Based in and around Bournemouth, Wessex LJC organises synagogue services in central Bournemouth on alternate weeks throughout the Jewish Year.
Currently Wessex Liberal Jewish Community does not have a purpose built synagogue. As we all know, communities are made up of people not bricks and mortar. Thus we have chosen to concentrate on building an actively supportive community and leave synagogue building off the agenda for now. Our services are held in one of two venues in East Dorset (one recent service included 90 congregants) or at members homes.
We have developed very much as a consequence of the combination of our own efforts plus support from Liberal Judaism. We have adopted a constitution, become a registered charity, hold regular (usually fortnightly) Shabbat services, High Holy Day services, are members of a Jewish burial society (JJBS) to pay towards burial or cremation, and have our own burial plot area in Bournemouth.
SERVICES
Friday evening services are once a month when we have our Rabbi visit. They are followed by an informal shared supper, where everyone brings something (not meat) to share. These are relaxed evenings, and inclusive of people who have not been before.
PARENTS AND TODDLERS GROUP
We have a group for locally based Jewish parents who wish to socialise, along with their children.
EDUCATION PROGRAMME
We are fortunate in that our Education team includes a wide range of both professional and lay educators which includes Rabbi René Pfertzel, an experienced University Lecturer, and a recently retired Secondary School Teacher.
NEWSLETTERS
Regular updates about activities and service times are included in our fortnightly Newsletter.
SOCIAL ACTIVITES
Social interaction is heavily centred on the post-service Kiddush chat, food and general catch-up every fortnight.
MEMBERSHIP
We welcome as a member anyone who is accepted as Jewish by Liberal Judaism and who wants to adhere to Liberal Jewish principles and practices.
secretary.wljc@gmail.com
Visiting Rabbi: Rabbi Rene Pfertzel
Current Status: Active
Formed: Initial meetings held in 2010
Ritual: Liberal
Dear JSCN
I just saw the message from Leah Middleton above and am not sure if this has been picked up and acted on. Is it possible you could let her have my email address below and invite her to write to me?
Thanks
Russell Vandyk
Chair Wessex Liberal Jewish Community
Hello
My name is Leah.
Both my parents came from strictly orthodox homes with rabbis as grandparents but after they married all matters Jewish were dumped other than hypocritical
obsequiousness towards my father’s patients.
My heritage is mine; I have been angry for a very long time that it has been denied me. I tried once before; the Orthdox congregation were very welcoming but the loneliness & the requirement to dress to impress were awful.
I presently want just to explore. Perhaps you could tell me what might be available?
(I have been prompted by Topol’s sad illness & demise, but heartened by the photograph you show of two women in a kitchen; one of them looks so like my dearest darling cousin, Dorothea).
I look forward to hearing from you.
Leah Middleton (nee Henneman)
Dear Niki,
Please email secretary.wljc@gmail.com –
I am the Hon membership officer and look forward to talking to you.
Hello,
My name is Niki le Notre and I am interested in coming to the services. In London I was a member of Woodford Liberal synagogue then moving to Bournemouth. My now ex husband and I attended Bournemouth Reform Synagogue. I have felt uncomfortable attending since even though he has never been back. I miss the liberalism I had in London and miss coming to services.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you for reading this.
Niki