201016 Festivals, Frailty and Fury

 

201016

16^th October 2020

 

Good Shabbes, happy weekend and hello everyone! I hope you are well and keeping your sanity under lockdown and restrictions.

 

There are so many jokes about 2020 not being included in our age because we didn't really live it but on the other hand – yes we did. We learned so many new skill sets, expressing our love for family through words instead of hugs; speaking with our eyes because the rest of our faces are hidden behind masks; living together, unable to visit or entertain, without picking on everything our housemates do, and finally, discovering that if we are bored it is our own fault. So many things.

 

The Festivals this year went by without the usual gatherings, but the High Holy Days, Succot and Tabernacles came around anyway. I know for a fact that thousands of people who could never manage to come to Jerusalem did so on the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem (ICEJ) Zoom celebration. Many synagogues and Temples did Zoom services which were better attended than the usual services and people like us who are lucky enough to live in Israel, sat outside on the street for the festival services! For Jews the last day of the festivals completes the weekly reading from the Torah, the story of our life on earth. We complete the story and carefully wind the huge Scroll back to the beginning and rejoice both the completion and the new beginning. Adam and Eve find themselves back in the Garden of Eden where life was simple, everything provided and concerns unknown – ignorance is bliss. Then it happened, Eve was coaxed by a slithering persuader to taste the delights of the Tree of Knowledge and "bob's your uncle" we've been curiouser and curiouser ever since. The question is, is ignorance really bliss? To believe OUR truth without listening to "opposing counsel" may be much easier on the brain but is it wise? As usual, Rabbi Jeremy Rosen explains…… http://jeremyrosen.com/2020/10/adam-and-eve.html

 

My favourite moment of all the festivals was on Simchat Torah when Rachel called me on her WhatsApp video to show Igal and Yosef dancing around the room with a Chumash (the Torah in book form). Obviously there was no synagogue service for the usual jubilation and dancing with the Torah Scrolls at the end of reading, Corona put an end to that, so they found their own way of celebrating – and Zvi loved it so much he joined in here!!! Unlike in the Diaspora, one is allowed to do everything on Simchat Torah

 

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of Great Britain and the British Commonwealth, is a great communicator. His ability to communicate in an open and honest manner took a new turn this week as he announced that he has cancer. He didn't hide his illness and unlike so many who are still superstitious about the word he said cancer – and our prayers go out to him wishing him a Refuah Shlema – a full recovery.

 

So why the title Festivals, Frailties and Fury this weekend. So much fury around – be it in the American elections, the Palestinians or the Israeli demonstrations and against the Haredi community here.

One very interesting find by one of my readers "In my office, which used to be the Jerusalem offices of "Haaretz" newspaper, they left a file of archived articles behind. This morning I was looking at their weekend supplement for 19th December 1969. There is a long article about Hebron. The article constantly refers to the Arab residents "Arabs". Not once does it call them "Palestinians". So even Haaretz hadn't heard of the Palestinian nation in 1969"

Another cause of fury is aimed at the Haredi community in general and their reaction to the Corona restrictions, but as always, generalisation is racist. I put two very important articles on Facebook this week, announcing statements by both Yehuda Meshi Zahav and the Karliner Rabbi, as devout and pious Jews, members of the Haredi and Hassidic communities, stating that the current behaviour is unacceptable. It's a tiny minority which is tainting an entire sector and endangering us all.

The third is the violence between the anti and pro Bibi sectors – we all know what happens when the violent few affect the democratic many.

 

Talking of the democratic many….. with a small "d". As I have told you a hundred times, I not only don't understand the American political system I do my best not to discuss it except when it touches on Israel. I can only say that the example shown by our leaders deeply affects the behaviour of our young people. It is time to return to debate – no slanging matches. Incidentally – it's the same here….. the calls to order are a joke, what a shame there is no-one in the Knesset calling "Order, Order" like the late George Thomas did as Speaker of the House of Commons!

 

Final mention on the subject of fury – Am I the only person who believes that Erdogan is recreating the Ottoman Empire? In 1915 the Turks massacred over 1 million Armenians and now the Azerbaijani-Armenian war over Nagorno Kharabash has Turkey written all over it.

