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Shabbat times
begins

London: 21:08

Birmingham: 20:00

Hull: 21:17

Sheffield: 21:20

Southport: 21:28

Jerusalem: 19:08

ends

London: 22:28

Birmingham: 22:43

Hull: 23:02

Sheffield: 23:02

Southport: 23:12

Jerusalem: 20:31

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

Birmingham communities bring in Shabbat at 8pm in the summer.

You can read our weekly Daf Hashavua by clicking here.

Goodbye, Sir Ben

Thursday 22 June, 2023

We had the sad privilege of laying to rest one of the most remarkable members of our community on Friday at Bushey New Cemetery. We were devastated to hear that Sir Ben Helfgott z'l, Olympian, educator, Holocaust survivor and proud member of Wembley United Synagogue passed away. Of the many memories Wembley members have of Sir Ben, one a number of them have told me is of Sir Ben making the Kol Nidre appeal at the additional service in North Wembley for many years.

 

Sir Ben was an extraordinary man with an extraordinary history who despite all he went through went on to live an extraordinary life. We wish the whole family arichut yamim, long life.

 

As the Chief Rabbi put it so well: "Sir Ben Helfgott was one of the most inspirational people I have known. He was a charismatic and passionate leader, who promoted the values of compassion, understanding, love and peaceful coexistence. His own horrific experiences inspired him to work tirelessly for a more peaceful and unified world and he inspired us to do likewise. Our thoughts are with his wife Arza, sons Maurice, Michael and Nathan, and his inimitable sister Mala Tribich.

 

"Our ultimate tribute to Sir Ben must be a renewed commitment to guaranteeing that the lessons of the Holocaust will never be forgotten."

 

The King's Birthday Honours List

 

A huge mazal tov to South Hampstead United Synagogue's Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Shlomo Levin and Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue's Emeritus Rabbi, Rabbi Alan Plancey for receiving an Honour from His Majesty the King in his birthday Honours List.

 

Rabbi Levin has received an MBE for his unparalled dedication to the South Hampstead and wider Camden communities. The transformation of South Hampstead has been nothing short of remarkable with the completion of its stunning new shul and community centre and are a testament to Rabbi and Rebbetzen Levin's dynamic leadership over nearly 40 years. Rabbi Levin has also built lasting relationships in the wider community, including with leaders of other faiths and political leaders.

 

Rabbi Plancey has also received an MBE following many tireless years of dedication to the Borehamwood and Elstree community which is now one of the country's largest communities thanks in no small part to the seeds planted by Rabbi and Rebbetzen Plancey. Rabbi Plancey's care for Hertsmere reaches beyond the Jewish community having twice been elected Mayor.

 

If a member of your United Synagogue community received an Honour we would love to wish them mazal tov in next week's email so please do let us know.

 

Go, Jo!

 

We wish good luck to our Chief Executive, Jo Grose, who is taking part in Sunday's Community Fun Run raising money for US Chesed. Come say hi to the team at our Chesed and Tribe stalls!

 

Shabbat shalom,

 

Richard Verber

Communications Director

United Synagogue

Tribe-A-Side

Tribe-A-Side

Join Tribe on Sunday 9 July for Tribe-A-Side! Bring a team from your community for the Premier League of inter-community sport. Tournaments for Years 7-9 and Years 10-11, for both girls and boys. Price: £10 per player. Payment must be made online and pre-registration is essential.

If you would like to be placed in a team, please contact joelazulay@tribeuk.com.

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How can a pencil case change lives?

How can a pencil case change lives?

Come to the Maccabi GB Community Fun Run this Sunday and find out how a pencil case can change lives!

Visit the US Chesed and Tribe stand to decorate a pencil case, and donate one.

Funds raised will help purchase essential stationery items for school children who cannot afford them.

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Kabbalat Shabbat Live at 6:30pm

SOUTH HAMPSTEAD UNITED SYNAGOGUE

BabyiSH nursery rated Good by Ofsted

Congratulations from us all to the team at South Hampstead United Synagogue whose nursery has just been rated 'Good' by Ofsted. Ofsted noted that "children make progress" and "arrive to a warm welcome from staff who are caring and attentive to their needs". Mazal tov!

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BabyiSH nursery rated Good by Ofsted
Our new Director of Community Life

WELCOME!

Our new Director of Community Life

The United Synagogue is delighted to announce the appointment of Barnaby Nemko as our first Director of Community Life. Barnaby will lead our Community Development and Programming teams in a new Community Life department. Read more about Barnaby and his role by clicking the link below.

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WILLESDEN JEWISH CEMETERY

Pioneers of science and medicine

Discover the ground breaking scientists, renowned doctors and great industrialists buried at Willesden Jewish Cemetery on this guided walk. Tuesday 11 July 2023, 6-7:30pm. Book your place now by clicking the link below.

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Pioneers of science and medicine
Book now for Tribe Summer Camp!

TRIBE

Book now for Tribe Summer Camp!

Tribe are excited to tell you about Tribe Summer Camp 2023! Adventures, sports, and fantastic programmes are just some of the great things on offer, helping to provide a Jewish experience of a lifetime. Click here for more information. Financial assistance is available for those who need. Please email chesed@theus.org.uk to apply.

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JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND

Book launch: Ten Chief Rabbis

Join the Jewish Historical Society of England as they hear from Professor Latchman, who will speak about his new book, 'Ten Chief Rabbis', which provides a unique insight into the lives of the previous Chief Rabbis. Book your place by clicking the link below.

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Book launch: Ten Chief Rabbis
Jobs available!

JOBS AVAILABLE

Come work with US!

