21 minute read
Community
Leap of faith for Camp Simcha CEO
Neville Goldschneider about to do his fundraising abseil
Camp Simcha CEO Neville Goldschneider has taken his role to new heights with a sponsored freefall abseil off the UK’s tallest sculpture, London’s ArcelorMittal Orbit.
He was joined by his daughter Leah for the charity’s Dare to Drop challenge, as well as Ashira Hibbert and Joe Shefras who did their abseil late last year.
Billed as the UK’s highest freefall abseil, the challenge involves descending 80m to the ground.
Mr Goldschneider admitted to being ‘terrified’ as he stood at the top waiting to jump off.
“The Isolation Challenge I took on for Camp Simcha in 2020 – growing my beard for three months – was a bit less daunting – but then again this was over faster!
“When I arrived at the Olympic Park and turned the corner to be faced with the giant structure that I was about to jump off of, it felt very, very scary. I was literally shaking when I got to the bottom – as was my daughter Leah - but we raised nearly £3,500 between all four abseilers and the buzz once it was done was amazing.”
Joe Shefras, from North London, chose to take up the challenge shortly before his 18th birthday so asked friends and family to donate to his sponsorship page rather than give him presents.
“I volunteered with a friend at the Camp Simcha family fun day last summer and I saw the amazing work they were doing with the children and their families. So when I saw an opportunity to raise money for them and do the abseil I took it.
“The abseil itself was great fun; it was really surreal to be dangling 80m from the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit but a great experience seeing all those amazing views all over London.”
Howzat! Rafi
Rafi Quint, a Hasmonean High School Year 8 student, has just been selected to be a part of the Middlesex U13 cricket squad. He has also been asked to join the pre-season U14 cricket tour to Barbados this April. It is a very special and exciting opportunity for him to participate in an elite sporting tour- and well worth missing the last week of term!
His school wishes Rafi good luck stating he has earned his place. They stated that not only will he be competing as a cricket player, he will also be an ambassador for the community. King David primary School pupils joined together with hundreds of other schools around the UK to take part in the Foundation Stones. Each child decorated a stone which will form part of the new UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre being built next to the Houses of Parliament.
Jasmine Levene with her Holocaust painted stone
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.
Paperweight – an ‘outstanding’ response to the pandemic
The Paperweight Trust last week won “Outstanding Initiative in Response to the Covid 19 Pandemic” at the first ever London Borough of Barnet Faith and Belief Awards.
The Jewish community’s citizen’s advice bureau supports people from across the entire religious spectrum, who come to Paperweight at very difficult times in their lives, frequently due to life-changing circumstances such as job loss, family breakdown, serious medical diagnosis and bereavement. In 2021 alone, Paperweight dealt with over three thousand separate case issues, accounting for more than 50,000 volunteering hours.
Delivered by the Barnet Multi Faith Forum and Middlesex University, these Awards celebrate outstanding contributions of faith and belief groups that, through social action or community engagement, have had a positive impact on Barnet and improved the lives of its residents and communities.
In making his acceptance speech, Paperweight Chairman Benjamin Conway acknowledged the incredible work of the charity’s caseworkers, who had made the award possible: “We can only undertake this life-changing work through our 150 dedicated London caseworkers. During the past year, over 400 clients were lost and floundering in their benefits applications; more than 50 were mired in Family Law court proceedings; 30 needed to attend Benefits Appeals and 25 with restricted mobility needed our guidance to apply for a Blue Badge. We care for the soon-to-be homeless and the street-sleepers in the community – 85 including 5 already living in their car. And many others with nowhere else to turn. This is what Paperweight’s efforts do to our clients’ lives: It transforms them.”
For further information, contact Communications Manager Michelle Rosenberg at michellerosenberg@paperweight.org.uk https://faithbeliefforum.org/event/ barnet-faith-belief-awards/
CONSIDERING ALIYAH?
Join hundreds of British Olim making their Aliyah dream a reality.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
DOV NEWMARK:
dov@nbn.org.il www.nbn.org.il 0800-075-7200
Anoushka promises more Giving events
Anoushka Goldman has recently joined the GIFT team as Events’ Coordinator.
