Shabbat Shalom. I’m delighted to welcome the friends and family of Zak today. Family who have come from all over the world to share in this rite of passage, a step towards adulthood. Zak, you have led the service with me wonderfully and I hope you feel justly proud of your achievements.

Shabbat Shalom. I’m delighted to welcome the family and friends of Jessica this morning. A family who over the years have made many others feel welcome in this Synagogue – this time it’s your turn to be welcomed. Jess – wow, what a responsibility and perhaps pressure to live up to in terms of this Synagogue. For this moment, right now, you have stood in your own right to forge your own path and I hope you feel proud of what you have accomplished.

Shabbat Shalom.  I’m delighted to welcome the family and friends of Gemma this morning. Gemma, you have led the service wonderfully and it has been a pleasure having you share the bimah with me on the occasion of you becoming Bat Mitzvah. Gemma, I know, being the middle child myself, how tough life can be – after all why else would you need to show your hidden talent of singing your haftarah, challenging yourself in such a way. Middle children, like you and me, we suffer ‘oy we suffer’ – never first to do anything, always with expectations of doing as well as your older sibling, receiving hand-me-downs, fighting for attention and not even the youngest so no preferential treatment either. Life is tough isn’t it. Especially when your facebook status regularly puts you in Brent Cross. I must say you have certainly risen above it!

Shabbat Shalom. I’m absolutely delighted to welcome this morning all the friends and family of Asher who are here to celebrate with him as he becomes Bar Mitzvah – your siblings, parents, grandparents and extended family from Israel and afar. Asher, you read wonderfully and I can only wish you Kol Hakavod – all of the honour deserving of such leadership.

Shabbat Shalom.  I’m delighted to welcome you all here on this official showing off of Ayelet. And of course to all our friends and family. Before I start I should just say that there will be numbered tickets available later which you will be able to take. When your number is called you can have the opportunity for a cuddle with an 8 week old. However, whereas in Ikea they proudly state a waiting time no longer than 10 minutes, I’m afraid you may have to wait much longer – since quantity is no match for quality and taking a faulty wardrobe back to Ikea is not really the same as being passed from one stranger to another…if you get my drift.