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✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ Listen ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ Newsletter of Beit Echud Adar – Sivan 5778 Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue March – May 2018 ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ 1 In this issue From our Chairman 2 Interfaith Report 2–3 New Outreach Initiative 4–5 Spiel Appeal 6 Obituaries 8–9 Outcome of Under 60s Meeting 9 MKDRS Open Day 10 Community Seder 11 Torah & Haftorah Readings 12 Diary 13–14 Deadline for the next edition of Listen 15 May 2018 WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY PURIM!

Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

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Page 1: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡

Listen ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ Newsletter of Beit Echud Adar – Sivan 5778 Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue March – May 2018 ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡

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In this issue ✡ From our Chairman 2 ✡ Interfaith Report 2–3 ✡ New Outreach Initiative 4–5 ✡ Spiel Appeal 6 ✡ Obituaries 8–9 ✡ Outcome of Under 60s Meeting 9 ✡ MKDRS Open Day 10 ✡ Community Seder 11 ✡ Torah & Haftorah Readings 12 ✡ Diary 13–14

Deadline for the next edition of Listen ✡   15  May  2018      

WISHING  YOU  A  VERY  HAPPY  PURIM!  

Page 2: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ Newsletter of Beit Echud Adar – Sivan 5778 Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue March – May 2018 ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡

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From our Chairman Henry Fried The AGM will be held on Sunday 3rd June starting at 3pm. Do please try to attend. The future of the community will be discussed and we need you to participate.

At the AGM I shall compete seven years as Chair. For the last five, at least, I have been trying to arrange my succession as I did not want to leave the community in a crisis and wanted a smooth transition to someone else. I am absolutely delighted that Priscilla Dorrance has agreed to stand as chair and I will be delighted to propose her. Priscilla brings a wealth of experience in different areas including business and education and is the ideal person to take the synagogue and community forward.

There are also likely to be other changes in the running of your synagogue.

Interfaith Report Lynda Gilbert Hello everyone! Last time I wrote it was Chanukah, which already seems a long time away, although the time has flown by. That’s one of the paradoxes of our concept of time – especially as one gets older! Anyway, you may well have forgotten that in my last report I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students, as well as the older members of the congregation, a taste of Chanukah. In return I invited her, and any of the other Sathya Sai Babas wishing to attend, to our own Chanukah party two weeks later. She came with her mother and brother, and their Interfaith representative, Suresh Nesaratnam, who is a good friend and well known to those of us in the Interfaith movement. They were

all extremely impressed with the lovely atmosphere at the party, the candle-lighting, the Cheder children’s play, the songs from the Choir and of course the food, particularly the effort we had gone to to include vegan food for them, as Sathya Sai Babas are traditionally vegan. On Saturday 16th February I also had the opportunity to participate in an event run by the other branch of Sai Babas, the Shirdi Sai Babas. Like the Sathya Sai Babas their roots are in Hinduism, but they follow a teacher who lived at an earlier time (he died in 1918) than Sathya Sai Baba. Purely from my own observation, I would say the Shirdis are closer to traditional Hinduism in their practice than the Sathyas though, interestingly, on Wikipedia it says that it is unclear whether the Shirdi Sai Baba was a Hindu or a Muslim, and that his teachings and practice combine elements of both Hinduism and Islam. The event I attended was part of a day long series of prayers, chanting, song and dance; I was there in the evening, when the focus was on singing and dance, and a rather colourful procession at the end. There was also free food available; I noted though that the Shridi Sai Babas are not vegans like the Sathyas. It was an interesting occasion, attended by a couple of hundred people I would think, indicating another aspect of diversity in Milton Keynes. I was only sad that the majority of attendees were clearly of Asian and probably Hindu origin – we need more integration and I think it would be useful for us all to think about why that isn’t happening as much as it should. There’s not much else to report on; sadly, I missed the Buddhists’ Bean Throwing Ceremony, which marks the beginning of Spring. Community member Lou Tribus attended though, and told me it’s an interesting ceremony which involves everyone being given a little bag and then having to try to catch the beans in their bag- in the dark (i.e. with all lights in the Temple switched off)! This is presumably symbolic of