She grew up in Manchester attending Yavneh School where she was heavily involved in Bnei Akiva, holding the position of Rosh. She thrived in this environment which gave her a creative outlet and a strong sense of community. She moved to Leeds for university, where she took the role of UJS warden of Hillel House. After taking the bold decision to move to London, Anoushka was the Meals on Wheels’ Coordinator at Jewish Care. She really enjoyed working in the Jewish charity sector and has now moved to GIFT to follow her passion for events’ management.
Anoushka is driven and energetic and enjoys rising to the challenge. She is full of innovative ideas and is excited to channel them into organising more great events at GIFT. She told us. ‘I’ve been so impressed by GIFT’s work within the community, especially its ability to touch the lives of so many, from volunteers to partner organisations
to service users; I am excited to begin my GIFT journey and to bring amazing events to the wider community.’ Rabbi Sandor Milun, GIFT’s MD explained ‘We are delighted to have Anoushka on board; she immediately demonstrated a real creative streak. We are so looking forward to seeing her ideas transformed into great events.’ Anoushka Goldman In January, for Tu Bishvat, Anoushka engaged the community organising a successful litter pick event in Hendon Park partnered with Barnet Council. At the start of February Anoushka will be launching GIFT’s Social Action Network for Young Professionals (22 - 30 year olds). Her aim is for this to be a new social scene engaging young professionals, integrating giving and social action into all its events. The first Social Network event will be a YP drinks and dinner event on Wednesday 9th Feb. To sign up go to www.jgift.org/ypdrinks or contact Anoushka on Anoushka@jgift.org
The first visitor to the Nicky Alliance Centre after two years of the Covid-19 pandemic was the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Tim Pickstone, who was taken on a tour by Michelle Wiseman, CEO Manchester Jewish Community Care.
Michelle Wiseman CEO MJCC welcomes Mayor of Bury Cllr Tim Pickstone
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL. Rabbi Benjy Simmonds with four boys of his ten grandchildren. They are holding a message to be sent to the Queen to mark the 70th anniversary of her succession to the throne on 6th February.
Rabbi Bemjy Simmonds with four of his grandsons
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL.
Jnetics team celebrating their success
Jnetics Give and Let Live Campaign, smashed through its original target bringing in £662k in 36 hours
Nicole Gordon, CEO said “We have been blown away by the generosity of the community” The funds we have raised over the campaign weekend will ensure that we can continue our screening programmes in schools, universities and through our Jnetics Clinic this coming year.
But most importantly, nearly 3000 people donated to the campaign- ensuring that the wider community are aware of the life- saving work that we do within the community”
“We couldn’t have done this without the support of our generous matchers and of course our Team Ambassadors, who worked tirelessly through the campaign to ensure they spread the message far and wide” Chairman Anthony Angel enthused “We are extremely grateful”
“As a community, we should all feel very proud about the success of this campaign. Every young adult we screen takes us one step closer to fulfilling our mission of eradicating Jewish genetic disorders from the community” Nicole concluded For more information on Jnetics and its screening services please visit www.jnetics. org/screening Or email info @jnetics.org
22 COMMUNITY TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488
3 FEBRUARY 2022
Jewish Care announces two new Trustees
Jewish Care is committed to maintaining both a high performing Board of Trustees and expert committees and is therefore delighted to announce the appointment of two new Trustees who were unanimously ratified by the Board of Trustees last week. Dr Jonathan Shapiro and Amy Woolf will be joining Jewish Care’s Board of Trustees in March.
Dr Jonathan Shapiro was recruited via the board level hiring platform Nurole and joins Jewish Care as both a Trustee and as the new Chair of Jewish Care’s Clinical Governance Group former Chair, Rachel Anticoni steps down from the position.
Jonathan, who practiced medicine for many years, has been involved in senior leadership working alongside organisations throughout the care industry, both in the UK and overseas. He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding of healthcare organisations to his new role at Jewish Care. His experience includes non-executive leadership; consultancy in fields including organisational development and change management, policy development and service evaluations; University academia; and clinical medicine as a GP for many years.
