Hengrave

[livredor]

The first time I went to Hengrave Hall I was about ten. I went there with my family for a gathering of members of Progressive synagogues in the region. It was snowing, and the central heating in the hall chose that December weekend to break down. I don't remember being cold, I remember playing games I was probably too old for in a room redecorated

Comments

[wychwood]

I'm really sorry to hear about this. Hengrave sounds like a wonderful place, and somewhere I thought I would like to visit... though I imagine not, now.

I hope they find a way to spread that spirit wider, even if the centre is closed. And that you find other places which can do as much for you.

[livredor]

Thank you for this comment, wychwood! This does seem the best outcome to hope for, that the community will carry on the spirit of Hengrave after they've been dispersed. I am sure they will, as they are such wonderful people, but their task of working for reconciliation will be that much harder because they'll be out in the world instead of their own place where everybody lives by their philosophy.

baruch dayan ha'emet

[hatam_soferet]

That's very sad.

(And how could I disapprove of someone's choice of requiem?)

Re: baruch dayan ha'emet

[livredor]

Yes, is it is very sad. I'm glad at least that I managed to invite you to Hengrave (I wanted to take all my friends there, but you were the only one I was able to persuade to come).

And I thought you might disapprove of the music because you've been rude about Taizé in the past. I only wish it wasn't a memorial service, but just the community carrying on in their normal way, so you could feel free to disapprove as much as you wanted.

Re: baruch dayan ha'emet

[hatam_soferet]

Oh yes, totally, if it was a normal service I'd be completely rude :) My aunty likes Taizé. I'm supposed to be on my way to work. Hm. Byebye.

[rysmiel]

I have nothing to say but that this is a beautiful elegy, and I am glad you had the opportunity to have such an influence in your life.

*hug*

[livredor]

I wasn't really thinking of it as an elegy, but I suppose it is, in a way. And thank you for hugging me and listening sympathetically when I first heard about this, but didn't want to talk about it in LJ cos I wasn't sure if it was public knowledge. Impermanence still sucks, but hugs help a lot.

[beckyzoole]

After your post about Hengrave last year (one of the first things I read in your journal), I added Hengrave Hall to the list of places I must go one day. I am so sad that it will not be there -- or, at least, will not be the same.

I am more sad for you. May you be comforted together with all the bereaved of Israel.

[livredor]

Thank you for your comforting words! I am writing about this in terms of what it means to me, because that's the easiest way to write, but really my loss is very minor compared to the community. It's a place of refuge for me, but it's their whole lives, and that's what I'm so upset about, really.