This year’s Simchat Torah service was really well attended. The service was expertly led by Natasha as we honored our Kallat Bereshit Anastassiya and Chatan Torah, Sergei. Amid laughter, singing and clapping, the scrolls were paraded the requisite 7 times, children without a scroll, followed the procession waving Israeli flags. We then settled down to hear Ana read Bereshit and Sergei reading Devarim so expertly. What a joy to listen to them.  Louis presented certificates and gifts to Anastassiya and Sergei to mark the occasion.  As per tradition, the children were blessed under a Tallit held this year by Sergei, Avi, Elliot and Nathan. You can just spot the youngest…

This year’s we held Sukkot in Jan & Louis Garden. It was a beautiful morning, with the sun shining down on us. The service was led by Natasha. As has been our practice over many years, we decorated the Sukka with a little fruit and vegetables, however once again focus was collecting for the food bank. Sukkot was very well attended, Louis remarked what a beautiful Etrog we had purchased this year. After everyone had had a turn shaking the lulav, Louis produced last year’s shriveled up, brown etrog for people to smell. Everyone, particularly the children, was fascinated by the fact that, despite looking like a tiny, shriveled fruit,…

This year’s High Holiday service were led by Gavriella Goldman, an incredible student from Leo Baeck. Gavriella currently alternates with Rabbi David taking our Shabbat services. Thus, the congregation all know Gavriella and we really enjoy her service taking, she will make and incredible Rabbi once ordained.  This year Jan had another try at making a Shofar Challah for Rosh Hashannah. She said, “It’s o.k. I guess but needs improvement. See the photo of this years attempt with Shana Tovah highlighted on it. More challah to follow in due course.

Purim was celebrated at Brentwood Reform this year on Sunday afternoon in order to accommodate those with young children.  The service was led by lay leader, Anastasia. Reading of the Megillah of Esther was read with Gusto, with several members of the community called upon to read each part. In the age-old tradition, wicked Haman was Booed whilst Mordechai and Esther were cheered. Most adults and children alike dressed up, which made for a wonderful atmosphere. We had all sorts, from Queen Esther to Robbers and dinosaurs. Naturally, in Brentwood tradition, the service was followed by a lovely kiddish of filled challah rolls, crisps, sweets etc. and of course, enough hamantaschen to feed a small army. A resounding success…

Our community celebrated the New year for trees, Tu’Bishvat with chocolate & challah trees.  I thought the chocolate one would be easy, it was, just took a lot longer to put together than expected. It was left in the fridge overnight and was perfect by the next day.  I was not overly impressed with my Challah tree, it’s a learning curve. Hopefully next year’s tree will be a bit better.  We had the mandatory fruit platter and biscuits representing wheat.  Overall a fairly successful day.