CLC pulls in the crowd

For many people last term at CLC was our most successful yet with bumper attendances at each evening. The reasons were self-evident. Firstly, we were able to gather an amazing array of guest celebrities who regaled us with captivating stories about their lives and experiences. In addition, the change of venue to the Shul has worked exceptionally well, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere in comfortable surroundings especially helped by our early evening dine and learn supper.

Charles Landau's Jewish History Course was a rip-roaring success and we were delighted to attract many young parents to our crash course in Hebrew Reading. Of course Chantal's cooking slot is as popular as ever and even drew participants from as far afield as Bushey.

This term we are presenting for you a full array of options with new guest speakers and a special pre-election question time evening with Brian Hanrahan, the BBC’s World Diplomatic Editor in the chair.

There are two particularly attractive new courses. I am delighted to welcome Rabbi Pini Dunner of Saatchi fame, whose Jewish History Course on Anglo-Jewry should prove very popular and the United Synagogue have devised especially for CLC a Twenty-first Century Chesed" course integrating cutting-edge social action with traditional Jewish wisdom.

Our lecturing team will feature new faces in the form of Shmuel Ben Tovim, the Minister of Economic Affairs at the Israel Embassy, Rabbi Saul Zneimer, former Chief Executive of the United Synagogue, David Cohen on Famous Jewish Controversies and Professor Steve Rosen one of Israel's foremost archaeologists.

Jews in Music is back with Philip Hyman and I will be guiding you through the Shabbat morning service. With Professor David Newman, Chantal Young and Rabbi Daniel Rowe our team is more than complete. Don't forget our Hebrew Ulpan on Wednesday evening and take a look at the restaurants providing our dine and learn supper.

Our Prepare for Pesach evening will be on the last day of term 15th March and will feature one of Anglo-Jewry's most charismatic speakers, Rabbi Joey Grunfeld, the National Director of SEED UK.

Our opening evening is on Monday 8th February and I look forward to welcoming you to another exciting term at CLC.

Rabbi Yisroel Fine