Page 3: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

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the sowing of seeds in the dark earth, but maybe also of the scattering of “seeds” of peace in times of darkness. In my last report I mentioned two forthcoming Interfaith meetings which may be of interest; my friend Kurshida, the founder of Trubys Gardens Café which some of you have attended at Christ the Cornerstone Church, will be speaking about her recent Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) on Thursday 5th April; the current planned venue is St. Augustines Catholic Church, but this may change so please let me know if you wish to attend. Then on Thursday 3rd May at the shul we have Lou Tribus leading a presentation on Conversion Journeys, which should be very interesting. Both meetings start at 7.30 pm. Finally, if any women are interested in joining a Milton Keynes branch of Nisa-Nashim, I would be delighted to hear from you. Nisa-Nashim is a national organisation which aims to bring Jewish and Muslim women together through discussion and shared activities (e.g. challah baking!) and thereby build bridges between our communities. Kurshida and I are planning to launch a Milton Keynes branch, which will start small at first, probably meeting in the homes of different women (though offering your home isn’t obligatory!). I’d like to plan a first meeting in late April if possible, ideally between Pesach and Ramadan, so do get in touch by the beginning of April if this appeals to you.

A Visit to Anne Frank’s House Michael Lindsey Visiting the Anne Frank house for the third time, the most touching moment was when my young daughter, Naomi, was listening to an audio presentation explaining that the family went into hiding after Anne's sister received “call up” papers. At this point Naomi very quietly and subtly sidled up to

me for a cuddle. A lump appeared in my throat. The whole visit reminded me what a desperately sad and humbling story this truly was. And yet somehow I think it gives us hope. Perhaps no better summed up than in Anne's own words with this poignant quote from her diary: "I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness; I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too. I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more."

Note from the Treasurer Sarah Friedman A very big thank you to all who have returned the signed GDPR form and Gift Aid forms. If you have not yet signed the form please could you put it on your “priority to do list “. It is important that we have signed forms from all members, because like it or not, it is the new law.

Community Seder This year’s Community Seder will be on Saturday, 31st March, starting at 6.00pm. It is being organized this year by one of our youngest members: Izzy Dorrance. Tickets for members will be £15 for adults, £12 for senior citizens and £7 for children. There will be two food options: fish and vegetarian. If you haven’t received the form by email or via the MKDRS Facebook page, please email Priscilla (Izzy’s mum) to request a copy. Completed forms should be returned by 12th March. Izzy is still looking for more helpers (to help with cooking, setting up, etc). If you can help, please email Priscilla or contact Izzy via Facebook.

Page 4: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

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New Outreach Initiative Brings More Visitors to MKDRS Lou Tribus On 27th November, MKDRS hosted a professional development session for RE teachers from Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. Thirty-three teachers, representing 28 schools and educational organisations attended the session.

Milton Keynes RE teachers visit the synagogue.

A display of Judaica for the visitors to explore. It was a very successful session, allowing teachers to explore Judaism and ask questions. All of the visitors were given an

education pack which included colouring sheets, a Judaism fact sheet, sample lesson planning and information about school visits. The professional development session was part of the new Outreach Initiative, which was launched in Autumn 2017. The purpose of this initiative is to proactively make contact with local schools and community groups to promote synagogue visits and offer other educational activities about Judaism. We hope that this will increase awareness and understanding of Judaism in the wider community and assist RE teachers in teaching about Judaism. It may even help to bring in new members.

Children from the Leighton Buzzard Scouts group learning to write in Hebrew.

Whole school Chanukah assembly to 600 Children at Bourton Meadow Academy in Buckingham.

Page 5: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

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Year 2 pupils from St Thomas Aquinas are fascinated by the Torah. As part of this initiative, the synagogue has:

•   Approached schools and community groups to offer school visits, speakers and resources;

•   Created and distributed a Judaism resource pack to schools and community organisations who wish to better understand Judaism;

•   Worked closely with SACRE (the Standing Advisory Committee on Religious Education) and the local education authority to inform curriculum development where Judaism is concerned;

•   Created a mailing list of schools which have shown an interest in the synagogue;

•   Informed local schools and community groups about the MKDRS open day;

•   Set up a dedicated email address for enquiries from schools and community groups : [email protected]

Since launching the outreach initiative, we have had:

•   A professional development session for RE teachers

•   Visits from two school groups •   A visit from a local scout group

•   Three invitations to speak at school assemblies.

