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Information Guide

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This year Sha’arei Tsedek is proud to be supporting these four worthy causes. Please donate generously. To find out more about how these organisations make a difference and to donate please scan the QR code or visit www.stnl.rs/appeal

DAYS OF AWE APPEAL 2016

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We look forward to welcoming you to Sha’arei Tsedek North London Reform Synagogue during the Days of Awe.

This booklet contains important details which will enable you to get the most out of the Days of Awe from Selichot through to Simchat Torah. If you need any further help, please do not hesitate to contact us either on 020 8445 3400 or at info@shaarei-tsedek.org.uk.

As usual we will have a variety of services on offer for families with children in year six or under, discussion groups for teenagers and alternative-style services, as well as spaces for quiet reflection.

We are delighted to welcome as guest preachers Rabbi Professor Tony Bayfield CBE and Rabbi Colin Eimer, our Emeritus Rabbi. We are pleased that Student Rabbi Naomi Goldman will be returning to lead services, along with our new Youth Worker, Charley Katan, who will lead the Teenage Discussion Groups.

Once again we will be holding a Chavruta Study Day on Shabbat Shuvah as well as a Discussion Group and Meditation sessions on the afternoon of Yom Kippur.

Our community Rabbis, James Baaden and Judith Levitt, together with our lay leaders, will provide us with thought provoking sermons, witty commentary, spiritual guidance and support over this period.

It would be appreciated if you would help our security team by carrying the ticket issued to you personally at all times. Please show it when requested, as this will make your access to the site faster.

Finally, may I take this opportunity, on behalf of all the Rabbis, Council, staff and volunteers at Sha’arei Tsedek, to wish you and your loved ones a .and a meaningful Yom Kippur שה טובה תכתבו

Richard P Woolf Synagogue Chair

September 2016 / תשע״ו אלול

WELCOME

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REFLECTIONS FOR THE DAYS OF AWE

The Days of Awe bring a mixture of emotions; joy at our celebrations of the new Jewish year, but also ambivalence and even anxiety. This time is an odd mix of celebration and of taking account. The combined sweetness of apples dipped in honey with the task of listing our sins and recalling our misdeeds from the preceding year. The excitement of being reunited with friends and family with the anxiety of the impending Fast. Coupled with this are our collective fears; what will leaving the European Union mean for us? Will xenophobia and anti-Semitism continue to rise? As well as our own personal and specific worries. We come to High Holy Day services laden with mixed emotions.

Maybe we struggle to connect with the words in the Machzor. Perhaps we don’t experience the sincerity in praying and repenting that we feel we should. There could be someone in our lives who is playing on our minds, someone with whom we wish we could make amends.

Midrash Tanchuma (Parashat Nitzavim) states: “‘The Eternal shall turn to face you.’ Therefore if we undertake genuine Teshuvah God will turn towards us.” The act of Teshuvah forms a bridge between us and the Almighty. Teshuvah literally means return (to oneself and God).

There is a quote by Rabbi Lionel Blue that has helped me in my understanding of God and of prayer. He says:

‘When I asked: ‘why God don’t you take a hand in the dreadful happenings of the world? Why do you do nothing?’, it occurred to me that God has no hands to do anything with, or rather- and the penny dropped- I was God’s hands. The real prayers to God work then like boomerangs. Why don’t ‘YOU’ take a hand in it becomes why don’t ‘I’ take a hand in it? After I accepted this too close connection, prayer became much more real but much less comfortable.’

And to paraphrase Michael Strassfeld; ‘At this time, let us be like Moses, heavy of tongue, who had to struggle over each sound. At this time, when we shall say so many words in synagogue, we strive to find one sentence, phrase, word, or letter that will begin here on earth and reach to the heavens.’

I pray for all of us that we have at least one moment of true reckoning with ourselves during these Days of Awe. I hope that we each find at least a glimmer of connection and that we individually and communally strive to do better in the year to come.

I wish you all a ה טובה ומתוקהש– a good and sweet year ahead.

Rabbi Judith Levitt

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סליחותSelichot Saturday 24 September

Coffee, Cake and Study 9:30 pm

Choral Selichot Synagogue 10:30 pm

From the Hebrew word selichah, ‘to pardon’. We are still in the last month of the year, Elul, a

time of preparation for the Days of Awe. We do not go into important events in our lives without

physical, spiritual or mental preparation; it is what gives meaning and value to those events.

Selichot is a meditative, introspective choral service, introducing us to the particular mood,

music and themes of the Days of Awe.

ראש השהWe will be using draft machzorim provided by the Reform Movement.

