Words From The Chair

The first provocative Palestinian demonstration on the Israeli Gaza border brought to bear the hypocrisy of the UN, who immediately condemned Israel without mentioning the part played by Hamas, and convened a meeting of the Security Council. Following on from this was the usual hysterical virulent reaction of the world’s press, and hostile Muslim countries whose human rights records are amongst the worst in the world. It is always sad to see people dying in circumstances like this, but every country in the world would have acted in the same way if their borders were in danger of being breached by thousands of people.

Two days after the incident I was listening to the BBC news on the radio, when an item caught my attention. In Kashmir twenty people were killed by Indian security forces during a mass demonstration. Did the UN Security Council convene, no, was there universal condemnation in the press, no, did politicians around the world chastise India like they did Israel, no. If ever there was a case of Israel being treated differently from any other country in the world, these two particular incidents show how disingenuous and bigoted Israel’s detractors are. Sadly it appears this provocation will continue every Friday until the 70^th anniversary of the founding of the Israel in May, leading to continued vilification of the Jewish state.

On a happier note it was a month or so ago when we celebrated the Synagogue’s second night Seder.  Nearly sixty members and non-members wined and dined in a lovely warm hearted atmosphere.  Kol hacavod to Rabbi Yuval who led the Seder beautifully, and sang the songs with great gusto and humour.  As ever, gratitude to the wonderful ladies of the House Committee who worked tirelessly before and during the Seder night.  They are priceless (including my wife Freda) - how would we function without them?

On 25^th May a new Data Protection Policy will come into force. At SPS we are very aware that we must protect our members’ interests. The law regulates how we communicate with our members and is changing. This means that, whilst we will be able to send you postal communications, we need the verbal or written consent of each individual to communicate with them by e-mail. It is an opt-in choice only. Please send back to the synagogue office any documentation we send you. If we do not receive a response, that member will be deemed to have opted out. Sounds a little confusing but it is an important element in keeping your data protected.

A year ago after a Rock Service I said that one of my aims in the coming year was to have a plaque in the Schindler Hall in memory of the wonderful Simon Cooper. It was a long time coming but eventually, before the Rock service on 4^th May, the unveiling will take place. In future when people come in to the lobby they will see the plaque, and even if they do not know who Simon was, they will realise he was someone very special.         

      

Robert Dulin

A Message From The Chair

For some time members have been telling me that on occasions they cannot hear clearly some of the readers on the bimah, even though the mikes are working. With that in mind I discussed the situation with Rabbi Yuval and the Executive, and it was agreed to explore the possibility of installing a new modern sound system, as was the case in the Schindler Hall. As I write this report the new system has just been installed, hopefully to everyone’s satisfaction, even though I am sure someone will say, “it’s too loud, turn it down”. Over the years, not only at SPS but at other venues, I have heard people shout out to the person talking “can’t hear you, speak up”. I find that response insensitive It puts the speaker off and is embarrassing for them. If there is a problem, a “sorry I am finding it difficult to hear you, would you mind speaking up” is a softer response, and does not make the speaker feel so demeaned. 

Southover, the organisation who use our site five days a week teaching children on a one to one basis, have extended their association with SPS. All the old portacabins by the side of the Schindler Hall are being replaced by brand new buildings, allowing Southover to gain more pupils and comply with Ofsted standards. Financially it also means that, importantly, we continue to have a steady stream of income from them. Inevitably, whilst the work goes on, there might be some inconvenience for people using the site, but it should not last too long until normal service is resumed. 

At the end of February and into early March, the “Beast from the East” engulfed most of the UK in a blanket of snow and biting easterly winds. There were a number of amber and red warnings, urging people not to make unnecessary journeys, and to stay at home. SPS was not immune from the problems that the snowy weather and minus temperatures brought to bear. So much so that Purim celebrations had to be cancelled, and Shabbat services were put at risk because the site was covered with snow and ice. On the Friday morning, with the best of intentions, it was decided to close the site. It was not something we wanted to do, but after consultation between Rabbi Yuval, two members of the executive and the site maintenance/ security officer, health and safety concerns were deemed to be a major problem. An e-mail was sent out to the membership explaining the dire situation we faced. Subsequently I received a number of emails and telephone calls questioning the decision. Most understood the dilemma we were in, but two expressed righteous indignation; amusingly, both hardly ever set foot in the Synagogue from one month to the next. Even though it was still snowing quite heavily, I checked the weather for Saturday which appeared to be slightly better. After conversations with Rabbis Jacobi and Keren, I took the decision to send another e-mail informing members we would do our utmost to be open for business in the morning. Twelve people attended and we had a very fulfilling service in the round. Thank you to those who braved the elements, but where were the other members who, surprise, surprise did not venture out. As the saying goes “there’s nowt so queer as folk”.

