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Community
18 COMMUNITY
TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 Jami discusses mental health with interfaith delegation
Mental health service Jami was invited to join Abrahamic faith leaders from England, Australia and Indonesia as part of an independent and grassroots international interfaith peace effort called 1000 Abrahamic Circles.
The 1000 Abrahamic Circles project aims to bring together a Jewish, a Muslim and a Christian faith leader from a wide range of differing worldviews to spend a week in each of their communities, directly observing each other’s way of life and ultimately building an understanding and mutual respect between faiths across the globe.
On Thursday 1 September, Jami’s Head of Services, Louise Kermode, met Rabbi Jeffrey Steven Berger from Wembley Synagogue, Minister Dwi Argo Mursito from the Javanese Christian Church of Pekalongan in Indonesia, and Imam Alaa Elzokm from the Elsedeaq Islamic Society Melbourne, Australia, at Jami’s Head Room Café in Golders Green.
“Faith leaders have an important role in supporting people’s mental health, education and awareness raising, reducing stigma and making sure people can access the right support,” said Kermode.
“We learnt from each other about how our different communities are tackling the
(l-r) Louise Kermode, Rabbi Berger, Imam Elzokm, Minister Mursito rise in mental health problems and creating opportunities to build connections. Faith leaders have a vital role in creating accessible and inclusive communities and we know that belonging to a supportive community protects our mental health and supports mental health recovery. I believe we can do so much more by working together across different communities and learning from each other to tackle the rising mental health needs.” The 100 Abrahamic Circles project is headquartered in Indonesia, one of the world’s most ethnoreligiously diverse but conflict-prone countries. Its ultimate objective is to measurably increase religious literacy, empathy, and a sense of mutual respect among the Circle members, their followers and the wider global general public.
Nussi Burns holding a model baby during one of two First Aid courses on Paediatric Emergency First Aid. Mr Burns is one of Hatzolah North West’s most experienced First Aiders.
Paediatric Emergency First Aid course given by Nussi Burns PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL
Rabbi Elchonon Errera was at the Machzikei Hadass Podium for the Start Your Day The Torah Way. The Shiur was on “Is this Shofar Kosher to use on Rosh Hashanah?’’
Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum and Joanne Greenaway with the LSJS Rabbi Sacks Learning Fellows who attended in person
The LSJS Rabbi Sacks Learning Fellowship launched with a special event on Monday 5th September which saw the group of 20 young professionals gather for the first time. The cohort consists of a mix of students from across the UK as well as the US and South Africa, with classes taking place both online and in-person.
LSJS Rabbi Sacks Fellow Suzy Railly-Chomer, from Sheffield, said “it was a wonderful first session and got me really enthused and fired up for the year ahead”. In 1978, Rabbi Sacks devised a course for students, which aimed to introduce the main themes and challenges of Jewish faith, practice, theology and philosophy. Using this as a springboard, LSJS has updated and re-imagined this course for 2022 designing a programme that will navigate contemporary modern living through an honest engagement with Jewish thought, teachings and wisdom.
Throughout the year long course the fellows will benefit from expert educators from the UK and abroad, including Rabbi Sacks’ closest students, such as Dr Erica Brown, Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum, Rabbi Johnny Solomon, Dr Tanya White and many more.
Michael Rainsbury, LSJS Head of Adult Education said, “I am excited to be working with such an amazing group of fellows and to be delving into some key ideas through the prism of Rabbi Sacks’ teaching”.
Joanne Greenaway, LSJS Chief Executive, said “LSJS has been training and inspiring educational leaders for over 160 years and it is wonderful to be able to launch a new course specifically designed for young professionals who want to further their Jewish learning and thinking and engage in their communities in the UK and abroad”.
To find out more about the LSJS Rabbi Sacks Learning Fellowship, or how you can join next year, please contact Michael.rainsbury@lsjs.ac.uk
Everywhere you turn there’s someone
in need of Norwood
More people than ever need Norwood’s help.
In fact, one in four people will need Norwood over the next three years*. We help support children and families in crisis, and people of any age with learning disabilities or autism. But we can’t do it without you. Please
support Norwood with a donation this Rosh Hashanah.
*Source: [Survation, October 2021] Stuart Diamond with Faith leaders
Diamond visits Yorkshire
Mitzvah Day CEO Stuart Diamond brought faith leaders across Leeds and Bradford together to discuss plans for expanding the day of social action in the area.
Diamond met representatives from Jewish, Christian, Sikh and other religious organisations. Discussions took place on how Mitzvah Day feeds into wider social action initiatives and how volunteers can support those suffering from the cost of living crisis.
Simon Phillips, Leeds Jewish Representative Council, co-ordinated the trip. He said: “We should all be proud of how the Jewish community in Leeds and Bradford, in conjunction with other faith communities, have continued to support the vision and mission underpinning Mitzvah Day.”
Stuart was visiting Leeds and Bradford for the first time since taking up the post.
He said, “Mitzvah Day is excited about expanding the project in smaller Jewish communities.”
South coast seminar
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Patron Her Majesty The Queen Reg Charity No. 1059050 Keith Gould, Wessex Jewish Rep Council, Beryl Sharpe, Sussex Jewish Rep Council, Amanda Bowman, BoD and Russell Langer, JLC Jewish communities introduced councillors to issues affecting residents at The Jewish South Coast seminar in Brighton on Sunday.
