Hi all and welcome to another edition of The Buzz! Thanks to those of you who have sent in bits and bobs to share - it is much appreciated! So let’s get right into it.

As many of you know, Rabbi Jonathan Keren Black was with us early this month. He had a very busy schedule, but one of the highlights was a special Havdalah service at Wendy and Paul Wilton’s home. Rabbi Keren Black gave a lesson on Jewish history and it was so well received, that the Wilton’s have generously offered to host a similar Havdalah at their home the last Saturday evening of each month. RSVPs are mandatory, so if you are interested in attending, please contact Christine in the office as soon as possible.

On a more somber note, our community mourns the loss of two very special members this month. FIrst, our love and support go out to the family and friends of Stephen Rothman. His humour and wit will be missed and his memory will always be a blessing to those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

We also send our condolences to the friends and family of Basil Blumgart. Basil was a long standing member of the community and will be sorely missed. Again, our deepest sympathies and may his memory always be a blessing.

We’d like to welcome home a few of our members who have been abroad. Sue Hanna has returned to Auckland after a stay in the United States and Terry Haffern who walked the Camino de Santiago from France to Spain with his daughter! It is lovely to have you both back, and we totally need more info and some pictures from your epic journey, Terry!

We take a moment to send healing thoughts to several who have recently had stays in hospital - John Pezaro, Chris Berman, Reeva Chapman, and Lita Summerfield. I am glad to report that all are recovering well.

Finally, a huge Mazel Tov to Sarah Livschitz who has recently graduated with a conjoint Commerce and Arts degree from the University of Auckland. Well done!

What makes our community special is our ability to share in each other’s joys and challenges alike. Don’t forget to send your news to swiatek@xtra.co.nz or to office@bethshalom.org.nz so we can be there together.

Debbie Miller and Olga Bernstein enjoying the Havdalah service and talk at the Wilton’s home.

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