The show of solidarity followed a racially aggravated assault against a member outside of the mosque as he was leaving evening prayers.

Rabbi Richard Jacobi said: “As Jews, we know from bitter experience that attacks on one faith community or racial group often lead to similar attacks on other faith groups or communities. We must sustain a zero tolerance of any and all such attacks.

“As part of the Loved and Wanted Alliance of Waltham Forest, we confirm to the members of the Noor Ul Islam community that you are indeed loved and wanted here in Leyton, in this borough of Waltham Forest, and in this country.”

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WHEN Rabbi Rafi Goodwin first took up boxing as a hobby, he could hardly have imagined it would one day lead him into the ring. Although he may be better known for his sermons than his right hooks, the ‘Boxing Rabbi’ of Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue will be stepping between the ropes this April to take part in a white-collar boxing match.

Speaking to the Essex Jewish News, he explained: “It started when a member of the community convinced me to try boxing training at a local gym run by Team Macattack. I really enjoyed it, and found that it has been great for my fitness and wellbeing. When my instructor suggested I take part in a bout, I thought, ‘Why not?’”

The event, which will take place at the Sir James Hawkey Hall in Woodford on Sunday 26 April, sees amateur fighters come together to test their skills in front of a live audience. The evening will also include entertainment, with a comedian and singer performing before the main event.

The Orthodox rabbi is taking on the challenge in aid of the Community Security Trust (CST), raising funds for the organisation’s work protecting Jewish communities across the UK. He has been regularly training over the last few months and is hoping the community will be firmly in his corner for a memorable evening.

“I’m not sure whether it’s a mid-life crisis or just wanting a new challenge,” he joked. “But I’m really looking forward to stepping into the ring, and I hope plenty of people from the community will come along to cheer me on.”

If you would like to support the Boxing Rabbi, please get in touch by emailing rabbirafi@chigshul.org.uk.

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Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue unveiled a portrait of Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick – Britain’s first ever woman rabbi – at a special Shabbat service to celebrate almost 50 years since her ordination.

Rabbi Jackie grew up in the community when it was known as South West Essex & Settlement Reform Synagogue, under the leadership of the late Rabbi Dow Murmur, and it was there that she first became a Jewish youth leader.

She made history when graduating from Leo Baeck College in 1975, at the age of 27, being ordained as the UK’s first female rabbi and going on to lead communities including West London Synagogue, North West Surrey Synagogue, West Central Liberal Synagogue and, for a short time when it was between ministers, Oaks Lane itself.

She was also the Convener of the Reform Judaism Beit Din from 2012 until retiring from the role earlier this year.

A musical and family-focussed celebratory service was led by the synagogue’s current rabbinic team of Rabbi Jordan Helfman and Rabbi Lev Taylor, along with musician Mich Sampson.

The centrepiece of the morning was the unveiling of the portrait of Rabbi Jackie by talented artist Monica Jaye.

Eighteen-year-old Monica is an active member of the congregation, and was one of many young people to play a role in the service. She recently won a place at university to study art.

Rabbi Jackie was visibly moved by the portrait and enjoyed a warm embrace with Monica. She then spoke about her love for the synagogue – going back to its former premises in Balfour Road – and the warmness and friendship of the community.

She said: ” “It’s an amazing piece of work. I’m so honoured. I can’t believe anyone would want a portrait of me. It’s the first time anyone has painted me, and Monica’s done such a wonderful job. I’m totally enamoured by the whole thing.”

A number of guests joined Oaks Lane for the morning, including the editor of The Essex Jewish News, Simon Rothstein, and Dean of Leo Baeck College Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh.

Rabbi Charles told the congregation: “I vividly remember being in The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, in 1975, when Jackie was made a rabbi. There was this sense that something quite monumental had started.

“One of the wonderful things, having been Jackie’s colleague for many years, is that her warmth, her generosity of spirit and, above all, her humility are very inspiring – as everyone has seen this morning.”

