Sunday 30 November 2014
Sunday 2 November 2014
My friends and i at the Book Launch in Lucy Cavendish College 19 October 2014
These are some of the photos from the launch of Where the Woods Meet the Water
Sunday 26 October 2014
After the Launch
My very dear Friends
Last Sunday, the 19th of October, was a real milestone in my life.Forty of my friends, whom I have known over the last 32 years in Cambridge, gathered in the lovely Lucy Cavendish College to help me launch my new little book and the second part of my autobiography. It is called Where the Woods meet the Water, which, as I told you in a previous blog entry, is the apparently real meaning of Toronto in one of the Native Canadians languages.
Canada has been in the news lately and I feel it is quite timely to publish a book which is dedicated to the cause of Peace and Reconciliation, a cause which I have devoted my life to, especially in the last fifteen years. All this and more in the book.
At the launch I talked about 6 or 7 periods in my life which have been important stepping stones along the way. For example the mystical experience which started the whole enterprise of The Little Sisters of Joy off. To illustrate this and other episodes, I sang from my repertoire of sixties, Jewish and folk song and encouraging the gathering to sing too-which they did , straight from the heart, together and with some lovely individual voices ringing out-it was very moving for me and I hope them too.
The first piece was Last night I had the strangest dream-composed by Ed McCurdy, the father of modern folk music and the forerunner of Bob Dylan and the like. Founding a community for Peace and Reconciliation seemed like a tall order and sometimes the road still seems hard-enough work to last me a lifetime and beyond.
The Hebrew pieces went down well and I talked about Risa Domb, my modern Hebrew teacher, who passed away in January 2007 and in whose memory I gave a Concert for Peace and Reconciliation in Robinson college, a venue I returned to last November and to which I hope to return to do another concert this coming Spring.
After the presentation, Lucy Cavendish served tea and coffee, we had the run of the garden, and I sold and signed my books!
Next time I will post some photos of the Book launch on the Blog.
Shalom from Gila
The book is available from me
margogila61@gmail.com
or now from Heffers Bookshop in Cambridge or in a couple of weeks time also from
Waterstones in Cambridge. Price £10
Last Sunday, the 19th of October, was a real milestone in my life.Forty of my friends, whom I have known over the last 32 years in Cambridge, gathered in the lovely Lucy Cavendish College to help me launch my new little book and the second part of my autobiography. It is called Where the Woods meet the Water, which, as I told you in a previous blog entry, is the apparently real meaning of Toronto in one of the Native Canadians languages.
Canada has been in the news lately and I feel it is quite timely to publish a book which is dedicated to the cause of Peace and Reconciliation, a cause which I have devoted my life to, especially in the last fifteen years. All this and more in the book.
At the launch I talked about 6 or 7 periods in my life which have been important stepping stones along the way. For example the mystical experience which started the whole enterprise of The Little Sisters of Joy off. To illustrate this and other episodes, I sang from my repertoire of sixties, Jewish and folk song and encouraging the gathering to sing too-which they did , straight from the heart, together and with some lovely individual voices ringing out-it was very moving for me and I hope them too.
The first piece was Last night I had the strangest dream-composed by Ed McCurdy, the father of modern folk music and the forerunner of Bob Dylan and the like. Founding a community for Peace and Reconciliation seemed like a tall order and sometimes the road still seems hard-enough work to last me a lifetime and beyond.
The Hebrew pieces went down well and I talked about Risa Domb, my modern Hebrew teacher, who passed away in January 2007 and in whose memory I gave a Concert for Peace and Reconciliation in Robinson college, a venue I returned to last November and to which I hope to return to do another concert this coming Spring.
After the presentation, Lucy Cavendish served tea and coffee, we had the run of the garden, and I sold and signed my books!
Next time I will post some photos of the Book launch on the Blog.
Shalom from Gila
The book is available from me
margogila61@gmail.com
or now from Heffers Bookshop in Cambridge or in a couple of weeks time also from
Waterstones in Cambridge. Price £10
Monday 1 September 2014
Where the Woods meet the Water
My dear Friends
Where the Woods meet the Water is the sequel to the first part of my autobiography, The Moving Swan, which was published in 2006. The title is the meaning of Toronto in one of the native Canadian languages. Toronto is a place which means a great deal to me-it was there that I made the final decision to come into the Catholic Church from the Jewish religion in which I had been brought up and which is lovingly described in The Moving Swan.
Where the Woods meet the Water is to be launched in Lucy Cavendish College in the University of Cambridge, where I studied Hebrew and a little Arabic from 1988 to 1992. The launch will take place on Sunday 19th October this year. The new book describes, in diary form, the unfolding of The Little Sisters of Joy, a Foundation for Prayer, Peace and Reconciliation, which I founded with the help of a friend on 7th March 1999 in Cambridge, UK.
