Events 2014 – Present
Please check back regularly for updates on events.
As well as our famous and very popular Quiz Supper, festive treats planned for this year include :
Purim Party, Communal Seder, Lag B’Omer BBQ, Shavuot Ice Cream Party, Pizza in the Hut, Simchat Torah Sweet Fest and Menorah Lighting.
There are regular meetings of the WIZO Menorah Book Club, the “Pins and Needles” Group and the Walking Group.
May 2024
The Supper Quiz – food, quiz, fun fund raiser
Our major fund-raising event of the year proved to be a great hit once again. A deli-style supper was followed by much brain-work among the teams vying for the glory of success.
April 2024
Deli Lunch and Speaker
All the delicious fare of our deli lunches was served after a very interesting talk by our guest speaker. A member of our Synagogue, she and her husband have a farm in Bedfordshire and her talk was entitled “Jews Milk Goats”.
March 2024
Purim
Rabbi Hill from Potters Bar Synagogue very kindly and most entertainingly read the Megillah for us. A whisky and hamantaschen kiddush followed.
February 2024
Deli Lunch and Quiz
All the delicious fare that we have come to enjoy at our popular deli lunches was served and followed by a light-hearted quiz concentrating on various genres of music from opera to rock.
February 2024
WIZO Quiz at Home
A hearty supper was enjoyed before this year’s team members switched on their brains for this annual, national test of cerebral dexterity.
January 2024
Holocaust Memorial Day
Civic memorial services were held on the Campus Arena, Welwyn Garden City and in Hatfield.
In Welwyn Garden City the Mayor, Synagogue members, Inter Faith members and local residents attended. The synagogue Chairman recited a memorial prayer and a reception followed in Campus West.
The service in Hatfield was attended by Town Councillors, Lord and Lady Salisbury, Synagogue members, Inter Faith members and local residents. The synagogue Chairman again recited a memorial prayer and a reception followed.
December 2023
Deli Lunch and Singer
Following the very popular success of our January Deli Lunch with our very own home-grown professional performer, she returned to entertain us with an hour of hits from the West End and Broadway shows. Our deli lunch included all the favourite fare of fishballs, smoked salmon, pickled herring, egg mayo, olives and pickled cucumbers followed by hot drinks, biscuits and cakes and attracted a bumper crowd.
December 2023
Chanucah Party
Fun for all the family and particularly those with good eardrums as the doughnuts and latkes were accompanied by drumming – a great opportunity to let off some steam!
November 2023
Grand Chocolate Event
This was a ‘not-to-be-missed’ event for those with a sweet tooth. Presented by The Bonkers Chocolate Factory, thirty eager chocolate fanatics learned about the history of chocolate and the Jewish involvement in its evolution and then completed team challenges to amass ingredients for their own chocolate creations.
October 2023
Pizza in the Hut
A repeat of the very sociable and popular early evening in the Succah was very well attended and as well as a lot of socialising involved, as ever, a large volume of pizzas, chips and other wonderful food.
September 2023
Afternoon Tea and Speaker
Looking forward to a sweet New Year, our Afternoon Tea gathering were educated in the delights of beekeeping and honey-by a member of the Central and South Herts Beekeepers Association. Tea, sandwiches and pastries followed.
August 2023
Challah Bake
A Shul-ful of budding bakers of all ages came together to try their hand at baking Challot.
June 2023
Family Games Afternoon
A new idea and from the attendance a highly successful event to be repeated.
May 2023
The Lag B’Omer BBQ
Our Community continues its great tradition of Lag B’Omer Barbecues A good crowd of adults and children turned out to see Rabbi Tatz “cooking chicken, burgers and sausages for the hungry masses A lovely family atmosphere also brought out some new faces and, again, the Rabbi’s culinary delights together with salads and rolls were duly consumed with no leftovers!
April 2023
Deli Lunch and Speaker
All the delicious fare of our deli lunches was served after a highly entertaining and very interesting talk by our guest speaker, Mr. Bill Hamilton. Bill’s presentation entitled “Man on the Spot”, reflected on his 60 years as a journalist, broadcaster and BBC TV News Correspondent.
March 2023
Purim
For the younger ones : An afternoon of circus skills, Lego building, arts and crafts, face painting and fancy dress with pizza, chips and ice cream and a Megillah reading. A great time was had by a large number of children (and parents).
For those slightly older : After the Megillah reading, the adults enjoyed a four-course supper during which a murder mystery evening unfolded with some of the guests playing the parts of possible suspects. Whodunnit? – well, it wasn’t the butler!
