Essex Jewish News Chanukah 2022

Essex youth lead the way on Mitzvah Day

group – which includes RJCC members Rita Shaw, Sonia Black and Sadie Levy – made blankets which they sent to residents at Jewish Care’s Vi & John Rubens House care home.

Mitzvah Day has the support of all of Britain’s political and faith leaders.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Mitzvah Day is a very special time of year. It helps to foster a wonderful community spirt, celebrating diversity of faith or belief, and demonstrating that we each have a responsibility to one another.”

once more this year, joining South Hampstead Synagogue to collect and pack clothes for people in need supported by local charities. He said: “Mitzvah Day is emblematic of the country we are, and the values we hold.”

SCHOOL and cheder pupils from across Essex have been hailed by the founder and chair of Mitzvah Day for their “wonderful” achievements this year.

Performing a mix of good deeds – from entertaining at care homes to collecting for those in need – the young people were among 30,000 volunteers all over the UK taking part in the country’s biggest faith-based day of social action.

Laura Marks OBE said: “I started Mitzvah Day when my own children were three, five and seven and I could sense straight away how they, and all their friends taking part, just ‘got it’ and understood how they were making a difference.

“Now, years later, I continue to be passionate about the ability of young people to give their time meaningfully from a very young age.

“The stories I’ve heard about all the wonderful things Essex children and young people did this Mitzvah Day confirm that nothing has changed.”

Redbridge’s two Jew-

ish primary schools put on a number of projects to tie in the with the day’s theme of Winter Warmers – aimed to bring comfort, warmth and cheer to friends and neighbours.

Children from Clore Tikva Primary School visited Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre (RJCC) to entertain and chat with the older members at a special intergenerational event.

The pupils and older people swapped mitzvah trees. Each leaf contains a motivational, heart-warming quote which will be taken down and read to the children during their Kabbalat Shabbat assembly, while RJCC members will do the same at the centre.

Clore Tikva Jewish studies teacher Samantha Bendon said, “This is such a wonderful project and we hope this Mitzvah Day will mark the beginning of a very special relationship between the children of Clore Tikva and the members of the RJCC.”

RJCC coordinator Timea Kasza added: “This project will continue to warm the hearts of our

older members and of the young school children when they read out the positive messages and think of each other. Jewish Care’s community centres are keeping people warm this winter, not just physically, but by connecting older people with each other and with the community too.”

Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School students and their families donated toys and books to Camp Simcha for children in hospital and wrote them get well cards. There was also a collection for Good for You, which distributes items to vulnerable people both in the UK and abroad.

Pupils were allowed to wear green instead of their school uniform for the day and the school was delighted to welcome the CEO of Camp Simcha, Neville Goldschneider, who spoke about the charity’s work.

Cheders in the area also got involved. The children at East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue collected toys and games for Haven House Children’s Hospice, while the adults donated dry in date

food items and toiletries for Jason Lee House’s Single Homeless Project. Jason Lee House in Ilford provides temporary, and in some cases longer term, accommodation for homeless people.

Southend Reform Synagogue’s young people made get well cards for friends that are unwell, while the entire congregation collected for both HARP, a local homeless charity, and a nearby food bank.

Other projects included Ilford Federation Synagogue collecting food for GIFT and painting furniture at Jewish Care’s Vi and John Rubens House, and JBD tenants donating books to Langdon’s New Chapters.

Meanwhile SWESRS used Mitzvah Day to relaunch their food bank drives. Over the course of the day, members brought shopping bags to support the local Trussell Trust. Rabbi Lev Taylor said: “Our ambition was to fill a box. We filled seven!”

Back at the RJCC, member and volunteer Nettie Keene and her Knit and Natter with Nettie

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, is a long-term Mitzvah Day supporter and took part

Reflecting on the theme of Winter Warmers and the efforts of all those across Essex, Mitzvah Day CEO Stuart Diamond said: “It was very powerful to see so many communities came together with friends and neighbours of all ages, faiths and backgrounds to ensure that all the elements of warmth were taken care of this Mitzvah Day – from clothing and cooking to visits that bring cheer.”

Camp Simcha and Good for You benefitted from Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School’s amazing efforts

East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue’s children collected for Haven House

Members, volunteers and staff at Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre swapped mitzvah trees with pupils and staff from Clore Tikva Primary School - photo by Keith Gold

CIRCULATION AREA

Barking, Barkingside, Brentwood, Cambridge, Chigwell, Chingford, Chelmsford, Colchester, Epping, Gants Hill, Gidea Park, Harold Hill, Harlow, Hainault, Highams Park, llford, Leyton, Leytonstone, Loughton, Newbury Park, Ongar, Redbridge, Romford, Southend and Westcliff, Wanstead and Woodford.

ESSEX JEWISH NEWS TEAM:

Chair: Philip Leigh

Directors: Melvyn Weinberg MBE, Manny Robinson, Simon Rothstein, Jonathan Bloom, Marc Shelkin, Micaela Blitz and Josh Dobias

Editor: Simon Rothstein

Editorial Consultant: Manny Robinson

News and Features: Micaela Blitz and Pat Lidiker

Proof Readers: Irving Angel and Jan Martin-Ellis

Advertising: Deborah Mulqueen

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COPYRIGHT:

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CONTACTS:

All stories, pictures and editorial contributions should be sent by email to simon.rothstein@ hotmail.co.uk or mannyrobinson@outlook.com

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USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Age Concern Redbridge 020 8220 6000

Ahada Bereavement Counselling 07758 727 328

Alzheimer’s Society 020 8970 5770

Board of Deputies Information Desk 020 7543 5400

Chabad Gants Hill addiction support 020 8554 1624

Chai Cancer Care 0808 808 4567

Chigwell and Hainault League of Jewish Women 0790 560 5781

Chigwell and Hainault JACS 020 8551 2355

Citizens Advice Bureau 0870 126 4140

Empathy 07765 191 067

Gants Hill JACS 0208 550 9450

Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade 020 8989 8990

Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service 020 8457 9710

Jewish Blind and Disabled 020 8371 6611

Jewish Care 020 8922 2222

Jewish Marriage Council 020 8203 6311

Jewish Women’s Aid 0800 591 203

Moving on (Formerly Bereaved Partners Group) 020 8554 5227

League of Jewish Women www.theljw.org email: office@theljw.org

Redbridge Jewish Community Centre 020 8551 0017

Redbridge WIZO 020 8551 1301

Resource 020 8346 4000

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Southend and Westcliff JACS 01268 771978

The Paperweight Trust 0330 174 4300

Phone numbers are correct at the time of going to press. If your contact number or the contact number of your organisation has changed, or if you would like a contact number to be included, please advise us.

Essex Jews on the move –a look at the 2021 Census

THE latest Census figures have shown what most of us have seen via friends, family and indeed articles in this newspaper – Jewish people in Essex and NE London are moving areas.

The results of the 2021 Census, a nationwide survey of England and Wales that takes place every 10 years, has shown a large decrease in the number of Jews living in Redbridge –but some notable increases elsewhere in our region, most markedly in Epping Forest and Havering.

It’s important to note that the Census only asks about Judaism as a religion. That means the statistics gathered will not include those who do not consider Judaism to be their faith, but do identify as culturally Jewish, secular Jews, half-Jewish, part-Jewish and all the other ways people define in modern times.

