

collect the Pesach dish, the Yom Ha-Sho’ah candle and cheesecake at Shavu’ot gave me something to focus on and a reason to go to the synagogue. I was able to see familiar faces, albeit briefly. I appreciate all the effort Rabbi Pete has put in to maintain the daily services, Shabbat services and adult ed. I miss not being able to go to the synagogue, it's not the same seeing it on a screen. I would like to see my friends in shul again.’

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MOTHERS’ DAY: Val Dickson’s Covid experience…

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y Mother’s Day gift was an ambulance and six days away with full board . They must have paid extra as it came with a photo…still waiting to see it, and a bed which gave a massage every few minutes. I must say I wasn’t very impressed with the food as it either had no taste or was weird!

The good thing was the package came with free drugs, however in order to receive these I had to donate blood.

This caused a slight problem as after the initial donation my veins decided that was enough and refused to co-operate until they sent in a vampire. How do I know it was a vampire? She arrived at midnight and within two minutes it was all done and dusted. Am not sure how good the drugs were as the hallucinations were weird rather than scary.

Late on Wednesday night I had to move from isolation to a regular ward, why can they not get organised enough to sort things out in waking hours? Having just got settled, management went into panic mode and were emptying wards at the speed of light. I was going to St Albans.

Ambulances were only allowed one passenger so they gave me the oldest, coldest most uncomfortable one they could find with a driver who thought this was the Monte Carlo Rally. On arrival we were informed that not only were they not expecting me but they only took DNR or non medication, so we had to go all the way back into an empty ward before I could be re homed.

Ended up in the oldest part of the establishment until the Friday when they were so desperate they decided to throw me out. Hurrah! Typically took them all day to organise it AND you have to provide your own

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transport. Eventually taken home by “nurse Rachet” (daughter Sophie) with new meds. What a disaster they turned out to be, I won’t go into details. Of course by then it’s impossible to find anyone in the hospital who has any record of the previous meds so it’s ask the GP. At least it’s possible to have a phone consultation. New prescription sent to very helpful pharmacy. GP also included the information that it is going to take at least three months to recover.

It’s three months on and I’m still not perfect … no sniggering about I never was. Nurse Rachet has evolved into an excellent housekeeper and gardener.

Although a trained chef I did have to instruct her on how to make chicken soup; how can a Jewish girl not know how to make chicken soup? And annoyingly it was better than mine.

Now enjoying streamed theatre, Zoom meetings and Facebook live streaming especially the evening gatherings.

Modern technology has made the whole lockdown more bearable and opened up a whole new experience for many.

This is to say thank you to everyone who messaged me while I was ill. I have tried over the last few weeks to contact everyone but I am sure to have missed someone, so if it’s you please don’t be offended because you’re probably not the only one.

A special big thank you to Rabbi Pete and our administrator Jaqueline, the only staff allowed to work, who have offered so much help not only to me but also to many of our members.

Oh, and I did eventually get a phone call from the “virtual hospital”. It only took three months….

Val Dickson

CORONVIRUS - THE POSITIVES

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ike most of us, I have been missing quite a few people and events during the last few weeks, but I thought it might be refreshing to dwell on the positives, even though some of these have also had negative side effects.

On a personal level, I can include the following:Speaking to my neighbour who I have been avoiding for various reasons for over a year and actually getting a response.

More cycling, more walking and greater appreciation of nature.

Birds and animals have been able to flourish as a result.

More local shopping and less buying of ‘stuff’ for its own sake. More DIY, crafts, gardening and ‘make do and mend.’

Greater appreciation of the low paid, key workers, NHS and the BBC. A rise in local help groups and a fall in knife crime and crime in general.

Increasing my technical knowhow by using Facebook, Zoom and Teams and Rough sleepers being housed in not using a cheque to pay my milk bill. hotels.

Reading a different genre of books to my usual selection of modern novels.

(The Da Vinci Code isn’t as awful as everyone said it was!).

Spending less on petrol, sport, holidays and haircuts.

On a national level there have been numerous benefitsLess traffic, less pollution and minimal aircraft noise.

And finally, from a synagogue perspectiveA rise in service attendance, including greater accessibility for those who find it hard to travel to shul, and an increased awareness of the need to keep in touch with our more vulnerable members.