Anyone interested in helping with school visits, please contact Lou at [email protected]. A JJBS Scheme for non-Jewish Partners Sarah Friedman Some of you may be interested. Following the opening of the JJBS Woodland Cemetery and mixed faith area at Cheshunt and the agreement of the Reform rabbis that non-Jewish partners of synagogue members can be buried there, subject to certain conditions, the JJBS has set up a Non-Jewish Funeral Subscriber Scheme. It effectively mirrors the current funeral scheme for Jewish Synagogue members and will have the same per capita fees. They must be recognised by the synagogue as a partner (married, civil partnership or living together as a couple). Single non-Jewish subscribers will not be accepted. Partners may be of the same sex. If this is something you might be interested in then please contact Sarah for more details.

One of my Favourite Films Michael Lindsey The other night, whilst browsing through the TV guide for something suitable to watch, I came across one of my all-time favourite films. It took me back 41 years – to a point in my life when I was on holiday in New York. News started to filter through that an Air France flight had been hijacked. Little did I know that history was about to unfold. An event

Page 6: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

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was about to occur which, in my opinion, was to be one of the greatest military, humanitarian and technical achievements of my lifetime. Just stop for a moment and consider the facts and statistics. Jewish hostages had been separated out from other passengers in a way eerily reminiscent of Nazi times. And their fate seemed sealed as the deadline for agreeing a deal for their freedom fast approached. On the eve of this deadline, and in the dead of night, Israeli transport planes flew over 2,500 miles (!) with 100 commandos aboard, into what was effectively enemy territory: Entebbe Airport in Uganda, with Amin and his army seemingly protecting the terrorists. Once again Israel was on its own. With deadly stealth the soldiers managed to release over 100 hostages, destroyed a quarter of the Ugandan airforce planes to prevent a chase, and then flew the hostages safely back to Israel. The news footage of the released hostages and their relatives dancing around on the Israeli airport tarmac blowing shofars loudly in celebratory splendour is a sight that will stay with me for many years. And one of many key moments in my life when I felt so very proud to be Jewish. (Oh, by the way, the film is called Raid on Entebbe.)   Editor’s note: I hope you enjoy this Purim story! Spiel Appeal Daniel Weinbren Today it is hard to imagine that the head of a world power would be a pompous, ignorant racist with a new younger wife who might have won a beauty competition. Most of us

find it difficult to conceptualise that such a man would send out arbitrary contradictory and inaccurate messages to his realm and beyond. However, that is how it was in Shushan, many years ago, when Achashverosh ruled. The Empire was vast. Sometimes, messengers (Royal Males) got lost. Back then men would never listen when a woman offered advice on the best route. Others were distracted or sometimes Edicts arrived in the wrong order. Out in the furthest reaches, beyond even Radlett, lay Chelm. On the day that the message arrived stating “The Jews are permitted to kill all their enemies,” the proud owner of the doner kebab stall, just outside the Dobbin Abattoir, was a little worried. Only the other day a Jewish customer had complained of finding a hoof in his burger. Better not take a risk, the owner reasoned. She decided to get in touch with her Jewish roots. Swiftly repainting the stall sign to read A Donna Lamb (Kosher Butchers) she started to call herself Ms Huganah. She reasoned that it seemed to be a name frequently used in the Jewish quarter. Trade failed to pick up, so she left town, declaring that the Rabbi had sent her on a mission, to find some guy called Alfie Komen. The following day another Edict arrived in Chelm. The message was to “Kill all the Jews.” Over in the town’s shtetl, Jew Mile Ash, some suggested to the warden of the local shul that he might start to call himself “Stanley Kahn”. His colleague was told that maybe the N in his surname could understood as silent and that if there were inquiries, he could pass as Martin Devil, a paid-up Satanist. Others proposed that, as the words Cheder and Al-Qaeda come from the same root, they could disguise the fact that they were running a training ground for ruthless youth by altering its name to Al-Qaeda. The country’s devious Prime Minister was behind the Edict and the nervous, seeking to smooze the authorities, started to