January 2023
Deli Lunch and Singer
A deli lunch event with a difference. All the delicious fare of fishballs, smoked salmon, pickled herring, egg mayo, olives and pickled cucumbers that we have come to expect attracted over 30. It was followed by hot drinks, biscuits and cakes and a wonderful hour of entertainment from one of younger members who is a professional performer. She delighted us with songs from many genres of music from the shows to popular classics.
January 2023
Holocaust Memorial Day
At Campus West refreshments and local school presentations on the Holocaust and genocides followed a civic memorial service outside on the Campus Arena, Welwyn Garden City, attended by the Mayor, Synagogue members, Inter Faith members and local residents. The synagogue Chairman recited a memorial prayer and white doves were released.
At the East Herts Council’s HMD commemoration in the Council chamber in Hertford, The synagogue Chairman was among the attendees and lit one of six memorial candles in memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust.
January 2023
Friday Night Dinner
A sumptuous four-course Erev Shabbat meal hosted by the Rabbi and Rebbetzen was enjoyed by over 50 members and friends.
December 2022
Baby Welcoming
An afternoon of chat and refreshments to welcome members and friends with their new arrivals attracted many parents and their offspring. Members were on hand to welcome them and it was a somewhat noisy but most enjoyable afternoon.
November 2022
Deli Lunch and Speaker
Another successful deli lunch event with fishballs, smoked salmon, pickled herring, egg mayo, olives and pickled cucumbers attracted a “crowd” of 30. It was followed by hot drinks, biscuits and cakes and a most informative talk entitled “The History & Role of the Toastmaster” by Toastmaster John Ashmele.
October 2022
Pizza in the Hut
A very sociable and popular early evening in the Succah at the Rabbi’s house was very well attended and as well as a lot of socialising involved a large volume of pizzas, chips and other wonderful food.
May 2022
The Lag B’Omer BBQ
Our Community has a great tradition of Lag B’Omer Barbecues and, having missed out during the last couple of years due to Covid restrictions, this year’s event was eagerly awaited. A large crowd of adults and children turned up on what was a hot afternoon to see Rabbi Tatz “shvitzing”, cooking chicken, burgers and sausages for the hungry masses A lovely family atmosphere also brought out some new faces and the Rabbi’s culinary delights together with salads and rolls were duly consumed with no leftovers!
May 2022
Shabbat UK
Following the dismal lockdown that we had all endured, a Shabbat UK Kiddush and Lunch was arranged to celebrate and welcome the arrival of a number of new members who had all joined over the past couple of years. Over sixty sat down for lunch – members new and old – and got to know each other over a delicious Shabbat meal. With our Community growing and the popularity of the “Welcome Lunch”, this is set to be a regular fixture in the calendar.
April 2022
Matza Ramble
A Matza Ramble with a difference! A walk around the grounds of the Knebworth estate, armed with binoculars (and matza) with the opportunity to see deer, red kite, sheep, bluebells and other beauties of nature. Exercise, nature and the promise of a cuppa and suitable Pesach fare at the end – too good to be missed.
March 2022
Purim
Following the reading of the Megillah, a sumptuous Chinese Buffet Supper was enjoyed by all while being entertained by award-winning magician Jon Allen.
February 2022
Deli Lunch and Speaker
Fishballs, smoked salmon, pickled herring, egg mayo, olives and pickled cucumbers helped make our latest deli lunch a great success. It was followed by hot drinks, biscuits and cakes and a most interesting and informative talk entitled “Policing, Crime and Justice”.
January 2022
Tu B’Shevat
The New Year for Trees was celebrated by a large group on Zoom with an introductory talk on Tu B’Shevat from our our Rebbetzen followed by a tree and fruit themed quiz. Could you name the seven “fruits” with which Israel is blessed that are traditionally eaten on Tu B’Shevat?
December 2021
Chanukah
With last Chanukah limited to online celebration, it was wonderful to be able to light the giant Chanukiah again. A large crowd, including the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, saw all eight lights kindled. There were doughnuts in abundance and plenty of entertainment for all the family including a bouncy castle, arts and crafts and balloon modelling.
November 2021
Deli Lunch and Speaker
The first day of Chanukah saw our first in-person social event in the Shul since the outbreak of Covid. A delicious deli lunch was followed by a most entertaining talk entitled “You Don’t Have To Be Jewish To Write A Hit Musical But It Helps” .