For the first time in the last few years we held a new members event. After the service on Shabbat morning 10th March we had an extended kiddush allowing council members and presidents to chat with the new members. It went very well and everyone seemed to be at ease with each other. Thanks to everyone, especially the lovely ladies of the House Committee who supported the exercise in communal engagement. Hopefully, if we get a steady stream of new members we can repeat the occasion next year. The first event in the 75th anniversary programme is nearly upon us, as at the end of the month a celebratory quiz is taking place. I am sure it will be well supported and a good and enjoyable time will be had by all. 

Robert Dulin 

Words From The Chair

Despite the rainy cold weather, I am pleased to report that the olive tree planting for Hilda Schindler went very well. The choice of an olive tree was appropriate as, in the story of Noah’s Ark, the second time the dove was sent out, it returned with an olive tree leaf. Noah associated the leaf with hope for the future, as it proved there was still dry land. During her many years of teaching, Hilda’s educational skills gave hope to countless children. It was a poignant moment when youngest Ruach pupil, Alice Dack, and the oldest, Ilana Keren, helped with the planting. I am sure Hilda would have approved. 

In 1969 when Freda and I joined the Synagogue, the prayer book in use was the much loved “Service of the Heart”. Through the late eighties and into the nineties the leaders of the UPLS (as it was known by in those far off days) decided it was time to look at the possibility of a new prayer book to embrace modern Jewish liturgy. Under the auspices of Rabbis Andrew Goldstein, Chaim Stern, Charles Middleburgh, John Rayner, and other luminaries, the far reaching task ahead began. Their many years of earnest labour culminated in 1995 by the introduction of “Siddur Lev Chadash”. At this moment in time a group of LJ Rabbis are in the process of formulating a new prayer book, entitled “Siddur Shirah Chadashah”. We are in the process of acquiring forty draft copies, and will be using them over a period of time in selected Shabbat morning services. Whether the councils of LJ Synagogues and their members embrace this costly exercise as necessary and meaningful, is yet to be determined. Hopefully there will be common consent; however, in my humble opinion, even if there is no consensus, in all probability sometime in the future the powers that be will publish a new prayer book. Only time will tell if they made the right decision. 

It’s hard to believe that at the end of the month we will be celebrating Pesach; it has come round so quickly. Even though most of us will have celebrated the previous evening, the Synagogue Seder which takes place on the following day Saturday 31st is always a congenial experience. This year, to encourage young families to attend, there will be no charge for children under the age of twelve. I look forward to greeting many members and hopefully their family and friends. Last year we had a very successful coach outing to Waddesdon Manor. To keep the momentum going, I have provisionally booked a trip to Beth Shalom Holocaust Education Centre near Nottingham. It is about a two and a half hour journey, but well worth the effort, because it is not a Holocaust Museum, but a learning centre, with presentations about combating anti-Semitism, guest speakers, and other educational programmes. If anyone is interested in going please let me know asap, otherwise regretfully I will have to cancel. Middle March is the cut-off point. 

Chag Sameach Pesach

 Robert Dulin

Words From The Chair

As we get older there are times when different parts of our brain do not seem to be working in unison with each other. At the end of my report in December’s edition of the Gate I referred to the Synagogue’s 75th anniversary, and stated that the Civic Service would take place on Saturday 3rd November. Not sure why I did that, because I was instrumental with others in deciding it would be the on the 10th. Oh! for the long lost days of my youth when life was so crystal clear. Even though my birthday is in February, it always seems to me to be a funny old month. It can be very cold or unseasonably mild. As daylight gets longer, thoughts focus on if winter is coming to an end, or will March be a harsh month. Whatever the case may be, come wind, snow, rain, or shine, SPS continues in its day by day duty to provide its members with some Yiddishkeit in their lives. Whether that might be adult education sessions, services, clubs, serving on committees, or volunteering to help out, SPS is the place to be by becoming involved in communal life. 

Every year on Tu Bishvat the children of Ruach plant a tree in the Synagogue garden. A member suggested to me that we should plant one in Hilda Schindler’s name. Everyone I spoke to agreed that would be a wonderful thing to do, as she gave so much of her life to the children of the Religion School. The tree planting will take place after the Shabbat morning service on February 3rd. Everyone is welcome to attend the service and stay for the poignant ceremony. 

As I write this missive, the repercussions about President Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital are still reverberating around the world. In last month’s Gate, Rabbi Yuval succinctly summed up how detractors are, but within the wider world there are probably millions of people who only believe what they see and hear about the Jewish state through biased news outlets and prejudiced social media. 

