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OUR 80TH "OAK" ANNIVERSARYMarch 2019 was a very busy month.Our 80th anniversary started with aFriday Evening Service on 1 Marchwhich coincided with the nationwideShabbat UK celebration. Did they knowit was extra special for us?The service took place in the hall,normally only used for this purpose forthe Children's High Holyday Services.This time the post-service dinnerneeded the full space of the synagogueand kiddush room. It was a delightfulmeal and atmosphere. Our chairmanJackie Alexander welcomed everyonein both German and English, followedby a few words from Rabbi Altshuler.The following morning's Shabbatservice was enhanced by our visitors,the 17-strong PestalozzistrasseSynagogue Youth Choir led by ReginaYantian, and their ministers, RabbiJonah Sievers and Cantor YitzhakSheffer. The children were hosted byfamilies of the congregation andenjoyed a weekend of treats.Meanwhile, we all received a copy ofthe 80th Anniversary Brochure,produced by Michael and Kitty Brod. Itscover is graced with a magnificentcarved oak tree, which is apparentlythe symbol that follows silver, ruby,gold, platinum and diamond. (Whoknew? But then few marriages make itthat far, so we are excused.) It containsa wealth of fascinating articles onaspects of our history, artefacts,memories and activities. A worthyaddition to our synagogue's literature.Purim was perfectly fitted to theoccasion and certainly rose to it. Thecostumes and Purimspiel were of ahigh standard and enjoyed by all.The Civic Service weekend of 23-24March brought the celebrations to apeak. The Shabbat morning servicewas dedicated to honouring our pastHonorary Officers. Sunday afternoonincluded dignitaries from the Boroughof Camden, including the mayoressand several councillors, the top policeofficer covering Camden and Islington,and representatives of the embassiesof Israel, Germany and Austria.Our congregation held its first service(a Friday evening service) on 24 March1939 in the Montefiore Hall, St John'sWood Liberal Synagogue. The "oakanniversary" service was a worthysuccessor – including the receptionwhich followed.PURIM SERVICEAs ever, Purim was celebrated withgood humour and talent. OnWednesday 20 March the shul was fullof unicorns, astronauts and princesses– as well as a wonderful pair of grownup salt and pepper shakers!The evening began with a deliciousfalafel and ice-cream feast. Thereading of the Megillah was given bytalented mostly young congregants –frequently interrupted, of course, byenthusiastic gregger-rattling at everymention of Haman and whooping forour hero Mordechai. The Megillahreading was interspersed with abrilliant Purimspiel, with anentertainingly contemporary take.As Vashti amassed followers onInstagram, the king’s advisers lookedfor alternative queens for him byswiping right. When Haman set out hisplan for destruction of the Jewishpeople, the King was too busy playingFortnite to pay attention. Of course,thanks to Queen Esther and her uncleMordechai, all is well in the end.Congratulations to the youth choirmembers who performed this spiel sowell and to their choir master, MilesD'Cruz, who wrote it, and youth leader,Lucy Bergman, who co-directed.Alex AntscherlWell done and thank you to all involvedin the Family Service. We missedMichelle Samson who was unable tojoin us due to the death of her father.THE BERLIN YOUTH CHOIR VISITA PARENT'S VIEW: Alex AntscherlThe now-annual visit of our friendsfrom the Pestalozzistrasse Synagoguein Berlin began with the Friday nightservice on 1 March, where the twoyouth choirs sang together. We thenenjoyed a very convivial communaldinner, with all tables hosting a mix ofBelsize members and Berlin visitors.We enjoyed meeting Katrin and hertwo youngest children, who had hostedTalia in Berlin last year, as well as twoother Pestalozzistrasse members.Their fascinating life stories – including. AND FROM OUR YOUNGSTERS:Max Chalfen (year 6, age 11 )It was nice to see my friends and we allhad lots of fun. The Berliners are sonice as a group. The banter wasconstant. The girls tried to be annoyingbut really they were just fun and funny.growing up variously in East Germanyand Russia – made for stimulatingconversation. We were also happy toreturn Katrin’s hospitality by having hereldest daughter and friend to stay.After another lovely service with bothchoirs on Shabbat morning, the youngpeople enjoyed an afternoon out at theScience Museum with youth leaderLucy Bergman. They also went to theIMAX Cinema and had a pizza supper.The following day they had some freetime before their afternoon flight home,Alice