The Eastern Counties Association of Progressive Synagogues (ECAPS) has been holding annual study weekends for as far back as I can remember. Some of you may have attended one or more of these in the past — and keep going back. Me, I just couldn't be bothered. This year, though, was different. The publicity material listed PJC as an associate congregation. I'd not noticed that before. And St Gabriel's, Ditchingham, this year's venue, is in my back yard. So, no excuses!

And no regrets. The ECAPS weekend was a great opportunity to catch up with some old friends and to make new ones. The study sessions were stimulating, the food excellent. All in all, a great opportunity to broaden ones Jewish horizons.

Next year's weekend will again be at St Gabriel's. So no excuses — be there!

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It was at the Ditchingham weekend I was asked, for the umpteenth time, what was the significance of 17 years (one of the hooks for the Civic Service)? And for the umpteenth time I would say, well, I was not aware of any cabbalistic or otherwise significance of the number 17, but that it simply felt to be about time we did something! Then someone, to whom I shall be eternally grateful, noted that PJC was entering it's eighteenth year, and that 18 in Hebrew was or chai, life. God really does move in mysterious ways!

Many people contributed to making the Civic Service such a special day. It really was heart-warming to receive the support of so many individuals: local dignitaries, representatives of the Norfolk and Norwich Branch of the Council of Christians and Jews, the Norwich and Norfolk Racial Equality Council, members of the Norwich Hebrew Congregation, the Norfolk Jewish Peace Group; our parent organization, Liberal Judaism, with particular thanks to Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich and the Nigel Cole the movement's Chair; also, to Rosita Rosenberg, Monique Blake, Val Dickson, Marjorie Monnickendam, Rabbi Hadassah Davis. And, of course, Rabbi Rachel Benjamin and her family. Rachel's input, needless to say, was absolutely central. And, last but not least, our own members, some of whom went way beyond the call of duty to make the day such a resounding success. PJC did itself proud.

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In our region there is a real interest in Jews and Judaism and this provides both opportunities and challenges for the Norwich Jewish community. Both PJC and NHC would benefit from demonstrating to the outside world that our two congregations are able to work together in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.

There is some cooperation, but not nearly enough. We share a very successful Jewish Book Club, which simply could not exist without input from both congregations. Other avenues which I should like to see explored are PJC representation on NISS (Norwich Israel and Social Society), the NHC "social committee" which fundraises for Israel and the synagogue; pooling cheder resources; having a joint library. These are delicate issues but I honestly believe that the resulting synergies would be of significant benefit to both congregations and their standing in the wider community.

— Byron Simmonds