I enjoyed my summer break in Finland. The weather was beautiful, sunny, and warm, and I could take full advantage of nature. My favorite pastimes are berry picking and mushroom hunting in the forest. This year, nature was generous.
It was a pleasure to meet with our Finnish Progressive Jewish partners, Or Hatzafon at www.suomenreformijuutalaiset.org for a Shabbat service and potluck dinner in Helsinki during this time. The evening was invigorating. It reminded me of how the IJC started two decades ago—a group of dedicated individuals who wanted to expand their spiritual and educational opportunities in a liberal Jewish context and who just went ahead and did it.
The IJC played an important role in creating the Finnish community. Bill and I met Professor Iiro Jääskeläinen five years ago for coffee in Helsinki. He is a researcher in neuroscience at Aalto University in Helsinki and a member of the Copenhagen reform community. Once he heard our story, he became inspired to create something similar in Finland.
Today Or Hatzafon counts about 50 members and is officially registered as a synagogue. Encouraged by Rabbi Brian, Iiro has begun his rabbinical studies in Berlin, and Brian is helping teach Or Hatzafon’s conversion class.
The IJC is no longer a startup. We are blossoming into a mature adult. As usual, we took a two-month break during the summer, but had a couple of fun Kappalat Shabbat gatherings, one in a member’s home in Grimbergen. Now that the summer is fading and becoming a pleasant memory, we return to our regular lives. The IJC calendar is filling up with old and new activities. Check out our website, www.ijc.be, to learn more and join us.
The High Holy Days are also shaping up. This year, Erev Rosh Hashana is on October 2. Cantor Marty will again come from Athens, and we will again be on the east side of Brussels, in the Woluwe neighborhood.
I look forward to seeing you all at one of our gatherings!
Anu Ristola - IJC President
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