Thursday 7.15 am 7.30 pm Follows Mincha Friday

20 th May 2017 24 th Iyar 5777 בהר בחקתי Behar Bechukotai 39 th Day of the Omer Hertz: 531/542/551 Stone: 696/708/1179 This week Shabbat begins 8.34 pm. Earliest candle-lighting time is 7.13 pm. Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat 7.00 pm. Shabbat ends 9.53 pm. Next Shabbat begins 8.47 pm. Service Times Shacharit Mincha Ma ariv Shabbat 9.15 am 8.30 pm 9.53 pm Sunday 8.30 am 7.30 pm Follows Mincha Monday 7.15 am 7.30 pm Follows Mincha Tuesday 7.25 am 7.30 pm Follows Mincha Wednesday Yom Yerushalayim Breakfast 7.10 am 7.30 pm Follows Mincha Thursday 7.15 am 7.30 pm Follows Mincha Friday The Shabbat morning service will take place in the Moritz Gertler Hall Dayan Ivan Binstock will give a Chumash shiur before the service at 9.00 am Cantor Avraham Kirshenbaum will lead the services Jeremy Davidson will lein Ralph Goldstein will read the haftarah Jonathan Shaw will sing anim zemirot Rabbi Yaakov Hillel will speak over a joint Anshei Shalom/St John s Wood seudah shlishit, sponsored by Ploni Almoni Rosh Chodesh Breakfast 7.00 am 7.15 pm Follows Mincha Next Shabbat 9.15 am 8.45 pm 10.04 pm Yom Yerushalayim at 50! Wednesday 24 th May Shacharit 7.10am followed by breakfast. All Welcome! Jonathan & Daniel Philips invite the congregation to Kiddush in the David Weisz Hall after the service in honour of Jonny & Elisheva Fishel PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THIS LEAFLET FROM THE SHUL ON SHABBAT AS THERE IS NOT YET AN ERUV! For information on our eruv planning please contact info@sjweruv.com

