THE THOUGHTS OF CHAIRMAN LUX

By MELVYN LUX

As this is my first article this year for the magazine, I want to let you know how honoured I am to be Chairman of this wonderfully vibrant and active New West End Synagogue with its caring Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler , Chazan Jeremy Lawson, the choir under the direction of Elliot Burman and our Ba’al Koreh/Ba’al Shacharit Prof. Lester Kershenbaum.

Since Rosh Hashanah we have had a full programme of activities, all of which have had excellent support and when voluntary assistance was required many members were readily available.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur went without a hitch. The Chazan sang his heart out on his and our behalf, along with the choir. The Rabbi endowed us with wonderful thoughts and resolutions for the New Year. I believe it gave us a great start and I know it will continue. Incidentally you may not realise it, but all these services run to a timetable and unlike the railways we kept to it!

This particular year, because of the situation in Israel, we have had to upgrade our security. Obviously I will not go into details of security arrangements and equipment, but be assured it is of an excellent standard. Let me take this opportunity of thanking all concerned, particularly the Head of Security Mike Talalay and his Deputy Maxime Myersmith, all the rota of volunteers and the professional security guards for looking after us during that period and throughout the year.

The Succot Festival involved many volunteers of the community together with children of the Cheder decorating the Succah. The children especially enjoyed their party. In addition we had a Succot Dinner on the first night which was well attended.

In November we held our first "Grand Function" The Magic Evening, organised by Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler and Anne Shisler. The evening was a complete sell out with close to 200 people attending. A delightful meal was served in the Herbert Samuel Hall, which was beautifully decorated by Esther Fieldgrass. The Rabbi – who is a member of the Magic Circle – organised three other members of the Magic Circle to entertain and amuse for the evening. The function was an enormous success.

Throughout this period we have made extensive use of the Golda Cohen room with Kiddushim for various birthdays, baby naming ceremonies, and aufrufs. We had three melodious and uplifting Bar Mitzvahs. They were Maxwell Nye, Oliver Josem and Joshua Hoppen. A sure sign that this community will be in the hands of a well educated, committed and concerned future generation.

Chanukah celebrations also went well. The Shul was crowded with children and young people, who thoroughly enjoyed the service and the lighting of the first candle. Afterwards, tea was prepared by parents of the Cheder and other volunteers and doughnuts, cakes and tea were devoured with glee.

The Cheder continues to flourish under the leadership of the new Head Mistress Estelle Salomon.

All the above events have been carefully supervised, catered and organised by our outstanding Rebbetzin Anne Shisler and a host of devoted ladies including Esther Fieldgrass, Susan Hayman, Linda Lewin, Rachel Magrill, Ruth Mayorcas, Wendy Myersmith, Rona Steinberg, and Debbie Talalay, At this point may I take this opportunity of thanking our Vice Chairman, Patricia Fisher for all her help with these functions and the efficient running of the Friendship Club.

On the educational side the Rabbi continues with his Lilmod after the service on Shabbat, which is lively with interactive participation.

He continues to run the adult education class on Wednesday evenings, which extends our knowledge of Judaism. On the same evening the Rebbetzin holds a Hebrew reading class for beginners and upwards. All are welcome to attend.

Prof. Lester Kershenbaum has continued with his successful Torah reading class. His pupils prove their ability continually by being able to read the Torah at various Shabbat Services. Shacharit services continue on a daily basis and we would appreciate as many of you as possible joining in at least once a week to make up the numbers.

We continue to have a house committee headed by Anne Shisler with Wendy Myersmith, Susan Hayman and Ruth Mayorcas. These ladies ensure that the practical side of the Synagogue functions at all times. In addition there are a number of members who run various clubs and voluntary services. All too numerous to mention by name, but on behalf of you all I give them our thanks.

Under the guidance of Anne Shisler the NWES Guild has recently been formed. Their inaugural meeting had 20 ladies attending and since that time a full and interesting programme has been planned and has already started successfully.

Within the last couple of years both Notting Hill and Hammersmith Synagogues have had to close. While it is always sad to see a Synagogue close, we have been fortunate in many of their members joining us and becoming active members of our own community.

At the time of writing we still have a full calendar of exciting activities to make you feel you are part of a vibrant community.

May I take this opportunity of thanking the Wardens, Henry Magrill and David Myersmith; Martin Lewin – the Financial Representative; Susan Hayman, the Administrator; and Arnold Chazen the Beadle for the smooth running of the Synagogue.

Denise joins me in wishing you all a Happy Pesach.