While Monica (pictured below with her family) has previously been commissioned for portraits, Rabbi Jackie was the first minister she had painted. She is now hoping to get more rabbinical and other commissions.

• For commissions or enquiries, please email monicajayeart@gmail.com
• Pictures by Mark Dalton

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On Erev Rosh Hashanah, South West Essex & Settlement Reform Synagogue (SWESRS) officially became Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue.

This follows an overwhelming vote in favour of the name change by members at the community’s AGM in July.

The synagogue’s Senior Rabbi Jordan Helfman said: “In the past number of years, the Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue has begun a real transformation, becoming a more welcoming home for Jews seeking an inclusive community.

“There has been a meaningful surge in LGBTQI+ membership, as well as individuals who have felt marginalised in other communities because of their skin colour.

“This is an ongoing journey that the Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue will continue to evolve into, and the change in name and logo are part of that commitment to growing a vibrant place of learning and Jewish action.”

The community partly began life in 1919 as the St George’s Settlement Synagogue in the East End, the only jointly affiliated Reform and Liberal Judaism congregation.

In 1997, with the population having shifted towards Essex, the Settlement Synagogue (as it was then known) merged with South West Essex Reform Synagogue, which itself was founded in 1956. Jointly the two became SWESRS and solely a Reform congregation.

Now, 67 years later, the working name will change to Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue. Although, at the suggestion of the Charity Commission, the registered name of the synagogue will remain the same. The community has also introduced the new tagline of  “honouring our past, building our future”. A logo (pictured) was designed by Gemma Shinebroom, with its oak tree drawn by Rebecca Roher, to reflect this.

The post Goodbye SWESRS… hello Oaks Lane Reform appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

Hosted by Rabbi David and Rebbetzin Judy Singer who welcomed back their predecessors, Rabbi Alex and Rebbetzin Eva Chapper who had spent 14 years at the former Coventry Road/current Clarence Avenue Federation shul.  

Introduced by Chairman Melvyn Zeff, Rabbi Chapper, recounted his time in Ilford, as a happy and rewarding period in his life as well as “learning his trade” before talking about his position as a magistrate. His observations and insights made for an entertaining, amusing and uplifting evening for the 70 attendees from the community. An excellent three course dinner was provided by the shul’s Ladies’ Guild. 

Jack Bond – Communications Officer, Ilford Federation Synagogue

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A pour ceremony at their eighth development, Ephraim Court in Mill Hill East, was attended by a number of special guests including Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, and Dr Mathew Offord MP.

The building is named Ephraim Court in memory of brothers Menashi (Morris) and Heskel (Harry) Ephraim, after the charity secured a lead gift for the new development from the Ephraim 1998 Charitable Trust.

It will provide 23 one-bedroom mobility apartments and seven two-bedroom mobility apartments as well as an overnight studio apartment for the on-site house manager and a range of communal facilities.

The Chief Rabbi said: “I have witnessed the impressive work and activities of Jewish Blind & Disabled for many years and I am exceptionally proud of their amazing achievements.”

The post <strong><em>Chief Rabbi helps mark JBD’s expansion</em></strong> appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

A NEW adult study group exploring radical readings of the rabbinic text of the Talmud has begun at South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue (SWESRS)

The free, weekly drop-in Mishnah Shiur offer students the opportunity to translate and interpret the Talmud.

These classes follow on from the Queer Yeshiva summer scheme, a programme of rigorous, inclusive learning through an LGBTQI+ positive lens.

Rabbi Lev Taylor of SWESRS, who leads the sessions, is eager to welcome everyone. “It’s the method that’s queer, not necessarily the people,” he explained.

On a recent Sunday, LGBTQI+ people were in the majority, with many saying the sessions had offered them a chance to connect with Jewish tradition and practice.

“It’s opening up my eyes to a text I’d only peripherally heard of,” said class member Elischa.

Members of the class said drawing on their own lives and experiences gave them unique insights to find queer and radical readings.

