Community

Jewish Care receive End-of-Life Care Award

For most people, there is an instinctive aversion to confront ageing and mortality for fear discussing it could somehow hasten illness or death. However, whilst continual medical advances are enabling people to live longer, it may not always be with quality or dignity, but we only have a finite time on this earth. Research consistently shows that most of us avoid discussing planning with family or friends, or execute Wills to govern our affairs or grant Lasting Powers of Attorney to enable people we trust to take crucial decisions should circumstances impair our mental capacity. We postpone and defer, always thinking that there is plenty of time – sadly, that is not always the case.

Dementia is the loss of cognitive function which, as it progresses, can change a person’s life and capabilities, and impact upon their emotions and relationships. Dementia diagnoses have been increasing. This cruel disease is epitomised by a pervasive uncertainty resulting from an unknown future that continually challenges the person with dementia and important people in their life, often over an extended period.

End-of-life planning is not, and should not be, solely about death itself and the decisions governing a person’s final days. Instead, it should be about an approach that seeks to understand all aspects of a person’s wellbeing, care, and what matters most to them throughout their lifetime, no matter what age or stage of life. In the context of a dementia diagnosis, this is fundamental. Assumptions about people’s intentions and priorities, against the backdrop of cognitive progressive decline, are often done under pressure, when the carer and family are under much emotional distress, and therefore adversely impact an individual and their quality of life. Unfortunately, the absence of end-of-life planning has forced too many people to confront

Paula Plaskow Jewish Care End of Life And Palliative Care Lead painful issues during illness or grief when they feel most emotionally exposed thereby compounding their fears, concerns, and pressures upon them.

Their challenge is to support people in navigating the plethora of information and advice, ensure they communicate with healthcare professionals involved to achieve a cohesive care planning that empowers people and those with dementia and their families to approach their later years with clarity, compassion, and confidence. This challenge is at the core of Jewish Care’s ethos and values. Jewish Care is placing itself at the forefront of raising awareness and changing mindsets with the aspiration that, as a society, they can provide the community we support with the best care and support.

Chigwell youngsters remember Holocaust victims

Chigwell youngsters at Yom HaShoah One hundred and sixty people attended a Yom HaShoah commemoration at Chigwell & Hainault Synagogue.

The event was extra special as the shul has promoted the Yad Vashem Bar-Batmitzvah twinning project. Children twin with a child murdered in the Holocaust before celebrating their milestone in Jewish life.

Thirty children at the shul wanted to take part in a candle lighting ceremony and duly lit a candle in memory of their twin. Every child said the name of their twin to keep their memory alive.

The evening was orchestrated and run by Mizrachi UK narrated by Rabbi Andrew Shaw with Chazan Jonny Turgel capturing the essence of the event.

Also in attendance was Yad Vashem UK, Sandra Gold and Laurie Rosenberg, who gave a short briefing into the vital work they do at the end of the evening.

To take part in the Yad Vashem twinning programme email harveyfrankel@hotmail. com

Manchester Grammar School Charity Football Match

Danny Schweiger, Graeme Warner, Marlon Broomes (Ex Blackburn Rovers), Marc Shirman, Ian Baraclough (ex QPR && current N.Ireland manager)

Macmillan Cancer Support was the winner when a team of All Star Parents played MGS Staff in a charity football match at The Manchester Grammar School.

Organiser Graeme Warner from Whitefield said it was a great day and has so far raised over £3000 for the charity.

Also taking part were Marc Shirman and Danny Schweiger who scored in a 3-2 win Marc, Danny and Graeme have all represented Great Britain at the Maccabiah Games.

The annual Bank Holiday Monday lessons with a difference at Mesivta with a visit by a Shochet, Rabbi Dovid Pinczewski explained to year 8 boys about his job as a Shochet and Kashrut, bringing in a live Chicken. Teacher and Sopher, Rabbi Dovid Bennaroch with year 7 boys explaining about the making of Tefillin and writing on parchment for a Sefer Torah.