Community

Dan, Milo, Simi the mascot, Marley and Jamie

Resource clients up 100%

Katy Fridman and Victoria Sterman

Arsenal fanatic Marley Brown has raised vital funds for Camp Simcha by walking from Wembley Stadium to the Emirates Stadium.

In the build-up to his bar mitzvah last weekend Marley wanted to do something special.

While lots of boys his age might spend a Sunday afternoon playing FIFA or kicking a ball around in the garden, Marley expressed his love of the beautiful game in a more charitable way.

Earlier last month he joined his father Jamie, uncle Dan and cousin Milo, for the three-hour-plus trek from England’s official stadium to Arsenal’s home ground some 10 miles away in Highbury.

And there to wave the quartet off at the start was Camp Simcha’s mascot, Simi the Monkey.

A pupil at Devonshire House school in Hampstead, Marley said the walk was “quite tiring” but “fun”.

Marley has so far raised in excess of £2,000 and sponsorship is still coming in. “I’m very, very happy with the outcome,” he said.

This is not the first time that Marley has supported Camp Simcha. He has previously participated in a charity bake sale, donated a percentage from goods he sold online and even did a voiceover for a video about the charity’s annual toy drive.

His inspiration came from his father Jamie, 47, founder of a graphic design company that works closely with Camp Simcha.

Marley said: “I’ve always liked what they do and heard about their work from my dad so I have been supporting them from a young age. I wanted to something more for them for my bar mitzvah. I love football and I love Arsenal, so the idea came from that.”

JWA launches 16 days of Activism

Jewish Women’s Aid launched its 16 Days of Activism for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence and Women (IDEVAW) with a lunch hosted by Dame Gail Ronson, DBE, at the Tony Page Island Grill.

Over 60 guests attended the lunch and heard about the work of Jewish Women’s Aid, supporting women and children who have experienced domestic abuse and educating across community settings to help prevent abuse in the future.

Dame Gail Ronson said, “I was delighted to host this lunch for Jewish Women’s Aid. As women it’s incredibly important that we understand the vital work they do, and we must stand together with them to support Jewish women experiencing domestic abuse.”

Also, as part of the IDEVAW, 16 days of action, Jewish Women’s Aid is hosting its annual Shabbat at synagogues throughout the UK this coming weekend (2-3 December) to raise awareness and understanding in our community about domestic abuse and sexual violence.

As part of IDEVAW, Naomi Dickson and JWA’s treasurer, Jo Rosenthal, were honoured to be invited to attend a Reception on 29th November at Buckingham Palace hosted by Her Majesty, the Queen Consort, highlighting the work of organisations in this sector, who are working to end abuse.

The BBC noted that ‘Queen Camilla has campaigned to raise awareness about domestic violence and for the first time her Queen’s companions will be with her at the Violence Against Women Girls reception at Buckingham Palace, rather than ladies-in-waiting.’

JWA CEO, Naomi Dickson with Dame Gail Ronson at the JWA Ladies Lunch

Naomi Dickson said, “It was a magnificent honour to be invited to meet the Queen Consort at Buckingham Palace to discuss the work Jewish Women’s Aid and other organisations have been doing to support women and girls throughout the UK.” Details: www.jwa.org.uk

BY ADAM MOSES

Jewish employment organisation Resource has seen a 100% increase in new clients for November 2022 compared to this time last year.

The cost of living crisis means clients cannot afford to delay looking for work. They are seeking as much expert support as they can in job searches.

The forecast of recession in 2023 means clients are worried about job prospects. Resource expects the job market buoyancy seen since the pandemic has eased and will reverse sharply.

Meantime, flexible working was the topic at JW3 ‘YOUR JOB, YOUR WAY’ workshop last week.

The event was run by Resource in partnership with JW3.

Employment expert Katy Fridman overviewed how attitudes to flexible working have changed in recent times.

Working parents looking to return to work and those evaluating a flexible role attended.

Fridman, founder of Flexible Working People, noted that ‘Paranoid employers worried over productivity of working from home.

“Flexibility must be for everyone, it’s not just a women’s issue,” she said.

The workshop showed people how to be successful in negotiating a work pattern that suits them.

