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Letter from the Chair

Jo Landy As I write this there is a much uncertainty about COVID-19. There has been much discussion concerning who should go to or stay away from Shul and what, if anything, we should serve for Kiddush. At the moment we are keeping the situation under review, advising people to follow government advice. We have and will be letting you know developments via email. On a lighter note spring appeared to come earlier than usual with daffodils starting to bloom in February rather than in April. But instead of heralding Pesach, for me, they have heralded the problem of what to write as Chair of CTJC for the Pesach magazine. Rooting around trying to find something novel to add to this I came across an article on Passover Etiquette. I thought that it might make some of you smile. It should be added that the author is an International Protocol Expert and the article is a guide to the uninitiated. Tips include:

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4. Scheduling an ‘overnight’ babysitter for Seder because ‘a traditional Seder can last several hours’. Dressing elegantly and modestly in conservative silhouettes and subdued colours.

Having something to eat before arriving at the Seder. She suggests a bit of chicken breast or a protein bar and warns that ‘it may be a while before dining actually begins’. Eating something beforehand will enable enjoyment of the tradition without ‘impatience and hunger cravings.’ The advice that many of the foods served at Seder are deeply symbolic. There is a list which includes ….. CHALLA. This makes the author’s comment to ‘keep an open mind’ somewhat prescient. 1

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On a more serious note, Pesach is a holiday full of both stresses and pleasures. I think that many of us manage to insert more stress than needs be. One of my earlier recollections is of one Rabbi (whose name I have long forgotten) attempting to impress the notion that Pesach cleaning is quite specific. It does not equate with rigorous springcleaning everywhere irrespective of whether chametz has been near. Another major stress is shopping. Timing is everything. My personal yearly Pesach resolutions in respect of a large Kosher shop in Golders Green are: 1) To find a time when there is enough space in Kosher Kingdom to manoeuvre a shopping trolley. And 2) to remain polite, take lots of deep breaths, and avoid trolley rage. Of course, deliver-toCambridge or the on-line options are so much easier and risk-free. Other more positive news from the Community. Congratulations to Laila on her Torah Competition ‘JewQ’ success. More about that from her in this magazine. As I write, planning permission still has not been sought for the new Jewish Student Centre. However, there has been some progress in creating a new management structure for both the existing and potential future building. In January a meeting was held to try to resolve the problem of running 3 Thompson’s Lane in a way that meets the demands of Twenty-First century standards. In short, how to help Cambridge University Jewish Society negotiate and abide by the plethora of Health & Safety and Food Standards Regulations that are now in force. A Management Committee is now handling these complex issues, comprising two students and a resident from both CTJC and CJRA. Tim Goldrein’s knowledge of Health & Safety and practical skills made him the obvious choice for CTJC’s representative. I hope that the new system will be a marked improvement on the old.