Jonathan was previously the founding Chair of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust. In addition to being the Chair of the training charity Education for Health for over ten years, Jonathan is currently a
Dr Jonathan Shapiro Trustee and volunteer for the Samaritans in Birmingham, and a Trustee at both St Mary’s Hospice and John Taylor Hospice as they merge to form one of the largest hospice organisations in the UK.
Amy Woolf joins Jewish Care as a Trustee in addition to continuing to serve as a
Amy Woolf committee member on Jewish Care’s Residential Care Committee.
Amy is the founder and Director of The Woolf Partnership, a firm focused on Technology, Transformation & Change. Prior to launching The Woolf Partnership, Amy spent many years working within the professional services world at KPMG. During her tenure she provided a bespoke direct search service to the partner group, worked alongside the UK Board to launch a firmwide social collaboration network, created sustainable inclusion practices and most recently was responsible for the design and content of the highly successful C-Suite Leadership Programme.
A proud advocate for inclusion, Amy has been a member of women’s networks throughout her working life and was instrumental in the development of the City Mental Health Alliance.
Having volunteered with Jewish Care since 2011, Amy has participated in Employee Volunteering schemes and took part in the pilot Lay Leadership Development programme. She has spent time with the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre Consultative Committee and now sits on the Residential Care Committee. In 2015 she launched and now Chairs the Jewish Care Families Programme.
Daniel Carmel-Brown, Jewish Care Chief Executive said, “We are delighted to congratulate and welcome both Jonathan and Amy into their roles. We know that Jewish Care will benefit from their vast experience, knowledge and expertise. We also thank Rachel Anticoni for all of her incredible dedication and commitment over the last six years as she steps down as Chair of Jewish Care’s Clinical Governance Group.”
24 COMMUNITY TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488
3 FEBRUARY 2022
HMD Tree Planted in Hyde Park CFI appoints new Chairman
A special oak tree was planted in Hyde Park on Holocaust Memorial Day, Thursday 27 January 2022 as part of a nationwide campaign to mark the 80th anniversary of the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR).
‘80 Trees for 80 Years’ is seeing AJR Tree Planting Hyde Park native oak trees planted around Britain in honour of people and places that symbolise the enormous contribution made to every walk of British life by refugees who escaped from Nazi Europe. Time capsules are also being planted by the roots of the trees with the story of a Jewish refugee who made their home in the UK.
Half of the 80 trees were planted in the week of Holocaust Memorial Day, 25 of those on the day itself, including a very important tree in Hyde Park, sponsored by Michael Rosenstock, son of Werner Rosenstock, AJR’s founding secretary. Michael, who lives in Canada and was unable to attend the planting, said “My father, who was General Secretary of the Association of Jewish Refugees for the first 42 years of its existence, would be amazed and humbled if he knew that the organisation was still going strong at the age of 80, with plenty to keep it occupied.” The location, The Dell in Hyde Park, was chosen as it is home to the first public Holocaust memorial in Great Britain. Guests included the Chief Rabbi, the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss CBE, representatives of the German and Austrian Embassies, the Yom HaShoah committee, and students from Westminster Academy who were able to ask questions to Holocaust survivors Jacques Weisser and Sir Erich Reich.
“As well as helping to mark the heritage of our members and a place of historic interest associated with them, the planting of this tree enables the AJR to give back to and create a living legacy within the country that became home to the Jewish refugees,” said AJR CEO, Michael Newman OBE. “Britain’s native oak trees are in decline and new trees are desperately needed. We hope these 80 special trees will be appreciated by future generations and provide natural habitats for other native species for many decades to come.” Andrew Heller, Chairman of Conservative Friends of Israel, has announced he will be retiring after 13 years and will be succeeded by Stephen Massey from 1st April.
During Andrew’s tenure, CFI has expanded its activities significantly and CFI’s Annual Business Lunches and Conservative Party Conference receptions have become some of the biggest events in the political calendar. The support from across the Conservative Party has been unwavering throughout, with hundreds of Conservative parliamentarians joining CFI delegations to Israel. The organisation has celebrated landmark moments in the UK-Israel relationship, including the centenary of the Balfour Declaration and the proscription of the Hezbollah and Hamas terror groups.
