Kehilat Middlesbrough Newsletter No 7 July 2000 page 3
Sefer Torah Consecration
The consecration ceremony for the Wiseman Sefer Torah took place in the north Jerusalem suburb of Pisgat Zeev Mizrach earlier this month (July 2000).
This makes two M’bro Sefarim in Jerusalem and two in Ottowa (of which more later). Indeed, as the Good Book may have said: Ki Mi’M’bro Tezeh Torah.
Sadly, many who came to the first Sefer Rededication in 1987 are no longer with us but they were in our thoughts. Amongst the Boro stalwarts present were your Editor and Publisher, Ruth (Miller) Sudwarts, Terry Greenberg, Rabbi Meir Norden and Louis Wiseman.
In the searing afternoon heat of Jerusalem, the traditional procession, accompanied by much music and dancing, proceeded from the main street to the neighbourhood shul. In typical Jerusalem fashion, the congregation comprises worshippers from many parts of the world, with North America, Russia and Argentina being particularly well represented.
In his address after the ceremony, the congregation’s Rabbi, Eitan Levin, welcomed the M’bro people present and referred to the 124 year history of the M’bro community and to the fact that there were so many ex-M’bro people now living in Israel. He then invited 90 years old Rabbi Norden to say a few words, which he did in a mixture of Ivrit and English to much acclaim and even applause! All in all, it was a memorable and moving occasion.
Many of our readers will perhaps be surprised to learn that two Sefarim from M’bro have for many years been in regular use in the Ottowa shul where Jonathan Isserlin is the Gabbai. Like the Wiseman Sefer, they needed a lot of repair before becoming fit for use. Over time, letters had flaked off and cracked and others had even been manually corrected. Jonathan reports that the cost of repair exceeded the cost of shipping them over to Canada, and this is unfortunately generally true for most Sefarim which are brought to Israel.
Nevertheless, the bottom line is that four ex-M’bro Sefarim are today in regular use and this can be a source of pride for all ex-Boro folk, wherever they may be. Click here to see photos of the ceremony
Letters
The most remarkable feature since the closing in November 1998 is that the Congregation has risen again. This time it is from Israel because we’re now on the internet from there thanks to David Saville and Donald Wiseman. They have pioneered this development together with a Newsletter which is distributed throughout the world!
The shul is now occupied by Youth Action. This is an organisation with 180 branches in England and now that the idea has spread to America there are some 2000 branches there. The organisation deals with recreation, education and guidance for disabled and disadvantaged youngsters. The Star of David remains on the exterior of the building,, as does the inscription in Hebrew “How goodly are thy tents O Jacob”. Inside, abovewhere the Ark used to be, there is still the inscription “Know before whom you stand”. David Simon Middlesbrough
I enjoy the Newsletters—it is amazing how people are responding from all over the world. There is no activity here in M’bro, so I go to Newcastle. All the others have joined Darlington. We are still waiting for the final meeting to decide the distribution of the funds from the sale of the shul. Gwen Lamb Middlesbrough
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Clarence House London SW1 27"' April 2000
Your Majesty,
I am a UK expatriate. I come from Yorkshire and have been living in Jerusalem for 30 years.
I have always been an admirer of the Royal Family and of you in particular as you are a sort of older contemporary of mine - I am 9 years younger than you but share an August birthday date with you.
The reason I am writing to you really is to thank you. A few weeks ago I fell and broke my hip. There followed an operation, hospital, and now I am undergoing physiotherapy at a rehabilitation hospital. My children have pointed to you as an example, so that hopefully I can get back on my own feet. I say to myself—if she can do it, I can do it.
May I conclude in wishing you what I wish myself, good health and the continued love and happiness of our respective children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Sincerely
Rose Saville
CLARENCE HOUSE 3rd May 2000
Dear Mrs Saville,
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother has asked me to thank you for your letter, and to say how much The Queen Mother appreciated all your kind remarks and the good wishes you have sent to Her Majesty.
The Queen Mother was so sorry to learn that you have recently fallen and broken your hip, for as you realised Her Majesty had a similar accident a few years ago. Queen Elizabeth has indeed undergone two hip replacement operations during her nineties, and Her Majesty hopes so much that like her you will soon be out of pain and able to walk once again.
I am also to convey to you The Queen Mother’s best wishes for a happy day on 4th August when you celebrate your 91st birthday.
Yours sincerely,
Prudence Penn
Lady-in-Waiting
And we at Kehilat M’bro join Her Majesty in wishing Rose a Refua Shlema
Obituaries
Dr Bruno Isserlin, of M’bro, survived by his wife Norah, son Jonathan and daughters Susan, Jan and Debbie.
Michael Blakey, in Newcastle, survived by his wife, Audrey and daughters Nathalie, Stephanie and Samantha.
Meyer Cannon, in Petach Tikva, and his wife , Rachel, who died four days later; survived by their sons Barry and Roy, his brother Nat and sisters Nancy and Freda.
Answers to Quiz no 7
1. Stewarts Park 2. Constantine College 3. Borough Road 4. The L bus to Link and Hemlington Hospital 5. Esther, Solly and Dorothy Sheckman, from North Shields 6. Sam Doberman and Nat Marks 7. Jennie Epstein, Gertie Epstein; Bessie Miller; Sally Kersh 8. Brenda Lapp, at 60 Ayresome Park Road 9. Dr Bruno Isserlin and his father 10. Michael Bharier, Matthew Bookey, Philip Breckner, Jonathan Isserlin, Anthony Markovic, Bernard Markovic, David Saville, Michael Schmulewitsch, Paul Stock, Philip Stock, Louis Wiseman