Please click on the title of the service or activity to be taken directly to Zoom,
or use the Meeting ID and Passcode.
Please click here for January’s Around Alyth.
Please click here for December’s Around Alyth Review.
FRIDAY 23 JANUARY
Baby Den (10:30)
Chug-a-lug into Shabbat. Sing your favourite Baby Den songs, dance to a Shabbat beat and wave to some familiar faces. For families with young children.
Ruach (17:15)
Our pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah programme delivered by our wonderful team of madrichim. Participants can come from 16:30 for Drop-In and are expected to stay for the Erev Shabbat Service, finishing at 19:30. Parents are welcome to stay for coffee and a chat in the meeting room.
Erev Shabbat Service (18:30)
We welcome Shabbat as a community, joining together online and in person. Led by Rabbi Hannah and Rabbi Elliott. We are delighted that the Dvar Torah will be given by our member, Dr James Kustow, consultant psychiatrist, to mark Mental Health Awareness Shabbat.
Click here for Shul Sheet supplement.
(ID: 814 6531 8254 Passcode: 785089)
SATURDAY 24 JANUARY
Choir Rehearsal (9:15)
Rehearsing Alyth’s Shabbat repertoire. Please email choir@alyth.org.uk if you would like to join.
Shabbat Morning Choral Service (10:30)
Led by Rabbi Hannah with the Alyth Choir. Including the Bat Mitzvah of Amelie Goldstone. The sermon will be given by Rabbi Colin, to mark both Holocaust Memorial Shabbat and Mental Health Awareness Shabbat.
Click here for Shul Sheet supplement.
(ID: 811 7011 0652 Passcode: 785089)
Wellbeing Service (10:30)
For Mental Health Awareness Shabbat, our occasional service in which we have the opportunity to reflect on our own wellbeing with prayer, song and readings. Led by Lynette, joining the Beit Tefillah for the Torah Service.
Click here for the service booklet and here for the supplementary passages.
(ID: 316 316 6763 Passcode: 311220)
Secret Cinema (15:00)
Please join us for an afternoon of games, adventures, snacks and immersive cinema all right here at Alyth. This is an exclusive social event for children in school years 3 and 4. Expect to see friends old and new. Please email eszter@alyth.org.uk to book.
SUNDAY 25 JANUARY
Sunday Shacharit (9:00)
Every Alyth week begins with a member-led minyan. All are welcome.
(ID: 864 4782 5935 Passcode: 785089
Sunday Morning Galim (10:00)
Our Jewish education programme for Reception to Year 6. Click here to enrol into SMG.
SMG provides our youngest members with the opportunity to explore their Jewish identity; key Jewish behaviour and rituals and Jewish texts.
Limmud Review (10:30)
Did you attend Limmud Festival between 26 – 31 December? We’d love to hear all about your experience. Please come and share your thoughts and what you learnt. Please contact nicola@alyth.org.uk for further information.
Translating The Siddur (11:15) Online Only
Prayer Book Hebrew: studying the Hebrew and how it is translated – a programme for those with high-level Hebrew reading ability. Email edwardjgold@hotmail.com if you would like to join this class so that you can be sent the link and materials in advance.
Holocaust Memorial Day (14:00)
This Holocaust Memorial Day, Rabbi Hannah and Hannah Kieve will be leading a choir of Alyth youth from Yrs 6 – 9 who will be singing two songs at this year’s Barnet Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony. Rabbi Hannah will also be leading Kaddish for those lost in the Holocaust, The concert will be held at Rickett Quadrangle, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, Hendon, NW4 4BT. All guests should be seated by 13:45. Entry is free. For more information, please call: 020 8359 2652, email: mayor@barnet.gov.uk or visit: www.barnet.gov.uk/holocaust
Academy of Performing Arts (18:00-20:00)
A feature of the Alyth calendar for secondary school aged children, our youth drama group has been running for 32 years this year. The company rehearse and then perform the show in May.