Their re-interpretation of an ancient tradition is something the group see reflected in the Talmud itself.

“What is the Mishnah?” Rabbi Lev asked the class before they broke into small groups.

After some discussion of context, the class came to a consensus that it’s a democratising reinterpretation of the Torah and something they can bring into their lives and Jewish practice.

“I’m rediscovering Torah and approaching it in a new way!” said student Yael.

• The classes take place every Sunday at SWESRS. Minchah prayers are at 2pm, followed by classes from 3pm-5pm.

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Rabbi Rafi Goodwin of Hainault and Chigwell Synagogue has seen the film and was so deeply moved by this powerful production that he wanted others to have the opportunity to watch it for themselves.

“I can’t recommend this highly enough. It is such an amazing initiative which allows people of all ages to experience what our people went through during the Holocaust. Not everyone can easily arrange a trip to Auschwitz or may be apprehensive to do so, but this production enables everyone to get a tour while also educating and inspiring the participants.”

He adds: “We are blessed that we are able to offer this experience to our community and are extremely thankful to our generous donors who have enabled us to subsidise this event. The uptake has been really great. We can see there is definitely a demand for this event and would love it if as many people as possible are able to share in this unique opportunity.”

The viewing will take place on Sun 6th November at 8pm (prompt) at Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue and is open to members and non-members alike. Doors open at 7:45pm

Tickets cost £15 each and can be booked online.

Refreshments will be served.

*Please note that it is suggested that only those over the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah should attend, due to the content of the film *

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The Rabbi Emeritus of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue, Rabbi Hulbert had actually donated 107 pints of blood by the time of his award presentation, as it was postponed for two years due to the pandemic. 

The NHS gives its regular blood and platelet donor gifts and acknowledgements to mark important milestones. On getting to 100 donations – the equivalent of 12.5 gallons of blood – donors receive a ceremony invitation, ruby donor card, commemorative medal, badge and certificate. 

Rabbi Hulbert was following in the footsteps of his friend Mark Finkletaub, also from Essex, who received his award late last year. 

He told the Essex Jewish News: “Donating blood helps our NHS, is a mitzvah – of pikuach nefesh(saving life) – and is also a form of tzedakah (charity). According to the Rambam, it is the highest rung on the eight-rung ladder of tzedakah, since the donor doesn’t know the identity of the recipient, nor does the recipient know the identity of the donor. 

“I would encourage every member of our Jewish communities to follow the example of Mark and myself and donate their pint once every four months or so, during the day or after work. There are plenty of donation centres in our local area and all you have to do is to go on line to book an appointment.” 

To find out more abut donating blood, please visit www.blood.co.uk. 

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The event featured tribute videos from members, friends and colleagues, including Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis. 

The synagogue’s Jonny Turgel and former members Robert Sands and Rafi Sandford gave musical tributes, and there were speeches by Sandra Waldman, Dr Olivia Shure, Jonathan Fisher QC and Melvin Gold. 

Rabbi Baruch and Rebbetzen Nechama were presented with flowers, a Megillah and a book of psalms each, and will also receive a voucher for a homeware store in Israel. The community contributed to the gifts through a collection pot. 

Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue member Maxine Levy said: “It was a magnificent evening, uplifting and emotional. You could feel the love in the air for such a fantastic couple that have been by our side and grown our community over the last 25 years.” 

Rabbi Rafi Goodwin and his wife Chaya have become the congregation’s senior rabbinic couple, after being endorsed by an overwhelming majority of synagogue members. 

They have been with Chigwell and Hainault for the last six years as community rabbi and rebbetzin. 

The shul’s chair Lindsay Shure said: “Rabbi and Rebbetzen Goodwin have endeared themselves to the community, working closely with Rabbi and Rebbetzen Davis. I’m absolutely delighted, for them and for us! 

“I, together with Rabbi Davis, the honorary officers and the synagogue council would like to wish them both mazel tov on their appointment and look forward to many fruitful years together in the community.” 

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