Problems with JustGiving Website
Thank you so much for the excellent response to our appeal two weeks ago. Already over £6000 has been donated and for this we are very grateful. Unfortunately, JustGiving upgraded their website at the same time as the launch of the Movement Appeal and they experienced major technical difficulties. We are aware of the fact that many of you tried to access the website but were unable to complete your donation. If this is the case and you still wish to make a contribution, please contact us directly on 020 8349 5684 or send your cheque made out to MRJ to APPEAL, the Movement for Reform Judaism, the Sternberg Centre, 80 East End Road, London N3 2SY and we will process your donation in person. Alternatively, please do try to donate via the JustGiving website again as we are assured that it is now working. Thank you again for your continued support; without it none of our vital work with young people to ensure a rich and rewarding Jewish future for us all would be possible
NEWS
Rabbi Simon Franses
 It is with sadness that we announce that Rabbi Simon Franses died earlier this morning.
Born in Larissa, Greece, Rabbi Franses came to London in 1961 after receiving a scholarship at the Judith Lady Montefiore College. Graduating from the Leo Baeck College in 1971, he joined the late Rabbi Michael Leigh at Edgware & District Reform Synagogue for three years before accepting a position with the Glasgow community.
Rabbi Franses was appointed Minister of MNS in 1987 until his retirement in 2008, when he was given the title Minister Emeritus of Middlesex New Synagogue.
He is survived by his wife Ann, his children Josef and Abigail, his brother Elias and his sister Allegri.
New Chair for Reform Rabbis
 At its Annual General Meeting earlier this month, the Assembly of Reform Rabbis UK voted in a new Chair, Rabbi Tony Hammond. Rabbi Hammond takes over from Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, and will serve a two year term of office. Read more
AGM News
At the recent Movement AGM it was announced that David Tilles will join the Board as a new member. Michael Grabiner is a new Vice-President and Clifford Siegel will be a new Honorary Vice-President. Read more
Highest number of new rabbis for more than a decade
The Leo Baeck College is preparing to ordain eight new progressive rabbis on July 5th. This will be the largest group to graduate from the rabbinic training since 1996, signifying not only the strength and status of the College, but also the continued growth of progressive Judaism in the UK and Europe. Read more
Leaving for Las Vegas
 West London Synagogue is preparing to say goodbye to Rabbi Malcolm Cohen. He will be moving with his wife Sarah and son Elijah to the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada where he will join the community of Temple Sinai as their new rabbi. Read more
Mazel Tov to Bromley
Mazel tov to Bromley Reform Synagogue and webmaster, Kieron Hyams who were recently recognised in the Board of Deputies Media Awards. Bromley took away the prize for best synagogue website. Read more
Shavuot: Night-time Simcha and Study
West London Synagogue member Oliver Walton reflects on staying up all night. Read more
Headteacher of the Year
Irene Kay, Headteacher at Clore Shalom school in Shenley, recently received a commendation in the form of a beautifully engraved glass trophy in the "Headteacher of the Year in a Primary school category" of the National Teaching Awards. Read more
Annual Event For Leo Baeck College Raises Over £80,000
The Kaufmann Memorial Lecture and Dinner – hosted by Leo Baeck College and held on Thursday 14 May at the Inner Temple – succeeded in raising over £80,000 for the College and the future of Progressive Judaism. Read more
Meh Chadash
The latest edition of Meh Chadash, the newsletter of the Leo Baeck College Department of Jewish Education can be downoaded here: Meh Chadash. Read more
Leo Baeck College Diaries and Personal Organiser Inserts 5770
The new Leo Baeck College diary and personal organiser inserts for 5770 are now available to order. This year's diary is offered in an attractive white cover with blue and orange lettering. Read more
 David Jacobs, Director of Synagogue Partnership joined Kehillat Kernow: the Jewish Community in Cornwall with his wife Hannah, leading an explanatory Friday night service in a member's home in Truro and on Shabbat morning in the entrance hall of the Truro Baptist Church co-leading the service with the Chairman of the Community Harvey Kurtzfield.
On Sunday morning David appeared on Radio Cornwall's Faith Programme and later Hannah led a discussion on engaging with Israel
EVENTS
ResponseAbility presents an open discussion: Dying Well – Jewishly
Wednesday 8th July at the London Jewish Cultural Centre.
What does Judaism have to teach us about dying “well”?
The evening will look at three areas: living wills assisted suicide and withdrawal of care from different perspectives including legal, Jewish, medical and ethical.
More information
Foundation Course for Religion School Teachers
A four-term course which takes place either at the Sternberg Centre or in congregations where there is sufficient demand. The course is designed to train teachers for religion school teaching and is open to all prospective, new and experienced religion school teachers. The course is validated by Leo Baeck College. Read more
Coming up: Jewish Journeys to Morocco and South Africa
'Rabat, Meknes, Fes, Merzouga, Ouarzazate, the High Atlas, Todra, Marrakech'. Magical names, fabulous colours, sounds and smells which form the backdrop to one of the most amazing Jewish Stories from ancient times. Morocco, once home to a major Jewish community, today a shadow of its former Jewish self, but what a gorgeous, different and sensuous shadow. Read more.
Radicals and Religious Jews from Lithuania enter into the most complex of conflicts in Africa. A fascinating mix in one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Includes Cape Town, the Garden route, the Eastern Cape, Durban, Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park. Read more.
COMMENT
Rabbi Bayfield's Update
Head of the Movement, Rabbi Dr. Tony Bayfield explains what his role involves and shares some highlights of the last few weeks. Read more
Ask the Rabbi: Yahrzeit Candle Blessings
Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Romain responds to the question: I cannot seem to find what prayer to say when lighting a yahrzeit candle. Also, where should it be placed? Read more
RECRUITMENT
Click here for more details and to visit the recruitment section of our website. This is where you'll find out about the different opportunities available within the Reform Movement, our synagogues and other Jewish communal organisations.
If you are currently unemployed (or under threat of redundancy), work-ready, Jewish, and eligible to work in the UK you will find a warm welcome, professional help and support at the ERC: Employment Resource Centre. The service is both free and confidential. Click here for more information.
|
