In response to representation from a number of women members of the community who feel they have not been able to mark their Yahrzeit in the way they would wish, from January and February 2008, Yeshurun’s Board of Management has decided to amend our approach on who will take priority for call ups on a Shabbos morning.  

The new approach has incorporated (as promised) feedback received throughout January and has been endorsed by Rabbi Lewis as complying with halochah.  In all cases, the Honorary Officers' discretion will apply in each case.

- The first priority to an aliyah will go to male chiyuvim with Yahrzeit for a parent (only) on the Shabbos.

- The second priority will go to males with Yahrzeit for a parent (only) in the coming week

- The third priority will go to menfolk of women with yahrzeit for a parent (only) in the coming week, 

- The fourth priority will go to either men, or men of womenfolk, (giving either equal priority) for a Yahrzeit for everything else.

In cases of the second, third and fourth priorities, further consideration will be given to the day in the week the yahrzeit falls. The nearer the Shabbos in question, the greater the consideration.

The number of people able to be called on a Shabbos morning (ie how we apply this) will depend on : the discretion of the Wardens; what else is on (eg a Simchah) that particular Shabbos; the reasonable number of aliyos we are able to make and, as a welcoming shul, we may sometimes want to make space in the aliyos for visitors to shul (eg for those taking part in a Simchah, or if they are a visiting Rabbi) ahead of people who have Yahrzeit, especially later in the week, for a relative who is not a parent.  However, again this will depend on circumstances and the Honorary Officers' discretion will apply.

Anyone not able to be called on a Shabbos morning will be encouraged to attend services on Shabbos afternoon, Monday or Thursday morning as appropriate where special efforts will be made to give them a mitzvah at the layaning.

A suitably modified form of this policy will apply where Yomtov falls.

We realise that any policy to do with aliyos raises emotions.  We ask members to recognise that we are trying to be as accommodating as possible in the fairest way.

As always, we are welcoming of any feedback.

The Honorary Officers
February 2008