Tag Archives: dor kemmyn

Planting for the future

Envision Abraham sitting under the terebinth tree on the Plains of Mamre hosting the angels of God as they are about to reveal the future birth of Isaac. A seminal moment in Torah. In fact, Oak trees feature often in Torah which is why members of Kehillat Kernow planted an oak tree when they participated in a tree planting at the Dor Kemmyn site’s Field of Peace in Truro with other members of the Inter-Faith Forum on Sunday, the 24th of March.

The Buddist Community planted a lime tree nearby.Fifteen members of KK gathered around to watch David Hearle supervise and plant the oak tree with help for the digging process from KK members Adam Feldman and John Edelman.

At the ceremony, following a greeting from Rita Stephen of IFF, Chairman Jeremy Jacobson, noted how appropriate it was to plant symbols of life after previously just having delivered prayers and a speech of support for the Islamic Community at the ICC for those Muslims murdered recently while praying in their  mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Jewish blessings for life, and a poem about an oak tree were recited by Pat Lipert and exerpts from our sidurm for TuBishvat were delivered by Adam Feldman.

The trees planted at the Dor Kemmyn site symbolise hope for the future, a belief in peace and most importantly, life, for it is the emphasis on life which is so integral to our Jewish religion.

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Dor Kemmyn outdoor service at Penmount

On 12th June, at Penmount, Dor Kemmyn held a special outdoor service from 3pm until 4.30pm in order for the faith groups within Dor Kemmyn, to personally thank the members of those groups which helped so many communities during the terrible winter storms that many areas (especially the coastal ones) had experienced. There were representatives from the police, coastguard, fire, ambulance, medical and the Faith Response team. Several people spoke about their personal experiences during those storms. The event, which was organised by Rev. Andrew Yates and Rita Stevens, was opened by Lady Mary Holborow who is the first patron of the Cornwall Faith Forum.

Each of the seven faith groups present gave a prayer or reading to honour those men and women who dedicate their lives to helping others during times of crisis.

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon for the event and everyone present appreciated the occasion and I felt honoured to represent Kehillat Kernow at this event.

I have also recently completed my occasional piece for the West Briton which will appear in due course under the title of God in the 21st Century, although for some reason my work only seems to be published in the Truro edition.

Following our lovely Torah Scroll Ceremony (brilliantly organised by our treasurer – who celebrated his birthday this very week) we have had some excellent publicity in a number of newspapers (across the world even!!) though, rather disappointingly, the Jewish Chronicle did manage to get quite a number of facts wrong, which we hope may be corrected in due course if any attention is paid to the letter that a member of the community immediately sent to the Editor.

We have lots to look forward to in the coming months including a new and exciting venue for our Rosh Hashanna services.