Latest News...

RULES FOR SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES AT ETZ CHAIM IMPORTANT RULES AND ADVICE ON ATTENDING ANY SHUL SERVICES

Weekday services restart

Welcome Back! Since 13^th July 2020, we have been running Weekday Services in the Small Shul. Following Guidance from the Office of the Chief Rabbi, we are running shorter services, maintaining social distancing and wearing face masks indoors.

You must Register for these services by agreeing to the safety rules and providing your contact details as part of the government Test & Trace scheme. You can do this through a Covid Officer when you arrive at a service.

Weekday services restart

Welcome Back! Since 13^th July 2020, we have been running Weekday Services in the Small Shul. Following Guidance from the Office of the Chief Rabbi, we are running shorter services, maintaining social distancing and wearing face masks indoors.

You must Register for these services by agreeing to the safety rules and providing your contact details as part of the government Test & Trace scheme. You can do this through a Covid Officer when you arrive at a service.

Etz Chaim Tefillin Video

Etz Chaim Tefillin video

Etz Chaim Synagogue, with the help of Addictive Media have produced a 5 minute video aimed at helping anyone who wants to lay Tefillin, but needs a quick and easy to follow guide. Most boys receive instruction on this before their Barmitzvah but if some time has passed, like any other skill, it can be difficult to remember just how it's done. We hope that this short film will provide you with the confidence to begin again, whatever your reason.

Please click on the link below, thank you.

Guidelines for the festival of Sukkot

The Sukkah is our temporary dwelling place for the week of Sukkot. We eat, entertain our friends, learn and (weather permitting), sleep in Sukkah so it becomes our home for a week. Please find this short overview of the laws of the Festival of Sukkot, which hopefully will help to refresh your memory:

Sunday September 23

First night of Sukkot

Lighting candles time; 6.45 pm.

Try to light the candles in the Sukkah (not if there is a fire hazard) or in a place where they can be seen from the Sukkah; if it is impossible, place them in the kitchen or another room where you prepare the food.

After coming from shul, or after reciting the Festival evening prayers at your home, comes the exciting moment of entering your beautiful Sukkah. Allow yourself a quiet moment; look around the Sukkah, absorb what you are seeing and reflect about the exodus of our ancestors from Egypt, their journey in the wilderness and the Divine Clouds of Glory, which protected them during their journey, symbolised by the Sukkah    

Earliest Kiddush time – 7.38 pm.

Recite the Festival Kiddush as found in your Siddur or Machzor and conclude with the following two blessings before drinking the wine:

1) Baruch atah Ado-nai, Elo-haynu melech Ha-olam, asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzeevanu leishev ba’sukkah.

Blessed are you L-rd, our G-d King of the universe, Who has sanctified us through His commandments and commanded us to dwell in the Sukkah.

2) Baruch atah Ado-nai, Elo-haynu melech Ha-olam, she’he’che’yanu v’kee’manu v’hee’gee’anu la’zman ha’zeh

Blessed are you L-rd, our G-d King of the universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.

After the Kiddush a festive meal in the Sukkah follows. When making Hamotzi on Sukkot, many people have a custom to dip the Challah in honey like on Rosh Hashanah 

Monday September 24

Today is the time to fulfil the mitzvah of Four Species - Etrog, palm branch, myrtles and willows!  We bind all the branches together – two willows on the left, one palm branch in the centre, and three myrtles on the right. We hold this bundle in our right hand, and then lift them together with the Etrog. We hold the Etrog upside down (stem up) and we recite the following two blessing:
 

1)Baruch atah Ado-nai Elo-haynu melech ha-olam, asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzeevanu al n’tee-lat lulav.

Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us through His commandments, and commanded us to take the lulav

2) Baruch atah Ado-nai, Ehlo-haynu melech Ha-olam, she’he’che’yanu v’kee’manu v’hee’gee’anu la’zman ha’zeh

Blessed are you L-rd, our G-d ruler of the world, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.

Then, immediately and carefully (!) we turn the Etrog upside up (stem down) and wave them all together, three times in each direction: front, right, back, left, up and down.

