Rabbis’ and Cantor’s Thoughts and Writings

Rabbi Mark asks how the 33rd day of the Omer period between Pesach and Shavuot, known as Lag B'Omer became a day for bonfires and archery - and, in many Jewish communities, for weddings and haircuts.

Rabbi Mark celebrates five years of his rabbinate at Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue and takes us back to his first day as a Rabbi at the then Woodford Progressive Synagogue in 1996!

What is the meaning of the Kosher laws for us today? Rabbi Mark asks how what we know now about the way the food is produced means that there need to be modern interpretations.

This Shabbat is when we begin the Book of Leviticus for the year and is also Shabbat Zachor, the Shabbat when we remember the Amalakite attack on the Children Israel. Rabbi Mark's sermon begins with the hope represented by the first EHRS Iftar inviting our Muslim neighbours to share their Ramadan meal at our Synagogue.

Rabbi Mark returned from Israel at war on the 29th of February. This sermon reports on what he experienced and chronicles that despair from what has happened and some hope for the future.

Rabbi Mark's sermon reflects on his recent experience at Shaare Shalom Synagogue in Kingston, Jamaica and the willing hearts that keep a community, in Jamaica or London living!