Education

 

For the wider community

 

Providing education for the wider community plays an important part of the life of the Synagogue. We regularly provide talks for local schools and other interested groups - for more details, please see the Visits page. Many visitors come to see our beautiful Grade 2*  listed Synagogue as a place of architectural interest as well as a House of Prayer. 

 

For Community members

 

Jewish Studies Group

 

The Jewish Studies group meets monthly on a Thursday evening and focuses on a different aspect of Judaism at each meeting. Recent topics have included, for example Rites of Passage, the Siddur and the Jewish Home. After a break for light refreshments, the group splits into two; providing either a chance to deepen understanding of the topic, or an opportunity for participants to learn or improve their Hebrew.

 

The group is led by Michael Webber and Allan Sanis, and guest speakers have included Reverend Malcolm Weisman, Minister for Small Communities; and Reverend Elkan Levy, Director of the Office for Small Communities.

Cultural Studies Group

The Cultural Studies Group meets under the expert guidance of Michael Webber, who is an artist and former art teacher. The Group has focused principally on the art and architecture of Western Europe and is currently exploring the history of jazz.  It meets monthly on a Sunday morning. 

 

Library

 

The Synagogue Library opened in November 2007 thanks to generous gifts and its collection covers a range of topics of Jewish interest, with an interesting selection on Israel. The library also holds copies of The Jewish Quarterly and the Chief Rabbi’s Journal.

 

All books may be borrowed by Members of the Congregation. The Library is open by appointment. Please contact our Secretary, Michael Webber on 01242 578893 or info@cheltenhamsynagogue.org.uk.

 

Honorary Fellowships

 

The work of two of our members has been deservedly recognised by the award of  honorary Fellowships by the University of Gloucestershire.

 

Michael Webber

 

Michael Webber was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 2009 for his significant contribution in furthering the education of the local community.

 

Born in London in 1926, Michael decided on a career in teaching following the completion of his studies.  He subsequently spent the next 22 years teaching in different schools across London before joining the civil service in 1971.

 

Michael came to Cheltenham in the 1990’s and he quickly became involved with our local Hebrew community and from 1999 to 2008 he was Chairman of the Synagogue. As well as his work with the community, with his wife Miriam he has helped to make the Synagogue even more welcoming and available to school groups, as well as organising educational talks and visits to the Synagogue.

 

Michael has worked with student teachers from the university giving them the opportunity to learn about Judaism.  This is part of what the university wrote about Michael:

 

“The manner in which he teaches about Judaism and Jewish life, together with the open minded and multi-faith approach he adopts, offer an inspiring role model for teachers graduating from the university.”

 

David Elyan

 

 

David Elyan is pictured above receiving his Fellowship from the University of Gloucestershire from Anthony McClaran, Chairman of the Governors and Professor Patricia Broadfoot CBE, Vice Chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire.

 

David Elyan has made a number of gifts to the University of Gloucestershire library including a substantial collection of printed material from the Whittington Press and an important collection of rare first editions by James Elroy Flecker (1885—1915).  Flecker’s father, the Rev. W H Fecker became the first Headmaster of Dean Close School in Cheltenham in 1886.

 

David instituted the Cheltenham Illustration Award in 2006.  These are administered by the University and attract some hundreds of entries each year from all over the world.  In recognition of this achievement he was award an Honorary Fellowship in 2008.

 

David is also an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) and received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Malta in 2000.