September 2021
Pizza in the Hut
A very sociable evening in the Succah at the Rabbi’s house was made even more enjoyable by the large volume of pizzas, chips and other gastronomic delights.
June 2021
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
An entertaining talk on “Folklore and the Traditions of Hertfordshire” marked the end of our series of Zoom Afternoon Teas instigated early on in the pandemic lockdown. It is hoped to return to our “live” Afternoon Teas very soon.
May 2021
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
A speaker on “Jews and Food Ashkenazi Style” and another of our popular Zoom music quizzes kept our Afternoon Tea audiences happy either side of Shavuot.
April 2021
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
Speakers on “Hours of Fun for Sixpence – the I-Spy Books” and “A History of Puppets and Puppetry” entertained our Afternoon Tea audiences interspersed with an opportunity for a chat.
Yom Ha’Atzmaut – Israel’s 73rd Birthday – was celebrated in a very entertaining and informative Zoom evening. Speakers from among our own membership talked about their differing experiences of living in Israel – studying in Yeshiva and Seminary, being a Kibbutz volunteer in the 1970s, making Aliyah as a youngster and voluntarily joining the IDF. Contributions about their experiences from other participants made for a wonderfully enjoyable evening.
March 2021
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
Our Afternoon Tea meetings with speakers every fortnight interspersed with a chance for a chat with friends remain a popular addition to our restricted social lives. Our speakers this month entertained us with “Amusing Incidents in the Life of a Blue Badge London Guide” and “A Golden Age of Jewish Television”.
Purim was celebrated with a Megillah Story Time for the under 8s and an explosive Purim Extravaganza for the slightly older ones.
February 2021
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
Our Afternoon Tea meetings continued with speakers every fortnight interspersed with a chance for a chat with friends. Our speakers this month entertained us with “Behind the Camera at the Movies” and “Medical Detection Dogs”.
Seventeen online teams pitted their wits against each other in another highly entertaining Quiz Night.
Continuing our midweek “specials”, many members and friends enjoyed a demonstration of flower arranging by a local florist.
January 2021
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
2021 began as 2020 had ended with Zoom being our principal platform for getting-together socially. Our Afternoon Tea meetings continued and we were entertained with “The Secret Listeners” and a presentation from JAMI – The Jewish Association for the Mentally Ill. Alternate weeks, the Afternoon Tea is an opportunity for friends to meet and chat for an hour or so.
Another special mid-week presentation was given by Her Honour Judge Caroline Wigin entitled “The Role of the Crown Court Judge in Trials and Sentencing”.
December 2020
Chanukah
With yet another lockdown limiting our possibilities for Chanukah entertainment to online events, Rabbi and Rebbetzen Tatz organised a “Creative Candles” Chanukah Challenge for the under-16s and a “Fight of the Lights” Competition for the 16s and upwards (no age limit). In both, contestants had to make their own Chanukiahs from clay and decorate them. Generous Amazon voucher prizes were on offer and there were over twenty entries in each class leaving the Chairman with the unenviable task of selecting the winners.
A Zoom candle-lighting followed with a cacophonous rendition of “Maoz Tzur” as all microphones were unmuted!
December 2020
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
This month’s Afternoon Tea talk was entitled “Ham Radio and the Story of a Kosher Ham”.
An inter-active musical extravaganza given by our very own professional entertainer, Ricky Lopez, was a great success. Those tuning in on Zoom or Facebook were able to request their favourite hit songs to be performed live by Ricky from the safety of his Covid-secure studio.
November 2020
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
Continuing on Zoom as another lockdown continued to disrupt our lives, our Afternoon Tea meeting speakers entertained us with “Laughter in Court”, “Audrey Hepburn and her War Years” and “A Modern Jewish Experience of the British Army”.
Fifteen Zoom teams enjoyed another brain-workout with our “Make Your Own Supper” Quiz.
October 2020
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
Our Afternoon Tea meeting talks this month were entitled “The Origin of Place Names” and “The History of Spectacles”.
September 2020
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
Still “Zooming”, our Afternoon Tea meeting talks this month were entitled “Biometrics” and “The Swinging Sixties”.
Another special mid-week presentation was given by Luke Akehurst, Director of “We Believe in Israel”.
Sixteen online teams enjoyed another brain-addling Quiz.
August 2020
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
Our Afternoon Tea meetings this month continued on Zoom with “Journalistic Life”, “Becoming a Mayor”, “Confessions of a Serial Volunteer” and “Cutting in the Good Bits – Film and TV Editing”.
A special mid-week on-screen cookery demonstration was presented by Judi Rose and Dr. Jackie Rose.
