Reform Jews Gather to Learn, Pray and Relax by the Sea
Monday, 04 January 2010
Over 100 Reform Jews from communities in Scotland and northern England gathered last month for the sell-out northern communities’ residential weekend at Grange-over-Sands.
Nine of the twelve northern Reform communities were represented, with two families from the Lancaster and Lakes Jewish Community which is not affiliated to any synagogue movement. Services were led inspiringly by Rabbi Brian Fox, Student Rabbi Andrea Zarnado and Cantor Zöe Jacobs. Torah readers were members of three different communities and, for one of them, Liz Jacobs from Jackson’s Row Synagogue, it was the first time she had read from the Torah.
Reform Cantor, Zöe Jacobs, and Executive Director, Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand, were involved in many aspects of the programme, adding intensive educational and musical dimensions to the weekend. The wide variety of workshops, all presented by a variety of teachers and rabbis, as well as gifted traditional Jewish story teller, Shonaleigh Cumbers, left participants wanting more. Entertainment was provided by Ruti Worrall and Julia Castle.
The youth programme was run by northern youth workers Frankie Stubbs and Guy Copitch and their team of enthusiastic madrichim (leaders), for more than 30 under 18s.
One participant summed up the weekend in the following way: “I came with a strong Jewish cultural background, but now leave with an enthusiasm to explore my religious identity and take positive steps to become part of a Reform community.” Another commented: “I really have found the whole experience to have been stimulating, enjoyable and thought-provoking… This was the best Northern Weekend I have attended: great speakers, music, organisation and venue.”
Reform members are now looking forward to the Reform Movement’s Biennial Conference, which will take place in Manchester from May 14th – 16th 2010.
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