Services

Shabbat Times

This is sent out approximately once a month to all South London Synagogues, all Jewish organisations actively involved in South London and an increasing number of individuals who wish to be notified of events.

If you wish to be added to the distribution list email me at sison@jcare.org

Stephen Ison

South London Community Support Service

Nightingale/Jewish Care

07881 863237

SOUTH LONDON JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS

Section  1:   ANNOUNCEMENTS

Section 2:   REGULAR EVENTS

Section 3:  DIARY

SECTION 1 – ANNOUNCEMENTS

CARER SUPPORT

Within Jewish Care’s Community Support Service, Carer Support has a team of 8 staff members and 6 volunteers and are able to provide support to family carers in South London through regular telephone contact.   This can give carers the time they deserve to discuss what’s going on in their caring role and how they feel about it and also provide information, practical advice, advocacy and signposting to other services or organisations if need be.

Each member of the team has specialist knowledge around a group of illnesses and disabilities and are available to provide carers with in-depth knowledge of dealing with the illness, learning about services and coping strategies, as well as giving carers the opportunity to think about focusing on themselves – something that those in a caring situation find very hard to do.   As well as supporting carers of people with dementia and physical disabilities, we can offer specialist support to carers where someone has an enduring mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bi-polar disorder, or where they are affected by another person’s addictive behaviour - whether they be addicted to a substance or behaviour such as gambling or spending.  To access Carer Support, either phone Jewish Care Direct on 020 8922 2222 or phone me (Stephen Ison) at Nightingale on 020 88673 3495 or mobile 07881 863237.

GET WALKING KEEP WALKING

As many of you know I have been invited to most South London Synagogues to give talks about my wide ranging work assisting individuals in South London.    In addition to this I am now offering to help Synagogues to start “walking groups”.   At Jewish Care’s Head Office some years ago I used to lead a regular one hour health walk for staff.   I am an experienced walk leader and keen to plan a few 45minute to 1 hour circular routes around your Synagogue (or close by parks and open spaces).  For example, at Wimbledon Synagogue I attend every month to their “Food for Thought” group and offer a walk on Wimbledon Common.   I have a supply of free Step O Meters and a really excellent pack of information setting out the benefits of walking and a 12 week walking plan full of suggestions how to build more walking into your life.  In the meantime look at www.getwalking.org.uk.   There are some new walks in South London.   I am also offering to discuss a walking programme with any individuals.  I currently belong to, walk with and occasionally lead walks for the Jewish Country Walkers and also the Senior Jewish Rambling Club.   I will gladly give you their details if you want to consider walking with these groups  on Sundays and Bank Holidays.  Please contact me to discuss how I can help with this really beneficial and enjoyable year round activity.  Phone 07881 863237 or sison@jcare.org.   

EBULLETIN

I have attempted some improvements to help you use this facility more effectively. Some of you are not able to read this in the intended format so I have provided an attachment as well.  This will also assist those who print off copies and leave a number in their Synagogue Foyers or post out to selected members not on email.

I have provided a small index showing the three sections and made all websites and email addresses interactive when you on line.    I hope you find this helpful. 

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICE  DROP IN ADVICE CENTRE – monthly  at Wimbledon Synagogue.    Stephen Ison will be available to talk to anyone who would welcome information about accessing assistance from Local Authorities, Voluntary and Charity organisations.   Also available to talk to volunteers about welfare work they are doing or to talk to potential volunteers.   Contact  Stephen Ison  sison@jcare.org or 07881 863237.     

LAUGHTER THERAPY   - This is a unique technique devised by Dr Madan Kataria, a doctor from India, whereby you can learn to laugh for no reason  You don't even need a sense of humour, no funny jokes or comedy programmes - just a willingness to laugh and in the current climate everyone needs to laugh more.  Laughter Therapy has wonderful therapeutic and preventative health benefits.  Scientists and medical doctors alike are amazed at what happens when we laugh.   I have qualified as a Laughter Yoga Teacher with the aim of occasionally running Laughter Therapy sessions at Nightingale and Jewish Care homes.   If you are involved in Synagogue management or a Jewish Community Organisation – eg JACs, League of Jewish Women, AJEX etc and would like me to introduce the concept please let me know.     It needs about 30 minutes, involves an explanation of benefits and the brief history.     Stephen Ison  - sison@jcare.org. 