I have a friend who is a devout, warm-hearted Christian steeped in knowledge of the old and new testaments, who said to me that she thought Tel Aviv was Israel’s capital. My response was very much the same as Rabbi Yuval’s narrative, mentioning King David, Solomon, and the Torah, amongst other Judaic links to the holy city. Eventually she apologised and conceded how misguided she had been, and if the topic ever came up with her church friends, she would persuasively steer them in the right direction. As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss, however the world will have to get used the fact that Jerusalem has always been sacred to Jews, and always will be. At the conclusion of the Pesach Seder the following words resonate, “next year in Jerusalem, next year in a world redeemed”. May that always be the case. 

Robert Dulin

Words From The Chair

Even though we are in January, I would like to begin my report with an event that took place at the end of November. Hilda Schindler’s Memorial service not only felt like the end of an era, but was also a bitter sweet occasion. Bitter because she is no longer with us, and sweet as a large congregation celebrated her life. She achieved so much, not only for SPS, but also for Liberal Judaism, and the Leo Baeck Education Centre in Haifa. Hilda touched so many people’s lives, especially young children. The five guest speakers were Phyllis Freedman, Rabbi Andrew Goldstein, Vivienne Jackson, Rabbi Ofek Meir, and the one and only Rabbi Harry Jacobi. All spoke from different perspectives, and eloquently summed up the extraordinary person she was. Some people are replaceable, others are irreplaceable, and undoubtedly she was in the latter category. Long may her memory be for a blessing.

As I write this report, I have just returned from Israel after visiting my daughter Natalie. Every time I go I always make my annual pilgrimage to visit the much loved and sorely missed ex SPS members Shirley and David Bild. David has fully recovered from last year’s serious operation, he is as sprightly as ever, and Shirley is still the same caring, warm-hearted lady she was at SPS. Surprise, surprise, both are involved in the day to day social life of the home. A lovely touch is that the walls of the complex where they live are adorned with David’s numerous paintings. Even though they love their sunny life in Herzliya, they also greatly miss SPS and the many friends they made whilst being members. They send their best wishes for the future prosperity of the Synagogue, and if anyone is going to Israel and knows them, they would be delighted to see you.

I love going to Israel, the people are so vibrant and expressive; the downside is that it has become very expensive, and politically it is a mess. The short holiday raised my spirits and, despite being delayed for over an hour on my journey home at Ben Gurion airport, I am looking forward to my next visit to the holy land. Famous last words, but even though the Chanukah Chavurah/Karaoke service took place after the Gate deadline, I am quietly confident that it was its usual thoroughly enjoyable experience. And that the Karaoke and sumptuous food overseen by the lovely ladies of the House Committee greatly contributed to the success of the evening. In last month’s Gate I asked if anyone would be interested in joining a Sunday afternoon singing group - only one person responded.

Therefore it will not be resumed.

We have now entered into our 75th anniversary year; two events are already in place, a quiz on 28th April and on Saturday 3rd November our celebration will conclude with a civic service. Hopefully In between there will be other events, including involvement from Ruach. When the time comes, please support the community, and celebrate a historic achievement for SPS. 

Words From The Chair

The HHD have come and gone for another year, and as some of the services were on normal working days, the attendances fluctuated. For the first time I had the pleasure of leading the Rosh Hashanah Family Service, the reason being that the much loved Gerry Ostermeyer decided to have a rest. Nevertheless his involvement was invaluable. Many years ago when our Rabbi was suddenly taken ill, I had to take over at the last minute. It was quite a daunting experience, but with help from Phyllis Freedman and David Bickler, we managed to get through without too many hiccups. Thankfully the congregation were very supportive. The famous Hollywood actor comedian W C Fields once famously said, “Never work with animals or children”; with that thought in mind I approached my task with a sense of trepidation. “Oh ye man of little faith”, after an initial period of getting used to the noise of the children, I enjoyed every moment. It was such a warmhearted occasion, with parents and grandparents taking part in the service. When the children came up on to the bimah for the scroll procession they were all given small scrolls to carry around. James Mathiason, who was the main scroll holder, led the way; he was akin to the Pied Piper of Hamelin - the smiles and laughter on the children’s faces said it all.

At end of the service the children paraded into the Schindler Hall, and were blessed under a large tallit by Rabbi Yuval - a lovely moment. My thanks to everyone who took part, especially Natasha KaHa who not only led the singing, but also played the guitar beautifully. Well done Ilana Keren who sounded the shofar, and in doing so managed to silence the children. Would I do it again next year, Gerry permitting - you bet I would. On Yom Kippur I helped out in the Family Service, which was very well led by Carol Standfield, and once again Gerry and Natasha played leading roles. My attendance in the main services was obviously curtailed, but thanks to everyone involved in making them successful.

