Visit to the Synagogue

My dear Friends
Thompson's Lane is a small street off Bridge Street in Cambridge. Tucked away behind St Clements Church is the Orthodox Synagogue.Last Shabbat the Mayor of Cambridge, Councillor Mike Dixon, did the Jewish community and myself the honour of attending.

It all started some Mayors ago when I discovered that the Guildhall used to be a Synagogue. Also that the Jewish community in the Middle Ages, before they were expelled from England in the 13th century, lived between the Guildhall and the Round Church.

The Synagogue service was moving and uplifting. We had the extra bonus of a cantor, who sang beautifully and whose French wife guided my friend through the service. (Men and women sit separately.) The central part of the liturgy is the taking out of the Torah scrolls and returning them to the ark, while the portion is read.

It was an interesting one this week; from the book of Leviticus, dealing with the disobedient sons of Aaron the High Priest and the different animals which can be eaten under the laws of Kashrut.
After the service, which I believe the Mayor found moving, there was a Kiddush, some wine and cake. It was also a chance for the Mayor to talk to some members of the Jewish community.

All in all, a wonderful experience!
Shalom from
Sister Gila