With that caveat in mind, a good starting point is to look at how the statistics have changed since the 2011 Census in Essex and some of the surrounding London boroughs.

Although the overall decrease for our region is of course a worry, analysing the figures, Essex Jewish Community Council chair Daniel Rosenberg highlighted some more positive news. Daniel reports reports that Essex as a whole (excluding Redbridge, which is a London Borough), has shown overall growth and has now overtaken Yorkshire as the fourth largest Jewish area in the UK.

In total 271,327 people in England and Wales selected their religion as Jewish, roughly 0.5% of the population and an increase of just over 6,000

REDBRIDGE EPPING FOREST

2021 2011

Redbridge 6,412 10,213

Epping Forest 4,376 3,972

Southend on Sea 2,057 2,150 Havering 1,305 1,159 Waltham Forest 1,268 1,259 Castle Point 661 183 Newham 448 342 Basildon 403 424 Chelmsford 387 330 Uttlesford 351 227 Brentwood 330 272 Colchester 325 264 Harlow 319 237 Rochford 293 255 Braintree 281 199 Barking & Dagenham 272 425 Thurrock 225 221 Tendring 224 200 Maldon 128 99

TOTAL 20,065 22,431 on 10 years ago.

The most interesting increase for readers of the Essex Jewish News is likely to be that found in Epping Forest, a rise of around 10%.

Could this indicate that Epping Forest is to Redbridge what Redbridge was to Newham and the East End?

Those areas saw an influx of Jewish people from Eastern Europe at the start of the 20th century and at one point had numerous synagogues and Jewish shops.

After World War II, however, many of those residents moved on to Redbridge and, over time, the Jewish population in

WHERE YOU CAN PICK UP THE ESSEX JEWISH NEWS

those original areas all but disappeared – although interestingly there was a slight increase in Newham from 2011 to 2021.

Redbridge seems to be following in this same direction, with Jewish people choosing to move out of the area. While some are undoubtedly leaving for Barnet and Borehamwood, this new data suggests they are also moving to Epping Forest as well as other Essex districts including Uttlesford, Harlow, Chelmsford and the London Borough of Havering (which could be considered Essex depending who you’re asking).

The other notable increase is Castle Point, home to Canvey Island, which saw the number of Jewish people almost quadruple to 661 since 2011, following around 500 Charedi Jewish people moving there in 2016.

People’s reasons for moving include: for a better life; cheaper house prices; to be near the sea and to be near green areas. Struggles in new areas include lack of access to kosher food, decent delis and community centres.

On the EssexK and Essex Jewish News Facebook groups, debate is raging about how our community should respond to these changes. Ideas include encouraging kosher shops like La Boucherie and community centres like Jewish Care’s RJCC to set up outposts in areas such as Epping and Collier Row. There is also a need to support new synagogues and communities that are emerging or will emerge.

Whatever happens, one thing is clear. Jewish life is once again on the move.

SYNAGOGUES

Chabad Buckhurst Hill

Chabad Epping

Chabad Gants Hill

Chelmsford Jewish Community Chigwell Synagogue

Chingford Synagogue

Cranbrook United East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue

Harlow Synagogue

Ilford Federation

Leytonstone and Wanstead Synagogue

Loughton Synagogue New Essex Masorti Romford Synagogue

South West Essex and Settlement Reform

Southend & Westcliff Hebrew Congregation

Southend Reform

Sukkat Shalom Woodford Forest

SCHOOLS

Clore Tikva

King Solomon High Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary

COMMUNAL

Jewish Blind & Disabled

Aztec House

Jewish Blind & Disabled Hilary Dennis Court

Jewish Blind & Disabled Milne Court

Jewish Care’s Southend & Westcliff Jewish Community Centre

Jewish Care’s Vi and John Rubens House

Limewood Court, Beehive Lane Spire London East Hospital

The Shop, Southend

RETAIL

Delicacy, Chigwell Gary Green, Clayhall La Boucherie, Barkingside Pepperman’s Deli, Barkingside

Reuby’s Salt Beef & Cheesecake Bar, Clacton-on-Sea Shalom Bakery, Gants Hill

SUPERMARKETS

Morrison’s Loughton

Sainsbury’s Barkingside

Sainsbury’s Loughton

Sainsbury’s Newbury Park

Sainsbury’s Ongar

Sainsbury’s South Woodford

Sainsbury’s Southend

Sainsbury’s Westcliff Tesco Barkingside Tesco Epping Tesco Westcliff Tesco Woodford Avenue

LIBRARIES

Fullwell Cross Gants Hill South Woodford

The Essex Jewish News is the newspaper of the Jewish community in Essex and is published by Essex Jewish News Ltd.

GUEST EDITORIAL BY TINA HINE

TWO NEW(ISH) RABBIS INDUCTED

Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue

Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation

BY GEOFFREY PEPPER

RABBI Ephraim Mirvis, local

Firth and

Stephen Habermel were among 300 people attending the induction of Rabbi Geoffrey Hyman at Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation (SWHC), in a special service that also celebrated his 40 years in the rabbinate.

we are finally delighted to welcome the Chief Rabbi to our shul for this induction rather than for Rabbi Geoffrey`s retirement!”

The couple have a family of eight, plus 13 grandchildren, and have served a number of other communities including Ilford (now Cranbrook) United Synagogue.

as “a match made in heaven”. He also praised the community for how they coped with the pandemic.

BY FRANK GODSON

MEMBERS of Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue (SSRS) along with guests, including Reform Judaism co-chair Michael Harris, marked the arrival of Rabbi Dr Tali Artman-Partock and the retirement of Rabbi Larry Becker.

Although Rabbi Tali has been with the synagogue for a year, this was the first opportunity to carry out an induction service.

A Torah ceremony and Service of Inauguration were conducted by Rabbi David Hulbert, Rabbi Emeritus of East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue

(ELELS) and previous rabbi at SSRS prior to Rabbi Larry taking up the post some 10 years ago.

Others involved in the services included SSRS chair Rachel Savage, senior warden Melvin Pedro and, of course, Rabbis Larry and Tali.

Rabbi Larry, now Emeritus Rabbi of SSRS, spoke of how the synagogue “was and is still part of the family”. He also offered some wise words to Rabbi Tali whom he had encourage to come to SSRS.

Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris, the principal of Leo Baeck College, then gave a speech describing

Rabbi Tali in the most complimentary of terms. She said that she was full of admiration of how she had progressed as a student rabbi, taking Semicha and now, not only becoming the Rabbi at SSRS but also joining the teaching staff at the College.

The day also saw Rabbi Tali launch a new project for the synagogue called the ‘Book of Wisdom’ –inviting all present to write their thoughts into it after the service.

Since the founding of SRRS more than 40 years ago, it has been served by five part time rabbis and four student rabbis.

SWHC president Michael Nelkin said: “Rabbi Geoffrey and Rebbetzin Michelle were welcomed into our community in 2019, but because of the pandemic this induction was much delayed.

“After nearly four years,

The president added that despite Rebbetzin Michelle separate full time career, the couple’s home is always open and full of warmth.

