From the Bimah
March - April 2012
Those of you who take the Jewish Chronicle will probably have seen the advertisement for a lay
reader for our community. This should not come as a surprise because I am not as young as I was
and, having taken weekly services here and at my previous Synagogue in Colchester for at least
thirty years I am becoming less physically able to keep up the sometimes strenuous routine.
It has always amazed me that more people are not able to conduct services, especially in small
communities like ours where the pressures and demands are much less than in large Synagogues
which usually require a qualified Rabbi. Since I have been here only the late Jack Halpert was able
to do this, and he was the son of a Rabbi. For my part I learned as I went along, very hesitant at
first, but by doing it regularly it became much easier and enjoyable. There was a time at
Colchester when we had at least five of us who could take a Friday evening service, but the others,
older than me, gradually departed and even there I was left on my own.
So here we are looking for someone to assist or take over from me. It would have been far better
had this come from within our own community as you know the form and what to expect here.
There is still time to come forward - I will gladly help to guide and advise you. Is there anybody
there?
Alex Bennett