MONDAY 26 JANUARY
Bringing Generations Together – BGT (13:15)
We know that the younger generation can learn from their elders, but those of more advanced years can also benefit hugely from spending time with children. Alyth Social has joined forces with Alyth Kindergarten to bring the generations together to have fun and learn together. This Month: Birds
The Alyth Social (14:00)
This week: Jay Lieberman – Alyth member, Jay volunteered for the US Navy when he was 18 during the tail end of the Vietnam war. From then on, Jay travelled the high seas and had many adventures until he retired in January 1998, having served 24 years. He will tell us some of these adventures which culminated in his being appointed Commander in Chief of all US Naval Forces Europe, based here in London. Join us for an afternoon of entertainment, discussion, tea and great company! Contact Lynette for more information. All are welcome.
Monday Club (19:00)
A friendly in-person meeting place for people with learning and other disabilities. This week: Drama. For more information or to let us know you will be attending, please email lynette@alyth.org.uk
TUESDAY 27 JANUARY
Hadracha: Year 9 (17:00)
Our new Year 9 group comes together for our weekly leadership programme.
Please click here to sign up.
Hebrew Reading Courses (19:00)
19:00 – For beginners to learn the aleph-bet and basic decoding skills.
20:00 – For those already proficient in Hebrew reading, to continue to develop their skills.
Taught by Alyth member, Jan Roseman. For further information, please contact: elliott@alyth.org.uk
Alyth Choral Society (19:00)
The Alyth Choral Society explores an exciting range of new repertoire, including theatre music and contemporary works, whilst continuing to develop its traditional strengths in cantata and oratorio. Each year, the Choral Society performs a Winter, Spring and Summer concert. See alythchoralsociety.com for further information.
Weekly Ma’ariv (19:30)
A new opportunity to pray together on a weekly basis, in person at Alyth and online. Led by Alyth member Michael Simon. (ID: 865 0905 0915 Passcode: 785089)
Judaism the Essentials (20:00)
Our regular introduction to Judaism class taught by our clergy. Essentials is the perfect class for those coming to Judaism for the first time, or looking to consolidate the learning of a lifetime – or anywhere in between. New students are always welcome. Please contact Rabbi Elliott elliott@alyth.org.uk for more information. This week: 18 Figures In Jewish History Of Whom You Should Have Heard.
Alyth Productions (20:00)
Our new amateur dramatic group for adults with a passion for acting and singing. Please contact sam@alyth.org.uk for more information.
WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY
Mellow Chair Yoga for All Ages (11:15) Online Only
Chair -based gentle breath movement which includes standing sequences. Email Maxine for more information at info@maxineyoga.com
Biblical Hebrew (18:00) Online Only
Biblical Hebrew: Studying the Weekly Parashah – a programme for those with high level Hebrew reading ability. Email edwardjgold@hotmail.com if you would like to join this class so that you can be sent the link and materials in advance.
THURSDAY 29 JANUARY
Pardes (13:00)
With our Alyth Rabbis and other visiting clergy, we will be working our way through the Torah week-by-week, delving into the parashah from a number of different perspectives. As part of this study, we will also consider how the Torah portion relates to the weekly Haftarah reading from our Progressive Calendar of Readings. Please join us for this exciting year-long project. This week: Beshallach with Cantor Sarah Grabiner. (ID: 822 5760 2759 Passcode: 311220)
Alyth Children’s Theatre – ACT (17:00)
Our drama group for primary school aged children. The group rehearse all year and then perform the show in the summer.
The Alyth Chavruta Project (19:00)
For this new series in January and February, we will trace the history of the idea that human beings are created B’tzelem Elohim – in the image of God. As we did with the concept of Tikkun Olam, we will see how this concept develops from the Biblical text through Rabbinic literature and beyond. What does it mean for us to be created in the image of God and what are its ethical implications? Text packs are sent out on a Friday morning so that Chavruta pairs can study together in whatever way feels right for them, before we come together to share our learning and questions as a whole group. No previous study is necessary. If you have a Chavruta partner already, that’s great. If not, we will pair you up with someone. You are also welcome to join individually for the Thursday evening sessions. Please email: elliott@alyth.org.uk for more information and to register your interest. (ID: 818 1674 8326 Passcode: 455397)
SAVE THE DATE
The Jews Of Belarus Exhibition – Making History Together (Friday 30 January 17:00)
Commemorating National Holocaust Day: The Jews of Belarus Exhibition will be available in the Leo Baeck Hall, Wednesday 27 January to February 8, inclusive. There will be a Reception on Friday, 30 January at 17:00 with special guests, Debra Brunner, Creator of the Exhibition and Alyth President, Andrew Gellert. Very few people know about the history of the Holocaust in the Soviet Union. After 1945, the Soviet Union declared that all Soviet citizens suffered during the war, making it almost impossible for Jewish people to speak about their suffering. Approximately 2.7 million of the six million Jews killed between 1939 and 1945 were in the Soviet Union. Understanding what happened to the Jews in the Soviet Union helps give clarity to understanding the Holocaust – a complex and difficult subject. Please contact lynette@alyth.org.uk for more information.
