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"In Nigeria we believed Jews worshipped idols," says Kemi, "And that they only dealt with other Jews. Now I’ve learned that Jewish people don’t discriminate. They listen to us, and they help us."

 

These extraordinary words were said to a Jewish News journalist this week by Kemi, an asylum seeker, while standing in the car park at Woodford Forest United Synagogue. Kemi is one of hundreds of asylum seekers we help every month, people fleeing war and persecution.

 

We don't help asylum seekers in order to challenge antisemitism. We do it because, as the Chief Rabbi has said, "feeling a sense of responsibility to reach out to those around us, whether near or far, is a fundamental Jewish precept". But you have to admit, changing prejudices like Kemi used to hold is a wonderful by-product of the project.

 

I urge you to read the article in this week's Jewish News by clicking here. You can support the project by donating essential toiletries via this link.

Mazal Tov!

 

Two weddings which were due to take place last Sunday had to be rearranged at the last minute due to the new Tier 4 restrictions.

 

Borehamwood & Elstree's Rabbi Alex Chapper and Edgware's Rabbi David Lister worked incredibly hard together with Rabbi Dr Julian Shindler of the Office of the Chief Rabbi to make sure Debbie Waterman & James Buckman and Jamie Collins & Chloe Martin could get married before the restrictions came into place.

 

Mazal Tov to the two couples! Read more about them in this wonderful Jewish Chronicle article and check out Jamie and Chloe on the BBC too.

Lots of learning!

 

Whatever your winter plans, there are two great opportunities for some Jewish learning next week, in addition to the great programmes being run by our local communities.

 

Sunday sees the start of Bereishit, devised by Rabbi Daniel Fine of Stanmore & Canons Park. Now in its fourth year, it's bigger and better than ever and this year all online. Treat yourself to enthralling keynotes from refusenik Rabbi Yosef Mendelevitch, antisemitism fighter Lord Mann, South African Chief Rabbi, Warren Goldstein, United Hatzalah's Eli Beer and former Mossad agent Danny Limor in conversation with the BBC's online Middle East Editor Raffi Berg, author of Red Sea Spies.

 

There are fascinating interviews with top lawyer James Libson, inspirational nurse and cancer survivor Libbie Goldstein and a review of the year with Cockfosters and N Southgate's Rebbetzen Ilana and Rabbi Daniel Epstein. Rabbi Nicky Liss, Chair of the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue and Jo Grose, our Communities Director, will ask what Shuls will be like in 2021.

 

Bereishit is from this Sunday to Wednesday and tickets are still available from £12 per day. Click here to book and for more information.

 

And over at the virtual Limmud Festival which kicks off tomorrow, we've got some great United Synagogue presenters to learn from too. The Chief Rabbi will look at Jewish sources for confronting adversity and dealing with hardship, particularly relevant during the Covid pandemic.

 

Rabbi Daniel Epstein will ask what Jewish ideas lie at the heart of blockboster films such as Tenet, Minority Report and Gravity, and Rebbetzen Dr Hadassah Fromson of Golders Green Synagogue will explore self-esteem through the story of Creation.

 

Muswell Hill's Rabbi David Mason will ask whether interfaith work is possible given the hostility to Israel sometimes on display and Jo Grose will discuss the future of the Jewish community with the CEOs of JW3 and UJIA.

And finally, don't forget our Kabbalat Shabbat service tomorrow at 2.30pm which is followed by an address from HM the Queen (on BBC One).

 

Shabbat shalom,

 

Richard Verber

Communications Director

United Synagogue

A fast on a Friday? It's a most unusual Shabbat this week. Click here to watch this week's D'var Torah by the Chief Rabbi.

 

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 Lisa Cohen, written for her daughter.

 

How Do You Define Love?

 

Soaring music is the food of love.

Dancing freely expresses love.

Hummingbirds sip the nectar of love.

Artists paint the colours of love.

Families share their lives with love.

Marriages pledge their vows with love.

Animals give constant, undying love.

Can I give that defining answer to what is love?

You are, my daughter. You are the epitome of love.

Your talent. Smile. Sweetness and look of love.

Stays in my heart, which overflows with love.

Oz is so far away. The ether claims our love.

This email carries my heart and soul of love.

Now it's your birthday and I send all my love.

My hopes and dreams live on, giving you love.

And always remember, darling. You were born of love.

 

 

Please send your submissions to youandus@theus.org.uk.

 

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