Dear Alumni,
Before I get started with the newsletter, I would like to wish you all a very happy early Chanukah: חג שמח.
We would love to invite you to an Alumni Dinner on the evening of:
Sunday 5th of March
at 3 Thompson's Lane. We are still planning this, and more details will follow, but it would be great if you could put that date in your dairies.
Now, for the newsletter, from our Michaelmas 2016 Presidents Dani and Oren:
Michaelmas Term 2016 can only be described as absolutely crazy, in the very best of ways. The start of term almost exactly corresponded to Rosh HaShana, and the rest of the chagim followed suit – although hectic and extremely inconvenient to all of our work schedules, they became so much fun and the best way to bring new students together. Succot was a particular highlight for us, with an interfaith event held in the 3TL succah with a Muslim Sufi Sheikh, an absolutely enormous Shabbat Chol HaMoed Friday Night Dinner, and our amazing Simchat Torah celebrations.
When we finally went back to reality, it simply meant that the speaker events could begin in earnest: we were privileged to host Israeli Ambassador Mark Regev, Rabbi Alex Israel, Rabbi Akiva Tatz, Beth Din Aguna case-worker Joanne Greenaway and even a concert from Israeli soul singer Shlomo Katz!
Another favourite event was the Interfaith Friday Night, on which we were joined by large delegations from Fisher House (Catholic Society) and Islamic Society, as well as other religious groups. The atmosphere was amazing and the shared experience was treasured by both our guests and all the CUJS members. As term continued, we celebrated Mitzvah Day with cupcake making and distribution, Shabbat UK with a Challah Bake, and Booze for Jews with, well, booze and Jews; then finally rounded it all off with the Termly General Meeting and Chanukah Party at the Chaplains, featuring Chinese lanterns that may or may not have nearly set fire to Jesus Green.
Mordechai and Lea, our new chaplains have been fantastic additions to CUJS this term and their warmth and friendliness are appreciated by us all. It’s been a fantastic term and we feel so lucky to have been able to be Presidents during it!
Thanks for reading and best wishes
Dan Stein
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