We're looking for a Camp Madrich/Madricha, a Graphic Designer, Nursery Practitioners, a Youth Director, a Chesed Project Assistant, and more! Could you be one of them? Click on the link to see all our jobs.

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KLBD

Miracle Noodle

This week's KLBD product of the week is Miracle Noodle, which are KLBD kosher Certified Parev, with logo. Healthy low-carb pasta and
rice that fit your lifestyle. Available from Amazon and their website.

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Miracle Noodle
A D'var Torah by the Chief Rabbi

Why can humour be dangerous? 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.

What happened when secular Israelis protested against the planned judicial reforms in Charedi Bnei Brak recently? United Synagogue educator Pnina Savery explores an argument for the sake of Heaven in this week's Jewish News. Click here to read it.

Cranbrook United's Rabbi Steven Dansky continues his journey through the Book of Bemidbar with his new English translation. Click here to read his blog.

for more Torah content, click here to read out Daf Hashavua
Spotlight on our communities
Above and Beyond

CENTRAL UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Above and Beyond

Join Central for a fundraising screening of 'Above and Beyond', produced by Nancy Spielberg. Thursday 29 June at 7pm. All funds raised will go to 'Yad L'Olim'. Booking details can be found by clicking the link below.

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WEMBLEY UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Opening of Wembley's new building

Wembley United Synagogue recently celebrated the official opening of their new building, with 70 guests present. Among the attendees were the Chief Rabbi and the new Mayor of Brent, Orleen Hylton. Read more about it by clicking the link below.

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Opening of Wembley's new building
What I wish I'd learnt in Cheder

BUSHEY UNITED SYNAGOGUE

What I wish I'd learnt in Cheder

The Bushey Adult Torah Academy launches next month with top teachers covering some of the fundamental building blocks of Judaism. The course will look at loving God vs fearing God and the Torah and Science debate. All welcome. £20 for the course or £10 per session with breakfast.

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RICHMOND UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Summer BBQ

Join Richmond for an Al Ha'esh' - BBQ in an Israeli style. With delicious food, drinks, fun inflatables, garden games, music, a special backgammon competition and great vibes! Sunday 9 July, 12:30-3pm. Book your place by clicking here. 

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Summer BBQ
Family Matters Shabbat Experience

WOODSIDE PARK UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Family Matters Shabbat Experience

Join Woodside Park and Seed for their 'Family Matters' Shabbat Experience on Shabbat 8 July. This will be an action-packed Shabbaton, with lunch and programmes for adults and children, with guest Seed Rabbis, Rabbi Herman and Rabbi Bazak. Book your place by clicking here.

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RADLETT AND BOREHAMWOOD & ELSTREE UNITED SYNAGOGUES

Matthew Gould in conversation

Join Borehamwood & Elstree and Radlett as they hear from Matthew Gould, National Director for Digital Transformation in NHS England, and Director General for Digital Transformation in the Department of Health and Social Care. Monday 10 July. Book your place by clicking here.

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Matthew Gould in conversation
Northwood members sit to attention

NORTHWOOD UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Northwood members sit to attention

Northwood members and guests sat to attention as retired Judge Jonathan Lewis addressed them. He revealed the colourful and untold story of the British Jewish ministry at war, as well as of its military service in peacetime. Read more about it by clicking the link below.

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CENTRAL UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Summer Shiur series

Join Central Synagogue for their Summer Shiur series, one hour prior to Mincha, every Shabbat afternoon. The first half hour will be a journey through the teachings of the Rambam, and the second half hour will be a study of Gemara Berachot.

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Summer Shiur series
Cheder open day and graduation

RICHMOND UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Cheder open day and graduation

Join Richmond for their Cheder end of year graduation and open day, and find out more about their unique Hebrew programme. Meet the Head and the teachers. Sunday 9 July, 9:30-12:30pm. Please register in advance by clicking here.

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EDGWARE UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Gil Hoffman

Join Edgware for a talk titled 'Peace, Politics and Plutonium', presented by Gil Hoffman, executive director of HonestReporting, which fights for Israel in the international mainstream and social media. Monday 26 June at 8:30pm.

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Gil Hoffman
William French

MILL HILL UNITED SYNAGOGUE

William French

Join Mill Hill as they hear from William French, who will be giving a first-hand account of being butler to the Queen and other celebrities. Tickets cost £10, including sushi and wine. Monday 26 June at 8pm. Book your place by clicking here.

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KENTON UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Lord Daniel Finkelstein

Join Kenton as they hear from Lord Daniel Finkelstein, author of 'Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad'. This is the story of his family's experience at the hands of the two genocidal dictators of the 20th century and of their miraculous survival. Sunday 25 June at 8pm.

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Lord Daniel Finkelstein
The Shabbaton Choir

PINNER UNITED SYNAGOGUE

The Shabbaton Choir

Join Pinner for an evening of song with The Shabbaton Choir, under the dynamic leadership of new musical director, Harry Style. Tuesday 27 June at 8pm. Tickets cost £12.50. Book your place by clicking here.

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EDGWARE UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Synagogue music for the 21st century

Join Edgware for an evening titled 'Composing synagogue music for the 21st century: The music of Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler'. Rabbi Shisler has been writing shul music for around 50 years. Tuesday 27 June at 8pm.

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Synagogue music for the 21st century
The Disputation

FINCHLEY UNITED SYNAGOGUE

The Disputation

Kinloss presents The Disputation, by Hyam Maccoby. The Disputation showcases the dramatic debate of 1263 in the Court of Spanish King James I of Aragon. Wednesday 5 July at 7:30pm. Book your place by clicking here.

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WHAT'S ON?

Other online and in-person 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.

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BOARD OF DEPUTIES

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