Dear Members, Last Shabbat and Sunday, we were delighted to be able to hold multiple Rosh Hashanah services for our community in Shul. From the tremendously positive feedback we had from all those who were able to join us, our members were able to experience as fulfilling a time as was possible, despite the situation which we found ourselves in. This was in no small part down to those who attended who expressed their appreciation, and confidence, in the Covid secure measures which we had taken. We are extremely grateful to the huge array of people who were able to make this happen. This included our Rabbinic team, our wonderful Chazzanim, our service Wardens and Shamashim, our Youth Directors and intermediate, children and toddler service leaders, our security teams of volunteers, our Covid marshals and to our caretakers and all their team of helpers and cleaners. It was also wonderful that several of our community volunteered to blow the shofar for those of our members who were unable to attend the Synagogue in person. We estimate that in excess of 350 people were able to hear a mobile shofar blown for them and we are exceedingly grateful for their efforts in facilitating this. As we approach Kol Nidrei and Yom Kippur next Sunday night and Monday, we would respectfully ask that if, having booked a place at one of our services, for whatever reason, your plans change and you are now unable to attend the Kol Nidrei and/or Yom Kippur services, please can you advise the Shul as soon as possible so that we can free up muchneeded space for those on our waiting list who would like to attend. Please also note that only those who have prebooked services may attend given our track and trace obligations. Please can we also remind members to arrive at the Synagogue no earlier than between 1015 minutes prior to the start time of their particular service. In addition, please note that the Yizkor service will start promptly at the start of each advertised service time. As is traditional at this time of year, you will no doubt have already received an email giving full details of our Kol Nidrei Appeal. We would ask that where you are financially able to support this appeal that you do, and we thank you in anticipation of your generosity. The link to the appeal can be found at [www.kolnidre.org.uk/Stanmore] There are a few slots still available for our Covid marshals over Yom Kippur – and therefore we are sending out a request for members to sign up to the volunteer rota please as soon as possible, so that full teams of marshals are in place. Members can volunteer for those remaining slots by emailing [sacps.marshalling@gmail.com] and they will then be sent their own personal link to the rota to see which slots they could fulfil. We thank you in advance of your support. As with Rosh Hashanah, we have received a request from those who will be officiating/leading the services on Yom Kippur to consider whether it would be possible to hold an early Shacharit service for those individuals (who may otherwise have wished to attend other early morning minyanim in other locations, before coming to Stanmore). In view of this, we have agreed that an early morning Shacharit service will take place in the Marquee to commence at 7:00am and finish by the latest 8:45am This will enable the Marquee to be cleaned (in accordance with our Covid secure policies) in time for the commencement of the early Yizkor and Musaf service planned to start at 10:00am in the Marquee. If you would like to attend, please book as soon as possible. You should note that bookings will close at midnight tomorrow, Thursday 24 September, so please book as early as possible as there will be no availability to attend this service after this date. Please use the following link [https://myus.theus.org.uk/events/62569/yomkippur/] (please note that the Shacharit service will start at Hamelech and there will be no leining) We would also mentioned that due to the current health concerns and crisis, the Shul will not be sharing the Lulav and Etrog (Arba Minim) for Succot.
We would therefore urge you to purchase your own set, which can be sourced at very reasonable prices. For further information, please contact Rabbi Lew directly. We sincerely hope and pray that the experience that our members will have this Yom Kippur will be as fulfilling as it can be, despite the situation which we find ourselves in. As we have said before, all the policies and decisions sanctioned by our Shul Executive are made based on current government advice. Nevertheless, the situation in this country remains fluid and unpredictable. At any point, between now and Yom Kippur, or beyond, things can rapidly change. Of course, we will immediately update you should the need arise. All that remains for me to do is, on behalf of the Honorary Executive and Synagogue Council, wish you all a Shanah Tovah Umetukah – – שנה טובה ומתוקה and g'mar chatimah tovah – גמר חתימה טובה. Thank you for your continued support and be well and healthy and stay safe. Best wishes Jeremy Harris Chair Jeremy Saideman Warden Richard Konn Financial Representative
Samantha Jacobs ViceChair Laurence Gordon Warden Howard Davis Honorary Executive responsible for Pastoral Care
David Rosen ViceChair Dr Peter Kraus Warden