TAX PRIDE I once attended the shiva of a prominent member of our shul at which his grandson spoke and said that his grandfather used to say “it was a privilege to be able to pay income tax!” The grandfather had grown up in a home with very limited means. When he was eventually in...
THOUGHTFUL GIVING This week, we were reminded of acts of outstanding generosity. Lord Jacob Rothschild passed away. His philanthropy was legendary. He supported many causes in this country and abroad. In particular, his foundation endowed the building of Israel’s Knesset, its Supreme Court and its National Library, the latter he did not merit to see....
A ST. JOHN’S WOOD CHEVRA KADDISHA Four years ago, at the height of the covid pandemic, the United Synagogue Burial Society was experiencing a very high volume of burials. At one point, the situation seemed so serious that we were worried we would not have enough tachrichin or shrouds for burials. Fortunately, we were able...
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The Torah Reading from now till the end of Shemot, deals with the Mishkan or Tabernacle. Let’s make a tour of its essential features. a) Outer Courtyard – Visualise a large open space 100 x 50 cubits (60m x 30m), enclosed by pillars, to which curtains are attached. You enter the Courtyard from...
FROM ADVERSITY TO OPPORTUNITY Listen out for the extra section in the Prayer for the King this Shabbat wishing His Majesty well. We pray that King Charles has a Refua Shlema, a speedy recovery from his cancer diagnosis. The King’s openness about his condition has heightened discussion about provision for cancer care in general in...