You can fulfil the Mitzvah of Four Species at home before going to shul or in shul before the recitation of Hallel; in any case bring the Four Species to shul as you will be holding and waving them at different points during the service.  

No preparations should be made for the second night until the first day of the festival has terminated at 7.36 pm! Food may be cooked or heated only after this time.

Monday September 24; the Second night of Sukkot

The time for lighting the candles for the second day of the Festival is after7.36pm. The Festival laws forbid us to create a flame or to put it off. Thereforeit isforbidden to light the match, which serves to light the candles, by rubbing it against the box, or using a lighter. The candles may be kindled by a match, which has been lit by a pre-existing flame such as a yahrzeit candle lighted before the first day of the Festival. After lighting the candles, place the match you used to light the candles in an ashtray and let it burn itself out; don’t blow it out!

Kiddush for the second night can be recited after 7.36pm. The Kiddush is the same as on the first night but the two blessings which conclud the Kiddush are recited in reversed order- first number 2 (she’he’che’yanu) and then number 1 (leishev ba’sukkah) . (Too complicated to explain the reason; ask your rabbi some timeJ)

Tuesday September 25; the Second day of Sukkot

The procedure for the Mitzvah of Four Species is the same as for the first day but you omit the 2^nd blessing (she’he’che’yanu) completely.

In case of rain

On the first night of Sukkot a family should wait approximately one hour to see whether or not the rain will stop. If the rain does not stop, they should go into the Sukkah nevertheless and recite Kiddush with the blessing 2 (she’he’che’yanu), omitting the blessing 1(leishev ba’sukkah). Then one should wash and say Hamotzi and eat a slice of Challah in the wet Sukkah. They should then continue the meal in the house. If it stops raining, one should enter the Sukkah, recite the blessing 1-leishev ba’sukkah, and eat a big slice of Challah in the Sukkah. Even if the rain stopped only after the meal has ended, one should wash again, recite Hamotzi and the leishev ba’sukkahblessing, eat a big slice of Challah in the Sukkahand to recite the After the Meal Blessing again.   

On the second night, one may start the meal in the house immediately, without waiting. We say Kiddush with theshe’he’che’yanuin the house, omitting the blessing leishev ba’sukkah. When making Hamotzi have in mind that you may eat a slice of Challah in the Sukkah at the end of the meal. At the end of the meal before reciting the After the Meal Blessing one should go into the Sukkah and eat a slice of Challah, then you can come back and recitethe After the Meal Blessing in the house. While eating in the Sukkah do not recite the leishev ba’sukkahblessing unless it has stopped raining.

All the above pertains to the first two nights of Sukkot only; during the first two days of Sukkot and on all the following nights, in case of rain one should have a regular meal at home and to leave the Sukkah altogether until the rain stops.   

Rabbi Kupperman, Rabbi Gilbert and their families wish you all Chag Sukkot Sameach.

ABC of Rosh Hashanah

ABC of Rosh Hashanah

A handy checklist of everything you need to know for the Rosh Hashanah.

The morning before Rosh HashanahSunday 9September

"Hatarat Nedarim"- Annulment of Vows.

Declaration of annulment of forgotten vows is taking place at the end of the morning service on Sunday 9 September (service starts at 7.45am). One may have said during the year something like “I will never again…” without meaning it, but in Torah terms, it is considered a legal vow, and not keeping it is a very serious offence. In order to approach Rosh Hashanah free from the sin of unfulfilled vows, one has to make a public declaration of annulment of any forgotten vows on the day before.   

Rosh Hashanah evening 9 September  

It is customary to greet others with: "L'shana Tova – Ketivah Ve’chatima Tova." This means: "For a good year – You should be written and sealed in the good Book of Life."

For the Kiddush for Rosh Hashanah follow your Machzor.

Symbolic Foods and good omens on Rosh Hashanah evening 

After making the "Hamotzi" blessing, it is customary to dip the bread into honey instead of salt symbolising our hope for a sweet new year.