Over the last 15 years my Associates and I have been building Bridges of Peace between Jews and Christians, Jews and Arabs, Muslims and Christians and Catholics, the Orthodox and Protestants. With the love of God at its heart, the Foundation recognises music and the other arts as very much part of that healing process. Over the last 11 years, I have given a series of Concerts for Peace and Reconciliation, sometimes with my fellow musicians, in College Chapels and other venues in Cambridge. As you know, I sing with my guitar songs of the 60's, Jewish music and traditional folk.
Where the Woods meet the Water also depicts my journeys through Europe and Canada, as I try to spread the message of Peace while meeting many diverse and interesting people. My three visits to Poland between 2001 and 2004 were particularly memorable. The book ends in 2009.
The book will be available from 20th October 2014 from Heffers Bookshop, Trinity Street, Cambridge, UK or by contacting me directly at
margogila61@gmail.com
The cost of the book is £10
The Moving Swan is available now from Amazon and other internet sites and Where the Woods meet the Water should be available on the internet sometime after the launch-unfortunately I can't say when.
Happy reading if you are interested!
Shalom from Gila
Where the Woods meet the Water is the sequel to the first part of my autobiography, The Moving Swan, which was published in 2006. The title is the meaning of Toronto in one of the native Canadian languages. Toronto is a place which means a great deal to me-it was there that I made the final decision to come into the Catholic Church from the Jewish religion in which I had been brought up and which is lovingly described in The Moving Swan.
Where the Woods meet the Water is to be launched in Lucy Cavendish College in the University of Cambridge, where I studied Hebrew and a little Arabic from 1988 to 1992. The launch will take place on Sunday 19th October this year. The new book describes, in diary form, the unfolding of The Little Sisters of Joy, a Foundation for Prayer, Peace and Reconciliation, which I founded with the help of a friend on 7th March 1999 in Cambridge, UK.
Over the last 15 years my Associates and I have been building Bridges of Peace between Jews and Christians, Jews and Arabs, Muslims and Christians and Catholics, the Orthodox and Protestants. With the love of God at its heart, the Foundation recognises music and the other arts as very much part of that healing process. Over the last 11 years, I have given a series of Concerts for Peace and Reconciliation, sometimes with my fellow musicians, in College Chapels and other venues in Cambridge. As you know, I sing with my guitar songs of the 60's, Jewish music and traditional folk.
Where the Woods meet the Water also depicts my journeys through Europe and Canada, as I try to spread the message of Peace while meeting many diverse and interesting people. My three visits to Poland between 2001 and 2004 were particularly memorable. The book ends in 2009.
The book will be available from 20th October 2014 from Heffers Bookshop, Trinity Street, Cambridge, UK or by contacting me directly at
margogila61@gmail.com
The cost of the book is £10
The Moving Swan is available now from Amazon and other internet sites and Where the Woods meet the Water should be available on the internet sometime after the launch-unfortunately I can't say when.
Happy reading if you are interested!
Shalom from Gila
Monday 25 August 2014
The beauty of Ramsgate in Kent
My dear Friends
Finally, after a long year of hard work, including getting my new little memoir ready, I went on a holiday.
You don't have to go far to enjoy yourself and get away and when I was I was a child my parents took me to the Synagogue in Ramsgate, which I never forgot. A great Italian gentleman, Sir Moses Montefiore, came to England in 1831 and settle din Ramsgate, on the South coast-famous for fish and smugglers! Sir Moses built an estate in the Italian style, with lovely grounds and an Italian greenhouse-my friend and I sat there surrounded by vines and concave Italian glass, on a hot summer's day. We could imagine the carriage with Queen Victoria coming up the driveway to visit her friend Sir Moses.
My guide, a local counsellor and very knowledgeable about his part of the world then drove me to Pegwell Bay, where St Augustine landed in about the 7th century to bring Christianity to the 'Angles' as the English were then known and to leave his mark over Kent and especially Canterbury, which I visited in 2011. Beside the bay is a huge cross, sculpted with beautiful figures, to mark where Augustine landed. When we arrived a local gentleman was leaning against it having his sandwiches.
Onto Sandwich and the home of the famous Earl and lunch in a very ancient pub, which reflects the history of the whole town. Unfortunately the market was just packing up for the day, but the adjacent Guildhall was impressive and so were the little shops. The Church of England has preserved two magnificent mediaeval churches and standing inside nearly took my breath away. Every where the gardens were full of flowers.
You know how much I just love talking to people;I met many locals especially in Ramsgate, where I discovered a small café perched on something known as the Kent Steps. Walking down every day from the guesthouse to the town was a joy, as I had to pass the sea-on this particular holiday I didn't go down to the sands, but contented myself with watching sea change colour at different times of day.I ate wonderful meals-salmon to ide for in a small and simple restaurant owned by Turkish Cypriots. Near the gardens overlooking the sea there was even a Tai restaurant recently opened and run by a young couple from Tailand.