Tu Bishvat Supper Quiz (Sunday 1 February 18:45)
Back by popular demand, the Alyth Supper Quiz is a fun evening with old and new friends and a delicious supper to feed your brain cells. Either make up your own table of 10 or we can allocate you a table. Cost is £30 a ticket. To buy your tickets, please click here or for more information, please call Deborah on 020 8457 8784.
We are also looking for donations of high quality, exceptional raffle prizes and volunteers to help on the team. Please contact Sarah on 020 8457 8787 or sarah@alyth.org.uk
We are holding a silent auction with top price tickets to the sold-out Raye (at the 02) and Lily Allen (at the London Palladium) concerts on offer. You can place your bid online here ahead of the Quiz or on the night. Good luck!
Alyth Book Club (Monday 2 February 18:30)
Yiftach Atir, The English Teacher – After attending her father’s funeral, Rachel Goldschmitt empties her bank account and disappears without trace. She has been a deep-cover agent for Mossad. Fearing the damage she could do to Israel, Mossad assigns Ehud, her handler, to conduct an urgent investigation to track her down. What unfolds is a story which explores how love, loyalty and truth can get caught between an agent’s assumed identity and her real one.
Based on a true incident and filmed with Martin Freeman and Diana Kruger as ‘The Operative.’ Yiftach Atir participated in Operation Entebbe and worked in military intelligence until retirement. The English Teacher was a best-seller in Israel. In its review, Ha’aretz wrote that Atir “seeks to pinpoint the fine line separating the moral actions which operatives perform for their country and their own exploitation.” (ID: 816 0975 2765 Passcode: 785089)
Annual Meeting Of Congregants (Thursday 5 February 19:00)
The Annual Meeting of Congregants of Alyth, will take place on Thursday 5 February 2025 at 19:00 in person and online via Zoom. Please click here to register and let us know you are attending. Please join us at 19:00 for refreshments and a chance to meet the Board of Trustees, before the meeting starts at 19:30. Calling papers are available on the Alyth website.
Shabbat B’Yachad Lunch (Saturday 7 February 12:30)
Please join us for our usual Shabbat B’Yachad Lunch following the Shabbat morning service. On this occasion, we will be joined by members of Alyth’s Judaism: The Essentials group who will be participating in their own Shabbaton. Please join us for good company and good food. There is no charge involved in this activity, but donations are always welcome. For catering purposes, please let Lynette know you will be coming: lynette@alyth.org.uk or 020 8457 8793.
Alyth Community Dog Walk (Sunday 8 February 10:00)
Join our community walk on the Heath Extension, with or without a dog (but with an umbrella just in case!). We will meet at Alyth where you can pick up a bagel and coffee for the walk.
The Future Of The High Holy Days Focus Groups (Sunday 8 February 10:30-12:00; Thursday 12 February 19:30-21:00; Monday 16 February, 19:30-21:00)
For many years, our High Holy Day services at the Sternberg Centre have been a deeply-valued part of our communal life. As our community continues to grow in number and diversity, it is timely to reflect thoughtfully on how we plan for the future – ensuring that our High Holy Days services continue to serve our community well for many years to come. This is not about making decisions or changing arrangements at this stage, but about listening carefully and responsibly to the experiences, hopes and priorities of our members. With this in mind, the High Holy Day Working Group will be hosting a number of focus groups in February. These conversations will give us the opportunity to hear from a wide range of perspectives and help inform our long-term planning.We hope you will consider taking part and contributing your voice to this important conversation. Please click here to select which focus group you would like to attend.