After the bread has been eaten we eat apple dipped in honey. This custom performed in 3 stages: 1. Before the first bite make a blessing on the apple; Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam borei p'ri ha'eitz - Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe who creates the fruit of the tree. 2. Take a bite from the apple dipped in honey. 3. After the first bite say; Y'hi ratzon mil'fanekha Adonai eloheinu vei'lohei avoteinu sh't'chadeish aleinu shanah tovah um'tukah- May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors that you renew for us a good and sweet year.

Some people have a custom to eat a pomegranate on Rosh Hashanah evening. The pomegranate is eaten before the apple and the stage 1 of the apple - the blessing Baruch atah Adonai… is recited over the pomegranate before the first bite. After eating a few seeds you say;Y'hi ratzon mil'fanekha Adonai eloheinu vei'lohei avoteinu sh’narbe zechuyot kerimon- May it be Your will, God, that our merits increase as the seeds of a pomegranate." Then you continue to the apple as above from stage 2; you have to skip the stage 1 as you already have made the blessing on the pomegranate.

Some people repeat the ceremony on the second night; some not. Whichever way you go will be right.

There is a consensus of all The Halachic authorities that the most important good omen on Rosh Hashanah is to completely refrain from anger.

Rosh Hashanah day 10 September

Blowing the Shofar

Rosh Hashanah is described in the Torah as “the day of blowing”, thus making blowing the Shofar the most important part of the service. It is important, therefore, to know how to observe this unique commandment.

There are three basic types of blasts for sounding Shofar on Rosh Hashanah: Tekiah, Shevarim, and Teruah:

•           Tekiah blast- tuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

•           Shevarim blast –tuuu-tuuu-tuuu

•           Teruah blast – tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu

Shofar is blown in series of various combinations of the three basic sounds. Each series consists of 30 sounds. These series are performed three times:

• First time, with a special blessing recited by the Tokea (the person who blows the Shofar) before the Musaf service, when all the 30 sounds are blown in one succession.

• Second time, in groups of ten sounds each, at various points during the Musaf repetition.

• Third time, just before the end of the service; this time, again, all the 30 sounds are blown in one succession.

The third series is only a custom and if someone left early and missed this series they still fulfilled the commandment. However, in order to fulfil the commandment properly one has to hear the first series and all the three groups of the second series. In case of great necessity (feeling unwell etc.) one may hear only the first series.   

According to the Torah it is absolutely forbidden to speak before the end of the second series about matters irrelevant to the service, as it constitutes a break in the fulfilment of the mitzvah.

Tashlich

Tashlichmeans to cast off. This custom is performed on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, by a body of running water, into which one symbolically cast off their sins. The ceremony includes reading the source passage for the practice, the last verses from the prophet Micah (7:19), “He will take us back in love; He will cover up our iniquities. You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Some additional psalms may be added; take your Machzor as you go to Tashlich and recite the prayers printed in Tashlich section. Surely we do not “get rid of our sins” just by standing there; the purpose of Tashlich is to generate reflection, deep introspection and commitment to change.

If Rosh Hashanah falls out on Shabbat, Tashlich takes place on the second day. If Tashlich was not said on Rosh Hashanah itself, it may be said anytime during the Ten Days of Teshuva.

Second Rosh Hashanah evening and day 10-11 September

No preparations should be made for the second evening and day of Rosh Hashanah until the first day of Rosh Hashanah has terminated on Sunday the 10^th of September at 8.11pm! Food may be cooked or heated only after this time.

Yom Tov candles should not be lit until the termination of the first day of Rosh Hashanah at 8.11pm!

Having in mind the laws of Yom Tov, one should remember that the match you use to light the candles for the second day of Rosh Hashanah should not be kindled by rubbing it against the matchbox, but rather by lighting it from a pre-existing flame which was lit before the first day of Rosh Hashanah (a yahrzeit candle or a pilot light). After lighting the candles don’t blow off the match you used to light the candles; put it in an ashtray and let burn itself out.  

The Kiddush on the second night is similar to the Kiddush on the first night.

On the second night of Rosh Hashanah, a seasonal fruit which we have not yet tasted last year should be present on the table when the candles are kindled and during the Kiddush. Even in our spoiled day and age you may find that, during the last year, you didn’t have yet a chance to try Passion Fruit, Dragon Fruit, Granadilla, Mangosteen, Physalis or Rambutan.

