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Bridging the Yamim Norai'm:

Our unique Ten Days of Learning and Reflection

This year, our Ten Day programme will be on the theme of Isaac and Ishmael. Most sessions this year will be in person, with a few on Zoom. Full details can be found in our info brochure, here.

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Motzei Shabbat (Saturday night), October 5th
Havdalah at 8:00 pm followed by our annual Yamin Noraim Film Night.  We will view and discuss the film 'The Other Son'.

Please contact KNM by email for venue details (admin@kolnefesh.org.uk).

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Sunday, October 6th
Together as One – memorial events to mark the October 7th anniversary.
See our brochure for details, here.

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Monday, October 7th
Together as One – memorial events to mark the October 7th anniversary.
See our brochure for details, here.

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Tuesday, October 8th, from 7.30pm (session begins at 8pm)
Sibling Narratives, Myths and Realities – Brenda Simmonds

In this session we will look at how family narratives affect sibling relationships, and the beliefs we hold about the nature of these bonds. We will end with some thoughts about Ishmael and Isaac, a bond characterised by trauma.

Brenda has been a social worker for over 50 years. After a first degree from Kings College in cell biology, she earned a diploma in social administration from LSE and a Certificate of Qualification in Social Work from the Home Office. She worked as a probation officer with young people, worked with gang members, and spent two years at Feltham Young Offenders Prison before moving on to child protection work. Most recently she has supported adoption and fostering as a senior manager for a local authority. She has a sibling group of three, and her family has fostered and been what is euphemistically called a blended family.

7.30pm, chat and reflections; 8.00pm, session; 9.00–9.30pm, Selichot for those who wish to stay.

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Wednesday, October 9th, from 7.00pm (note earlier start time)
The Akeda and the Koran: A Muslim Perspective – Rabbi Joel with Imam Halima Krausen

In this session we will reverse our gaze and look at the story of the Akeda from the perspective of the Koran. Imam Halima Krausen will present and dissect the Muslim reading of the Akeda and then enter into a dialogue with Rabbi Joel about the meaning of these contradictory sources for both of our traditions.

Halima Krausen, a theologian and scholar, served as Germany’s first female imam. She has worked extensively in inter-religious dialogue, including through the annual Conference for Dialogue Between Jews, Christians and Muslims (jcmconference.org).

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Thursday, October 10th
Theatre outing and discussion. Marylebone Theatre, 7.30pm. Please book your own tickets in advance.

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The play: "What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank", written by Nathan Englander, based on his Pulitzer-finalist short story of the same name. A discussion led by Rabbi Joel will follow the performance. More information and booking details can be accessed here. (Make sure you book for the evening performance starting at 7.30pm, not the matinee.)

The play is based on Nathan Englander's short story, but has been updated to cover recent events, including the current war between Israel and Hamas. For those interested in reading the original short story, you can find it here.​​