Page 6 - Kol Bogrei Habonim - September 14
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responsibility – all the peer buzz words - the could forget the 50th anniversary of the
young New Jew sticking and dirtying his hands beginning of WW1. Such poetry and song and
in mother earth. Rising before dawn to milk the sentiment that lent itself to our creative minds.
cows or light the Essie stove. Who ever heard of
such a thing? The elite. To be adored. To be In 1982 I arrived in London as Central Shaliach
looked up to. The Pioneer who conquered the to the British Movement. My first task, imposed
West i.e. East. This played an exquisite role in on me by dear Lady Ruth of Kenwood, was to
the triumphal Movement march onwards and take the key of 360 Finchley Road, and check
upwards drawing in future generations. And all that there was nothing of any value left in the
this in a group – high on the act of living now sold, empty and abandoned abode. I
together in an artificial poverty, group decisions opened the door gingerly to the gaping silence
and dependency, eventually forming/joining/ and emptiness. "Is there any value left in here?"
belonging to a garin to endeavor to ensure the I screamed silently. Anything? Can value shift
continuation and survival of the species - abode? Ghosts of great moments of years gone
Movement self-preservation. by. Even my short stay here in the late 60s.
Nothing. All gone. My madrichim. My
There were at least 28 of us. Some say the shlichim. My chanichim. Maybe there is
largest hachshara for generations, if not something left in the cracks. A proposal, a
altogether. There was Alan D, Alan A, Dave, resolution, a mercaz or veida, or just a ramble on
George, Howard, Hilary, Sue, Geoff, Lennie, Ilkley Moor, or by Kinder Scout. From that
Colin, Cyril, Julie, Mavis, Frankie, Malcolm, silence of dust of days gone by.
Martin, Rona, Irving, Jack, Roger, Barry, Dot
G., Eleanor, Lawrence, Janet, Barry S, Barrie N, It seemed like a good idea at the time to write
Barry. P and others to whom I ivriapologize for something for the special edition of the Iton.
having forgotten. Eleanor enjoyed sitting on the Now I am not so sure.
tumble dryer whilst the rest of us produced high May all your ramblin’ bring you joy.
quality Friday evening Onegei Shabbat. Who
Veidat Habonim, Carmarthen, 1961
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