The Biennial, usually the province of the few, tuned into by over 1500 people.

Tina Shaw.

YAEL SHOTTS - TRUSTEE

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i, I am Yael, I turned 40 this year. My husband, Tobias, and I live in Borehamwood and rejoined the synagogue last year. We have two children, one about to have his Bar Mitzvah in September and a younger daughter who's nearly 11.

When I saw the call for new trustees it didn't take me long to decide to give it a shot. I would like to see membership increase and the TLSE community thrive and go from strength to strength.

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THE RETURN OF THE JEWS (FROM AN EXPERT)

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ven when you are secretly quite pleased with what you have written, if you are like me it is the really knowledgeable comments which you treasure. So of course I was very pleased when I received a note from Rabbi Alan Mann. He said that he was enjoying my account of the history of the Jews in Britain.

I was even more delighted when he offered to add to my efforts. He is a real expert so I hope that you will agree that he adds authority to the piece. Here is what he added: “There were a number of Jews living in England prior to Menassah Ben Israel’s appeal to Cromwell. They were escapees from Spain and Portugal, officially living as Christians. They were living in London since at least 1540. One such person was a “Converso” named Roderigo Lopez.

He had been doctor to the royal Court in Portugal. On being warned that the Inquisition was about to arrest him for secretly practising Judaism, he fled to London. Portugal and England had been allies for centuriegs so London was the obvious destination, while Flanders was still Spanish.

Lopez did well in England and became doctor to the Queen in 1581.

Unfortunately, he fell fowl of the Earl of Essex who accused him of trying to kill the Queen. If you have time, there is a full and very detailed account of the trial and his life in the National Records Office in Kew. It was a blatantly anti-semitic trial, but he was eventually found guilty and executed in 1594. The Queen did not believe the accusation because she returned all his estate back to his widow and paid for his son’s education In the account of his life are details of his marriage to Sarah, daughter of the leader of the Jewish community who lived in Shoreditch. He had the very valuable monopoly in pepper. There is a very interesting account of the wedding

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including the meal – it would rival anything you would see today.

There is another little snippet I would like to add. In 1654, Jews were admitted to New Amsterdam (now New York), refugees from the Inquisition in South America. This prompted Menassah ben Israel to write to Cromwell. Ben Israel was a mystic, apart from being a rabbi and a down to earth business man.

He wanted the Messiah to come and the rabbis taught that that would happen when the Jews were scattered to the four corners of the world. They were now in all the known world except England.

Admission of the Jews to England would facilitate the Messiah arrival.

Cromwell was also a mystic, apart from being a military leader and a down to earth politician. He believed in the second coming of the Messiah and this coincided with the Jewish hopes. He therefore agreed to allow them back into England, some twelve families.

Unfortunately, when eventually, the Council met they refused to ratify Cromwell’s decision; but it was too late, they were already here and settled. I cannot find any Act which nullified the Act of expulsion in 13the century. We may be here unlawfully.

He very modestly claims not have studied history when he was studying he wrote a dissertation on Conversion and based it on the conversion of Lord George Gordon (of the Gordon Riots) a notorious anti-Catholic agitator who converted to Judaism. The detail in the piece above rather suggests he is more of an historian than he admits.

Dr Ruth Herman

SUSAN PAESSLER - TRUSTEE

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am Susan Paessler and I was born in Kenton, Harrow 69 years ago. My parents were members of Wembley Liberal Shul. I have spent most of my married life in South Bucks (Amersham area) and I was a member of an offshoot of Northwood Liberal Synagogue (South Bucks Liberal). While I was there I was active in various areas and I knew Rabbi Pete when he was our Student Rabbi. I was also a member of the Northwood Shul for over thirty years. I went to live in Spain in 2006 and I returned last September. I have two married daughters with four young grandsons between them. One of them lives in Radlett where I’m currently staying.

My other daughter lives in Brighton. I have been a widow for five years now. I was in business all my working life until 2013 in retail (in fine arts) including a concession in Harrods for thirty eight years.

Principal hobbies are playing Bridge and all card/board games. I am delighted to be elected as a trustee and look forward to contributing to the Synagogue’s activities in any way I can.

