Comments Off on Shabbaton Summer Concert for Ukraine
Those that attended the wonderful concert on Monday evening given by the Shabbaton Choir along with Jonny Turgel and Rabbi Alby Chait, boy soloists and 3 school choirs from Immanuel Prep, Kerem & Sacks Morasha, will know what a treat it was.
If you missed it, you can watch the full concert here!
World Jewish Relief President, Henry Grunwald spoke movingly about the situation in Ukraine and money was raised for WJR.
Comments Off on Kilburn Grange School visit Hampstead Shul
Kilburn Grange School visited Hampstead Synagogue in West Hampstead. Fifty children between the ages of 7-8 came to learn about Judaism. Two volunteers explained about the Jewish Festivals, religious services and the design of the synagogue building. They were fascinated by the Torah scrolls and wanted to know who made them and who wrote them. The final part of the tour was in the foyer of the synagogue where they were given explanations of the different memorials and plaques.
The children asked many interesting questions during the 90-minute visit. A worksheet had been prepared for the children, by the administrator of the Synagogue, to take back to school.
Comments Off on Camden Faith Leaders’ Forum Interfaith Event
“Can Faith Respond to the Challenges of the 2020s” was the topic discussed by a panel of religious leaders at Camden Council Faith Leaders’ Forum hosted by Hampstead Synagogue. Those on the panel were Rabbi Dr. Michael Harris, of Hampstead Synagogue, Iman Fathi Labidi of the Muslim World League and Rev. Dr. Ayla Lepine from St. Martin’s Church, Gospel Oak. The chairman was Anthony Ostrin.
Rev. Dr. Lepine, a priest and art historian, spoke about her project in conjunction with the National Gallery combining Art and Religion and how it brings people together.
Iman Labidi’s presentation discussed the challenges of poverty in these unstable times. How faith acts as a reminder to support each other.
Rabbi Dr. Harris felt that society was currently overwhelmed by technology and indicated the connection between religion and the environment.
Numerous questions, from the audience in the hall and via Zoom, were put to the panel ranging from, mistrust, fear, debt and the lack of faith. The meeting was closed by a vote of thanks given by the synagogue’s chair Madeleine Abramson.
Comments Off on Fancy Dress and Hamantaschen at Hampstead Purim Festivities!
Last night we saw the shul buzz with joy as we celebrated Purim as a community. It felt like a pre COVID celebration with members participating in a community reading, a woman’s megillah reading, and even a sell out Young professional service! It was wonderful to be back in person compared to last year’s Zoom celebration. The women’s megillah reading sadly had a few last minute changes in those leyning due to Covid but we are so grateful to the participants who took on extra verses at short notice. It was wonderful to see such a diverse group of people attend and take part from the youngest in his baby sling to those who have a few more years experience.
Women’s reading with support for Ukraine!
The party continued with Hamantaschen, food and drinks and a costume parade including pizza chefs, very imaginative couple dress as Toast Master, breakfast club, Cleopatra and alien so we have to shout out a big congratulations to those who won prizes for great fancy dress.
In addition to the main party, Hampstead Shul put on quite a show for Young Professionals. A clear but pacey Megillah reading was called at 8:30pm for those returning back late from work. This was followed by a bubbly (pre-)drinks and hamantaschen reception before the crowd headed over to the Heads + Tails bar. Here they enjoyed exclusive use of the facilities with a specially crafted cocktails menu, and pumping Purim playlist.
Comments Off on Hampstead Shul supports Afghan refugees this Mitzvah Day
Last weekend was incredibly busy here at Hampstead! We held our annual AJEX Shabbat where we were fortunate enough to be supported by the new Mayor of Camden, Sabrina Francis. We completed our service with a parade of the Standard and the Mayor laid a wreath at our memorial.
This was followed by the return of Mitzvah Day on Sunday which was a roaring success! The Mayor joined us again both at the synagogue where we collected many coats and on West End Lane outside the supermarkets where we collected essentials for local Afghan refugees. Thank you to all who came along to support and we look forward to seeing you all soon at our future events!
