Our communal seder was held once again at Trevarno Gardens near Helston and once again we all had a terrific time. We welcomed guests from Leeds, Israel and Germany so it turned out to be an international affair!

The Resettlement of the Jews in England following 350 years of exclusion. 2006 marks the 350 anniversary of the Resettlement of Jews into England following their expulsion in 1290.

Kehillat Kernow, the Jewish Community of Cornwall is proud to present a lecture of appeal to both Christians and Jews on the Resettlement, which this year celebrates its 350th Anniversary. The matter was not straightforward – Who was Manasseh ben Israel? Why did a major row between the Rabbi of Amsterdam and his Wardens lead directly to the Resettlement? Why did John Evelyn write in his diary

First, many congratulations to Michael Rose who was Bar-Mitzvah at his Grandparents’ shul in Romford in Essex. When I spoke to his Mum, Sandra, she told me that he had made her feel very proud. He is repeating the event especially for the Cornwall Community at the multicultural centre at St Eval airbase on Saturday 19th November at 10am. Rev. Malcolm Wiseman will be coming down to lead the service.

There is also a service the following Shabbat in Truro beginning 10.30am as usual.

Don’t forget AGM on Sunday 27th November at Carnon Downs Village Hall at 2pm in the Annexe.

There is also news that Chana Sophia Yaffe is down to do a Jewish Storytelling and Song session either in Cornwall or Plymouth. I will update this information as soon as I get confirmation of the venue.

Bonnie is hoping to arrange a Chanukah Party for all the cheder children, so we hope that you will all lend her your support for that event.

L’Shana Tovah from all the members of Kehillat Kernow.

We celebrated the Head of the Year with services at Pat & Leslie’s house overlooking Mount’s Bay. Radio Cornwall was in attendance in the form of Naomi Rowe, who recorded parts of the Erev Rosh Hashanna service as well as the views of several of our members. The broadcast will be (will have been – depending on when you read this!) on Sunday 9th October.

David Hampshire once again demonstrated his skill with a masterful display of Shofar blowing. We welcomed two students studying in Falmouth, two new members now living in St Columb Major and six visitors on holiday in Cornwall from Milton Keynes. Everyone present enjoyed the services and the excellent Rosh Hashanna festival meal lovingly prepared by our hostess Pat.

The Kol Nidre service will take place on Wednesday 12th October at Bonnie’s house in Camborne, with Yom Kippur services continuing there the following day.

This was commemorated in Cornwall in several ways.

Two members of our community visited St Ives Comprehensive School. About 150 pupils met Pat L. and Leisl M.

Leisl is one of those adults who came over to Britain as a child in the Kinder Transport. She was able to tell the children about her experiences and answered the many questions they asked. The teacher in charge said the whole experience was incredibly valuable and she praised the courage of Leisl.

Leisl was later interviewed by Radio Cornwall.

Our Chairman was also interviewed by Pirate FM news reporter Sue Smith.

The RE Advisor for Cornwall, our Own David Hampshire, organised a ceremony at County Hall which was attended by leaders of the Cornwall County Council. He and Harvey read several appropriate and moving passages. Six candles were lit.

Later in the evening there was a private ceremony for members of Kehillat Kernow at Milton and Gloria’s house. The service included readings from the RSGB Siddur and a final Kaddish. A Yharzeit candle was lit. After the service we had a discussion.