Susan Paessler

GAYLE MCCOMBE - TRUSTEE

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i, I’m Gayle McCombe and have been a trustee for a few months now. I live at home with my 3 boys - Ben who will be 18 in August, Josh who will be 16 in September and the lastest addition to our family, my 10 week old furbaby Brody Bear who is a Pomeranian.

I work at JCoSS where I have been since the school opened in September 2010 and have various different roles - including teaching Health & Social Care in the PSRP to the 6th Form, Secondary Transfer Co-ordinator for the whole school and a main stream form tutor (currently my form are year 8).

We live in Borehamwood and have been members of TLSE for over 3 years, and feel very much part of the TLSE family & community.

In December 2019, I celebrated alongside the Shul, my 50th Birthday and had a Bat Mitzvah, something that I missed out on when I was (much) younger. It was a celebration I will never forget.

We are a fun, lovely, crazy family, Josh and I

support Arsenal and Ben supports Manchester City.

I’m very excited to be apart of the TLSE Trustees and look forward to meeting you all in person very soon 11

MY LOCKDOWN EXPERIENCE WHAT’S FOR DINNER? WHY IS THE WI-FI SO SLOW? IS THAT PARCEL FOR ME?

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i, Jacqueline here. You would normally find me four mornings a week in the office at TLSE, but due to lockdown that’s all changed. Since the end of March I have been working from home. I have to admit it took a little getting used to but being able to access emails and frequently used documents from the comfort of home has helped ease the way. I can work from home doing the same as in the office although one thing I would say is different is that most of my contact is through email as a phone call to the office will result in the answerphone.

So may take longer for a reply than an email. I have thoroughly enjoyed speaking to members of TLSE especially during the early stages of lockdown and having a good chat about what is happening and what they have been doing. I hope once lockdown is over that I will get the chance to meet congregants I spoke to face to face. On the times I visited TLSE in early lockdown it was eerily quiet with no nursery and no security, not the vibrant happy place I was used to.

Lockdown at home meant many challenges as suddenly my house had five of us there ALL the time. This caused a huge strain on the broadband and a huge increase on the amount of food consumed with three young adults at home . As soon as I bought it the food seemed to be gone!!! They also all became nocturnal!! Daniel who you have seen before in Hakol lost his whole care structure on 21st March. For anyone out there living with a family member with additional needs I am sure you can relate to how hard that was.

During lockdown he has learnt to cook

pizza and pasta and how to zoom and I have learnt basketball skills and how to take part in a crossbar challenge. I am pleased to say his care team are gradually returning. My son Robin returned from university and had online assessments and exams to do which was a challenge in this noisy household. He was more than happy to join the TLSE shopping and delivering team for a distraction. He also celebrated his 21st birthday with us, a cake and balloons (not quite how he planned that)!!! Finally my daughter Amber had her driving test and lessons cancelled and left her school forever leaving her results in the hands of her teachers. She survived lockdown thanks to FaceTime, Zoom , Netflix and a lot of online shopping. Rabbi Pete’s 6:30 pm gathering gave structure to the day with the kids and me singing along to all the tunes remembered from childhood and in some cases doing the actions too.

As we emerge from the lockdown I realise that we had some very special family time (among the frustration boredom and tears) and I am glad for that. I am also glad to see them preparing for a new normal. Daniel can go out in a small care team, Robin is looking for next year’s student accommodation and Amber is preparing to leave home and go to uni.

David and I are just pleased to have got through it so far and still be able to smile. We are looking forward to lower food bills, faster broadband and fewer Amazon deliveries.

I am not yet back in the office but have started popping in more. I don’t know when or if I will go back to the same hours physically in the office as before as technology has enabled me

to do so much from home but I have missed the real face to face social interaction with colleagues and the TLSE community and I certainly hope for a return of that. In the meantime I am still working and an email to me will receive a quick response.

Keep safe everyone Jacqueline Bernard

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MAZAL TOV TO: Ellis Cavendish for his bar-mitzvah ceremony on July 4th Oli Ram for his bar-mitzvah ceremony on July 18th

GET WELL SOON TO: Rita Gibson

YOUR CARE TEAM ARE THERE FOR YOU Since the last Hakol the Care team have been in contact with many of our members, offering help, support or even just a good chat during these strange times. The team are here for anyone who feels they need someone to talk to, or some help or advice. We will always listen and try to make suggestions where we can. You can get in touch by calling or emailing the office and your request will be passed to the team. Please note that there is currently no one in the office during the week so an email may get the quickest response.

