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9 DECEMBER 2021 International Superstar Nissim Black rocks Chabad of Essex in his first ever full London Concert
On Wednesday 1st of December Chabad Essex made World Music History when they brought the Famous American-Israeli Rapper Nissim Black to the UK for a ONE NIGHT London Chanukah Concert at The City Pavilion Essex as part of Nissim’s “Bright Lights Tour 2021”.
This was Nissim Black’s first ever full concert in London. Nissim has visited and performed in London before, however, each time was for small private events, this was his first full stage production performance in London and Chabad were honoured to have had this special opportunity.
Led by Chabad Buckhurst Hill, with Shluchim Rabbi Odom & Henny Brandman with a dedicated production team of Adrian Silas, Adrian Lee, Esther Joseph and their Shluchos Sonia Beame and Morrisa Schuler, over 600 people from across Essex and London were blown away with Nissim’s energy filled and inspiring performance.
Rabbi Odom Brandman, of Chabad Buckhurst Hill, who oversaw the concert, said “Nissim has an amazing story, he is a unique and special character and was both a total pleasure and professional to work with and was inspirational and uplifting to everyone at the concert”.
Chabad across Essex has 9 public Menorahs and holds events every evening of Chanukah. Last year, as the UK was in partial lock-down over Chanukah, they thought out of the box and put on a phenomenal Drive-In Concert attended by nearly 1,000 people. This year, in the spirit of Chanukah of always growing and doing bigger and better, they decided they needed an international celebrity to star at this year’s Chanukah central event.
Finding the right venue and securing everything needed to pull such a huge event proved extremely challenging, but
Nissom Black in action
PHOTO: YOSSI ABRAMS, CHERISH SHOTS
Rabbi Odom Brandman with Nissim Black
PHOTO: YOSSI ABRAMS, CHERISH SHOTS
the spiritual investment into the community was the driving force that made it all worth it.
Nissim Black has been a gangsta rapper, a gang member, and a faith seeker. But it is his current incarnation that is here to stay: an African American Chasidic Jew who brings sharp beats and hooked-filled rhymes to the masses.
His single of 2020, “Mothaland Bounce” is a confluence of everything he’s ever done, and everywhere he’s ever been. The vibe is old school, but the song is thoroughly fresh, pairing big beats with an African hook and a catchy chorus for a video that has already garnered over 4.5 million views on YouTube!
The venue was transformed by the amazing talent of CVS International complete with a star cloth backdrop, lights, huge screens and spark effects.
Over 600 people of all ages and backgrounds gathered together in the plush Millennium Suite for the Musical Rollercoaster of 90 non-stop minutes of incredible songs & tracks by Nissim that made for a totally memorable evening and event for one and all.
During a quick costume change for Nissim, Rabbi Odom Brandman of Chabad Buckhurst Hill and Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin MBE of Chabad Gants Hill and Head Shliach to North East London & Essex, took to the stage to light a huge Menorah and share some words of inspiration with the crowd. Rabbi Sufrin spoke amount the amazing growth of Chabad across Essex now with 9 public Menorahs and Rabbi Brandman spoke about the tremendous effects our positive displays of Jewish Pride can have on our communities.
The night was an amazing experience from start to finish for everyone and without a doubt the big highlight of Chanukah in Essex 2021.
One of the Chabad Team heard a little boy turn to his mother on the way out and say: “that was the BEST DAY of my LIFE!”.
A teacher from a London Jewish School who brought a group of 23 teenagers said “the positive Jewish effect of such a concert, is more than 6 months of Jewish Studies lessons in the classroom”. – Rabbi Odom Brandman commented, when you hear things like this, makes it all worth it!
One not to be forgotten and one to make Chabad Essex once again stand out as a leading force here in the UK when it comes to Community. After the concert Nissim came back to Chabad Buckhurst Hill where Rabbi Odom Brandman presented him with an inscribed Tanya printed in the Chabad House and one of the last remaining bottles of Chabad Buckhurst Hill’s famous Menorah Whisky from 2009.
As for next year and how to go “Higher” and have more “Change” as two of Nissim’s song titles are named it is a question that can only be answered when you remember that Chabad Essex is always saying ”Expect The Unexpected”.
BY SIMCHA ABIR
LSJS has announced that Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum will become the first Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought.
Rabbi Dr Zarum will teach, write and publicly amplify teachings of one of our generation’s greatest Rabbis.
