Latest News
Revised Guidelines for Sinai Funerals During Covid-19
- By Rabbi Paul Strasko
As the UK Government has slowly begun to relax guidelines relating to Covid-19, so to have various organisations begun relaxing the most stringent regulations preventing mourners from being present for cremations or burials. As of this past week (1.6.20) the Movement for Reform Judaism in the UK along with the Joint Jewish Burial Society and the Assembly of Reform Rabbis in the UK have all voted to transition away from a strict “no mourner” policy to a slightly relaxed policy of a small amount of mourners made up of immediately family. In accordance with this and the Leeds City Council number of 10 mourners allowed at funerals, Sinai will as well relax our guidelines, but with strict options and conditions.
Read more: Revised Guidelines for Sinai Funerals During Covid-19
Update on Education
- By David J Israel
As you will all have seen last week, Gwynneth Lewis has been asked to take early retirement from her post as director of education at the end of this month as part of the trustees work to stem the synagogue's inherent budget deficit. Trustees have been discussing how we maintain and build on the foundation and legacy of Gwynneth's work, and the wealth of information and contacts she leaves us with. This will include all the areas of education - young people, adults and the introduction to Judaism course.
Community Update
- By David J Israel
As I type this we have passed the landmark of one hundred days of lockdown. In that time we, as a community (not just Sinai, but Leeds, Reform Judaism (RJ) and beyond), have faced up to, overcome and grown through many challenges. I am very proud of how Sinai has risen to the challenges we have faced: better on some, than others. But in every challenge we have learned, adapted and grown. In this letter there is detail around staff changes, membership subscriptions, High Holy Days and funerals. As such, please try to read at least the bits that interest you.
Griselda Pollock features on BBC Radio 4
Hear Griselda Pollock, Sinai member and winner of The Holberg Prize, on BBC Radio 4, Front Row
Read more about the Holbeck Prize: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holberg_Prize
(Virtual) Camp Ben Frankel starting Monday 21st June
Do your children fancy the US camp experience from home?
Read more: (Virtual) Camp Ben Frankel starting Monday 21st June
Leading a service
- By David J Israel
Each month we have an opportunity for members of the Sinai community to lead our Shabbat services (both erev Shabbat and Shabbat morning).
Postponement of the AGM
- By David J Israel
Members will not be surprised to learn that the Sinai annual general meeting (AGM) due to be held in early May has been postponed.
Emergency Community Fund
The Jewish Leadership Council in partnership with Work Avenue, has established a fund, with almost £300,000 and a commitment of additional funds if needed, to support those across the community whose earnings have been directly affected by COVID-19. The fund specifically assists those who are ineligible for Government support or who face delays accessing Government funds.