Joint celebration for Yom Ha'atzmaut

A joint event was held in Norwich to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut. The Norwich Hebrew Congregation and the Progressive Jewish Community of East Anglia arranged a klezmer concert and Israeli buffet which was attended by more than 70 people. The celebrations attracted the community’s first visit from the police, with the attendance of two community officers wanting to get to know local communities. Almost £700 was raised for Magen David Adom.

More..

Surrey synagogue opens it's doors

North West Surrey Synagogue welcomed local officials, educators and members of the police force to an open day. The occasion was part of the local Elmbridge borough’s “Get Out and About” festival. In addition to viewing an exhibition of Judaica and a display featuring the contributions that NWSS members have made both to the Jewish and the wider community, visitors heard minister Rabbi Jackie Tabick speak on the shul’s history.

More..

Students exchange ideas at chaplaincy board

More than 100 people attended an EGM for the Midland Region Chaplaincy Board. At the meeting, held at the Joseph Cohen Hall, students from across the region were able to exchange ideas. Reporting on the current chaplain, Rabbi Fishel Cohen and his wife Esther, Samy Katz, 21, a student at Warwick University, said: “The Cohens are a great support for Jewish students on campus and have helped us to co-ordinate many events.”

More..

National Heritage given tour of Singers Hill

Birmingham Hebrew Congregation hosted delegates from English Heritage in preparation for this year’s Heritage Day events. The shul’s heritage representative, Warren Lessar, gave the delegates a tour of Singers Hill, which is known as one of the country’s “cathedral synagogues”. The delegates included members of local historical and religious groups who are planning the open days, which will take place in the autumn.

More..

Second barmitzvah for Michael Coleman

The second barmitzvah of Michael Coleman took place at Dublin Hebrew Congregation. The 83-year-old was born in Dublin and is a life-long supporter of the community and Israel. The service was attended by both the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, Zion Evrony, and the Chief Rabbi, Yakov Pearlman, who paid tribute to Mr Coleman’s work for the community. Until a few months ago, Mr Coleman served as public relations officer in the Chief Rabbi of Ireland’s office.

More..

Student chaplain recieves Honorary Life Membership

Student chaplain Rabbi Natan Levy has been awarded the highest award that a student union can give. Rabbi Levy has received Honorary Life Membership to the University of Bristol Student Union for his services to students. Upon accepting the award, Rabbi Levy recalled how he worked with the Islamic Society to lobby for the Bristol Union to sell both kosher and halal food.

Rabbi Levy has been serving the South West for the past three years.

More..

The curse of Bristol's Hebrew Congregation

Within the space of a fortnight, five members of the Bristol community have all seriously injured a limb. Bristol Hebrew Congregation members Sheila Tobias, Helen Vegoda and John Adler all broke a bone, while Ivor Saltman fell off his bike and sustained a serious sprain. Scott Vanger, a pupil at Clifton College, broke a wrist. “Members of the community are wondering if someone up there is trying to tell us something,” said Mr Adler.

More..

Former US Assistant Secretary of State speaks at Magen David Adom dinner

James Rubin, a former US Assistant Secretary of State, was guest speaker at Manchester Magen David Adom’s annual dinner. In his address, he spoke to the 250 guests about Israel’s future. Richard Simon, MDA UK regional director, said that the event, held at the Hilton Deansgate, would raise in excess of £250,000 for the emergency rescue service. Stuart Glyn, national chairman of MDA UK, presented outgoing chairman Jonathan Ferster with a medal.

More..

Local boy is Maccabi award runner-up

Daniel Field, 19, who is partially sighted, was selected runner-up as the Maccabi annual senior sports person of the year. He is vice-captain of the England Blind Cricket team and is also a qualified cricket coach. His family are members of Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue.

More..

MDA names Jeremy Hart as its new chairman

Manchester MDA has named Jeremy Hart as its new chairman. Sheffield-born Mr Hart, who moved to Manchester in 1987, has been a member of the MDA committee since 1997. He comes from a family with many charitable links; his father was chairman of JIA in Sheffield and his mother was secretary of MDA in Sheffield. Mr Hart, who works in IT, met his wife, Sharon, a drama teacher, through involvement with UJIA.

More..