“It is the honour of my life to spread the teachings of Rabbi Sacks, may his memory be a blessing, and to take the opportunity of this new appointment to focus further on teaching, writing and sharing in this wonderful tradition of ours.”
Lady Elaine Sacks welcomed the appointment.
“At LSJS, Rabbi Dr Zarum has been a colleague and student of my dear husband for more years than I can remember. He is an old and dear friend and is the perfect choice.”
Joanne Greenaway, LSJS CEO, said “We are honoured at LSJS to be continuing the legacy of a Torah giant who played such a pivotal role in the development of our institution and our outlook. I am excited for this opportunity for Rabbi Dr Zarum to amplify Rabbi Sacks’ teachings and take them to new audiences.”
She added, “I would like to thank our friends at the Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust for their support and we look forward to working closely with them.”
LSJS thanked the Zandan family, from Austin, Texas, for establishing the new position.
“We very much want to keep Rabbi Sacks’ work and impact growing,” said Peter Zandan.
As Rabbi Dr Zarum takes up this post, LSJS welcomed Michael Rainsbury as Head of Adult Education. Michael completed his MA Jewish Education and trained as a teacher at LSJS.
His experience as a formal and informal educator in the UK and Israel, they noted, would enable him to build on the growing international learning community at the organisation.
LSJS added that previous roles at Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi, Bnei Akiva JRoots and King Solomon school would bring new approaches to the adult education programme.
For details of the Sacks Chair or LSJS telephone 0208 203 6427 or email lsjsadmin@ lsjs.ac.uk
Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely meets Jewish youth movements
Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely hosted representatives from Jewish youth movements for a candle lighting ceremony during Chanukah.
Movement workers and members of the youth organisations including FZY, Bnei Akiva, BBYO and Tribe joined the Ambassador and her family for refreshments and music in celebration of the Jewish festival.
The evening followed a social action project headed by the Embassy, in which the ovements were given Chanukah cards to send to Israeli Youth group ‘Krembo Wings’ an organisation which provides extracurricular activities for children with additional needs.
The project, as well as the evening, more generally, aimed to strengthen the connection between the next generation of Jewish people in Israel and in the Diaspora.
Ambassador Hotovely shared words of encouragement and inspiration with the guests.
“I have long been passionate about strengthen the bridge between young people in Israel and the UK,” she noted. “The Israeli embassy will keep on working closely with youth movements and I look forward to hearing and learning from you, our future leaders.”
Event attendee, Sammy Kemp commented, “It was an incredibly enjoyable evening and a pleasure to have such close engagement with the Israeli Ambassador and other movements.”
Education Minister visits Kisharon Noe School
Kisharon Noé School hosted a visit from Education minister Baroness Barran
Education minister Baroness Barran visited Kisharon Noe School last Thursday.
Baroness Barran, whose government remit covers faith and free schools like the Noé school, saw the rebuilt premises, met staff and children, some with profound learning disabilities.
The Baroness heard how the pandemic had changed the teaching profession and was taken round the school by Headteacher Dr Emily Haddock and Chief Executive Richard Franklin. Gary Mond, BOD Senior Vice President and Chair of the Community and Education Division, joined the visit.
They discussed challenges of delivering an education that satisfies families of all levels of Jewish orthodoxy including the importance of curriculum and safeguarding.
The Baroness took interest in hearing positive feedback from parents on their children’s home learning experience and was pleased to about access to teachers daily and tailored online lessons.
Kisharon Chief Executive Richard Franklin asked Baroness Barran to clarify funding of further education for people with learning disabilities following the allocation of over £1bn for social care over the next three years.
This cash injection followed the publication of the social care white paper last week. They also spoke about OFSTED inspector recruitment and SEN requirements.
Dr Emily Haddock welcomed showcasing Kisharon and discussing challenges faith schools face.
On the last day of Chanukah, Manchester Mesivta held a minyan and freshly cooked breakfast for year 7 pupils and fathers. After their pancakes and waffles, they all took part in the Ovos Uvonim learning together.
Freshly cooked pancakes and waffles being served
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.
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9 DECEMBER 2021 Chanukah fun for Camp Simcha families
Chanochi (left) and Ian Pearl
Inflatables, games, arts, crafts, a stilt-walker, candy floss and Chanukah nosh brought festival fun to Camp Simcha families as the charity welcomed them back to its first in-person party for two years.
Over 130 family members enjoyed the fun-filled afternoon at JFS in Kenton, as they worked their way around three rooms of activities.
