FPS_2017 Rosh Hashana Magazine 5777_5778

FPS MAG

5777-5778 Rosh Hashana
Issue #1

220 Green Lanes
London, N4 2JG
020 8802 7004

www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk
[email protected]

Registered Charity Number: 242562

Disclaimer:
Please note that some articles are written by others therefore, some opinions in this magazine
are not necessarily those of Finsbury Park Synagogue.

Welcome

...to Finsbury Park Synagogue‟s Rosh Hashana Magazine

Another amazing year at Finsbury Park Synagogue!

In this issue, you will see pages of „a year in pictures’ that captures some of the
highlights of 5777, articles from members as well as what‟s to come in 5778!

We hope you enjoy flicking through FPS‟s Rosh Hashana 5777-5778 Magazine.

Everyone at FPS contributed whole- feedback to be able to move forward
and improve anything that needs to
heartedly in one way or another dur- be improved or, to know that we, as a
ing 5777 and we thank you. There community, are moving in the right
seemed to be an essence of oneness direction. Your feedback is extremely
and community unity which was heart important to the growth of our commu-
warming to see and feel. For me per- nity, your community!
sonally, 5777 was a year for under-
standing our community, building With this in mind; early in the New
structure and organization at FPS. Year, with great gratitude to United
Synagogue and for their continuous
Over the past few months, a question- support, we will be slightly modifying
naire was handed out (if you haven‟t the Kiddush hall and the shul. A new
received a questionnaire, please let kitchen will be installed in the Kiddush
us know), where we asked questions hall, leaving the other section of the
to FPS members and non members of hall dedicated to a children‟s area.
the congregation on what we need to The Shul will be turned into a flexible,
improve on? What events and activi- multi-purpose space which we des-
ties would you like us to hold? If you perately need. This will enable us to
are not a member, what is stopping hold more activities and fundraising
you from joining? And we also asked events as well as, an inclusive praying
for non members to possibly contrib- room with the women seating area on
ute towards the running and upkeep the left and men on the right; divided
of the shul. We need your constant with a movable wooden Mehitzah.

Don‟t think I have enough space to rewarding not only for the community
write all the things that we achieved in you help but, for you too. Take on
the past year so I will try and keep it new challenges; build self confidence,
brief! meet new people, being part of a
team and indulge in community spirit
In the past year, we started a weekly and achievement.
Newsletter via Facebook. We have
modernised the look of our website as 5777 would have not been as suc-
well as making it mobile friendly. We cessful if it wasn‟t for the amazing
have been working on an app for you team of people I constantly nag and
to be able to order your Kiddushim via have the pleasure of working with. I
our website, as suggested by you would like to take this opportunity to
which should be up and running very thank Geoff Dennis, Julian Charing,
soon! We would like to build up a Howard Mather, Rabbi Landau and
„Subscribers list‟ via our website Ian Ephraim for all the work they do.
where we will be able to email you the You all are amazing and I am so
weekly Newsletters, FPS events, and proud of being part of an amazing
other information directly to your email team!
address as not everyone is registered
on Facebook. So please head over to We are extremely grateful and thank-
www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk ful to Mishpachat Sarfati!
and click on “Subscribe Now” on the
bottom of our Home page. Rabbi Meyer Sarfati who contributes
his time and his knowledge to inspire,
We have now launched an event motivate our community constantly
booking app on the website for you to with such enthusiasm and dedication.
register your attendance to any of our „Thank you‟ is too small of a sentiment
future events which will work as a for everything that you do.
„guest/registration list‟. Give it a try
now! Book for our Shabbat UK 2017 Finally, I would like to thank all our
events! Following the success of our Members. If it wasn‟t for you, we
Shabbat UK 2016, join us this Octo- would not exist! Thank you for every-
ber for another amazing Shabbat UK thing!
experience at FPS. We welcome the
local Jewish community to join us and May you all be blessed with a
be part of a wonderful communal Healthy, Happy and Peaceful New
event with us-it’s fantastic! Year!

