I am a member of the Glasgow Reform Synagogue. I converted through the synagogue about two years ago. My Hebrew name is Shlomo Ben Avraham.
My wife, Elaine, started conversion classes last September, also at GRS, and hopes to go to the Beit Din later this year.
We have three adult childeren.
"However, with the recent change in ownership, Jewish Owners and an Israeli Manager you would have thought they would take steps to stamp out this kind of behaviour.
(...)" jose (not verified)
"West Ham's fan base has for many years included many with exteme right wing persuasions.
However, with the recent change in ownership, Jewish Owners and an Israeli Manager you would have thou(...)"Jon_i_Cohen
I have been a lifelong fan of West Ham United but I am extremely concerned and disappointed by the clarly antisemetic rantings of some of the fans of the last few days. I really do think that West Ham need to screen these comments and block the offending members from writing on their Facebook site. I cannot believe they are allowed to put such things on a public platform such as Facebook.
This week I started reading a Jewish novel with a difference - The Rabbi's Daughter, by Reva Mann. Whilst I am normally a fan of the works of Chaim Potok and similar writers this novel has grabbed my attention like an air horn.
I must admit that at times it makes me uncomfortable, especially as a male reader, but I am finding that I look forward to those few moments in the day when I can pick it up again and find out a bit more about how the Reva is getting on.
Tonight I went to the special Megillah evening service at Langside Synagogue in Glasgow. It was good to hear the whole of the Megillah chanted in Hebrew.
This was my first visit to this Orthodox Synagogue, and although I am a member of the local Reform Synagogue I was made to feel very welome.
I have just finished a two week stint as assistant warden at my Synagogue. I learned a great deal in the process and enjoyed it very much. I was covering due to the regular wardens being on holiday etc. I hope that I will be asked to do it again sometime in the future.
Could I pass on a special thanks to Lloyd Sameroff and Fiona Brodie for showing me the ropes. It was much appreciated.
I have been producing a number of things on my Hebrew word processor of late - including various documents for people and even some t-shirts.
Following suggestions from a number of people I have decided to set up a web-site and to make these available for people to buy at a reasonable price. The site is www.simcha-judaica.com.
The site is still in the very early stages of production (2 nights work at the date of this blog)and will (hopefully) take on a more professional look over the next few weeks.
For the past two weeks I have been practicing my reading of Parashas Vayeira, which I will be reading at Glasgow Reform Synagogue on 15th November 2008.
My Rabbi, Nancy Morris, will be taking a well earned holiday at the time and I have the distinct honour of reading the portion that week.
Unfortunately I have had only four weeks to prepare so I hope this is enough. I had 6 months for my Bar Mitzvah and still made a couple of mistakes.
I only hope that I justify her faith in me and dont screw it up on the day!
LATEST DISCUSSIONS
RE: My Disgust at Comments on the West Ham United Official Facebook Site
"However, with the recent change in ownership, Jewish Owners and an Israeli Manager you would have thought they would take steps to stamp out this kind of behaviour. (...)" jose (not verified)
RE: My Disgust at Comments on the West Ham United Official Facebook Site
"West Ham's fan base has for many years included many with exteme right wing persuasions. However, with the recent change in ownership, Jewish Owners and an Israeli Manager you would have thou(...)" Jon_i_Cohen