Together Groups
EHRS Together Groups are all about making our congregation of over 3000 people a place where we know each other and are can find people who share their interests. It’s a great way of making sure that more and more of our members find the people within the Synagogue that we would especially enjoy getting to know. It is based on a very successful model that has been developed by a number of other large Synagogues around the world. Two great examples are Central Synagogue in Manhattan’s Core Groups click here, and The Temple of Atlanta, Georgia’s Temple Connect Small Groups click here.
The idea is this: your synagogue supports our members in creating groups, which could be as few as five or six people or as many as twenty-five to thirty, around any interest or topic that sits alongside the values of the Synagogue. They could be shared care groups or interest groups. They could be groups to help meet a challenge. They could be groups just for fun. They could be learning groups. The principle is that they are led by members of the Synagogue with the support of the Synagogue staff team to get started, get out to members and find resources.
Together groups are a natural way of bringing our community together, person by person and helping our Synagogue to be more and more. It is a way of building great relationships in our lives with people we do know and with people we don’t. If you have a group you might like to get going please contact any of our Rabbis, Marian Cohen or Val Joseph at the Synagogue and we will be delighted to help you.
Our current and proposed EHRS Together groups are listed alphabetically below.
Art Club
Art Club
Launching Tuesday 10 October, 14:30-16:00
Come and discover your inner creative self, explore your sensitive side, and delve into the artistic world!
Angela Wilson will be showing a selection of paintings by artists some of whom you will be familiar with, while others you will never have heard of! We will be exploring their lives and their artworks. No previous knowledge or artistic experience is necessary. Just sit back, relax and enjoy some of the most beautiful, unusual, avant-garde and disturbing paintings in the world.
After the session we will have tea together and you will have the opportunity to discuss the art.
This group will run fortnightly.
Please click here to register.
Badminton Group
Mondays, 20:00-21:00 in Aldenham
Do you play, did you play or do you want to play Badminton? Come and join us each week for a friendly doubles game or two in a non-competitive environment.
Level – recreational / social
Please click here to register
Bridge for Beginners
We are delighted to be able to offer you the opportunity to attend our evening sessions of Beginners Bridge. Led by Annita Tischler, these sessions will enable you to enjoy playing with members of a similar standard, while improving your game in a friendly and welcoming setting.
Beginners Bridge sessions will be held each Wednesday evenings from 11 October until 20 December 20:00 – 22:00
Booking is essential. As places are limited to a maximum of 20, priority will be given to EHRS members.
Please go to the calendar section of the website and select the date/s you wish to attend to book.
Donation: £2 per session for EHRS members, £3 per session for non members.
Please click here to register your future interest in this group or please email Annita Tischler annita.tischler@ehrs.uk
Coffee & Chat
Wednesdays, 10:30-12:00 fortnightly
Our tea and coffee mornings at EHRS are for those on their own who would like to meet others in the same situation. All are welcome.
Please click here to register
Cookalongs
Join our monthly Cookalong’s where we create delicious treats together with all different types of foods. Open to all adults who would like to join us.
Past Cookalong’s have included Hamantashen for Purim, Vegan dishes, Chinese fakeaway, fresh pasta, a Tu B’Shevat seder, Pesach florentines and cocktails, Foraging and Freebies, Shavuot alternatives to cheesecake, cookies & loaf cakes for tea, making our own ice-cream, and vegan & Parev desserts.
Viva Chile!
Wednesday 25 October, 19:30-22:00
Join us in the EHRS kitchen as we make South American ‘alfajores’, a delicious dulce de leche sandwich biscuit.
As our dough rests we will enjoy a cuppa and watch a documentary on the nature & wildlife of the Chilean Patagonia, which is rapidly becoming one of the most protected places on the planet.
Then back to the kitchen to bake and fill our biscuits.
Once you have booked you will receive an email with the ingredients and equipment you will need to bring with you. The dulce de leche will be provided.
There are 12 places available to allow enough space in the kitchen and ovens, so please click here to book your place.