Meet our new HO team Charles Lossos Charles was born and bred in St John s Wood and has been involved in the community at all stages from leading childrens services in his early teens to becoming a warden in 2011. He is now entering his fifth year as Chairman of the shul. Charles is excited to be working alongside a new team of Honorary Officers with a vision and drive to see our community modernise and rejuvenate itself, whilst maintaining its proud modern orthodox ethos. Charles is a qualified Solicitor and runs his own property investment and development company. Over the past six years he has been involved in a number of areas of the shul management including a very much hands on role in the day to day decisions. Charles is married to Yemima and they have two children, Deborah (6) and Jonathan (nearly 3). Charlotte Swindon Charlotte's family has long been connected with the synagogue. Her parents, Diana & Anthony Rau, are active members and one of the first couples to be married at Grove End Road in 1965. After South Hampstead High School, Charlotte attended Goldsmiths College, London, acting as a warden at B'nai B'rith Hillel House. Together with husband Charles, she became an active member of the New West End Synagogue until they moved back into the area and rejoined SJW. Charlotte's family is very important to her and as her three children have become adults, she is able to spend time with them travelling to many interesting places. Charlotte has been involved with the fortnightly communal lunches, visits of the Israeli soldiers to the synagogue and as part of the security team. She is excited to be part of this team of Honorary Officers. Rosanna Burr Rosanna is delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the SJW community as Joint Vice Chairman. Having regularly attending shul services since the Burr family s return to SJW when she was 6, Rosanna s family have been involved in shul activities for many years - namely her parents Gordon & Gillian, and brothers Adam & David. Rosanna and her sister Lynne can be spotted in their Bat Chayil group graduation photos on the staircase wall. Rosanna is excited to be leveraging her professional experiences (management accountant, London Business School MSc specialising in transformation & change, and currently a MD at investment manager BlackRock). Rosanna is the proud auntie of 6 nieces and has recently become SJW sweetie lady. Andrew Mainz Andrew Mainz is a long standing member, soon to retire from practice as an accountant and very happy to work with the rest of the HO team to make this a vibrant, inclusive and modern community. Andrew is a member of the Audit Review Committee of the US and one of the two Hon Treasurers of the Council of Christians and Jews. He has previously been an HO and hopes to remember how to be a good HO! Paul Summer Originally from Southgate, Paul joined St John s Wood Synagogue shortly after his marriage to Judith almost 19 years ago. They have two sons, Solomon (13) and Elijah (10). He was a warden for three years from 2008, and came back for more in 2013. He is one of the shul s regular leiners, and is the person to speak to if you want to read a haftarah. In his spare time he is a trader for Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Parsha Puzzle Whose name is written in the parsha with an extra letter? Last week s puzzles: Who, in the household of the Kohen, is allowed to eat Terumah? Answer: His wife, his children and his non- Jewish slave. Winner: No winner Super Siddur Sleuth What are the possible continuations of the phrase: May the King answer us on the day we call? Last week s question: Where do we find the phrase, Not in man do I trust, nor in any angel do I rely? Answer: In Berich Shemei, said on Shabbat and Yom Tov morning before taking out the Sefer Torah. NS 409. Winners: Peter Gillis and Melvyn Ross- Field Quotation Like a bird chirpingly attracting those it did not beget is one who amasses wealth without justice; in half his days it will desert him, and at its end he will be a degenerate. [Bible, Jeremiah, 17:11, from today s Haftarah.] The Molad For certain calendrical purposes the Jewish month is calculated to start at the time of the Molad, lit birth when the new moon is born. This is the moment when the moon becomes invisible, between the end of the old month and the beginning of the new. The real time varies slightly from month to month. For calendar calculations an average time is used and in many communities this time is announced or communicated when the Blessing of the New Month takes place. For the month of SIVAN the molad will be on Thursday, 25 th May at 8.32 (and 12 chalakim) pm BEREAVEMENT SERVICES Contact Susan Kosky ssperber@hotmail.co.uk or 020 3441 9476 THANK YOU to the Kiddush Rota and Security Team for this Shabbat. On this Day Rav Saadiah ben Yosef Gaon died on 26 Iyar 942. Born in Fayum (the former name of Cairo), Egypt, in 892 he led an all-out war against the Karaites when he was just 23. In 915, he moved from Egypt to Teveria to further his studies. In 928, he was appointed Gaon of the yeshiva of Sura. As halachist, bible commentator, grammarian, philosopher and community leader he exercised enormous authority in the Jewish world This Shabbat 20 th May Joint Seudah Shishit with Anshei Shalom. Guest Speaker Rabbi Yaakov Hillel. Born in India, grew up in Manchester, Rabbi Hillel is the Rosh Yeshiva of Ahavat Shalom in Jerusalem, and is a prolific author. This is a rare opportunity to hear one of the world s leading scholars in Kabbalah Participate in your Shul Services Would you like to learn to read a Sidra or Haftarah? Please speak to Dayan Binstock or the Honorary Officers for more information. IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY Please follow the instructions of the security officer in charge. Stewards should wear yellow vests. Unless otherwise advised, the evacuation point is at the American School (entrance opposite 3-5 Loudoun Road). Children should be under the supervision of a responsible adult at all times in the building. Our defibrillator can now be found adjacent to the Shul noticeboard in the Foyer.

St John s Wood Synagogue invites you to a Communal Dinner on the 1 st Night of Shavuot Tuesday, 30 th May 2017 Mincha: 7.15pm - Dinner: 8.00pm Guest Speaker Prof Stephen Brecker: Subject Touching Israeli and Palestinian Hearts and Minds! Members: 25 - Non-Members 30 Book at www.shulinthewood.com Delights for the Sunday Night 28 th May 8.30 pm body and soul The Golkers invite our professional plus network friends to a Pre-Shavuot cheescake and dessert wine tasting at their home Address: 13 St James's Close, Prince Albert Road nw8 7lG Suggested donation 5

