Latest News
Rent a Machsor
- By Katrin Bergmann and Pippa Brook
As you know, so that we can continue to keep us all safe, we decided to hold services virtually instead of in the Synagogue. There will still be all kinds of streamed services and other activities throughout the High Holy Days. You will soon receive detailed information about what is planned but also, keep checking the Sinai website, Facebook page and Newsletter.
Sinai has a new Rabbi
Rabbi Paul Strasko is the new rabbi at Sinai!
Message about Covid-19 (Corona virus)
- By David J Israel
Trustees are conscious of the constantly developing news around Covid-19 and can imagine that for some of our members the virus is causing concern. Along with the Rabbi, we had a long and informed discussion about how to respond at last night's board meeting.
Updated Message about Covid-19 (Corona virus)
- By David J Israel
It is now the right time for Sinai, as a community, to move to the next phase of protecting us all. As such, we will now be closing the Synagogue to all but essential staff, and occasional volunteer presence.
Jewish Meditation at Sinai
Since April 2018, we have been leading a Shabbat pre-service guided Jewish meditation for all those wishing to experience a bit more of a spiritual "shabbat menucha".
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