Salmon (year 7, age 12)Last weekend started with a servicewhen we were all sooooo shy andawkward but it got better when theyarrived at our house. The next day .another service . ughhh! Later on wewent to the Science Museum. We mayhave got lost a few times but that's allwhich our guests were very happy touse for a well-deserved lie-in, followedby a trip to Camden Market! Eager touse their time in London to the full, theymanaged a quick trip into town to seeBuckingham Palace before returning toBelsize for the coach to the airport.A huge thank you to Lucy Bergman,Simon Cutner and all who organisedthe visit and made it run so smoothly,ensuring all our visitors and our ownchoir had a great weekend. We’realready looking forward to meeting ourBerlin friends again next year.part of the experience, isn't it?Sunday came around too quickly, andwe were all quite upset knowing that allthe fun had come to an end. When wesaid our goodbyes to each other, weknew it wouldn't be for too long. Wejust have to wait for next year!No 701 - Nissan/Iyar/Sivan 5779 - May/June 2019 - Page 3

Our Congregation - Page 4OUR HOLOCAUST EDUCATION PROGRAMMEFOR SCHOOLS UNDER NEW DIRECTORPeter Bohm takes up the reinsIn February, the Synagogue againhosted Lessons from History, itsannual Holocaust educationprogramme for schools. More than 900pupils in years 9 and 10 (ages 13-15)attended from seven state schools inCamden, Islington, Maida Vale,Hendon and Enfield.More than 30 hard-working andenthusiastic volunteers contributed toan extensive programme, designed toteach these pupils about the rise of theNazis and the events of the Holocaust,whilst also introducing them to theSynagogue and Judaism and givingthem the chance to hear at first handfrom Holocaust survivors.Each programme lasts for three hours,beginning with a session in theSynagogue when the children viewdisplays relating to key events in theJewish calendar and the Synagogue.They then hear a general introductiongiven by one of the Rabbi, the Cantor,Rob Nothman or Jackie Alexander. Thehighlight of this section is invariably theopening of the beautiful Synagogueark, which regularly results in anaudible intake of breath from theaudience.Next comes an audio-visualpresentation of Herbert’s Story – Life inNazi Germany, telling of events in prewar Germany through the story of ourlate member, Herbert Levy, who died in2015. This is presented primarily byHerbert's daughter, Hilary Solomon,and sometimes by Rob Nothman orme. It is updated by noting the rise ofextremist parties in some Europeancountries and racism in the UK today.Pupils are then divided into four groupsto watch two films. The first,Edek, was shown at lastyear’s Jewish Film Festivaland tells the story of JanineWebber, a Holocaustsurvivor from the Ukraine. Itis related not only by Janinebut also by a black Americanrap artist called Kapoo, as anovel and effective way toengage the interest ofteenagers, who come fromdiverse racial and religiousbackgrounds (very few being Jewish).The film ends with a message oftolerance and statement that “we areall human beings”.Our presenters use the film to engagethe pupils in discussion on what theyunderstand about the Holocaust, how itcame about and whether individualscan influence things. The second shortfilm, No Bystanders, produced byStonewall, explores how verbal insultsto individuals from minority groups canescalate and ultimately result inviolence. Again, we seek to convey themessage that every student can makea difference by refusing to be a passivebystander to racist or other offensivebehaviour.The four groups then listen to one ofour remarkable band of survivors.Nowadays these are refugees whocame on the Kindertransport and somesecond generation volunteers, who arededicated to telling their oftenharrowing stories to young people.These sessions are always verymoving and invariably have a markedeffect on the children. Their feedbackindicates they are incredibly effective inbringing home the reality of theseshocking events. Special thanks to ourSynagogue members who make sucha valuable contribution to this part ofthe programme.On that note, everyone returns to theSynagogue for a closing ceremony. Sixcandles are lit on the Synagogue’sbeautiful memorial candelabrum byboth survivors and representatives ofthe schoolchildren, in memory ofJewish and other victims of theHolocaust and the victims of othergenocides around the world.On the final day, we were fortunate tobe joined by Olivia Marks-Woldman,Chief Executive of the HolocaustMemorial Day Trust, who wanted tosee our programme in action. She toldthe children how privileged