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London: 15:39

Birmingham: 15:39

Hull: 15:26

Sheffield: 15:33

Southport: 15:37

Jerusalem: 15:55

London: 16:47

Birmingham: 16:51

Hull: 16:45

Sheffield: 16:51

Southport: 16:56

Jerusalem: 17:14

The UK times listed above are for cities with United Synagogue communities.

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

Thursday 1 December, 2022

On behalf of my fellow United Synagogue Trustees, I am delighted to announce today that after an extensive recruitment search, Jo Grose has been appointed as our next Chief Executive.

 

Jo brings a wealth of experience to this critical role, having already served as our Director of Communities and Strategy. Jo and her family are active members of Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue where Jo was instrumental in the development of the community at Yavneh.

 

Born in Manchester, Jo began her career as an educational publisher before moving to work in the Jewish community. She was a director at Partnerships for Jewish Schools (PaJeS) and PJ Library, before joining the United Synagogue to implement the 2015 Strategic Review, launching community engagement and development programmes including the US ‘Communities of Potential’. Jo has also been the Chair of the Yavneh Multi Academy Trust.

 

In order to progress her ambitious plans for the future and drive operational efficiency, Jo will be supported by strengthened senior leadership at the charity. Richard Taylor will become Chief Financial Officer and David Collins will become Chief Operating Officer (incorporating Deputy Chief Executive). Jo’s appointment as Chief Executive and these changes in the senior team will take place at the start of February 2023 following Steven Wilson’s announcement in the summer that he would be stepping down in April 2023 after nearly nine years in post.

 

We are delighted to be able to appoint someone of Jo’s calibre. Jo impressed the recruitment panel with her clear vision for the United Synagogue and management experience, combined with her passion for our work and desire to take the charity forward to engage even more of our members. Jo has developed a close working relationship with many of our communities that will enable her to build on the great work she has achieved to date.

 

Let me hand over to Jo who would like to share this mesage: “I am delighted to have been appointed Chief Executive, following in the footsteps of my highly respected colleague Steven Wilson. There is enormous potential within the United Synagogue to connect British Jews to each other, to their communities, to their heritage and to Jewish values, as well as to develop leaders for the future. I look forward to working closely with Rabbinic, lay and professional colleagues to achieve all of this with the aim of strengthening Jewish life in the UK.

 

“Working with US Trustees, my priorities include empowering young adults to build communities that meet their needs, attracting and retaining the best Rabbinic couples and creating every possible opportunity for diverse and strong leadership teams.”

 

I know you will all join me in wishing Jo mazal tov on this appointment and together with the Trustees I look forward to supporting her, David and Richard in their new roles in the coming months.

P.S. As the days get colder, in next week's You&US we'll be sharing the fabulous 'Warm Spaces' projects taking place across our communities offering our members programming and refreshments in the warmth of our synagogue buildings.

Shabbat shalom,

 

Michael Goldstein

President

United Synagogue

Free workspaces available in Willesden's visitor centre

Willesden Jewish Cemetery's heritage centre has 3 shared workspaces available for free hire to members and their family and friends who are in need of a warm space to work. As House of Life is an active heritage visitor site the space is available to those who will undertake reasonably quiet work. Spaces must be booked in advance and are currently available Monday 13.00 – 16.00. For more info please email heritageadmin@theus.org.uk.

Tribe Israel Tour applications open soon!

What better way to relax after your GCSEs than snorkelling in Eilat, rappelling in the Ramon Crater, jeeping through the desert, exploring the old city of Jerusalem, rafting on the Jordan River, camel rides, sunset hikes, water hikes, relaxing on the beach and much, much more. Tribe has got the trip of a lifetime lined up for you!

Applications for Tribe Israel Tour 2023 open in one week. Find out more by clicking the link below.

US & TRIBE

United Synagogue and Tribe Bookshop

The United Synagogue and Tribe have over 20 publications available to purchase online. From Jewish learning and inspiration, to history and special interest, Siddurim and Benschers and books for young people, there is something for everyone. Click here to browse the full library now.

PAJES

Addressing the cost of living crisis

All parents and carers are invited to an informed presentation on addressing the cost of living crisis with your children. Wednesday 7 December at 8pm, online. Details of how to register can be found by clicking the link below.

KLBD

Plamil oat milk and chocolate spreads

Today's KLBD certified products are Plamil

So Free Vegan Oat Milk Chocolates and Plamilla Vegan Oat Milk Chocolate Spreads, which are now KLBD Kosher Certified Parev, with logo. For the full range, click here. 

Are good deeds valid even when we don't intend to perform them? Find out in this week's D'var Torah by the Chief Rabbi! To read a transcript of this and all of the Chief Rabbi's Divrei Torah, click here.

CENTRAL UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Chanukah at the British Library

Central Synagogue together with the British Library invites you to celebrate Chanukah with them on Tuesday 20 December. With communal candle lighting, songs and treats. Please book your place by Wednesday 7 December. More details can be found by clicking the link below.

MUSWELL HILL UNITED SYNAGOGUE

JWA Shabbat

Jewish Women's Aid Shabbat will be taking place this Shabbat, and Muswell Hill will be holding a women's breakout session with Helen Style, as well as hearing from Edward Miller who will talk about his experience being a McKenzie Friend.

NORTHWOOD UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Northwood presents: Bettina Caro

Join Northwood as they hear from Bettina Caro, whose paintings are inspired by the vibrancy and bright light of North Africa and her Sephardi ancestry. She will speak about her early life and the influence it has had on her paintings. Sunday 4 December at 11am.

WHAT'S ON?

Online events

We've got lots of great events taking place online and in person! See what events are happening in our communities every week by checking out the United Synagogue events portal.

BOARD OF DEPUTIES

Community Briefing

Read the Board's latest community briefing.

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