July 2020
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
Although lockdown had eased, our Afternoon Tea meetings continued on Zoom with “The Myth of the Jewish Pirate”, “Crime Writing”, “Charity Working” and “Jewish Genealogy”.
A special mid-week presentation by Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz on “Medicine and Morality” was enjoyed by over fifty members “tuning in”.
June 2020
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
At this month’s Zoom Afternoon Tea meetings we were entertained with “Is Freemasonry Suitable for a Nice Jewish Boy (or Girl)?”, “Behind the Scenes in a Saleroom”, from Israel “An Introduction to Body Language” and also from Israel “Emunah – An Overview of the Work of the Charity”.
Another Quiz was enjoyed by some fourteen on-screen teams.
May 2020
Upshirin
Not the first Upshirin in our Community but the first on Zoom, many members joined Rabbi and Rebbetzen Tatz and their family online to celebrate their son’s third birthday and Upshirin ceremony.
May 2020
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
With Zoom now an established platform and with most participants gradually becoming au fait with muting and unmuting in a world of new terminology, our Afternoon Tea meetings became a weekly occurrence. Our wonderful guest speakers entertained us with “A Light-hearted Look at a Writer’s Life”, “Harrods – Palace of Knightsbridge” and “A Religious History of London”.
April 2020
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
With the country in pandemic lockdown and being unable to enjoy our regular events as normal, Zoom became a central feature for meeting and interaction among our members. Our first Afternoon Tea (on screen and providing our own individual tea and cake) was a talk on “The Old Jewish East End”.
To further keep our brains alert during these difficult times, we brought our famous and popular supper quiz (this time without supper) to the small screen and a number of “teams” enjoyed an evening of cerebral entertainment.
March 2020
Purim
This Purim saw some wonderful fancy dress and a jungle-style entertainment for the children including live animals. Naturally, food followed! After the Megillah reading, the adults enjoyed a Wild West themed evening of food and entertainment.
February 2020
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
What turned out to be our last “live” Afternoon Tea before the national lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was a talk entitled “Joe Lyons’ Tea Shops and Corner Houses”. It was aptly followed by tea, sandwiches and Danish pastries.
January 2020
Holocaust Memorial Day
Holocaust Memorial Day was again commemorated on the Campus, Welwyn Garden City. Local school presentations at the Hawthorne Theatre on the Holocaust and genocides were followed by a civic memorial service outside on the Campus Arena attended by the Mayor, Synagogue members, Inter Faith members and local residents. Rabbi Tatz was among the speakers. Kaddish was recited and white doves were released.
At the East Herts Council’s HMD commemoration in the Council chamber in Hertford, Rabbi Tatz addressed the attendees and a choir made up of our regular synagogue attendees provided suitably moving music for the occasion.
January 2020
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
The first Afternoon Tea of 2020 featured a talk entitled “The Queen and Lieutenancy” given by Stuart Nagler, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire. Sandwiches and Danish pastries followed as usual.
December 2019
Chanukah
As has become traditional, Rabbi Tatz lit the giant Chanukiah in the garden and then returning to the warmth inside, individual menorah lighting was followed by the consumption of viennas, latkes and doughnuts. This year’s entertainment was a Lego competition enjoyed by all ages.
November 2019
Mitzvah Day
Mitzvah Day 2019 saw a hard-working team wielding knitting needles to produce bonnets for new-born babies at the Lister Hospital Maternity Unit.
November 2019
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
This year’s now regular Afternoon Teas have proved to be very popular. So far, to precede the sandwiches, scones and Danish, we have had Bingo, a musical singalong, a games afternoon, a talk on the Jews of Japan, an illustrated history of the John Lewis Partnership and talks on the life and times of Agatha Christie and the life and music of Lionel Bart. Look out for the next one – not to be missed.
October 2019
The Supper Quiz – food, quiz, fun fund raiser
Our major fund-raising event of the year proved to be a great hit once again. A fried fish and salad supper was followed by much brain-work among the teams vying for the glory of success.
September 2019
Induction Ceremony
The Community was delighted to hold the Induction Ceremony for Rabbi Yakov Tatz in the presence of Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis. The Synagogue was full with members and honoured guests to hear the Chief Rabbi’s Induction Address and the sermon in response from Rabbi Tatz. The afternoon was rounded off with tea and pastries and an opportunity for members to speak to our honoured guests.
