I'll start with Pesach, this being the 1st Jewish festival in the Gregorian calendar. We were contacted by a Kosher delicatessen on the Costa del Sol, which is able to deliver to the Costa Blanca. As far as I'm aware, they deliver on a weekly basis to the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida.Together with other members of the Community, we placed a number of orders which were duly delivered in a refrigerated lorry. Fresh and pre-packed meat is available, along with dairy and bakery produce. It certainly enabled Jackie and me to hold our traditional Seder hosting more than 30 family and friends at home. The details are.................

    Deli Kosher, Benjamin Cohen, +34 633 560 215

Due to my continuing health problems we were unable to have the erev Rosh Hashana service, but we were able to hold our 1st. Kol Nidre service. Nearly 30 people attended the evening which ended with me blowing the Shofar which was sent from Israel. A number of men present also attempted to blow the Shofar, some more successfully than others. I fully intend to repeat the service this year.

Between these two services, the annual Succot picnic took place on the beach.

Unfortunately, again for health reasons, there was no Simchat Torah party last year.

On the 1st. Thursday of every month there is an informal coffee morning at a local hotel. People gather around the pool and enjoy meeting people and making new friends.

As the last night of Chanukah was on 31st. December, I decided not to light the Menorah on the beach. Instead, this was taken to the Chanukah tea party and lit in the garden. It was a glorious, sunny afternoon with many members and friends attending. There was also a large number of children which makes any celebration special. The tea table was groaning under the weight of all the food brought along by the guests.
A selection of photographs can be seen in the Gallery by clicking HERE

One or two people have expressed concern about security at the Kaballah Shabbat services. Fortunately we have never had a problem during the nine years we have used the premises, but we no longer put signs on the outside door. We also keep the gate closed but not locked. On the evening of the Menorah lighting, police are always in attendance, although that tends to be as local councillors attend.

This website continues to attract many enquiries. Since changing the design and administration of it, it has a much more professional appearance. To date there have been 3721 visits, resulting in 19733 page hits. There seems to be a small nucleus of regular contributors but all members of the Community are welcome to submit articles and photographs for inclusion.

Finally, we would be unable to continue with our Kaballah Shabbat and extra services were it not for the generosity of the owner of the premises where we meet. In turn we make no charge, neither for holding the services, nor for providing refreshments at the Menorah lighting. Community members voluntarily bring food for the kiddush etc.

Jackie and I thank you for your continued support and look forward to 2017 being even more successful with an ever-growing congregation.

Alan Harris