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Chairman's New Year Message
This year started like no other, Rosh Hashanah in lockdown. Crowds of socially distanced Jewish people gathered at Hollow Pond to hear the Shofar and for Tashlich, the like of which Leytonstone has never seen. We may have sat a little further apart in Shul but the connections within our community have grown. We have emerged from these difficult times a stronger community and, as a community, we will continue to reach out to those who need us.
I am very happy to announce the appointment of Rabbi Yitzchok Austin as our new Rabbi. Along with his family, Rabbi Austin has dedicated the past 25 years to Nelson Street, the last surviving synagogue in the old East End. Since last Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Austin and his family have joined forces with our growing group of volunteers, boosting the revival of Leytonstone and Wanstead Synagogue.
Over the past year, together, we have taken our community to a new level. The Leytonstone Ko-op is now thriving, offering weekly fresh Challahs, Chulent, Kiddush Wine and everything you may need for Shabbos. Our deliveries of Shabbos packs and Seder night kits to the shielding and vulnerable have reached more people than ever before. There are many more Mezuzahs on Leytonstone doors this year thanks to our ‘Mezuzahs to Your Door’ campaign but it is not too late, please get in touch if you need one! And there are many more Challahs being baked in Leytonstone, thanks to the Ladies Challah Make class led by Rebbetzin Yehudit Austin. Our weekly on-line Parashat classes continue to prepare us for Shabbos thanks to the ever patient Yakov Korer.
This year saw the Bar Mizvah of the Austins’ youngest son Elchonon and the community was delighted to host such a joyous occasion in our Synagogue. We hope there will be many more Simchas to come at Leytonstone.
Chanukah was a bit different this year. The Leytonstone Menorah still shone brightly opposite the tube station but instead of one event there were five, ranging from talks to music and a Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat with chicken soup at the Synagogue. Those lucky enough to join us on the sixth night were treated to a set of klezmer classics delivered by She’koyokh to a socially distanced capacity crowd and streamed live on Zoom.
Pesach saw a socially distanced return of our Communal Second Night Seder and unprecedented delivery of Shemura Matzot and Seder Night Kits to over 100 people in the local area, thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. Those who attended our Lag B’Omer celebrations were treated to a barbecue and live music. Purim featured a raucous Megillah reading accompanied by keyboard sound effects and plenty of Shalach Manot. This year also saw the return of the Leytonstone Arts Trail with an exhibition in the Synagogue featuring local artists and a talk on Jewish Art.
I am proud to say that Leytonstone Synagogue has been open for every Shabbos it has been legal to do so. With an ever-strengthening Minyan, inspired during the dark winter months by the davening of Chazzan Menasche Scharf, the energy and enthusiasm of our Shabbos prayers keeps the light of Jewish life burning brightly in Leytonstone and is a driving force for our communal activities. I would like to thank all those who have supported us over the past year, come rain or shine. Many thanks to those who have worked so hard to prepare the Synagogue and organise services in accordance with Government guidance and legislation and to those who have prepared the splendid covid-safe kiddush each week.
A big thank you to our small but dedicated team of DIYers and gardeners who have been hard at work renovating our building and beautifying our garden. We have now cleared out years of growth from around the building and the hedge is finally under control! The second phase of our roofing works is now complete, the electrical installation within the Synagogue has been upgraded to the latest safety standards and security has been significantly improved with the installation of a new gate with keypad entry. As a result of these upgrades, Waltham Forest Council have approved and equipped us as a Voluntary Sector covid test centre. I would like to thank the CST and Waltham Forest Council for their generous support with these projects.
The revival of the Jewish community in Leytonstone continues. The most valuable contribution you can make is your participation, so join us this coming month as we celebrate the High Holy Days. Also, if you have not yet had the chance, come and daven with us at a Shabbat service followed by a Kiddush or why not come along to one of our online Shiurim or pop along to the Ko-op on Friday morning for a tea and a chat.
We would like to keep on doing what we do and to start doing much more but we need your help. For this year’s Kol Nidre Appeal we would appreciate any financial contributions that you feel able to make, which will be devoted to the running of our Shul for the year ahead and to help us keep growing our community.
Please contact us here for details of how to donate or follow the link below which can be used for PayPal, credit or debit card donations. We are now a registered charity, so please register with us here for Gift Aid.