Over 40 councillors from Brighton & Hove, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, Portsmouth, Southampton and other councils attended.
Councillors attended sessions on countering antisemitism, the Jewish community’s relationship with Israel, the future of the Brighton Jewish community and supporting dispersed communities. It was an opportunity to introduce the Wessex Jewish Representative Council, which is taking on the umbrella role for Jewish groups and activities in Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding areas. Board Vice President Amanda Bowman, said, “Together we are ensuring that councillors throughout the region understand the needs and concerns of Jewish residents.” The seminar was organised by the Board of Deputies, Sussex and Bournemouth Jewish Representative Councils and Jewish Leadership Council.
Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox new Reception children started school this week
Proud parents watched on at the Broughton Jewish Kindergarten Graduation class of 2022 ceremony
Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox new intake of reception children
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL
JNF help for Ukrainian refugees
JNF and Israeli organisations are providing financial aid to 1,000 Ukrainian refugees for basic supplies.
Eight decades after Peotr Sanevich and his family saved Dimitri Schmeiger from the Nazis, Sanevich’s daughter and seven of his grandchildren fled bombings in Ukraine for Be’er Sheva. As more refugees from Ukraine began experiencing financial difficulties, including family members of Righteous Among the Nations, JNF UK and Matan-Investing in the Community NGO decided to help with gift vouchers to 1,000 refugees for basic supplies totalling some half a million Shekels (around £127,000).
Assistance depends on the size of the family. Distribution is through the Tzav Hashaa humanitarian aid administration, which operates under the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security and Magen David Adom.
Basic items include clothes and footwear, furniture and household goods. There are restrictions on working permits during a stay in Israel.
Anatoly and Lydia Odarchuk fled to Israel from Rivne with seven of their nine children when shelling began. Lydia’s father was recognised as a Righteous Among the Nations for saving Jewish children during the Holocaust.
“We had a happy life in Ukraine,” Lydia said. “Until the last moment we didn’t believe that a war could break out. The decision to leave was very difficult because it is our homeland and you have to leave for an unknown period of time. We have discovered in Israel many good, caring people.”
Ksenia Sukhenko (31), fled with her two daughters from Dnipro. “With the explosions, we decided to leave immediately,” she recalled. “During the escape to Israel, my daughters only ate bread and sandwiches. It was snowing and very cold. At the border crossing they slept on the floor in a school until they approved for us to come to Israel, where my father lives”.
Ksenia added, “We arrived in Israel with almost nothing, with winter clothes and a bag of documents. For four months now, my father has been sleeping on an inflatable mattress, and I am with my daughters on a shared bed in a tiny flat. I need to start my life over. I hope that in the future, better days will come”.
Samuel Hayek, JNF UK chairman said “We took this important decision to help refugees who have fled the war in Ukraine to Israel. Our support in a joint effort between the Jews of Britain and donors from Israel is a great privilege. Lydia’s father’s involvement in saving Jews in Ukraine during the Holocaust was a beacon of light during the darkest period of humankind. It was an act of bravery. It was an act of the highest humankind, and we the Jewish people owe debt of responsibility to help you at the most difficult of time that you are going through.”
Hayek added, “Together with the Israeli government, we must help the refugees as much as possible until the situation is clarified. We call on other philanthropic organisations to join us so that we can increase support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people who are going through a difficult time”. To donate and see other stories: www.jnf.co.uk/ukraine
Nathan Ash speeding along JCoSS student Nathan Ash of Shenley is celebrating finishing top of his age group at the World Hovercraft Championships in Flottsbro, Sweden.
Nathan, 13, competed in the merged Colt and Junior categories for 11 to 16-year-olds. And he placed third overall in the Juniors.
After a successful competition he was the leading Colt so can claim to be the Colt ‘world champion’. Competitors raced in four rounds of racing in choppy weather conditions.
Nathan’s father, Howard Ash, a Principal Lecturer in Automotive and Motorsport Engineering, accompanied Nathan on the trip to Sweden and took on the extra role as mechanic, data engineer, head of logistics and chief cook.
Nathan competed with Europe and America racers at the prestigious event. His craft is a Rotax powered Junior Raider which has 40 horse power propelling Nathan to over 50 mph on water.
Next year, the talented teen officially joins the juniors and will be able to increase the thrust of his hovercraft, giving him more performance.
Nathan is leading the UK Colts national championship with races set in September and October across the UK, until the end of the season.
Sacks Morasha on a high!
Sacks Morasha Jewish Primary School pupils Sacks Morasha Jewish Primary School in North Finchley welcomed back pupils with news they have received an outstanding grade in all areas of a recent Pikuach inspection.
The school was last inspected in 2015 and received a rating of ‘Good’.
Inspectors observed eight lessons, assemblies and meal time prayers. The report included judgements on quality of education, Jewish, personal and spiritual growth and leadership and management of the Kodesh department.
The report stated that pupils love their Jewish education and the curriculum provides memorable experiences. Inspectors reported that the school prides itself on providing pupils with experiences which go beyond the classroom. The impact of projects has seen children run their own charity events.
Mr Justin Kett, Head of Kodesh and Deputy Headteacher, said, “We are so fortunate to have enjoyed the benefits of a passionate core of teachers and families committed to being Jewish not just learning about it alone.”
Sacks Morasha are open for admissions for 2023/24.
