The United Synagogue

United Synagogue's First Gabbai Workshops Out Of The Box

PRESS RELEASE

London,
4th July 2011


UNITED SYNAGOGUE'S FIRST GABBAI WORKSHOPS "OUT OF THE BOX!"

The first Gabbaim workshop programme was completed on June 28th, organised by the US Living & Learning Department. It provided both new and experienced Gabbaim (wardens), with an opportunity to understand better the role and psychology of being a Gabbai and to share their experiences with each other. The workshops took place over two evening sessions held at Central United Synagogue.

Speakers on the first evening included Rabbi Mordechai Ginsbury of Hendon United Synagogue who discussed the ‘Essential Practicalities of being a Gabbai’, Mark Nevis, Gabbai at Finchley United Synagogue, who spoke on Bimah Skills, and Rabbi Shlomo Levin from South Hampstead Synagogue who shared ideas about ‘shul welcoming’. The final workshop was led by Rabbi Michael Laitner of US Living & Learning and Finchley United Synagogue who taught a class about the “what” and “why” of the Amidah.

The second evening featured Dayan Ivan Binstock, of the London Beth Din and Rabbi at St John’s Wood United Synagogue, who spoke on the topic of ‘Minhag Anglia’, the distinctive traditions and customs of Anglo Jewry and the United Synagogue’s mainstream position in Anglo Jewry. Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler from New West End United Synagogue guided Gabbaim through his book, “The call-up book”, containing essential information for calling people to the Torah. Bernard Benarroch, an experienced scribe offered advice on care and repairs of Torah scrolls. The final session, run by Jack Allen, an experienced Gabbai from the Cockfosters Minyan, focused on planning for the High Holydays.

Both evenings concluded with an open discussion, where Rabbi Marcus, Rabbi Shisler, Rabbi Levin and Rabbi Laitner were on hand to answer questions, moderated by Simon Goulden of US Living & Learning.

Rabbi Michael Laitner of the US Living & Learning department, said:
“The workshops covered essential topics for all Gabbaim, allowing representatives from different shuls to network, as part of US Living & Learning’s focus on sharing best practice and providing central services to help our communities.”

-End-


EDITORS’ NOTES: -
Plans are in place to develop the group with monthly newsletters, advice sheets and practical guides, some of which have already been produced by the Gabbaim themselves and are now becoming available to other communities for mutual benefit.

Plans are also afoot for further seminars and ‘gabbainet’, a Gabbaim virtual network throughout the year.


For further information, please contact:

Leonie Furman
The PR Office
Work: 020 7284 6969
Email: us@theproffice.com

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May. 25th - 26th
5th Sivan
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Sedra: Bamidbar

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