Those of you who are regulars at this synagogue, which includes, of course, those who regularly attend Lass B’nei Mitzvah, will have noticed a remarkable change this Shabbat morning.  Not only do we have a particularly clean and shiny floor for this Shabbat, but, of course we are also sitting on our brand new chairs. 

This is a real cause for celebration.  Not only because we at last have stackable chairs which will radically change how we are able to use this fantastic space, and I have to confess, I have never before been impressed by the way chairs stack – but this really is almost exciting.
Not only because from up here they look absolutely fantastic, making the room feel bigger and lighter. 
Not only because it has been a long and winding journey to get here - for which we must pay tribute to those who have handled the project, especially Brenda Freedman, Mark Harris and Sarah Langsford. 

In addition to all these things, we have been presented today with a rare opportunity – the chance to discover what the chair might have to teach us. 
Of course, on one level a chair is just a chair.  Perhaps distinguishable from another one in aesthetics or comfort level but ultimately, just a place for us to sit. 
However, in the wide span of Jewish tradition it is hardly surprising that chairs, like so many other apparently mundane items have come to have a representational power far beyond their basic function – the power to signify greater ideas and ideals.