2009 JGLG Summer weekend - News from London
The weekend started with the Friday night service at Brighton & Hove Progressive synagogue. Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah and student Rabbi Anna Gerrard took the service with guitar accompaniment by Victor. Resident Caterer Sarah then put on an excellent Chavurah supper which went down well and even though there was lots of grub, we ended up scoffing the lot with not a morsel left!
A 1.45pm start on the Saturday allowed a morning lay in, much needed for a few of the participants who went out clubbing after the service the night before! We then all met up on the seafront for an open bus ride to Devil’s Dyke. Although the weather was chilly with a gusty wind, we all made the most of it and laughed our way to the top of the hill. Upon arriving there some of us went for a brisk walk overlooking the Downs and enjoying the country air, those less enthusiastic headed straight for the pub (aptly named Devils Dyke) for a hot coffee or something stronger. We then all ended up at the pub for a light lunch before heading back to the pier at Brighton.
7.30pm meant re-grouping for most of us for sundowners on the Beach and a group photograph. Actually there wasn’t any sun to go down unfortunately but it wasn’t too cold and we all had a good opportunity to down two boxes of wine, many packets of crisps and have a good gossip!
Saturday night dinner was at Donatellos where Peggy managed to increase the table from thirty to thirty-eight of us. The really good value for money set menu was enjoyed by all and a rather rowdy evening it was too. Once again some of the boys set off for the pubs, but ended up doing more walking than pubbing, as I had not realised that many pubs closed by midnight, so we ended up at the infamous Bull Dog a small incredibly busy local boozer where we were obviously noticed as being foreign - so foreign that Jeff was asked if he was Iranian!
The Sunday concluded with a discussion and workshop on Jewish Sexual Ethics led by Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah with interesting and heated contribution from Ed and input from most of the group. Although controversial at times there was free democratic debate and everyone seemed relaxed and able to enjoy it.
All in all a memorable and fun weekend with special thanks to Peggy and Eric (as always) and the view was we should do it annually. My first time and I am definitely game for next year, be it Brighton or somewhere else. Suggestions were even made about Paris or Amsterdam. Thank you Brighton & Hove - your accommodation worked out well too.