As we enter into 5778, we need your Gmar Chatimah Tova & Shana Tova
help. We need more volunteers! We
need assistance with event planning, Maytal
graphics/marketing, children‟s ser-
vices, assisting with activities to name
just a few! We want you to be part of
the work that will help FPS actively
grow and flourish! Volunteering is very

FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE

Geoff Dennis

It has been another wonderful year at minor construction work that will be car-
ried out that will help to create a larger
FPS and my first as the community‟s Fi- and more flexible layout and greater op-
nancial Representative. Firstly, may I portunities for bigger and better events.
take this opportunity to thank my prede- Please watch this space for more details
cessor Ian Ephraim for his many years of and bear with us whilst the works are be-
devoted service to the Shul in the role. ing carried out as there may need to be
temporary alternative arrangements in
A big thank you is also in order to Rabbis place for services and Shul events whilst
Sarfati and Landau for their continued the work is being done. We are only able
leadership and spiritual guidance for the to do this through the generous support of
Shul and to Rabbi Safarti for his weekly the United Synagogue to whom we are
shiur that is always well attended. Thank very grateful. We have committed to
you also to our administrator Howard raise funds for the US towards the project
Mather for his continued dedication. and so anything that you are able to con-
tribute towards this would be very helpful
We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to and greatly appreciated as ultimately it
the Charing family, Julian, Zehava and will be for everyone‟s benefit. Please
Maytal without whom, it is fair to say, the speak to Maytal or me for more informa-
Shul simply would not be able to function. tion about this.
They go way above and beyond what is
expected in looking after a Shul and work We are a relatively small community and
extremely hard behind the scenes which I are continually on the lookout for new
feel often goes unnoticed and is taken for members and volunteers to help grow the
granted. Maybe next time you see them Shul. Maytal recently circulated a ques-
you could just say thank you for the tire- tionnaire to members asking for feedback
less work that they put in for the commu- as to what people want and how the Shul
nity. May they continue to serve the Shul can be improved. Whilst we are very
for many more years in good health and happy to receive feedback the fact is that
happiness. we rely on fee income and membership
volunteering to be able to continue.
As usual, there have been lots of very
enjoyable events that have taken place at Wishing you and your family a Kesiva
FPS over the year the most memorable
for me being the Shabbat UK program vChasima Tova.
and Chanukah and Purim parties. There
is always a very special and unique at-
mosphere at FPS for Chagim (as well as
on an „ordinary‟ Shabbat!).

Following the Chagim, there will be some

GABBAI

Julian Charing

Over the last year we have been able, New Year.! May we go from strength to
strength
not only, to hold Shabbat and Yomim
Tovim morning services, but also in the
afternoon and evening. This has also
included a candle-lit night service for
Tisha B‟Av.

I would like to say thank you to Rabbi BOOK NOW!
Sarfati and his family for all the work
they have put into the Shul that has en-
couraged us to expand our programme
in terms of increased services, celebra-
tory functions and, especially, the weekly
Shiur, where we have learned so much.
Thank you to Rabbi Landau for his lein-
ing and his weekly droshas.

To all the families who have presented  Kids Arts & Crafts
the Shul with new Machzorim for the  Challah Make
congregation to use for all the Yomim  Shabbaton
Tovim, a very big thank you.  Melaveh Malka

Geoff Dennis, became our new Financial www.finsburyparksyna
Representative in January and, in doing gogue.co.uk/events
so, has taken over the role seamlessly
from our previous FR, Ian Ephraim. This
transfer of responsibility has been
helped, in no small way, by the advice
and support of our long-serving and ex-
perienced Administrator, Howard
Mather.

My last, but not least, thank you is to my
wife, Zehava, and my daughter, Maytal,
for all their hard work and support that
goes on behind the scenes.