June 2019
The “Not Lag B’Omer” BBQ
Our Community has a tradition of Lag B’Omer Barbecues but this year, for various reasons, it was a little later. Over fifty adults and children turned up to enjoy some early summer sunshine and to see Rabbi Tatz cooking chicken, burgers and sausages for the crowd. A lovely family atmosphere also brought out some new faces and the Rabbi’s culinary delights together with salads and rolls were duly consumed – no leftovers!
May 2019
Whisky Tasting & Music Evening
Hosted by a member family, a number of whiskies were available to try and the evening developed into a vocal night to remember – the Rabbi is already planning the next one!
May 2019
Yom Ha’Atzmaut
Israel’s 71st was celebrated with Falafel and Pitta, Arts and Crafts and Israeli Dancing for all ages.
April 2019
Matza Picnic
A Pesach family picnic in the park on a hot Bank Holiday attracted a huge turnout of adults and children. There was food in abundance, a bouncy castle and football. A great afternoon’s entertainment.
March 2019
Purim
A pre-Purim party for the children saw a lot of wonderful fancy dress and entertainment before it was time to eat! The adults, not wanting to miss out, had their turn after the Megillah reading when a Kosher Indian buffet was served. This was followed by a session under the instruction of professional dancers learning Bollywood dancing – naturally, the men in one room and the women in another. Rabbi Tatz excelled as a Bollywood dancer and has a great future ahead of him!
February 2019
WIZO Quiz at Home
A hearty supper was enjoyed before this year’s team members switched on their brains and came 4th in this annual, national test of cerebral dexterity.
January 2019
Holocaust Memorial Day
Holocaust Memorial Day was commemorated on the Campus, Welwyn Garden City. This year’s theme was “Torn From Home”. Attended by the Mayor, Synagogue members, Inter Faith members and local residents, Rabbi Tatz was among the speakers. Kaddish was recited and white doves were released.
At the East Herts Council’s HMD commemoration in the Council chamber in Hertford, Rabbi Tatz addressed the attendees. The Zemel Choir provided suitably moving music for the occasion.
January 2019
Melaveh Malka
Following a salmon supper, our guest speaker, Rabbi Sandor Milun, Campus Director at the JLE, gave a fascinating talk on his life story from graduate accountant and judo black belt in South Africa to Rabbi in London. Accompanied by his wife, Rabbi Milun was welcomed by a crowd of some 50 synagogue members and friends including Jewish students from the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield.
December 2018
Grand Chanukiah Lighting
In the presence of the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, 
Councillor Barbara Fitzsimon, and over fifty members and friends, Rabbi Tatz
lit all eight lamps of the giant Chanukiah in the garden. Venturing back inside from the cold, hot dogs and hot potato latkes followed by Danish pastries and coffee were available while the aptly named “magnet man” photographed everyone and transferred their pictures onto fridge magnets to take home. Children were also able to light their own individual Chanukiahs and enjoy the dexterity of our amazing balloon modeller.
November 2018
Firework Night (without fireworks!)
Putting on a firework night for the first time is fraught with problems – health and safety, noise ….. so we settled for a wonderful evening of food and sparklers courtesy of Rabbi & Rebbetzen Tatz.
October 2018
The Supper Quiz – food, quiz, fun fund raiser
Our major fund-raising event of the year was again a great success. A sumptuous fish supper was followed by the wracking of brains as the team’s battled to prove themselves worthy of winning glory.
October 2018
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
Robin Jacobs from Magen David Adom (one of our chosen Kol Nidre Appeal charities) was our guest speaker. Robin enlightened us about the important and vital work that MDA does in Israel. He joined us afterwards to enjoy tea, sandwiches and Danish pastries.
September 2018
“Pizza In The Hut”
Celebrating Succot in WGC for the first time, Rabbi & Rebbetzen Tatz hosted a Pizza evening in their Succah. With blankets and bean bags for the children to lounge on and a large table of food and drink, to accompany the pizza, a very successful evening was enjoyed by all.
September 2018
“The Five of Herts Plus One” Inter-Shul Quiz Evening
Having been successful in winning the “Knucker Cup” in 2017, it was our turn to host the event. Although some key members of last year’s victorious team were unavailable for selection, this year’s brains of WGC pulled off another stunning win to lift the trophy again.
August 2018
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
Following the success and good attendance at the June event, this time it was afternoon tea and bingo. With callers and participants who had not spent much (if any) time in a bingo hall, an amusing and entertaining afternoon was had by all.
