Shalom and welcome to theMNSwebsite, the on-line home of Middlesex New Synagogue.
Middlesex New Synagogue is one of the largest synagogues in the Reform Movement and serves Harrow, Kenton, Wembley, Pinner, Hatch End, Stanmore, Northwood and Watford with a wide range of religious, educational and communal facilities for all ages.
theMNSwebsite has been developed with the aim of providing information not only for and about the MNS community, but also to the wider Jewish and non-Jewish communities. As well as the latest news and dates for your diary, there is information about all aspects of the Synagogue and its activities as well as special articles and features. Please browse through its pages by passing your cursor over the menu bar above or by using the search widget on the right, and see if anything takes your fancy; bookmark www.mns.org.uk and make sure to visit again.
David Leibling receives Honorary Fellowship from Leo Baeck College
On 29th January, a very moving ceremony was held at Leo Baeck College when David Leibling, Custodian Trustee of the Synagogue and twice former Chairman, received an Honorary Fellowship from Leo Baeck College in recognition of twenty years’ service to the College. He first got involved with the College when he was the Hon. Treasurer of the RSGB in the late 1980′s. Read more…
Women at the Forefront
Rabbi Lisa Barrett writes: In the middle of January, Burma’s most important dissidents were released in the latest of a series of prisoner amnesties. The wave of change in Burma is due, in large part, to the courage of one woman, the pro-democracy leader and Nobel peace prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. She has continued to spear-head the pro-democracy campaign in Burma, despite remaining under house arrest for almost 15 of 21 years until her most recent release in November 2010. Read more…
Visit Jewish London
The Jewish Committee for the London Games (JCLG) is the coordinator of UK Jewish Community activity for the 2012 London Olympic Games. A major part of its mission is to welcome visiting spectators, Jewish athletes and other Jewish Olympic delegates to London and the rest of the UK. The goal of JCLG is to ensure that all visitors have access to relevant Jewish cultural and religious information. To this end it has created a website, which aims to provide a one-stop shop presenting comprehensive information on Jewish London. Visit www.visitjewishlondon.com.
Chagigah 2012
Chagigah is the new name for the Movement for Reform Judaism’s Biennial Conference. It means ‘celebration’ and reflects the spirit of a joyful, fun, uplifting, spiritual, family-friendly gathering which we will be creating during our weekend in Daventry.
As well as wonderful, music-filled services, they will be hosting inspiring speakers and educators, offering learning opportunities for all ages and levels. There will also be plenty of innovative and practical ideas and resources for you to take back to your community. They hope you will be able to them for what promises to be a really special and memorable weekend of celebration.
The weekend will run from 4pm on Friday 22nd June until 2pm on Sunday 24th June, offering a range of services, sessions, entertainment and activities to suit everyone. If you can’t come for the whole weekend, you are welcome to join them for the day on Saturday 23rd June. A more detailed programme will be available soon. Register now as there are early bird savings to be had.
Art 39
All artists are welcome at the workshop on a Thursday morning between 9:45am and 12noon at Bessborough Road; entrance £2. Please phone the MNS office (020 8864 0133) or the HWPS office (020 8864 5323) to confirm your attendance. As this is a workshop and not a class members of the group help and support each other, and in recent times open afternoons and visits to exhibitions and concerts have been arranged. Read more…
Book 39
Members of Book 39 meet every other month to discuss a book that has been selected by each of the members in turn. Recent titles have included Nemesis, Poisonwood Bible, Kalooki Nights and the Dark Lady of DNA. Featured authors have included Philip Roth, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Diana Athill and Jean Rhys. A popular book turned out to be The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency with 36 people attending and drinking red bush tea! Read more…
Photo 39
Members of Photo 39 share different aspects of photography, with interests from taking photos, collecting old cameras, learning about well known photographers and their impact on the wider world. We share any recent work we have, from holiday snaps to digital images or darkroom work. We also discuss exhibitions and support each other, and swap hints for improving our photos. The overall atmosphere is one of enthusiasm and mutual support. Read more…
Friendship Club
The Friendship Club meets every Monday between 11am and 3pm. The Club, with over 60 members, provides lunch as well as armchair exercises and entertainment. The Club is very popular, and for some members who have difficulty getting around, it is their weekly opportunity to socialise in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Transport is arranged through Dial-a-Ride and volunteer drivers. New members are always very welcome (as are helpers – if anyone has any spare time on a Monday please think about volunteering). Read more…
7 February – EGM
Members of MNS are reminded of the Extraordinary General Meeting to be held at 8:00pm on Tuesday 7th February, the purpose of which is to give the MNS Executive authority to sign an Accord with Hatch End Masorti, HWPS and Kol Chai, a copy of which has already been circulated to all members. The main meeting will be preceeded by a Q&A session at 6:45pm.
20 February – Film 39
FILM 39 Proudly Presents
For one night only
At 8:00pm on Monday 20th February
GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT
winner of 3 Academy Awards – Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress A reporter (Gregory Peck) pretends to be Jewish in order to cover a story on anti-Semitism, and personally discovers the true depths of bigotry and hatred. Made in 1947 by Elia Kazan, this was the winner of 3 Academy Awards – Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress. It was also one of the first films made by any major Hollywood Studio to deal with the subject of covert anti-semitism.
The screening will start at 8:00pm, and will be followed by a short discussion. Please note that the English dialogue has sub-titles for the hard of hearing. Light refreshments will be provided; a donation to a synagogue charity will be appreciated.
Contact Tony Fineberg or e-mail admin@mns.org.uk for further information about Film 39 and future presentations.