This fruit is eaten following the Kiddush; some eat it before the Hamotzi and some after. Again, before eating the fruit, you should make a blessing; Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam borei p'ri ha'eitz - Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe who creates the fruit of the tree. If you eat afterwards any other fruits (apple, pomegranate etc.) you don’t repeat the blessing.

Prayers and Shofar on the second day of Rosh Hashanah 11 September

Save for a few little differences, the service on the second day is similar to the service on the first day. The obligation to hear the Shofar on the second day is as important as on the first day; we should fulfil this unique commandment on the second with the same enthusiasm as on the first day.

Havdalah

Rosh Hashanah terminates on Tuesday 8.22 pm. To celebrate its conclusion one has to recite Havdalah – Separation [between the holy and the mundane]. Unlike after Shabbat, we don’t smell fragrances, neither do we light Havdalah candle. The Havdalah is recited over a cup of wine. The order of Havdalah is; Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam borei p'ri hagafen- Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe Who creates the fruit of the vine. Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam hamav'dil bein kodesh l'chol bein or l'choshech bein Yis'ra'eil la'amim bein yom hash'vi'i l'sheishet y'mei hama'aseh Baruch atah Adonai, hamav'dil bein kodesh l'chol- Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe, Who separates between sacred and mundane between light and darkness, between Israel and the nations between the seventh day and the six days of labour; Blessed are You, Lord, who separates between sacred and mundane.

Rabbi and Rebetzin Kupperman, Rabbi and Rebetzin Gilbert and all the Honorary Officers wishing you Shanah Tovah!

Chanukah Guidance

Dear friends,

As the Chanukah is fast approaching we would like to share with you a few bullet points about the right way to fulfil this beautiful mitzvah

• Chanukah begins on the evening of Sunday December the 6^th - 25th of Kislev and continues for eight days; that means that the first lighting of candles (1 candle + Shamash- additional candle) will take place this Sunday evening, and the last lighting of candles (8 candles + Shamash) will take place on the evening of next Sunday, December the 13th.  
• It is permitted to work during the days of the Festival of Chanukah; however women do not work and don’t do housework for at least the first half hour of the candles' burning. This is their time to take rest and think about women’s role in Jewish history generally and their impact in the struggle against the Hellenism in particular.
• There is no obligation to have festive meals; however it is customary to celebrate by eating special meals anyway, because of the fact that the dedication of the Temple and Altar took place during Chanukah.
• It is customary to eat milk foods because Yehudit, daughter of Yochanan the High Priest, was taken to be defiled by the Greek ruler Holofernes. She fed him cheese (to make him thirsty) and wine (to quench his thirst); and after getting him drunk she killed him. This was one of the events that sparked the Maccabean uprising. Food fried in oil is also eaten to commemorate the miracle of the Menorah. Latkes and donuts are the most common foods. Don’t overdo it!! Health comes first!!
• It is customary for every member of the household to have one candle on the first night and an additional candle every night (1-8).
• Any type of oil is acceptable for use in the menorah; however, it is best to use olive oil
• The menorah should be similar to the Menorah in the Temple; refrain from using electric lights or gas lamps.
• The light should be clear, and the wicks should not flicker
• Regular candles are also acceptable, providing they have a single wick.
• If a number of people are lighting in one household they should make a slight separation between their menorahs so that there is no confusion to the observer as to the number of candles.
• Ideally, the Menorah should be placed outside the house to the left of the entrance. Since anti-Semitism was so common throughout Jewish history it became customary among may communities to place the Menorah inside the house, near the entrance or on the table. In many families it is the custom to place the menorah in a window facing the street.
• The Menorah should have all the candles or wicks on the same level, none higher or lower than the others.
• It is customary to have an additional candle (the shamash) with which to light the other candles and in order to use it's light.
• The shamash should be placed in a way that shows that it is not one of the Chanukah candles.
• Place first candle on the extreme right of the Menorah. On the second night add a candle on the left. Light the newest candle first and proceed to the right.
• The best time to light the candles is straight after dark. In Leeds this time of the year it is around 4.30 pm.
• It is obligatory to put in enough oil, or a long enough candle to burn for at least 1/2 hour.
• If one forgot or was not able to light at the correct time, one may light as long as people are still awake in the house in which one is lighting.
• One should prepare the wicks and candles etc. well before the time of lighting in order to light the Menorah at the correct time.
• It is best to light in the presence of many people in order to publicise the miracle. If the members of the household are not at home at the beginning of the evening, one should wait with lighting the candles till they come back. 
• On the first night three brachot- blessings are recited. "Lehadlik ner shel Chanukah", "She asa nissim" and "Shehecheyanu".
• On the other nights only the first two blessings are said.
• On Friday afternoon, the Chanukah candles should be lit before the Shabbat candle-lighting time. They cannot be lit too early either. That leaves a rather narrow window of opportunity; the only time to light the Chanukah candles on Friday December the 11^th is after 3.00pm and before 3.25pm.
• After the Chanukah candles were lit, then the Shabbat candles should be lit.    
• Remember to put in more oil or bigger candles on Friday, so that they burn 1/2 hour after nightfall.
• When lighting on Saturday night, it should be done after Shabbat is out. On Saturday December the 12^th it is forbidden to light the candles or to make any preparations for lighting the candles before 4.43pm.     
• On Saturday night theHavdalah- the conclusion of Shabbat prayer, should be recited before lighting Chanukah candles (although there are different customs this is the prevailing custom in Leeds). In Synagogue the candles are lit before the Havdalah.
• If one is going away during the days of Chanukah , they should consult with their rabbi in order to find the best way how not to miss this beautiful mitzvah.

