Community

NJA slam terror groups

The National Jewish Assembly has condemned Palestinian terrorist organisations for constructing a terror tunnel under an UNRWA school in the Gaza Strip last month.

NJA has called on Gaza-based Palestinian terrorist organisations to cease activities as they pose an ongoing threat to Israel and compromise their own civilians, including children.

They also noted that a UNWRA statement did not identify terror groups responsible and referred to the tunnel as a “man-made cavity”.

Steve Winston, NJA vice chairman, said that by building a terror tunnel under a school was “irrefutable evidence” of Gaza terrorist factions endangering lives of innocent children.

“Perhaps as disturbing is the fact that UNRWA could only refer to the terror tunnel as a ‘man-made cavity’, despite this not being the first terror tunnel found beneath UNRWA infrastructure.”

NJA noted that Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and terrorist groups’ disregard for Gazan life was typified by a willingness to place children, schools and civilian infrastructure in the firing line.

Tashbar Chumash Seuda Boys singing at the opening of the seuda, at Beis Yaakov Jewish High.

Tashbar Chumash Seuda at Beis Yaakov Jewish High

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL Rabbi Hughes and Cliff Crown (front row) at Brentford FC with the shiur attendees Rabbi Jonny Hughes of Radlett United Synagogue held a Faith and Football shiur at Brentford FC.

Bees chairman Cliff Crown organised the event under the auspices of US in The City.

Rabbi Hughes discussed aspects of Chanukah and answered questions from the sporting audience. An active programme of events is scheduled for 2023.

Details: Rabbi Hughes@gmail.com

WORTHY OF A BRACHA!

Camp Simcha toy drive

A mountain of new toys, arts, crafts and board games have been donated in Camp Simcha’s annual Toy Drive for children spending the festive season in hospital.

Over 80 schools, nurseries, cheders and synagogues in London and Manchester held collections over the past month. Individuals and businesses also donated, with an additional 800 new gifts being bought from the charity’s Amazon wishlist, which included specific requests from hospital play teams.

This year’s Toy Drive has seen more requests than ever from hospitals, says Joanne Woolich, Camp Simcha’s hospital liaison officer.

“The pressure was on this year, but as always the community has stepped up and we have had some 10,000 toys donated in total,” she said. “These toys make a big difference, not just as a boost to the children on the wards when they get a gift at their bedside, but also to the play teams as it enables them to continue their paediatric play provision.”

Camp Simcha provides direct support to UK Jewish families with seriously ill children, but also reaches some 12,000 children of all denominations and none,

Camp Simcha toy drive 2022 through its hospital outreach. For six years, Londoner Maya Levy has supported the Toy Drive in memory of her friend Daniella Moffson, who tragically died in a bus crash in 2016 while volunteering in Honduras. American-born Ms Moffson was training to be a paediatrician and had volunteered for Camp Simcha’s sister organisation in the States. “Daniella spent her life giving to others, through the Toy Drive and other charitable initiatives, we have been able to continue her incredible legacy,” she said.

Ms Levy’s employers, YuLife, also supported, donating gifts on behalf of the firm’s employees.

Throughout the collection period, representatives of the charity have been visiting schools and community groups taking part with Camp Simcha’s monkey mascot Simi even making an appearance at London’s Sacks Morasha Primary School to pick up collection boxes.

And volunteers from the charity’s B’nei Mitzvah programme and a group of young professionals, sorted and packed the gifts, ready to be distributed to some 140 hospital wards, hospices and community teams in London, Hertfordshire, Essex and Greater Manchester. Ella Behar, 11, who celebrates her bat mitzvah in April 2023, was among the B’nei Mitzvah group packers. She said: “I’m excited to be here packing the toys so that children who aren’t well get to receive them. I chose the programme because my cousin gets support from Camp Simcha. My brother and I have also done sponsored bake sales.” On the second packing night 40 young professionals gathered for a ‘YP Miracle Mania’ evening by Camp Simcha supporter Jenni Sacks.

Jenni said: “Young professionals want to make meaningful new connections and friends, and use their time to create real, purpose-lead value. Camp Simcha was an obvious choice. My experiences have always highlighted their dedication to servicing recipients by using resources efficiently and effectively. They go above and beyond with unwavering care to help as many people as possible. This includes absolute respect to volunteers. Everyone had an awesome time and were grateful to have the opportunity.”

Rebbe’s Shaliach in Manchester

Chabad shlichim at the Seuda

Over 200 people celebrated the Rosh Hashonah of Chassidus at the annual Yud Tes Kislev Seuda at Lubavitch House, Manchester.

Rabbi Yitzy Loewenthal, the Rebbe’s Shliach in Copenhagen, Denmark was guest speaker.

The evening was chaired by Rabbi Avrohom Jaffe, Rabbi Mendel Cohen concluded and started anew the Tanya. Rabbi Avrohom Kievman concluded the Hayom Yom.

