Comunidad Israelita de Alicante

PAST EVENTS


Purim Luncheon.

At the New Alcazar Restaurant.

Thursday March 20th saw around fifty members and guests enjoying the usual excellent monthly luncheon, though this time with a distinctly Purim flavour. Our very own Melvyn, dressed appropriately, entertained us with his own upbeat and incredibly funny version of the traditional Purim Story. He insisted upon the help of the audience who came in "on cue" with the necessary cheers, boo's and other noises off.

A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all, and with a well supported raffle, another sucessfull Social Luncheon came to an end.

Report by B.I.

THE MAGEVET A CAPELLA SINGING GROUP.

A PERFORMANCE AT THE BENIDORM SYNAGOGUE SOCIAL CENTER,

Sunday March 16th 2008.

This wonderful group of young Yale undergraduates gave us a superb evenings entertainment, and you can learn more about them and listen to sound clips on their website, http://www.magevet.com. Magevet's diverse repertoire of Jewish music included Renaissance choral pieces, Yiddish and Sephardic folk tunes, modern Israeli pop and jazz, and Zionist anthems. As a coed ensemble of 19 students, they are known for their sweet blend of voices, and unique arrangements of traditional, modern, and original melodies, and we were not disappointed in their wonderful renditions of old favorites and some melodies which were new to us. Their lighthearted sense of humor and skilfull adaptation of their music added to the pleasure of the evening. . Magevet have extensive performance experience, having toured recently in locations ranging from Jackson, Mississippi to Amsterdam.

Those taking part:
Justin Stone. Gregory Brown, Akpanoluo Etteh, Daniel Blech, William Kamens, John Errico, Jacob Abolafia, Joshua Krug, Daniel Hoffman. Yedidya Schwartz, Alyssa Murphy, Zoelle Egner, Rachel Caplan, Rebecca Taft, Virginie Halpern-Cohen, Rachel Butler, Aliza Gordon, Naomi Weiss-Goldman , Jennifer Cohen.

Report by B.I.

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Hunukkah Shabbat Service and Kiddush

December 7th 2007.

Around fifty members and guests of the Comunidad gathered on Friday December 7th at the synagogue Social Center to light the large shul menorah, together with many smaller menorahs brought along by others.

Mario Periera recited the blessings and the Hanerot Halalu at the lighting of the fourth candle and everyone joined in the singing of Moaz Tzur. There followed the lighting of the Shabbat Candles, after which we all made our way into the synagogue for the Shabbat Service. This was followed by a special Kiddush Table on which was heaped all kinds of mouth watering foods, many of which were of the traditional variety such as lutkas, fried fish, and doughnuts. Hunukkah Gelt, Dreidals, and Festive Decorations abounded, and song sheets provided us with words for the Hunukkah "Sing Along".

Report by: B.I.

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"ADDRESS UNKOWN"

Wednesday November 7th 2007.

"Inspiring", "powerful", "so emotional", these were some of the reactions to the recent Xàbia Book Circle presentation of a dramatised reading of "Address Unknown" at the social centre of the Benidorm Synagogue. The book was written in 1938 by an American journalist Katharine Kressman Taylor and its success, both then and again in 1995 when it was republished, is a tribute to the power of the writing, which the author used to warn of the destructive power of racist ideology.

The story unfolds through a series of letters between two German friends who are business partners in America, which recount succinctly the terrible changes to the lives of the men and their families brought by the rise of the Nazi party in pre- war Germany. Max, a Jew, remains in California to manage their art and antique business, while non-Jewish Martin, returns with his family to Germany in 1932 to expand the European side of the business. At first Martin is depressed by the social and economic misery that he finds and gradually he is impressed by the energy of the ideas of Adolf Hitler. Away from America and his friend Max, his liberal philosophy is replaced by a blind allegiance to a doctrine of racism and intolerance, with tragic results.

The presentations of Address Unknown on the Costa Blanca - the first was in 2006 in Xabia, are the culmination of a five-year dream of Calpe resident Bertrand Lewinson, who, together with his family, was a refugee from Nazi persecution. The recent production in Benidorm, directed by book circle member Anne Griffith, was dedicated to Bertrand and his family, and the many others in the Synagogue audience whose lives were similarly affected. The part of Max was played by Huw Griffith and that of Martin by Christopher North. The narrator was Sue Mercer.

Nina Davies.
November 2007.