May HaShem grant the community a
Very, Happy, Healthy and Prosperous

ADMINISTRATOR

Howard Mather

We are approaching a New Year, do this and increase activities alone,
they need help.
approaching a clean slate to start again,
having reflected on our past interaction Sure, a financial contribution is always
and deeds. Well Folks, our Shul is doing welcome, but to take the Shul, Your
precisely the same, as the Shul is You, Shul, to the next level we require your
the Shul is the congregation, in fact it‟s help. Help in running activities for Kids,
larger than that, the Shul is the Commu- crèches, pre-school and a Cheder , it‟s
nity it serves, which brings me back to blessing to hear the laughter of children
You. within the walls of the Shul. Help in run-
ning activities for the Elderly. Help in
Confused? You shouldn‟t be, as in life running activities Guys, for Gals, for you
the existence of a Shul is circular. I wad- all.
dled into FPS over six decades ago,
holding my Dad‟s hand. I lived around So, I come full circle. I wish you all a
the corner and this was our Shul. New Year blessed with mazel and good
health and just ask that you reflect on
I nowadays waddle into the Shul, not how you with all at FPS can contribute to
where I pray, but it will always be my expanding our wonderful family commu-
Shul because this is where I grew up, nity.
where I played, sung, prayed and at
times shed a tear, an unbreakable circle. Would you like to become a
I have been Administrator of FPS for member of
over three decades, and in that time
have seen us leave the large building Finsbury Park Synagogue?
into a portacabin and now to a purpose
built shul again, another circle but one For more information
that is of diminishing size. Now, this mo- www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk
ment in time We have a unique opportu-
nity to break this circle, to grow the Shul. Or email us
The United Synagogue Management [email protected]
have agreed to grant us a substantial
investment to increase the capacity of
the site and thus offer a raft of new initia-
tives and activities for you all and the
local community.

The Management of the Shul have a
worked tirelessly in heightening the pro-
file of FPS, in providing activities for both
old and young, they cannot continue to

Come join us and have creative fun at

Finsbury Park Synagogue’s

Parasha ‘Lech Lecha’ themed
Arts & Crafts

Sunday 22nd October 2017
£5 per person
2pm to 4pm

Drinks & Snacks provided
Suitable for kids of all ages!

PRE-BOOKING
ESSENTIAL

www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk
[email protected]
020 8802 7004

The Chief Rabbi’s Rosh Hashanah Message 5778
“FINDING UNITY IN COMMUNITY”

As we conclude a year which seems to have been dominated, in no small part, by
disunity across the Jewish world, it is increasingly troubling to see some of the
vitriol that is now routinely espoused by Jews against one another.

It takes no time at all to find comments on social media about “Chareidi extremist
bullies with no grasp of the realities of the modern world” and “heretical leftists
who wilfully dilute and undermine the sanctity of Torah at every opportunity.” Is
this what it has come to?

.‫ויעשו כלם אגודה אחת לעשות רצונך בלבב שלם‬
“And may the people form a single united bond – to perform Your will with a full
heart”.

These words, from our Mussaf prayer on Rosh Hashanah, encapsulate our deep
and enduring desire for Jewish unity which stretches back, through the annals of
history, to the point at which we left Egypt and became a nation for the first time.
But, what is the virtue of unity? Don‟t we have a responsibility to protect what we
believe to be right, even if that means division?

There is no question that we do, but what is also certain is that throughout history,
disunity has been nothing short of an existential threat to the Jewish people.

The Talmud describes the tense state of conflict in Jerusalem during the years 67
-70 CE, throughout which, the Romans laid siege around the walls of our capital
city. In Jerusalem, there were storehouses which had provisions to last for 21
years. Yet tragically, when civil war broke out within the city, the storehouses
were burned and destroyed. The Romans, who would otherwise have likely lost
patience and moved on to fight more pressing battles, were now able to breach
the walls and conquer a weakened people.

Chief Rabbi Lord Jakobovits pointed out that „Sim Shalom‟, our prayer for peace
in the Amidah, includes the words „Bless us our Father, all of us as one, in the
light of Your countenance‟. Why, in the context of prayers for peace with our ene-
mies, must we aspire to peace amongst ourselves? Lord Jakobovits explained
that if we cannot overcome our differences within, we will never prevail over our
enemies without.

The first Chief Rabbi of the Holy Land, Rabbi Kook, would point out that in an or-
chestra, there are many different instruments which make their own unique
sound. Together, under the baton of the conductor, they create beautiful har-
mony.

May 5778 herald a year in which each one of us can look to parts of our commu-
nity within which we might ordinarily find very little common ground; those whose
instruments possibly make an entirely different sound to ours, but with whom we
can offer beautiful harmony to the world.
Valerie and I extend to you all our very best wishes for a happy, fulfilling and
peaceful New Year.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis
September 2017 • Tishrei 5778

SHANA TOVA
U’METUKA

With best wishes
From

Harvey and Shireen Cohen

ROSH HASHANA

Did You Know?......