Resource Advisors Eric Salamon & Oliver Sanders ran sessions on CVs, networking and interview technique.

Employment Barrister Jonathan Newman explained legal rights around flexible working.

Victoria Sterman, Resource’s CEO, said: “Employees are increasingly requiring flexibility in their work, but they regularly tell us how hard it is to approach the issue with employers.”

Fridman added: “People should be able to have a career they love on terms that work for them. The 9-5 day is fast becoming a thing of the past with businesses having now seen the huge benefits of moving to a more agile workplace culture.”

An expert panel of Sterman, Fridman, Newman, Salamon and Sanders answered questions on the topic. 4.3 million UK employees have employment contracts allowing flexible working hours, 93% of recruiters evaluate social media profiles before making a decision on a job while 56% of employers admit online profiles influence hiring decisions. For an interview with Victoria or one of Resource’s clients email Jennifer.hoffman@ resource-centre.org

Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School recently held a day of wearing odd socks to support antibullying week at UK schools. Teachers and pupils all came to school with odd Socks.

Jewish Care wins accolade

Jewish Care has won the Community Resourcefulness in Response to Covid-19 accolade at this year’s London Faith & Belief Forum Community Awards

Timea Kasza and Sally Caplan of Redbridge Jewish Community Centre accepted the award on behalf of Jewish Care at Westminster Abbey.

Judges selected projects they believed to be exceptional.

Richard Shone, Jewish Care’s Director of Community Services, Volunteering and Social Work, said: “The award recognises our local services which support older people with staff and volunteers who understand Jewish faith and culture.”

Shone noted the charity combats social isolation with activities at centres for people living with dementia. Jewish Care has befriending services and Supportive Communities groups. Hot, kosher meals are at centres and delivered through a Meals on Wheels service.

At its peak, Meals on Wheels more than tripled to deliver kosher meals to older people across London and the South East during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The service is still delivering more than double its original numbers.

Timea Kasza and Sally Caplan

Jewish Care has transformed in-person services to virtual and online activities. It offers a hybrid programme of activities.

The Forum stated: “The awards celebrate the creative, generous and vital work of London’s faith and belief communities by bringing together local heroes and shining a light on their inspirational work.”

Jewish Care Direct: helpline@jcare.org or www.jewishcare.org or 020 8922 2222

Holocaust payments deadline

Kurt Marx

The Claims Conference has announced a deadline for applications to the Supplemental Hardship Fund.

AJR is reaching out to Holocaust survivors eligible for additional payments.

The fund is a compensation payment that some survivors and refugees could receive.

Kurt Marx, 97, one of many AJR has assisted, was born in Cologne and came to the UK on a Kindertransport in January 1939. His parents were murdered in the Maly Trostenec forests.

A long standing AJR member, he commented: “I was pleased to receive two payments of €1200. With the increasing cost of living and energy crisis I am grateful to the AJR.”

Rosemary Peters, AJR, said, “If you (refugees or survivors) received a payment from the 2019/20 Kindertransport Fund or Hardship Fund but have not received a Supplemental Hardship Fund form from the Claims Conference, contact us as soon as possible as you may be eligible for the supplemental payments.”

Any Holocaust refugees and survivors who have never applied for compensation should contact AJR

New Hardship Fund applicants are eligible for two supplemental payments if a compensation application form is received by the Claims Conference by December 31st. Details: Rosemary Peters or Melanie Jawett 0208 3853070 or enquiries@ajr.org.uk

Shabbat Solutions from ShabbatSmart and FedTech

Looking for something to take the pinch out of washing dishes on Friday night dishwashing? Struggling to work out how to pump wastewater on Shabbat from a newly excavated basement? Need to boost the incoming water pressure on Shabbat? ShabbatSmart – a London based business are now offering specially designed, Shabbat compliant solutions.

“ShabbatSmart Hot water controller” provides warm water for use for dishwashing, washing a baby or a choleh. The “ShabbatSmart Foul Water Pump Controller” automates the process to allow a sewage pump to run in a Shabbat compliant manner. The “ShabbatSmart Booster Pump Controller” automates the process to allow the property to benefit of 3 bar water pressure in a Shabbat compliant manner.

