A New Lease of Life

After several months of planning, we now have a new logo and the newsletter looks quite different. No, we haven’t spent thousands of pounds on a makeover: Following a request to people with the requisite talent within our own congregation, the Council carefully considered some designs, and then chose to go with the one presented by Audrey Davis (recognise the ‘Shalom’?). The final logo reflects the input of the entire Council, in a collective effort to reflect our identity as ‘Adat Shalom Verei’ut’ – a Congregation of Peace and Friendship. As you can see it is part of a new-look for the newsletter as a whole - and we hope you like what you see!

The new logo is one aspect of a wider project to renew our congregation, which includes the refurbishment of the building. Along with the re-decorated Library/Council room, the Montefiore Hall has now had a much-needed face-lift, and the kitchen is next in line. The sanctuary is also going to get a lick of paint – and there is also the possibility of a special artistic project to enhance our worship… Before long, the whole place will look much brighter – enhanced by a major overhaul of the electrics!

Of course, looks aren’t everything. But these changes in appearance do signify some profound developments: For the past few months the Library/Council Room has found new life as the centre of all our adult study programmes. Now a library project has just been launched, and before long it will be possible, not only to participate in a class in the Library, but come in and sit down in a comfortable chair and read a book or a Jewish magazine in the glow of a halogen light. Since January, the Montefiore Hall has played host not only to weekly kiddushim and occasional festival and social activities, but also to monthly Shabbat Chavurah lunches and Erev Shabbat onagim – and from July onwards, we will gather there for monthly Erev Shabbat Chavurah suppers as well. Needless to say, all our culinary endeavours – including the mini refreshment breaks during classes - will be greatly improved by the new kitchen when it has been installed…<![endif]>

In short, the refurbishment of the building is about enhancing what we do as a community – and so compliments everything we do beyond its walls. The renewal of the fabric of the building serves a deeper purpose – expressed by the new logo - the renewal of the life of our Congregation of Peace and Friendship.