The Chief Rabbi remarked what a marvellous occasion the induction service was, describing it

Responding, Southend’s new rabbi told how he tries to make a difference wherever he goes and loves SWHC’s great warmth and generosity of spirit. He also thanked the army of volunteers that made the day such a success.

The induction service was led by two chazzanim, Shalom Rapoport and Zalmy Cohen, commanding plenty of life and spirit. It was followed by a reception, catered by the SWHC Ladies Guild.

to say that volunteering for Jewish Care was the happiest time of her later life.

Before Bertie passed away, she did not get the chance to amend her Will and leave a gift to Jewish Care. Brian has since told us that he has included Jewish Care in his Will on her behalf; “I don’t want to leave it until it’s too late, like Mum. I’m doing this for her”.

With a gift in your Will to Jewish Care, you can make sure that future generations of our community get the care they need when they need it most.

For more information about leaving a gift in your Will and our free Will Writing Service, please call Sarit on 020 8922 2819, email legacyteam@jcare.org or visit jewishcare.org/legacy

CCHIEF

MP Anna

Deputy Mayor

Rabbi Geoffrey Hyman, Ann Firth MP, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Deputy Mayor Stephen Habermel and Michael Nelkin - photo by Ruth Solomons

Michael Harris, Rabbi Michael Foulds, Rabbi David Hulbert, Rabbi Larry Becker, Rabbi Dr Tali Artman-Partock and Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris

Andrew Lewis, Rachel Savage, Rabbi Larry Becker, Anne Becker, Frank Godson and Melvin Pedro

“Jewish Care meant everything to my mum, Bertie. That’s why I’m leaving them a gift in my Will”.

Brian, Legacy Pledger

A right Royal celebration in Westcliff

BY PAT LIDIKER

IT was a history in the making when Kitty Stern celebrated her 100th birthday in style at Jewish Care’s Southend & Westcliff Jewish Community Centre.

Just weeks after the passing of the Queen, she became one of the first people in the country to receive a signed birthday card from the new King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.

It was highly fitting as Kitty herself has

been crowned Queen of the Party by volunteers because of her love of joining in everything, so much so that her birthday celebrations lasted a whole month!

Highlights included visits from well-wishers including the mayor of Southend and Lord Lieutenant of Essex, as well as a special Land Girls party for members, staff and volunteers at the centre. Some dressed up in the same headscarves and

Jewish Care honoured at London Faith and Belief Forum Awards

BY MICAELA BLITZ

JEWISH CARE’s contribution to the community during the pandemic has been rewarded with a prize at the London Faith and Belief Forum Awards.

The event, held at Westminster Abbey, highlighted the vital work of London’s faith and belief communities by bringing together local heroes from across the capital.

Redbridge Jewish Community Centre (RJCC) activity coordinator Timea Kasza and volunteer Sally Caplan received the award for ‘Community Resourcefulness in Response to Covid-19’ on behalf of the charity.

Richard Shone, Jewish Care’s director of community services, volunteering

and social work, told the Essex Jewish News that the organisation and everyone involved in it were “honoured” to have been given the prize.

He said: “We are very proud of being presented with this award and thank the community for their support so that we can continue to be here for local older people.

“Our aim is to help to combat the effects of social isolation and provide opportunities for older people from the community to connect with others and enjoy stimulating meaningful activities in a warm and friendly Jewish environment.”

Other recipients of awards included The Paperweight Trust, which of-

dungarees worn by Kitty herself when she ‘dug for victory’ during World War II.

Very much an Essex girl, Kitty and her husband raised their family in Newbury Park before moving to Southend to be near one of their daughters. Another lives in Paris, her son in Australia while two other daughters have sadly passed away.

She now lives in an apartment close to the centre, where she is one

of its most active members.

Centre coordinator Emma Anderson told the Essex Jewish News: “Kitty is a great character, always immaculately dressed, full of life and chats to everyone. She and her husband volunteered at the local hospital for many years and she is still happy to help others.

“Even at the grand old age of 100 it seems she has no intention of slowing down. She sings in the centre’s own Cobham Choir and is constantly keen to learn something new. Kitty even recently started working with clay, as well as enjoying painting and drawing with our new art volunteer.”

Another treat for Kitty was seeing her design –which she created at an art session – was made into the centre’s Rosh Hashanah card this year.

fers practical guidance and support to those in crisis across the entire spectrum of the Jewish community. Throughout the pandemic, they helped many who were struggling.

Local winners included Havering Asian Social and Welfare Association (HASWA), Barking and Dagenham-based Write Back – which runs writing programmes for young people to build self-esteem and community – and Redbridge charity Keeping it Wild, which provides urban nature opportunities.

Woodford Forest and Milne Court team up for Shabbat

WOODFORD

their neighbours at Jewish Blind & Disabled’s Milne Court development got together for a joint special Shabbat.

A service took place

in the synagogue, where JBD chief executive Lisa Wimborne spoke about the services the charity offers and how members of the community can support its work.

A Havdalah service for tenants at Milne Court followed, led by

“We

Mental health awareness for families

BY LAURA MARKS

Michelle, who grew up in Longwood Gardens and attended Beal

Speakers

Foundation – a charity

to delivering suicide awareness, intervention and prevention – delivered the talk and held a Q&A with parents at the end.

Forest United Synagogue and

Rabbi Mordechai Wollenberg who was joined by his family.

Synagogue chair Robin Jacobs said:

are extremely happy to work alongside Jewish Blind & Disabled and its tenants in enhancing their Jewish lives.”

Rabbi Mordechai Wollenberg leads Havdalah at Milne Court

Kitty Stern with her signed birthday card from King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla –photo by Mike Stone Photography

Timea Kasza and Sally Caplan at Westminster Abbey with Jewish Care’s award

KING Solomon High School recently hosted a mental health awareness session for their parents and the community.

The evening was funded by The Oli Leigh Trust, set up by Michelle Leigh, after her son Oli took his own life five years ago.

High School, has raised thousands of pounds to help fund specialists who are experts in their field to talk to teenagers and parents about mental health.

from the OLLIE

dedicated

Speaker from the OLLIE Foundation

Sharon’s legacy lives on

APPROXIMATELY 10 years ago, a Jewish mother in London named Sharon Berger was diagnosed with Leukaemia, and was in desperate need of an urgent stem cell transplant.

Her children took to social media with the hashtag #Spit4Mum in an attempt to find a suitable match, most likely to come from within the Ashkenazi Jewish community. The purpose of the campaign was to encourage fit and healthy Jews aged 16-30 to sign up to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register.

The campaign led to a 1,100% increase in British Jews register-

ing. Sharon thankfully found an anonymous match within weeks and was given a second shot at life. Unfortunately, her cancer did return a few years later and she sadly passed away in 2017.

But Sharon’s legacy very much lives on. A few months ago, I was contacted by Anthony Nolan and told that I’m a potential match for someone suffering from blood cancer

After undergoing a few more tests, the compatibility was confirmed. As I write this article, I am donating my stem cells in the hope of saving the life of this anonymous individual. I have no idea who they are. I just know that I can

hopefully help to give them a fighting chance at life.

Whilst I never knew Sharon, nor do I know her children, it was their #Spit4Mum campaign that inspired me to sign up for the register.