WHAT’S NEW FOR JULY? ALTERNATE THURSDAY EVENINGS at 8 THE THURSDAY QUIZ!!!

A short (30 minute) fun quiz every other Thursday, The first 20 individuals to join can compete in a fun online quiz.

If you’re interested in taking part, email rabbi@rabbipete.co.uk to be included; after which it will be first come, first served!

Once it’s happened a few timesand we’ve all got the hang of it, you can volunteer to ‘host’ a future quiz!

ALSO: THE SUNDAY QUIZ – exactly the same as the Thursday quiz but it’s on alternate Sundays at 5.00pm!!

BURIAL In cases of bereavement, please contact our Burial Officer, Joan Shopper on 01582 792959 14

A FOND FAREWELL

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have been the editor of Hakol for just under a year and I have enjoyed the connection it gives me with the congregation and the multitude of activities that are undertaken.

Unfortunately I have been forced to make a decision to give up the magazine because I will no longer be able to give it the attention it demands. Why? Let me explain. Some of you may know that I have Parkinsons.

Despite being diagnosed for a number of years the medication controls it well and I would guess that those of you who have met me would not guess that I have the condition. (Even my neurologist has doubts and he’s an expert!) I have always been active in doing what I can for the national Parkinsons charity, Parkinsons UK. When I took time out to write my book (Grub Street: The Origins of the British Press: If you think fake news is a recent phenomenon it isn't. As this is my last editor's words, I will advertise it!) I had to give up something and I resigned from the committee which promotes close communication between the patients and the research scientists.

The Eastern Region Research Interest Group Steering Committee clearly thought I had something to offer as they have invited me back.

This means working closely with some of the most senior research scientists in the country. Included in this is the team at Cambridge who are doing the most amazing work. I must give this my utmost effort as it is only by bringing patients and researchers together that the projects can have enough participants to find the elusive cure.

And it is also good for the morale of the people with Parkinsons to hear of the advances in drug developments and other treatments.

This work is alongside my ongoing efforts for the local West Herts branch of Parkinson’s UK. I am the speaker secretary for the branch which means I have to find speakers every month (a task which will be much easier with my newly enhanced contact with scientists and clinicians). And while I am talking about the West Herts Branch of Parkinsons UK if there are any members of the synagogue or there is anyone that you know who has Parkinsons please tell them that they would be very welcome to come and see whether they would like to join us. There are a variety of exercise and other classes which they may find useful. Or if they are feeling isolated with the condition perhaps we can introduce them to people who know how they feel. Our door is always open.

The downside of all this, unfortunately, is that I do not have the time to give Hakol its deserved attention. Whoever takes it on will, I hope, enjoy editing it as much as I have. I am sure that the next editor will take the magazine to greater heights. The only way is up!

Ruth

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CORONAVIRUS HERE’S HOW ONE ISRAELI CHARITY MADE A DIFFERENCE

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oronavirus changed the world. It certainly changed the charity world. For most charities, changes were immediate and dramatic. Some became extremely busy while others immediately stopped operating.

Some hired new staff to cope with new demand and new services, others furloughed many of their staff. Some saw donations almost entirely dry up, whilst others received income from new sources to fund immediate and urgent needs.

Myisrael has fallen somewhere in between. Myisrael supports 18 under-the-radar causes working with a variety of different populations across Israel. Last Kol Nidre, Elstree Liberal Shul chose to support Misholim - the expressive therapy centre for children suffering from trauma. When Misholim's face-to-face therapy had to cease it was replaced by telephone sessions.

The real issue was that so many parents who had been paying the subsidised fees for their child's essential therapy were unable to once they had been furloughed or lost their jobs completely.

Through your response to our appeal and thanks to this community's generosity two children - Michal and Ronit - have their therapy secured for the rest of the year.