 

My quote of the week is one we can all relate to. Not short but a synopsis of leadership

“A king does not abide within his tent while his men bleed and die upon the field. A king does not dine while his men go hungry, nor sleep when they stand at watch upon the wall. A king does not command his men's loyalty through fear nor purchase it with gold; he earns their love by the sweat of his own back and the pains he endures for their sake. That which comprises the harshest burden, a king lifts first and sets down last. A king does not require service of those he leads but provides it to them...A king does not expend his substance to enslave men, but by his conduct and example makes them free.” Steven Pressfield, Gates of Fire

 

Enough of the tough news -

 

The research of www.impact-se.org has taken two leaps forward – we have an agreement, in principle, to work with the Education Ministry of the United Arab Emirates and our Bill 2343 https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2343/text?r=2&s=1 is about to be presented to Congress in the USA. So proud of you Marcus and the Impact team.

 

President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin has proven to be an exceptional President. He made a speech at the opening session of the Knesset which touched on all aspects of our concerns. Please read it, it is honest, emotional and brilliant https://www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-of-rivlin-speech-tribalism-is-breaking-out-stop-please-stop/

 

Sunday, 18^th October, the 4^th Christian Media Summit will take place. If you are interested in taking part https://gponewsletter.ravpage.co.il/cms2020

 

Something very special happened yesterday – I had a phone call from Kinneret Chaya! She never fails to amaze me in her openness, positivity and fun. Imagine being burned within an inch of one's life in a terror attack, surviving, being told one can never have children, undergoing umpteen surgeries, marrying and having four children. Gosh I love her so much! To understand who she is, why I consider her my personal miracle, please please read  http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/kinneret-chaya-boosany-twig-7-years/ We are all guilty of bemoaning our lot, but KC is someone who blesses every moment of her life.

 

This has been a week of Zoom meetings for both of us. One very exciting one was to prepare for an amazing Shalva www.shalva.org Fundraising Show with Lior Suchard…… apparently I will be in the audience! My other Zoom meeting was supremely important for me as Chairperson of Impact-se because we heard a full report of our activities from Marcus Sheff. So proud. So far Zvi and I have successfully co-ordinated our Zoom timings – let's see what next week brings!

 

The Veranda is looking spectacular and the sunrise gets more beautiful every morning as the clouds scud across the sky reflecting bright scarlet and gold. The hibiscus plants are enjoying the warmth of autumn rather than the searing heat of summer – orange, soft pink and buttery yellow they brighten the mornings. The little orange tree has produced 3 huge oranges which are now turning colour, the lemons are growing beautifully and the kumquat tree is producing more fruits by the day – still dark green but in profusion. Red peppers, lemon grass, an avocado tree from seed, lemon balm, mint (nana) sage, tarragon and so much more! Yes I love sitting and enjoying my domain! We exercise each day to the routine of Avri Gilad on the television and then walk each evening, I usually do 2 kilometres and Zvi much more but the other day I managed 4 kilometres – and my new hip was delighted!!!

 

I'm ashamed to say that I cannot remember who asked me for the 1930's Yiddish music but here it is. The Barry Sisters with lyrics so you can sing along!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swPn8E644sA

 

Now for something completely different. This is one for all my Christian readers – and because I adore Sidney Poitier. Amen! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn6w255CGkk

 

Since almost all of us are yearning to see family and friends and have not been near an airport for such a long time I thought you'd enjoy this one! Haveinu Shalom Aleichem from Ben Gurion Airport!! The singers and musicians are from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and my Zvi is on the Board of Directors of the Academy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ_nbinWkvE&list=RD7KGgvrAgqLo&index=17  

 

That's it! I miss you and send loads of love from our home to yours.

Shabbat Shalom to all

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

     

200927 Synagogue memories

 

200927

27^th September 2020

 

Erev Yom haKippurim – the Eve of the Day of Atonement

 

I'm sure that we all have wonderful memories of shule on "Yomtov"and I would love to hear them!

 

My immediate thoughts are of Cardiff, South Wales, sitting in the balcony (best seats!) high above the congregation watching everyone and everything, cuddled up to my beautiful Mother. I was most impressed by my Daddy's top hat and tails - de rigueur for the High Holidays - and the array of beautiful millinery surrounding the balcony like exotic flowers, bobbing as their owners chatted and occasionally prayed.

