A packed house gathered at Hadley Wood Synagogue for the first annual lecture called the Robert Feld “Live Life to the Full” lecture. This series of lectures in honour of Robert Feld, one of the founders, warden and for 20 years Treasurer of the shul, honours not only him but the attitude he had to life and to treasuring and enjoying every day.
Quite aptly, the event took place in the synagogue building that Robert as part of the steering group played such a big role in building, and it was also therefore the only choice for the first lecture giver to be Rabbi Dr Yoni Birnbaum who was a close friend of Robert and also part of that steering group.
A large crowd attended both to remember Robert but also to welcome back “home” Rabbi and Rebbetzen Birnbaum who started their rabbinical career in Hadley Wood. He is now the Rabbi of Finchley United Synagogue as well as a senior Rabbi in the Office of the Chief Rabbi.
Rabbi Birnbaum gave a spell binding and inspirational speech on how to live a full life both for yourself, your family and your community. There has to be time for all the good things in life and but there is also a time to be serious about what matters most. After the lecture, in the spirit of Robert, a lot of food and drink was consumed. Rabbi Birnbaum was introduced by former Chairman John Melchior and the vote of thanks was given by Robert’s widow, Elaine.
By John Melchior