Comunidad Music Evening

10 October, 2007

Maria Callas, Monserrat Caballe and Victoria de los Angeles, enchanted the audience of over 50 people at our New Community Hall with their breathtaking singing. Maybe these superb sopranos weren’t there in person, but listening to their voices recorded on disc, through a flawless sound system, they could have been standing in front of us. At the Community’s first Social Evening in the new Centre, John Deacon presented a recorded music concert and entertained and informed us about the artists, orchestras, composers and musicians. All the music played had a Spanish or Jewish connection. The following is the playlist.

  • Sarasate : Carmen Fantasy/ Itzhak Perlman/ RPO/ Lawrence Foster (EMI)
  • Montserrat Caballé: Chapí: El Rey que rabió "Mi tio se figura"(RCA)
  • V.de los Angeles: Iradier: La Paloma : Sinfonia of London/ de Burgos (EMI)
  • María Bayo : Zarzuela Barroca: Blasco "Llegar ninguno intente" (Naïve)
  • Sousa : Nobles of the Mystic Shrine - Eastman Wind Ensemble/ Frederick Fennell (Mercury)
  • The 3 Counter-tenors: O Sole mio ! (Harmonia Mundi)
  • Kol Nidre: Sacred Music of the Synagogue (EMI Germany 565457-2)
  • Placido Domingo : Alonso: "Canto a Murcia"/Madrid SO/Moreno-Buendia (EMI)
  • Juan Diego Flórez :Padilla: "Princesita"/ Fort Worth SO/ Harth-Bedoya (Decca)
  • Maria Callas: Saint-Saens: Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix (Samson & Dalila) (EMI)
  • Angela Hewitt: Chabrier: Habanera/ Angela Hewitt (piano) Hyperíon
  • Flanders & Swann : "Los Olividados" (At the drop of another hat) (EMI)
  • Massenet : Le Cid "Navarraise" / CBSO/ Frémaux (EMI)
  • Buena Vista Social Club : "Amor de loca juventud" / Compay Segundo
  • Mahler Sym.No.2 (extr. last movement): Philharmonia Orch. & Chorus/ Otto Klemperer (EMI)

Listening to recorded music will never be as magical as being at a live performance, but many of the audience said that the quality of the sound system was so good, they could have been sitting in the front row of the dress circle at the Royal Opera House – thanks to Ted and ATC Loudspeakers.

A perfect ‘overture’ to what we hope is the first of many Social Events to take place in the New Community Hall. Thanks to Brian for his splendid ‘orchestration’ of this event, to John Deacon for playing such an interesting and unusual mix of music, to the Roadie and the DJ, and as ever, to our splendid Ladies Guild, who ensured that not just our heads were filled with heavenly music, but our stomachs were filled with heavenly food!

Evelyn Adams October 2007

 

3rd ANNUAL COMUNIDAD GARDEN PARTY.

SEPTEMBER 2ND 2007
AND SPORTING HISTORY WAS MADE.................

So Arsenal won, Chelsea lost, Watford won, but the British Rowing Four, and Tim Henman didn't make it! However, on the lawns of Carole and Harvey's house - Putting, Hotshot, Pinball, Skittles, and Bullseye skills were being sternly contested. With very little margin for error or lack of ability, well sort of, contestants battled for premier position on the league tables. Hand-to-eye co-ordination, precise throwing, and other technical and well practised skills were needed to get little balls into holes, knock over plastic bottles , throw sticky darts and putt golf balls along a bumpy path. There is no mention in the 2012 Olympics of the Guess the Weight of the Cake competition. Our winner got to eat a wonderful plum cake, lovingly baked that very day by Helena. But most of all, we had fun, which is more than can be said of the football teams playing at the weekend, they all look so miserable.

Nobody looked miserable on a sunny Sunday afternoon at 3rd ANNUAL COMUNIDAD GARDEN PARTY. And our brains were exercised too. Tony and Andrea produced and directed an enticing and mind-stretching Quiz, which involved lots of muttering and thoughtful pencil sucking. Away from all this frenetic sporting activity, hidden away from public view, in a flower decked tent, sat Gipsy Rosa Levy, with her long black frizzy hair, dangling gold bracelets and glittery vest. Cross her palm with silver, and she and her pussy cat, licking its paws in a glass jar, revealed more or less accurate predictions of happy futures, and tall dark handsome men and gorgeous rich blondes, lurking around somewhere.