The strangely named Cathedral Road shule - named for the fact it was on the main road which led to the ancient Llandaff Cathedral - was an exceptionally beautiful synagogue. Wonderful dark wood, polished and buffed to a rich dark lustre, formed the seats, the surround of the Ark and the balustrades of the women's balcony. My Daddy sat in the angled seats beside the Bimah, a place of respect that never stopped him looking up at my Mummy (and me) with a twinkle in his eye and a big smile of pride on his face.

 

Circumstance led me to many other memories, but surely above all others the rich wood and wonderful friends of Reading synagogue where my children grew up, stands up above all others. It is thanks to open attitude of Reverend Sichel who led the Reading community, that so many children learned to read from the Torah, to take part in the service and who know who they are. The fun of the 45 minute walk down our country lane alongside the River Thames, over Caversham Bridge and in to town, all the way to Goldsmid Road, every minute filled with chatter. All three children children, Daniel, Gideon and Rachel, sat in the huge, elegant, dark blue Silver Cross Pram, inherited from Linda and Paul Krisman. It was always the same, Rachel, even at 2 years old, would insist upon walking, her little legs determined to keep up with our adult pace, Gideon would join her after a while and Daniel, the eldest, would sit in comfort, gathering his strength to play with Gary when we arrived at the synagogue. Memories of wonderful girlfriends, and the "mountainclimbing" when I used to climb up to place flowers on the parapet of the Holy Ark, much to the concern of Valerie Myers, when we decorated the synagogue for the festivals.  The togetherness of the "Ladies Committee" in the hall and kitchen as we prepared the after service Kiddush or fed our children during the Yom Kippur service, despite our rumbling tummies! I can still remember exactly where everyone sat, who wore what and the warm, woody smell of history as I sat with my girlfriends following every word of the service, simultaneously watching our children welcomed on to the Bimah by Reverend Sichel, each child feeling totally at home.

 

Memories of the incredible friend, mentor and teacher and Rabbi Mickey Rosen z"l and "Yakar" in London where I learned a new and beautiful niggun on Yom Kippur and heard Zvi sing for the first time. That was the day that Mickey gave his approval of our obvious love.

 

And so to Jerusalem. Very different memories but warm and loving – from the tiny synagogue in Kiriat Moshe where Zvi held his Bar Mitzva, to Gilo with Zvi's wonderful parents and a warm and caring community in that little synagogue set between a view over Bethlehem and a panorama of Jerusalem. This synagogue where it was irrelevant if you were Ashkenaz or Sefaradi, where students arrived in jeans and T-shirts and nobody batted an eyelid as long as they came, where all newcomers were welcomed with open arms. We used to go to Zvi's parents for the meal before the fast and then stay over but after they passed away Zvi would walk the 6 kilometres through Beit Tsafafa and up the never-ending hill to Gilo, until it just became too difficult.  The biggest difference between Yom Kippur in Israel and Yom Kippur in the Diaspora is the silence. That sense of quiet, a silent city, of a silent country as all traffic stops, honouring the Day of Atonement, of Yom haKippurim……. Well almost….. not totally the picture of serenity because the sound of children riding their bicycles all over the city whooping in delight definitely lightens the atmosphere!

 

My memories of community and friendship from those days still warm my heart. What about you? I would love to hear of your memories – let's forget Covid-19, demonstrations and politics for once and think about sweeter, kinder days.

 

This time, not Kol Nidrei, the prayer that we sing to begin the fast, but rather the joyous music which ends the fast. Cantor Azi Schwartz sings Havdalah, the beautiful prayer which separates the difference between the festival and an ordinary day and of Shema Yisrael – Hear O Israel. You will hear the Cantor and the congregation repeat "Adonai Hu Elokim" The Lord is G-d, many times, just to remind us why we there! Finally, the sound of the shofar (the longest I've ever heard!) to open the heavens to our prayers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_Orlkk9Ww

 

Gmar Hatima Tova – May you be inscribed in the Good Book.

 

With love

Sheila

 

201002 Shabbat Shalom, Chag Succot Sameach and Blessed Tabernacles

 

201002

1^st October 2020

 

Shabbat Shalom, Chag Succot Sameach and Blessed Tabernacles

 

Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement came and went. On Sunday evening – all Jewish Festivals begin at dusk the night before – Zvi stood on our veranda and sang Kol Nidrei (the opening of the Yom Kippur service) for me and for our neighbours. He put on his prayer shawl (Tallit) and stood before the pink-gold view of Jerusalem in the background, his voice loud and pure, to bring a beautiful prayer to all around us. It was amazing and took away the natural yearning for a communal service.

