Good Yom Tov everyone and Chag Sameach. Whilst I continue to be astonished at finding myself in the role of president of the Shul, and have been struck by quite how many of our members work so very hard for us, seemingly unacknowledged. Let me say at the start that your efforts are certainly not unacknowledged by me, thank you. There has been an optimistic feel in the Shul these last weeks, and some full services, and we have been delighted to see some of our younger members attending. We appreciate the support of the “Minyan Men” who turn out rain or shine, and the women who contribute so effectively and attend on a regular basis. We are fortunate to have the services of our Minister, Daniel Rosenthal, who has settled into Norwich life, and has so flexibly accommodated to the needs of the Norwich Hebrew Congregation.
Our education team has had a busy year, and there is a new vibrancy about it. We have hosted hundreds of school children who have the chance to visit the only Shul for miles around. Education activity and children must surely be at the core of what we do in Norwich, and with this in mind the Cheder is to be reconstituted with a whole new generation of our young members. We are creating a child friendly zone at the back of the Shul so that we can keep our smaller ones “quietly inter-ested”. I would like to see if we can do something too for our teenagers to keep a little more contact after Bar/Bat Mitzvah. We are starting with a family outing to Banham Zoo. We have had a busy year of communal events. Highlights were surely the concerts for Holocaust Memorial and then the visit of the London Jewish Male Voice Choir when it was lovely to see the Shul packed to the rafters and filled with marvellous music. There have also been two brit milah and a baby blessing, as well as two barmitzvot.
I would like to know if any of you have ideas for what we could do as a community for ourselves- would you like more suppers at shul, or other social events or outings? Let us know what you would like.
Your committee is working hard on plans to redevelop the communal hall and sort out our antiquated and non disability friendly plumbing. We will fund raise during the year so watch out for this!
Many find that the regular slot in the week for prayer and reflection is a real spiritual recharge. Our Shul is inclusive and wel-coming, and I have certainly found my more regular attendance uplifting. Come and join in and you will be given a warm welcome, knowledge of Hebrew not essential! Peter and I would like to wish you a very happy new year, and hope that 5776 will be a positive one for you.
Shana Tova and well over the Fast.
Marian