they wereto hear at first hand from people whoactually lived through the Holocaustand said that one day they would beable to tell their children about this andgive the lie to any suggestion thatthese events had not happened.Evidence of the high regard in whichour programme is held is provided bythe fact that the schools returnannually, without question. We mayconsider reaching out to more schoolsbut there is clearly a limit to theavailability of our wonderful volunteersin order to expand the programme.I would like to pay tribute to HennyLevin and Sue Leon for laying downsuch solid and important foundations.They held the first sessions in 2005and stepped down after February2018. The work involved should not beunderestimated. I and, I believe, everyparticipant gains huge satisfaction fromthe privilege of involvement in theprogramme. It has relevance on somany levels.This year, several volunteersparticipated for the first time, includinga few younger ones, and I would like tothank them and our regulars for theirfantastic efforts in presenting theprogramme with such energy anddiligence, supported by theSynagogue’s hard-working backroomteam. Between us, I believe we reallycan make a difference and there is stillhuge scope for development!We would like to recruit morevolunteers. Anyone with ateaching or trainingbackground would beextremely welcome but we’dbe delighted to hear fromanybody who wishes tocontribute ideas or generallylend a hand. Please contactme:peterbohm29@gmail.comYear 9 pupils from St. Aloysius' RC College, Highgate, in the Synagogue to mark the programme's last day. They heard atfirst-hand from 96-year-old Selma van de Perre (3rd from left), a Jewish member of the Dutch resistance who was capturedand sent to Ravensbrück. Behind her is Olivia Marks-Woldman, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.Selma holds the arm of volunteer Peter Summerfield. Peter and his wife Marianne (3rd from right) came to Britain separatelyas small children with their parents. Gerald Cranston (far right), also a survivor, sailed on the ill-fated ship, the St. Louis.

CHEDER NEWS: From Frank JosephIt's been a term of hard work and fun atBelsize Cheder. Caroline Loison, ournew Head Teacher, has carried onmany of the traditions of BelsizeCheder whilst adding several newtwists to our Sunday mornings. I havenow become involved as chair of theEducation Committee since lastSeptember. We started work this term.Cheder now starts with a PreAssembly task. This term the childrenhave produced Hebrew letters out oflollipop sticks, Mishloach Manot(literally "sending of gifts") holders, apage of artwork for the 80thanniversary brochure, straw shapes ofbiblical structures and other amazingthings. This new way to start Chederallows children to sit with friends andteachers and enjoy a relaxed (andeducational) start to Sunday mornings.Our Jewish Studies lessons havecovered a wide range of topics such asShabbat, Brachot (Blessings), Israel,Jewish symbols, Peace and Mitzvot.After break, Hebrew takes centre stagewith the introduction of the AlephChamp programme.The children work in mixed age groups,and progress through the Hebrewstages, earning wrist bands along theway. Both kids and teachers seem tohave bought into this programme, withits use of colour coding to markprogress along the learning ladder.There has been a real “buzz” wheneverthe coloured table cloths come out andWork books and Reading books areseen on the tables.Cheder finishes with Clubs. Thechildren can learn Israeli dancing,create their own BSS Monopoly gameand sew matzah covers. We arealways looking for members of thecommunity to come and share a skillwith children, so please get in touchwith our Head Teacher, Caroline, if youwould like to help out.As regards special events, Purim atCheder was full of costumes and funactivities. Caroline organised a PurimFair where everyone had a great timemaking Hamentashchen, pinning thecrown on Queen Esther, makingnoisemakers and candy Megillahscrolls and various other activities.There may even have been a fewsweets eaten here and there!But the real highlight of Purim@Chedermorning was when the whole Chederwalked down the street in fancy dressbehind Richard Pollins on the final legof his incredible 40km walk in aid of theMotor Neurone Disease Association.Mishloach manot (gifts)created by and at ChederOther highlights were our InclusionDay, following the Synagogue'sInclusion Shabbat, when the Chederwelcomed a guest speaker atAssembly on 10 March to learn aboutthe Langdon community, which helpsJewish people with learning disabilities.Earlier, in January, the