 

In Israel not a vehicle moves on the Eve of Yom Kippur so we strolled down the quiet street to discover that at the end of the road, at the big roundabout, families with small children had gathered and dozens of children were merrily riding their bikes! The rattle of stabilisers and the whoops of delight of those who could ride freely and parents who could just relax and chat among themselves because nothing was going to come on the road to endanger their beautiful little ones!! Older children sped up and down the hill next to the apartment and the general mood was much lighter than one would expect on Yom Kippur!!!

 

The next day we simply read the service to ourselves until we discovered that the Seminar opposite had an open air synagogue in the little road parallel to ours. Of course it is easier in Israel because there is no traffic, not a car moves throughout the Jewish towns and villages in the country; it was wonderful and we all sat with masks and distancing and heard a great service! When the Shofar (Ram's horn) was blown people in the adjacent apartments came out onto their balconies! It is said that when the Ram's Horn is sounded the heavens open to our prayers.

 

This week, in years gone by, Jerusalem was filled with the joyous sounds of the International Christian Embassy's Tabernacles Parade. Christians would arrive from all over the world, a hundred national flags fluttering in the breeze as they proudly walk from Sacker Gardens to the Kotel. Ben Gurion Airport is closed to non-Israelis and gatherings are frowned upon, so it won't happen this year. However, a big however, the ICEJ is holding an online Feast of Tabernacles Festival! Join here https://feast.icej.org/

 

The Oxford English Dictionary has several descriptions for the word tabernacle-

A fixed or movable dwelling, typically of light construction (Biblical description)

A tent used as a sanctuary for the Ark of the Covenant by the Israelites during the Exodus and until the building of the Temple.

A meeting place for worship used by Nonconformists or Mormons.

Here in Israel, indeed for Jews around the world in its singular form it is a Succah, in its plural form, Tabernacles it refers to the festival of Succot. As I have always said, we all have so much more in common than that which separates us. I love this website with everything you ever wanted to know about the festival! https://jr.co.il/hotsites/sukkot.htm?fbclid=IwAR0Di0ZhpAH9tPb9Q9TqfwSfjfUqftZAHKFYkGfamkZjcXJIFzJRmo6sZhs

 

The roadside sales of planks, piles of partitions, palm leaves – both for roofing and for the tapering lulav, citrons and willow were business as usual over the last couple of weeks, but the usual taptaptapping of Succah building immediately after Yom Kippur was limited this year, partly because people who were home on enforced leave from work had already built their Succah and also because many just didn't build one because nobody was going to visit! One of the most important tradition of the Succah is the inviting of guests. The Ishpuzin – visitors should comprise of one learned Talmud scholar and at least one a poor or lonely person. Maimonides said that without those two, especially the poor person, it becomes a festival of the stomach rather than of the soul. It is harvest Festival with deep meaning, a celebration of nature!

 

The old joke is that Mr. Adler a resident of Brooklyn was sued by his neighbour for building a Succah. As he stood before Judge Levy, Adler pleaded that it was a temporary religious construction and thus not illegal. The Judge looked at him and said "Mr. Adler, this is a violation of the law of building extensions to your home – My verdict is that you remove it within 8 days"

 

Try as I may, I cannot avoid certain aspects of the world outside our homes, especially since they deeply affect what happens to us and all our loved ones in a crucial manner.

 

I didn't watch the Presidential debate and I am very happy I didn't. From what I understand it was not a debate but rather a baiting, mud-slinging event. The word debate means to discuss reasonably and respond to one's opponent in an orderly and polite manner. How on earth can one expect good behaviour from citizens when our supposed leaders and potential leaders behave in such a manner? How can we expect our children to behave correctly when our leaders are indicted on serious crimes? How can we expect our children to behave responsibly when our leader makes yet another woman pregnant with his 9^th child? If you want to know why Joe Citizen cannot be bothered to isolate, wear a mask, keep distance, in general to behave responsibly, just look at our leaders. Shame on them.

