Category: Thought of the week
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Thought of the week
23rd May 2025 – We Will Remember Them: Sarah and Yaron This Shabbat, we remember Sarah Milgram and Yaron Lischinsky—two beloved souls who chose peace, compassion, and love. Both were dedicated peace activists who worked to build bridges between Israelis and Palestinians. Their shared dream of a better world, grounded in empathy and interfaith dialogue,…
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Thought of the week
16th May 2025 – A Community That Dares to Try Back in December 2024, we organised our very first Friday night service. It could have stopped there—but it didn’t. Sixteen people showed up. Dan led a simple, meaningful service, we shared our first communal meal, and we ended the evening singing Hatikvah together. At the end of…
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Thought of the week
9th May 2025 – Honouring Jewish Heroes of WWII — Reflecting on VE DayYesterday, on VE Day, we paused to remember those who fought and gave their lives for freedom. As we reflect, let us also honour the 1.5 million Jews who served with distinction in the US Army, the Red Army, the British Armed…
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Thought of the week
2nd May 2025 – This week, we celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut — the 77th birthday of the State of Israel. Over these 77 years, Israel has become one of the most remarkable nations on earth. It is not only a safe haven for Jews — it is a hub of innovation, creativity, and resilience. As of…
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Thought of the week
25th April 2025 – Last week, 36 members of the Board of Deputies wrote a letter to the Financial Times criticising the Israeli government’s response to the ongoing war with Hamas. This issue is deeply emotional and painful for many of us. It’s no surprise that people hold strong and differing views. Moments like these test not…
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Thought of the week
18th April 2025 – Moadim l’simcha. As we approach the final days of Pesach, we celebrate our people’s journey from slavery to freedom — a story that lies at the heart of Jewish identity. And yet, this year, that story feels especially raw. While we recall our ancestors crossing the sea to safety, we do…
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Thought of the week
4th April 2025 – Starting a new synagogue is a deeply spiritual and meaningful journey. It’s far more than establishing a physical space—it’s a bold act of faith, a commitment to community, and an investment in the future of Jewish life. This is exactly why Kehillat Or Tzion (KOT) was founded: to create a welcoming…
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Thought of the week
28th March 2025 – A Question That Still Resonates in 2025 A friend of mine gave me a pamphlet published in 1969 by Paul Rose, a Labour MP in Manchester, about Israel and the Left. In the introduction, he asks a simple yet powerful question: Would you rather be an Arab in Israel or a…
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Thought of the week
21st March 2025 – Simplistic views on complex issues always lead to conflict. They do not resolve the situation, and we often find ourselves in a more difficult position. This is especially true in the Middle East. Many in the Western world tend to see the conflict between Israel and Hamas as a battle between…
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Thought of the week
Chag Purim Sameach! We are still in the joyous spirit of Purim, a time to celebrate our resilience, unity, and the strength of community. As we read Megillat Of Esther, we are reminded of the power of standing together in times of challenge—something we continue to cultivate in our vibrant, growing Community. This week’s Parashat…