Dear Friends and Members,
A very Happy New Year to all!
2024 was a year of transition for NLJC. We bid farewell to Student Rabbi Hannah and welcomed Rabbi Martina.
And we are grateful that she has continued the tradition of our highly successful Beit Midrash (House of Study) and our Interfaith Sukkot. She will also represent the NLJC Community at the Holocaust Memorial Day Service at St.Peter Mancroft Church on the 27th of January at 11 a.m, where we hope to see many of you.
Thanks to those who represented NLJC at the Menorah Lighting at City Hall and to Ezra and Diane for the photos.
For Jews, 2024 was a difficult and painful year. We bore witness to the atrocity that was October 7 and after that, attempted to process Israel’s response, which has resulted in the killing of tens of thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza and more recently in Lebanon. And despite our differences, we have engaged in maklochet, argument for the sake of heaven or in plainer language, constructive dialogue. The ability to have these difficult conversations is, in part, what defines us as a progressive and inclusive Jewish community and for that I am grateful.
One last thing before I hand over to Rabbi Martina-we need to do more together, as a community. A service once a month is great, but what about chavurah meals, films, walks, and a Purim Spiel? I know that Ezra and Aaron are looking at what we can do and how to make that happen. If you’ve got any suggestions, please do get in touch!
Oh, and a heads-up: Our Annual General Meeting will take place in late March. Date TBA.
Best wishes,
Linda