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*Birmingham communities bring in Shabbat at 20:00 throughout the summer

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

Thursday 22 July, 2021

After the pandemic forced the postponement of this year's Israel Tour, Tribe set about quickly putting together a brilliant Plan B: The Great British Tribe Tour.

While nothing can truly replace visiting Israel, 35 of our Year 11s got back yesterday from the summer of a lifetime. Over two jam-packed weeks, participants visited the Lake District, York, Liverpool and Blackpool, the Breacon Beacons, Oxford and Cornwall and enjoyed watersports, abseiling and gorge walking. To keep members safe we split the group into two bubbles and you can see some photos of the groups here and here.

Tribe's special Shabbat experiences and a powerful Tisha B'Av programme with a visit to the historic Plymouth synagogue complemented the itinerary. But don't just take my word for it! We asked some participants how they found the trip:

Harrison Cohen, 15, from Bushey United Synagogue, told us: "Tribe Tour was fantastic! The enthusiastic madrichim (leaders) worked tirelessly to create an inclusive and warm environment for everyone on the trip. Consequently it felt easy to bond and make friends, I have created memories that I will remember for the rest of my life thanks to Tribe."

And Sadie Blakely, also 15, from Radlett United Synagogue said: "It was unforgettable. My highlight was the first Shabbat where we created an amazing atmosphere with so much ruach. Tribe provided an opportunity for us to connect with each other and Judaism without any external distractions! I am so glad I went on this trip, I had the best time!"

Alei Tzion's Sophie Woodward, 16, told us: "A few months ago I would never had imagined myself going on a two week camp, away from home, with people I have never met before and doing crazy and exciting activities every day. But I had the most amazing time of my life. The madrichim heightened the experience more than we all imagined, making us laugh consistently and making the trip much more memorable. My first Tribe experience has been so worthwhile."

And Josh Marcovitch, also 16, from Woodford Forest United Synagogue said: "We were able to fit in so much in just two weeks. All the activities were so engaging with a range of discussions and adventure experiences including abseiling down a 25m bridge! We also had the opportunity to daven (pray) at sunrise on top of the cliffs in Cornwall - almost like Masada! My favourite things were definitely the Friday nights, with everyone being together."

Tribe are now off to the Isle of Wight to run summer camps for more than 450 participants and we wish them well.

South London Synagogue to close

On Monday the United Synagogue Council voted to close South London Synagogue, following a request to do so by South London’s Honorary Officers, and supported by a vote of South London’s members.

Geoffrey Harris, Chair of the South London Synagogue, told us: "We can no longer guarantee a weekly Shabbat minyan and increasing age and ill health means that the Honorary Officers and Council members can no longer satisfactorily fulfil their obligations towards the Synagogue and its members.

"The proposal to close weighs heavily on the current Honorary Officers. The community has been privileged to be led by outstanding ministers, past and present. We are grateful to the United Synagogue Trustees who agreed to support us providing we were able to maintain a regular minyan and for agreeing that our members will be able to transfer their membership to a United Synagogue community of their choice. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the loyal and efficient United Synagogue team."

Jo Grose, the United Synagogue’s Communities Director, said: "The closure of any community, particularly one with such a long and proud history as South London, weighs heavy on all of our hearts. On behalf of the United Synagogue, I want to pay tribute to Geoffrey Harris and his team for their extraordinary service to their community. We look forward to a celebratory service with the community later in the year."

You can read more in the Jewish Chronicle.

Four more years!

This week Michael Goldstein was re-elected unopposed for a second term as President of the United Synagogue. He will serve another four-year term.

Maxwell Nisner was also re-elected as Treasurer, and Fleurise Lewis and Saul Taylor were both re-elected as Trustees. Claire Lemer steps down after two four-year terms.

Rachel Hartog has been newly elected. Rachel grew up in Cricklewood and was a member of Hampstead Synagogue until she moved to Stanmore where she has served a total of seven years on the Stanmore & Canons Park Synagogue council including nearly three as Vice Chair.

Michael told us: "I am delighted to have been re-elected and to be leading this wonderful organisation for another four years. The last 18 months have been extremely difficult for all of us - and the hardest thing I've done as a lay leader in the Jewish community. I am looking forward to taking the United Synagogue forward and welcoming members back as we kick-start communal life.

"Community engagement in the post-pandemic era is a key priority for us. It is clear we are moving to a 'hybrid' model of community through in-person and online services and events and we will need to balance the need to bring people back together physically with ensuring we continue to keep our members safe."

We wish the Trustees mazal tov and we thank Claire for her eight years of outstanding service. I know Trustees are looking for a way the organisation can continue to benefit from her wisdom.

Shabbat shalom,

Richard Verber

Communications Director,

United Synagogue

What's the link between Moshe and climate change? Click here to find out in this week's D'var Torah by the Chief Rabbi.

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