CFI is delighted to confirm that Stephen Massey will become the next Chairman of CFI Ltd. Stephen is well-known within the CFI organisation and the Conservative Party having served as Treasurer of CFI since 2010 and having been a party member for over 40 years. He is a patron of the Hampstead and Kilburn Conservative Association and former constituency Chairman of Hampstead. He will become Chairman of CFI from 1st April ahead of CFI’s first parliamentary delegation to Israel since before the pandemic.
Andrew has been central to the successful expansion of the organisation and its activities, as well as many landmark achievements in the UK-Israel relationship. CFI would like to thank him for everything he has achieved.
Stephen brings an invaluable wealth of experience to the position and we congratulate him on his appointment.
Andrew Heller, CFI outgoing Chairman said: “After a memorable 13 years, I have decided to retire as Chairman of Conservative Friends of Israel. During my time as Chairman, Israel has changed beyond recognition and the support of the Conservative Party for Israel has grown ever stronger. There is so much of which I am proud and it has been a privilege to work with some extraordinarily talented people, both in Parliament and within the CFI offices. I know that I am leaving the organisation in the best position it has ever been and I very much look forward to watching Stephen and the team continuing its success”.
Lord Polak CBE, CFI Honorary President said: “Andrew has made an enormous contribution to CFI in his 13 years as our Chairman. Steering the organisation through a memorable decade in British politics, Andrew leaves CFI in rude health and the UK-Israel relationship stronger than it has ever been. All of us at CFI would like to thank Andrew and congratulate Stephen on his appointment as Chairman as the organisation begins its next chapter”.
Stephen Massey, CFI Treasurer and incoming Chairman said: “I am honoured to become CFI’s next Chairman and lead such a vital organisation. Israel and the Conservative Party are deeply important to me and I relish the opportunity to expand the fantastic relationship between these two great countries.”
2022 LSJS National Jewish Education Conference for Primary School teachers
“Heart and soul” was the title of the 11th LSJS Primary Jewish Studies teachers’ conference, originally planned to be a great face to face celebration of returning to Jewish life in schools post-covid. Still in the midst of the pandemic, 165 participants zoomed in to an on line conference instead. The Chief Rabbi’s opening address talked about the symbol of continuity through the sedra of Mishpatim, the value of feeling the beauty of, and experiencing Jewish life, and not only learning about it.
Following the keynote, participants chose from a range of 18 sessions, from sessions on wellbeing, to thinking about the inclusive classroom, to strategies from the Talmud to help us in our Jewish studies teaching. The day ended with an inspirational panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing teachers in a post-covid era.
Orah Soller, Deputy Head of Jewish Studies at Morasha Jewish Primary school said, “Brilliant job today! All the lectures thoroughly delivered on this year’s theme
The Chief Rabbi speaking at the conference of heart and soul, which is exactly what is needed right now – thank you so much LSJS”. Joanne Greenaway, executive director of LSJS, said “Jewish Studies teachers hold such critical roles and their impact on our children cannot be estimated. We are thrilled that through this conference we continue to provide innovative ideas and strategies to support them and a much needed space to come together and reflect. Excellence in teaching ultimately transforms the community and we are wholly committed to that aim”. Conference co-chairs, Dr. Helena Miller and Esther Colman were delighted to see how many practical ideas for different areas of the Jewish Studies curriculum could be adapted for use in school the very next day. In addition, Dr. Miller said “Jewish education is not just what we teach, but how we teach it. Our teachers are role models for the children in their schools, and today’s conference showed how important that is for the heart and soul of every classroom”. LSJS also hosted the Head of Kodesh forum on Monday night which saw 20 senior leaders of Jewish Studies in schools come together to discuss challenges in schools pre and post covid.
For more information on teacher training or degrees at LSJS please visit ww.lsjs. ac.uk or call 020 8203 6427.
Chigwell & Hainault smashed its target
Chigwell & Hainault United Synagogue exceeded its £1.2m target to fund a vital renovation project.
The 36-hour fundraiser totalled £1,265,588 to date and will now allow new areas to the shul to be built, repurpose others and brighten up the estate.