At Click in Hod Hasharon, all the elderly activity centres closed, rendering all participants housebound. So, Click adapted and focussed on distributing food to the elders, activity kits for them to be occupied at home – and set

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them up on their virtual technology programme so they could access classes from home via their TV. It was a huge operation in terms of manpower and financial requirements and Myisrael was proud to facilitate a large part of this effort.

At the other extreme – INTRA had to cease all activities for more than six weeks. No patients were permitted to attend their horse-riding therapy and all but two members of staff – responsible for feeding and caring for the horses were furloughed. Yotam Shefty, INTRA’s Executive Director spent hours talking to clients every day on the phone. He said some of those who suffered most from their lack of horse therapy were soldiers with PTSD. In one case, Victor a veteran from the 2006 Lebanon war would turn up at the INTRA gates desperate just to see ‘his’ horse.

Victor had to go back onto anti-anxiety drugs shortly after his horse-therapy stopped but Yotam hopes this is just a temporary

situation. Myisrael covered some of the costs of caring for the horses.

The Myisrael team have been in touch with its causes throughout the Coronavirus crisis; either brainstorming how they can change the way they do things or talking about fundraising and advising them how best to keep in-touch with donors during this time. Myisrael also launched an Emergency Appeal which was supported by hundreds of members of the Jewish community, including members of this shul.

Direct donations to the appeal, together with a substantial donation from a relief fund to help the immediate needs of some of the causes – enabled Myisrael to have a significant impact on the lives of over 4,500 people in need during the crisis.

At the time of writing – Myisrael has proudly funded 1,480 food vouchers for families in need; support for 30 victims of domestic

abuse; 61 taxi rides for cancer patients to get to their hospital treatment; 21 laptops for Ethiopian-Israeli university students to continue their studies online; 14 urgent renovations for dilapidated homes; technology links for 50 housebound elders and food and vet bills for six therapy horses for a month.

Needs keep changing and Myisrael are on hand to respond wherever possible. But all this has only been possible with generous donations from the UK Jewish community. We know that times are tough for everyone. We know that there are tremendous needs closer to home, so we just wanted to say THANK YOU to those of you who have supported this appeal.

For more information, please go to www.myisraelcharity.org.

And please, above all else – stay safe

MORE SURVEY RESULTS ‘I personally have not made use of the excellent services provided by Rabbi Pete. Lockdown has given me the opportunity to listen to many CD's, prepare and distribute discs to members of a music group, catch up on reading as well as take part in on line courses. I have also walked nearly every day covering over 600 miles locally so far since 22.04.20. I am now about to get involved in school appeals via Skype and teleconferencing. I have enjoyed the quiet of early morning local walks and the slower pace of life. I have missed the many social contacts and of course the walking holidays booked well in advance including a June visit to the Pyrenees.

2021 is going to be busy.’

‘‘We have really enjoyed the Friday night services which gave us some much needed structure to our week.’

‘Congratulations at being so quick to get services via Facebook up and running. Evening gatherings have kept not only TLSE but also a wider community in touch.’

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THE LINGERING, LENGTHENING LOCKDOWN… As we arrive at the height of summer, I am interested to know what TLSE can offer its members during the next couple of months. At the time of writing, it seems that the British public are determined to bring about a second spike in the pandemic. Whether that happens or not, we are still in a state of semi-lockdown for the foreseeable future. Various classes and discussion groups have been running since April, as well as regular services and a ‘gathering’ every evening via Facebook.

I’d like to know what has worked, what hasn’t and what you might like for the summer months. Please complete this questionnaire, either online and email it back to rabbi@rabbipete.co.uk or print it off and post it to the synagogue (address above). There are also some questions about the High Holydays, which, it seems, will also be affected by the pandemic and its accompanying restrictions.