In the Totah, Rosh Hashanah is called tential sighs. Teruah reminds us how
“The Day of the Shofar Blast.” That‟s the many people‟s lives have been shattered
mitzvah of the day: to hear the blasts of through various negative experiences
the shofar. Since Rosh Hashanah is two into tiny pieces. They are sobbing con-
days long, we need to hear the shofar sciously or unconsciously.
blown during the daytime hours of both
of those days (unless the first day falls But what do we do after each time we
on Shabbat, in which case we blow blow the sounds of brokenness? We
the shofar only on the second day). blow the Tekiah again. This reminds us
that we can be restored to wholeness
Besides being a Mitzvah, the blasts of again.
the shofar are also wake-up calls. Rosh
Hashanah is the time to shake out of our Our sages tells us that on the entire day
spiritual slumber, reconnect to our Abraham bound Isaac, he saw the ram
source, and recommit to our divine mis- tearing himself free from one wood and
sion in this world. becoming entangled in another. G‑d told
Abraham: “Thus are your children des-
On Rosh Hashanah we use the shofar to tined to be caught in iniquities and en-
produce a sequence of three sounds. tangled in misfortunes.”
This sequence is repeated many times
during the course of the days' prayers: Abraham then turned to G‑d and asked,
The first sound is called Tekiah, a single “Master of the Universe! Will it be like
whole note. The second is Shevarim, this forever?”
three shorter “broken” notes, which
sound like three sighs. The third is called G‑d replied, “In the end, they will be re-
Teruah, nine short “broken” notes in deemed by the horns of this very ram, as
rapid succession, which sound like the the verse states, „G‑d will blow with
short sobs. the Great Shofar and go forth in south-
ern tempests.‟” May this be speedily in
What do they represent? Tekiah reminds our days!
us that once we were whole, pure and
unadulterated, and reflects the perfect
beginning of time in Eden, before there
was sin. Shevarim reminds us that in life
we are plagued by questions, confusion,
and disappointments; we become frag-
mented, and broken, causing our exis-

THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN & ELLUL

Martin Linton

“I can see the diamond ring” But is that really the spiritual beginning
“Wowits amazing!” of the month? Isn‟t the new month really
“I have waited all my life to witness this, beginning as soon as the moon has
it was worth it” passed the sun but we just cannot see
the crescent at that early stage? (In fact,
On 21st August 2017, the above remarks if you were on the equator, the moon
were conveyed by millions of people not would only be invisible from earth for 12
just from the USA but from all parts of hours).
the world to witness this amazing celes-
tial event of the moon totally covering So really, by this definition, Rosh Cho-
the face of the sun. Suddenly it is dark, desh in our calendar is always a day or
day becomes night, birds stop singing, so late. The Gemorah explains to tell us
the sky is full of stars and the sun has a that the true spiritual month is in fact
halo around it in the darkness. Is this when the sun, moon and Jerusalem are
really happening?If you were under that all aligned.
path of totality, as the moon sped at
2000 mph across the surface of the But let‟s keep things simple, when we
planet, you would have experienced first see the crescent, let us think of “I
that. am for my friend and my friend is for me”
which are the consistent Hebrew letters
Interestingly, we have a blessing for of Ellul. Let us contemplate this month
thunder and lightening or seeing a rain- of introspection and wake up from our
bow. But for a total eclipse of the sun? spiritual slumber as Rosh Hashanah and
Nope. Yom Kippur approaches.

Chabad have provided a spiritual mes- Wishing all congregants a good and
sage for such an event but that is not for sweet year ahead.
this article.

In any event, let me concentrate on what Martin Linton
this has to do with Ellul.

As we know, our Hebrew calendar is
based on the moon which takes about
29.5 days to make a full cycle around
the earth. Since Babylonian times when
the first sighting of the new moon was
seen by way of a thin crescent we then
knew it was the new month, Rosh Cho-
desh.

Family Sarfati

Wishes the entire
Finsbury Park Shul

Congregation

SHANA TOVA
U’METUKA!

In the New Year,
we will be starting FPS‟s
Youth Krav Maga courses.

Worried about your child‟s
Street sense and personal safety?
Want your child to be more socially aware

of their surroundings?

