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26 June 2009
Apologies for the long gap in reporting. Your web editor would love you to send any information about events, as I don't get to everything!

Hannah Fleming's bat mitzvah was a triumph - of the whole spirit of NRS as well as for that young woman herself. Our Rabbi had an emergency admission to hospital just before the day, having finalised everything. With total aplomb, Rabbi Borts contacted our former temporary Rabbi Amanda Golby, who stepped (or rather, given the journey, rushed) straight in, and many members of the community took on all the roles and covered all the bases that were needed. Hannah herself handled the situation with dignity and cool.

Before that, on 31 May, the Bingo afternoon raised a very creditable £500.

17 April 2009
Pesach is over, but some of us are still feeling the lovely warmth and community-feeling of our first night seder. If you missed it this year - be sure to book next year!

29 March 2009
On Friday night, some of us discovered at least an embryonic inner Hasid - while others enjoyed the rabbi's energy and singing but perhaps weren't quite so sure about Rabbi Carlebach's approach! Those of us who did enjoy it began to let go of our typical British reserve and could be seen and heard clapping, swaying and almost dancing - and singing our hearts out.

The Friday night meal which followed was, as ever, a triumph of Brenda's ability to organise and co-ordinate, producing a delicious three-course meal in her smart new chef's coat before dashing off to get to a meeting in the south!

7 March 2009
Today's Kindershabbos was an enjoyable occasion - but there was only one child there!! Fortunately, many of us discovered our inner child to bang tambourines and shake bells, to practise our Purim booing and some of us even managed to keep quiet when we were told to.....

12 February 2009
Last Sunday, Tu B’Shvat saw a wide range of ages together in the shul to enjoy the seder for this lovely festival.

6 February 2009
What a truly wonderful weekend that was. Many people enjoyed Rabbi Dr Michael Shire's address at the Shabbat evening service, and when Rabbi James Baaden was unable to be present for Shabbat morning, Rabbi Dr Michael Shire led a discussion on the sedra, including whether to miss out or explain difficult and uncomfortable Torah portions.

But the real high point was the Induction on Sunday. The warmth, the feeling of community, the sense of connection, was imbued throughout. NRS feels very connected to our not-so-new rabbi and she to us; we felt connection with our sister community in Basel, two of whose members were with us, and with Reform Judaism across the UK. There were former congregants of Rabbi Borts' from Radlett and Bushey, and a great turn-out from the Movement for Reform Judaism, including Rabbi Ian Morris from Leeds and David Jacobs, the Movement's Synagogue Support Director. We also welcomed many other guests including local religious leaders and the Sheriff of Newcastle.

Both our founder members and Life Presidents, Nonek Jacobson and George Loble, spoke. George outlined the history of our synagogue and said: "In the short time since her arrival, Rabbi Borts has endeared herself to us all. She works extremely hard in her part-time role. She is extremely knowledgeable, very warm and has seemingly inexhaustible energy. Having had several capable, but tone deaf Rabbis, we are truly delighted that Rabbi Borts has a beautiful voice and we are enjoying listening to her and, I must say, learning many new tunes which enhance our devotions."

Rabbi Danny Rich and Rabbi James Baaden led parts of the service, and Rabbi Dr Michael Shire undertook the induction. You'll not be surprised to learn that there was a very good spread for the tea afterwards!!