EBULLETIN DISTRIBUTION

Please note that every week I add a few more names to the distribution list.  It goes to all Synagogues in South London, many Jewish Organisations who are actively involved and more and more individuals who wish to be notified of events.  I also guess that some of you are sending this on to your communities who are on email.  If you do that though, I would be grateful if you could ask receivers to be cautious who they send it on to due firstly for obvious security issues and secondly it is only a Jewish resource and many events are held in small venues.  .   Please let me know of anyone (or organisation) that might like to receive this ebulletin.     mailto:sison@jcare.org

HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS & REFUGEES

The Association of Jewish Refugees has many clients in South London and provides benefit/pension cheques and eligibility for grants as well as emotional and practical support where appropriate.   Jewish Care also have a “Holocaust Survivors' Centre” offering a Social and Therapeutic service for Holocaust Survivors' and Refugees from Nazi Europe, who arrived in this country after Kristallnacht.  If you are interested in learning more about the Centre,  or would individual support from a specialist community support worker or from  AJR, please let me know.  I can be contacted on  020 8673 3495 or sison@jcare.org.

KOSHER FOOD – The list now is alphabetical due to volume of shops.  I attach the latest list.  Please update me – especially if you know a shop no longer stocks or starts to stock kosher food.  One Shul has added the whole list onto their website and if you are an administrator, Chairman etc reading this, you may wish to consider this as well as many members can live beyond your locality.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT – “NIGHTINGALE ACTIVITIES” - Nightingale as you know, offers around 200 residents with a high quality,  varied interesting and enjoyable programme of activities and entertainment every week.   This includes special celebrations as well for festivals etc.   They are able on certain days to welcome a few members of the community to join in with the activities and entertainment programme on a one-off or regular basis.   The cost is only £10 including lunch.  The guests would need to be assessed first as being self sufficient as Nightingale are not able to allocate any staff to assist.   They will need to arrange their own transport (but I would try and provide advice if appropriate) and choose their own programme.  They need to be able to find their own way around the home to the activities.     I can provide a copy of the weekly activities programme – let me know if you would like to see this.  Let me know if you want any more information.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES:  To find out about availability of religious services, chedarim and activities for children and teenagers, please contact the individual Synagogues.   These are the  Synagogues that are part of the South London Forum: 

Bromley (Reform) - www.bromleyshul.org.uk

Catford & Bromley (United) -   catfordsynagogue.org.uk

Croydon  (Federation) – www.croydonsynagogue.org.uk

Kingston, Surbiton & District (United) – www.kingston-synagogue.org.uk

Kingston (Liberal)  - www.kingstonls.org.uk

Richmond (United) – website not available, email richmond@synagogue.fsnet.co.uk

South London (Liberal) – www.southlondon.org

South London (United)  - www.sls1.org.uk

Staines (United) – www.btinternet.com/-staines.synagogue

Sutton  (United) – www.suttonsynagogue.org.uk

Weybridge – North West Surrey (Reform) – www.nwss.org.uk 

Wimbledon (Chabad) – www.chabadwimbledon.com

Wimbledon (Reform) – www.wimshul.org

SECTION 2 – REGULAR EVENTS: 

These are the events that I have recently received information about.  If you wish me to publicise more then PLEASE EMAIL THE DETAILS TO ME.    I will only publicise events that are in South London or have a South London connection and it is mainly for adults.   Note that from a security point of view, you may prefer me not to publicise the venue and instead provide a contact phone number – please do let me know as and when that is the case.  This list is emailed to all Synagogues in South London, Forum members and a number of individuals that I have met and wish to receive this information.   

MONDAY AFTERNOONS – Sutton Synagogue FRIENDSHIP CLUB  meets every Monday afternoon 1.30 – 3.30 pm at Sutton Synagogue, 14 Cedar Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5DA. The charge is £1 to include tea and biscuits, new and non members very welcome. Usually we play various games and then have a chat over tea but we do also celebrate special occasions and Jewish festivals plus the occasional speaker and entertainer. Please contact Melanie Gold on 0208 661 0754 or melanie@sirnose.demon.co.uk for further details.

 MONDAY – Staines Synagogue THAMES SIDE CLUB (55's and over) meets on the 2nd Monday of most months  from 10 am – 3.30 pm.     Morning refreshments.  Discussion group on current affairs.  Three course home-cooked lunch.  Afternoon entertainment and tea.  Cost: only £5 per session.   Venue:    Westbrook Road, South Street, Staines TW18 4PR   Telephone 01784 462557  staines.synagogue@btinternet.com. All welcome

 MONDAY EVENINGS– South London Liberal Synagogue -  ADULT EDUCATION NIGHT for beginners and Intermediate Hebrew, both at 7:00 pm.  Contact office@southlondon.org or 0208 769 4787.