In Broadstairs, where Charles Dickens lived, I had one or two interesting and unusual experiences, and returned from my holiday with the strong feeling that one day I would return.
Shalom, Peace and blessing
Gila
Finally, after a long year of hard work, including getting my new little memoir ready, I went on a holiday.
You don't have to go far to enjoy yourself and get away and when I was I was a child my parents took me to the Synagogue in Ramsgate, which I never forgot. A great Italian gentleman, Sir Moses Montefiore, came to England in 1831 and settle din Ramsgate, on the South coast-famous for fish and smugglers! Sir Moses built an estate in the Italian style, with lovely grounds and an Italian greenhouse-my friend and I sat there surrounded by vines and concave Italian glass, on a hot summer's day. We could imagine the carriage with Queen Victoria coming up the driveway to visit her friend Sir Moses.
My guide, a local counsellor and very knowledgeable about his part of the world then drove me to Pegwell Bay, where St Augustine landed in about the 7th century to bring Christianity to the 'Angles' as the English were then known and to leave his mark over Kent and especially Canterbury, which I visited in 2011. Beside the bay is a huge cross, sculpted with beautiful figures, to mark where Augustine landed. When we arrived a local gentleman was leaning against it having his sandwiches.
Onto Sandwich and the home of the famous Earl and lunch in a very ancient pub, which reflects the history of the whole town. Unfortunately the market was just packing up for the day, but the adjacent Guildhall was impressive and so were the little shops. The Church of England has preserved two magnificent mediaeval churches and standing inside nearly took my breath away. Every where the gardens were full of flowers.
You know how much I just love talking to people;I met many locals especially in Ramsgate, where I discovered a small café perched on something known as the Kent Steps. Walking down every day from the guesthouse to the town was a joy, as I had to pass the sea-on this particular holiday I didn't go down to the sands, but contented myself with watching sea change colour at different times of day.I ate wonderful meals-salmon to ide for in a small and simple restaurant owned by Turkish Cypriots. Near the gardens overlooking the sea there was even a Tai restaurant recently opened and run by a young couple from Tailand.
In Broadstairs, where Charles Dickens lived, I had one or two interesting and unusual experiences, and returned from my holiday with the strong feeling that one day I would return.
Shalom, Peace and blessing
Gila
Wednesday 30 July 2014
Silver birch trees
My dear Friends
Silver birch trees have been a theme in my life ever since 1999, when we planted a silver birch tree in my landlady's garden in Cambridge, to commemorate the birth of The Little Sisters of Joy. When I moved over the river in 2003, I planted a birch the following year in my garden. .Sadly I had to remove it last year, as it grew too big for its surroundings, but I feel the spirit of the tree is still there.
The Native Canadians revere the silver birch and used the bark to make their canoes.And the Canadians sing of 'the land of the beaver and the birch.' Strangely enough, there is an avenue of birches alongside the Criminology Faculty in the University of Toronto, and the the University here in Cambridge, England have planted an avenue of birches beside the Criminology Faculty here.
They stand near the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern studies, where I did my degree in Hebrew (taking some classes in Arabic as well) and from time to time I go and sit there, taking shelter in the shade of these beautiful trees. It is easy to dream of Peace here and for me these mysterious trees, also revered in Russia, where my grandparents came from, are a symbol of Peace.
'I will hear what God has to say-a voice that speaks of Peace. Peace for His people and His friends and for those who turn to Him in their hearts.' Psalm 85
All we can do at the moment, with the terrible events going on in the world, is stand back and pray, or think of Peace.
Shalom, Salaam
Gila
Silver birch trees have been a theme in my life ever since 1999, when we planted a silver birch tree in my landlady's garden in Cambridge, to commemorate the birth of The Little Sisters of Joy. When I moved over the river in 2003, I planted a birch the following year in my garden. .Sadly I had to remove it last year, as it grew too big for its surroundings, but I feel the spirit of the tree is still there.
The Native Canadians revere the silver birch and used the bark to make their canoes.And the Canadians sing of 'the land of the beaver and the birch.' Strangely enough, there is an avenue of birches alongside the Criminology Faculty in the University of Toronto, and the the University here in Cambridge, England have planted an avenue of birches beside the Criminology Faculty here.
They stand near the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern studies, where I did my degree in Hebrew (taking some classes in Arabic as well) and from time to time I go and sit there, taking shelter in the shade of these beautiful trees. It is easy to dream of Peace here and for me these mysterious trees, also revered in Russia, where my grandparents came from, are a symbol of Peace.
'I will hear what God has to say-a voice that speaks of Peace. Peace for His people and His friends and for those who turn to Him in their hearts.' Psalm 85
All we can do at the moment, with the terrible events going on in the world, is stand back and pray, or think of Peace.