Finally I would like to wish all our members and supporters a happy, healthy and sweet New Year.
I am very happy to announce the appointment of Rabbi Yitzchok Austin as our new Rabbi. Along with his family, Rabbi Austin has dedicated the past 25 years to Nelson Street, the last surviving synagogue in the old East End. Since last Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Austin and his family have joined forces with our growing group of volunteers, boosting the revival of Leytonstone and Wanstead Synagogue.
Over the past year, together, we have taken our community to a new level. The Leytonstone Ko-op is now thriving, offering weekly fresh Challahs, Chulent, Kiddush Wine and everything you may need for Shabbos. Our deliveries of Shabbos packs and Seder night kits to the shielding and vulnerable have reached more people than ever before. There are many more Mezuzahs on Leytonstone doors this year thanks to our ‘Mezuzahs to Your Door’ campaign but it is not too late, please get in touch if you need one! And there are many more Challahs being baked in Leytonstone, thanks to the Ladies Challah Make class led by Rebbetzin Yehudit Austin. Our weekly on-line Parashat classes continue to prepare us for Shabbos thanks to the ever patient Yakov Korer.
This year saw the Bar Mizvah of the Austins’ youngest son Elchonon and the community was delighted to host such a joyous occasion in our Synagogue. We hope there will be many more Simchas to come at Leytonstone.
Chanukah was a bit different this year. The Leytonstone Menorah still shone brightly opposite the tube station but instead of one event there were five, ranging from talks to music and a Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat with chicken soup at the Synagogue. Those lucky enough to join us on the sixth night were treated to a set of klezmer classics delivered by She’koyokh to a socially distanced capacity crowd and streamed live on Zoom.
Pesach saw a socially distanced return of our Communal Second Night Seder and unprecedented delivery of Shemura Matzot and Seder Night Kits to over 100 people in the local area, thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. Those who attended our Lag B’Omer celebrations were treated to a barbecue and live music. Purim featured a raucous Megillah reading accompanied by keyboard sound effects and plenty of Shalach Manot. This year also saw the return of the Leytonstone Arts Trail with an exhibition in the Synagogue featuring local artists and a talk on Jewish Art.
I am proud to say that Leytonstone Synagogue has been open for every Shabbos it has been legal to do so. With an ever-strengthening Minyan, inspired during the dark winter months by the davening of Chazzan Menasche Scharf, the energy and enthusiasm of our Shabbos prayers keeps the light of Jewish life burning brightly in Leytonstone and is a driving force for our communal activities. I would like to thank all those who have supported us over the past year, come rain or shine. Many thanks to those who have worked so hard to prepare the Synagogue and organise services in accordance with Government guidance and legislation and to those who have prepared the splendid covid-safe kiddush each week.
A big thank you to our small but dedicated team of DIYers and gardeners who have been hard at work renovating our building and beautifying our garden. We have now cleared out years of growth from around the building and the hedge is finally under control! The second phase of our roofing works is now complete, the electrical installation within the Synagogue has been upgraded to the latest safety standards and security has been significantly improved with the installation of a new gate with keypad entry. As a result of these upgrades, Waltham Forest Council have approved and equipped us as a Voluntary Sector covid test centre. I would like to thank the CST and Waltham Forest Council for their generous support with these projects.
The revival of the Jewish community in Leytonstone continues. The most valuable contribution you can make is your participation, so join us this coming month as we celebrate the High Holy Days. Also, if you have not yet had the chance, come and daven with us at a Shabbat service followed by a Kiddush or why not come along to one of our online Shiurim or pop along to the Ko-op on Friday morning for a tea and a chat.
We would like to keep on doing what we do and to start doing much more but we need your help. For this year’s Kol Nidre Appeal we would appreciate any financial contributions that you feel able to make, which will be devoted to the running of our Shul for the year ahead and to help us keep growing our community.
Please contact us here for details of how to donate or follow the link below which can be used for PayPal, credit or debit card donations. We are now a registered charity, so please register with us here for Gift Aid.
Finally I would like to wish all our members and supporters a happy, healthy and sweet New Year.
Account name: Leytonstone and Wanstead Synagogue
Account Number: 10531936
Sort Code: 40 04 17
Registered Charity Number 1185624
Account Number: 10531936
Sort Code: 40 04 17
Registered Charity Number 1185624
