Dear Members, Well, we have almost made it to the end of 2020 and what a challenging year it has been! We can only hope and pray that 2021 will, please G-d, herald better times for all of us. With the numerous challenges that we have all faced in varying degrees, from emotional, financial, poor health, the loss of loved ones and many other disruptions – not least to our religious way of life as we are accustomed to – it has truly been a massive challenge. I would remind our whole community of the fantastic resource that is available to all of us right here on our doorstep. Stanmore Synagogue Community Care are here to help. If you are feeling lonely, vulnerable, challenged in any way and you would like a friendly chat or some help or advice, then I would urge you to please call or email in complete confidence. Their telephone number is 020 8954 3300 and their email address is [sscc@stanmoresynagogue.org] It is vital that we ensure the wellbeing of all of our members and particularly with the increased restrictions which we now face, we must all do our part to look out for neighbours and friends who may need our help and support. Whilst we are unable to physically pray within our Shul building, I would remind the community of our daily online classes throughout the week – details are on our website. We also have our community's Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom which will take place this week at 2:30pm this Friday afternoon. Last week's Taste of Shabbat Zoom session was attended by many of us and we were treated to a Joseph spectacular to link in with the week's Sedra. Although due to this week's Fast of Tevet, it will not allow quite the opportunity for such an amazing sing along as we had last week, Chazan Jonny Turgel has assured me that we can look forward to more joy and fun with our Taste of Shabbat services throughout this difficult time. I would add that prayers for those who are unwell, and for whom Yahrzeits are being observed, are also included as part of a Taste of Shabbat. It can be accessed by logging in at [Zoom] – Password: 648395. And I would, of course, remind the community about the United Synagogue's virtual daily prayers. Every day on the United Synagogue [Facebook page], our community can join one of the US Rabbis and pray along with him, or watch them on demand. You can view the timetable at [Daily Digital Davening] Rabbi Lew also teaches a Mishna class at 9:00am every Tuesday and Thursday on Zoom, which includes all the names of those for whom Kaddish would normally be recited. Please be in touch with Rabbi Lew to add a name of a loved one. And finally, there is of course the Bereishit Conference 2020 which will be taking place from this Sunday 27th until Wednesday 30th December. This will provide a huge range of fascinating talks and interviews, featuring the South African Chief Rabbi, Eli Beer, refusenik Yosef Mendelowitz, Lord Mann amongst a whole host of brilliant speakers. You can still book your place at [www.bereishit.org] and also find the full agenda and speaker line-up on the Shul website.
We thank you for your continued support and in the meantime, be well and healthy and stay safe. Best wishes Jeremy Harris Samantha Jacobs David Rosen Chair Vice-Chair Vice-Chair