Shalom, Salaam
Gila
Saturday 21 June 2014
Crossing the bridge
Very dear Friends
You have heard me speak of the Regent Hotel many times. This morning I left home and was going to have a scrambled egg across the street from the hotel, which is near the big Church, but I decided to go to my favourite place for their nice breakfast after all.
And how glad I was that I did! I spotted what I thought were two Americans(the lady was speaking with a transatlantic accent) and then she turned to me and said they were Canadians! So I crossed the short distance and threw my arms round her in a bear hug-being from Canada she didn't mind at all.
Not only were they from Canada, but they were from London Ontario, near Cambridge Ontario-the first place I went to in eastern Canada and just before I discovered Toronto itself. We had a long talk, her daughter arrived-she is a teacher of religion near Cambridge-and the parents said they would come to the book launch in Toronto next September and bring a friend who is a Catholic Priest!
As my new book is about the continuation of my journey in the Church and my attempts to found a religious community this is a wonderful thing. But I am happy that the book also contains small cameos of some of my closest friends, some still walking with me and some elsewhere now.
It is a great privilege to produce a book. And to have control every step of the way. I have worked closely with Victoire Press in Bar hill, near Cambridge and Tony, the Director and Bobbie in the studio who has worked on all the flow of the text, the cover and the photos have been absolutely amazing, yielding to my every whim! the cover will eventually go on my website.
www.ourchurch.com/member/s/sistersofjoy
I am trying to take some rest before the presses finally roll and we have beautiful weather here in Cambridge. Tomorrow I am off to Ely for some real recreation and to go to a service of the hymns of Sue Gilmaurray, who sang with me last November in Robinson college.
Until the next time
Shabbat shalom
Gila
You have heard me speak of the Regent Hotel many times. This morning I left home and was going to have a scrambled egg across the street from the hotel, which is near the big Church, but I decided to go to my favourite place for their nice breakfast after all.
And how glad I was that I did! I spotted what I thought were two Americans(the lady was speaking with a transatlantic accent) and then she turned to me and said they were Canadians! So I crossed the short distance and threw my arms round her in a bear hug-being from Canada she didn't mind at all.
Not only were they from Canada, but they were from London Ontario, near Cambridge Ontario-the first place I went to in eastern Canada and just before I discovered Toronto itself. We had a long talk, her daughter arrived-she is a teacher of religion near Cambridge-and the parents said they would come to the book launch in Toronto next September and bring a friend who is a Catholic Priest!
As my new book is about the continuation of my journey in the Church and my attempts to found a religious community this is a wonderful thing. But I am happy that the book also contains small cameos of some of my closest friends, some still walking with me and some elsewhere now.
It is a great privilege to produce a book. And to have control every step of the way. I have worked closely with Victoire Press in Bar hill, near Cambridge and Tony, the Director and Bobbie in the studio who has worked on all the flow of the text, the cover and the photos have been absolutely amazing, yielding to my every whim! the cover will eventually go on my website.
www.ourchurch.com/member/s/sistersofjoy
I am trying to take some rest before the presses finally roll and we have beautiful weather here in Cambridge. Tomorrow I am off to Ely for some real recreation and to go to a service of the hymns of Sue Gilmaurray, who sang with me last November in Robinson college.
Until the next time
Shabbat shalom
Gila
Saturday 24 May 2014
Lucy Cavendish College
My dear Friends
In 1992 I had the privilege of graduating in Hebrew from the University of Cambridge. It took me four years and was hard work but worth it in the end.
Cambridge is a collegiate system and the college which had accepted me was Lucy Cavendish, a small college fro mature women students which had been founded only thirty years previously. This choice of college was to prove a bonus and a blessing for many reasons.
I was thirty seven when I started studying again-Lucy takes women from age 21 until you are in your nineties! So I felt completely supported and surrounded by like-minded women from all different backgrounds. My fellow students were studying law, Chinese, Japanese and many other subjects.
I was blessed with two Directors of Studies-the late Carmen Blacker, whose subject was Japanese and Michael Loewe, a scholar in Chinese from a distinguished Jewish background.
It is the sense of community which is exceptional in Lucy Cavendish. Going to lunch is a very pleasant experience and you can meet all kinds of people. I still go there after all these years, and occasionally go to formal hall and take a guest.
Dr Renfrew was appointed as my personal tutor in the early days and she is still a friend and a mentor. Lucy is the kind of place where you make friends for life.
On the date of the publication of my new book Where the Woods meet the Water , the continuation of my life story and covering the years between 1999 and 2009, I am giving a little launch. What better place than Lucy Cavendish? I will sing and speak in the old dining hall to a gathering of friends.
The place will remind me of many happy memories and hopefully inspire me. I am happily working towards this day, in a few months time.