The sun shone, no sign of clouds this year, and we all had a great time. We ate delicious food, lots of it, brought by guests and lovingly plated and presented by the Ladies Guild. Harvey thanked all those who helped make this afternoon such an enjoyable event. The catering helpers, bar staff, games organisers, table and chair schlepping people and raffle money collectors.

As always, the Garden Party couldn't happen without the very hard work done by Brian and June, to plot, prepare and produce this special function. June presented Carole and Harvey with a 2 foot high quirky metal dog, to say thanks for having us, again, in their lovely home and garden. And we all sang Happy Birthday to Alan Van Gelder, who got an extra special birthday hug from Gipsy Rosa Levy.

Making all the effort and hard work by the Social Committee worth while, the Comunidad raised a welcome profit from the entry fee and the generously supported raffle, and we all wish Arnold back to good health as fast as possible. No Comunidad "do" is complete without his and Gloria's smiling faces and helping hands.

Evelyn Adams. September 07.

CIDA RACE NIGHT – APRIL 29 2007

Ascot, Epsom, Aintree – non starters! The race meeting of the year is the CIDA El Grande Nacional held at the exclusive New Alcazar Race Track/Restaurant in Benidorm.

70 punters came, copies of the Racing Post carefully hidden away. What they didn’t know about horses, canters, steeplechases, handicaps, hurdles and turf wars, you could have written on the tip of a rider’s whip!

Form and race cards were carefully studied. Surreptitious notes were scribbled against hopeful winners, and golden sashed runners ran amongst the happy throng, to take names, numbers and bets to the Tote Desk.

The excitement was palpable as seconds ticked by to the first ‘They’re Off’. So what if we were yelling and screaming at horses galloping by on a tv set? Far more comfortable than standing on a soggy turf in wind and rain, watching one’s shirts disappear down the course, only to fall at the first fence.

We watched six exciting and nail-biting races: The Richmond Stakes, Debra Handicap, Kleyman Hurdles, Bala Stakes, Greens Gold Cup and the New Alcazar stakes. In the absence of detailed form guides for the horses, it was the ‘names’ that were chosen for their appeal, or you could have stuck a pin into the race card – with the same chance of picking a winner. ‘Monty the Dog’, ‘City Slicker’, ‘Lovely Gloria’, Mystic Mel’, ‘Daffy Deb’, ‘Barmitzvah Boy’ and ‘Hartley’s Hope’, - just some of the fancied horses.

No-one lost their shirt, and no-one carrying loadsa money had to be secretly escorted out of the building. But the Comunidad benefited by over €1,000 and a happy and thrilling evening was enjoyed by all.

Especial thanks must go to the Clerk of the Course, Brian Imber, for his Champion organisational and publishing skills. Ascot Race Track could not have a finer set of Table Names, Race Cards and Programmes – CIDA won by a mile! Also thanks to the Golden Sashed runners, who happily trotted between tables and Tote. To Dave the Bookmaker and Pete the MC, Accountants Grinn & Taxit, and to the Nuevo Alcazar Restaurant, who never fail to be first past the post with their fantastic food and service.

Evelyn Adams – Reporter at Large



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Benidorm Shul Re-Opens.

Sunday 11 March 2007
By our own correspondant: Evelyn Adams
The Comunidad Israelita de Alicante in Benidorm prayed, communed, and enjoyed. And it mattered not that the shul building was a bit small, inconvenient, no air-conditioning, and with a tiny kitchen!! Jews throughout the world, and through the aeons of time, have congregated in buildings and places far less hospitable than this. But last year, it was decreed by Committee, that the time had come, to re-build the building, to create more space, to knock down walls, build a proper kitchen, (of course), comfortable toilets, and most importantly, a bright and spacious synagogue with a fantastic function area.

It so it came to pass, that the shul area was demolished, and from the pile of bricks, dust and broken concrete, there emerged a new Synagogue and Social Centre. The toils, troubles, ups, downs, brick dust and of course, the mountainous pile of paperwork involved in a project like this, all forgotten on this sunny Sunday afternoon, as the congregants gathered to pray, praise, offer thanks and celebrate.

