Simchat Torah (19th & 20th October) marked Kol Chai’s 25th anniversary and there were a number of celebratory aspects to the services. Then there was a very special Celebration Shabbat with VIP guests on Shabbat 19th November - followed by a lavish, catered kiddush/lunch.
A few weeks later, on Saturday 26th November, there was a Grand Silver Anniversary Party with dancing to a live band and wonderful food.
Most Social and Cultural groups within Kol Chai organised something special in addition to their regular activities. Here are some of the events:
Kol Chai Choir:
held a Singing Workshop on Sunday 4th September, which was open to everyone, regardless of voice or ability to read music, with the renowned and aptly named singer and teacher, Judith Silver.
Music Society:
held a Desert Island Discs event at the Synagogue on Sunday 11th September, starring Rabbi Michael Hilton and marking his 10th anniversary with Kol Chai.
Film Club:
held a special film night on Sunday 18th September and the audience enjoyed a glass of wine with their usual lavish refreshments after the screening of Wondrous Oblivion, .
Adult Education:
invited Keith Kahn-Harris on Tuesday 20th September who talked about the The Changing Face of Anglo-Jewry. He looked back at British Jewry over the past 25 years and forward to the next 25. Co-author of Turbulent Times: The British Jewish Community Today, he’s a sociologist, researcher, writer and music critic, Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Religion and Contemporary Society at Birkbeck College, an associate lecturer for the Open University and the convenor of New Jewish Thought.
Tea and Talk:
members are brought jewellery to either sell or get valued by an expert at one of their monthly sessions in the autumn.
Table Tennis:
the Kol Chai club held on Tuesday 6th December a knock-out competition.
Bridge Club:
our popular club held an evening of Bridge with a few twists inNovember at their monthly meeting .