Page 7: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ Newsletter of Beit Echud Adar – Sivan 5778 Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue March – May 2018 ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡

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greet each other cries of “Hey man. Your ears. They look beautiful. Good enough to eat. Gotta love those lobes.” On the third day, a further decree arrived. Some new broom in Shushan called Mordecai had instituted an annual festival to mark the delivery of the Jewish people. To celebrate, the kebab stall owner returned to town. Claiming that Alfie didn’t know what it was all about; she said that she’d found her inner Alma Cogan and could she please start a choir? And from that day to this, Chelm has been blessed with euphonious singers and wardens there have traditionally named their first granddaughters after Purim, the Festival of Lottie.   Philip Barak – Oldest Racing Driver in the UK Did you know that the oldest racing driver in the UK is a member of MKDRS? Here’s a short video about him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp9D-X1EiSg

Bar Mitzvah Boy Hi, I’m Alex and I’ve just turned thirteen years old. I live in Newton Longville, Milton Keynes, and am in Year 8 at The Cottesloe School in Wing. We moved to the area from Elstree, Herts when I was two and I’ve been attending Cheder at MKDRS since I was five. My Bar Mitzvah is this May and I’m really excited. My favourite subjects at school are Design & Technology, English, Drama and History and, at the moment, I’m keeping my options open about what I want to do when I’m older! The current plan is to start my own business sourcing and customising supercars, but that could all change! My best friends are called Jack and Leor. In my spare time, I learn Krav Maga (Israeli self-defence training) and love skateboarding, basketball and playing Xbox. I am also passionate about supercars and my ultimate dream is to own a Lamborghini Aventador one day!

Page 8: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ Newsletter of Beit Echud Adar – Sivan 5778 Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue March – May 2018 ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡

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Obituaries

David Michel, OBE Stan Cohen David Michel, one of our associate members for many years, died on 11th December last year at the age of 96. He was actually a member of the Northampton Hebrew Congregation and his grandfather, George Leopold Michel was, in fact, one of the founding members of that Synagogue. George came to Northampton in 1858 to set up as a leather merchant supplying the boot and shoe trade. During and after the First World War the company supplied the leather for artificial limbs and other surgical aids. David inherited the business after his grandfather`s death and became well known and respected in Northampton and further afield for his involvement in the leather trade, charitable and community affairs for which he was awarded the OBE. In retirement he loved walking and travelling and, when I first got to know him, acted as a carer to his wife whose health was deteriorating. He used to drive to our Synagogue a few times a year but when he was no longer able to drive the Assenheims would kindly bring him. In the last few years he lived in the Richmond Retirement Village on the outskirts of Northampton and a few of us kept in touch with phone calls and the odd visit. He was always cheerful in spite of more health problems in recent years. David was a real gentleman who maintained a keen interest in the world about him and continued to support various causes close to his heart. I was honoured to be able to lead the funeral service at which his daughter and

granddaughters also contributed tributes and poems. He is survived by his son, Ian, who continues the family tradition of involvement in the leather trade as a leather technologist, and his daughter Judith.

Lesley de Mattos Sheila Goldsmith Lesley de Mattos died on 27th January 2018, at the age of 88. Lesley joined MKDRS in 1983, when she moved here from London with her husband, Ron, as his film editing career brought him to this area. Lesley was very active in the synagogue, serving as a council member, as Vice-Chair and, finally, as Chair between 1993 and 1995. She also edited Listen in the early days and was a stalwart of our choir for many years, where I was very pleased to make her acquaintance: she became a very dear friend to me and all the choir members, and we loved to listen to her amusing anecdotes (although she always maintained that she couldn’t remember, or tell, a single joke)! Lesley – and Ron, who also joined the choir in later years – delighted in hosting various synagogue events in their homes – Sederim, Selichot and Shabbat services, numerous choir rehearsals and socials. After Ron died, Lesley decided to move from the Shenley Extra Care Village to Birmingham in October 2016, to be near to her sister, Shirley, and nephews. Lesley’s health was deteriorating, and she felt the need to live near family members – her own children and grandchildren all residing in Australia. Despite major respiratory issues, Lesley continued to sing, finding a singing teacher in Birmingham, and instigating a singing group

