London: 15:38
Birmingham: 15:38
Sheffield: 15:31
Southport: 15:35
Jerusalem: 15:55
London: 16:46
Birmingham: 16:50
Sheffield: 16:50
Southport: 16:55
Jerusalem: 17:14
The news this week that the MHRA, the government regulatory body, has said the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is ‘kosher’ has made headlines here and across the world. Another vaccine from Oxford University is expected to be approved soon too.
Other bodies in Europe and America are likely to approve the Pfizer vaccine for use in more countries in the coming days, according to England's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.
But what exactly is the vaccine? How does it work? And what is the position on vaccination in halacha, Jewish law? Two of our communities have been exploring these crucial questions.
On Sunday, Golders Green Synagogue hosted three eminent professors from UCL to look at the science of vaccination, looking at its importance and how it works. You can watch the programme on TheUS.tv now by clicking here.
And next week, New West End Synagogue will be looking at vaccinations in Jewish law and thought. You can watch live on Zoom on Tuesday at 8pm by clicking here. The programme will also be available to watch on TheUS.tv on demand later in the week.
|
|
And the winner is...
Speaking of kosher vaccines, the comedian Ashley Blaker told a good joke during Rabbi Steady Cook last night. How will you know if the Oxford vaccine is kosher? It will have an OU on the side... (with apologies to KLBD).
If you missed the show, four rabbis from Leeds, London, Manchester and Newcastle battled it out for the regional cook-off crown by making doughnuts and latkes. No spoilers here, if you missed it, you can watch again now.
During the show we announced the winner of our Design a Doughnut competition. We'll have the full results in next week's You&US and the Jewish News but if you can't wait til then, watch Rabbi Steady Cook at your leisure to find out which delicious treat you'll be able to buy at Carmelli's from next week...
|
|
Start your engines
It's Chanukah next week and with lockdown restrictions eased we're delighted to be putting on two wonderful Covid-secure events to help our members celebrate:
- Tribe's Great Chanukah Drive In and communal candle lighting is an event for all the family. Join us on Sunday 13 December, 6.00-6.45pm, for live entertainment, music and Chanukah festivities all from your car! The event is free but registration is essential via this link.
- Young US is running a special Drive In Film Screening. Guests will enjoy a Hollywood film as well as candle lighting and food on Sunday 13 December at 8pm. Book now via this link.
Shabbat shalom,
Richard Verber
Communications Director
United Synagogue
Eight Nights of Light
It’s beginning to look a lot like Chanukah! This year, the United Synagogue is delighted to present Eight Nights of Light. Join us live on TheUS.tv each night of Chanukah for a unique online candle lighting experience with a variety of special guests and surprises, plus some inspiring messages from participants of our Women’s Educator Programme, Lilmod Ul'Lamed. Visit www.TheUS.tv/eightnights to join us each night. And do keep your eyes peeled on TheUS.tv for a variety of exclusive educational and entertaining Chanukah content over the coming weeks!
Daf HaShavua tribue to Rabbi Sacks zt'l
Click on the link below for a special memorial edition of Daf Hashavua to mark the sheloshim of Rabbi Lord Sacks zt'l.
In particular, it contains two articles from Rabbi Sacks' archives, pictures from his Chief Rabbinate, a special Tribe Scribe as well as tributes by the Chief Rabbi and by Daf editor, Rabbi Baruch Davis, on behalf of the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue.
TRIBE AND YOUNG US
Escape room: live!
Tribe and Young US have partnered with JRoots to bring you a Chanukah-themed virtual escape room. Teams face a number of challenges and puzzles to unlock different rooms against the clock, whilst visiting places in Israel connected to the Chanukah story. The escape rooms are running from 6-9 December for different ages. Join in groups of 6 or we can place you in a team!
UNITED SYNAGOGUE CHEDARIM
Spotlight on our Chedarim
The United Synagogue has many Chedarim, all of which are fantastic. This week we are putting the spotlight on four of them: Hadley Wood Cheder, Brondesbury Park Cheder, Pinner's SPARK, and Kingston Cheder. To read more about them and the amazing work they do, click the link below.
HENDON UNITED, MAGEN AVOT & ALEI TZION
Keeping calm, carrying on & more!
Join Hendon, Magen Avot and Alei Tzion for a three part series, 'Keeping calm, carrying on & more!' The second session, titled 'Carrying on...' will take place on Monday 7 December at 8.30pm, live on Zoom.
COOKING SHOW
Rocky Road
Join Borehamwood & Elstree United Synagogue’s Rabbi Yaacov Finn as he cooks his way through the book of Bereishit! Each week Rabbi Finn will be bringing you a delicious new recipe to try. This week is Rocky Road - watch it by clicking the link below.
WATCH NOW
The Book of Bereishit
Join Rabbi Baruch Davis from Chigwell & Hainault United Synagogue for a new video series as he explores the Book of Bereishit. This week's talk is titled 'Did Dina’s brother go too far?', and is available to watch on TheUS.tv by clicking the link below.