I read online that in the years following the campaign launch, five other lives were saved by donors inspired to sign up for Sharon. I can only imagine how many more lives have been saved thanks to this campaign in the subsequent years that followed. Now, 10 years after Sharon’s diagnosis, the campaign launched in her name has now hopefully helped to save one more.

So aside from paying tribute to Sharon, in whose merit I am donating today, if this article can encourage just one other person to sign up for the stem cell register, it will have been worth it.

If you are healthy and aged 16-30, you can sign up! There is a particular shortage of men, as well as ethnic minorities (including Jews). It really is so easy to sign up, and you might even save a life.

Visit www. anthonynolan.org for more info.

New campuscommunity one step closer

New Chabad shluchim to Southend-on-sea

FOLLOWING a series of positive meetings, Jewish Care is delighted to share with Essex Jewish News readers that they have now submitted their planning application to Redbridge Council for the development of a stunning £25 million state of the art care and community campus in Essex.

The exciting new development will be housed on the site of the current Redbridge Jewish Community Centre (RJCC), also known as Sinclair House.

It will comprise a community space which will house a centre for people living with dementia and a 66-bed care home, which the Jewish Care’s Vi & John

Rubens House in Gants Hill will relocate to. The site will also house Jewish Care’s social work team, as well as providing areas for wider communal use.

After first sharing plans for this development with the community earlier this year, including on the front page of this newspaper, Jewish Care say they were thrilled with the level of support and enthusiasm they received.

After submitting the planning permission application, the charity then asked supporters and residents in the area to send in a letter of support for the development to the council.

Jewish Care chief

executive Daniel Carmel-Brown told us: “We are delighted to have reached this stage and to have submitted a planning application. We know that from consultations with the community, our plans for this development have received wide support.

“We’re so grateful to those living in the Redbridge area for submitting letters of support to let the Council know just how much this new development is needed and would be valued by the community.”

• You can still view Jewish Care’s plans for the development by visiting www.jewishcare. org/news/ redbridge-plans.

Rabbi Tzvi and Mushki Birnhack, together with their son Shlomo Aharon, arrived in the UK this week to begin their new Shlichus in Southendon-Sea and its surrounding areas.

Both born in Israel, Rabbi Tzvi studied in various Yeshivos, and gained Semicha in 770, New York. Since their marriage two years ago, Rabbi Tzvi studied in Kollel, then taught High school students. His wife Mushki was the curriculum development coordinator in Kiryat Malachi, Nachalas Har Chabad, Israel.

The Birnhacks bring with them experience in formal and informal education, gained as part of their training in the Chabad Higher education system in various parts of the world, including Moscow, Ukraine, Germany and Kfar

Chabad Israel.

Rabbi and Mrs Birnhack will be the seventh family of Shluchim in the Essex area, brought and sponsored by Rabbi Aryeh MBE and Devorah Sufrin, laying the foundations for its 4th Chabad House, alongside its existing branches in Gants Hill, Buckhurst Hill and Epping.

Initially, they will engage with the community, by bringing the spirit of Chabad to all they encounter through providing Shabbos and Yom Tov hospitality, Festival programming for the whole family, home visits, one-to-one and communal learning. They will spend their first few months getting to know the community, supporting where they can any existing infrastructure, thereby strengthening Jewish life wherever they find it necessary.

Sacha Johnstone writes for the Essex Jewish News as he helps to save a life

A CGI image of the new Jewish Care campus in Redbridge

Sacha Johnstone donating stem cells at The London Clinic

Rabbi Tzvi and Mushki Birnhack

Medal at long last for nuclear test veteran Stanley

BY SIMON ROTHSTEIN

NUCLEAR test

veteran Stanley Barclay will receive a medal to honour his service – 65 years after taking part in the programme.

Stanley,

of thousands of servicepeople who witnessed Operation Grapple, the exploding of multiple atomic and hydrogen bombs.

the British Nuclear Test Veterans and LABRATS have campaigned for many years for the veterans to be given official recognition.

Then finally, in November, Stanley and others attended a commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, where Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that they would be honoured with the Nuclear Test Medal.

He was one of tens

Groups including

Addressing the event – held on the 70th anniversary of the UK’s first successful atomic test – the Prime Minister said: “I am incredibly proud that we are able to mark the service and dedication of our nuclear test veterans with this new medal.

“Their commitment and service has preserved peace for the past 70 years, and it is only right their contribution to our safety, freedom and way of life is appropriately recognised with this honour.”

To further recognise the contribution of veterans of Britain’s nuclear tests, the Government is investing £450,000 into projects which will commemorate and build further understanding of the experiences of those

who were deployed to Australia and the Pacific.

Speaking exclusively to the Essex Jewish News, Stanley said: “I was called up to do my National Service in March 1957 and I chose to go into the RAF. I was stationed in England and then given a choice to go abroad which I accepted.

“I was informed that I was going to be posted to a place called Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean. We flew via Iceland and Canada and Hawaii to get there.

“On Christmas Island the heat was intense, with dry sand everywhere and massive land crabs which could make a dent in my boots! The

living conditions in the old canvas tents were very basic.

“I witnessed six atomic and hydrogen atomic bomb tests over the ocean when I was on the island.

“I am happy that after all these years of campaigning for a medal, it has finally been awarded to the veterans.”

The Nuclear Test Medal will be a commemorative medal that can be worn by recipients. Only 1,500 of the 22,000 men who took part in more than 600 trial explosions are thought to still be alive, but relatives of those who have already died will also be able to apply for the medal on their behalf.

New help for people and families living with dementia

Leslie’s legacy lives on at King Solomon

The café offers uplifting and engaging activities for people living with dementia and provides invaluable support for family carers… all over tea and cake!

Neil Rebak, Jewish Care community hub manager, told the Essex Jewish News: “The Memory Way Cafés bring people living with dementia and their families together in a unique and

special way.

“The cafés are run by our specialist staff and supported by our trained, dedicated and caring volunteers who lead the activities. Carers who attend really benefit from the support of other families they meet who are in a similar position to themselves.”

Activities at the Memory Way Café range from reminiscence with memory boxes, talks, music,

exercise to presentations from museums and art galleries.

If you would like to find out more information about the new Memory Way Café in Redbridge, and other activities that support people living with dementia to live well, please call the Jewish Care Direct helpline on 020 8922 2222 or contact helpline@jcare. org.

Leslie would come into King Solomon every year and give a talk to the students about his time serving our country. He had a wonderful sense of humour and never failed to make his

audience laugh even whilst talking about such a difficult subject.

Pamela shared many pictures and artefacts about her father and his story of survival during World War ll.

Amelie Marks, who is in year 8, said: “It’s important that we remember what generations before us went through to enable us to live the way we do today. I wish I could have met Leslie, he sounds like he was a really special man”.

a member of Ilford Federation Synagogue, served in the RAF on Christmas Island in the Pacific in 1957 and 1958.

YEAR 8 and 9 students at King Solomon High School welcomed Pamela Halawi, daughter of the late Leslie Sutton OBM, a much loved and missed member of the Essex Jewish community.

