Philip Miller MBE, Angela Cohen, Rabbi Warren Elf MBE and Inspector Jane Childs take part in Any Questions
Southend and District Reform Synagogue has begun marking its 80th anniversary year with a series of special events, all of which will raise funds for Chai Cancer Care.
The celebrations began with a talk by author and journalist Lyn Julius, who spoke about her book Uprooted, which explores the experiences of Jews from Arab and Muslim countries.
The second anniversary event was an Any Questions afternoon (pictured) attended by more than 70 people. Chaired by Rabbi Warren Elf MBE, the panel featured Adventure Island owner Philip Miller MBE, Holocaust educator Angela Cohen, who is also the mother of TV star Rob Rinder, and Essex Police Inspector Jane Childs.
Rabbi Warren said: “We have held Any Questions evenings before but this was the first one since the pandemic and by far the best attended. The audience submitted some great questions on a wide range of subjects, and everyone stayed engaged with every question, every response and with the audience participation too. I think a full range of emotions and opinions were expressed by the panellists and members of the audience.
“Socially it was a great event, with a number of people finding family and other connections with other people present too. All of the feedback has been very positive and we hope that the other events for our anniversary will be equally well attended and enjoyed.”
Further anniversary events are planned throughout the year, including a quiz afternoon in July and a musical gala evening in November. The celebrations will culminate in a special Shabbat morning service in October, taking place exactly 80 years after the synagogue was established.