Social
We have an active group of volunteers who help to enhance and develop synagogue life through a range of pastoral, social, cultural and fundraising activities.
KEEP IN TOUCH (KIT)
KIT complements the Rabbi’s pastoral role by supporting all BHPS members in times of need through visits and telephone calls.
Under the umbrella of KIT the L’Chayyim (To Life!) project provides opportunities for training and support to volunteers, older or younger, who befriend older congregants who are infirm or isolated. Quarterly luncheons provide an opportunity for volunteers and clients to socialise and participate in communal life.
SOCIAL ACTION
BHPS follows the lead of Liberal Judaism (LJ) in being committed to social action. We have a volunteer social action co-ordinator who publicises and organises events and campaigns. BHPS supports Fairtrade and holds an annual Fairtrade Kiddush during Fairtrade Fortnight. We also give on-going support to Brighton Voices in Exile, a local refugee charity. In our annual Yom Kippur charity appeals we support a wide variety of charities, local, national and in Israel.
Social action is not a recent phenomenon in Judaism. The Torah and the prophets, as well as later scholars, teach us to have respect and concern for other people and for the natural environment which feeds and clothes us. In the modern context, social action encompasses ‘tikkun olam’ (repairing the world) which can range from buying fair-trade commodities and protecting the environment to boycotting the products of slave or child labour, and ‘g’milut hasidim’ (deed of loving kindness) which can include supporting the sick and the homeless, and victims of natural disasters and wars.
SOCIAL / CULTURAL GROUP
Some events are a regular part of the year’s calendar – our Channukah Bash, Quiz Evening, Strawberry Tea, Summer Ramble. Every year brings new social activities, such as classical and jazz concerts, a cabaret of our own talent, lectures and talks.
FRIENDS OF RELIGION SCHOOL
The Friends of Beit Lameid are the parents who support extra-curricular activities for the children of the Religion School. Each Shabbat we provide security back-up for the school, and help with refreshments and the school Tuck Shop. We are also involved with a cycle of events focused on the festivals, such as Channukah parties, Purimspiels, Shavuot picnics, and Sukkot Cavalcades.
Our aim is to help connect our children’s experience of Judaism in the Saturday morning classroom with that which can be found outside it. By facilitating occasions and celebrations throughout the year which involve young people, their families and the wider congregation, we hope to provide our children with a sense of belonging and of continuity.
FUNDRAISING
Like most synagogues, BHPS is always fundraising to enable it to develop new projects. These may involve education, interfaith work, or improvements to the fabric of our building. Our fundraisers are always looking for interesting, fun and creative ideas.
BOOK CLUB
Synagogue member and writer, Claudia Gould, convenes a Book Club on the first and third Shabbat mornings of the month, from 10-10.45am prior to the service.