Chanukah time at Belsize Square has surely never been so much fun, write Helen Grunberg and Sue Arnold.

Before lighting the first candle, our Rabbi led the Evening Service and explained the meaning and traditions of Chanukah with his customary insight and humour. Sue Mariner effortlessly assisted as the Maestro of the keyboard.

A clever supper was then ably provided by the BMG – a tasty 45 minute break.

The hall filled further for the show that followed. Rob Nothman, a great speaker, was Master of Ceremonies, introducing the acts, which began with a reprise of the “Eight Little Candles” from Belsize Chanukah Celebrations of years gone by. Organised by Ruth Rothenberg and her daughter Sarah, a charming line-up of eight youngsters – complete with special candle head-dresses – each delivered rhyming couplets about the ‘the eight days of Chanukah’.

Next up was this publication’s special columnist Herr Fritz Klopstick. Speaking in his familiar accent, he gave us his latest views of Belsize and world news with his own inimitable “eloquence”. This was followed by David Lawrence who took to the keyboard and with unique virtuosity played Maoz Tzur in a variety of requested styles ranging from Liszt to Bob Marley.

Then Rob and David Baker performed a duet about the “joys” of Wood Green’s Decorium to a tune from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Very funny!

The half time interval allowed for coffee and donuts - also courtesy of BMG.

After the break, Jeanie Horowitz (Head of Cheder) introduced a poignant and very professionally produced film made by Cheder students entitled ‘In the Beginning … Stories From Our Founders’. Funded by a generous grant provided by Leo Baeck College and the UJIA, the teenagers interviewed some of our founding members about their pre-war experiences. These were interspersed with photos and archive footage of pre-war Germany and the devastation that followed 1933. The film is beautifully crafted and edited, and is available from the Synagogue on DVD. A “must-see” for every Belsize household.

Next was the “Shofar Shoctet” led by Malcolm Miller and his two sons, together with Alasdair Nisbet, David Rothenberg, Justyn Trenner, James Morris and John Abramson. An amazing shofar-blowing feat of musical ability, which left us mesmerised.

The evening had a rousing musical finale provided by our Cheder youngsters. First a duet of Robert Do Santos, violin and Zara Madel, keyboard enchanted us with some traditional Chanukah music. Then, the Chanukah Rock Band took over the stage to great applause. Theo Cowan on piano, Jake Morris and Theo Abramson on guitars and Rosie Solomon on drums, together with a trio of fine singers and extra choir members accompanying them, put on a memorable performance – all under the direction of Cantor Norman and Ayelet Landsman.

We thank all who took part, including the 'backroom staff' who provided sound and lighting, for a remarkable evening of talent and ingenuity.