Camp Simcha Head of Services Daniel
Dina Kahan
Gillis said: “It was wonderful to be able to welcome our families back to a party after so long. We put a lot of thought into making it as safe as possible for them – and it was wonderful to see them relaxing and enjoying themselves.
“While the children had fun, many of the parents really enjoyed being able to see each other and chat face to face again. While we have arranged virtual meet-ups, just having the time and space to chat with other parents who are facing similar challenges is really beneficial – not to mention the emotional boost of seeing their children have a great time.”
Camp Simcha parent Nikki Bloom from North London was attending an in-person event for the first time, having come to the charity during Covid-19.
“Camp Simcha first started supporting us mid-pandemic after my son Joey was diagnosed with a Wilms’ Tumour,” said Mrs Bloom, “so this is the first party we have been to and I was absolutely blown away.
“It was just incredible and it was full of happiness and joy, rather than a room full of people coping with terrible challenges. People were enjoying themselves and it felt like an amazing escape from real life.
“Joey had the best time. We couldn’t attend the Camp Simcha outings when he was having chemotherapy because of the risk of infection so it was lovely for me to see him running around and having fun without worrying about infection – and having the strength to enjoy himself.”
The youngest walking on hot coals
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.
Walking on hot coals with a temperature of 6000C were these brave people at Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School. The hot coal fire walk was under the expert guidance of two times Guinness World record holder Scott Bell.
Chanukah Melaveh Malka at Stenecourt
Ian Rosenhead and Rav Ari Silbermann This past Saturday evening, Stenecourt held a Chanukah Melaveh Malka. Attendees were treated to live Chanukah music from Rav Ari Silberman of Mizrachi UK, accompanied by Mr. Ian Rosenhead. The communal menorah was lit by Avi Kleerekoper and all the children were treated to chocolate gelt, sufganiyot and glow sticks. Following the concert children enjoyed making Chanukah crafts.
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COMMUNITY 21 Lighting up the lives of older people this Chanukah
This Chanukah, Jewish Care has brought light and joy, supporting older people in the community.
Residents in care homes, older people living and members of community centres are delighted to be back together again to celebrate Chanukah in-person, with candle-lighting, doughnuts, latkes and entertainment together with Rabbi Junik, Jewish Care’s Spiritual and Pastoral Lead.
At Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre, members enjoyed a full programme with the regular Yiddish and Kiddush groups in-person and hybrid activities on Zoom for those at home. Staff and volunteers lit Chanukah candles through the week with members and enjoyed Chanukah songs, entertainment and doughnuts.
Residents at Jewish Care’s Hyman Fine House in Brighton, received Chanukah gifts at Jewish Care from the online knitters at Jewish Care’s Supportive Communities Knit, Stitch and Natter group. The knitters sent the residents woolly hats and scarfs in a range of colours for residents to choose from.
Jewish Care’s befriending service is still on hand to help many older people staying at home, ensuring they stay connected and receive the support they may need. Since the pandemic began, Jewish Care’s Volunteers team have coordinated the befriending service, which has expanded from calling around 150 older people a week, to calling up to 900 people a week. The befriending team are working with nearly 30 volunteer
Jewish Care Hyman Fine House delighted with Chanukah gifts
coordinators, who supported 375 volunteers to deliver this much-needed service.
One volunteer, Alan, calls Albert every week and, coincidentally, found out after they were introduced, that Alan used to work with Albert’s brother. Both Albert and Alan enjoy their calls together very much and spend a lot of time reminiscing. Albert says, “It’s nice to receive a call from someone who will chat!”.
The volunteers team also coordinate numerous volunteers who are delivering latkes, doughnuts, latkes and candles with Jewish Care’s Meals on Wheels this Chanukah, stopping for a chat. They might be the only person that the recipient sees all day and so volunteers really help to light up their lives all year round.
The Jewish Care Direct Helpline, along with the Social Work and Family Carers Team, support 1300 people to receive the care they need. People like Delia, a full-time carer, who is living with a disability. Delia says, “The Family Carers Team are amazing, and make me I feel that I am not alone.”
Gifts kindly given through the Jewish Care Families fundraising initiative are brightening the day for Jewish Care residents, tenants and community centre members too. Gifts have been wrapped by volunteers and personalised Chanukah cards made by young volunteers from JC Families and Cards for Care. Children from twenty schools, including Immanuel College and youth movements, are bringing warmth and joy to older people at Jewish Care.