June 2018
Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
This new venture got underway with an illustrated talk by Howard Lanning entitled “80 Years In Film – A Behind The Scenes Look At Cinema”. Following Howard’s fascinating and entertaining look at the movie industry in which he has spent a lifetime working, tables laden with sandwiches, Danish pastries and pots of tea awaited the attendees.
May 2018
Lag B’Omer Barbecue
A good turnout for this popular event saw the charcoal lit and an afternoon in the garden socialising and enjoying Kosher hotdogs, burgers and all the trimmings.
March 2018
Guest Speaker
Josh Holt, President of the Union of Jewish Students, spoke to the Community about his role and Jewish life on our University campuses.
February 2018
WIZO Quiz at Home
A hearty supper was enjoyed before this year’s team members switched on their brains for the annual, national test of cerebral dexterity.
January 2018
Holocaust Memorial Day
Holocaust Memorial Day was commemorated at the Lord William Cecil Memorial Hall, Hatfield. This year’s theme was “The Power of Words”. Attended by the Mayor, Synagogue members, Inter Faith members and local residents, readings and prayers, including the Kaddish, were recited and white doves were released.
At the East Herts Council’s first HMD commemoration in the Council chamber in Hertford, Synagogue members participated together with representatives of other communities and students from St Edmund’s College, Ware.
December 2017
Grand Menorah Lighting
Our Community celebrated its Grand Menorah Lighting in the Shul Garden to celebrate the festival of Chanukah. The candles were lit and all present enjoyed hot potato latkes and jam doughnuts while the children were able to enjoy a bouncy castle and balloon modelling.
November 2017
The Supper Quiz – food, quiz, fun fund raiser
Another record turn out this year enjoyed a sumptuous salmon supper, switched to brain power and raised a lot of money and, of course, the best team won!
July 2017
“The Five of Herts Plus One” Inter-Shul Quiz Evening
Our hand-picked team of cerebral wonders put their heads together and, answering questions on a wide variety of subjects, topped the table at the end of the evening to lift the much coveted “Knucker Cup”. In true Eurovision style, we now get to host our defence of the title next year!
May 2017
Music Group
Our next celebrity castaway of the year presented her Desert Island CDs.
February 2017
Music Group
Our host presented “An Evening with Aaron Copland”.
February 2017
WIZO Quiz at Home
A hearty supper was enjoyed before this year’s team switched on their brains and came a magnificent 3rd in the UK (out of just over 100 participating teams) with 97 points out of a possible 99.
January 2017
Holocaust Memorial Day
Holocaust Memorial Day was commemorated at the Reiss Memorial, Welwyn Garden City this year. The theme of this year’s commemoration was “How Can Life Go On”. The Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Pat Mabbott, opened proceedings and Lord Salisbury’s chaplain, Canon. Carl Garner, addressed an audience of Synagogue members, Inter Faith members and passers-by. We recited the Kaddish and white doves were released before retiring to the warmth of the Synagogue for tea and Danish.
December 2016
Grand Menorah Lighting at The Howard Centre, WGC.
Our Community celebrated its fourth public Menorah lighting outside the Howard Centre to celebrate the festival of Chanukah. Our minister, Rabbi Hillel Gruber, lit the candles and spoke of the importance of lighting up the world. He reiterated his message of previous years that kindling the Menorah each night of the eight day holiday, contains a universal message for people of all faiths that ultimately good will triumph over evil and freedom over oppression.
The Mayor of Welwyn-Hatfield, Cllr Pat Mabbott, joined the crowd of around 100, which included members of the Welwyn/Hatfield Inter-Faith Forum, of which the synagogue is an active member. The many children present were entertained with balloon modelling. All present also enjoyed hot potato latkes and jam doughnuts.
December 2016
Mitzvah Day
In conjunction with the Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group, during the day a number of volunteers collected bags of non-perishable food kindly donated by customers at Morrisons in Welwyn Garden City. The food goes to the New Zion Christian Fellowship Church in the town to add to their weekly distribution to over 60 people in the town. Many thanks to Morrisons for their help and co-operation on a most successful day.
November 2016
60th Anniversary of the Consecration of the Synagogue
This momentous event in the history of our Community in Welwyn Garden City was celebrated with an afternoon tea in the presence of Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis. Current members, past members, local religious and civic leaders and friends were among the nearly 150 people who attended. The guest speakers who followed the Chief Rabbi’s inspiring address were Mr. Stephen Pack, President of the United Synagogue, Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Pat Mabbott, and Mr. Max Dias, a member of the Community since 1956.
October 2016
Music Group
Our host presented “An Evening with George Gershwin”.
June 2016
Music Group
Our next celebrity castaway of the year presented her Desert Island CDs.