Jewish Care has opened a new Memory Way Café in Redbridge - photo by Mike Stone

Stanley Barclay will receive a Nuclear Test Medal

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaking at the commemoration

Pamela Halawi with the King Solomon students and a photo of her hero dad

No time to Lark about for son and mum authors

author, Natalie lives in Romford with husband Adam, an IT engineer, Henry and his younger brother Leo, aged seven. Both boys attend Clore Tivka.

Natalie explains: “Lark wants to banish negative feelings about him being a shark by teaching children not to judge others by the way they look but on what they do.”

TWO years ago, on the publication of her first children’s book Lark the Shark, with its environmentally-friendly theme, Natalie Newman showed she’s a woman ahead of her time.

Young readers will now be flocking to read the latest instalment in the series, again a collaboration with her 10-yearold son Henry, a pupil at Clore Tikva Primary School

“Henry takes everything in his stride and while proud of our achievements is in fact very shy about it,” his mum admits.

“Each story takes a couple of hours to write, then we put it aside and come back again and again to edit it with fresh

eyes.”

This time Lark shares the title and his underwater adventures with a new friend, Wanda the Whale, and they clean up the sea together.

Natalie told us: “While the books are colourful and fun for young people to read, the key message is to inspire them to think about shark conservation, water pollution, recycling and looking after our planet.”

Natalie is a regular visitor to schools around Essex, where she holds interactive book reading sessions. Similar programmes are held online and seen by young people all over the world. The feedback to both has been amazing.

A self-employed hairdresser, as well as an

But life hasn’t always been an easy ride, far from it: Natalie told us: “Both boys were premature and in hospital for some time. It was a very tough, emotional journey I will never forget. But it also taught me never to take anything for granted.”

Today environmental issues make daily headlines. However, what Natalie has proved is that there are other effective ways of getting the message across rather than gluing oneself to the M25 or jetting around the world to conferences.

Hence the creation of lovable, sensitive Lark. As well as the environmental messages, the books also have an important point to make on diversity and inclusion.

If young readers’ response to this latest book is as enthusiastic as when Lark made his first appearance two years ago, the coming weeks and months will be even more hectic. Fortunately, though, Natalie is blessed with boundless energy and enthusiasm and says life’s too short to waste.

So how do she and Henry see their creation’s future?

“We would absolutely love to see him brought to life as animated character,” she revealed. “That would be our dream, to see him on the big screen teaching children about the importance of his message in our book.”

• Lark the Shark is published by Austin Macauley, also responsible for the illustrations, and available from Waterstones, Amazon, WHSmith, Foyles and all good book shops.

• For those interested in arranging school visits, talks, book signings and other events, Natalie can be contacted on natalie.newman@ helpmenewman.com.

Pat Lidiker talks to Natalie Newman about her new book co-written with son Henry

Clore Tikva head Margot Buller with Henry Newman and his mum and co-author Natalie

JWA volunteer Iris wins national award

BY MANNY ROBINSON

IRIS TAYLOR, a Redbridge-based volunteer for Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA), has won the Unsung Hero Award at the national Third Sector Awards ceremony.

The 81-year-old member of Cranbrook United Synagogue has been a loyal, committed and inspirational volunteer for 30 years.

Iris is responsible for co-ordinating the volunteer rota for the Jewish Women’s Aid helpline, which is open for 12 hours

every day from Monday to Thursday. She ensures that all shifts are covered so that someone is available to support women affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Judy Roth, JWA’s helpline and volunteers co-ordinator, said: ‘’Iris is a truly inspirational volunteer who has worked tirelessly for our organisation. She provides a kind, gentle and patient approach and is in regular contact with all 40 of our helpline volunteers to arrange the

rota, troubleshoot and offer them motivation and reassurance.

“This award for Unsung Hero recognises her outstanding achievements over three decades.’’

The Third Sector Awards were held at The Brewery in London before an audience of 600 people from all across the charity sector. The judges praised Iris as “an incredible person, who has devoted years of support to a cause she believes in.”

Iris, a former shorthand typist and secretary, has two children and three grandchildren. Her husband passed away 13 years ago.

She told the Essex Jewish News: ‘’I feel that this is an important volunteering role and I believe it is a mitzvah to do it.’’

The Jewish Women’s Aid’s helpline not only provides callers with someone to speak to but often acts as the gateway to access all of JWA’s services, enabling women to make decisions about their lives. Together with the organisation’s webchat service, the helpline service received

SWESRS takes a radical look at the Talmud

BY CHARLES HUTCHINS

ANEW adult study group exploring radical readings of the rabbinic text of the Talmud has begun at South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue (SWESRS)

The free, weekly dropin Mishnah Shiur offer students the opportunity to translate and interpret the Talmud.

These classes follow on from the Queer Yeshiva summer scheme, a

programme of rigorous, inclusive learning through an LGBTQI+ positive lens.

Rabbi Lev Taylor of SWESRS, who leads the sessions, is eager to welcome everyone. “It’s the method that’s queer, not necessarily the people,” he explained.

On a recent Sunday, LGBTQI+ people were in the majority, with many saying the sessions had offered them a chance to connect with Jewish

tradition and practice.

“It’s opening up my eyes to a text I’d only peripherally heard of,” said class member Elischa.

Members of the class said drawing on their own lives and experiences gave them unique insights to find queer and radical readings.

Their re-interpretation of an ancient tradition is something the group see reflected in the Talmud itself.

“What is the Mishnah?” Rabbi Lev asked the class before they broke into small groups.

After some discussion of context, the class came to a consensus that it’s a democratising reinterpretation of the Torah and something they can bring into their lives and Jewish practice.

“I’m rediscovering Torah and approaching it in a new way!” said student Yael.

• The classes take place every Sunday at SWESRS. Minchah prayers are at 2pm, followed by classes from 3pm-5pm.

196 calls in the first half of 2022, equivalent to at least one contact every day that the services are open.

The confidential, sym-

pathetic and non-judgmental helpline can be reached on 0808 801 0500. It is open Mondays-Thursdays 9.30am9.30pm, with trained

Jewish women there to support callers. Outside of these hours calls are recorded, monitored and responded to as soon as possible.

Chabad caters for all ages

ANEW

older division for years 11-13.

and chat

interesting topics at Jewish Care’s Chatty Café with Chabad in Buckhurst Hill. Hosted by volunteers, with cake and coffee, the Chatty Café takes place every Tuesday from 10:30am. Everyone is welcome and you can get in touch with Alison at asmardina@jcare.org or call 07827 982 110 to find out more.

Chabad of Buckhurst Hill is also pleased to announce that Cteen is back. Part of a large international network of teen clubs around the world, Cteen has two sets of programmes and events designed for secondary school children in years 7-10 and then an

This year’s programme and set of events launched in November, with more than 30 teenagers enjoying a Saturday night of games, burgers and chips and a tie dye activity. The teens also got to take advantage of

Chabad’s games room with pool table, football table, computer games and couches to chill out.

The club runs monthly, so look out for the next event. Parents can follow @chabadonthehill on Instagram, with teens able to follow the @cteenessex account.