Book Launch: Ankers Away (Tuesday 10 February 19:00)
Join Alyth member Leslie Michaels as he speaks about his new book, Ankers Away, which tells the story of his mother’s family in the Free City of Danzig, the impact of the freely-elected Nazi Government on the family and its Jewish citizens. The book describes the unique deal which the Danzig Government made with the Jewish community, enabling the vast majority of Jews to depart in large groups until mid 1940 and to save its treasures and archives. We are also delighted to welcome Dr Toby Simpson (Strategic Head of the Imperial War Museum North) who will introduce the talk.
Feb Fun For Young Ones (Monday 16 – Friday 20 February 9:00 – 13:00)
Feb Fun is for children aged 2 to 4. It will bring together all our members and is a chance to see friends from Alyth and to meet new people too. Please email eszter@alyth.org.uk for more information or click here to sign up
Disability and Inclusion Forum (Tuesday 17 February 19:00)
Please join our new Disability and Inclusion Forum where we will discuss how best to include all members in our activities and our building in a fully accessible way. For more details, please contact lynette@alyth.org.uk and to register, please click here.
An Opportunity To Exhibit Your Art At Alyth
We are excited to announce the launch of Galleria Osef (Gallery Collection), a new and exciting opportunity to see our members artwork at Alyth from February 2026. We are inviting submissions of drawings and painting from Alyth members for the inaugural exhibition. A new hanging and display system will be installed outside the Cecil Rosen Hall with selected works exhibited for a period of three months, after which the display will rotate to feature new artists. For the full terms and conditions and the submission form, please click here. The application deadline is 31 January 2026.
Purim @Alyth (Sunday 1 March & Monday 2 March)
We are already planning Purim 2026 and it promises to be a party to remember, with something for everyone. On Sunday 1 March, between 10:00 and 12:00, we will be holding a Family Purim Party. On Monday 2 March, the festivities begin at 18:00 with a spiel and food, followed by a Ma’ariv and Megillah reading at 20:30. More details coming soon.
Alyth’s Annual Iftar (Sunday 8 March 16:00)
Over 13 years, Alyth has brought communities together to talk, study and eat at our annual Iftar. We are grateful for the friendships which have grown over the years at this very special event in our annual calendar. It is vital that we continue to reach out beyond boundaries of difference, to cultivate friendships and to deepen our understanding of our brothers and sisters of different cultures, backgrounds and faiths. We will come together for the call to prayer, finishing in time to share our Iftar meal which, as always, will be plentiful and delicious. More details coming soon.
Social & Cultural B’Yachad Theatre Trip (Sunday 12 April 13:00)
Please join us to see the last multi-award winning performance of Yentl by Isaac Bashevis Singer, at the Rudolf Steiner Theatre, Marylebone. After the show there will be an opportunity to share our thoughts over a cup of tea and piece of cake either in the theatre or locally. Tickets: £35.00 (only 12 tickets available). To book please email: lynette@alyth.org.uk
If you are unable to join us on this trip,, please look out over the coming months for more of our Social and Cultural B’Yachad events, our new group enjoying social and cultural events together.
Neshamah – New Alyth Youth Choir (Friday 17 April 17:15)
Neshamah, meaning soul or spirit, is Alyth’s new choir for children in Years 3 – 5. This is an opportunity for children’s voices and energy to enhance our communal and spiritual life. Meeting weekly during term time before the Erev Shabbat Service. For more information, please contact: music@alyth.org.uk
Alyth Trip To Poland (Wednesday 29 April – Sunday 3 May 2026) LAST CHANCE TO BOOK
We are running a four day educational and meaningful trip to Krakow and its surrounding areas and we have just a few spaces left. Offered in partnership with J-Roots and the Krakow Progressive Jewish Community, we will visit a number of sites, including a day in Auschwitz. Four star accommodation, full coach travel, educator and guide all included – Cost for 20 – 25 people £1,650pp; 25 – 30 people £1,550pp. Excludes flights and travel insurance. For further details and to sign up, please email: lynette@alyth.org.uk Booking closes on 28 February.
Click here for guidelines on how to use Zoom effectively, and click here to read our guide to using Zoom for services. For services, if you do not wish to use Zoom, then the “Zoom screen” can be seen via our YouTube channel. This can be accessed by going to www.youtube.com/c/AlythRS.
To connect by phone, please dial 020 3481 5240, 020 3901 7895, 020 3051 2874 or 020 3481 5237 and enter the Meeting ID and Passcode.
.