Talk to you soon, have a great summer
Shalom from Gila
In 1992 I had the privilege of graduating in Hebrew from the University of Cambridge. It took me four years and was hard work but worth it in the end.
Cambridge is a collegiate system and the college which had accepted me was Lucy Cavendish, a small college fro mature women students which had been founded only thirty years previously. This choice of college was to prove a bonus and a blessing for many reasons.
I was thirty seven when I started studying again-Lucy takes women from age 21 until you are in your nineties! So I felt completely supported and surrounded by like-minded women from all different backgrounds. My fellow students were studying law, Chinese, Japanese and many other subjects.
I was blessed with two Directors of Studies-the late Carmen Blacker, whose subject was Japanese and Michael Loewe, a scholar in Chinese from a distinguished Jewish background.
It is the sense of community which is exceptional in Lucy Cavendish. Going to lunch is a very pleasant experience and you can meet all kinds of people. I still go there after all these years, and occasionally go to formal hall and take a guest.
Dr Renfrew was appointed as my personal tutor in the early days and she is still a friend and a mentor. Lucy is the kind of place where you make friends for life.
On the date of the publication of my new book Where the Woods meet the Water , the continuation of my life story and covering the years between 1999 and 2009, I am giving a little launch. What better place than Lucy Cavendish? I will sing and speak in the old dining hall to a gathering of friends.
The place will remind me of many happy memories and hopefully inspire me. I am happily working towards this day, in a few months time.
Talk to you soon, have a great summer
Shalom from Gila
Monday 12 May 2014
The Sabbath
My dear Friends
Lovely to talk to you again. Today in my childhood I would have celebrated the Sabbath-a day in the Jewish calendar of complete rest. We were taken as children to the synagogue, where we prayed and sang and as a child , very small ,my father would tuck in me in to his box, where only the men were, to be beside him in the liturgy which I loved.
My father was asked to participate a lot and sing the portion of the prophets which followed the reading of the Law or Torah.
After the lovely service, we went home and a nice lunch-usually chicken soup, and rested for the rest of the day. My mother and I were rather unusual. in that we listened to the radio in different rooms and compared notes.
It is a day for listening to the voice of the Creator in a special way and to be together as a family, so round the table for afternoon tea we had friends and visitors.
Lovely to talk to you again. Today in my childhood I would have celebrated the Sabbath-a day in the Jewish calendar of complete rest. We were taken as children to the synagogue, where we prayed and sang and as a child , very small ,my father would tuck in me in to his box, where only the men were, to be beside him in the liturgy which I loved.
My father was asked to participate a lot and sing the portion of the prophets which followed the reading of the Law or Torah.
After the lovely service, we went home and a nice lunch-usually chicken soup, and rested for the rest of the day. My mother and I were rather unusual. in that we listened to the radio in different rooms and compared notes.
It is a day for listening to the voice of the Creator in a special way and to be together as a family, so round the table for afternoon tea we had friends and visitors.
Tuesday 22 April 2014
The Regent Hotel
My dear Friends
I would like to share with you a little haven I have in this busy city of Cambridge. It is a small family hotel, right in the centre and is run by an Italian family from the South of Italy. They are very welcoming and friendly and there is always a very warm reception. I often go there to chill out, have some breakfast and maybe talk to the residents.
There is also a little computer that i can use if I need to check the internet.
Recently the place has been refurbished and there are lovely green chairs, with new blue wallpaper.The owner, Mrs P likes to come and have a chat with me.
Over Easter, which we celebrated joyfully here in Cambridge, I popped in while I was near to the Church. One of the pluses about the hotel is that is near to the Church of Our lady and the English Martyrs.
This was my home Parish when I first became a Catholic. It was only ten years ago that I moved over to the other side of town and now I go to the Parish of St Laurence.
I have many friends, old and new and some of them go to Church with me.
Hoping you had a joyful and blessed Easter, wherever you were.
We are now into eastertide, a very joyful five weeks, leading up to the wonderful Feast of Pentecost, which corresponds to the Feast of Shavuot in the Jewish religion.
All the very best
Shalom as ever
Gila
I would like to share with you a little haven I have in this busy city of Cambridge. It is a small family hotel, right in the centre and is run by an Italian family from the South of Italy. They are very welcoming and friendly and there is always a very warm reception. I often go there to chill out, have some breakfast and maybe talk to the residents.
There is also a little computer that i can use if I need to check the internet.
Recently the place has been refurbished and there are lovely green chairs, with new blue wallpaper.The owner, Mrs P likes to come and have a chat with me.
Over Easter, which we celebrated joyfully here in Cambridge, I popped in while I was near to the Church. One of the pluses about the hotel is that is near to the Church of Our lady and the English Martyrs.