Iris Taylor (second from the left) with her award

Rabbi Lev Taylor

initiative is offering older members of the community the opportunity to socialise

about

Chabad welcomes all to Jewish Care’s Chatty Café

Youngsters enjoy food and games at CTeen

Raymond’s stroke had a devastating e ect on his and Pamela’s life until they moved in to their Jewish Blind & Disabled apartment. Now they enjoy the best of both worlds –independence with a social life on their doorstep.

Raymond & Pamela moved into their state-of-the-art mobility apartment in 2019

Rolf receives 100th birthday greeting from an old friend

BY PAT LIDIKER

WHILE enjoying opening all the cards from well-wishers on his milestone birthday, Rolf Penzias and his partner of 35 years Lucie Bernheim were not at all fazed to find one from King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.

Rolf, a Holocaust survivor who escaped Germany as a child, said: “I’ve known the King personally for many years, largely through his compassion

and consideration to those of us who arrived on the Kindertransport during the war.

“I’ve always found him and Camilla more supportive and compassionate about Jewish causes and our people than any other members of the Royal Family, even the late Queen. We were invited several times by the then Prince of Wales to events, lunches and garden parties.”

Another highlight

of Rolf’s 100th birthday celebrations was a party arranged by the lunch club at South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue (SWESRS). Volunteer Sonia Lerner said: “We were all so glad to see Rolf and Lucie back at the club as they had been regulars pre-Covid. They are indeed a remarkable couple. The ladies who run lunch club did a collection for Rolf’s special birthday and

Chief Rabbi helps mark JBD’s expansion

our life president Sheila Chiat presented him with a certificate. As he had come to England via the Kindertransport, Sheila suggested we made a donation in his name to Safe Passage.”

Safe Passage is a charity working to provide legal assistance to refugee children enabling them to reach the UK in safety and free of exploitation and to be reunited with family members.

Rolf is also well known for his tireless work for the Holocaust Educational Trust, often speaking at events. This included a recent meeting in Ongar with the German Ambassador.

Rolf said: “It was very emotional but I found him charming, He wanted to know more about Holo-

caust events and gave a long, moving speech admitting how wrong what happened in Germany had been.”

Rolf was born in Munich – though has no ideas where such an un-German name as

Penzias came from – and has been back there and to Berlin several times to talk about the Holocaust and his own family’s personal experience.

The emphasis is always this isn’t history but HIS STORY.

Young families quiz a winner in Chigwell

JEWISH Blind & Disabled (JBD) held an event to mark the inaugural concrete at the latest in their expanding number of developments, which includes three existing buildings across Essex.

A pour ceremony at their eighth development, Ephraim Court in Mill Hill East, was attended by a number of special guests including Chief

Ephraim

The building is named Ephraim Court in memory of brothers Menashi (Morris) and Heskel (Harry) Ephraim, after the charity secured a lead gift for the new development from the Ephraim 1998 Charitable Trust.

It will provide 23 one-bedroom mobility apartments and seven

two-bedroom mobility apartments as well as an overnight studio apartment for the onsite house manager and a range of communal facilities.

The Chief Rabbi said: “I have witnessed the impressive work and activities of Jewish Blind & Disabled for many years and I am exceptionally proud of their amazing achievements.”

The event was put on by Sarah Chessis, Ashley Sinclair, Jessica Shine, Julie Murray and David Blitz and was attended by over 120 members of the community aged from 20 to 50ish.

Quizmaster Jon Jacobs delivered a range of general knowledge questions and the whole event had a great atmosphere, raising £1,200 for the synagogue.

The committee also host monthly Sunday bagel brunches for young families, as well as lots of Shabbat and festival themed arts and crafts.

-

CHIGWELL and Hainault Synagogue’s young families committee (pictured) hosted their first pub quiz fundrais

er in November.

Rabbi

Mirvis, and Dr Mathew Offord MP.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis checks out the new JBD site

Rolf (centre) with King Charles III at Clarence House reception for Kindertransport evacuees in 2005

Essex puts its best feet forward

ARNOLD ROSE of Gants Hill

ATIRELESS stalwart of the AJEX Parade since 1954, Arnold Rose is a member of Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre (RJCC) and Cranbrook United Synagogue on Beehive Lane, which organises a coach to the Cenotaph each November.

He is a popular, long-serving member of the shul choir and also the London Jewish Male Choir which gives concerts all over London and the UK as well as travelling as far as the USA or South Africa.

He inherited his melodious voice, as well as his support for AJEX, from his late father Maurice who sang in Leicester Synagogue choir and was their standard bearer each year in London.

He told us: “My father served in the Royal Army Medical Corps at Dunkirk and also tended

STANLEY PERRY of Loughton

the wounded in British hospitals - I still wear his medals to march each year. I followed him into the RAMC during my National Service and in the Territorials.”

“This year my 91st birthday fell the day before the Parade, but I was back on the coach again next day and have no plans to give up yet.”

The week before Remembrance Sunday, Arnold also wore his father’s medals to help lay a wreath at the memorial in Newbury Park (pictured), another reminder of the Redbridge Jewish community’s contribution to the war effort.

Pat Lidiker reports from the AJEX Annual Remembrance Parade & Ceremony

IN NOVEMBER, Jewish ex-servicemen and women, together with family members and supporters of all ages, travelled from across Essex and the East Coast to take part in the AJEX Annual Remembrance Parade and Ceremony.

This year’s event was themed on connection. More than 3,000 people gathered, with 1,400 people then participating in the march from Horse Guards Parade down Whitehall to The Cenotaph.

It was another inspiring day and afterwards the Essex Jewish News was able to catch up with some of those from our area who took part.

Staff Sgt Dan Fox, national chair of AJEX, lives in Walthamstow. He told us why the event remains so popular, saying: “As time passes there are fewer and fewer people around who served in World War II, but their families still feel the need to remember, resulting in an attendance of thousands.

“My own Grandpa lived with the effects of severe scarring and shrapnel for the rest of his life and it was hearing him talk about his experience

that led me to join the military and become a reservist serving in Afghanistan in 2009/10.”

Sadly, worldwide conflict did not stop after the ceasefire in 1945 so AJEX (The Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women) continues to be as relevant today as ever.

Jewish service people have continued to fight, and sometimes sadly die, as British soldiers in the Falklands, Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan and other war torn regions across the world.

Dan added: “The very first British soldier murdered by the IRA was Jewish, while we lost other Jewish servicemen in the army, navy and airforce in the Falklands, Pacific and in fact all over the world.

“There are currently between 400 and 600 active Jewish service people but their role is seldom properly acknowledged and more education deserves to be done.”

AJEX has always received unstinting support from the Royal Family and this year King Charles sent a heartfelt message for the Parade, as did Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The Service at The Cenotaph was conducted by the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, AJEX Chaplain Rabbi Major Reuben Livingstone and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg of Masorti Judaism, who said prayers in honour of those that served as well as in support of today’s Armed Forces.

A number of wreaths were also laid by senior members of AJEX, The Board of Deputies of British Jews, Mitzvah Day, fellow veterans organisations and military leaders. Students from Jewish schools laid poppy posies.

Dan said he was overwhelmed to see so many participants at what he saw as one of the most significant parades in

the event’s long standing history. AJEX’s chief executive Fiona Palmer added that she felt the connection between both past and present generations when watching Jewish school children, cadets, JLGB and other young people walking alongside the veterans.

