French Liberal Jews visit East London community


24 May 2018 – 10 Sivan 5778

24 May 2018

East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) received a very special visit from 14 members of the French Liberal congregation Keren Or Lyon.

After a warm welcome from Rabbi Richard Jacobi, in both French and English, a Shabbat service took place taken from the draft of Liberal Judaism’s new siddur.

During the service, Rabbi David Hulbert said the blessing for both Queen Elizabeth and France’s President Macron – to make sure everybody felt included.

At the end, the visitors gave the ELELS a beautiful book about Lyon in the hope that British Liberal Jews will pay a return visit to the beautiful home soon.

The service was followed by a study session facilitated by Rabbi Jacobi and Student Rabbi Daniela Touati, who is currently working with ELELS.

Daniela said: “There is nothing like commenting on a Torah portion to break the ice and language was not an obstacle to the lively discussion.”

Members of both communities then continued to share and learn more about each other during a chavurah lunch and have promised to stay in touch.

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