Thanks to everyone who recently attended our Chanukah celebration, it was great seeing so many of you and hopefully we will see you all in person very soon.

On Shabbat 10th July 2021, Benjamin became Bar Mitzvah. Due to COVID, Mum Nicole decided in advance,  in the interests of safety, Ben’s Bar Mitzvah would be held in her garden. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a cold wet, windy morning. However, taking into account  the temperamental English weather Nicole had already made plans for such an event and a large marquee had been erected in the garden. Ben and Nicole had requested that rather than having Rabbi David lead the service, they would like our Community leader Natasha, a friend of Nicole for well over 30 years & known to Nicole’s 3 children, Mark, Benjamin and Charlotte as…

On Shabbat 15th May 2021, Max had his Bar Mitzvah. Sadly, due to COVID restrictions, as with many other children, Max’s Bar Mitzvah was via Zoom. It was held in Grandparents’ Jan & Louis’ conservatory and  attended by Max, his parents, Grandparents and 1 sibling in person. However, the rest of the family and friends attended via Zoom, seeing total well over 100 attendees. Max, as expected, did himself and his family proud.  For Max’s family on his mother’s side, particularly his Granddad Louis, it was especially poignant, as Max chose to wear his Great Grandfather’s tallit. Sadly Max never actually knew his Great Granddad (known as Poppa to all of his…

Sadly, our usual Chanukah celebration could not go ahead as planned this year. Nevertheless, we made the most of it with Louis devising an interesting Chanukah quiz. The quiz was well attended. At the end we all lit our own Chanukias. The quiz was well attended with all the children taking part receiving £8 national book tokens whilst the adults received a Jewish Holiday Baking book, featured below. 

Whist COVID-19 has stopped us gathering together physically, Zoom has allowed us to celebrate the main events of the Hebrew calendar. On Sunday 11th October, courtesy of Zoom, we  came together, to celebrate Simchat Torah.  Our Kallah Bereshit was Jan and our Chatan Torah was Louis. We could not reasonably expect Jan & Louis to dance with the Sifri Torahs around their conservatory. However, we made the best of it, with well known Hebrew music blaring in the background, Louis swayed along in front of the open Ark. Louis then read Devarim followed by Jan reading Bereshit. Never say Jews are not adaptable. Certainly Simchat Torah 5780 was different, but…

On 4th October 2020, founder member, previous Chair and long serving Council member, Amanda, took to the streets to run the London Marathon. As we are all aware the London Marathon is normally held in April, but was postponed due to…yep, COVID-19. This was Amanda’s first marathon, and we are all very proud of her achievement. Running a course in and around Brentwood, was a difficult task, wet muddy and hilly! Amanda ran on behalf of the Charity, VICTA. A charity dedicated to assisting visually impaired, a cause close to Amanda’s heart. Our community are very proud of Amanda’s achievement, and wish her a hearty mazel tov. Perhaps 2021 will…

On March 14th 2020 our latest proselyte, Hannah, was formally admitted to Judaism by Rabbi David Hulbert. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic no where near the number of people who normally attend were in able to witness this huge event in Hannah’s life. None the less, Hannah was joined by her parents and members of the congregation  were delighted to witness Hannah’s formal admission. Geoff our Chair gave Hannah a small gift as is our practice, from the congregation to mark this special event in Hannah’s life.