Extract from the Induction Sermon Delivered by Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler on Sunday 28th January 2001

At the outset I'd like to say that I'm proud to occupy this pulpit. As a youngster, I could only dream of being the Minister of a community as illustrious as the New West End, and I'm only too well aware of the men who have preceded me - particularly the Rev Simeon Singer, and the Rev Ephraim Levine, who both achieved great fame as outstanding orators. I only hope they don't shudder every time they see me stand in the place that they occupied with such distinction.......

I have always made learning and teaching the priority of my Ministry, and wherever I've been, I've tried to encourage and promote Shiurim and Adult Education programmes.

Here in my new community, we've already instituted our after-Davening learning sessions on Shabbat mornings, the Shabbat Lilmod, and I'm happy that such a large percentage of the congregation is staying behind to participate.

Our Adult Education programme on Sunday mornings is now under way, as is our Mishnah Shiur on Wednesday nights, and our study of Sefer Ha'Agaddah on Shabbat afternoon. We have a new GCSE class too.

I urge every member of this congregation, no matter what your age, to make a commitment that he or she will attend at least one of these sessions. You can't be a truly committed Jew if you're an ignoramus.

There's no doubt that over the years, the New West End has been through great changes. During its long history it has been one of the most important of all the United Synagogue communities but, owing to demographic considerations, and a famous Ministerial hiccup that it would not be politic to discuss now, it has to be admitted that the community today is not in the same condition that it once was.

But that's not to say that it can't regain its rightful place and become one of the premier Synagogues in the family of the United Synagogue, once more. I believe it is possible, but it will require a great deal of dedicated work and commitment.

When Gd first told Moshe that he wanted him to take the Israelites out of Egypt, Moshe was concerned at his own unworthiness to do the job.

Mi Anochi Ki Eilech El Paro? Who am I that I should go to Pharoah? he asked.

It's curious that the Midrash also has Moshe challenging Gd. He says: 'Even assuming that I am worthy to do the job, when you spoke to Abraham you said 'Vegam Et Hagoy Asher Ya'avodu, Dan ANOCHI' 'I will bring judgement on the nation that they will serve.' You promised Jacob, Veanochi A'alcha Aloh - 'I will bring them up from Egypt.' You made it clear that the redemption from slavery would be accomplished by You, not by man.'

And to this Gd replied: Ki Eheyeh Imach - But I will be with you. Your success will not depend only on your own ability, but I will assist you and I will be at your side in all that you do.

Moshe's second concern was that the Israelites wouldn't listen to him and co-operate. It's all very well having a Moshe who's ready to do the job - to liberate them. But if the people weren't willing to go along with him, if they didn't want to be liberated and weren't prepared to do what it would take, then with all the will in the world, even with the help of the Almighty Himself, they couldn't have been liberated.

Therefore the first task that Moshe had, was to convince them that it was possible for them to get away from the years of slavery, and then he had to gain their full co-operation to make their dream become reality.

I believe that the Rabbi of the NWE faces the same problems that Moshe faced. Firstly to convince the members that it is possible to revitalise this famous congregation, and secondly to enthuse them, and make them realise that it can only be done if you're willing to co-operate.

I have no doubt whatsoever that Gd is with us. Whatever we will do in His name, He will help us and encourage us to succeed. Ki Eheyeh Imach.

I'm certain that this community does have the potential to flourish. With 400 members, that means that there are, potentially, 500 or 550 people who have an association with the Shul already. If we can interest even half that number to participate in some communal activity or event during the course of the year, we will have a vibrant and active congregation that many others will envy. And, that is our aim.

However, there's the other side to this story as well.

If we are to succeed, we can only do it together. It's simply not possible for Anne and me to organise, plan and run and attend everything, alone.

Let me assure you, we're totally committed to this Shul and are prepared to work long hours for the benefit of every individual member.

Never apologise when you phone us up. Never say sorry for disturbing us. You won't disturb us, we're here to help, to counsel, to advise, to organise, to plan, to run, to do absolutely anything that will be for the benefit of the Shul and you, its members. And we're accessible to you 24 hours a day. If you want an ear to bend, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to have a drink with, we're here waiting for the call. I shall be ready, keen and able to give you whichever kind of spiritual guidance you're after.

But, never forget. If we're going to succeed, you just can't leave it to us. If we're committed, then you must be committed. If you want us to have the same level of enthusiasm for our work in five years time and ten years time that we have today, then you have to give your solemn promise that you will actively support us.

And if this applies to the members, then how much more does it apply to the lay leaders of the congregation and the Board of Management, who must set the standard that the rest of the congregation will follow?

Being here, and supporting what goes on in this building has to be a priority in your lives, not just one of the many activities that you might do.

It would be unrealistic to expect that every member will be interested in everything that goes on. And why should you! But our aim is to have a wide enough range of activities, that there will be something that does interest you, or might, if you would only give it a try.

If you want us to care about this Shul, you have to show us that you care about this Shul.

Although there are lots of things to do, there are also lots of wonderful things here already. This is a community with a long and distinguished history. It is, without doubt, architecturally, one of the most beautiful Synagogue buildings, probably in the world. The traditions of the NWE go right back to the early days of the United Synagogue, and some of us are probably still wearing the same top hats and the same gowns that were worn by our predecessors when the Shul was first opened!

We're blessed with one of the finest Chazanim in the country with Cantor Lawson, and an outstanding choir under the direction of Elliot Burman. The extraordinarily high standard of services here must be the best-kept secret in London. Come and see for yourselves. Tell your friends, tell every visitor to this part of London that you know, and I guarantee they will go away having participated in a wonderful, uplifting service, spent among a warm and welcoming congregation.

Fortunately, there are members here who are dedicated to the progress of this Shul, and we shall work together to build and move onwards.

I look forward to a warm and close working relationship with the Executive and Board, and pray that we shall work together harmoniously for the well-being of every one of our members and for the advancement of Torah and Mitzvot in the NWE.

I pray that the Almighty will bless every one of you and your families with good health and good fortune, and that in the coming months and years, we shall go forward together for the glory of Gd, our mutual benefit and for the benefit of all the Jewish people.