Southend and District Reform Synagogue reported a near full house for the community’s annual special birthday and new members’ Shabbat.
More than 80 people were in attendance as Rabbi Warren Elf welcomed special guests including new local MP David Burton-Sampson, Deputy Mayor of Southend Nigel Folkard and his wife Marion, and the Leader of Southend Council Daniel Cowan.
The senior aliyah was Brian Lazarus representing, and standing with, the older members with special birthdays. Brian proudly celebrates his 90th birthday in a few days’ time. All the new members of the community came up for the first aliyah led by Sam Klein, creating quite a crowd on the Bimah.
Synagogue President Irene Klyman, whose family were founder members of the shul in 1946, was also in the congregation at the grand age of 96. Unfortunately, Southend’s oldest member 102 year old Pat Jacobsen was unable to attend.
Rabbi Warren Elf said: “It was a really nice service. The special atmosphere was warm and friendly. I even interviewed our new MP during my sermon which went down well with the congregation, unlike my usual line of jokes!”
