FPS has always been renowned for its music. Franklyn Gellnick has been a major part of this. Franklyn, a child of the community, grew into an adulthood here whilst developing his own musical prowess. A celebrated pianist (and lesser-known bassist), Franklyn graduated in 1991 with a First in Music and went on to gain his PhD in Gregorian chant — an excellent addition to Jewish music!
Apart from his synagogue work, he has examined for ABRSM and performed with the Zemel Choir in 14 countries. His jazz piano piece, Moody Prawn Blues, is performed worldwide, and he has many klezmer arrangements for violin and clarinet in print. FPS is inordinately proud.
Franklyn’s long-awaited plan to move to Belgium with his wife, Alex, is exciting for them but will, of course, leave us a little bereft. I want to reassure you that Franklyn will be back for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur — and Brussels is not so far away. Although he can’t be replaced, we are in the process of ensuring music, creativity and melody are sustained well here. Maya Rosenwasser, another child of the community and a concert pianist herself, will be joining us for many services. Two younger members, Sam Balint-Kurti and Sam Field, with impressive voices and piano skills, will be leading as well.
Change is a challenge. I know a lot is at stake right now as we navigate endings and new beginnings and our Council is committed, as I am, to managing it well and to holding the community throughout.
We begin the month of Elul this Shabbat. It’s a time of introspection and strengthening ahead of the New Year. The acronym using its letters points to the verse from the Song of Songs: “I am my beloved and my beloved is mine” (Ani l’Dodi v’Dodi Li).
It is a special season, whatever change is happening – and maybe more so for us right now. One custom during this month is to read Psalm 27 every day. I love Rabbi Richard Levy’s translation and am sharing these verses below, which remind us we all need to be steadied at moments in our lives:
The High Holy Days are about navigating newness and I look forward to sharing them with you.
Shabbat shalom,
Rebecca
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