This was my home Parish when I first became a Catholic. It was only ten years ago that I moved over to the other side of town and now I go to the Parish of St Laurence.
I have many friends, old and new and some of them go to Church with me.
Hoping you had a joyful and blessed Easter, wherever you were.
We are now into eastertide, a very joyful five weeks, leading up to the wonderful Feast of Pentecost, which corresponds to the Feast of Shavuot in the Jewish religion.
All the very best
Shalom as ever
Gila
Sunday 16 March 2014
Visit to the Synagogue
My dear Friends
Yesterday, on the Jewish Sabbath,or Shabbat as it is called, I had a beautiful experience. I had been invited to BethShalom Reform Synagogue, where I was going to pick up two prayer books I had ordered from one of their members.
Beth Shalom Synagogue is not new to me as I had been a member of the congregation between 1986 and 1988. I took some of their services and it was during this period that I learned to chant in Hebrew from the Torah scroll-my teacher was the late Louis Berkman, formerly cantor of Belsize Synagogue in London. This was indeed a great privilege.
Yesterday's service was on the eve of the Festival of Purim, commemorating the time when Queen Esther saved the Jews from their enemies in Persia and it is a delightful feast for adults and children alike. Yesterday's actual reading from the Torah was rather complex, being from the Book of Leviticus and its injunctions on sacrifices-I was particularly interested in the Peace offerings, which were strictly laid down.
As I was standing and singing and gazing at the beautiful Torah scrolls, a thought struck me. As this community do not yet have their own building, the 'mobile' Ark containing the scrolls resembled that of the ark of the covenant which was carried round in the desert. How appropriate for me, during Lent, to be there, amongst my Jewish people! For I have always envisaged Len as my own journey through the desert with the Israelites, as in days of old.
The cantor sang well and I heard many new tunes that i had not heard on a previous visit. I resolved to come again before too long.
Happy and joyful journey through the desert!
Shalom from Gila.
Yesterday, on the Jewish Sabbath,or Shabbat as it is called, I had a beautiful experience. I had been invited to BethShalom Reform Synagogue, where I was going to pick up two prayer books I had ordered from one of their members.
Beth Shalom Synagogue is not new to me as I had been a member of the congregation between 1986 and 1988. I took some of their services and it was during this period that I learned to chant in Hebrew from the Torah scroll-my teacher was the late Louis Berkman, formerly cantor of Belsize Synagogue in London. This was indeed a great privilege.
Yesterday's service was on the eve of the Festival of Purim, commemorating the time when Queen Esther saved the Jews from their enemies in Persia and it is a delightful feast for adults and children alike. Yesterday's actual reading from the Torah was rather complex, being from the Book of Leviticus and its injunctions on sacrifices-I was particularly interested in the Peace offerings, which were strictly laid down.
As I was standing and singing and gazing at the beautiful Torah scrolls, a thought struck me. As this community do not yet have their own building, the 'mobile' Ark containing the scrolls resembled that of the ark of the covenant which was carried round in the desert. How appropriate for me, during Lent, to be there, amongst my Jewish people! For I have always envisaged Len as my own journey through the desert with the Israelites, as in days of old.
The cantor sang well and I heard many new tunes that i had not heard on a previous visit. I resolved to come again before too long.
Happy and joyful journey through the desert!
Shalom from Gila.
Saturday 1 March 2014
Towards Lent
My very dear Friends
It is hard to believe that we are approaching Lent once again. It seems that it was only yesterday that we celebrated Advent, Christmas and the New Year. and with snow on the ground still in so many places (not in Cambridge however) that we have just had the first official day of Spring.
Spring-that is the real meaning of Lent and many of the religious poets commemorated and celebrated it in beautiful poetry. Like George Herbert, for example, one of my favourite 17th century poets. He wrote a wonderful poem called 'Easter Wings' which I first came across the night after I was baptized into the Catholic Church at Easter 1989.
This is why Lent and Easter 2014 have such a special meaning for me, as it is my 25th anniversary of being a Catholic. It has been a momentous 25 years, with many ups and downs, twists and turns along the way. but I have never regretted it and have been told that my Orthodox Jewish upbringing was my best formation for my new life.I have tried my best to bring everything that was meaningful from the Jewish religion into the last 25 years and have attempted to build bridges between Jews and Christians through music, encounter and Friendship as best I could.
It has been my privilege to have been given the grace to found, with the help of a friend, an organization dedicated to that aim, The Little Sisters of JOY and this has been, and will continue to be, the focus of everything I do.My life as a Catholic Christian gives me the structure and above all, the sacramental life, to follow in the steps of Jesus and to do his work.
I am blessed with a huge variety of friends from every religion and culture whose love and support nourishes me and empowers me.
And you!
