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SIMCHAT TORAH 2024 / 5785

Simchat Torah 2024 / 5785 was celebrated in the usual Brentwood Reform Style with singing and dancing, pretty much everyone present managed to have a turn at dancing with the Sefer Torah. Our little ones, as ever, were included, as they went around with the baby scroll specifically for that purpose. Whilst the baby scroll is printed, it still has the full text, a little blue mantle and of course its own yad.

In a slight change this year, music was played via speakers and the words of the songs were projected up onto the wall next to the Ark. A brilliant innovation, thanks to Jeniffer and Alon.

Our honourees were, Kallah Bereshit Nicole and Chatan Torah Louis who both read beautifully. Engraved gifts, certificates and letters from Reform Judaism were presented to our honourees by our Chair, Judith.

Following the Simchat Torah tradition, with 4 people holding it, the children present were given the Aaronic blessing under Louis’ large tallit by service leader Natasha.

Of course, what kind of Jewish celebration would it be without food. A plentiful kiddish was provided and enjoyed by all.

Our resident photographer, Geoff was on hand snapping away. This year Geoff had a young assistant, 9-year-old Keila. Geoff provided plenty of wonderful photos as always. Budding photographer Keila, using a camera donated by a Shul member, produced some very good photos. Check out the photo of Keila’s little brother Gidon carrying the baby scroll that was mentioned earlier. Nifty photography by a 9-year-old!

On a rather wet, chilly morning, the members of Brentwood Reform met up to celebrate Sukkot 2024 -5785.

Despite the weather, we all enjoyed our turn at shaking the lulav and smelling the beautiful etrog. This can be seen in the faces of young William and our Chair Judith. Natatsha led the service in the Sukka with a lovely Sukkot story that evenb the youngest members of our congregation could understand and enjoy.  

The intention was to have tea and refreshments in the Sukka.  However, due to the rain and lack of space to accommodate the fairly large crowd, we just partook of a token fruit munch then repaired indoors for a chat, warm drinks and of course, plentiful food.

A good time was had by all.

On Rosh Hashanah this year 2024/5785, once again our excellent Shofar blower, Alon, did a sterling job. For the community at Brentwood, along no doubt with other Jewish communities across the globe, the blowing of the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah is something we all look forward to, So many thanks to Alon for the practice he puts in and for year on year enabling us to listen to the significant sound of the Shofar.  

On Sunday 6th October, Brentwood Reform Synagogue, in conjunction with Christian Friends of Israel, held an event to mark  the pogrom carried out by Hamas in Israel, of 7th October 2023. The event, held in Brentwood, was very well attended. A short presentation was made by Steve Jaffe of MDA. The names of the hostages still held captive were read out by members of the community and members of CFI. As can be seen from the photos, there was a plethora of Israeli flags, demonstrating the attendees strong support of Israel. 

El Rachamim and Kaddish were recited by Rabbi Irit Shillor of Harlow. Rabbi David Hulbert and his wife Fiona were also in attendance.

The attendees enjoyed a plentiful kiddish with something for everyone. 

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TIKVAH CHADASHA
Tikvah Chadasha (a.k.a Brentwood Reform Synagogue, Rosh Tikvah, and Brentwood and Shenfield Synagogue), began as a small satellite group of Bet Tikvah in Newbury Park. Key members of the community had moved out to Brentwood in Essex and realised that there was something missing; a Jewish community!