West London Synagogue holds World AIDS Day service and concert

A World AIDS Day service and concert with the Diversity Choir was held in Britain’s oldest reform Synagogue, in West London.

On Sunday 30 November, 2014, continuing its tradition of marking World AIDS Day, West London Synagogue was the host to a special service and concert, with the Diversity Choir making its West London Synagogue debut.

The event, called ‘Dreams’ was supported by JAT (Formerly Jewish AIDS Trust), reflecting on the dream of a world without HIV/AIDS.

The service was led by Rabbis Helen Freeman and David Mitchell in the stunning sanctuary of the flagship synagogue of the Movement for Reform Judaism in Central London.

With a specially created siddur – Kol Rinnnah/The Voice of Joy, more than 100 people attended a moving and reflective service.

Representatives of key partners lit large red candles whilst members of the congregation stepped forward throughout the service to light a multitude of smaller red candles.

The service concluded with a rousing version of Any Dream Will Do from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

A concert by Diversity Choir followed and the candlelit audience was treated to a repertoire that included Gershwin’s Stairway to Paradise, Labi Siffre’s Something Inside So Strong, a Medley of ivor Novello Songs and an encore of Get Happy.

The evening ended with a piano recital of jazz and popular classics by virtuoso Russian pianist, Olga Mazour.