Exploring Spirituality

FRS Book Circle

A Breath of Fresh Air

Community Events

FRS Friendship Club

Israel Group

Exploring Spirituality

• A monthly group for those who want to explore religious, spiritual and life themes on a regular basis
• The evenings combine space and time to develop an in-depth conversation with quiet time for reflection and inwardness
• We take as our focus the word Shema, which we understand to mean not just ‘Hear’ but ‘Pay attention...’ – to ourselves, to each other, and to the divine within us and between us
• The group, which started in 1995 but has always welcomed new members,  meets on a Monday evening from 8-10pm between September and July. An initial commitment of a year is asked for. The cost for the year is by donation, up to an agreed amount. Dates for the 2009/10 programme are as follows : Sept 30 (Wednesday), Oct 19, Nov 9, Dec 7, Jan 18, Feb 22, Mar 22, Apr 19, May 17, June 21, July 12
• Further information and an application form can be obtained from Rabbi Howard Cooper via the Synagogue Office - 020 8446 3244

FRS Book Circle

Now we are ten

The FRS Book Circle meets once a month on a Sunday morning at members' houses to discuss the book we have chosen for that month. It is a very enjoyable and rewarding way to read and share ideas about authors and books one might not otherwise come across. We all get a chance to choose which books we would like to discuss.

We are very pleased to say we have just celebrated our 10th anniversary (last December).
The group was originally started because it was felt that there was a need for something ‘cultural’ at FRS.  We still have one founder member who comes regularly and the group has more than doubled to around twelve stalwarts.

Over the past decade we have read and discussed over a hundred books ranging from classics to modern bestsellers by British, Jewish and international authors. We have also gone on the occasional theatre trip; last year we saw A Fine Balance at the Hampstead Theatre, which was based on a book we had all loved. 

Over the years, we have also welcomed one male guest (thanks, Howard!), one teenager - and several  babies – to our meetings.

We have planned our reading for the first six months of 2007. Authors will include Zadie Smith, Anthony Trollope, Salman Rushdie and Ellen Feldman.

A Breath of Fresh Air

BOFA offers, as its name suggests, a pleasant way to stretch our legs and shake off cobwebs in the countryside not too far from Finchley.

Walks take place once a month throughout the year. We take turns to plan a walk of roughly 4-6 miles and then email the details plus a map to the group. Most of the walks are gentle countryside rambles, concluding with a sociable pub lunch.

Walk dates for 2008 are: 30 March, 27 April, 18 May, 23 - 26 May, 13 - 15 June, 29 June, 27 July, 31 August, 28 September, 19 October, 30 November, 21 December

Community events

Following on the success of the events in 2004, a small band of volunteers once again invited FRS and friends to take to the floor for two community get-togethers this year.

In June 2005 we held a Barn Dance where a professional caller taught us the intricacies of various square dances and we enjoyed a hearty fish and chip supper.

In December we held ‘Simcha on a Saturday Night: The Sequel’, which lived up to its promise of  “a magical evening of Israeli, Jewish and Yiddish music - dancing - sing-a-long - nosh”. Everyone took to the dance floor for some pretty frenetic Israeli dancing, accompanied by the excellent klezmer band, Shir.

Both events were sell-outs, attracting around 150 people of all ages.

FRS Friendship Club 

The Friendship Club meets every Wednesday from 1-3.30pm at FRS.

We have music recitals, parties to celebrate the festivals, talks and go on trips to places of interest. Last year, we went to Westcliffe, on a Thames river cruise, and had a very enjoyable visit to the Brick Lane Theatre to see an Old Tyme Music Show.

Anyone aged 60+ can join us; non-FRS members are most welcome.

Israel Group

The Israel Group is a joint FRS/ SDRS group that aims to promote Israel consciousness, in its widest sense, among members of both synagogues. We hold meetings alternately at both venues and hold a wide variety of activities - some serious, some just for fun.  These include concerts, talks and discussion groups, and of course Yom Haazmaut celebrations.

In 2005 we took part in the UJIA Magic Moments scheme which brings together Israeli and diaspora young people. Five teenagers from Shlomi, a border town in the northern Galil, came over and stayed with FRS/ SDRS teenagers and their families for a week.

Members of the group have been supporting the Centre for Creativity in Education and Cultural Heritage in Jerusalem, which brings together Jewish and Arab schoolchildren, their families and teachers.

In 2005 we took part in the UJIA Magic Moments scheme which brings together Israeli and diaspora young people. Five teenagers from Shlomi, a border town in the northern Galil, came over and stayed with FRS/ SDRS teenagers and their families for a week. The centre point of the week was Yom Hazikeron (remembrance of Israel’s fallen soldiers) The Israeli youth led a Special ceremony commemorating their lost comrades, which was very moving.

This was followed by Erev Yom Ha'AtzMaut celebrations with a delicious Israeli feast, live music and dancing.  A great time was had by all! 

A special thanks to the families who hosted our visitors, Amit Handlesman of FRS and Judith Werchow of RSY Netzer

In July we also welcomed Judith Werchow for an illustrated talk ‘A Window Into Their World’ presenting the two sides in the Israel Palestinian conflict  tell their story through film (documentary and fiction).

Members of the group have been supporting the Centre for Creativity in Education and Cultural Heritage in Jerusalem, which brings together Jewish and Arab schoolchildren, their families and teachers. The centre director, Simon Lichman, gave an absorbing talk at FRS in September 2005

The Israel group was involved with the organization and promotion of two fund raising concerts  in aid of the centre.

The centre has this year was selected for the High Holiday Appeal by both synagogues.

Simon Lichman will visit us again in September during the Hagim period to thank the community for its support and  tell us more about this crucial coexistence programme.

This coming year, we are hoping to build on our aims of bringing Israel consciousness, in its widest sense, to members of both synagogues.