Fun and Games by Jonathon Clark, Chavurah Member

The stereotypical Jewish attitude to participation in sports is perhaps best summed up by one of David Bader’s “Haiku for Jews” (p. 28):
“Jewish triathlon --
gin rummy, then contract bridge,
followed by a nap”
However, a serious blow was dealt to this sedentary image when the Chavurah held its First Annual Sports Day last Friday evening at the idyllic – and quintessentially English - Channing School Sports Field.
The clear blue sky and warm pre-heatwave sunshine made for perfect weather as we kicked off with candle lighting and supper (only a Jewish event could have the food before the races).
It was a veritable feast and much enjoyed by all present – any concerns over a possible lack of food proved unfounded as everyone “over contributed” and there was more than enough to go round.
Memo to self: next time bring a box of matches to light the candles. We are a community of non-smokers and it will save someone (Adam) having to go to the nearest shop to buy them.
There was, hopefully, something for everybody in the sports programme including such novelty (and Jewish-themed) events as a relay where team members placed a kippah on the head of the next runner instead of handing them a baton while the traditional sack race was renamed the Lord Sacks Race in tribute to the late Chief Rabbi.
Those participants who had grown up outside the UK found themselves at something of a cultural disadvantage as they tried to understand the intricacies and strategies, for the first time, of such events as the egg and spoon race, the three legged race and the tug-o-war.
In the spirit of Liberal Judaism (where rules are never followed mindlessly) some contestants in the sprint races decided that running straight to the finishing line by crossing the field was easier than taking the long route along the curved markings of the track - much to the confusion of other participants and the race organisers.
The highlight of the evening was probably the final item - a game of rounders played as the sun finally set over the field.
Both teams contained players of all ages who hit the ball with varying degrees of success. Getting round all the bases on one hit was made easier due to the difficulty which many of the fielders had in gathering the ball and throwing it to one of the bases. Confusion, hilarity and good humour were equal partners in this venture.
The scoring was a something of a random affair - all I can remember is that one team finished with more points than the other and that nobody minded too much how the score had been (mis)calculated.
Tribute must be paid to Joseph Levontine who organised the sports programme with skill, diplomacy and great attention to detail – a future career as an Events Manager surely awaits.
Let the last word go to Lord Sacks who notes how the purpose of building the sanctuary in the wilderness was to bring the Children of Israel together as a community where everybody contributed something (p. 94, Lessons in Leadership).
While there is no physical product from the Chavurah Sports Day it is surely the case that the memories of a delightful evening will remain for many years with those who took part. There is nothing like being tied to your partner in a three legged race or pulling together in a crazy tug-o-war where everyone falls to the ground in fits of laughter to get rid of natural (British) reserve.
Building real community is something for which many people yearn and being part of that process in Crouch End Chavurah is a joy and a privilege.
This event was an innovation – if we repeat it next year then it becomes a tradition and who is to say that the idea can not be spread to include other congregations within Liberal Judaism.
An Annual LJ Sports Day? You heard it here first.