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Rabbi Sacks awarded posthumous honorary doctorate from Hebrew University

Eliot Sacks receiing the award on behalf of his brother Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l

PHOTO: IGOR FABEROV

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem paid tribute on Monday to Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks – in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the Jewish people – by posthumously conferring on him an honorary doctorate. Rabbi Sacks had served as a visiting professor at the university.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophiae Honoris Causa is conferred annually on a select number of esteemed honourees from around the world. Rabbi Sacks’ brother, Eliot Sacks, accepted the award on his behalf from the Hebrew University’s president, Prof. Asher Cohen, and rector, Prof. Barak Medina.

The honourees were distinguished by academic leadership, creative achievement, or activities of notable benefit to humanity, the State of Israel, or the Jewish people, and also included award-winning film producer Quentin Tarantino, legal scholar Lee Epstein, Israeli artist Sigalit Landau, and other academics and philanthropists.

Lady Elaine Sacks said: “It was both moving and inspiring to be present as the Hebrew University bestowed this honour in memory of my dear husband, acknowledging the impact his legacy continues to make. My family and I were deeply touched by this very meaningful gesture.”

Hebrew University President, Prof. Asher Cohen, said: “Leaders inspire. They show us the way forward and light up the path for those who follow. Our honourees are all driven by a pioneering spirit and a deep sense of mission, whether in the field of academia, business, civic service or philanthropy, and their contributions are boundless.”

A new video, created especially for the ceremony by the Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust, showcased Rabbi Sacks’ life and achievements as a teacher of Torah, a moral voice, and a leader of leaders.

Exciting development about BRCA testing in the Jewish Community

During her speech at the NHS Confed Expo conference in Liverpool this week, the NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard stated that “The NHS will not rest in our efforts to catch cancer early and save more lives.” In addition, she mentioned a number of initiatives the NHS are launching in the coming months to try to accelerate progress on diagnosing more cancers at an earlier stage.

Specifically, she announced an exciting project, working with the Jewish community to offer genetic testing for BRCA gene mutations. People with Jewish heritage are at higher risk of these mutations, with up to 1 in 40 people affected, compared with 1 in 400 in the general population.

The programme will ensure people found to have a BRCA mutation will have the opportunity to be enrolled onto appropriate surveillance and treatment pathways and of course given ongoing support, with the aim of diagnosing more cancers at an early stage or indeed preventing them altogether, ultimately saving lives.

“Jnetics are working closely with NHS England and other community stakeholders to ensure the programme is both responsible, effective and sensitive to the wider Jewish communities” Nicole Gordon, CEO explained

The project is still at an early stage, but as the leading community organisation in the prevention management and diagnosis of Jewish genetic disorders we are proud to be working on such an innovative and important project.

“Following today’s announcement should anybody within the community have any queries relating to this please reach out to the Jnetics team, we are here to support our community when navigating Jewish genetic disorders” Nicole concluded. Info@jnetics.org, 020 8158 5123, www.Jnetics.org

Jewish Care’s biggest ever Family Fun Day back with a hearty welcome

More than 3000 people from the local community flocked to Jewish Care’s biggest ever Family Fun Day on Sunday 12 June, back for the first time since 2019. The sun shone and visitors were greeted by Jewish Care’s new purple heart mascot, welcoming families with handshakes and hugs to the day at Aldenham Country Park Events Field. The Family Fun Day raised funds to help enhance the lives of residents at Jewish Care’s Anita Dorfman House care home which is part of Sandringham, Jewish Care’s newest care and community hub, close by in the Stanmore/ Hertfordshire borders.

Families across the generations, enjoyed an afternoon of fun, food and entertainment which was sponsored by OakNorth Bank. Activities ranged from Zorbing, a climbing tower and Laser Quest for older children to train rides, chair-o-planes, bungee trampolines, inflatables and soft play for younger children. Children got creative in the arts and crafts zone, made slime and dropped into the face painting, glitter and hair braiding bars in between tea cup rides and made cards and papers flowers with PJ Library for residents at Jewish Care homes.

Refreshments kept the fun seekers refuelled from the barbeque as well as treats from the popcorn, candy floss and waffle stalls and drinks with added entertainment from schools, Clore Shalom and Kerem School, as well as Dancing with Louise and Vanessa Class School of Dance.

BBC Radio London broadcaster and journalist, Vanessa Feltz, who came to the Family Fun Day with her daughters and grandchildren, said, “What a magnificent day, beautifully organised and so much fun for all the family.”

Parent, Gemma Sinai, said, “It’s been a really fun day and so well organised. It’s really nice to see everyone from the community get together. I have a personal connection as my uncle lives at a Jewish Care home so we are very pleased to support the charity.”

Grandparent, Anthony Kaiser, who came with children and grandchildren, agreed, “It was brilliantly organised and varied, there was something for everyone - the children have had fun and we’ve had fun too,” and Janice Kaiser, added “My dad lived at Jewish Care’s Princess Alexandra Home before it became Jewish Care’s Anita Dorfman House, so we know what a great job they do.”

Sisters, Liliana,10 and Ariella, 8, said, “It was really cool. The trampolines, tea cups and climbing tower were really fun and I really liked the food,” and their brother, Sammy, age 6 added, “I liked the police car and shows, we had a lot of fun.”

Speaking after the event, Amy Woolf, Chair Jewish Care Families and Jewish Care

Jewish Care CEO Daniel CarmelBrown with Jewish Care mascot and friends at Jewish Care’s Family Fun Day

PHOTO: GRAINGEPHOTOGRAPHY

Trustee, said, “It was wonderful to see so many families having a brilliant day out at the Jewish Care Family Fun Day today. I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard, all of our volunteers and also everyone who came along to support us to make it such a great success.

“We’re pleased that the funds we’ve raised will help to enhance the lives of the residents at Jewish Care’s Anita Dorfman House at Sandringham,” continued Amy. “During Covid-19 pandemic, especially before we had the vaccine, the carers and housekeeping team selflessly put the residents’ wellbeing and safety before their own everyday and the staff’s love, care and dedication to the residents’ across Jewish Care is inspiring for us all.”

Adam Overlander-Kaye, Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising & Community Engagement, added, “It was a totally brilliant event and was wonderful to see so many people across the generations having a fun day whilst raising much needed funds for Jewish Care’s Anita Dorfman House care home at Sandringham. Huge thanks to the committee, all the volunteers and professional team for their hard work in making the day such a success. Thank you to all the schools who took part and to all those across the whole community for supporting the event and making it the biggest one ever.”

Ben Barbanel from OakNorth Bank, who kindly sponsored the event, said, “OakNorth Bank was delighted to sponsor this fantastic Family Fun Day and to support Jewish Care, which does amazing work in supporting older people across the community. We’re so pleased that the day was a huge success and enjoyed by so many people.”

Car Swap

A family in England is looking to do a car swap during the month of August in Israel (dates are flexible). We can leave our 7 seater car in London or Manchester. Please contact Isaac on 07714 139 791 if you would be interested.