There will be a feedback session on Thursday 6 October

Erev Rosh Hashanah Sunday 2 October

Service Synagogue 7:00 pm Guest Rabbi: Rabbi Professor Tony Bayfield CBE

Rosh Hashanah I Monday 3 October

Regular Service Synagogue or 11:00 am

All Saints’ Church Hall

Family Service and Synagogue 9:30 am—11:30 am

Mishpacha Activities and then around the building for families with children in year six or younger

Teenage Discussion Small Hall

for students in years seven and eight 11:30 am

for students in year nine and above 12:30 pm

Tashlich

Bridge over Pymmes Brook, East Walk, East Barnet 5:00 pm

Tashlich, literally ‘casting’. We gather on Rosh Hashanah afternoon to share thoughts and

reflections – as well as honey cake and tea to round off the first day of Rosh Hashanah.

Rosh Hashanah II Tuesday 4 October

Service Synagogue 10:30 am Guest Rabbi: Rabbi Colin Eimer, Emeritus Rabbi

Mishpacha Activities Small Hall 10:30 am for those in year six or younger

SELICHOT AND ROSH HASHANAH

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Draft Service Machzor Feedback

Thursday 6 October 8:00 pm Over Rosh Hashanah we will be using a draft machzor from the Reform Movement as part of

their development of a replacement Days of Awe Machzor. Come along and share your

thoughts and feedback on the new style services so it can be fed back to the editors.

Alternatively, if you are unable to attend you can send your feedback to

machzor.comments@shaarei-tsedek.org.uk

שבת שובהErev Shabbat Shuvah Friday 7 October Kabbalat Shabbat Service 6:45 pm

Shabbat Shuvah Shabbat 8 October Morning Service 10:30 am

THE DAYS BETWEEN …

The Paths of Peace דרכיה דרכי־עם וכל־תיבותיה שלום׃ עץ־חיים

היא למחזיקים בה ותמכיה מאשר׃“All its paths are peace … it is a tree of life”.

(Proverbs 3:17-18)

Chavruta Study Day

Shabbat Shuvah Shabbat 8 October After the main service

Our world, marked by so much conflict and terror in 2016, cries out for peace. Our

country, divided and troubled, yearns for it.

This year’s Study Day will look at Jewish understandings of peace as embodied in a

variety of texts.

As last year, our learning will be guided by gifted educators – who have already had

a role in compiling significant Jewish text resources on peace. This year, they will be

joined by our neighbour, Revd Dr Gregory Platten from All Saints’ Friern Barnet,

adding a special interfaith dimension to the occasion.

We will explore what peace is – and what it can be.

How to value peace – how to protect it – how to create it.

The Shabbat Shuvah morning service is at 10:30 am and will be followed by an

afternoon of Chavruta learning: reading, studying and discussing together. We will

work in pairs and small groups, rotating as the afternoon unfolds. There will be a

catered lunch plus other refreshments later in the day.

Everyone is welcome – the programme is aimed at adults, but interested teenagers

are very welcome! This event is free of charge.

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FAMILY SERVICES, MISHPACHA AND TEENAGERS

In the following pages you will find further information about activities

available for children, families and teenagers.

Mishpacha is the Hebrew word for family. It is the name we give our family

services and activities that take place throughout the year. For more

information about these events, please either visit the website or see the

noticeboard in the foyer.

As in previous Days of Awe, there will be Mishpacha Services on Rosh

Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These are family services, adapted in music and

content to engage children, of and below primary school age with their

families.

The services themselves are projected onto a screen to make life easier for

adults with children on their laps. If, as an adult, you normally wear a tallit,

please wear it for the family service.

We appreciate children will make noise during services but we ask adults not

to talk with one another but instead encourage their children to engage with

the service.

Following the services there are lots of exciting Rosh Hashanah and Yom

Kippur activities and time for the adults to catch up. There will also be further

activities on Sukkot and Simchat Torah. We hope as many families as

possible will come along and join us in making this year a fun and enriching

Days of Awe.

Mishpacha relies on volunteers to assist with running activities, If you are

interested in helping out please contact mishpacha@shaarei-tsedek.org.uk.

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CHILDREN’S REFLECTIONS AND CRÈCHE

Reflections for Children This past year I did not measure up …

To my family:

To my friends:

To my own expectations:

At school:

In my Jewish life:

Other:

What do I need to do to make things better…

With my family:

With my friends:

For myself:

At school:

In my Jewish life:

Other:

What is making it hard for me to reach my goals?

What could I use help with at this point in my life?

What are my strengths that can help me and others?

What are my most significant achievements since last Rosh Hashanah?

