AND NOW - YOM KIPPUR
For various reasons, Rosh Hashana was rather different for me this year. Sadly for family reasons Rabbi Efune was not in UK, so I decided to doven in Worthing which for the first time in living memory celebrated 2 days of the festival - dovened by Rabbi Shaya Gourarie at Chabad House in Worthing.
We had about 18 on 1st day, though not quite a Minyan, but that did not stop it being a very enjoyable service, with lots of explanations. This was followed by Kiddush and lunch which was taken in the garden - a first for any New Year I have experienced. There were fewer there for the 2nd morning, and Kiddush was indoors as we saw the rain. However by the evening there was a very successful Shofar blowing on the beach and so ended our Rosh Hashana.
Yom Kippur will be different. Rabbi Shaya is dovening in the Southampton Shul, so like many who were there before, we will be going to the Shuls we prefer in Hove.
I remember when I was a youngster, Yom Kippur was a very social time. I was reform. We would go to Shul in the morning, and then there would be a break in the afternoon, and the young among us would go to the seafront and walk to Middle Street where we would see our friends. Then back for more socialising at Holland Road before returning to finish the service and wait increasingly impatiently for Rabbi Rosenblum to blow the Shofar.
Anyway I hope people will fast well. For the breaking of the fast Corinne Rachelle has given us an Orange Soup. This is more to do with the colour as there are no oranges in it, but I have tried the recipe and it is very good.
Just before the Fast, I shall be going to Brighton and Hove Albion. (Sadly they did not win their first European match - You can see the reports in the Football Video section. ) I shall be watching them play Bournemouth. Kick Off is at 2.00 so I should be able to get home to eat before Kol Nidre.
All that remains is for me to wish you
Shabbat Shalom
Shana Tova and
Well over the fast