Hampstead

Fine tuning at Belsize Square shul

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:14:23 +0000

Paul Heller will be a well travelled addition to Belsize Square Synagogue when he joins as cantor in June.

The Bogota-born chazan has led the Jewish community in Quito, Ecuador, and Medellin, Colombia, also serving Stockholm’s Great Synagogue for 11 years. Belsize Square’s Rabbi Stuart Altshuler officiated with him at the

Great Synagogue and is “thrilled” at his recruitment. “Our community’s rich musical heritage and Cantor Heller’s incredible voice are sure to inspire everyone who attends our services.”

Mr Heller said that “to become the cantor of a synagogue with the musical tradition of Belsize Square is an honour”.

Founded in 1939 by refugees fleeing Nazi oppression, Belsize Square is a thriving community of 1,100 members, drawn from many different backgrounds and countries. Mr Heller should have no problems communicating, being fluent in English, Hebrew, Spanish, German, Dutch and Swedish. His wife Antge is a museum guide and their two teenage children are looking forward to studying in London.

Lord Sacks relishing his final chapters

Simon Rocker — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:31:37 +0000

Barnet Council this week approved a £2.1 million expansion to the Menorah Foundation School in Edgware after a lengthy consultation process.

It will enable the primary to increase its capacity over time from the current 280 pupils to 480.

“We’re very grateful to the council for the support they’ve given us,” said governors’ chair Joseph Holder. “The capital coming from Barnet demonstrates the need for and the esteem of the school.” The governors had been motivated by the “lack of school places in the community and in Barnet. We’re responding to that need.

It’s a great opportunity for the school and community at large.”

Although the planning application had been submitted in 2011, “there are so many processes to go though, from consulting neighbours to the council”, Mr Holder explained.

Barnet Council’s cabinet member for education, Andrew Harper, was “absolutely delighted” at the project’s approval. “We need to provide balanced provision across communities, including the Orthodox Jewish community.”
Menorah will take in an extra class for September and building work is expected to be completed in 2014.

FIGHTING ANTI-ISRAEL BIAS: TIME FOR SOME HONEST REPORTING. BY SIMON PLOSKER

spiroark — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:01:25 +0000

ON THE TRAIL OF TURKEY'S DONMEH - DR SAUL ZADKA

spiroark — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:58:43 +0000

SUITCASE OR COFFIN: 50 YEARS SINCE THE EXODUS OF THE JEWS OF ALGERIA, AN ILLUSTRATED TALK BY LYN JULIUS

spiroark — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:56:19 +0000

Narrating A Significant Past

spiroark — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:49:25 +0000

Active partner for major Hampstead nursery

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 12:32:30 +0000

Active Learning will be the partner for the Jewish Community Centre nursery opening in Hampstead next September.

The company already operates a number of north London nurseries, and JCC Ventures chief executive Nick Viner said: “Their approach to running nurseries is perfectly aligned with our vision for the Jewish Community Centre. Parents will be able to take advantage of an inclusive Jewish nursery with first-class facilities in our state-of-the-art building on Finchley Road.”

There will be 85 places and facilities will include art, music and performing arts, science and technology studios. It will have a Jewish ethos and curriculum and, in keeping with the centre’s commitment to inclusiveness, be open to all. It is one of the most important elements in the new JCC occupying the top floor of the building, including a large terrace for outdoor play.

Jewish Speed Dating ages 32-45 at The Alice house w. hampstead 14/3/13

The Speed Dating — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 10:20:46 +0000

Jewish Speed Dating ages 25-35 at The Alice house w. hampstead 28/2/13

The Speed Dating — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 10:19:27 +0000

Jewish Speed Dating ages 23-32 at The Alice house w. hampstead 17/1/13

The Speed Dating — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 10:18:28 +0000