Muriel Marks, who is a resident at Jewish Care’s Kun Mor & George Kiss Home, was delighted with her gift from JC Families and her Chanukah card made for her by 5-yearold, Asher Raymond. Muriel says, “I’m very happy to receive the gift and looking forward to my first Chanukah at the home.”
Asher adds, “I had so much fun making the cards and wrapping presents!”
Daniel Carmel-Brown, Jewish Care Chief Executive, says, “We continue to be inspired by the message of hope and light in the Chanukah story. We are pleased that older people supported by Jewish Care will be able to celebrate a really special Chanukah again this year and we thank our supporters for their continued support and once again ask for their generosity to help us light up the lives of thousands of our clients this Chanukah and beyond.”
If you’d like to make a donation to Jewish Care, please call 020 0922 2600 or donate securely at jewishcare/donate and to find out more about Jewish Care services contact helpline@jewishcare.org or 020 8922 2222.
GIFT Lights up Manchester
Students at the King David School in Manchester have given out ‘hug tokens’ to friends and family, after watching a Sparks of Giving video made by GIFT.
Head of Kodesh, Rayna Glickman wrote to the GIFT team after she had shown her pupils the special Chanukah edition of Sparks of Giving: ‘We were watching your Sparks of Giving video and discussing how we can show love to another person and on the spur of the moment we decided to make ‘hug tokens’ just like you demonstrated on your video, for the children to give out to family and friends.’
Rabbi Avrohom Zeidman, GIFT’s Senior Educator, noted, ‘It is great to see how in King David School the theory of giving is being put into action. Headteachers approach me on a regular basis explaining how much the pupils love watching the videos and really relate to the importance of being a giver. These students are a perfect example of fulfilling GIFT’s mission, to inspire and enable lifelong giving in the community.’
Each week, GIFT’s education team posts
Children from King David Primary School Manchester with the Hug Tokens they made after watching GIFT’s ‘Sparks Of Giving’ a short video based on the week’s Torah portion, inspiring young people to give and make a difference to others. The videos are watched in almost 20 primary and secondary schools across London and Manchester, with parents and adults watching too after being encouraged by their kids. Over 60 acclaimed videos have been made since the series was launched. For more information, visit https://www. jgift.org/education/sparks-of-giving To sign up to the weekly broadcast, email education@jgift.org
Peles performs in aid of Simcha LaYeled
JNF UK CEO Shai Bezalely - Tzemach Production Team-Idit and Dikla Cohen-min
Israeli Keren Peles entertained a fundraising evening at the Leonardo Hotel in London for Simcha LaYeled on Sunday.
The JNF UK sponsored evening hosted by international journalist Shirit Gal Kedar aimed to raise £108,000 to support children with severe physical disabilities but normal cognitive abilities in Israel.
Funds will help Simcha LaYeled offer 60 children from Be’er Sheva and southern district of the country a chance to become active members of society.
Gideon Falter, JNF UK vice chairman was among key speakers.
“When you see the impact Simcha LaYeled is having on these children, you cannot help but be inspired to help raise the funds that are needed,” he said.
Gabriella Pfeefer and Idit Cohen lit the Chanukiah.
Idit’s mother, Dikla, moved the audience with her day-to-day experiences and noted how the charity aids her family’s mental health and parental well-being.
An emotive duet of “Great Light” by Idit and Gabriela received a standing ovation.
JNF UK Fellowship Programme members were able to experience first-hand how the charity helps children in need in Israel’s peripheries.
Dr Shai Bezalely, JNF UK CEO, commented, “We are proud to be part of life-changing events and fundraisers like Simcha LaYeled, and that the community, along with our Fellows, are able to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of the work we do and the lives we affect.”
Simcha LaYeled thanked 300 Israelis living in London who came to support Israel and the special activities of our association.
Work Avenue recruitment fair a hit
One on one consultation at the recruitment fair
Over 75 people attended the first recruitment fair held by Work Avenue.
The employment and business charity responded to an “explosion” in vacancies in recent months.
The Work Avenue team put on a ‘Coffee, Cake & Career’ morning to meet a range of new clients as they currently have a record number of positions to fill. There are 130 currently on the jobs board.
Yael Solomons, Work Avenue’s Job Placement Manager, said, “There really has been an explosion in vacancies, with so many employers in the community choosing to advertise with us. It was wonderful to meet all these new applicants and we are expecting lots of placements as a result.
“This was our first recruitment fair, but it won’t be the last.”
