We are awaiting news from Exeter Hebrew Congregation. We have been offered a loan of one of Exeter Synagogue’s Torah Scrolls. As soon as we know the exact dimensions of the scroll we will be having a portable ark made for the safe housing of this most precious of all our sacred texts. Plans are also afoot to build a proper stand upon which to rest the scroll during services. Both of these are being donated by members of Kehillat Kernow.

As quite a few changes have been made to the site, I will need people to resubmit their information in order to gain access to the Members’ directory.

I am sure that Harvey would welcome some requests for others to post to the news page (here). Please either contact him or me about this. Please understand that only a few people will be able to do this, as otherwise this page could get very confusing for all.

Finally, the forum has been launched. The layout will change slightly to match the look and feel of the rest of the site. Please register and post your messages in the main discussion area. This is the place for conversation like discussions, rather than the odd “hello” at the guestbook.

Hopefully I’ll be able to upload some of the back issues of the Newsletter and add some of the many photos that are lying around ready to be viewed online.

Please keep on sending your comments. So far its all good, even from Anne and David!

Just updated the website design to make it more cheerful. If you find it a little too much, tell me and I’ll make it less vibrant. If you liked to old one better (oh dear), don’t be afraid to tell me.

Seth Hampshire celebrated his Barmitzvah last month. The service was held at Carnon Downs village hall where over 100 guests turned out to witness the event; these included most of the members of Kehillat Kernow, friends and family and members of the wider community. We even had a gentleman from Radio Cornwall complete with microphone!

Tony Reese from the Exeter Hebrew congregation had kindly brought down a Torah Scroll for the occasion so it was going to be a real test for Seth. And how did he do? Brilliantly!

He did us all proud! The service was conducted by David Hampshire in his usual, inimitable style and everyone enjoyed the proceedings.

Our two elder statesmen, Milton and Leslie, performed the duties of joint wardens, with Leslie being given the honour of raising the Torah Scroll for all to see. (The fact that he is shortly to have an operation on his shoulder is, I hope, purely coincidental! We do, however, wish him well.) Several members of the congregation were called up including Harvey, Kathleen (Seth’s proud mum), and young Elisha who had his Barmitzvah in Plymouth a couple of years ago now.

There are some photos of the event which I will send to Noah and hopefully, in the fulness of time, they will appear in the photo gallery.
After the service and kiddush, vegetarian food was served in the hall.

It was a very happy and memorable event in the short history of Kehillat Kernow.