On the hottest evening of the year 70 filled Skeel Hall for the 6th Melton London graduation.

Gerald Rothman, Chair of the Board, chaired the evening with great panache.
The keynote was given by Doug Krikler the new Chief Executive of the UJIA who spoke warmly of the Melton programme and how proud UJIA was to be a partner.

Allan Morgenthau Melton and LJCC Board member presented the 38 graduates with their certificate and book to rapturous applause from fellow students, friends and family.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the proceedings was the presentation by the Monday morning group. Having been asked to sum up their two years, they came up with a song. To the tune of 'My Favourite Things', ten of the group pulled together a rousing performance followed by a moving presentation to their teachers and director of Frederick Brenner's 'Diaspora' and personalised challah cloths.

After a few words from Director, Judy Trotter, everyone moved to the hall for celebratory food and drink (and of course photos).

Judy Trotter said how pleased she had been to welcome to the graduation Claire Mandel, Chair of Limmud, Trudy Gold, Chief Executive of the London Jewish Cultural Centre, Ray Simonson and Shoshanna Bloom from UJIA-MAKOR.

For all those who work for and support Melton during the year it was immensely satisfying to be part of this special evening.

Melton Graduation Song
To tune of "My Favourite Things"

Melton and Limmud, Mondays for two years,
We've all enjoyed it, Judy had few tears,
Many good memories we'd like to share,
Grant us a moment so you can hear.

Natalie's Purposes, Miriam's Rhythms,
Chevruta nearly caused us some schisms,
Ethics with Daniel lead us to know
Our everyday values were born long ago.

You know Drama lessons could be quite a sight,
Bananas and onions, music and light,
Many surprises Angela brings,
These are a few of our favourite things.

When Judy knocks,
When the time's up
When we might be sad,
We rush to our parking
And foiling the warden,
Then we don't feel
Too bad.

By Ramban and Rambam you may be perplexed,
But Desire lesson ten was not oversexed.
Tanakh and Talmud often we used,
Who is a Jew still left us confused.
Mitzvot and Mishkan, Prophets and Kings,
God's Laws for the world are our favourite things.

For the Shoah,
For the Pogroms,
For Crusades we cried,
But then we remember,
Despite all the woes,
A Remnant of Jews
Survived.

A wide range of backgrounds made up our Group,
Each point of view was put through the hoop,
On al fresco classes agree we could not,
Some wanted shade and some wanted hot.
But friendships we formed and sharing our news
Leaves us more tolerant of each other's views

So Thank You to Melton, Judy and Crew,
We now look forward to challenges new,
And thanks for your patience in hearing us sing,
Even if it's not your favourite thing!

When Judy knocks,
When the time's up,
When we might be sad,
We think about Melton
And hope there's lots more,
And then we will feel
so glad.

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