during the days of the Festival of Chanukahh , they should consult with their rabbi in order to find the best way how not to miWishing you all Happy Chanukah!!!

Sponsor a Seudah

Dear Members,

If you wish to sponsor a Shabbos Seudahfor one or more of the available dates below, then please call me on (0113) 2662214 or please respond to this email. 

It is just £35 to sponsor a Seudah, they can be shared, and the quantities can be increased to suit your number of guests. 

Seudah’s can be sponsored for a number of reasons, some of which are for Yahrzeits, Birthdays, Wedding Anniversaries and Bar or Bat mitzvah’s etc. 

Please confirm your date or dates as soon as you can to avoid any disappointment. 

Facebook ......

FACEBOOK

Etz Chaim is catching up with the times….we now have a closed Facebook page.

This group has been created to promote all the up and coming events at the Shul, so no one will be left out!

If you are on Facebook and you would like to be part of this, please invite yourself to join and I will approve you onto the list! Thank you Nicola.

6 GREAT ways you can Support your Shul!!

Dear Members,

There are 6 GREAT ways you can Support your Shul.

1. Kiddush / Seudah.
2. Whiskey
3. Yahrzeit Plaque / Memorial Leaf
4. Book Donations
5. Booking a room
6. Book and Gift Shop

Maybe you have a Special Birthday, Anniversary, Simcha or another occasion coming up this year!?  Maybe you haven’t booked anything yet!? Please let me help you, and make your occasion a happy one and stress free Jwith your close friends, family and the congregation.

Please call me now on (0113) 2662214, or please email Nicola@etzchaim.co.ukor please pop into the Shul office at your leisure.

Why wait! Please BOOK the date now for a Kiddush or Seudah, and confirm the finer details nearer the time.  Dates are filling up, please book now to avoid disappointment.

If you are not able to get to the Bookshop on a Sunday 11am-12.30pm, please let me know and I can arrange for you to collect the items from the Shul Office during the week.

Etz Chaim now have a Facebook page, please request to be added and I will approve you…. Great way to find out what events and meetings are taking place in Your Shul.Happy to answer any questions you may have.

Many thanks for your continued Support as always, here to help.

Nicola.

TREE OF LIFE

Tree of LIFE

Etz ChaimOur synagogue whose name translates as ‘tree of life’now has its very own ‘Tree of Life’.

Situated in the Shul foyer, each gold leaf on its branches, will be a permanent reminder of a departed loved one.

