During this unprecedented time Belsize Square Synagogue is continuing to maintain activities and support the community as much as we can.
We are continuing to communicate with you all via email, post and through our regular News From The Square and Our Congregation publications as well as regular updates on our website. This web page sets out a current summary of how we are operating in all aspects of Synagogue life.
Assistance for those requiring shopping, prescriptions and other help
The most important thing we can be doing at this time as a community is ensuring that we are all looking out for each other. For any members unable to do their own shopping or collect prescriptions, we have set up a group of volunteers to help. Please contact Adam (adam@synagogue.org.uk) if you would wish to volunteer or need assistance.
In addition during these very difficult times, we want to ensure that none of our members are without social contact, particularly those who are self-isolating, sick or without close family. With this in mind, we have put in place a phone tree so that we can speak to our members at regular intervals. Please contact Adam (adam@synagogue.org.uk) if you wish to volunteer or would like to receive calls. We have also established a web page with links to useful organisations (www.synagogue.org.uk/news/help-activities-useful-links/)
Services
In line with government guidelines the synagogue building remains closed. We are continuing our regular services virtually as set out below. Any members who need assistance in accessing these events on their computer should call the synagogue on 020 7794 3949 where we can explain how to do so over the phone. A copy of our prayer book is available online for any members who do not have one but wish to follow along.
Friday night – Cantor Heller chants the service live from the bimah at 6.45pm every Friday night via BelsizeLIVE (www.synagogue.org.uk/services/live/).
Shabbat Morning – we are maintaining a virtual service, broadcast from 10.00am. Each service includes Shacharit, the weekly Torah and Haftorah portions and Mussaf. The Rabbi records his weekly sermon and the Cantor leads kaddish for those who are remembering loved ones.
Kikar Kids is currently running every Shabbat via Zoom. Reminders are sent by the Synagogue office as usual and please contact email office@synagogue.org.uk for more information
Lifecycle Events
For guidelines on funerals, stone settings, or just to find out more information about our burial scheme – please contact Lee Taylor (lee@synagogue.org.uk).
Edgwarebury Cemetery remains closed to the public until further notice and is only open for funerals with very limited attendance permitted in line with government guidelines and operational capabilities. For full information check the cemetery website (www.edgwareburycemetery.org.uk).
Social events
We are continuing to hold as many events as possible that can be run virtually. So please keep your eye on the Synagogue home page for events that will continue to be held, such as our regular Sunday morning Adult Discussion Group (see below).
Adult Discussion Group
Our popular Sunday morning discussion group is being held virtually. Please contact the Synagogue office for details of how to connect.
Synagogue meetings
All Synagogue Board, Executive and committee meetings are continuing as planned, virtually via Zoom. Login details will be circulated by the office prior to each meeting.
Synagogue Office
Lee and the team are working normal hours from home, and the office phone number has been diverted, so you are still able to reach us. At this time we would prefer you to contact the office via the synagogue email address if possible and someone will call you back as required.
We wish everyone well during this time and are looking forward to seeing you all in person as soon as we are able.