A blessed and joyful Lent
Shalom from Gila
It is hard to believe that we are approaching Lent once again. It seems that it was only yesterday that we celebrated Advent, Christmas and the New Year. and with snow on the ground still in so many places (not in Cambridge however) that we have just had the first official day of Spring.
Spring-that is the real meaning of Lent and many of the religious poets commemorated and celebrated it in beautiful poetry. Like George Herbert, for example, one of my favourite 17th century poets. He wrote a wonderful poem called 'Easter Wings' which I first came across the night after I was baptized into the Catholic Church at Easter 1989.
This is why Lent and Easter 2014 have such a special meaning for me, as it is my 25th anniversary of being a Catholic. It has been a momentous 25 years, with many ups and downs, twists and turns along the way. but I have never regretted it and have been told that my Orthodox Jewish upbringing was my best formation for my new life.I have tried my best to bring everything that was meaningful from the Jewish religion into the last 25 years and have attempted to build bridges between Jews and Christians through music, encounter and Friendship as best I could.
It has been my privilege to have been given the grace to found, with the help of a friend, an organization dedicated to that aim, The Little Sisters of JOY and this has been, and will continue to be, the focus of everything I do.My life as a Catholic Christian gives me the structure and above all, the sacramental life, to follow in the steps of Jesus and to do his work.
I am blessed with a huge variety of friends from every religion and culture whose love and support nourishes me and empowers me.
And you!
A blessed and joyful Lent
Shalom from Gila
Friday 14 February 2014
Patron Saint of thunderstorms
My dear Friends
I had intended to write this little piece last Monday on the Feast of Saint Scholastica. Who is this Saint, you my well ask? She is not as obscure as you might think.
Her brother was Saint Benedict, who was one of the Founders of the monastic life. She was very fond of her brother and one day went to visit him in the monastery. She was really enjoying his company but after a while he said he had to leave her to go back to his monastic cell (the word used for someone's private room.) Sister Scholastica prayed very hard and soon afterwards there was a massive thunderstorm, followed by torrential rain, much as there is over many parts of the country at the moment.
Saint Benedict had no choice but to go on talking to his dear sister for a night and a day and that is why she is chosen by the Church to take this role. Let us hope that in some mysterious way she will use her gifts to help appease the terrible storms that beset us now and that the Master of the elements will hear our plea.
I was privilege in Cambridge to know a nun called Sister Scholastica. She was a teacher all her life and, being retired and reaching the age of 75, she said to God that she was bored. Apparently there was a divine reply and she was told to learn Hebrew-which is where i came in. Scholastica was a wonderful scholar on her own, but she would invite me to the convent every Wednesday at 5pm, we would have a session on Hebrew until 6pm, when there would be Mass and a nice supper with the other Sisters after wards. Then my dear friend would take my arm and we would go for a short walk in the garden.
Her prayers were very powerful and she died in November 1995, in the same week that I was in israel and Yitzchak Rabin was shot down at a Peace rally.
I miss her still but for sure she is watching over me.
Shabbat shalom, peaceful Sabbath
Gila
I had intended to write this little piece last Monday on the Feast of Saint Scholastica. Who is this Saint, you my well ask? She is not as obscure as you might think.
Her brother was Saint Benedict, who was one of the Founders of the monastic life. She was very fond of her brother and one day went to visit him in the monastery. She was really enjoying his company but after a while he said he had to leave her to go back to his monastic cell (the word used for someone's private room.) Sister Scholastica prayed very hard and soon afterwards there was a massive thunderstorm, followed by torrential rain, much as there is over many parts of the country at the moment.
Saint Benedict had no choice but to go on talking to his dear sister for a night and a day and that is why she is chosen by the Church to take this role. Let us hope that in some mysterious way she will use her gifts to help appease the terrible storms that beset us now and that the Master of the elements will hear our plea.
I was privilege in Cambridge to know a nun called Sister Scholastica. She was a teacher all her life and, being retired and reaching the age of 75, she said to God that she was bored. Apparently there was a divine reply and she was told to learn Hebrew-which is where i came in. Scholastica was a wonderful scholar on her own, but she would invite me to the convent every Wednesday at 5pm, we would have a session on Hebrew until 6pm, when there would be Mass and a nice supper with the other Sisters after wards. Then my dear friend would take my arm and we would go for a short walk in the garden.
Her prayers were very powerful and she died in November 1995, in the same week that I was in israel and Yitzchak Rabin was shot down at a Peace rally.
I miss her still but for sure she is watching over me.
Shabbat shalom, peaceful Sabbath
Gila
Wednesday 22 January 2014
Gathering at the Regent Hotel
My dear Friends
Just to report that my little gathering at the Regent hotel here in the heart of Cambridge went really well. Eleven people gathered to celebrate 15 years of The Little Sisters of Joy, now a Foundation of Prayer, Peace and Reconciliation, which takes many forms; Concerts of Peace and Reconciliation in various lovely halls, usually in and around the university of Cambridge, the occasional lectures and much more besides. In any one day I can meet up to half a dozen new and very diverse people.