St John s Wood, S&P Lauderdale Road, Saatchi and Anshei Shalom invite you to enjoy SHAVUOT IN THE WOOD With special guests Professor Stephen Brecker and Professor David Sanders and our local rabbinical team There will be a Communal Dinner on the 1 st Night of Shavuot, Tuesday, 30 th May 2017 Mincha 7.15 pm Dinner 8.00 pm Members - Adults 25, Children (3-12 years) 15, Family (2 adults and 2 children) 70 Non Members - Adults 30, Children (3-12 years) 20, Family (2 adults and 2 children 90 Book online at: www.shulinthewood.com Professor Stephen Brecker will speak over dinner on Reaching Israeli and Palestinian Hearts and Minds! Wednesday 31 st May, First Day Shavuot 9.15 am Service with Yossi Fachler followed by Cheese Tasting Kiddush 7.00 pm Mincha 7.15 pm Guest Speaker: Professor David Sanders Subject The Aseret Hadibrot and Ancient Hebrew Script 7.45 pm Maariv Thursday 1 st June, Second Day Shavuot 9.15 am Service with Yossi Fachler 10.45 am Yizkor Sermon by Dayan Ivan Binstock Musaf followed by Ice Cream and Chees blintzes Kiddush 4.00-6.00 pm TEA TIME TIKKUN FOR WOMEN My Jerusalem an interactive study session investigating the religious, spiritual and personal resonances of the holy city. at 2 Vale Close, moderated by Rebbetzen Rachie Binstock 6.00-8.00 pm TEA AND TORAH Subject: Why learn Torah? with Rabbi Joseph Dweck at 3 Vale Close followed by a Tikkun Leil Shavuot in the Steinfeld Beth Hamidrash 11.00 pm 11.45 pm Rabbi Yoni Golker Committing suicide to save the lives of others an investigation in to the story of Major Roi Klein and other Jewish Heroes 12.00 am 12.45 am shiur by Rabbi Joseph Dweck Subject: What is Torah Lishmah? 1.00 am 1.45 am shiur by Rabbi Mendel Cohen Subject: Is the Kotel part of the Temple 2.00 am 2.45 am shiur by Dayan Ivan Binstock Subject: Cyber security and Halacha 3.00 am - Shacharit followed by Kiddush TEEN PROGRAMME organised by Guest Youth Director, Mikey Lebrett and Guest Madrichim REFRESHMENTS THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT Evening Learning Programme at St Johns Wood together with Anshei Shalom 8.00 pm Shiur by Dayan Ivan Binstock Issues in Birkat Kohanim 8.45 pm Mincha 9.00 pm Shiur by Rabbi Yoni Golker 9.30 pm Shiur by Rabbi Mordechai Fhima 10.12 pm Maariv when Yom Tov ends Professor Stephen Brecker is Professor of Cardiology at St George s University of London. He has developed innovative techniques in heart surgery that have greatly enhanced patient survival and has inducted clinicians across the world into his methods. In particular, he has lectured extensively in Israel and has brought together a number of Israeli and Arab medical teams to apply his methods. Professor David Sanders is Professor of Biology at Purdue University. He is an acknowledged world expert on the Ebola virus and is actively engaged in public health debate both on campus and in city politics. He is the President and Acting Religious Head of the orthodox Jewish community in Lafayette, Indiana.

Starting October 2017 the Kindergarten are extending their hours. All prices include lunch and one music class a week. There is a 10% discount for SJWS members Option 1 Monday to Thursday 8.45 1.15 Friday 8.45 12.00 2300 per term Option 2 Monday to Thursday 8.45 3.00 Friday 8.45 12.00 2900 per term Email: Estelle Brown Kindergarten Manager kindergarten@shulinthewood.com to register your child

