14/15 March 2025, 15 Adar 5785

Hillel said: “Do not separate yourself from the community, Say not: ‘when I shall have time I shall study;’ perhaps you will never have time.” Mishnah Avot 2:4

I find these words from Hillel repeated so often. They are taken from Pirkei Avot (Verses of the Fathers) in the Mishnah, which was the first piece of Oral Torah recorded after the Temple was destroyed and a new way of Jewish life under Roman occupation existed for Jews.

What does it mean to be told not to separate oneself from the community? Last week I taught B’nei Mitzvah students and their parents about the concept of minyan, ten Jews needed in certain circumstances for the community to function. Originally, this was for some of the prayers and moments in the service. Now I see it as speaking to all that happens in community and how we need to show up for each other. BM children need to show up for the class to make it viable and to honour each other. We in the community need to show up for each other, for learning together and for key moments in congregation to forge our identity. This week, I sense we need such a reminder.  One rabbi I knew loved to say there are Purim Jews and there are Passover Jews.  I want to hear which one you are!

• Our sponsored walk, 40,000 steps, is launched on the evening of Saturday 26 April (there are options for families and others who want to walk less than that). We hope to raise £50,000 to help us close our final funding gap! We will tell the story of FPS by walking home there. See the route and sign up for training tips and opportunities.
• On Friday night, we will mark PURIM. This year, the Book of Esther feels especially alive as it describes fear and killing between people. It’s a book that makes no mention of God. It has challenged us for generations. Being aware of its heavy weight and implication is important – and so is a moment of silliness: musical Shabbat magic. We all need that levity, especially if we know how to manage it. I so hope you will join us on Friday evening 6pm with all our children and fellow FPS-ers for this creative service.  Purim invites us to play with our Jewish identity, which is kind of important!
• On Shabbat morning, we are privileged to welcome Dr. Agnes Kaposi, Holocaust survivor and educator and radical teacher, to speak to us as she reflects on Jewish identity at this moment in time. This is so fitting after Purim. She is quite brilliant and not to be missed. See her bio below.

Please forgive the infographics but there is much happening right now that I so want you to be a part of.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rebecca