May 2016
Barn Dance
A “not too energetic” fund-raiser with a hearty supper for those brave enough to take to the dance floor.
April 2016
Music Group
The Music Group’s season continued with a presentation of “Kol Nidre – 19th and 20th Century versions and Bloch’s sketches from Jewish Life”.
March 2016
Multi Faith Civic Service
Organised by the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Lynne Sparks, a Multi Faith Civic Service was held at Onslow St Audrey’s School. With representatives from the local Baha’i, Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim communities participating, a small group of our members, led by Rabbi Gruber, sang a short excerpt from the Shabbat morning service liturgy.
January 2016
Holocaust Memorial Day
Holocaust Memorial Day was commemorated at the Lord William Cecil Memorial Hall, Hatfield.. Attended by the Mayor, Councillor Lynne Sparks, Synagogue members, Inter Faith members, pupils of the local Onslow St Audrey’s School and local residents, the theme this year was “Don’t Stand By”. Readings and prayers, including the Kaddish, were recited and white doves were released.
January 2016
Music Group
The Music Group’s season began with a visit to the Barn Theatre for a stage production of “Brassed Off!” featuring the Welwyn Garden City Brass Band.
December 2015
Grand Menorah Lighting at The Howard Centre, WGC.
Our Community celebrated its third public Menorah lighting outside the Howard Centre to celebrate the festival of Chanukah. Our minister, Rabbi Hillel Gruber, lit the candles and spoke of the importance of lighting up the world. He reiterated his message of last year that kindling the Menorah each night of the eight day holiday, contains a universal message for people of all faiths that ultimately good will triumph over evil and freedom over oppression.
The Mayor of Welwyn-Hatfield, Cllr Lynne Sparks, joined the crowd of around 100, which included members of the Welwyn/Hatfield Inter-Faith Forum, of which the synagogue is an active member. The many children present were entertained with balloon modelling. All present also enjoyed hot potato latkes and jam doughnuts.
November 2015
Music Group
The Music Group’s season concluded with “Shostakovich and All That Jazz” – a look and mostly a listen to some of the lighter side of the Russian composer’s works.
November 2015
Mitzvah Day
In conjunction with the Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group, during the day 18 volunteers collected 108 bags of non-perishable food kindly donated by over 300 customers at Morrisons in Welwyn Garden City. The food goes to the New Zion Christian Fellowship Church in the town to add to their weekly distribution to over 60 people in the town. Many thanks to Morrisons for their help and co-operation on a most successful day.
October 2015
The Supper Quiz – food, quiz, fun fund raiser
A record turn out this year enjoyed a sumptuous supper, burned a lot of brain power, raised a lot of money and, of course, the best team won!
September 2015
Family Fun Day
A chance to let off steam for the whole family – including a bouncy castle and face painting – before the start of the New Year.
August 2015
Music Group
Our next celebrity castaway of the year presented her Desert Island CDs.
June 2015
Music Group
Our host presented “An Evening with Aaron Copland”.
April 2015
Pesach Family Picnic
Much Matza munching at Stanborough Lakes.
March 2015
Music Group
Our first celebrity castaway of 2015 presented his Desert Island CDs.
March 2015
Melaveh Malka
Chairman of the Conservative Party and our local MP, Grant Shapps, was the guest speaker at the annual Melaveh Malka. Accompanied by his wife Belinda, their three children and his in-laws, the family announced afterwards that they had thoroughly enjoyed their first visit to our synagogue. Following a salmon supper, Grant regaled an attendance of 60 with the story of his rise from a politically interested Herts schoolboy in Watford, to becoming Chairman of his party and a Privy Councillor, which he was made in 2010. He told the story of his induction as Privy Councillor by the Queen and other amusing anecdotes and hosted a lively question and answer session on a series of topics pertaining to issues affecting Welwyn Hatfield, as well as national and international politics. Grant was sincerely thanked by the Synagogue chairman and was presented by the Events Committee chairman with a model ‘Airbus’ to reflect the MP’s keen interest in flying (he is a qualified pilot) and as a memento of his visit.
March 2015
The Rabbike Charitable Trust Sefer Torah
Our Synagogue was the proud host of the Rabbike Sefer, a Sefer Torah dedicated to the memory of children of the Holocaust, for a week in March. The Sefer was with us for the week of March 8-15 as it does its journey around many of the synagogues in London and the northern Home Counties. The Sefer is the property of the Rabbike Charitable Trust, a Trust that has our former Rabbi, Rabbi Geoffrey Hyman, now of Ilford United Synagogue, as its founder and chairman. Rabbi Hyman set up the Trust to “fund youth potential” after his mammoth fund-raising effort in his charity bike ride from John O’ Groats to Land’s End two years ago. The Sefer was used in our services on Shabbat Vayakhel-Pekudei (Shabbat Parah) on March 14, during its stay with us.