Please click here to register your interest and be added to our mailing list for future cookalongs
Cycling Together
Our cycling together group is aimed at everyone who is confident at riding on a road in a group for 20 miles at a leisurely pace (with a refreshment stop halfway). All types of bikes (road, mountain, hybrid, e-bike, tandem, penny farthing) are welcome, but please make sure that they are roadworthy. Children are welcome but, if aged under 15, must be accompanied by an adult, (and confident to ride on a road). This is aimed at everyone who is confident at riding on a road in a group for 20 miles at a leisurely pace (with a refreshment stop halfway).
Sunday 29 October, 9:15-12:00
Arrive at EHRS by 9:15, leave at 9:30 and back to EHRS at 12:00. The event is free, but bring some money for a coffee/cake/ice cream on route.
For more information, please contact Andrew Woolstone, andrew.woolstone@ehrs.uk
Please click here to register
Football Club
Starting Sunday 1 October, 20:00
EHRS are excited to announce a new weekly football game is being organised for male members between 21-45, at Centenary Sixes, Centenary Park, Stanmore, HA7 2NW. Games will be organised on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis each week allowing everyone the opportunity to join.
This will take place weekly (with exception to holidays). Minimum 5 a side, Maximum 6 a side.
Members: £5 per session, Non Members: £7 per session
Please go to the calendar section of the website, select the date/s you would like to play, and book your place.
If you would like to register your interest and receive more information please click here.
Foraging Group
During the special Jewish Year known as the ‘Shmita’ or sabbatical, we are looking forward to learning with our EHRS member Peter Bradley about local foraging opportunities through the seasons.
Find what food the local area offers us for free, and learn how to use them from Vegan Honey to Ketchup, Salad to Soup!
Details coming soon
Please click here to register your interest.
Genesis
This recently established informal, friendly and caring social group is for those aged 60 plus who lost their partners during Covid or in recent years.
If you are interested in this group please click here to register your interest.
Interfaith Group
Here at EHRS we do a truly incredible job supporting each other as a community throughout the year, but at the last major festival we celebrated together we were passionately reminded by Rabbi Mark that our responsibilities extend beyond our own thriving Jewish community. As we reach our new year it’s time to turn that rallying call into action.
We are forming a new Interfaith Group based on what our members would like – so we really want and need to hear ideas from you!
Our Rabbis are all keen to take part but we’d like to assemble an enthusiastic group of people to form a committee tasked with planning interfaith activities throughout the year. We’d especially like to hear from members of all ages from 12 to 120,whether that’s your suggestions or if you’d like to become a part of this new group, it’s a unique opportunity to shape our Synagogue’s activities.
If you’d like to be a part of the conversation or come on board, please get in touch with Debbie Drapkin by calling the synagogue or emailing debbie.drapkin@ehrs.uk
Israeli Dance Class
Mondays, 11:00-12:30
Please join us for our Israeli Dance Class at EHRS. This class is for all adults and runs weekly.
A warm welcome to all who want to join us for this energetic and fun morning.
Please click here to book your place
Juke Box Gold
Thursdays 19 October, 16 November 20:00-21:30
If you lived through the 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s or just love music from those eras, then this group is for you!
From Cliff Richard, Elvis Presley, Roy Obison, Neil Sedaka, Marty Wilde, Billy Fury, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Supremes, to great singers such as Matt Monroe, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, Scott Walker, together with many other memorable groups and singers from that era. We look forward to welcoming you each month with videos and songs on very informal basis, where we will play many of your favourites!
Refreshments available from 19:30. Hosted by Richard Hartman.
Please click here to register
Let's Talk about ED
If you are the parent of a teen who is battling an eating disorder, you might like to chat with other mums and dads in a similar situation to share your struggles, exchange tips on how to cope or just know that you are not alone.
To join this warm, non-judgemental group, please click here to register.
Opera Appreciation
Do you like opera?