26 MAY 2017 Regular Events Theatre Club Details from Richard Mernane 020 7289 9173 or richard.mernane@icloud.com Bridge Club Duplicate Bridge, Mondays from 1.00 to 4.00pm. Donation 8 a session including tea. Director: Mike Eden. Contact: Gillian Burr on 020 7586 0156 Book Club Next meeting will be on Thursday 25 th May at 8.30pm at the home of Irene and Martin Goodman. Book to be discussed: Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon. For details contact Valerie Garston on 020 7435 7507 Keep Fit For Women - Weekdays with Stevie Sillers on 07836 784823 Hebrew Classes St John s Wood Synagogue Cheder Sundays 9.45am 12.45pm Contact Rabbi Ronen Broder 0794 108 7701 or cheder@shulinthewood.com Kindergarten St John s Wood Synagogue Kindergarten Daily, from 2 years old. Monday to Thursday 8.45am-12.15pm Friday 8.45am-12noon Contact Estelle Brown 020 7286 3859 or kindergarten@shulinthewood.com Babes in the Wood Every Friday at 10.30am Join us for play, coffee & our fun Shabbat table! High-energy Israeli songs with Einav, on alternative weeks. Contact Katya Dunitz at katya.dunitz@gmail.com or Dina Golker at dina@shulinthewood.com UNITED FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER Our next United Friday Night will be on 26 th May at St. John s Wood, together with Western Marble Arch, St. John s Wood, South Hampstead and Hampstead Synagogues. Members 25* Non-members 30* Early bird price of 20 for members, 25 for non-members if booked before 15 th May. Kabbalat Shabbat 7pm followed by cocktail reception and dinner For further information please contact tamarajacobson@youngus.org.uk or joshzaitschek@youngus.org.uk To book please go to www.theus.org.uk/yusdinner26may Limited spaces YoungUS. Registered Charity Number 242552 Fortnightly shiur led by Rabbi Faivish Vogel at the home of John Fenner. Next shiur, 10am - Sunday 21 st May. New attendees most welcome! For more information 020 7586 2282 Ladies Guild 7 th June - Visit to Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion at the V&A Museum at 2.00pm. Private Talk. Members 28, guests 33 28 th June - Visit to The Fan Museum in Greenwich at 11.30am. Private talk. Members 22.50, guests 25 8 th August - Visit to Goodwood House in East Sussex at 1.00pm. Private talk. Members 50, guests 55 (includes coach) 12 th September - Visit to The Amazon Fulfilment Centre in Hemel Hempstead at 1.00pm. Members 25, guests 30 (includes coach) Gentlemen welcome to all events Contact Gillian Burr on 020 7586 0156 Weekly Shiurim Talmud Shiur with Alex Grunfeld Shabbat afternoon, 1 hour before mincha Tuesday Talmud Shiur with Rabbi Fine at 10.30am Wednesday Ladies Shiur with Maureen Kendler at 10.30am All welcome Contact annegodfrey75@gmail.com Communal Lunch Tuesday 23 rd May Drinks 12.30pm. Home cooked lunch 1.00pm. 7.00 for Synagogue members, 8.00 non-members. Please RSVP to: Gillian Burr on 020 7586 0156 or Melody Salem on 020 7286 9810 Help Available If you are housebound and would like a visitor or a regular phone call, if you need advice or information on local services and activities or if you would like a lift to the Shul s Communal Lunches, please get in touch. Please contact Gillian or Melody.

Social & Personal MAZEL TOV Mazel tov to Alan and Betty Bloom on their 65 th Wedding Anniversary and to Alan on his 89 th Birthday Mazel tov to the winners of the St. John s Wood Quiz Evening: Lucy and Stephen Brecker, Anna and David Burr, Nina Epstein, Charles Luke, Judith and Paul Summer, Fleur Ruda and Richard Lamming, Annabel and Jonny Weissbart. Mazel tov to Diana and Anthony Rau on the occasion of their granddaughter Nina s Batmitzvah in Chicago this Shabbat. Mazel tov also, to aunt and uncle Charlotte and Charles Swindon. Thank you and Le Hitraot to Jonny & Elisheva Fishel as they leave St John s Wood after nearly three years as youth directors. We wish them and Annie hatzlacha in their new home in Hendon and look forward to welcoming them back. A farewell event will take place on Shabbat 17th June - further details to follow. CONDOLENCES Chaim aruchim, long life to Beryl Slade on the passing of her sister in Israel CONSECRATIONS 18/06/2017 Late Lily Goodkind 11.30 am Bushey Cemetery 25/06/2017 Late Norman Bloom 9.30 am Bushey Cemetery Forthcoming events 17 th June Aufruf Jacob Rix Farewell event in honour of Jonny & Elisheva Fishel 24 th June Benjamin Bonas Barmitzvah 1 st July James Barnett & Yossi Binstock Aufrufs 8 th July Visit of Rabbi Lord Sacks Thought for the week A SPARE BED I will place My Sanctuary among you; and My spirit will not reject you. (Vayikra 26:11) Rabbi Yosef Karo, the sixteenth century author of the Shulchan Aruch, asks the following question on this verse: If G-d places His sanctuary in our midst, why might we think that His spirit will reject us? Rabbi Karo answers by means of a parable. When a king tours the countryside, he needs to find lodgings for the night. If he stays at the home of one of his officers, the officer together with his wife and family must temporarily vacate his home, because the king cannot reside together with commoners. However, if the king takes up residence at his son s house, or at the home of a fellow king, they may stay there together and there is no need for the occupant to move out. The same applies to G-d and the Jewish people. If we follow the Torah then G-d can place His sanctuary in our midst and there is nothing demeaning about His residing with us, as it were. We will not be forced to vacate, rejected by the king of kings. Dayan Ivan Binstock