London: 18:38 Birmingham: 18:41 Sheffield: 18:38 Jerusalem: 17:52 London: 19:37 Birmingham: 19:44 Sheffield: 19:45 Jerusalem: 19:06 London: 18:33 Birmingham: 18:36 Sheffield: 18:33 Jerusalem: 17:49 London: 19:32 Birmingham: 19:39 Sheffield: 19:40 Jerusalem: 19:04 Shana tova to you all and I do hope you had a good, if unusual, Rosh Hashanah.
What a strange week it has been. After Yom Tov we were delighted to hear from our communities that the months of meticulous planning by our lay, professional and rabbinic leaders led to a wonderful set of Rosh Hashanah Covid-secure services despite the obvious challenges posed by the pandemic.
Although capacity was drastically reduced to enable social distancing, we are very proud that our communities were able to run a full range of services, additional shofar blowings in multiple locations and, in some communities, children’s and family programming. We are grateful for the support we received from local public health teams to ensure that off-site events could take place.
And now of course following the Prime Minister's announcement on Tuesday there are a number of new changes the United Synagogue will need to make in order, hopefully, to avoid further restrictions. We all must play our part to help reduce the spread the virus.
The government has confirmed that places of worship can remain open and we are pleased that Yom Kippur services can go ahead as planned in our synagogues. We look forward to opening our doors again. Social distancing will remain in place, as will the requirement to wear masks inside. For those who can't make it to shul, I am very proud that for the first time in our history, we will be broadcasting a Yizkor service led by the Chief Rabbi on Sunday at 2.30pm on TheUS.tv followed by a pre-recorded Kol Nidre service in conjunction with Pinner United Synagogue at 5.30pm.
The Prime Minister also announced a new limit of 15 people for weddings. It is very important we all do whatever we can to bring the infection rate down. Nevertheless, we know that the new restrictions will make a difficult situation even more difficult. Many couples have already postponed their wedding once in the hope they would be able to get married in the winter; the new limit of 15 people will make it even harder.
Our caterers and restaurateurs too have had a very challenging time over the summer and we know the Prime Minister's announcement will affect the livelihoods of the hundreds of people KLBD licensees employ. We empathise with our licensees in these extraordinarily difficult times, and hope and pray that the New Year will bring an end to affliction and adversity and usher in happy, healthy and prosperous days once again.
The government has also confirmed that we are still able to have 30 mourners attend funerals. While we know many families would welcome more people, we understand the need to restrict attendances. However, it is extremely disappointing that stone settings – an integral part of the Jewish funeral process – are being restricted to 6 people. We will be engaging with government about this.
Let me end on a more upbeat note. With a new year comes a new section of You&US! At the bottom of the email is our new 'Tell Us' section, which is where you will be able to find a new poem, story or joke each week, submitted by a fellow You&US reader. If you would like to see your best poem/story/joke featured in a future email, please send your submission to youandus@theus.org.uk.
Shabbat shalom, gemar chatima tova and fast well.
Steven Wilson
Chief Executive United Synagogue National online Yizkor Join the Chief Rabbi, filmed at Radlett United Synagogue, for a poignant online Yizkor memorial service ahead of Yom Kippur, particularly if you are unable to make it to shul. This Yizkor service complements those being provided online by local synagogues. The Chief Rabbi will be joined by Rabbis and Chazanim from across the UK. Sunday 27 September at 2.30pm, on TheUS.tv.
Kol Nidre: Live If you can’t make it to Kol Nidre, we’ll bring Kol Nidre to you. Join us in partnership with Pinner United Synagogue for Kol Nidre: Live, an inspiring and evocative Kol Nidre service from the comfort of your home. Sunday 27 September at 5.30pm on TheUS.tv. Watch it by clicking on the link below.