Page 9: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ Newsletter of Beit Echud Adar – Sivan 5778 Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue March – May 2018 ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡

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at the Jewish retirement home where she lived. I was delighted that she managed to make the journey to join the rest of the MKDRS choir in celebrating our 30th anniversary at the Chanukah party last December. In retrospect, I am thankful that the last time we all saw her, Lesley was doing something that she loved so much – singing in the choir.   Outcome of Under 60s meeting Priscilla Dorrance On 21st January we held a meeting for the Under 60s to discuss what needs to be done to ensure that there is still a synagogue in Milton Keynes in 5 or 10 years. Thank you very much to everyone who came and participated so actively. I left the meeting feeling very positive, and others I have spoken to felt the same. Two areas were identified as priorities: marketing and increasing membership. I am pleased to say that, as a result of the meeting, Nicola Morrow has agreed to design a new website (thank you Nicola!) and we are setting up a sub-committee to look at improving our systems for dealing with new and prospective members. We could really do with more people to help. Whatever your age, if you’d like to help with marketing, membership – or anything else! – please let me know on [email protected]  

MKDRS Open Day – Celebrating 40 Years of Jewish Life in MK – Sunday, 1st July 2018 Priscilla Dorrance Plans are coming along well for the Open Day. So far we have the following performances lined up: 12:00pm Play by Cheder children 2:00pm Choir 3:00pm Crossroots (Andy Gilbert’s band) In addition, throughout the day, there will be displays by the Women’s Book Group and the Craft Group as well as a craft activity for children. Lunch will be served 12:45-2:00pm. Please put the date in your diary! We still would appreciate more people volunteering to help with making cakes (and other food), helping in the kitchen and supervising the craft activity. If you can help – even just for half an hour – please get in touch with Priscilla on [email protected].   Advance notice The Choir are organizing a special MKDRS 40th Anniversary Concert, which will take place on Sunday 18th November, at 3pm.

Page 10: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

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Jews in the Merchant Navy in the Second World War Marilyn Hearn’s cousin, Martin Sugarman, has written a book about Jews in the merchant navy during WWII. The book launch will take place on Wednesday 21st March 2018 at 8:00pm at Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue, Norrice Lea, N2 0RE. Tickets are £10. Please order online www.spiroark.org .

ISRAEL!REDISCOVER

28th August - 6th September

A FREE trip to Israel?!

This trip is open to any Jewish 19-26 year olds,

even those who have been on an organised tour of

Israel (under the age of 18)

Please email [email protected] on how to apply,

or go to:

www.reformjudaism.org.uk/birthrightisrael

Page 11: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ Newsletter of Beit Echud Adar – Sivan 5778 Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue March – May 2018 ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡

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For  further  information  on  the  Community  Seder,  please  see  the  article  on  page  3.  

Page 12: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

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Torah and Haftorah Readings Date Parasha Torah Reading Haftorah Reading

1 March/14 Adar Purim

The Book of Esther

3 March/16 Adar Ki Tissa Exodus 34:10-32 Joshua 23:1-14

10 March/23 Adar Shabbat Parah Blessing for Nisan

Va-yahel-P’kudei Exodus 38:1-20/40:17-38 Ezekiel 36:23-38

17 March/1 Nisan Rosh Chodesh and Shabbat Ha-chodesh

Va-yikra

Leviticus 5:1-23 Isaiah 66:1-23

24 March/8 Nisan Shabbat Ha-gadol

Tzav Leviticus 8:1-21 Malachi 3:4-24 (note verse 23 is repeated after verse 24)

