All posts by Leslie Lipert

British

Clearance of Falmouth Jewish Cemetery

Question: How do you get 265 years of intrusive vegetation cleared in only 3 days?
Answer: Find two two old Jews and give them the job.

David Hearle and Anthony Fagin, members of Kehillat Kernow with a combined age of 144 years, using tools both ancient and modern, stripped back the vegetation and pollarded the self-seeded trees that for aeons had progressively been engulfing the site of the historic Jewish Cemetery in Falmouth. For the first time in generations it is now possible to see all the gravestones. Many still remain standing, albeit it at precarious angles, while others have fallen. Of those that have fallen, several have been vandalised. But at least a proper survey can now be undertaken of the remedial work that needs to be done to repair and re-erect the fallen stones in their proper places and to repair the perimeter walls and other architectural features of the cemetery.

An alliance called Friends of the Ponsharden Cemeteries has been formed with volunteers responsible for restoring the adjoining Dissenters’ Cemetery and also involving representatives of Falmouth Town Council and Historic England. Work is now well advanced on the preparation of a project proposal that will be sent to potential funders in the hope of securing sufficient funding to enable restoration work to start (subject to the granting of formal approval since both sites are Scheduled Monuments).

The eight  photographs in the photo gallery show the clearance work under way, the cleared site and a member of the local fire brigade putting a damper on proceedings having been called out by passing motorists who were alarmed by the bonfire.

Words and pictures by Anthony posted by Leslie

Pesach in Cornwall

Enjoy a traditional service and super seder in an idyllic setting in Cornwall if you are in the Southwest for Friday night, 3rd April at 6:30pm.

One of the highlights of the year, Kehillat Kernow, the Jewish community of Cornwall is delighted to welcome visitors to their seder and reading of the Haggadah at this beautiful festival held at a beautiful site. Both Ashkenazi and Shephardi food will be served.

Tickets are available by contacting the event’s organiser, Mrs. Anne Hearle at 01736-731686.

Zac’s Bar Mitzvah

Zac Berger, now officially known in the family of Israel as Yitzhak ben Sha’ul, was joined by many members of the community, his family and friends for his Bar Mitzvah held on the 9th of Adar, Shabbat Zachor, the 28th of February at Shabbat services conducted by Chairman Harvey Kurzfield.

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Zac read the maftir passage from Parsha Tetzaveh, the Haftarah reading and sang the blessings for both in excellent Hebrew. Members of the community and his family participated in various parts of the service. Harvey, who tutored Zac for his Bar Mitzvah presentation, was visibly pleased with how well Zac did with his readings along with proud parents, Mr and Mrs. Saul Berger, his siblings and grandmother.

A fine Kiddush provided by the family followed to celebrate Zac’s major accomplishment. Rachel Brown, KK secretary, organised and prepared the venue for the event.

Mazel Tov Yitzhak!