 

I am very sorry that both President Trump and Melania have been diagnosed positive for the Coronavirus. It is not yet reported if they are actually sick or if, like many, they are simply positive. I wish them "Refuah Shlema" – a complete recovery. Interestingly, British PM Boris Johnson also has a tough lesson after belittling the effect of the Coronavirus and it is said that five months later he has still not returned to full good health.

 

This fascinating article talks of the fact that more and more Americans are considering moving to Israel. https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/ahead-of-the-election-growing-numbers-of-us-jews-consider-leaving-644183

 

Here, the Prime Minister has yet again made decisions against his medical advisors. He is surrounded by "Yes Men" who care only about their seats in the Knesset and not about the desperation of the people. Bad management of a diabolical situation has left the entire country in desperation, although Finance Minister Yisrael Katz is trying to turn things around many people, independent shop-keepers etc, have fallen between the cracks. The entire process should have been handed over to the IDF which is well-versed in dealing with crises, but that requires surrendering power and admitting that former strategies were ineffective.

 

Perhaps the political acceptance of the fact that two sectors of the Israeli population are "guilty" of ignoring the legislation concerning Covid-19 is the greatest failing of this government and has led us to the head of the international roll-call of Corona per capita. Sadly, 40% of the positive tests are within the Haredi community (although most Rabbis have demanded total adherence to the rules) two sects have ignored them completely; the second is the Arab sector, particularly the Southern Bedouin who held big weddings which then infected entire families in the PA.

 

On the other hand – and there is always another hand – severely ill patients treated with a new COVID-19 “passive vaccine,” which was developed by Hadassah Medical Center and the Israeli biopharmaceutical firm Kamada, demonstrated rapid, clinical benefit and they have already been released from the hospital to their homes. The plasma was collected with the help of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) organization Yad Avraham and the Haredi community. Patients who tested negative for the novel coronavirus twice and showed high levels of antibodies in their blood were asked to donate. 

 

Our sanity is saved by Zoom, WhatsApp, Facetime and daily chats with the children. Rachel's son Yosef calls me every day, sometimes a few times a day, just to touch base, tell me he loves me and hear me tell him how incredible he is and how much I love him! In fact every call, whether from my/our children or grandchildren is a fillip to our mood………… as indeed are calls to and from friends. Yesterday my girl-friend Efrat walked from home after we decided to do a jig-saw puzzle swap!! She sat opposite the apartment and called me to come down and we sat either end of the public bench and chatted for about half an hour before she walked back home. One interesting, and very Israeli (or is it Jerusalem) aspect is that the coffee shop opposite, which has closed completely for the near future, leaves all their tables and pretty, brightly coloured chairs outside, night and day and nobody would dream of stealing them! People meet up outside every evening, despite the fact that the restaurant is closed, they sit around the tables and chat then carefully put them back exactly as they found them.

 

Just for fun……. A Jewish Trivia Quiz Just choose Succot as your subject and you are in business!! https://jewish-trivia.com/

 

Music, music music! Corona or not we must feed our souls as well as our ever growing tummies!!!

 

This is gorgeous, in Yiddish, unfortunately without subtitles but the sheer joy of the Harvest Festival with Dudi Knopfler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed78v6pgZzk  

 

This song is really fun, and you will be thrilled to know that it is in English all about "Living in a Booth" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXx5Wp3GcSE

 

The Shalva Band is the result of the love, perseverance and brilliant teaching of the staff of the Shalva Center, right here in Jerusalem."A Million Dreams" was the culmination of the dreams of Kalman and Malki Samuels when suddenly the music world accepted those with special needs as talented and brilliant musicians. Just one of the reasons I chose Shalva and a Music and Drama Therapy Room as our "Remembering Daniel" project  https://give.shalva.org/daniel  in memory of my beautiful son Daniel. I am overwhelmed by your response and generosity and as soon as the closure opens up Rachel and family will be painting murals on the walls!  Here they are, the fabulous Shalva Band……watch to the end.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HWaldJt5Bc

 

So, Chag Sameach, Shabbat Shalom, Blessed Tabernacles and please, please take care of yourselves.

 

With much love from Zvi and I

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

200927 Atonement

 

200927

27^th September 2020

 

Erev Yom haKippurim – the Eve of the Day of Atonement

 

I'm sure that we all have wonderful memories of shule on "Yomtov"and I would love to hear them!