MONDAY EVENINGS – Bromley Synagogue - JOHN POSNER’S TORAH CLASSES are held on alternate Monday evenings at 7.30 pm.  Contact John on 020-8650 7521.

 TUESDAYS – SOUTH LONDON DAY CENTRE AT NIGHTINGALE – A social group meeting every Tuesday 10 am  to 3 pm in the Library.   Activities include cards, guest speakers, discussions, word games etc.    £5 including refreshments and a three course lunch.  A Community Bus runs from South London Synagogue/South Lodge in Streatham and can pick up a few members if living on route to Nightingale.   105 Nightingale Lane, London SW12  8NB.   Phone Jenny Benjamin 020 8647 1867. 

 TUESDAYS – Staines Synagogue Ladies Guild usually meets on the first Tuesday of the month. Staines.synagogue@btinternet.com

 TUESDAYS – FRIENDSHIP CLUB at Catford & Bromley Synagogue.  10 – 3 pm.    Freda Goodman 020 8699 4327

 TUESDAYS – ADULT JEWISH EDUCATION (CAJE) at Catford & Bromley Synagogue meets most weeks at 10.30 am.  Contact Rev Z Amit on 020 8461 1339.

 TUESDAYS – RIVERSIDE CLUB – at Kingston, Surbiton & District Synagogue, 33 Uxbridge Road, Kingston upon Thames.  Telephone 020 8546 9370.   Open every two weeks on Tuesdays from 10.00 a.m.-3.30 p.m.  Morning refreshments.  Discussion group on current affairs.  Three course home-cooked lunch.  Afternoon entertainment and tea.  Cost: only £5 per session.  All welcome.

TUESDAY LUNCHTIMES – LUNCH & LEARN at Croydon Synagogue, 5 The Almonds, 5 Shirley Oaks Road, Croydon CR0 8YX.  croydonshul@btinternet.com

TUESDAY AFTERNOONS – Wimbledon Synagogue  -  CURRENT AFFAIRS DISCUSSION GROUP  At 12.30 pm   - a lively group of the young retired led by Raymond Hart.   Contact rabbisheridan@wimshul.org for more information

TUESDAY EVENINGS – Wimbledon Synagogue - HOLIDAY HEBREW CLASS – at 7 pm.   Also FURTHER HEBREW CLASS at 8 pm.  Contact rabbisheridan@wimshul.org for more information.  

TUESDAY EVENINGS – STAINES SYNAGOGUE  FILM CLUB usually meets on a Tuesday in Winter.   staines.synagogue@btinternet.com

TUESDAY EVENINGS – A DUPLICATE BRIDGE EVENING is held at Kingston & District Synagogue, 33 Uxbridge Road, Surbiton fortnightly on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 pm.  For more details telephone Jack Morris on 020 8393 9374 or Allen Lever on 01932 344275

WEDNESDAYS – BROMLEY SYNAGOGUE SOCIAL CENTRE – meets 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month  10.30 – 2.30 pm.  Contact Dianne Matthews 01689 826096 or diannem3@googlemail.com

WEDNESDAYS – WEYBRIDGE JACS at North West Surrey Synagogue.  Varied programme every week with Guest speakers followed by team cakes and a chat   .  Meetings start at 2 pm.   Ted Newton 01932 865559. 

WEDNESDAYS -  SUTTON BRAN CH JACS.  Varied programme each week with Guest Speakers.  Meetings start at 1.30 pm.  Barry Heller 020 8643 8038.

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS – Wimbledon Synagogue – BIBLICAL HEBREW CLASS at 11.30 am.  Contact  rabbisheridan@wimshul.org for more information

WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIMES – Wimbledon Synagogue – LUNCH & LEARN led by one of the rabbis.   Bring your own vegetarian lunch and an enquiring mind - everything else is provided.    Contact rabbisheridan@wimshul.org for more information.  

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS – Croydon Synagogue – SOUTH LONDON LEARNING EXCHANGE -  Choose from  Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), “Find your way around the Siddur” ,  “Learn Modern Ivrit” or “Chovas Hatlamidim”  (The Student’s Obligation  at Croydon Synagogue,   5a Shirley Oaks Road, CR0 8YX.   Contact Rev David Gilinsky or Offra Gilinsky on 0208 656 0575  or email mailto:croydonshul@btinternet.com