Over 125 vacancies have been filled by Work Avenue in 50 communal organisations over the last two years through its jobs board. The charity has also helped hundreds more into work through its mix of workshops, seminars and one-to-one expert advice – all of which are free of charge.
Positions filled range from entry level admin roles, through to mid-management and office staff, up to COOs and CEOs.
“Even during the darkest days of the pandemic there was some community recruitment going on, but there has been a significant uplift this year,” commented Work Avenue CEO David Arden. “Not only do Work Avenue reach more people keen to hear about exciting career opportunities within the community, and beyond, than anyone else, but our main purposes are charitable, so we are not focussed on making a profit.” He added, “Our aim is to operate at the heart of the Jewish community, helping people find work and business and charities find staff, in order to improve the lives of the community we serve.”
Noa Girls, which offers practical, emotional and therapeutic support for adolescent girls in the Orthodox community, has been using Work Avenue to help fill roles for several years.
Director of Operations Judy Silkoff said, “Work Avenue is so much more cost effective for us than using a recruitment agency, they are great at sending candidates to us for consideration and are always so helpful and supportive. Their service is of real benefit to the community and events like this recruitment fair will expand their reach even further.”
The Coffee, Cake & Career event saw members of Work Avenue’s team set up stalls featuring job roles from admin to finance to sales.
JNF UK legacy clients celebrate Chanukah in person
Clients and friends of KKL were treated to a spectacular Chanukah celebration at the first in-person get-together of JNF UK’s legacy department in two years.
The socially distanced event was the first face-to-face event that some clients had been to since the start of the pandemic. Alongside a lunch, entertainment was provided by Daniel Benisty, who sang ‘big band’ songs and a few classics from the musicals.
Carolyn Addleman, Director of Legacies, said, “It was a real privilege to see how delighted everyone was to be out of their homes and able to come together in person again to celebrate Chanukah together.”
Director of Community Relations David Goodman led Chanukah lighting.
KKL holds events at significant times of the year to help prevent some of its clients from celebrating alone.
During the pandemic KKL hosted events on Zoom, including a Chanukah lighting with young musicians from a Music Conservatory in the Negev that had recently been renovated by JNF UK.
Over 50 people take part in Chanucut
The fourth Zichron Menachem Chanucut was held Erev Chanukah at Hasmonean Boys School on Sunday.
Some 48 participants from three years old to adult pre-registered but five others supporting friends and family donated hair.
There was a fun and emotional buzz with bouncy castles, face-painting, glitter art, nail and make -up, as well as nosh bags, candy floss, popcorn and doughnuts.
Suri Friesel, a cancer survivor who had previously received a Zichron Menachem wig before her chemotherapy, was grateful to now be able to give back.
Miriam from Manchester was determined to join ChanuCut, they came for a few hours and went back home for candle lighting. Shoshi who booked in for her own haircut was delighted that her daughter joined her for an amazing cause.
One of the hairdressers, described the atmosphere as “electrifying”. A make-up volunteers donated her hair some time ago and was delighted to be back helping children in a different way.
Zichron Menchem UK chairman, Eli Seliger, was delighted to hold the party after cancelling 12 months ago due to the pandemic. “As always, we are moved by the generosity of our hair donors and the volunteers who give of their time and expertise so willingly,” he said.
Leah Gefen
Details of how to join the Great Lengths project or next hair party: adina@zichronuk.org
St Albans Mayor joins Chanukah celebrations
Mayor of St Albans Cllr Edgar Hill with St Albans US co-chair Elissa Da Costa-Waldman and Rabbi Daniel Sturgess Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Edgar Hill, joined this year’s lighting of a giant Chanukiah in the town centre last Sunday.
The ceremony, organised by St Albans United Synagogue, took place at the Clock Tower. Canon Kevin Walton from St Albans Cathedral and representatives of local Jewish community lit candles.
A large crowd watched under the guidance of the synagogue’s minister, Rabbi Daniel Sturgess, whose 10-year-old son Yeshaya lit a candle. Synagogue members handed out doughnuts. In his address, Rabbi Sturgess said that the messages of Chanukah are as relevant now as they ever were. “Religious freedom is not something we take for granted in the UK in 2021,” he said. “Chanukah reminds us to be grateful for all that we have in our lives, but it also reminds us to be a light in the world and to spread kindness and light wherever we go.” The Mayor commented, “It is great to have this spirit of inclusion in St Albans.”
Jewish community represented at the ‘Wood’
Jonathan Metliss and Rabbi Hughes
The Jewish community were well represented at Boreham Wood’s FA Cup tie on Monday night.