UCL CONFESS study Professor Laurence Lovat from UCL, who is also a member of Magen Avot, has just launched a new study to see how COVID-19 has affected communal religious worship in the UK, and how wearing face masks might impact on communal prayer. The first part of this study is an online questionnaire for everyone, and the second part, which is optional, involves going to a laboratory at UCL where the researchers can assess how many droplets people make as they pray and sing and how much face masks reduce droplet production. For more information, click on the link below. Musical highlights from the Yom Kippur prayers Get in the mood for Yom Kippur with Belmont United Synagogue's Rabbi Marc Levene, produced by Asaf Flumendorf. Rabbi Levene explores the prayers and sings for us the beautiful melodies from the Yom Kippur service including Kol Nidre, Hashem, Hashem and Shema Koleinu. The programme is available to watch right now via the link below and you can also catch up with his Rosh Hashanah highlights programme which is also available now on TheUS.tv. KOL NIDRE APPEAL Check your inbox! Do check your inbox for an email from your shul about this year's Kol Nidre Appeal. Every year, you donate thousands of pounds to good causes but because of the pandemic, you may not be in shul at Kol Nidre so we've had to do things a bit differently. Click the link to find out more. The money raised helps thousands of people both here and in Israel. WATCH AGAIN 'My brother's killer is now my friend' Rabbi Yoni Golker of St John's Wood Synagogue led a fascinating interview with Denise Taylor and Ronnie Fields. Denise's brother, Bo, was murdered by Ronnie in 1987. As we approach Yom Kippur, hear this devastating yet life affirming story of the power of forgiveness. Watch again by clicking the link below. TRIBE Youth activities for the Chagim We have two new publications from Tribe to support our young people: a pack with youth activities for the chagim with activities and discussions, and a guide for running your own children's service at home on Yom Kippur. Download the guide by clicking the link. A COMPANION GUIDE Shana Tova! Members will have received a copy in the post of our beautiful new companion guide for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: a compilation of stories, essays and discussion points for both younger and older readers. You can also now read it online for free via the link below. It is complemented by the Yom Kippur edition of Daf Hashavua as do videos on TheUS.tv by Pnina Savery and Rabbi Moshe Kornblum of Yeshivat Orayta. Shana Tova!
"We will get through this together!"
Click here to watch or listen to the Chief Rabbi’s Yom Kippur sermon.
EDGWARE UNITED SYNAGOGUE Virtual trip to Israel Join Edgware for 'Wednesday Night Live', which will be a virtual trip to Israel with Technion UK. Hear talks from different speakers, interviews with vendors of Tel Aviv's Carmel Market, and more. Wednesday 30 September at 8pm. Register by clicking the link below. (For more information call 07836 389399). COCKFOSTERS & N SOUTHGATE SYNAGOGUE CLC presents: Professor Alan Silman Alan Silman is an experienced epidemiologist who has been trying to make sense of the avalanche of information we know about the virus, its prevention and treatment. This is a free event but booking is essential. Next Tuesday (29 September), 11am. HENDON UNITED SYNAGOGUE Drive through blessing Last week, Hendon held a socially distanced ‘drive through’ for children under 12 to be driven by their parents the night before Rosh Hashanah, where they received a blessing from the Rabbi & a specially designed Hendon United Synagogue chocolate lollipop! KENTON UNITED SYNAGOGUE Kenton presents: Danny Stone Join Kenton as they hear from Danny Stone, Chief Executive of the Antisemitism Policy Trust, in conversation with David Harris. Danny has led the professional team at the Antisemitism Policy Trust for the past decade. TONIGHT at 8pm, live on Zoom. Our first ever submission for our brand new section comes from Lisa Cohen, from Luton. Lisa, now 84 years old, has been writing poetry her whole life, and her poems have been published in national papers.
What No Schmaltz Herrings?
I'll do my best to remember when I pledged my vows to you, dear Benn On June thirtieth nineteen fifty seven Leabridge Road Shul. Our seventh heaven The honeymoon over. My parents so sad “Moving to the country, you must be mad No deli in Luton,” Mum vainly cried “The town is bereft of chopped and fried. Without shmaltz herrings, how will you survive? No bagels, no brown bread. How will you thrive?” Mum and Dad schlepped up and down From Ridley Road to Luton Town Many years on. Kids now grown I wonder where the time has flown Two people with totally different views Good marriage? Think tea. Leave to infuse Marriage? Stayed together. Positive sign Time to develop. Like maturing wine Years speed by. Sixty years in sight Benn in hospital. Puts up massive fight He will make it. Diamond wedding. Not long Dad, we're singing a Sinatra song I'm making plans. You know. Just in case His eyes are closed. Peace softens his face, Rushing back and forth. Fit to burst I find the strength. He comes first Tina and me murder ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ Benn's eyebrows moved. Yeah, get me there soon. On our sixtieth. I'll be alone. The feeling so strong Benn and 'ole blue eyes will come along. Remembering a top hat sliding down sticky out ears How happy we were all our remaining years.
Please send your submissions to youandus@theus.org.uk.
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