Crèche from walking age to 5

We are restricted in the number of children allowed at any one time in the crèche, so must use a first come, first served policy. You will need to register your child on first use. Children over five will not be admitted.

Rosh Hashanah I Monday 3 October

From 10:30 am

Rosh Hashanah II Tuesday 4 October

From 10:30 am

Yom Kippur Wednesday 12 October

10:30 am—1:00 pm and from 5:30 pm

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Family Services and Mishpacha Activities for families with children in year 6 or younger

Rosh Hashanah I Synagogue Monday 3 October

and around the building 9:30 am—11:30 am

Rosh Hashanah II Small Hall Tuesday 4 October

11:00 am

Yom Kippur Synagogue Wednesday 12 October

and then All Saints’ Church Hall 9:30 am—11:30 am

Sukkot Small Hall Monday 17 October

10:30 am

Simchat Torah Small Hall Monday 24 October

10:30 am

Family Zone Oaks Classroom A calm space for families

Throughout Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur the Oaks Classroom will be available as a calm

space for families away from services and other activities.

There will be activities to do such as work sheets and colouring books, books to read together

and some games to play too. This space is also an ideal place to have a break away from the

hustle and bustle of services and activities. This will also be a space that you and your family

can go for a snack and some refreshments should you need to over the course of the day.

This area will be available at all times. Although this area is designed as a space for children,

please do keep in mind that it will not be supervised so we request that a carer remains with

them at all times.

FAMILY SERVICES AND MISHPACHA

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TEENAGERS

Teenage Discussion Groups

For teenagers, there will be special discussion groups on Rosh Hashanah and

Yom Kippur.

These discussions will look at the themes of the Days of Awe, helping us

reflect on the meaning of the prayers through exploring our personal

connection. The discussions will centre around learning how to create

meaningful times of reflection throughout the year, in part by unplugging

ourselves from our digital lives. All teenagers are welcome.

The Teen Zone will also be running in the Mezzanine Classroom throughout

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, offering a space for teenagers to meet up

and relax away from the services

As last year there will be two separate discussions for teens in different age

groups.

For students in years seven and eight

Rosh Hashanah I Small Hall Monday 3 October

11:30 am

Yom Kippur Small Hall Wednesday 12 October

11:30 am

For students in year nine and above

Rosh Hashanah I Small Hall Monday 3 October

12:30 pm

Yom Kippur Small Hall Wednesday 12 October

12:30 pm

Teen Zone Mezzanine Classroom

Throughout Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur this space will be available for

teenagers to meet up and relax away from services.

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כל דריKol Nidre Tuesday 11 October

Fast begins 6:02 pm

Services Synagogue or 7:00 pm

Kiddush Hall Guest Musicians: Sally Russell and Rachel Weston

There are two Kol Nidre services: In the Synagogue the regular Kol Nidre choral service. In the

Kiddush Hall a reflective service.

The reflective service is a way to reconnect with the meaning behind the words. Our Kol Nidre

experience will contain the backbone of the traditional service—you will not miss out on the

familiar prayers— but they will be interspersed with special readings, creative music, guided

meditation, story and reflective conversation.

יום כפורYom Kippur Wednesday 12 October

Shacharit and Synagogue or 11:00 am

Torah Services Kiddush Hall

Mussaf and Mincha Synagogue Approx 2:00 pm

Yizkor and Synagogue or Approx 5:45 pm

Neilah Kiddush Hall

Fast ends 7:01 pm

Family Service and Synagogue 9:30 am—11:30 am

Mishpacha Activities and then All Saints’ Church Hall for families with children in year six or under

Teenage Discussion Groups Small Hall

For students in years seven and eight 11:30 am

For students in year nine and above 12:30 pm

YOM KIPPUR

Yom Kippur Limmud

See overleaf for detail of the Yom Kippur Limmud programme that will be

taking place during the afternoon

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YOM KIPPUR LIMMUD PROGRAMME

Days as Grass and Everlasting Memory

Discussion Group led by Gill Lazarus

Kiddush Hall 3:15 pm

Psalm 103:15

ציץ השדה כן יציץ׃אוש כחציר ימיו כ

The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field.

New International Version

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

King James Version

Man, his days are like those of grass; he blooms like a flower of the field

Jewish Publication Society

Do we choose ways of remembering the dead and, if so, how do we choose? And

can we choose how to be remembered?

Jewish Meditation

Kiddush Hall 4:30 pm

For those interested in the ancient Jewish art of meditation as a form of prayer, we

invite you to join a circle of peace, calm and quiet.