February 2015
WIZO Quiz @ Home
Two teams from the community entered this year’s Motzei Shabbat brain workout, one of them reaching the dizzy heights of fifth place in the UK.
February 2015
Music Group
“Is it Kosher? – A Journey Through Jewish Music” was the theme of the group’s first soirée of 2015.
January 2015
Holocaust Memorial Day
Holocaust Memorial Day was commemorated at the Reiss Memorial, Welwyn Garden City this year when the Mayor, Councillor Les Page, joined in presenting the history and consequences of the Holocaust to an audience of Synagogue members, Inter Faith members and passers-by. We recited the Kaddish and white doves were released before retiring to the warmth of the Synagogue for tea and Danish. In the evening, we heard of the experience of a Holocaust witness.
January 2015
Friday Night Dinner
A sumptuous four-course Erev Shabbat meal organised by the Rabbi and Rebbetzen was enjoyed by over 50 members and friends.
December 2014
Grand Menorah Lighting at The Howard Centre, WGC.
Our Community celebrated its second public Menorah lighting outside the Howard Centre to celebrate the festival of Chanukah. Our minister, Rabbi Hillel Gruber, lit the candles and spoke of the importance of lighting up the world. He reiterated his message of last year that kindling the Menorah each night of the eight day holiday, contains a universal message for people of all faiths that ultimately good will triumph over evil and freedom over oppression.
The Mayor of Welwyn-Hatfield, Cllr Les Page and Mayoress Bette Philpot joined the crowd of around 100, which included members of the Welwyn/Hatfield Inter-Faith Forum, of which the synagogue is an active member. The many children present were entertained with balloon modelling. All present also enjoyed hot potato latkes and jam doughnuts.
November 2014
What WIZO Means To Me – Guest Speaker, Linda Boxer, Executive Director of WIZO UK
Linda addressed the audience of 18 of our Community who had turned out on a cold, damp November night. We were brightened by her enthusiasm for the 80 WIZO run projects which help some of the most needy of Israeli society. She also showed two short films illustrating specific projects as well as giving us an overview of all the work that is going on. This summer alone, British WIZO raised £82,000 for its emergency appeal to help Israelis affected by the hostilities with Gaza. Linda’s talk was interesting and informative and a reminder of why and how we need to support Israel. Thanks to all those who help Welwyn WIZO raise money for this.
October 2014
The Supper Quiz – food, quiz, fun fund raiser
April 2014
The Annual Matzo Ramble
April 2014
Barn Dance – not too energetic fund raiser
March 2014
Afternoon Tea – Guest Speaker, Sheila Parker
February 2014
Breakfast with the Chief Rabbi
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis became the fourth holder of the post to visit our synagogue when he attended a Tefilla Breakfast.
He followed predecessors, Sir Israel Brodie, who attended the shul’s inauguration service in 1956, Lord Jakobovits, who came for the 25th anniversary of the shul and Lord Sacks, who was present at the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2006.
Following Shacharit and a sit down Kiddush-style breakfast, the Chief Rabbi spoke to the assembled guests before meeting children from the shul’s flourishing cheder who gave a wonderful musical presentation to us. Chief Rabbi Mirvis also met 96-year-old, regular Minyan man Sam Ostro, the only survivor member of 14 German-born Jewish young men, who founded the Welwyn Garden City Community in 1939, after rescue from Nazi Germany by the Quakers under Captain RL Reiss.
February 2014
WIZO Quiz at Home
The Community fielded two teams this year. We may not have won but we all had a very enjoyable evening eating and quizzing!
January 2014
Holocaust Memorial Day
This year we gathered in Hatfield to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. Welwyn-Hatfield Mayor, Howard Morgan, led the service and white doves were released to mark the occasion. Local residents were invited to a meeting at the synagogue in the evening where they were addressed by a Holocaust survivor.
January 2014
Melava Malka – Guest Speaker, Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler
A sumptuous fish supper was enjoyed by over fifty members and friends followed by a most entertaining talk by Rabbi Shisler. Approaching his retirement, Rabbi Shisler took us on a humorous and fascinating autobiographical trip covering the many and varied experiences of his life.