Getting back to last Saturday, the eleven people came from different Christian traditions,which was fitting especially on that day as it was the beginning of The Week of prayer for Christian Unity.Traditions represented were Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Russian Orthodox and even American Orthodox!
Our newly refurbished surroundings added to the JOY of being together and chatting over some food and drink. I gave a brief overview as to what happened in the Project in the past year and what is planned for the year to come, including singing with my guitar at a service in Grantchester Parish Church. where 3 Anglican Parishes will come together for their annual celebration-a great privilege for me!
A holiday beckons and I can now tell you that i have planned a short holiday in the 'wild and wooly West' of Ireland. (That is how someone described it to me when i said I was going quite a way beyond Galway city.) My final destination is to an Abbey in Connemara, but I am flying to a shrine in County Mayo first, to give thanks for my 25 years in the Catholic Church.
My flight is booked for the second half on May and i will prepare to put my little pussycat in his holiday home in a village near Cambridge, where he is well cared for while I am away.
Until the next time!
Shalom from Gila
Just to report that my little gathering at the Regent hotel here in the heart of Cambridge went really well. Eleven people gathered to celebrate 15 years of The Little Sisters of Joy, now a Foundation of Prayer, Peace and Reconciliation, which takes many forms; Concerts of Peace and Reconciliation in various lovely halls, usually in and around the university of Cambridge, the occasional lectures and much more besides. In any one day I can meet up to half a dozen new and very diverse people.
Getting back to last Saturday, the eleven people came from different Christian traditions,which was fitting especially on that day as it was the beginning of The Week of prayer for Christian Unity.Traditions represented were Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Russian Orthodox and even American Orthodox!
Our newly refurbished surroundings added to the JOY of being together and chatting over some food and drink. I gave a brief overview as to what happened in the Project in the past year and what is planned for the year to come, including singing with my guitar at a service in Grantchester Parish Church. where 3 Anglican Parishes will come together for their annual celebration-a great privilege for me!
A holiday beckons and I can now tell you that i have planned a short holiday in the 'wild and wooly West' of Ireland. (That is how someone described it to me when i said I was going quite a way beyond Galway city.) My final destination is to an Abbey in Connemara, but I am flying to a shrine in County Mayo first, to give thanks for my 25 years in the Catholic Church.
My flight is booked for the second half on May and i will prepare to put my little pussycat in his holiday home in a village near Cambridge, where he is well cared for while I am away.
Until the next time!
Shalom from Gila
Saturday 18 January 2014
Music at Queens
My dear Friends
Life has been quite hectic since we kicked off into the New year. My main project as you know this year is the publication of my second little memoir, Where the Woods the Water.
I was feeling a bit frazzled, having just come from the University library and the Graduate Centre and was passing Queens College in Silver Street. I popped in and over the mathematical bridge and into the court with the huge walnut tree. This is where tihe Chapel is and as I entered I heard the sound of the organ playing.
I could see a young man perched below the huge pipes, playing with great gusto. I sat down down in the middle of this really beautiful space and listened. After he had stopped playing the first piece, I clapped and shouted what a joy it was to hear such wonderful music. I think he was pleased to have me there, as he told me he was practising for an organ recital at 1.15 today. I explained I would be unable to go as i was holding a gathering of Friends in the Regent Hotel, but that i would love to listen to more.
Qutie a selection of music followed; Bach, some French music-quite delicious-some loud and soem quiet. This short interlude in my life really soothed my soul.
There is a variety of organists playing in this lunchtime series and I hope to go to something in the future.
Have a great weekend, a report about my meeting will the next blog entry
Shalom from Gila
Life has been quite hectic since we kicked off into the New year. My main project as you know this year is the publication of my second little memoir, Where the Woods the Water.
I was feeling a bit frazzled, having just come from the University library and the Graduate Centre and was passing Queens College in Silver Street. I popped in and over the mathematical bridge and into the court with the huge walnut tree. This is where tihe Chapel is and as I entered I heard the sound of the organ playing.
I could see a young man perched below the huge pipes, playing with great gusto. I sat down down in the middle of this really beautiful space and listened. After he had stopped playing the first piece, I clapped and shouted what a joy it was to hear such wonderful music. I think he was pleased to have me there, as he told me he was practising for an organ recital at 1.15 today. I explained I would be unable to go as i was holding a gathering of Friends in the Regent Hotel, but that i would love to listen to more.
Qutie a selection of music followed; Bach, some French music-quite delicious-some loud and soem quiet. This short interlude in my life really soothed my soul.
There is a variety of organists playing in this lunchtime series and I hope to go to something in the future.
Have a great weekend, a report about my meeting will the next blog entry
Shalom from Gila
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