3CLJC REPORT- Friday Evening
On Friday, May 23rd, we were joined by Members of the Southgate Progressive Synagogue, for a memorable Event, led by Rabbi Danny and Rabbi Anna, representing both congregations.
It proved a truly special experience, uniting both communities together, and being able to share our unique qualities, and hospitality. It was especially wonderful to welcome members from a London shul, to share our Sabbath, as well as visit Gloucestershire.
Several members from Southgate expressed sincere thanks for the opportunity to join us, and quietly confessed that our amazing food, provided by our members, was vastly more inspiring than their own!
Rabbi Danny also provided much food for thought, by recounting to us about how the Torah, in ancient times was interpreted originally in 70 languages. More importantly, he made it clear that Torah references to the death penalty were not intended to be taken literally for less important and insignificant matters.
We also heard about the North London Ambulance Service, Hatzola, which is staffed purely by Orthodox Jews. They are permitted to drive on Shabbat if that means saving a life, but their drivers are replaced by non-Jews on their return Shabbat call outs.
Many thanks to Rabbi Danny, Rabbi Anna, and to all those who organized this event, and made it such a success.
Shabbat Morning
On the morning of the 24th May, we were pleased to again welcome our guests from Southgate for the Shabbat morning Torah service. The service was again led by Rabbi Anna and Rabbi Danny, with honours for members of both communities.
It was lovely to see so many friends and new friends at the GDA. The Kiddush after was provided by Southgate members whose access to the delis of North London meant we dined together on pickled herring and other foods we all know and love but see all too infrequently. It was interesting to see the differences and similarities in minhag between our communities, and many interesting conversations were had.
After Shul, Nigel Garbutt gave a tour for the Southgate members of Gloucester Cathedral before they returned home. It was an enjoyable experience and a chance for us all to share in the beautiful variety of Yiddishkeit!
SHABBATON: SOUTHGATE REPORT
On Friday 23rd May, 11 members of SPS along with Rabbi Danny Rich travelled down the M4 to Gloucester for a Shabbaton weekend with 3CLJC. Having all checked into our hotel, we made our way to the GDA Hall for the Friday night service led by Rabbis Anna Gerrard and Danny Rich which included a very interesting and thought provoking sermon given by the latter.
The service was followed by a wonderful Chavurah supper with lovely food, both hot and cold, provided by our hosts. It was very interesting talking to the members of 3CLJC, learning all about the community which covers 3 counties (hence the name) and hearing that some people travel up to 2 hours to attend services. There were also a few ex-Londoners who had moved to the country and joined the community.
Saturday was a full and busy day. It began with the morning service, again led by both Rabbis, followed by a deli style lunch provided by and prepared by the members of SPS. As is usual at SPS, we had far too much food and our hosts all went home with goody bags!
A member of the community, Nigel, is a registered tour guide and in the afternoon, we all visited the beautiful Gloucester Cathedral for a private tour. It was very interesting and the Cathedral is well worth a visit if you are in Gloucester.
In the evening we all had a very nice meal together at a restaurant in Gloucester Quays and finished up with drinks back at the hotel to round off a very full and enjoyable day.
After a hearty breakfast on Sunday morning, we went to the Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Set up by artist and naturalist Peter Scott, the Centre has a large and varied collection of birds. It was fascinating seeing so many species, both old and young. If you are in the area, it is definitely worth a visit.
It was a great weekend, enjoyed by all who went. Big thanks to Rabbi Anna Gerrard and all at 3CLJC who made us so welcome. Thanks to Jane Greenfield who did the shopping for the food.
Finally thanks to Rabbi Danny Rich for his idea of a Shabbaton – it was a great success.
We hope to return the invitation next year.