The birth of SDRS (now known as Sha’arei Tsedek) in the early sixties was also a kind of re-birth for me.

I was raised in more traditional Judaism, so it was a relief to finally find myself where I always wanted to be but didn’t know it. Our community and the shul has been part of my family life, from the early Jewish education of my children through to Bar Mitzvah, Aufruf, wedding, illnesses and sad losses.  Throughout it all I have been surrounded by a caring community, quick to offer comfort and congratulations.

I have served on various committees throughout the years – notably the Israel Committee, Lunch & Chat and finally Chesed all of which has provided me with a deeper understanding of people and it has been a privilege to reach out to those in their time of difficulty and loss.

Fifty years have flown by, taking with them many changes of venue, from church halls, to Queens Avenue, then 45 High Street, Southgate, High Holy Days at Pickett’s Lock and now to our beautiful shul here in Oakleigh Road North, all leading me to believe that “kavanah” does not depend on bricks and mortar.

Over the years I have seen quite a few rabbis come and go, each with their own style, bringing something new to the religious life of our community. Change for many of us is not always welcome as it is all too easy to sink back into the comfort of usage, but it should be viewed as stimulating, reflecting changing times.

Sha’arei Tsedek has always been a constant for me and my family. May it continue to be so for generations to come.