The devices have been inspected and approved by the Federation Rov and Av Beis Din HaRav S F Zimmerman Shlita along with his Dayonim. The devices have been awarded the Federation’s Mehadrin level hechsher – Kehillas/FedTech.

Rabbi Shuki Diskind elaborates on the principles behind the “ShabbatSmart Hot water controller”: “Allowing hot water to be used and produced on Shabbat requires us to keep water below the halachic boundary level of yad soledes bo, to remove any concerns relating to bishul on Shabbat. We also need to make sure that when taking hot water from the system we do not cause the boiler to activate. Nowadays, we can achieve so much with a tiny controller that can be fitted to your existing boiler and tank system.”

With their eyes laser-focused on the technical challenges affecting Shemiras Shabbat, we can expect to hear of further Kosher liMehadrin developments from Shabbat Smart in the years ahead. For further information, visit www.shabbatsmart.com or email office@shabbatsmart.com.

Big impaCt for Chai

Chai Cancer Care’s ‘Big Impact Community Weekend’ matched-funding campaign raised £3m.

Activities kicked off with an annual ‘Mad Hair Day’ last Friday with thousands of children at 18 schools and nurseries across the UK adorning different hair styles to raise awareness of the programme.

Chai gives headteachers, teachers and SENCOs advice on a child’s needs and classmates. 150 synagogues and communities took part in a ‘Chai Shabbat’ while kosher bakeries, butchers and grocery stores promoted Chai with over 12,000 stickers on food items.

Chai Kids Family Fun Day’ on Sunday included numerous activities. Dudley, a ‘Pet Therapy’ dog, made a guest appearance, highlighting one of Chai’s complementary therapies.

Funds raised will support existing services and rollout of the NHS BRCA testing of the Jewish community in 2023.

Chai has annual running costs of £3.5m which is rising. With no statutory funding the charity is dependent on donor generosity.

The Chai team celebrating their fundraising efforts

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1 DECEMBER 2022 Community special needs Shabbat

An annual event is set to bring together shuls across Greater Manchester on Shabbat.

The Special Spirits Shabbat event will help young people with special needs and their families in the community.

The campaign aims to raise £250,000 for future services and activities.

“We have a volunteer speaking in each of the Shuls spreading the message of the wonderful work going on at Special Spirits,” said trustee Dov Black.

“Games specially designed will be delivered throughout the community and many of the Shuls will be hosting a Kiddush in honour of our children with special needs.”

He added: “Shuls will be participating from Chassidishe Shtiebles to United Synagogues. Too much attention is often placed on what can divide a community. Special Spirits has no interest in what makes us different. We look at what unites us.”

Special Spirits was set up in 2006 with one winter programme. Today, with the help of 120 volunteers, it caters for 55 children with a wide range of special needs.

The charity provides activities including exercise sessions, baking clubs and games

Looking forward to the special needs Shabbat

LEGACY

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Leave the legacy of independence to people like Hayley. eNABLeD

PLease remember us in your wiLL.

Visit www.jbd.org or call 020 8371 6611

HELP US CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL.

Call our Legacy Team on 020 8922 2840 for more information or email legacyteam@jcare.org

during challenging after school hours.

Children are transported to the Special Spirits Centre for daily activities and meals.

Black said: “The value of what Special Spirits provides is incalculable. Siblings of children with special needs come home from school and can have crucial family time which otherwise just wouldn’t exist.”

He added: “I have personally seen the impact of our organisation on our volunteers. It transforms teenagers lives to be so closely involved with children with special needs.”

Black continued: “The work done by Special Spirits is so important. This Shabbos will be such an uplifting affirmation of this and help us with the vital work we do now and in the future.”

These smiles speak volumes

From Left to right: Chayale Einhorn, CEO of Special spirits, Rayna and Stephen Maskill who donated the minibus and Trustee Dov Black

A LIGHT IN DARK PLACES

KKL, JNF UK’s legacy department, has been serving the Jewish community for over 70 years. Our highly qualified team combines first-rate executorship and trustee services with personalised pastoral care.

To find out more, call 020 8732 6101 or email enquiries@kkl.org.uk

Promoting gifts in wills to our charity partners

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