WEDNESDAYS – YIDDUSH at Croydon Synagogue, The Almonds, Shirley Oaks Road, CRO 8YW.  Contact Danny Harris 020 8726 0179 or Brian Jaye 07802 407834.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS   – TORAH STUDIES JLI   at Wimbledon Chabad at 8.15 pm.   Designed and developed by the world-renowned Jewish Learning Institute, the Torah Studies programme brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of clear and engaging weekly classes.  Probing the ideas and issues presented in each week’s Torah portion, the Torah Studies classes offer timely lessons for living – from the most timeless of all texts.  The programme is taught by Rabbi Dubov together with professionally produced workbooks.    For more information contact rabbi@dubov.org / 07956 839 154

THURSDAYS – CHAI CANCER CARE – Counseling and Reiki are available at Nightingale to provide support for anyone with a cancer diagnosis or their families. As the service expands other types of therapy will be added.  For further information – contact:- Anne Shine, Client Liaison Manager on 020 8457 2074 anneshine@chaicancercare.org

THURSDAYS –THURSDAY CLUB at South London Synagogue, Leigham Court Road, Streatham.    Tea, coffee, make friends, lunch and entertainment from  10 -  2.30   PM   every week apart from Yomtovim.     £3.00   For more information contact Irene Eagles 8769 6069.

THURSDAY LUNCHTIMES  – RABBI’S TORAH STUDY SESSIONS - at Bromley Synagogue.  These are alternative Thursdays – 24th June, 8th July at 1.30 pm.  All welcome but requested to bring sandwiches.  janet@bromleyshul.org.uk  020 8460 5460

THURSDAY EVENINGS – TALMUD CLASS, starting up again on 19th August  at Croydon Federation Synagogue at 9 pm. This is for anyone regardless of your level of Jewish knowledge or Hebrew reading. 

5 Shirley Oaks Road, Croydon CRO 8YX at 9 pm.   For more information contact Rev David Gilinsky or Offra Gillinsky 020 8656 0575 or croydonshul@btinternet.com

SECTION 3 - DIARY

THURSDAY 12 AUGUST  – FOOD FOR THOUGHT – at Wimbledon Synagogue 11 am – 2 pm.  An opportunity to enjoy lunch and activities in Wimbledon.  Also Stephen Ison will be in attendance and available to discuss any personal issues that he may be able to help with.   Also, for those that wish there will be a 45 minute walk on Wimbledon Common.  www.wimshul.org   0208946 4836      office@wimshul.org

THURSDAY 19 AUGUST -  Dr. Meir Tamari at Croydon Synagogue,  5 Shirley Oaks Road, Shirley, Croydon, CR0 8YX at 7.30 pm.  £5 including tea, coffee and biscuits. Dr Tamari is a renowned economist, Jewish Scholar and founder of the Centre for Business Ethics in Jerusalem.  Dr Tamari's articles deal with issues of Business Ethics from a Torah perspective, and other topics related to personal ethics, presented in the context of the Torah Portion of the Week.   To book your seat at what promises to be a very popular and interesting event, please email, stating the number of people in your group, to: croydonshul@btinternet.com

MONDAY 30 AUGUST -  4.00 to 6.00 pm, the Israeli singer Hadar Manor will be performing at the Small World Festival at Headcorn, Kent. Headcorn is just south of Maidstone   www.smallworldsolarstage.org/smallworld/

SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER – CHORAL MIDNIGHT SELICHOT at Kingston, Surbiton & District Synagogue.    The chazzan is the world famous Cantor Moshe Schulhof.    The Choir is the London Cantorial Singers under the direction of David Druce.   An address will be given by Rabbi Michael Rosenfeld.   The doors will open at 11 pm and the service will begin at 11.30 pm prompt.   Email info@kingston-synagogue.org.uk or visit www.tlcs.org.uk.     There is no admission charge but a suggested donation of £10. 

SUNDAY 17 OCTOBER – Dementia  Seminar at Nightingale  – more details to follow.  This is mainly for Synagogue Welfare Volunteers. 

SUNDAY 24 OCTOBER -  ADULT STUDY DAY 2010 at Bromley Synagogue.  “For out of ZION shall go forth TORAH”. From Bible to Prayer Book, From Memory to Myth led by  Rabbi Jackie Tabick.  Start:9.45am Finish: approximately 5.15pm. £15 per person, including refreshments.

SUNDAY 21 NOVEMBER  – “A Tribute to Joe Loss” – The Joe Loss Orchestra and Singing Stars   plus a special guest,  CHAZ JANKEL - of BLOCKHEADS fame and his  remarkable song-writing with the late Ian Dury, has agreed very kindly to play a set on the night.   7 for 7.45 start.    This is a joint concert with North West Surrey Synagogue and the Joe Loss Lectureship in Jewish Music at SOAS, London University.   Tickets £25 - £35.  For bookings contact www.450hall.hamptonschooll.org.uk