11 December 2018

Liberal Judaism vice president Rabbi Harry Jacobi MBE had the honour of blessing his great-grandson and namesake, Harry Newham, during a celebratory baby naming and blessing service at East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) this Shabbat.

The synagogue was packed with family, friends and community members for the occasion.

The service was led by Rabbi Harry’s son, and baby Harry’s grandfather, Rabbi Richard Jacobi who was joined on the bimah by proud parents Josh and Philippa Newham.

Josh said “A baby blessing is always a special day for the family but to have it at our own synagogue with Harry’s grandad and great-grandad giving him his Hebrew name made it even more special. We named Harry after his great-grandad Harry and seeing my 93 year old grandfather bless his 5 month old great-grandson was certainly something that will live forever in the memory.”

The morning service concluded with ELELS members placing leaves on the community’s ‘Tree of Life’ to commemorate their own special moments and people.