It is said that in life, joys and sorrows are commingled, and this last month has epitomized this. The Holocaust Remembrance Day, 70 years since the fall of Auschwitz, and our own Norwich special unveiling of the plaque to show where the skeletons of 17 people including children, thought to be Jewish, were found in 2004. It was unveiled by the Lord Mayor, Judith Lubbock, at the Chapelfield Shopping Centre. This was a moving ceremony and all thanks to Clive who has seen this whole project through, as he said “We hope that this act of respect and reconciliation may help to bring peace and understanding.” The Norwich Holocaust Memorial service where Alex eloquently took part was not the only one in the region; Marsha read in a service in King’s Lynn and Liz Allen attended one in Lowestoft. The recent tragedies to Jews in Paris and now in Copenhagen add to our sorrows. We have sent our condolences to the Copenhagen Synagogue.
However, we still have many joys in our midst: the wonderful concert held on the evening of Holocaust Memorial Day attended by a good crowd and full of wonderful music, particularly from our German cellist, Guido Ruhland, who was superb. The Tu B’shvat celebration for the children, which was obviously enjoyed by all and our happy Friday night supper last week. Various photographs illustrate some of these events on the other pages.
This will be my last piece from the President’s Chair, as I have almost completed three years in office which I have been honoured to be able to do. At our AGM which will be held on Sunday April 26th we will find a new President to preside over this small but lovely community. The Synagogue services are the most important and regular feature of our Jewish life here, and although not everyone is a ‘shul goer’, I know, it is always a pleasure to see people when they do make an effort to come and to take part. Daniel in his capacity as lay reader, is always welcoming to all and if you are not a regular, do just try and come along occasionally – it is always a lively meeting place and a place for a chat over Kiddush wine and cake. Chag Sameach for Purim and Pesach
Maureen Leveton