Private Prayer Throughout Yom Kippur the New Library is available for

private meditation and prayer.

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סכותSukkah Decorating Sunday 16 October

From 10:30 am

Erev Sukkot Sunday 16 October

Evening Service 6:45 pm

Sukkot Monday 17 October

Morning Service 10:30 am

Erev Simchat Torah Sunday 23 October

Evening Service Synagogue 6:45 pm

Simchat Torah Monday 24 October

Morning Service Synagogue 10:30 am

Please bring your own donations of fruit and foliage and contributions for our

annual collection of food and toiletries for Homeless Action in Barnet.

SUKKOT AND SIMCHAT TORAH

Chatan Torah John Hesse

Kallat Bereshit Esther Lee

Junior Kallat Torah Elis Holland

Junior Chatan Bereshit Elliot Abrahams

שמחת תורה

Coffee with All Saints’ Friern Barnet Sunday 23 October

11:15 am

Join us as we welcome our next door neighbours for coffee and cake in the Sukkah

after their Sunday Morning service.

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TICKETS Please bring your ticket with you to all services. Tickets are issued solely to the

person named on the front, and are non-transferable. Guest Tickets are available

online at www.stnl.rs/daysofawe or from the Synagogue Office.

SECURITY AND STEWARDING Please co-operate with security staff and stewarding volunteers. If you are able to

assist with stewarding, please make yourself known on arrival.

SEATING Seating is on a first come, first served basis. We are limited to the numbers we can

safely seat in each hall. Should we ask you to go to an alternative service we ask for

your co-operation. PRAYER BOOKS Please note that, for all services, you will require your own prayer books.

On Rosh Hashanah we will be using the draft service machzor from the Reform

Movement and service booklets will be available on the day.

The standard Days of Awe Machzor is £31 and the standard Shloshim Regalim,

Pilgrim Festivals Machzor is £26.50.

Both books are available for purchase in advance from the Synagogue Office, or

online from www.stnl.rs/books. ACCESSIBILITY We aim to ensure that all services and activities are fully accessible to those with

mobility difficulties.

Hearing loops are installed in both the Synagogue and Kiddush Hall. Hearing aid

users should set their device to the ‘T’ position.

Should you have any specific needs, please let us know. INFECTION CONTROL We have a number of people in our community who have reduced immunity. Please

help us to limit the spread of infection.

If you are unwell, please refrain from physical contact with others including kissing

on the cheek to greet people. We encourage you to use the hand sanitiser around

the building.

Please help to preserve the health of our community.

CRÈCHE and BABY FACILITIES For information about the crèche, please consult the Mishpacha pages. The Baby

Change and Feeding Room is located along the back corridor.

USEFUL INFORMATION

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All SAINTS’ FRIERN BARNET CHURCH HALL All Saints’ Friern Barnet Church Hall, formerly All Saints’ Arts Centre, is the hall

directly behind the Synagogue, and directions to it will be clearly signposted.

Stewards will be on hand to provide assistance where necessary.

YOM KIPPUR REST ROOM For those members of the community who are unable to fast or need to take

medication, facilities will be available in the Beit Limmud. Please follow the signage

as the route via the Small Hall will not be available.

FIRST AID First Aid facilities are available on site. Please see the on-duty Council Member or

Steward if you require assistance.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Instead of driving, have you considered an alternative method of travelling to

Sha’arei Tsedek, such as walking, cycling or public transport? Sha’arei Tsedek is

only a short walk from Totteridge & Whetstone Underground Station, Oakleigh Park

Rail Station and 34, 125 and 251 bus routes. Cycle parking and shower facilities are

available on-site.

TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE Do you require assistance with transport to and from services and events? If so

please contact the office. If you are able to offer a lift to someone in need please let

us know.

PARKING Please remember to park with due consideration for our neighbours and do not

block access to driveways.

Facilities for set-down and pick-up are for the elderly and disabled only.

There is no off-street parking.

There is no parking either in the driveway between the Synagogue and All

Saints’ Friern Barnet or the All Saints’ Primary School driveway.

LIVE ONLINE SERVICE BROADCAST If you are unable to join us in person at our services, many are streamed live at

www.stnl.rs/live.

HOME HOSPITALITY Would you like hospitality either after Rosh Hashanah or to break the Fast? If so

please contact the office. If you are able to offer hospitality to someone, please also

let us know.

MORE USEFUL INFORMATION

120 Oakleigh Road North LONDON N20 9EZ Telephone: 020 8445 3400 Email: info@shaarei-tsedek.org.uk Website: www.shaarei-tsedek.org.uk Registered Charity No: 10766470

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