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You can find details of this week's Torah reading, Maftir and Haftarah in our weekly Daf Hashavua by clicking here.

The news from Israel is almost unbearable. Innocent lives taken, hundreds of people injured. Terrified children woken in the middle of the night to be rushed to bomb shelters as rockets rain down on their homes.

Towns where Jews have lived and worked side-by-side with Israeli Arabs for decades have become places of division and violence. As President Rivlin said, the situation risks spiralling into a civil war. The President spoke movingly when he said he begs local leaders, religious leaders, citizens and parents to do all they can to stop what's going on.

The Chief Rabbi said yesterday that it is heart-breaking for us to see the suffering of innocent civilians among both Israelis and Palestinians. Many of us with friends and family in Israel have been having sleepless nights. We pray that the cycle of violence will come swiftly to an end and that God will restore peace to the Land.

Last night the United Synagogue hosted a moving programme of Tehillim (Psalms) and Tefillah (prayers) for peace. We turn to Hashem and cry out for peace. As the Chief Rabbi said last night, the Jewish people encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai ready to receive the Torah k’ish echad b’lev echad – like one person, with one heart. So too is our sense of unity in response to the ongoing events. You can watch the programme here.

Beginning tonight, we will be broadcasting Tehillim during the crisis every weekday evening at 7pm on the United Synagogue Facebook page. If you will not be in shul, please also join us on Friday afternoon at 6.15pm for our Kabbalat Shabbat online where we will also recite prayers for Israel. Watch it here.

You can also download these prayer cards we've made to say along with us or in your own time.

Shavuot begins on Sunday night

Ahead of Shavuot on Monday and Tueday, we've put together a wonderful range of programmes to engage members of all ages. Do check out the great programmes in your local community and the increasing number of in-person services to help us celebrate this wonderful festival.

On Sunday (16 May) at 10.00am, join Tribe's Rav E and Malki for an exciting Shavuot Programme about Megillat Rut (the Book of Ruth) with stories, fun activities and great prizes. It's suitable for all primary aged children and you can watch here.

Tribe and Bnei Akiva have teamed up to produce this beautiful resource pack for Shavuot. It's full of insights, questions and thoughts to challenge you over Shavuot. And for younger children, check out Tribe's Shavuot newsetter packed with stories and games.

In Torat Rabbi Sacks, Rabbi Michael Laitner explores the themes of Shavuot in the writings and thought of Rabbi Sacks zt'l. You can watch it here.

Yizkor is recited on the last day of Yom Tov, even if you are not in shul. To bring us together in spirit and to help those who benefit from reciting Yizkor with others, we are holding an online Yizkor service before Yom Tov on Sunday (16 May) at 4.00pm. Join via this link.

Foodies can check out two cooking programmes: a cook along with top caterer Celia Clyne and learn how to make Pan Fried Gnocchi with Basil Pesto with Borehamwood & Elstree's Rabbi Yaakov Finn.

And you can check out our website for Shavuot articles and recipies to get ready for the festival.

Your opinion matters!

Earlier this week I sent all United Synagogue members an email with an invitation to complete a survey. This is the biggest listening exercise we have undertaken for many years. We want to know how we and our communities have done during the pandemic and get our members’ thoughts on coming back to shul, attending programmes online or joining activities in person.

I’m thrilled to share that more than 3,000 people have already completed the survey. This is a fantastic response and thank you to all of you. The survey will remain open for another two weeks and I invite everyone to complete it.

If you have any queries, please email survey@theus.org.uk. Thank you for being a member of the United Synagogue.

A special thank you

It is AGM season for United Synagogue communities. We welcome all our new Chairs, their Honorary Officer teams and Synagogue Council members. The United Synagogue team is here to help you settle in to your roles and we wish you great success. B'hatzlacha to you all.

My final word goes to the extraordinary Chairs who are stepping down this month. None of them signed up to lead their communities during a global pandemic, and yet they have shone. Some even stayed on in their role for an extra year to help see their members through the crisis. I don't have the words to fully express my gratitude to each and every one of them, together with ther Honorary Officer teams. Thank you from all of us at the United Synagogue.

Shabbat shalom and Chag sameach, praying for a peaceful Shabbat and Shavuot for us and all of Israel.

Michael Goldstein

President,

United Synagogue

Which one of our festivals has the most surprising name? Click here to watch tthe Chief Rabbi's D'var Torah for Shavuot.

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