Leaves can be inscribed with up to 12 words of your choice, and cost just £250 each.

Payment can be made over 10 monthly instalments of £25.

The tree is limited to only 100 leaves which can be dedicated.

So please place your order quickly.

For more details, contact the Shul office on Leeds 0113 266 2214 or please email nicola@etzchaim.co.uk.

Please let me know if you are interested.

Or an alternative to this are the Memorial Plaques in Shul, which are £120.  They are put up each year on the anniversary of the Yahrzeit date.

Shechita update

The attacks on Shechita continue and increase. All of us need to be part of the defence. Follow the link and have the knowledge to answer when discussing with your colleagues or even when debating with your conscience.

www.shechitauk.org/

Cemetery Images

You can view the headstone images for New Farnley, Louis Street and hilltop, using the links below:-

The link for the JCR-UK Leeds homepage is:

http://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/Leeds.htm

This includes links for both the Hilltop and New Farnley Cemeteries:

http://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/Community/Leeds/cemeteries/Hilltop/Cemetery_menu.htm

http://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/Community/Leeds/cemeteries/New%20Farnley%20Cemetery/Cemetery_menu.htm

and view images of all of the headstones

DONATIONS TO SHUL ........ Thank you.

If you would like to make a donation to the Etz Chaim Synagogue, you may wish to put it towards one or some of the following:-

• Sefah Torah - POA
• Ohel Books - £10 each
• Shiva Books - £10 each
• Stone Chumash - £34
• New Singers Siddur - £18 each
• Artscroll Siddur / Machzor - £23
• Basic Kiddush - £230
• Special Kiddush - £450
• Shared Kiddush - £115 / £225
• Seudah - £35/£45
• Shared Seudah - £17.50/22.50
• Whiskey - £25 a bottle

If you would like to donate a book or books, we are happy to insert a book plate in the front of it for you and any information you require in it.

Please call the office on (0113) 2662214 or please email office@etzchaim.co.uk and we would be happy to help you. 

You can now also transfer your payment by BACS online to:-

Account Name:- Trustees of New Central Vilna Synagogue

Sort Code:- 40-27-15

Account Number:- 71892347

Please email office@etzchaim.co.uk and let us know if you have made a donation online and what it is towards.

Thank you for your kind and generous support.

Sponsoring a Kiddush or Seudah

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPONSOR ...... a Kiddush and or a Seudah!!

If you are interested in sponsoring a Kiddush or Seudah please call the Etz Chaim Office on (0113) 2662214 and speak to Nicola or Stanley and we would be happy to talk you through the different options and prices. 

There are many reasons for sponsoring a Kiddush or Seudah... some examples are for:-

• Bar or Bat Mitzvah
• Wedding / Auf Rufs
• Wedding Anniversary's
• Birthdays
• Yahrzeits
• General Donation towards a Kiddush

Even if it's a year away please get in touch and book the date in the diary.

Thank you for supporting your Shul.

Whiskey Donations please .....

Whisky Galore!

Are we the best shul in Leeds?  - Of course we are, but there is one thing keeping up from being perfect...and that is a decent malt whisky at Kiddush on Shabbat!

With your help this is going to change....we are now looking for donations to start the ball rolling.

We only need 52 bottles or so a year, so gentlemen (and ladies), if you want to mark a special occasion such as a Yahrzeit or birthday, or just donate for the fun of it, please contact the shul office.

Bottles are £20 each (the shul will do the purchasing).

Please contact the shul office with your donation.

Phone 0113 266 2214

admin@etzchaim.co.uk

Ready Steady Latkes

To make your own Latkes you will need:-

• 2 lb Potatoes
• 1 Medium Onion
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Teaspoon of Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Matza Meal
• Oil for Frying

Peel the potatoes and onions.  Pass them through the funnel of food processor, or grate by hand.

Place the grated mixture in a colander or sieve to drain any liquid.  It is important that the mixture is not wet, as the Latke will not bind, and become spiky when fried.

Whilst this is draining, heat your oil either in a shallow frying pan or a deep fat fryer.

