Last week at the Southport Hebrew Congregation’s AGM, Gillian Moonman was elected as the Chair of the Management Committee for the synagogue for 2020-2021.
Under normal circumstances, Gillian would have been inducted as part of the Shavuot service. But these are not normal circumstances – and we could not let this special occasion pass without some recognition. So with the use of today’s communications technology, we held a short informal induction on Zoom.
We were delighted that Rabbi Arnold Saunders agreed to welcome Gillian, the Executive and the Management Committee. Rabbi Saunders and his family have had a long association with the Southport community and traditionally joins us for Shavuot, so this was particularly appropriate.
We look forward to welcoming Rabbi Saunders and his family back to Southport when the synagogue re-opens and our rota system starts up again.
Gillian, together with her late husband, Eric, have been involved with numerous national and international Jewish organisations at the highest level for many years and we were honoured that her friends and associates, joined us from all over the country and the world. As well as current and former members of our own community, we were very pleased to welcome members from our neighbours, St. Annes, with whom we have celebrated many Zoom services during the lockdown.
Last, but not least, we had some of Gillian’s family with us from home and overseas, making it a truly international event.
In her address, Gillian said:
“The tragedy of Covid-19 was the reason behind the Zoom induction of the new Executive of Southport Hebrew Congregation.
Zoom technology has alleviated the isolation and emptiness felt by many when Shuls closed their doors for services in March. People can use the technology to join in services with synagogues locally, in other towns and even overseas. Our Shul joins our friends in St Annes for Kabbalat Shabbat as well as Havdallah each week. Rabbi Danny Bergson, singing the traditional Psalms and tunes with guitar, lifts our spirits as we join in from our homes.
There are challenges to be faced when the pandemic passes but, with the help of Hashem, your Chairman along with the executive and management committee will strive to strengthen and enhance Southport Hebrew Congregation.”
We are indeed fortunate to have someone of Gillian’s calibre leading our Executive and Management Committee.
The full Executive and Management Committee comprises:
Chairman: Gillian Moonman
Vice-Chairman: Adrian Fletcher
Senior Warden: Adrian Fletcher
Junior Warden: Ian Paul
Financial Controller: Victor Isenwater
Management Committee:
Lawrence Abelson
Michael Braham
Ray Horwich
David Lucas
Ray Roukin