children markedHolocaust Memorial Day by sendingpostcards to Holocaust survivors.Next term many of our great teachingassistants will take time out to preparefor their GCSEs and A levels so weneed members of the community to filltheir shoes. Can you spare an hour onSunday mornings to read Hebrew withour kids? It is a great opportunity tosee what goes on at Cheder!Please contact Caroline Loison oncaroline@synagogue.org.uk or call theSynagogue Office for more details.WALKING THE WALKCongratulations to Richard Pollins onhis successful and idiosyncratic fundraising four-day walk from Thursday toSunday March 14-17 to raise moneyfor research into motor neuronedisease from which his mother Vera,our former Hon Secretary, suffers.Richard, who was born without legs butworks wonders with prosthetic legs andcrutches, leading a normal life with afamily and job, walked 10km a day. Hestarted in Denmark Hill, South London,where he first visited the King's Collegelaboratory that researches into motorneurone disease and was waved off byits staff. His first day's walk took himpast Kennington Oval and finished atthe Shard in driving rain.Square and headed north-west, takingin Buckingham Palace, the Serpentinein Hyde Park and two well-knownlandmarks of St John's Wood: Lord'scricket ground and, further east, OsloCourt Restaurant at the bottom of ablock of flats where time has notchanged the style of cooking orservice, making it a much loved hauntof Belsize Square old-timers. The dayended at London Zoo in the walk's bestDay Two saw him visiting LondonBridge, Borough Market and theMillennium Bridge. He crossed north atWestminster Bridge and finished atTrafalgar Square. This time theweather produced a gale but his spiritwould not be dampenedDay Three started from Trafalgarweather – which is not not sayingmuch.Finally, Day Four was a tramp northalong Finchley Road, stopping off atBelsize Square to greet the excitedCheder kids and then on throughTemple Fortune and Finchley to theparental home in Woodside Park. Andthe weather? A hailstorm.So how did our intrepid walker feel?"Elated and overwhelmed at the end. Iwas more tired just before the end butthe adrenalin kept me going. It wasgood exercise and my trainingbeforehand helped me walk faster. I feltit more the next day." Richard also gotblisters on his hands and had to havehis artificial knees replaced but that didnot bother him.Far more important was the financialoutcome. "I turned 40 and aimed toraise 40,000. In fact, the walk raised 64,000, excluding gift aid. There wereover 1,300 individual donations.”Richard and wife, Sara, brave the terribleweather and that was just the first day!Ruth RothenbergNo 701 - Nissan/Iyar/Sivan 5779 - May/June 2019 - Page 5

Our Congregation - Page 6ECO SYNAGOGUEPaul Fraylich on our part in this initiativeA cross-denominational initiative wasset up in January 2018 to reflect theconcerns many people have about ourimpact on the overall environment bothnow and for the future. Its genericname, Eco Synagogue, partners theproject launched at St Paul's Cathedralin January 2016, itself a successor toEco-Congregation, which started in2000 or 2001. An Eco Mosque hasalso been established.Eco Synagogue's launch took place atNew North London Synagogue underan enthusiastic Rabbi JonathanWittenberg, grandson of our foundingrabbi, Dr Georg Salzberger, and wasaddressed by the former Archbishop ofCanterbury, Rowan Williams (now LordWilliams of Oystermouth). It follows theEco Church pattern of three levels ofattainment signified by Bronze, Silverand Gold Awards. Having always beeninterested in the environment, Ienthusiastically attended the event.Backed by our chair, Jackie Alexander,I represented BSS at an open planningmeeting of interested synagogues inearly summer 2018, held at AlythGardens. We set out our intent anddiscussed issues in which we all couldhave an impact, such as sustainability,alternative sources of energy andenergy reduction, and having apositive impact on the environment.Last June's AGM address from ourchairman announced that we wereregistering our participation in the EcoSynagogue project. I was to championour efforts, supported by the Facilities(formerly Building) Committee,together with our chief executive, LeeTaylor and caretaker, Gordon Larkin.We completed an initial assessmentand registration to see the areas wherewe could improve: teaching, thebuilding, the land we occupy,community and lifestyle. The FacilitiesCommittee exploredpossibilities, with PeterLeon looking into solarpanels as part of our energysupply.Unfortunately, this is notviable as our hall roofcannot take