Lord Alan Sugar, a member of the shul, donated half the amount, £600,000, to the campaign, and challenged the community to raise the remainder.
Lord Sugar and community members created an Apprentice-style video on YouTube for the campaign where two teams from the community competed to come up with fundraising ideas for the shul. The video amassed over 6,500 views.
Rabbi Baruch Davis, Minister of Chigwell & Hainault, thanked dedicated workers, volunteers and team leaders who worked around the clock on the project. He said, “A huge thank you to more than 1,000 people who have given to this tremendous project. Above all, to Lord Sugar’s son Daniel, who has been with us every step of the way.”
Former member and Trustee Fleurise Lewis commented, “I have never seen such an incredible campaign. From the video, from the messages that people are writing, you could just feel that everyone really wants this project to happen, really believing in the potential for the future.”
With the new tree in the gardens of Heathlands Village
A new tree – one of 80 around the country– was planted at Heathlands Village last week to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2022, in the presence of Ike Alterman one of our community’s treasured Holocaust Survivors.
‘80 trees for 80 years’ was organised throughout 2021 and 2022 by the Association of Jewish Refugees to mark the 80th anniversary of the organisation’s founding.
The Fed was chosen as a home for a tree due to the close links forged between the two charities in the field of Holocaust education – in terms of The Fed via its My Voice storytelling project.
Raphi Bloom, The Fed’s Director of Marketing and Communications, welcomed the gathering to the Village, saying “We are very honoured that Heathlands Village was chosen as one of the 80 sites for this very moving project, and that we will have a living memorial in the form of this oak tree to them for decades to come.”
Fran Horwich, AJR’s Head of Volunteer Services, highlighted the crucial nature of Holocaust education and referred to the many Holocaust Survivors who have made a home during their later years at Heathlands Village.
Thanks were offered to John Martins for sponsoring the Heathlands Village tree in memory of his late father who found refuge in the UK from Germany in 1934. Details of his life were shared by John, prior to the dedication of the tree.
Adding to the significance of selecting Heathlands as a home for one of the trees was the fact that Mr Martins’ mother was a resident at the Village in the 1990s.
ADVERTORIAL
Here at Security Gates 'R' Us Ltd, we pride ourselves on our reputation
As lockdown ends and people head back to work leaving homes deserted, Britain’s burglars are going back to work too. Residential burglaries cost an average £2,900 to replace or repair items and damaged fixtures, but you cannot put a price on the trauma and anxiety they can cause.
Do not wait until a break in to ramp up security and feel safer, do it now, says Albert Abraham, Director of North London-based security firm Security Gates ‘R’ Us Ltd.
Security Gates ‘R’ Us Ltd is a family run business with Albert Abraham having over 20 years’ experience in security. Albert personally supervises every job from survey to installation from small domestic properties to landlords, managing agents, builders and other trades with numerous commercial properties covering the M25.
Specialists in the manufacturing and installation of bespoke security gates, window grilles, automatic driveway gates, bar grille doors, , collapsible gates and railings, Security Gates ‘R’ Us will handle your requirements from start to finish with minimum disruption and at a very competitive rate.
“We pride ourselves on our friendly and approachable service and give each client personal attention to detail” says Albert Abraham, “and can resolve any issues you have and secure your home or business with our quality products. Professional installations by trained technicians are crucial to the security of your property and yourself and we have what it takes to protect you.
Albert says ‘securing our clients properties gives me enormous satisfaction and gives them huge relief. We offer a wide range of security products and clients can choose whatever design and colour they want at no extra cost.
Testimonials with numerous 5-star Reviews from Yell.com, Check A Trader and Trusted Trader, is an attestation to the excellence of our materials and workmanship in securing homes, offices and commercial properties.
Security Gates ‘R’ Us is the only company that offer an unconditional 10-year warranty on all materials and labour for their security products.
Deter burglars from setting foot on your property. Secure your property today.
Call Security Gates ‘R’ Us Ltd.
“YOU ARE SAFE IN OUR HANDS”.
For any further information or to book a free survey Tel: 020 8432 2999 | Mobile: 0740 121 7653 Email: albert@securitygatesrus.com Web: www.securitygatesrus.com
