Become a Member
News

Barmitzvah boy who needs three wise men for Christmas

December 13, 2011 11:23
Joe Gabriel

By

Jennifer Lipman,

Jennifer Lipman

1 min read

One of the last Jewish families in Exeter is in need of a Christmas miracle involving three wise men – to help form a minyan.

The men are needed on December 25, not at a manger but at the home of Dr Norman and Gina Gabriel, whose son Joe is to be barmitzvah.

The ceremony will be held at their home rather than a shul because Exeter S ynagogue is unable to open for the occasion for insurance reasons.

The Jewish community of Exeter dates back more than 250 years, but minyanim are a rare sight there now and the Gabriels believe that they are the only actively Jewish family around. Joe has been taught his barmitzvah portion by Skype by Brighton-based Chabad Rabbi Zalman Lewis.