If so then please join our opera appreciation group at EHRS with other like-minded members. This warm and welcoming group meets at EHRS in the early evenings to see classical opera on DVD which is introduced, and then discussed by the group. You will see why great operas by composers such as Mozart, Puccini, Bizet, Verdi Donizetti have lasted the test of time and are as popular today as they were 200 years ago. All are welcome. Refreshments will be available during an interval.
Join us on 5 October for “Madame Butterfly” from La Scala 19:15-21:30
Upcoming dates: 2 November, 21 December & 4 January
Please click here to register your interest for this group.
Phoenix
Following on from the success of Genesis, a recently established bereavement group for those who have recently lost their partners and which is now full, there is demand for another group.
This group will be for those in their 70s and bereaved, who would like to meet others in a similar situation with a view to doing things together.
If this appeals to you and you would like to find out more please click here to register your interest for this group.
Rabbi Kraft Memorial Book Club
The ‘Rabbi Kraft Memorial Book Club’, was set up in memory of our dearly missed Rabbi Neil Kraft z’l. Rabbi Kraft was a keen reader and we’re sure that he would have been pleased with this new venture. As a tribute to Rabbi Kraft we will include books which touch on the values he was most passionate about, such as understanding and caring.
We will meet on the first Tuesday of each month (unless specified)
For more information about the book club and your suggestions for future books to discuss, please email education@ehrs.uk
Tuesday 3 October, 19:30 – ‘The Exhibitionist’ by Charlotte Mendelson
Tuesday 7 November, 19:30 – ‘600 Hours of Edward’ by Craig Lancaster
Tuesday 5 December, 19:30 – ‘The Postcard’ by Anne Berest
A full synopsis of these books can be found on the calendar section of the website. You will be sent the Zoom details a day or two before the evening.
Please click here to register
Rambling
Rambling Group
There’s only one thing that beats getting out into the fresh air and discovering new places – and that’s doing it with other people.
As part of EHRS’s Together Groups, Rambling is a fantastic way to make new friends and learn about local lore. Worried about breaking the ice? That’s the beauty of being part of a group, you will have your love of great views, fresh air and a love of nature in common.
Led by our member Phil Muller, our monthly walks will be approximately 1-2 hours, moderately challenging, and super friendly. Open to all ages.
To find out more about our future walks simply email rambling@ehrs.uk
Next Walks:
Sunday 24 September, 10:30 – Walk is called Aldenham and Radlett walk crossing the River Colne. Meet outside St John the Baptist Church in Church Lane Aldenham, WD25 8BE. Afterwards there is a short drive to The Round Bush for a drink.
Sunday 29 October, 12:30 – Rambling Group end of year Lunch
During the winter months, the group will be taking a break, and will restart again in March 2024.
Please click here to register your interest.
Rosh Chodesh
The New Moon is a traditional women’s holiday, but this monthly study group is open to all.
Rabbi Debbie welcomes everyone who would like to learn at this monthly group on Zoom. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.
A New Series for 5783: Sun and Moon – Both Give Light
For this new year of months, we will be inviting guests who might typically be seen to have opposing view points, and exploring how they hold space together despite their differences.
Thursday 19 October, 20:00
Cheshvan: Singing our Sadness
Cheshvan is known as Mar Cheshvan, or bitter Cheshvan. Comedian Yisrael Campbell says ‘When a Jew is sad, he cries; when he is even sadder, he is silent; and if he is even sadder still, he sings.’ Join Rabbi Debbie on Zoom to explore some of the songs we have sung in sadness, from psalms to musicals, and in them found our hearts whole again.
Rummikub
Calling all Rummikub players!
Do you love playing Rummikub? This new Together Group will take place fortnightly on Tuesday afternoons, 14:00-16:00. If you are interested please join this friendly group at EHRS.
Donation £2 per person. Booking essential.
Please click here to book your place
Schmoozing with the Rabbis
New Options: For the active retired and semi-retired (60 plus)
Join our Rabbis for a light hearted topical discussion, in an informal setting, in person at EHRS
Coming up:
Wednesday 11 October, 11:00-12:00 with Rabbi Debbie
More dates & details coming soon.