There are some high profile people in the community who work hard, and are praised for their efforts. There are others who never seek the limelight but their contribution to Synagogue life is equally relevant. Ex Synagogue Chair Michelle Golding is not only the editor of the Gate, but once a month she organises a Shabbat service for Jewish residents at Springview Care Home in Enfield. Yearly there are also services on second day Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah. This year in attendance was Rabbi Yuval, shofar blower extraordinaire Michael Henriques, Rabbi Michael, and Carol Standfield. It was very moving to see the reactions of the residents and their families. Kol Hacavod to Michelle for being such a mensch, and bringing a spark of Judaism into the lives of elderly and infirm Jewish people, long may she continue to do so. By common consent in beautiful autumn sunshine our coach trip to Waddesdon Manor was very successful, as thirty three people enjoyed going around the magnificent house and beautiful gardens. Unfortunately Freda and I were unable to go due to a 7am phone call from an ailing daughter, which subsequently led to grandchildren duties, such is life. Next year on Sunday 13 May I have provisionally booked Beth Shalom Holocaust Education Centre in Nottinghamshire. It is a fairly long journey, but well worth the effort. If that does not go according to plan, Disraeli’s Hughendon could be back on the agenda.

Words From The Chair

On Tuesday 29th August the Synagogue’s revered Hon Life President Hilda Schindler passed away. 
In 1946, three years after it was founded, Hilda joined Southgate & District Liberal Synagogue as it was known in those days, and in a short space of time became Head Teacher. Apart from a period at the old NLPS cheder, she taught at SPS for fifty two years. In 1983 she was made Hon Life President, and in 1986 was presented with a certificate for forty years of service. Hilda also served as Hon Secretary for seventeen years, and was on just about every committee, as well as attending Council meetings, where she did not suffer fools gladly. She was a stickler for protocol as was her dear friend Doris Reese. In 2010 I nominated her for the LJ Chairman’s Special Award; she won hands down, as her CV was far more impressive than any other nominee. Apart from her beloved Religion 
School, the other great loves of her life were The Friends of Progressive Judaism, and the Leo Baeck Education Centre in Haifa, where she was held in the highest esteem. Many years ago I told Hilda I was going to Israel, and she said you must visit Leo Baeck, which I duly did. There was security outside the office and when I asked if I could come in and look around the answer was an emphatic no. When I said Hilda Schindler told me it was ok for me to visit, it was like a magic wand had been waved, and I was treated like royalty. Subsequently I visited Leo Baeck on a number of occasions and was always very well received. 

Hilda retired from Religion School in 1998; throughout the many years of her dedicated teaching career she touched the lives of countless young people, including my two daughters. Even when they reached adulthood they still referred to her as Miss Schindler and always treated her with the greatest respect. Sadly the last few years of her life were in care homes, and at times in and out of hospital, but she battled on because, even though the body “In 1983 she was made Hon Life President” was weak, she had the heart of a lion. As the quality of her life deteriorated and she finally passed, it could be deemed to be a blessed release for someone who once had such vitality and fervour. Inexplicably it took nine days before she was laid to rest. Unfortunately, as the Synagogue had no input with the arrangements of the cremation, it was beyond our control to rectify that sorry state of affairs. Hilda did not have any immediate family, but SPS was undoubtedly her surrogate family and she loved and served the community with unceasing commitment and passion. 

In the evening of her cremation a service was held in the Synagogue in front of nearly one hundred people. Rabbi Yuval set the tone for the evening with his moving recollections of the short span of time he knew Hilda. There were also reminiscences from Pearl Phillips, Jane Greenfield, myself and especially her friend from Germany, Rabbi Harry Jacobi, who brought tears to people’s eyes when he referred to how they were like brother and sister. Hilda Schindler will be fondly remembered by all who knew and worked with her. She was an iconic figure in the history of SPS, and her like will never be seen again, may her memory always be for a blessing. There will be a service to celebrate Hilda’s life on Sunday 26th November; details will be in the next issue of the Gate. Despite our mourning, life must go on, and another towering figure of the Synagogue, the Hon Life Vice President Pearl Phillips was nominated at the September Council meeting to take Hilda’s 
place. Also unanimously nominated to take over from Pearl is another Synagogue stalwart, the indomitable Phyllis Freedman. Both will be put forward for ratification at next June’s AGM. 

Bob Dulin