Farewell to Zoe

If we are a home then the people that run our homes are intrinsic to them.

This month Zoe leaves FPS in a formal way. Zoe joined us in 2017. I recall well all of Zoe’s journey here at 54 Hutton Grove. Her interview panel was utterly wowed by Zoe’s verve, charisma and exciting sense of community. Alex Kinchin-Smith called me when he first met her to say ‘She is Amazing!’. Zoe began after HHDs and together with Pauline held the fort while I was on sabbatical then we enjoyed a good 18 months of ‘peace time’ together before Covid hit. As you will all recall Zoe was utterly extraordinary during Covid: the networks she created, the communication she sustained and the energy that she brought throughout those two years of ‘new’ living. Since then Zoe has recognised a cumulative exhaustion from community work since she was 16 years old and the need for some restorative time in her new home by the sea. 2022 was a tough year for Zoe and so this is much needed.

adoration her Ivriah children have for her? The chocolate sedarim for Pesach, picking damsons and blackberries in our garden and the speed with which Zoe turns them into crumbles. All these we will remember.

Zoe has brought joy and kindness and I imagine FPS nor any of us will be the same again.

Words from a congregant-Bobbie: Zoe is great at involving people! The Friday night dinners, for example – I’m hopeless at small talk but Zoe thinks of crazy, fun questions that make everyone contribute painlessly. She has been instrumental setting up in our small but delightful Mindful Crafting sessions – apparently my idea (did I scratch my nose again?) – where I’ve made more new friends and have learned new skills from those who have generously shared their knowledge.

Yes, FPS asks a lot of individuals but every ask pays dividends by helping you to build links and feel a part of the community. I love reading about the range of creative activities in which Zoe has been key. And her care of the youth. There’s no greater privilege or responsibility than holding future generations in your hand and Zoe has done so much to nurture the future of FPS through its young people.

For five years I have worked so closely with Zoe and cannot imagine synagogue life without her. Whirling during Oseh Shalom in our family services; the skill she demonstrates in choosing apt pieces from literature to echo and reflect the Shabbat portion. Or what about the

To quote Debby Boone, “Dreams are the seeds of change. Nothing ever grows without a seed, and nothing ever changes without a dream.” Some dreams, and some seeds, go from strength to strength, and many reminders that ‘Zoe was here’ will remain.

Carry on dreaming big, Zoe – the world needs creative people more than ever! Thank you for the role you’ve played in encouraging me to bloom at FPS.