Wessex Liberal Jewish Community toasted a double good news story this week as it marked not one, but two marvellous milestones.

First, Joan and Nat Roseman (pictured above) celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Since the founding of WLJC in 2009, the platinum anniversary couple have been welcoming pillars of the community.

Their story began in the early 1950s when Joan, studying at Oxford University, met one of Nat’s friends from Leeds. A chance encounter led to a London meeting, and the rest, as they say, is history. They married in 1955, and their journey reflects the growth of the community they’ve supported.

In her sermon, Rabbi Miri Lawrence said: “All the things I’ve been told about Nat and Joan are true – how intelligent they both are, how knowledgeable about Judaism, and they sit at the heart of this community, warm and kind.”

And she concluded with a blessing: “May the love that brought you together 70 years ago continue to grow with each passing day. May your home continue to be filled with light, laughter, and peace. May you continue to teach all of us what it means to live a life of commitment and love. And may God bless you with health, joy, and many more sweet moments together.”

On the same day, the shul also raised a l’chaim to long-standing member and former Council regular, Warren Lawrence (pictured left), on his 75th birthday. A familiar face and dependable presence within WLJC, Warren has long symbolised the spirit of dedication and continuity that every community needs.

As a lay leader and always interested in technology, Warren’s last Sermon slot was on Artificial Intelligence. And it is down to Warren’s skills that all of Wessex Liberal’s services are now available on Zoom.