TWO AGE GROUPS
11-14 and 15-17

Boys and Girls separate classes

To find out more information*
Email: [email protected]

*Dates and prices to be confirmed



A YEAR IN PICTURES
SHABBAT UK - ‘Ani Kohav’ 2016

www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk/event-bookings

A YEAR IN PICTURES
SHABBAT UK - ‘Challah Make’ 2016

www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk/event-bookings

A YEAR IN PICTURES
SHABBAT UK - ‘Shabbaton and
Melaveh Malka’ 2016

www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk/event-bookings

A YEAR IN PICTURES
Chanuak Celebrations 2016

www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk/event-bookings

A YEAR IN PICTURES
Purim Celebrations 2016

www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk/event-bookings

A YEAR IN PICTURES
Shavuot Fun! 2017

www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk/event-bookings



BRIT MILAH
MOHEL

Rabbi
Yitzhok Landau

Call:
020 8880 1481
07941 299 630

SHANA TOVA!

From all of us at
www.tommyjo.co.uk

SHANA TOVA
From

Family Roos

UNITED SYNAGOGUE PRESIDENT

Michael Goldstein

Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection and gether. The US is only as strong as its
resolution. membership and so I encourage every-
one to consider ways in which they can
Having been elected as United Syna- play a part to take our local communities
gogue President in July, I have been do- to new heights this year.
ing my fair share of reflection over the last
couple of months. The Jewish year of There are numerous opportunities for
5777has certainly been one of achieve- individuals of all ages to get involved.
ment for The US. We have made great There is something for everyone,
strides forward in welcoming new commu- whether volunteering with US Commu-
nities as full members and have continued nity Cares groups, working within our
the implementation of a wide range of schools as a governor or taking on a
priorities identified in our Strategic Re- leadership role within your local commu-
view. However, there is of course much nity.
more still to be done.
Each one of us brings something differ-
Having renewedour Trustee Board, the ent to the table and all our skills are
hard work is well under way as we look to needed to improve our communities. If
build on the excellent work of our prede- we are to make only one resolution this
cessors Stephen Pack and his Trustees. I Rosh Hashanah let it be to give as much
am relishing this challenge and look for- of our time to others as possible, evok-
ward to working with our fantastic staff ing the words of our sages:
and fellow Trustees to achieve this.
“If I am not for myself who will be for me
In my manifesto I listed a number of key and if I am only for myself, what am I?
issues hat I am determined o address And if not now, when?”
during my term as President. These range
from providing greater support to our Wishing you all the best for a Shana
communities and working on communal Tova U‟Metuka – a happy, healthy and
challenges, to maximizing opportunities sweet new year.
amongst our rabbinate and schools, as
well as for women, Tribe and Young US. Michael Goldstein,
There are so many ways we can engage US President
our members with inclusive modern ortho-
doxy and I am determined to do all I can
to build a strong future for our community.
As we look ahead to 5778, I believe we
should focus on achieving success to-

JOIN US AT

FINSBURY PARK SYNAGOGUE FOR THE

GREAT CHALLAH MAKE!

“Mix, Knead, Bless, Plait and....
Take Home Ready to Bake!”

£5 per person
THURSDAY 26th OCTOBER 2017

7:00pm to 9:00pm

PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL

www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk
[email protected]
020 8802 7004

A MESSAGE FROM THE BURIAL SOCIETY

Melvyn Hartog

Dear Member, If you are approaching from the A41 turn
I am sure you have read in all the rele- left onto Sandy Lane and at the top turn
vant papers regarding our new cemetery left again and this will bring you down to
at Bushey. We thought long and hard the new cemetery.
regarding the name and finally decided
on “Bushey New Cemetery” (no com- We do not expect to start burials till
ments please). around November time. All current re-
serve graves will still be in Bushey Old so
The reason for this small notice is to give the most sensible thing to do is when you
you an indication of how to get to the are notified of a funeral or stone setting
correct cemetery. please make sure you ask whether it is
Bushey Old or Bushey New.
Our current cemetery (Bushey Old
Cemetery) is in the same place. If you A note for all Cohanim, do not use Sandy
are coming from the M1 you come off at Lane as the trees cover graves and the
Junction 5 and turn left onto the A41, road. You must go past Costco to be on
when you reach the roundabout you turn the safe side.
right and go past Costco (you will not If you are not sure about anything please
have time to pop in as it is very busy !!!) feel free to contact the burial office on 020
go forward to the traffic lights and turn 8950 7767.
left into Little Bushey Lane. The main
entrance is about half a mile on the left, I wish you all a very happy and most im-
the first gate is the entrance and the portantly a healthy New Year.
other gate is for the exit.