1) Which if the following have you or your family members attended or participated in? (please circle or underline where appropriate) 6.30pm evening gatherings

Shabbat services

BM classes/tutorials Receiving: Seder package

Adult education/KT

KT Group meetings Yellow Candle

TeaLSE Time

Basic Judaism classes

Rabbit with Rabbi

Yom ha-Atzma’ut package

Cheesecake

Other (please give details ) Various LJ meetings; occasional “visits” to other congregations; Biennial; trustees meetings; AGM Please give your opinions about anything you have attended They have worked well. The continuous stream of comments on FB makes it feel quite interactive, without having to feel as though I am “on camera” as it is with Zoom, so I can dip in and out, do other things in the background, join in the garden, etc. Slight concern that FB is a bit more difficult for occasional users to find and join, including have to join the private group, rather than YouTube. I like the informality, that is both TLSE and Pete, but it is interesting that some other congregations are a lot more formal in their streamed events (LJS, NPLS). It would be good to have the streams left open for a few minutes after the end of the formal proceeding to allow live chats to continue – as we have done on Zoom after BMs. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2) Given the current restrictions, what other activities would you like to see the synagogue organising?

More publicising of other relevant events, e.g. from other LJ congregations, JW3, etc. But I don’t think there I much more that we can do directly.

3) The High Holydays are just 12 weeks away. It is unlikely that we will be able to use either Clore Shalom School or the synagogue building. It is possible that we might have limited use of the building. Would you prefer (please circle your preference(s) and give explanations and other thoughts below): a) To use a building for as many people as possible?

b) To limit access to the building to specific people?

c) To use the building only for those leading the service? d) Not to use the building at all and stream all services?

We should aim for multiple parallel options, with both Rabbis and lay leaders, across the 4 joined communities, rather like the biennial day. Will need proper streaming management, needs to look slick and professional otherwise the tech will become distracting to participants. Encourage congregants to make the days special, e.g. sit together, use a prayerbook, dress appropriately, try to move away from the usual desk / bedroom / office space? Could possibly host local small physical breakout groups in people’s homes / gardens if the rules and weather permit. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4) Please share any further thoughts or comments about what the synagogue has offered during the lockdown, and how you have benefited (or not) from whatever has been on offer. Also any general thoughts about how you personally have coped with the lockdown and other issues relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. (note: some of these contributions may be incorporated in the next edition of Hakol – please indicate below if you would be happy for your words to be included and whether you would prefer them to be anonymous).

“I recognise that we are amongst the very fortunate – we are healthy, don’t need to commute to work; have been financially supported by the government, have a garden and no kids to home school. So it hasn’t been a problem. Of course I’ve been involved in supporting what TLSE has offered as well as participating in it.”

“I’m very impressed by how much Pete has been able to deliver, but would like to see some of the load shared by other volunteers – I know it is hard to find volunteers, but there is a big risk that the whole community will forget the importance of volunteering if Pete does it all. We will emerge stronger if we get volunteering to work better, even when it is easier to just do things oneself. For example, we could have put more effort into using the Care Team to keep in touch with vulnerable members rather than the staff. We could add volunteers just to share a reading at services, etc.” _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Thank you for taking time to complete this. Please take care and stay safe.

Rabbi Pete Tobias

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GENERAL INFORMATION GENERAL INFORMATION T L S E

Elstree High Street, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3EY Phone: 020 8953 8889 Email: office@tlse.org.uk www.tlse.org.uk Edited by Ruth Herman

Please Note: During the time of Covid-19, the office is only rarely attended. For this reason, if you telephone, you may wait some time for a response. Please email office@tlse.org.uk if a quick response is required.

Please Note: The office is usually occupied every day except Saturday but the hours are varied. Every effort will be made to respond to you within 2 hours.

Would all those involved in arranging functions services or meetings please contact the office on 0208 953 8889 or office@tlse.org.uk so that they can be scheduled in the Synagogue diary. This ensures that any physical set-ups in the Synagogue are arranged and that meetings do not conflict.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that details printed in Hakol are correct no responsibility can be accepted for information misprinted or incorrectly given to the editor. Please let the Editor know of any errors or corrections. The Editor reserves the right to edit material submitted for publication.

The deadline for submissions to the next edition of Hakol is Friday 7th August but submissions will be accepted at any time and early submission is appreciated.

Hakoleditor0@gmail.com.

WHAT’S NEW FOR JULY FRIDAY MORNINGS at 11

Countdown to Rosh ha-Shanah!

Erev Rosh ha-Shanah will be on Friday 18th September. There are 10 Fridays between July 10th and September 11th. Each Friday morning we’ll look at an aspect of the High Holydays

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‘Getting the cheesecake ready for delivery at Shavu’ot”