There is so much ’newness’ to navigate right now, not least negotiating our temporary homes for Shabbat and of course, next week at Shaarei Tzedek Synagogue (see directions and access to them below). Some things stay constant: us, the community, me, our melodies and ways we do things. Managing the balance between New and Unfamiliar is one of life’s best challenges.
The Torah cycle continues and to mark our beautiful weekly Sefer Torah going with us, we will be consecrating its brand-new mantle this Shabbat. This embroidered silk mantle has been a labour of love by FPS-niks throughout the 70th year and into this Autumn, where we might benefit from a dedication especially right now. Designed by Naomi Gould and embroidered and put together by Valerie Joseph, Valerie Boyd-Hellner, Dalia Lyons, Wika Dorosz, Ruth Logue and Bobbie Hood under the supportive tutelage of Kathy Sylvester of Nottingham Liberal Synagogue, this image of the Tree of Life captures the seasons and the promise of peace and all things humane by the Dove and her olive stem, as she rest on the branch of the tree.
On this Shabbat Netzavim, this dedication for the Torah that accompanies us week in and week out feels incredibly symbolic to me. Netzavim is the magnificent telling of the Covenant moment, emphasising the whole community being present, even those who were yet to come for Deuteronomy’s re-telling, Kulchem – all of you -every part of the community, from those at the centre to the visitors at the fringes. This is for all of us and consequently feels extremely important. We talked of the gifts made of scarlet, blue and purple threads with gold and silver that make up the sanctuary. From all ‘whose hearts are willing’ and ‘who are skilled,’ so our temporary sanctuary is nourished and we bring beauty in our portable ark. I am so grateful to this group and the gift they are bringing to our Shabbat community.
See you this Shabbat – and a reminder of our shared Selichot service Saturday evening 9pm at Southgate Progressive Synagogue.
Shabbat Shalom
Rebecca
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