Category Archives: Community Events

Here are two photos from the Holocaust Memorial unveiling by Christchurch and East Dorset Council on 27^th February at Christchurch Quay.

Photos courtesy of Josie Lipsith.

On Sunday 8 February Bournemouth Golda Emunah organised a wonderful lunch which gave the attendees an opportunity to meet and hear the Emunah Young Singers and Musicians of the year. The event was very well attended and the Menorah Suite was packed to capacity.

After a short film summarizing the challenges faced with Emunah centres in Israel, as a result of the 2014 war with Gaza, the attendees enjoyed a tasty 3-course  lunch interspersed with music for the talented youngsters.

We heard The Four Sons (there were actually 5 of them) perform a number of well known numbers, followed by Jodie Bloom, aged 10, a talented saxophonist and finally, Ilan Galkoff, aged 11, who performed five well known numbers from West End shows.

This event raised over £2000 for Emunah projects in Israel. A big ‘Thank You’ to all involved.

Here are some photos from this event courtesy of M. Ozdamar.

Motzei Shabbat, more than 70 congregants took part in a very enjoyable Chanukah celebration organised by Angela and Barry Sklan.

After Havdalah, Rabbi Jesner lit the main chanukiah, and smaller chanukiot were also lit at each table, accompanied by the singing of Maoz Tsur. This was followed by food, consisting of a hearty soup, sausages with latkes and fresh fruit.

The main entertainment of the evening was an impromptu play acted by the congregants called Hanukkah Shmanukkah, which raised many laughs. The final act of the evening was Celia and Brian Bradley who sang some well known tunes adapted to Chanukah.

Here are some photos from the evening courtesy of M. Ozdamar.

Our very own intrepid explorer Richard Saunders has done it again.

In 2012 Richard raised £4000 for World Jewish Relief by climbing to the highest summit of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point and the highest free standing mountain in the world.

In November 2014, Richard successfully trekked to Everest Base Camp, he then climbed to the top of Kala Pattar (18,519 ft above sea level), raising in excess of £6500 for the Friends of  Israel Sport Centre for the Disabled in the process.

It is not too late to donate to Richard’s good cause to acknowledge his incredible achievements. To make a donation to this wonderful charity, please contact any of the following for a sponsorship form:

Irwyn Yentis  (01202 290074), David Weitzman (01202 291052), Richard Saunders (01202 922468). Or you can donate on line immediately by visiting

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardSaunders

Photos courtesy of Richard Saunders.

The Chief Rabbi’s ShabbatUK  has been a truly ground breaking initiative that seeks to promote active engagement with Shabbat throughout the UK. ShabbatUK was enthusiastically supported by the BHC over 24-25 October 2014.

Here are some photos from the event courtesy of Brian Bradley.

Here is a lovely photo from the recent BHC trip to see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (on 12^th June 2014) at the Savoy Theatre, London.

Photo courtesy of Dr Josie Lipsith.

New members of the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation were invited to the Rabbi’s flat for afternoon tea on 27 July 2014. The event was enjoyed by all and gave everyone the chance to renew acquaintances. Here are some photos from this event courtesy of Brian Bradley.

Angela and Barry Sklan invited the congregants to join them on Lag B’Omer for a walk from the Cenotaph to Coy Pond and back. Nearly 20 people turned up and enjoyed a leisurely stroll to Coy Pond in glorious Summer sunshine. Upon arrival in Coy Pond, Angela and Barry produced strawberries with cream and ice cream rolls, in celebration of their wedding anniversary, which were enjoyed by all. Some of the participants then undertook more energetic activities involving frisbees, tennis balls, etc.  A wonderful time was had by all.

This year’s Yom HaShoah Remembrance Service at the BHC was a well-attended, moving and memorable occasion. After the Mincha Service, President Ivor Weintroub gave a talk which chronicled the roots and the history of anti-Semitism which led to the horrifying events of the Holocaust. This was followed by the Maariv service and prayers for the 6 Million Jewish souls that perished during the Holocaust.

After the Shul services, everyone went down to the Menorah suite to attend a discussion led by Prof David Weitzman, during which he interviewed three Holocaust survivors, Prof Otto Hutter, Walter Kammerling and Henry Schachter, who recalled their experiences, during which members of the panel as well as the attendees were moved to tears. Walter and Henry talked about the educational work that they do, visiting schools, talking to the younger generation about their experiences. Candles were lit in memory of the victims of the Holocaust by six congregants who lost family members during the Shoah. The Service was concluded by everyone singing the HaTikva and Adon Olam, led by Rabbi Jesner.

Photos courtesy of Mahir Ozdamar.

Bournemouth Golda Emunah’s Emunah Young Musicians of the Year lunch was a great success and a real treat for the 100 attendees. We were privileged to meet and hear Anoushka Sharp age 14, Cellist (Winner 2012), Amos Sharp age 12, Violinist (Winner 2013) and Aviva Sharp age 10, Violinist (Finalist 2014),  accompanied by their father Dr David Sharp (piano) and supported by their mum Jessica. These young and talented musicians call themselves the A-Sharp Trio, a fitting name.  They entertained us with a number of short pieces including Hungarian Dance No1 by Brahms, Czardas by Monti and Swan by Saint-Saens to name a few.

The attendees also watched an Emunah video outlining the vital work undertaken by Emunah in Israel, which moved many to tears. Following the video, Prof Weitzman made a small speech inviting everyone to donate to this worthy cause. Rabbi Jesner gave the vote of thanks, as well as presenting the young musicians with a present to commemorate the occasion.

The event raised more than £2000. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a great success.

We hope this will be a recurring event and we will get the opportunity to meet young, talented musicians in the coming years.

Photos and videos courtesy of Mahir Ozdamar.