Dayan Steiner, Rosh Beis Din of Manchester gave words of inspiration to the Olam.

The evening was highly inspirational and concluded with everyone dancing together in true Yom Tov spirit.

Bridge group raise £2m over 25 years

Jewish Care’s Bridge Extravaganza Committee

Jewish Care’s Bridge Extravaganza Committee has raised over £2 million since the event began 25 years ago.

Over 160 guests enjoyed a day of bridge at The Landmark Hotel in Marylebone for the committee’s first in-person event since 2019. The event raised over £90,000 for Jewish Care.

Winners of the Duplicate Bridge Sarah & Arnold Morris Trophy were Gill and Lynton Stock. The Winners of the Friendly Duplicate Susan & Stephen James Trophy were Marilyn Feldman and Evelyn Levene.

Speaking after the event, Joint Chairs, Patsy Bloom and Susie James, said in a statement: “This event has been the most successful bridge extravaganza. In the midst of the cost of living crisis these funds will help Jewish Care to support older members of the community.”

Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement, Adam Overlander-Kaye, praised Patsy, Susie and the extravaganza committee. “They have worked tirelessly for over 25 years to raise vital funds for services,” he said. “Today, older people in the community are more reliant than ever on the warmth and care we provide.” Immanuel College’s students were challenged to make a Chanukah display according to festival halachot for its remote Jewish Studies ‘snow day’ learning on Monday.

TAL Kerestir trip

TAL year 10 boys with Rabbi Tawil

TAL took its year 10 boys on an empowering trip to the Kever of Reb Yeshaya in Kerestir. The two-day trip involved praying at the Kever and various shuls in Budapest. One of the boys said: “This was my first trip to a special Tsadik. A big thank you to Rabbi Tawil and Rabbi Fisher for inspiring us and enabling a better connection with G-d.”

TAL enhances the lives of Jewish youth and young professionals.

The Stone setting took place at the Agecroft Cemetery for the late Mr Bernard Stone z’l. Mr Stone was the President of the Cheetham Hebrew Congregation.He was a mensch and a beloved kindly person. A large turnout came to pay their respects. His brother Phillip recited Kaddish.

Mr Phillip Stone reciting Kaddish for his brother Reb Bernard Stone z”l

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Broughton Fire Fighters holding a Chanukiah with the message to “have a safe Chanukah and please take care where you place your Chanukiah – especially if near curtains where most fires are caused”.

Broughton fire fighters hold a Chanukiah

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

Teens winter collection will make an ImpACT

Twenty-six schools participated in Project ImpACT’s annual Winter Warm Up event to support people who are homeless and struggling with food poverty on Sunday.

ImpACT teens collected, sorted and packed a huge collection of winter clothes desperately needed at this time of year as temperatures plummet. They also wrapped gifts and wrote positive letters to those supported by homeless shelters and food banks.

The ImpACT Youth Community Kitchen was also a hive of activity as volunteers washed and chopped vegetables to make 200 portions of nutritious soup for shelters throughout Barnet and Camden.

The event brought together charities that support the homeless and asylum seekers.

Representatives from Crisis, Centrepoint, Goods for Good and Barnet Together were impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of Jewish volunteers as was special guest Tik Tok rapper star Formz.

Volunteers heard from Mandy, manager at CentrePoint, which aims to end youth homelessness in the UK.

Rapper Formz inspiring Project ImpACT volunteers

PHOTO: JEREMY COLEMAN

She said: “This type of support is more important now than ever because over 4,000 young people are facing homelessness in London this winter. I was really inspired to be in a room of young people who are so motivated by a sense of community and driving positive change. It’s fantastic to see them giving up their time to cook food for those who need it. They should feel proud about volunteering.”

Goods for Good also spoke to the teens about where the winter clothes will go.

Formz spoke passionately about his experiences growing up in Borehamwood and struggles with poverty.

Teens listened as Formz described how he followed his dream, despite peer pressure, to become a famous rapper. He spoke about the importance of resilience and staying positive even when things are tough, and looking after your wellbeing.

He said: “It is unthinkable to picture people sleeping outside on the street in minus temperatures. It’s horrible. The fact you guys are doing this is second to none. I’m really proud to be a part of it.”

Project ImpACT chair, Claire Leek said: “It was great to see another successful session with teens from across a range of communities gathering together.”

Surplus food donations from the Felix Project, Tesco, Kosher Kingdom and sweets from Swizzels were appreciated.

Chanukah celebrations

Jewish Museum London and Jewish Book Week are presenting a Chanukah family day event on Sunday (11am to 4pm).

The event includes doughnut-making, dreidel-spinning, Chanukah lamp-lighting, museum tours and a series of author events for adults and children.

At 4pm the menorah bequeathed by the Betty & Leo Gruss trust will be lit with traditional songs and blessings.

Acting Director Sue Shave said: “This is a wonderful time of year for the museum and Jewish community. We are delighted that our partners have joined to share the best of Jewish culture, heritage and religion with our visitors.