BOBBY TO BEVIS


“Where is the Bevis Marks Synagogue?,” I asked the London Bobby. With the historical sounds of England’s famous Big Ben chiming in the far distance, only a solitary London policeman was around to offer up directions as he walked his beat through this quiet, isolated neighborhood.

Of course, even before asking, I assumed I was close to reaching Great Britain’s solemn synagogue because the street sign read “Jewry Street” . Yet downtown London’s one and only synagogue is still hidden... tucked away into a courtyard surrounded by security gates.

Eliyahu, a pleasant gentleman from Baghdad who works as the synagogue’s guard and caretaker, welcomed us, taking care to make sure that all visitor’s are careful on the premises of this 300 year old sanctuary.

Alone in this Orthodox building (“even the Queen of England would have to sit upstairs”), one quickly sees all the Jewish English history here. Names like Disraeli, Rothschild, Montefiore, The Lord Mayor of London have all made their mark here. The Bevis Marks Synagogue was opened in 1701 and is the oldest surviving congregation in Great Britain. The building was built on acts of generosity. The central candelabrum was presented by the Jews of Amsterdam. The roof is said to contain an oak beam presented by Queen Anne, originally from a Royal Navy ship. The synagogue builder returned his profits to the Congregation, refusing to financially benefit from building a house of God.

Each nook and cranny of this magnificent building offers the visitor a welcoming look at European Jewry, London-style. My family came to the city to marvel at its West End theatre (Mamma Mia and Blood Brothers are two of the best shows I have ever seen); its stately buildings (Buckingham Palace or Kensington Palace would be a great place to live); its outstanding churches (Westminster Abbey defines the word elegant); its famed music (the London Symphony Orchestra is a classic delight)...but for me, it’s not a complete vacation without seeing a local synagogue. From Tokyo to Singapore, from Teheran to Jerusalem, from Paris to Manaus Brazil, I’ve always enjoyed taking out some travel time to explore my proud Jewish heritage one international religious institution at a time.

Even if it takes a Bobby to find it.

“IRIS”

Many of us will have to care for a loved one during an illness. The frustrations we face, the challenges we endure, the hardships we overcome, are all part of a movie called “Iris.” I recommend you don’t miss this very moving film.

Iris Murdoch was a writer and a lover of all that life had to offer. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with the dementia disease, Alzheimer’s. Today, the facts of life state that too many grandparents and parents will suffer through this illness and therefore this subject is as timely and important as ever.

The suffering faced by a caring husband and friends who try to keep Iris moving forward as her illness progresses, are evident in every scene. We all have witnessed how once vibrant lives can move on a downward spiral of family depression and frustration.

As the lives of the non- afflicted cope, and as the lives of the Alzheimer’s afflicted continue to be reduced, the closeness of the caregiver and family member can be so moving to observe. In the film, one watches in awe as John Bayley, husband of Iris for 43 years, dotes over her every move and valiantly works to honor and protect her days and nights as her Alzheimer’s takes on a stronger role. Dame Judi Dench as Iris and Jim Broadbent as her husband John, are Oscar-deserving not only for their outstanding performances but for the way they accurately portray a caregiving husband and suffering wife. Hopefully, the film succeeds in opening the audience’s eyes for family members who are tempted to drop out and walk away from their loved ones’ caregiving roles.

We strive to hold onto the quality of life that proceeds the decline of an active lifestyle. But as “Iris” shows us, when the ride downhill begins, it’s important to hang on, and when necessary, turn to the help of others who can make things a little more comforting.