It was certainly an unforgettable day and, for all those clambering back onto their coaches to head home to Essex and the East Coast, the renditions by the Band of the Irish Guards of Adon Olam and the National Anthem were still ringing in their ears.

• To support AJEX in order to help their work continue, please visit www.ajex.org.uk.

AN ANNUAL attendee at the AJEX Parade, Stanley Perry told us that this time there was an extra VIP flavour. His Loughton and Chigwell contingent were accompanied by Barbara Cohen, Mayor of Loughton, who marched alongside them in full, eye-catching regalia.

Stanley, who is now disabled and has to struggle with two sticks, says he intends to carry on marching for as long as he can.

He told us: “I have organised our group for a number of years out of respect for my father who

The following organisations and areas took part in the AJEX Parade and/or had a banner on display:

Chigwell Jewish Youth Club

Clore Tikva Primary School

Cranbrook United Synagogue (top right)

Ilford Federation Synagogue JLGB

Loughton and Chigwell Old Comrades Association

Romford (bottom right)

Southend

Wanstead and Woodford

Woodford Forest United Synagogue

served in Burma (now Myanmar) in the Royal West Kents Regiment from 1939 to 1945, and also my cousin Harold Newman, a past Chairman and very active member of AJEX.”

They called his father and his comrades the Forgotten Army, these brave men who played a vital role in victory over Japan, facing tropical diseases as well as the enemy.

Stanley’s father’s name was actually Robert Plotsky which he later changed to George Plotsky.

Stanley, added: “He was the only one of seven siblings to stick with his Warsaw name but I changed mine to Perry when I was 17 as no-one would give me as job or even an interview!”

AJEX chief executive Fiona Palmer and national chair Dan Fox - photo by Frank Noon Photography

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Rabbi Major Reuben Livingstone and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg lead the AJEX service - photo by Frank Noon Photography

Ashley Kissin and wife Hilary of the Romford group were among the many Essex marchers wearing the medals of their late fathers. Ashely also wore his dad’s 8th Army tie along with his own badge as a former mayor of Redbridge.

On behalf of Executive Directors:

are delighted to welcome our new Shluchim to Southend-on-Sea Rabbi Tzvi & Mushkie Birnhack Gants Hill: www.chabadilford.co.uk Buckhurst Hill: www.chabadonthehill.co.uk Epping: www.chabadepping.co.uk estcliff-on-Sea: www.chabadsouthend.co.uk

to the Community 5783/2022

Greetings from ROMFORD & DISTRICT (AFFILIATED) SYNAGOGUE

(Incorporating Havering Jewish Ladies)

25 EASTERN ROAD, ROMFORD, ESSEX RM1 3NH 01708 741690, 01708 748199 or 01708 765117

WOODFORD FOREST

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

20 Churchfields, London E18 2QZ

Telephone 020 8504 1990

www wfus org uk

Rabbi & Rebbetzen Wollenberg, the Honorary Officers & Synagogue Council wish all readers a Happy Chanukah

R abbi Lee Sunderland, the Honorary Officers and Congregation wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Chanukah

Rabbi Goodwin, the Honorary Officers and Synagogue Council together with its Pre-School Nursery wish all readers of the Essex Jewish News a Happy and Healthy Chanukah

East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue

Southend and District Reform Synagogue 851 London Road Westcliff-on-Sea Essex SS0 9SZ Telephone 01702 711663

The Executive and Council of Southend and District Reform Synagogue, together with Rabbi Warren Elf MBE, warmly wish the community and all readers a happy and healthy Chanukah

Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning services are held weekly by Zoom, with fortnightly Shabbat morning services at SDRS

You are welcome to join us Please contact the synagogue for details

synagogue

Chanukah

out WOHL ILFORD JEWISH PRIMARY SCHOOL Headteacher: Mrs L West Tel: 020 8498 1350 office@ijpsonline.co.uk www.ijpsonline.co.uk The

more about East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue please visit

Double win for young artist Noah

BY SIMON ROTHSTEIN

ABUDDING young Jewish artist from Buckhurst Hill has won two competitions for his drawing skills.

Noah Keller’s first win came in a contest held by Wohl Ilford Jewish School (WIJPS) in a bid to stop parents’ cars polluting the environment.

The competition came about after student Sammy Carter began to worry about the impact of parents leaving their cars running during drop off and pick up.

Sammy argued the exhaust fumes were polluting the car park and environment, while also exacerbating the health problems of those with asthma or compromised breathing.

The school listened to his views, and agreed that running a poster competition to shine a light on the problem and galvanise change would be the best way forward.

Noah, who is in year 5 at WIJPS, and Brooke Strong, in year 6, were

chosen as the winners and both of their posters have been made into banners for the car park to remind motorists to turn off their engines when waiting in their cars.

His second win was in a national art competition held by travel platform Dog Furiendly and pet healthcare specialists Bob Martin.

Hundreds of children across the UK submitted drawings or paintings prompted by the question ‘what will dogs look like

in 130 years’ time?’

Nine-year-old Noah scooped first place in the 5-11 year olds category with his art piece Lightning the Robo Dog.

Noah, a member of Cranbrook United Synagogue, said: “My dog is half robot. He is an inventor and his name is Lightning. He has x-ray vision and a laser eye. Also, he has a magnificent helmet

that translates his barks into English and allows him to time-travel.”

The artwork has now been re-mastered and printed onto a range of products to raise funds for Pets As Therapy and their Read2Dogs scheme. The Read2Dogs scheme helps around 6,000 children each year who find reading difficult or stressful.

The winning designs

and products from the competition – held to coincide with Bob Martin’s 130 year anniversary –can be found at www.dogfuriendly.com/ barktothefuture.

Mum Belinda Keller said: “We are all so proud of Noah. He has put so much effort into these competitions and it’s lovely to have seen it rewarded.”

WIJPS pupils Brooke Strong and Noah Keller with Noah’s winning design

THE Jewish Care RJCC Football Quiz returned for the first time since 2019. Almost 200 people competed in the contest, held at Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue and won by Alan Hakimi’s team (pictured).

Jon Jacobs, chair of both RJCC’s advisory committee and sports quiz committee, said: “Thank you to everyone who came along to the event to raise vital funds to help Jewish Care continue to support older people in our community.”

A DOUBLE celebration took place in October at Chabad, Buckhurst Hill, to commemorate the second barmitzvah of David Lipman and to honour his diamond wedding anniversary with wife Valerie.

David (pictured) recited the haftorah beautifully in front of his three daughters, eight grandchildren and proud family and friends.

ZEC Richardson (pictured) has started a seed exchange at Southend and District Reform Synagogue. As part of the congregation’s eco-friendly mission, members can now donate and share fruit, vegetable and flower seeds.

Noah’s creation Lightning the Robo Dog

60 Second Schmooze: MARC SHELKIN Become a Guardian of the Memory

MARC SHELKIN has been part of the Essex Jewish News team for two years. He is the person responsible for bringing the paper into the digital world by setting up and maintaining www.essexjewishnews. co.uk – keeping readers up to date with the local Jewish community.

Micaela Blitz spoke to him about his business, his squash playing days and the time that he travelled faster than the speed of sound!

