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EDITORIAL – EAST ANGLIAN SYNAGOGUES TOGETHER (EAST) – WINTER CONFERENCE

The Eastern Counties Association of Progressive Synagogues (ECAPS) has over the years held very successful "social and study weekends", which for the past two years have taken place at St Gabriel's, Ditchingham, Suffolk. That is right on our doorstep. These weekends provide a perfect opportunity to experience Judaism beyond PJC. And it is because of this it is a constant source of puzzlement to me that these weekends are not better supported. Take a look at http://www.pjcea.org.uk/newsletter/2007/0712/0712ecaps.htm. Last year's was the best ever.

Wanting to build upon these successes an organizing committee has been set up to run a weekend conference that will bring together Jews, affiliated and unaffiliated, from the four counties of East Anglia — Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. The subject of a successful bid for financial assistance from the Clore Jewish Development Fund (SPARKS Round 2) the EAST Winter Conference will take place at St Gabriel's and will run from December 12–14th, Friday through Sunday, and hopes to attract Liberal, Reform and Orthodox communities, as well as unaffiliated Jews from across the region. The conference organizing committee, which has the active support of Rev Malcolm Weisman, the Minister for the Small Communities, reflects this diversity.

The last census revealed a surprisingly large number of Jews settled across East Anglia, many of them unaffiliated to established communities. In order to nourish and reinforce their Jewish identity, the conference will aim to offer a stimulating Jewish experience — Shabbat services, learning, discussing, eating, socializing and networking.

The conference theme will be the 60th anniversary of Israel, and the impact Israel has had on Anglo-Jewry. There will be a well-known 'star speaker' to deliver a keynote lecture, as well as workshops catering for all interests.

The conference fee, covering all food and accommodation charges, will be kept as low as possible, and there will be subsidies available for families and applicants on limited incomes. Full details are to be made available in the near future. In the meantime, keep the dates free!

Our very own Rabbi Rachel Benjamin will be there, and I hope to see a strong turnout from PJC. Let's do our bit to ensuring the project meets its full potential.

— Byron Simmonds