In the press box at Meadow Park for the second round match against local rivals St Albans City were Jonathan Metliss, Chairman of Action Against Discrimination, The Jewish Weekly and solicitors Axiom Stone DWFM, and Rabbi Jonny Hughes, Rabbi of Radlett Synagogue and currently on sabbatical.
Rabbi Hughes is a former professional footballer who played for Reading and Swindon Town.
They saw Boreham Wood win 4-0 and march on to a Third Round tie at home to AFC Wimbledon in January.
“We survived traffic jams, freezing cold weather, pitch invasions and hurling missiles. But it was great fun,” said Metliss.
The pair were well looked after with home officials and stewards escorting them into and out of the ground before and after the game.
Seed Lights Up Schools This Chanukah
Rosh Pinah boy with his Seed Chanukah game
The Seed schools programme is thriving under the able leadership of Rabbi Daniel Fine.
Last week our schools department launched Seed’s own original Chanukah game (see attached image), distributing game boards and dreidels to 2,000 families from eight London schools, plus over 900 dreidel-themed activity packs.
We devised the game to encourage families to discuss Jewish topics at home, asking players to answer questions such as “Who is your Jewish role model and why?”. Our friends at Norwood even asked us for some game boards for their service users - watch how they used them here: https://www.facebook.com/norwooduk/ videos/924517358471327/
Additionally, our schools team ran inschool Chanukah sessions for 600 parents and children at London schools Wolfson Hillel, Etz Chaim and Mathilda Marks, as well as North Cheshire in Manchester. We also prepared and distributed 455 Chanukah-themed arts and craft packs for Hertsmere Jewish Primary School families to do together at home.
Aish ‘White Party’ celebrates Chanukah
One on one consultation at the recruitment fair
On Saturday night London’s young Jewish community celebrated Chanukah like never before, all in white!
Aish Young Professionals hosted London’s first ever Chanukah en Blanc in a studio converted beautifully into a magnificent white wonder just off the trendy Bermondsey Street.
Young Professionals had a chance to meet each other, socialise and enjoy some wonderful Chanukah treats as well as get to know some of our YP staff and team in London.
The event featured upbeat music from DJ Dan Kraines and Richie Sax, as well as a range of gourmet canapes and drinks. Of course no Chanukah event is complete without a smorgasbord of beautiful and tasty donuts at the buffet statio. For many of those who joined us, the highlight of the evening was the experience of having hundreds of young Jews joining together in a powerful and moving Havdalah ceremony and the lighting of Menorah.
The bright light of the Chanukah menorah that shown that night will definitely be something that stays deep in the hearts of all there that night as Aish YPs rapidly growing community celebrated as young proud passionate Jews.
“It was just so nice to get out again and see people as well as participate in this fun festival. Things aren’t fully back to normal yet but it felt so normal and special at the same time to be part of this Chanukah together.” Suzy, YP attendee.
“It was an absolute pleasure celebrating Chanukah with so many young Jewish professionals in central London. The atmosphere and energy throughout were incredible, the highlight being our live Havdalah concert followed by a candle lighting. We were so glad to see so many faces together that have been apart for so long.” Rabbi Eli Birnbaum, Aish UK Director of Education.
Mizrachi UK raises over £750,000
Weekend of Mizrachi UK’s ‘Inspiring Leaders: Influencing our Future’ campaign culminates in £750,000 online fundraiser
Mizrachi UK’s ‘Inspiring Leaders: Influencing our Future’ campaign harnessed support from across the UK and team leaders from across the generations to deliver an impressive result.
By late Monday night, the 219 fundraising teams and close to 2,300 donors from across the globe and had raised over £750,000. Remarkably Mizrachi UK’s Yehudi young volunteers rallied to support the fundraiser and generated close to £55,000.
Speaking as the educational organisation met its target, Mizrachi UK CEO Rabbi Andrew Shaw said, “The support for Mizrachi
UK from across the community has been inspiring. This has reaffirmed our standing in the communities that we support. The money raised from this campaign will go a long way to ensuring we can continue to provide Leadership Programming, Community Engagement Programmes and further the Rabbi Andrew Shaw Yehudi Initiative. On Monday night, as the campaign came to a close, Mizrachi UK’s Chairman, Steven Blumgart reflected, “It was important for us that our campaign not only raised money but also the profile of Mizrachi UK. We are working with schools, campuses and communities and we hope the success of this campaign will serve to inspire our dedicated team to do even more across the UK.