Please click here to register your interest
Singing Circle
Mondays, 14:00-15:00
Do you enjoy singing in the EHRS service and are in awe of the choir?
The Singing Circle is an opportunity for anyone who doesn’t have perfect pitch to sing a medley of EHRS favourites and learn some new Hebrew songs based on short texts which will be transliterated. We can always throw in some English hits of yesteryear. And you don’t have to read music.
Join Lawrence Cohen, your song leader, for an hour of joyous harmonies! This group runs weekly at EHRS.
Please click here to book your place
Spanish Conversation Group
Tuesdays, 14:00-15:30
Hola, hablas español? Do you speak a little Spanish? Want to brush up your Spanish conversation in person?
This EHRS Together Group is for those who wish to improve their Spanish and runs fortnightly.
A facilitator is welcome.
Please click here to register
Stonegrove Players
Stonegrove Players – a new Adult Amateur Dramatics Group
This group will start on Monday 9 October, with weekly rehearsals every Monday evening, 20:00.
Whether you want to be performing on stage, or helping backstage with costumes, props, lighting or sound, please join us on 9 October, when we will be reading through the play Kindertransport by Diane Samuels.
Whilst the play, which examines the life, during World War II and afterwards, of a Kindertransport child, is fictitious, it is based upon the author’s extensive research into many real kindertransport stories. The play jumps back and forth between three time periods, exploring the pain of separating a child from her parents and the consequences of that choice, while putting under the spotlight the impact that secrets and lies have on the often complicated relationships that can exist between mothers and daughters.
Auditions for parts (6 females and 5 males) will be held Monday 16 October, and performance dates are scheduled for 13, 14 & 17 March 2024.
To find out more please click here to register your interest.
Talmud Class
EHRS’s stimulating and friendly Talmud class is open to all levels of Jewish knowledge.
Join Rabbi Mark to grapple with the ideas of our classical Rabbis. Join the discussion of 2000 years ago and its remarkable relevance to issues today.
No previous Talmud study experience necessary, just a thirst to get deep into the foundational texts of Judaism. This class is conducted online through Zoom as discussion and argument is what it is all about!
Please email rabbi.mark@ehrs.uk to get the Zoom details and the Talmud texts we are studying.
Upcoming dates:
Sundays 24 September, 8 & 22 October 10:00-11:00
TV Addicts Club
For each series of the TV Addicts Club, we meet fortnightly on a Thursday evening, to enjoy brand new and old classics of movies. Come along and meet people with the same enthusiasm, and relax in front of the box with delicious treats to enjoy whilst we watch. All are welcome!
Please click here to register your interest and be added to our mailing list. The next series of the TV Addicts Club will return in January 2024.
TV Addicts Club Chanukah Special
Thursday 14 December, 19:00-22:00
On this date, we will be watching Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Fablemans’.
Told through the eyes of the fictionalized Sammy Fabelman, representing a young Spielberg, the movie focuses primarily on how the filmmaker’s family circumstances, particularly his parents’ divorce, impacted his journey to the iconic director he became.
Starring Michelle Williams & Paul Dano
Young Sammy Fabelman falls in love with movies after his parents take him to see “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Armed with a camera, Sammy starts to make his own films at home, much to the delight of his supportive mother.
We will be lighting the Chanukah candles at 18:30 if you would like to join us. Doughnuts and drinks at 19:00, film will start at 19:15.
So that we know how many people to expect for the film, please click here to book.
Whisky Tasting Group
Join us at EHRS for an evening of whisky tasting where you can sample different whiskys and chat about your favourites with others who share the same love for this delicious tipple. Members are asked to supply whisky which we can all have a taste of. Please bring your own whisky tumbler if you so wish, though small disposable shot glasses will be available.
Light refreshments will be provided. Hosted by Laurence Stein.
Please click here to register