If you need to go to Bushey New Ceme- Melvyn Hartog
tery you would continue along Little Head of Burial
Bushey Lane past Sandy Lane and sev-
eral hundred yards along on the left
hand side you will see the new entrance,
drive in, if you have a disabled badge
take the first entrance so you can park in
the disabled bays (as all the bays have
grass please take care when parking).
Unless you require disabled parking
come through the entrance and follow
the signs for the main car park where
you will also see signs for the walkway
to the prayer halls.

UNITED SYNAGOGUE WOMEN

As we say goodbye to the old year and be open to all our Bnei Mitzvah children,
we welcome in the Jewish New Year, if is set to be launch in the near future pro-
gives us a natural moment of reflection. viding a meaningfuland engaging way
A moment to look back on the achieve- for our next generation to participate in
ments of the previous year and a mo- their personal and communal Jewish
ment to refocus our attention on the year journey.
to come. What have we achieved, and
what new enterprise can we engage in We ran events this past year that have
that will fire up our imagination and our brought the women of the community
passion, for ourselves, our communities together.The US Women‟s Annual Din-
and the Jewish people in the year to ner saw 175 women gather in Woodford
come? Forest to hear Gillian Merron speak of
her role within the Board of Deputies and
This past year has been a challenging what we can do to support our commu-
one in Britain. We have faced a referen- nity on a local level.
dum, terrorist attacks and disasters -
personal, communal and national - often The old favourite US Women Quiz was
at the cost of human life. As the women once more a great success, and the win-
of the United Synagogue we have sup- ners Cockfosters and N Southgate will
ported each other and the communities be hosting the next quiz this coming No-
around us. vember.

Following up on last year‟s successful Our co-chairs Jacqui Zinkin and Claire
guide for women on saying Kaddish, this Lemer have led from the front and have
year we published Birkat Ha Gomel embodied the underlying quality of US
cards containing the often overlooked Women, the quality of advancing the role
prayer of thanksgiving said after one has of women with in the US community
survived an ordeal. US Women has now through conversation, education and
helped make the prayer accessible to all. engagement.

Our pride in being associated with two of We wish you and your community a year
the Chief Rabbi‟s programmes to benefit filled with blessings, good health and
the communities, especially the women peace.
of the community, knows no bounds.
Shortly the first cohort of Ma‟ayanot –
the Chief Rabbis female scholars - will
graduate after an intensive year and a
half program educating them and pre-
paring them to serve our community.
The Bnei Mitzvah programme, that will







Thank you to the Charings
For all their hard work for the shul

Throughout the year

Wishing you all

SHANA TOVA!

From Tammy Ben Dayan

Wishing everyone a
Very Happy and Healthy New Year

And Well Over the Fast

SHANA TOVA
from

THE EAST END JEWISH
CLOTHING COMPANY

020 7790 4965

The Board of Management of
Finsbury Park Synagogue

Wishes the Rabbonim and the
Entire Congregation a

Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous
New Year!

Gmar Chatimah Tova
Shana Tova U’Metuka

Norman Bright

Norman Bright was born in Asked if he is allergic to any-
south London which he calls thing his reply is "people who
the “golus of the golus”. He is say ee instead of OOH
well known as a racing cyclist and who yiddishify pure He-
having won many medals brew”. That is why I would
and was three times a na- prefer Finsbury Park to Stam-
tional champion. ford Hill.

He has been a regular at His other hobbies include ta-
Finsbury Park shul for over ble tennis, writing about Jew-
20 years and was brought up ish history, playing chess and
attending United Synagogue bridge; his pet hate is the use
in Brixton later on, Mill Hill of psychology to control
and West Hampstead. people.

Norman will be publishing his
book “Like A Hammer from
Heaven” soon!

Norman Bright pictured
standing next to a Statue of
King David in Israel.

