The United Synagogue

United Synagogue Newlyweds Programme Final Session Hosted by Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks and Lady Sacks

PRESS RELEASE

London,
7th December 2011

UNITED SYNAGOGUE NEWLYWEDS PROGRAMME FINAL SESSION HOSTED BY CHIEF RABBI LORD SACKS AND LADY SACKS

On Tuesday 6th December, seventeen newly married couples were invited to the Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks� house to mark the culmination of the first US Living & Learning Newlywed programme.

Launched in February 2011, the programme provides advice to newly married couples on how to build a strong Jewish home. The seven session course covers a variety of topics that relate to modern day married life, including the Jewish home, the importance of family and community. Each session comprises an informal presentation from Jewish educators followed by a discussion and a buffet dinner.

Hosting the reception at his home in Hamilton Terrace, the Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks commented on the success of the programme. He used both traditional Talmudic sources about Chanukah and contemporary examples such as the Beatles to explain how the values that underpin Shabbat and the centrality Judaism places on the family are seen as examples for wider society.

Addressing the participants, The Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks said:
�For the Jewish people, the Sabbath itself is seen as a bride. Those who make Shabbat a central part of their marriage and family will see the many benefits it has. Shabbat is a time in which we celebrate family and children, the home, and just being together. Peace in the home is where world peace begins.�

Rabbi Michael Laitner, Education Coordinator of the US Living & Learning Department and Assistant Rabbi at Finchley United Synagogue, said:
�Newly married couples are embarking on a new chapter of their lives and many of them are keen to ensure that Judaism is at the heart of that. This course gives them tools with which to build a Jewish home together, in a relaxed and accessible way. Following the success of this course we look forward to the 2012 programmes starting in both March and October, which will offer even more couples the chance to participate.�

Sara Miller, a Newlywed programme participant from Borehamwood & Elstree United Synagogue added:
�The evening was a lovely way to end the newlyweds course. I will definitely be recommending this programme to my friends. It was very interesting, especially learning about the importance of having a Jewish home from the times of Abraham and Sarah to our modern day. It�s a great way to meet new people in the community and learn about Judaism at the same time in a relaxing, informal environment.�

-End-

EDITORS� NOTES: -

For further information, please contact:

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