Carol Bourne cut the ribbon, and everyone trouped inside for the Mezuza Ceremony. “And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates”. There was a moment of panic. The hammer had disappeared. Even in this new House of Prayer, it would take a miracle to hammer four Mezuzot in the door frames without a hammer. But then it was found and Mario Pereira ceremoniously banged the first Mezuza in place. Three more more affixed by past Presidents of the Comunidad. After the Blessings for the Mezuzot, Mario welcomed Jacobo Israel Garzon, President of the Federation of Jewish Communiteis in Spain, and Jack Laredo, Secretary, who had come to join in the celebrations. Also warmly welcomed, were the Past Presidents of the Comunidad, whose contributions to the success of this congregation had been vital. A minute’s silence was observed in memory of those who perished in the Madrid bomb atrocities on 11 March 2004.

Mario Pereira then conducted a short but moving re-dedication ceremony in the Synagogue, proudly showing off the new covers for the Ark and Bima, and the wall plaques donated in lasting memory of loved ones. He reminded the congregants, repeatedly, as if they needed reminding, of the incredible amount of hard work and effort that has gone into the refurbishment of this building, and the obvious love and dedication that has made all this possible. A mitzvah indeed.

Harvey Bourne, the Comunidad’s inspirational President, his face beaming with delight and pride at being able, at last, to stand on the Bima in this gleaming building, said an enormous and heartfelt thank you to all those who have made this possible. He praised his incredible hard working Committee and everyone else without whose unselfish contributions, this day would not have been possible. ‘And for the lady who never says no, to any request whatsoever’, Helena Winestone was given an extra special mention and presented with a gift in recognition of her huge contribution as Chairperson of the Re-Furbishment Committee and her unfailing cheerfulness and loyalty.

Both Jacobo Israel Gaerzon and Jack Laredo, took the opportunity of extending their greetings and good wishes on behalf of all the Jewish Communities they represent, and told us that there are now 45,000 Jewish people in Spain belonging to 13 congregations dotted around the country. How wonderful it is that these Jewish congregations are now thriving in this country where once, they were persecuted and expelled.

The congregation sang Adon Olam and Hatikva and adjourned into the new Communal Hall for tea – tea, schmee!! On the groaning tables was a wonderful array of sandwiches, open and closed, cakes, biscuits and of course, slices of Carol Bourne’s Best Cheesecake in the world. Brian Imber, Chairman of the Social and Cultural Committee, reminded everyone of the Comunidad’s ‘Forthcoming Attractions’ and that this new Hall is to be used and enjoyed by the Community and all suggestions for ‘future functions’ will be happily received.

Brian then presented tearful Harvey and a smiling Carol with a special card from the Community. A card large enough, he told them, to have the signatures of all the members and friends of the Synagogue would have been too big for even the new wide Synagogue doors, and so although not full of signatures it was filled with love and thanks by everyone who touched it. Without Harvey's leadership, vision, and incredible hard work, the old building would probably still be standing.

PS:
A member of the Congregation was overheard asking Mario if there was a suitable blessing for Watford Football Club, playing later on in the quarter finals of the FA Cup. Looking straight at the President, whose Yarmulka proudly displays an Arsenal badge, Mario replied that he didn’t think there was a prayer for that team either, but he would do his best. Something good must have come of mentioning WFC during this happy and holy event, they won 1-0 and are now in the semi finals!!


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REPORT

New Sefer Torah Arrives in Benidorm Synagogue.

On February 12th 2006, the Communidad Israelita de Alicante, (The Benidorm Synagogue) recieved with great joy and rejoicing a Sefer Torah from London, England. It was given on permanent loan from the Holland park Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, London. It is believed to be about 100 years old and originally from Spain, and so felt very much like the homecoming of a very dear friend.

It was most carefully transported by Mr & Mrs Childs of London, and recieved on behalf of the Community by the President, Mr Harvey Bourne. After a very emotional and moving ceremony, conducted by Mr Mario Pereira, in a full to capacity Synagogue, the Sefer Torah was placed in the Ark.

A celebration party was then held in the premises next door, which the Community has just purchased, and which will, after refurbishments plans are fullfilled, become the focal point for future social activities.


Shows left to right: Mario Pereira, (officiating), Harvey Bourne, (President), Irving Childs, (who transported the Sefer Torah from England), Mrs Helena Winestone, (committe member), and Mrs Joya Childs.
This picture shows the presentation to Mr & Mrs Childs of a certificate from the JNF recording the planting of trees in their name in Israel by our Community as a token of apreciation for the important part they played in the acquisition of the Sefer Torah.



General view of the Synagogue Ceremony February 12th 2006.


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