the weight ofpanels and additionalstructures. Lee andGordon investigatedmethods for reducing ourenvironmental impactfrom waste and cleaningproducts. I took on waysto improve the ecologicaluse of our land and toserve as Belsize Squarerepresentative at EcoSynagogue meetings.All the earth is full of God's Glory (Psalms)January 2019Eco Synagogue congratulatesBelsize Square Synagoguein achieving the bronze standardfor their work in caring for our planet[Two lines in Hebrew translated below]It is not your responsibility to finish the workbut you are not at liberty to disengage from it(Pirkei Avot)ECO SYNAGOGUEThe first anniversary ofEco Synagogue was heldat New North London on29 January, when we were due to beaddressed by Secretary of State forthe Environment, Michael Gove. Sadly,he was unable to attend, due to thesmall, trifling matter of Brexit. Despitethis setback, we were addressed by anumber of key movers and shakers.The Bishop of Salisbury, NicholasHoltman, the Church of England’s leadbishop on environment, talked aboutspirituality and the environment, andhis early interest in the subject. MaliniMehra, Commissioner to the Mayor ofLondon on sustainability, explainedLondon-wide initiatives and how to getlocal information. Dr Joanna Setzer ofthe London School of Economicsspoke on litigation with respect tomissing environmental targets. DrMichal Nachmany, also of LSE,discussed climate change policy andhow to get your voice heard.Robin Clark, Director of Partnershipsat Just Eat, a takeaway food deliveryservice, told us about the developmentof biodegradable packaging and howhis company is working with itspartners towards goals such asreplacing plastic sauce sachets with"green" alternatives. Focus sessionsfollowed on the many issues involved.The event concluded with an addressfrom Edwin Shuker, Vice President ofthe Board of Deputies, who declaredthe Board's pride in being an activeparticipant in Eco Synagogue.This celebration closed with an awardsceremony for participatingcommunities. Five synagoguesreceived awards of merit and twocommunities gained a Bronze Award –New North London Synagogue and ourvery own community, Belsize Square(as noted in our previous issue). I hopeyou all will look with pride at thebeautiful plaque in the Kiddush Roomnear the window. All we now have todo is work at changing this award tothe next step, silver!B’NEI MITZVAH AND CHEDER SHABBATSaturday 2 February saw the annual B’nei Mitzvah Anniversary Service, where the previous year's Bar and Bat Mitzvahpupils partake in the service – whether leyning, chanting maftir and haftarah, reading prayers for the Royal Family and Stateof Israel or opening the Ark for Anim Zemirot. Started by Rabbi Altshuler, this has proved a popular event. This year for thefirst time, it was decided to include the whole Cheder, which enabled each class to lead a part of the Service. So Year 5 (age9) led the Shema, chanting it beautifully. Year 1 (age 5) had the mitzvah of Gelilah before they went off to their Kikar Kidsservice. Year 2 (age 6) led Kiddush for the Community, which they had been learning at Cheder in the weeks before.Our post-Barmitzvah pupils, aided by staff members, leyned the Sidrah expertly. Head Teacher Caroline Loison and her staffwere honoured with an Aliyah. Joe Hacker chanted maftir and haftarah wonderfully. Frank Joseph, our Education CommitteeChair, was honoured with an Aliyah, accompanied by all the children. Year 6 (age 10) led Ein Keloheinu melodiously.Towards the end of the service, all the children ascended the bimah for Anim Zemirot and a sweetie, which rounded thespecial service off perfectly. Preparations are already in place for next year. Look out for details.Adam Rynhold

On 2 March an extraordinary Torah gift to our synagogue was celebrated when the miniature scroll was carried round thecongregation by one of the young visiting choristers from Berlin's Pestalozzistrasse Synagogue. Their cantor, Yitzhak Sheffer,also leyned a passage from it, albeit with the help of an adjacent script, since the tiny handwriting needs good eyesight. Thescroll is only 20cm (8 inches) high, a third to a quarter of a standard size Sefer Torah. Its tale is told by Ruth Goodwin.HOW THE GRODZIN-JOSEPHSON TORAH CAMETO BE DONATED TO BELSIZE SQUARESoon after the death

months, Yom Hazikaron (Remembrance Day, 8 May) which precedes Yom Ha'atzma'ut (Independence Day) the following day. Yom Hazikaron commemorates over 25,000 Israelis who gave their lives in combat or were victims of terrorist attacks. Yom Ha'atzma'ut on 9 May marks Israel's 71st anniversary. With declining Shoah memory and an