Our Thoughts
From the Diary of Rabbi Hackenbroch
As we approach the conclusion of this very special festive period, it is wonderful to reflect on the memorable and uplifting Yomim Tovim we have shared together as a community.
Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur – A huge thank you to our Chazan, Eitan, and his choir for the truly inspiring and uplifting services which were enjoyed by the whole community.
Our Children – Thank you to Gabriella for the fantastic children’s services and programmes, helping to make Yom Tov engaging and special for our younger members.
Behind the Scenes – Our sincere thanks to Gina and Sam for all their hard work in ensuring that everything ran so smoothly, both administratively and technically.
Catering & Security – Thank you to Vlad and his team for keeping us so well nourished, and to our dedicated Security Team for their continued vigilance in keeping us safe.
Our Wardens – Special thanks to Howard Richenberg and Paul Faiman for their meticulous planning and for ensuring that our services ran so smoothly throughout the Yomim Tovim.
Our Leadership – A special thank you to our President, Vice President, the Board and the Western Foundation for their steadfast support and constant encouragement of our many communal activities.
Kol Nidrei Appeal – We were privileged to hear an exceptionally moving address from Amitai, a Boys Town Jerusalem graduate who showed extraordinary courage following October 7, returning to fight despite having been injured. His remarkable story touched and inspired us all.
Sukkot – What an amazing Sukkot we have enjoyed, with sell-out communal meals in our sukkah and a wonderful atmosphere throughout the festival.
An Inclusive Sukkah – WMA was delighted to host an inclusive Sukkah event with Kisharon Langdon, bringing our communities together in the true spirit of Sukkot.
Young Professionals – It was wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout for our Young Professionals social in the sukkah, another important part of the growing social and communal life of WMA.
Great Portland Street – We were delighted to have a pulpit swap with Rabbi Lerer of Great Portland Street Synagogue and look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with our neighbouring shuls.
Simchat Torah – Heroes of Israel – And we’re not finished yet! We are greatly looking forward to a very special Simchat Torah celebration together with our Chatanim, our Heroes of Israel. Please sign up (see flyer below) and join us for what promises to be a unique, uplifting and inspiring occasion. Thank you to everyone who has contributed in so many different ways to making these Yomim Tovim so special. It has been wonderful to see such a strong spirit of participation, contribution and celebration across WMA. On Simchat Torah, as soon as we complete the Torah, we begin again with Bereishit. And so it is with our community. As this wonderful period of Yomim Tovim comes to an end, we begin the next chapter at WMA, with much to look forward to as we continue to grow, build and celebrate together.
Quote of the Week: “On Sukkot, we leave the security of our homes for the fragile sukkah — a powerful reminder that amid life’s uncertainties, our greatest security is our faith in G-d and His protection.