Laurence Epstein

My parents first became members of top hats, adding to the theatre of the
Finsbury Park Synagogue before the occasion. Something that I've only
original building had even been built. seen, these days, in Bevis Marks.
Prior to its opening, services and che-
der classes took place in the rented The seat next to the ark, was always
hall of St Olaves Church by Manor occupied by Reverend Clayman, the
House station. Emeritus Rabbi of the shul. He was a
lovely, unassuming man who was, for
The 1960s and 1970s were its heyday, most of his life, a vegetarian. The choir-
being located in, what was then, a vi- master was Mr Berg and he held this
brant Jewish area. On Rosh Hashana position for as long as I can remember.
and Yom Kippur, not only were extra I attended cheder from about four or
seats brought in to fill up the centre of five, starting on Sundays only but later
the men's section, there was also an also attending on Tuesday and Thurs-
overflow service in the much larger day evenings, up until my Bar Mitzvah.
hall at the rear of the premises. Even The day after my Bar Mitzvah, my fa-
then, just before Yizkor, it was stand- ther asked me if I wanted to carry on
ing room only. Although, on a normal going to cheder but my answer left him
Shabbat, I would sit with my father in in no doubt as to my thoughts on the
the centre section of the shul, his offi- subject. I think he thought it couldn't
cial seat was right at the very back, hurt to ask. During my years at Fins-
against the wall, so that is where he bury Park cheder, I managed to amass
sat during the High Holy days. Luckily a few prizes on prize day, although,
for me, right next to my father's seat, how I managed that, is still a mystery to
was an empty space with enough me 'till today.
room for a chair, so each erev Rosh
Hashana, I would go into the kitchen, My main memories of Finsbury Park
grab a spare chair, place it in this Shul, are how cosy the shul was. We
space and there it would stay until the knew almost everyone. Even if we
end of Neila. weren't friendly with them, we still knew
them. Even the layout of the shul,
One thing I will always remember, was made it feel friendly. The ladies gallery,
the almost military precision with which although higher than the men's, was
parts of the service, were conducted. not as high as in shuls such as Beehive
For example, on Yom Kippur, as the Lane, which is, to use a theatrical term,
Torah scrolls were being returned to up in the gods. Also, although there
the ark, the large sliding doors would was a metal trellis screen, there was no
be closed and make contact with each net curtain, which felt more inclusive for
other exactly as the last note was the women.
sung. I have never seen this done so
precisely, since. These were also the Unlike a lot of shuls, the bimah wasn't
days when all the wardens would wear situated in the centre of the room but at

the rear. This gave almost everyone present, a front view of the proceedings,
rather than seeing people's backs. This layout also made it possible for the entire
length of the shul to be used when taking the Torah scrolls from and back to the
ark. It may not have been the fanciest of shuls but it was certainly well designed
and has for me, a lot of good memories.

Nowadays, I do not live locally therefore cannot attend regular services but I do
co-admin the shul‟s Facebook group and attend events.

Wishing everyone
a Very Happy and Healthy

New Year
And Well Over the Fast

SHANA TOVA

From Ian Ephraim

Rabbi Yitzhok Landau
Bal Kora for Finsbury Park Shul

Welcomes new families
to come and join us!

Wishing you all
Shana Tova

Registered Mohel: 07941-299-630

Greeting from Noach Bright
For a better New Year

If you need advice about
upholstery or printing
Please send an email to

[email protected]

The Aghegho family
would like to wish you all a

Shana Tova
and

well over the fast

FRIDAY NIGHT
KABBALAT SHABBAT AT

FINSBURY PARK SYNAGOGUE

-Candle lighting together 5:20pm
- Mincha 5:25pm

- Kabbalat Shabbat/Arvit 5:45pm
Followed by a Communal Family

Friday Night Dinner!

FRIDAY 27th OCTOBER 2017

PRE- £20 per adult
BOOKING £10 per child
ESSENTIAL
(under 10 years old)

Please arrive on time for Candle lighting (men & women)

www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk
[email protected]
020 8802 7004

MOTZEI SHABBAT
SEUDA MELAVEH MALKA AT
FINSBURY PARK SYNAGOGUE

MOTZEI SHABBAT
28th OCTOBER 2017

From 8:30pm
£7.50 per person (non Member)

£5 FPS Members

Havdallah ...Live Music...Food & Drink...
and so much more..

BBOOOOKK NNOOWW!!

www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk
[email protected]
020 8802 7004

Kehilah Security
Protection
Association

KSPA are a frum organisation working closely
with the Union and Police authorities to provide

security and security related services to the
community. We mange security at events and

advise on procedures in a case of an
emergency at shuls, schools and any other

communal location or gathering.

KSPA also provides courses and awareness
training for men and women (separate classes).

Our courses include self defence and the
practical aspects of dealing with
different situations.

Admittance to the course is by interview.

If you are interested or want more information,
please contact us
07880-435-747

[email protected]

Please contact us regarding our youth training
programme starting after the Chaggim.

Wishing you all a safe and Happy New Year

‫שנה טובה‬