Place the drained mixture in a bowl and mix in the beaten egg, salt and matza meal.

This mixture is now ready to fry in small balls.

In a shallow pan this would take about 2 minutes on either side.  To deep fry, this should take about 3 minutes.  Drain on kitchen paper and eat as soon as possible.

Suggestions:

These are lovely eaten on their own, or with meals like salt beef or viennas.  In America, people eat them with apple sauce and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar.  They are also lovely with sour cream and chive dip, or creme fresh and smoked salmon.

Chanukah Doughnut Recipe

Chanukah Doughnuts

This recipe is really better made with milk and butter, but I have tried to make them with soya milk and tomor and they do work.  I'm sure you will prefer them washed down with tea or coffee, though.

125 ml milk

15g butter

250g strong White flour

1/2 sachets yeast or 2 teaspoons fresh yeast

Pinch of salt

225 g caster sugar

1 egg

strawberry jam

Oil for frying

Warm the milk and butter in a pan until the butter is melting.  Put the flour, yeast salt and 25g of the sugar into a large mixing bowl. Beat the egg into the milk, then mix it into the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon. Now with your hands, or a dough hook in a mixer, knead well.

The dough should be a smooth round ball. Put this into a greased bowl and cover with cling film. Leave it somewhere warm for a couple of hours, it should double in size.

Punch the dough down, then knead again.  Roll it out to 2cm thick and cut out circles with a 4cm cookie cutter.  Flatten the circles then put a tiny blob of jam in the middle, seal this with your hands and roll back into a circle.

Heat your oil, then fry on both sides, it should take about 4-5 minutes. Drain quickly on kitchen paper, then roll in the sugar to coat.

Etz Chaim Bookshop opportunity

IF YOU'RE interested in books – particularly those with a Jewish theme – then a great opportunity has arisen in the Etz Chaim Bookshop.

We need someone who can spare an hour-and-a-half on Sunday mornings (between 11am and 12.30pm) who can either help to run the Bookshop with another, or to run it solo on that morning.

If you're interested please contact Stanley Morris at the Etz Chaim office on Leeds 0113 266 2214.

Volunteers wanted

Gentlemen - your synagogue needs you!

We need your assistance in setting up a regular 52 week of the year ROTA. 

We require your help for the following days

  Mornings - Mon / Tues / Wed / Thurs / Fri

Evenings - Mon / Tues / Wed / Thurs

The more men who come forward to help out, the less often you will be asked to volunteer.

Please bear in mind that it could be you who goes to Shul for a loved one's Yahrzeit and are unable to say Kaddish due to a lack of a Minyan.  Please put your name forward to volunteer for the Rota.  You can state which day of the week you are available and whether you are available for the morning or evening service.  If you need transport to and from Shul please advise.  We will do our utmost to oblige.

Sarnie time at Gourmet!

Sunday is Sarnie Day

Freshly-made Hot Salt Beef Sandwiches

Delicious - and only £3.49 each

PLUS

Freshly-made Coleslaw and Egg & Onion

Gourmet Foods, Sandhill Drive, Harrogate Road, Leeds

- the only supervised Kosher butcher in Leeds

Email Address - Please update the Shul Office!!

If you have an email address or your email address has changed! and you would like to recieve our weekly updates then please call or email the office.

(0113) 2662214 or admin@etzchaim.co.uk

Thank you,

Etz Chaim Office.

Have you got news for us?

IF YOU have any good news to share with the Shul e.g. births, engagements, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, etc would you please inform the Shul office on Leeds 0113 266 2214 or email: admin@etzchaim.co.uk

It would be lovely to think that we can share the good times with our members as well as the sad times. We can only do this with your help.

Wanted: Your stories and photos

THE NEXT issue of the Etz Chaim's award-winning newsletter, Shabbat Shalom, is looking for articles and photos for its next issue.  If you have any stories or pictures – or ideas for future items – then please get in touch by emailing: admin@etzchaim.co.uk or you can call the shul office on Leeds 0113 266 2214 with details.

Shabbat Shalom has twice been named Synagogue Newsletter of the Year in national competitions organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and sponsored by the Jewish Chronicle.