 

My immediate thoughts are of Cardiff, South Wales, sitting in the balcony (best seats!) high above the congregation watching everyone and everything, cuddled up to my beautiful Mother. I was most impressed by my Daddy's top hat and tails - de rigueur for the High Holidays - and the array of beautiful millinery surrounding the balcony like exotic flowers, bobbing as their owners chatted and occasionally prayed.

The strangely named Cathedral Road shule - named for the fact it was on the main road which led to the ancient Llandaff Cathedral - was an exceptionally beautiful synagogue. Wonderful dark wood, polished and buffed to a rich dark lustre, formed the seats, the surround of the Ark and the balustrades of the women's balcony. My Daddy sat in the angled seats beside the Bimah, a place of respect that never stopped him looking up at my Mummy (and me) with a twinkle in his eye and a big smile of pride on his face.

 

Circumstance led me to many other memories, but surely above all others the rich wood and wonderful friends of Reading synagogue where my children grew up, stands up above all others. It is thanks to open attitude of Reverend Sichel who led the Reading community, that so many children learned to read from the Torah, to take part in the service and who know who they are. The fun of the 45 minute walk down our country lane alongside the River Thames, over Caversham Bridge and in to town, all the way to Goldsmid Road, every minute filled with chatter. All three children children, Daniel, Gideon and Rachel, sat in the huge, elegant, dark blue Silver Cross Pram, inherited from Linda and Paul Krisman. It was always the same, Rachel, even at 2 years old, would insist upon walking, her little legs determined to keep up with our adult pace, Gideon would join her after a while and Daniel, the eldest, would sit in comfort, gathering his strength to play with Gary when we arrived at the synagogue. Memories of wonderful girlfriends, and the "mountainclimbing" when I used to climb up to place flowers on the parapet of the Holy Ark, much to the concern of Valerie Myers, when we decorated the synagogue for the festivals.  The togetherness of the "Ladies Committee" in the hall and kitchen as we prepared the after service Kiddush or fed our children during the Yom Kippur service, despite our rumbling tummies! I can still remember exactly where everyone sat, who wore what and the warm, woody smell of history as I sat with my girlfriends following every word of the service, simultaneously watching our children welcomed on to the Bimah by Reverend Sichel, each child feeling totally at home.

 

Memories of the incredible friend, mentor and teacher and Rabbi Mickey Rosen z"l and "Yakar" in London where I learned a new and beautiful niggun on Yom Kippur and heard Zvi sing for the first time. That was the day that Mickey gave his approval of our obvious love.

 

And so to Jerusalem. Very different memories but warm and loving – from the tiny synagogue in Kiriat Moshe where Zvi held his Bar Mitzva, to Gilo with Zvi's wonderful parents and a warm and caring community in that little synagogue set between a view over Bethlehem and a panorama of Jerusalem. This synagogue where it was irrelevant if you were Ashkenaz or Sefaradi, where students arrived in jeans and T-shirts and nobody batted an eyelid as long as they came, where all newcomers were welcomed with open arms. We used to go to Zvi's parents for the meal before the fast and then stay over but after they passed away Zvi would walk the 6 kilometres through Beit Tsafafa and up the never-ending hill to Gilo, until it just became too difficult.  The biggest difference between Yom Kippur in Israel and Yom Kippur in the Diaspora is the silence. That sense of quiet, a silent city, of a silent country as all traffic stops, honouring the Day of Atonement, of Yom haKippurim……. Well almost….. not totally the picture of serenity because the sound of children riding their bicycles all over the city whooping in delight definitely lightens the atmosphere!

 

My memories of community and friendship from those days still warm my heart. What about you? I would love to hear of your memories – let's forget Covid-19, demonstrations and politics for once and think about sweeter, kinder days.

 

This time, not Kol Nidrei, the prayer that we sing to begin the fast, but rather the joyous music which ends the fast. Cantor Azi Schwartz sings Havdalah, the beautiful prayer which separates the difference between the festival and an ordinary day and of Shema Yisrael – Hear O Israel. You will hear the Cantor and the congregation repeat "Adonai Hu Elokim" The Lord is G-d, many times, just to remind us why we there! Finally, the sound of the shofar (the longest I've ever heard!) to open the heavens to our prayers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_Orlkk9Ww

 

Gmar Hatima Tova – May you be inscribed in the Good Book.

 

With love

Sheila