WATCH AGAIN
Lunch & Learn
In case you missed it, catch up on this week's Lunch & Learn with guest speaker Rabbi Yonason Golomb, who delved into this week's Parasha, Vayishlach. Watch it again by clicking on the link below.
WATCH AGAIN
Life in the jungle
South Hampstead Synagogue’s Rabbi Shlomo Levin was recently joined by Lord Michael Heseltine, and in case you missed this exclusive opportunity to hear an iconic political personality who blends the voices of history with the modern-day, you can watch it by clicking the link below.
KLBD
New Kosher restaurant and products!
A new branch of Slice Pizza, under KLBD supervision, is now open in Habiba's Deli! There are also new Kosher products, including Groovy Food Company Cooking Sprays, Bladnoch Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and Twix Winter Spice. Find out more by clicking the link below.
FACEBOOK VIDEO SERIES
'My mother would be proud'
Watch a brand new Facebook video series by Rabbi Yoni Golker called 'My mother would be proud': Jewish networking across fascinating careers. Watch the series on Facebook by clicking on the link below.
THIS WEEK'S KABBALAT SHABBAT!
Hendon United Synagogue
welcomes you tomorrow!
This Friday at 2:35pm, join Rabbi Zvi Portnoy, Associate Rabbi of Hendon United Synagogue for an inspiring and uplifting Kabbalat Shabbat service. Watch live on TheUS.tv and on Facebook.
COVID-19 VACCINES
Vaccinations in Jewish law and thought
Join New West End Synagogue's Rabbi Dr Moshe Freedman who will be discussing basic immunology, the history of vaccines, the Jewish and rabbinic response to variolation, the halachic imperative of protecting one’s own life, and more. Tuesday 8 December at 8pm.
What are the three challenges facing the Jewish people? Click here to watch this week's D'var Torah by the Chief Rabbi.
This week we have a second D'var Torah for you! We are working with the Jewish News to profile our Rebbetzens and female educators over the coming weeks. Tribe's Head of Operations, Tamara Jacobson, has written the first column in a biweekly series and you can read it here.
ST ALBANS UNITED SYNAGOGUE
Wildlife through the lens
Join St Albans for a presentation by award-winning wildlife photographer Gary Davis, who will be sharing his breath-taking photography as well as stories from behind the camera. Wednesday 9 December at 8pm, live on Zoom.
BARNET UNITED SYNAGOGUE
Wellbeing workshops
Join Barnet's Rabbi Dr Samuel Landau, who is also a practising clinical psychologist, for the second of his two special workshops, titled 'Making Space'. This session will take place on Tuesday 8 December at 8pm.
MUSWELL HILL UNITED SYNAGOGUE
The war on lies with Eli Bogdan
Join Muswell Hill as they hear from Eli Bogdan,, who will be talking about My Truth, a non-profit educational organisation comprised of IDF reserve soldiers. Sunday 6 December at 8pm, live on Zoom.
KENTON UNITED SYNAGOGUE
Robert Voss CBE CStJ
Join Kenton as they hear from Robert Voss CBE CStJ, who will be sharing the story of his life as HM Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire. His talk will take place on Thursday 10 December at 8pm, live on Zoom.
COCKFOSTERS & N SOUTHGATE SYNAGOGUE
CLC presents: Karen Pollock
Karen Pollock CBE is the Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust. Karen will be talking about her important work with the Trust, Holocaust Education moving into the digital age and more. This is a free event but booking is essential. Next Tuesday (8 December), 11am.
EDGWARE UNITED SYNAGOGUE
Breakfast & Learn
Join Edgware for Breakfast & Learn, as they hear from Rabbi David Shaw, Rabbi at Sandton, Johannesburg. Rabbi Shaw will be giving his talk on Tuesday 8 December at 9am, live on Zoom.
MILL HILL UNITED SYNAGOGUE
Israeli Masterchef's Tom Franz
Join Mill Hill as they celebrate Chanukah with Israeli Masterchef's Tom Franz. Join in with the live cooking and hear his incredible life story, from becoming a German Catholic lawyer to an Israeli Jewish Masterchef. Thursday 10 December at 8pm, live on Zoom.
WHAT'S ON?
Online events
Despite the challenges of lockdown we've got lots of great events taking place online! See what virtual events are happening in our communities every week by checking out the United Synagogue events portal.
Welcome to 'Tell US', our new section where we invite you to contribute a joke, a poem or a story. We look forward to turning the spotlight on your literary creations over the coming weeks and months!
This week's contribution is by Barbara and Maurice Davis.
Last week I had a message on my phone saying I only had 10% battery left. It then proceeded to last me a further 7 days... now I know the full meaning of Chanukah!
Please send your submissions to youandus@theus.org.uk.
BOARD OF DEPUTIES
Community Briefing
Read the Board's latest community briefing.
|
This email was sent with love from the United Synagogue.
If you no longer wish to receive this email, please unsubscribe here