On 8th December, Shabbat Chanukah was very special as The Hampstead Synagogue held their first ‘Golden Girls’ Bat Mitzvah Ceremony. Meta Solomon, Sandra Conway and Joy Gerzi fulfilled a long-held wish to have a Bat Mitzvah; this had not been available to them when they were young. During the service in front of the congregation, family and friends the women read a piece that they had researched and prepared about Chanukah. After the readings Rabbi Dr. Michael Harris spoke about the contribution Meta, Sandra and Joy have given and continue to give not only to the synagogue but to the wider community. Asked how they felt after the ceremony each one said it had been a happy, worthwhile and memorable experience.

Pre-Kiddush talk this Shabbat (Dec 15)

Join Hampstead shul this Shabbat for their pre-Kiddush talk about the Kindertransport. In this 80th anniversary year since the arrival of the first Kindertansport in Britain, Henry Grunwald, Chair of Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre, will speak about the rescue operation. All welcome. More details via: https://www.hampsteadshul.org.uk/event/pre-kiddush-talk-10/