31 March/15 Nisan Pesach 1st Day

Exodus 12:37-51 Ezekiel 37:1-14

6 April/21 Nisan Pesach 7th Day

Exodus 14:30-15:18 2 Samuel 22:1-7, 17-31

7 April/22 Nisan Sh’mini Leviticus 11:1-20 Daniel 1:1-21

14 April/29 Nisan Shabbat Atzma’ut, Blessing for Iyar, Mochoratayim Chodesh

Tazria-M’Tzora Leviticus 14:33-48 Micah 4:1-13

19 April/4 Iyar Yom Ha’Atzma’ut

21 April/6 Iyar Acharei Mot-K’doshim Leviticus 19:23-37 Isaiah 5:1-16

28 April/13 Iyar Emor Leviticus 24:10-23 Job 1:1-22

3 May/18 Iyar Lag Ba-Omer

5 May/20 Iyar B’har Leviticus 24:39-26:2 Jeremiah 32:6-27

12 May/27 Iyar Blessing for Sivan

B’chukkotai Leviticus 27:14-34 Ecclesiastes 5:1-19

 

Page 13: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

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Diary

March 2018 Sun 4th 10.00am PURIM

CELEBRATION AND SERVICE led by Richard Assenheim and Cheder teachers. Please bring vegetarian or kosher fish food to share.

Wed 7th 10.00am– SEWING AND 3.30pm CRAFT DAY Sat 10th 10.30am SHABBAT

SERVICE led by Student Rabbi Iris Ferreira

Thur 15th 12.15pm– WOMEN’S 1.15pm READING

GROUP Sun 18th 10.00am CHEDER Sat 24th 10.30am SHABBAT

SERVICE led by Martin Neville

Sun 25th 10.00am CHEDER (and

MOCK SEDER). Please bring kosher for Passover vegetarian or fish food to share.

Sun 25th 2.00pm STONE

SETTING for Irene Bernarde at Whalley Drive. Refreshments at the Synagogue afterwards.

Fri 30th FIRST NIGHT PASSOVER

Sat 31st 6.00pm COMMUNITY

SEDER (see pages 3 and 11 for details)

April 2018 Thurs 5th 7.30pm EREV SEVENTH

DAY PESACH SERVICE led by Stan Cohen

Wed 11th 10.00am– SEWING AND 3.30pm CRAFT DAY Sat 14th 10.30am SHABBAT

SERVICE led by Martin Neville

Thur 19th 12.15pm– WOMEN’S 1.15pm READING

GROUP Sun 22nd 10.00am CHEDER Sat 28th 10.30am SHABBAT

SERVICE led by Stan Cohen

May 2018 Wed 2nd 10.00am– SEWING AND 3.30pm CRAFT DAY Fri 4th 7.30pm KABBALAT

SHABBAT/ CHAVURAH SUPPER led by Student Rabbi Peter Luyendijk. Please bring vegetarian or kosher fish food to share

Page 14: Listen...I wrote about the Satya Sai Babas, and how Andy and I had participated in an event at one of their services led by a young student, whose aim was to give her fellow students,

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Sat 12th 10.30am SHABBAT SERVICE AND BAR MITZVAH OF ALEX ROBINSON led by Rabbi Neil Kraft of Edgware Reform Synagogue

Sun 13th 10.00am CHEDER Thur 17th 12.15pm– WOMEN’S 1.15pm READING

GROUP Sun 20th 10.00am SHAVUOT

SERVICE AND PICNIC led by Henry Fried and Cheder

Sat 26th 10.30am SHABBAT

SERVICE led by Stan Cohen

June 2018 Fri 1st 7.30pm EREV SHABBAT

SERVICE led by the Choir

Sun 3rd 3.00pm AGM Wed 6th 10.00am– SEWING AND 3.30pm CRAFT DAY Sat 9th 10.30am SHABBAT

SERVICE led by Stan Cohen

Sun 10th 10.00am CHEDER Sun 10th 12.30pm CHEDER

PLANNING MEETING

Sun 10th 2.00pm RITUAL COMMITTEE MEETING

Sun 17th 10.00am CHEDER

Thur 21st 12.15pm– WOMEN’S 1.15pm READING

GROUP Please come to the Annual General Meeting Sunday, 3rd June at 3pm