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF

I’m a very proud dad to Talia and husband to Leanne. I run a social media agency as well as working on launching a few start-ups. In my spare time, I coach squash, as I used to play to national level when I was younger. I am also a business mentor for The Prince’s Trust, where I’ve been working for the past seven years, helping young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain business experience.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN WORKING WITH THE ESSEX JEWISH NEWS?

One of the existing board members recommended me to the newspaper’s chair Phillip Leigh. We met and discussed how we could bring the EJN into a more modern age through a digital presence. I created a web, social and email marketing strategy and met the rest of the board and the rest is history.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT THE EJN?

I am head of digital and social media and support the EJN with all things digital, marketing and social media. I also manage the online communities, website and digital editions of our newspaper.

HOW HAS THE WEBSITE CHANGED THE WAY PEOPLE INTERACT WITH THE ESSEX JEWISH NEWS?

The website is a great platform to share articles and news on a more regular basis, alongside the newspaper which is published three times a year. There is a lot that goes on in the Essex area, and it is a great way to keep people updated. Not only is the website a superb way to keep up with local

Jewish news, it also gives local businesses the opportunity to advertise to potential customers in Redbridge, Chigwell, Loughton, Epping, Southend, Chelmsford and beyond. It is a great way to reach people.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY, THE SOCIAL SHOP, AND WHAT IT DOES?

The Social Shop is almost 10 years old which is amazing. I noticed a gap in the market for new and established businesses that had no digital or social footprint, and so wanted to help them gain more of an online presence. We work with small and mid-sized businesses helping them manage, grow and improve their digital marketing communications.

I always wanted to run a business having grown up watching my dad successfully run and grow his own. Some of you may know Farley Shelkin of Dagenham Travel. Although I was aware of the stresses he went through, there was something exciting about being in control of your destiny.

WHAT DOES LIVING IN ESSEX MEAN TO YOU?

I grew up in Clayhall with my family and attended King Solomon High School in Barkingside. I still have family in Clayhall, and now live in Ongar with my wife and daughter. I am really passionate about the area that I live in now and try to make sure it has the best resources for those living there. I played squash at Redbridge sports centre and often represented them and Essex on the national stage. I even have my name inscribed on a

winners’ board having won a number of tournaments there. There is something unique about living in Essex, it still amazes me how big the county is.

NEXT YEAR YOU WILL BE SPEAKING AT THE 70 FACES MEDIA JEWISH DIGITIAL SUMMIT. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS AND YOUR INVOLVEMENT?

Over the past two years, I have time exploring a solution to improve how people consume global Jewish news and content.

I set up Joice (Jewish Voice) which aims to be an online platform for sharing content relevant to the Jewish community and more importantly non-Jewish people interested in Jewish culture. The CEO of the 70 Faces Media Group, which is one of the largest Jewish online media groups took an interest in what I’m trying to achieve and recommended me as a speaker for the event. I am really looking forward to being part of it and sharing my knowledge and insight with other like-minded people.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU I once flew on Concorde. On my 16th birthday my parents took my sister and I on a special trip Concorde put on from London to Belgium. Normally that flight would only take 20 mins so it took a detour up to Scotland and back around where it had time to fly at more than twice the speed of sound. I still remember the pilot announcing the moment we were flying at that speed and the flight was so smooth, I’m not sure what I was expecting but it wasn’t for it to be that smooth at that speed.

BY LAURIE ROSENBERG

LAST September I was at the stone-setting for my brother. As well as giving us a sense of closure, it also provided an indelible link in the chain of tradition that spans over 3,000 years.

We are taught that the soul is brought into Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden) at a stone-setting. It’s a metaphor for permanence.

A stone is immovable, enduring, and constant – traditionally we don’t often see flowers on Jewish graves since they will simply fade away and disappear, and so that’s why we have a tradition

of placing stones on the grave.

The Holocaust took away lives – six million Jewish individuals, of which one and a half million were children.

At Auschwitz-Birkenau and the other murder centres, the Nazis turned us into ash.

There are no markers, no gravestones, nowhere for us to place a stone – to preserve a memory – to continue to tell the story.

Yad Vashem UK’s Guardian of the Memory project aims to reverse this. It seeks to ensure that the victims’ life stories are never forgotten.

Essex Menorah lightings for December

Just as I light a yahrzeit candle every year for my brother, so each victim can become part of our own treasured family histories by us lighting a memorial candle in their honour on every Holocaust Memorial Day and Yom HaShoah. Millions of Jewish people were murdered without a trace during the Shoah. It is incumbent upon us to remember them. If we do not take action, their legacies will be lost to us forever. To find out more about becoming a Guardian of the Memory, please visit www.yadvashem.org.uk.

BY SIMON ROTHSTEIN

LEYTONSTONE and Wanstead Synagogue (LAWS) are delighted to be organising a Leytonstone Menorah street party and candle lighting on Sunday 18 December at 5:30pm.

Free latkes, doughnuts and hot chocolate will be served as Leytonstone rocks to foot-tapping live Klezmer music and the Mayor of Waltham Forest lights the first Chanukah candle.

All are welcome at the event, which will take place just opposite Leytonstone underground station at the junction of Fillebrook Road and Grove Green Road.

The Leytonstone Menorah was made using funds granted by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 and with support from the Highways Agency. The street party is supported by the London Borough of Waltham Forest’s Leaders Fund.

For further information, please email info@lawsynagogue.org.

Meanwhile Chabad will be hosting their popular Chanukah lightings all

across North East London and Essex throughout the festival –with everyone invited to come and take part. The dates and times are below:

Sunday 18 December - Buckhurst Hill Lighting ceremony at 6pm

Monday 19 December - Barkingside Lighting ceremony at 3.45pm

Monday 19 December - Epping Children’s entertainment at Epping Town Hall at 4pm

Lighting ceremony on Epping High Street at 5.30pm

Tuesday 20 December - Loughton Lighting ceremony at 6pm

Wednesday 21 December - Woodford Lighting ceremony at 6pm

Thursday 22 December - Chigwell Lighting ceremony at 6pm

Saturday 24 December - Gants Hill Lighting ceremony at 6.45pm

The Leytonstone Menorah event in 2019 - photo by Bernard Stern

BY BELINDA KELLER

Cranbrook United Synagogue Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue

BY PAT LIDIKER

CRANBROOK United Synagogue is a special shul for so many people of every generation – warm, welcoming and a place of magical memories. And over the past years it has gone from strength to strength.

How it all began

Founded in 1936, the shul moved to its current location in Beehive Lane more than 40 years ago. An impressive building with stunning stainedglass windows and a beautiful main interior, the shul proudly became known as Cranbrook United Synagogue in 2019.

The new executive and council

A new executive and council, elected in Spring 2022 and led by Bernard Berman, has big plans for Cranbrook United.

An ambitious fundraising campaign is underway to modernise key areas within the shul, making it even more welcoming for members and the wider community.

The project has already started, with the newly refurbished washrooms being met with rave reviews from shul-goers. More exciting plans are on the horizon for other areas of the building to improve the experience for the community.

Something for everyone

Cranbrook United is lucky enough to be part of a community of all ages. Attendance at services continues to grow and it’s always special when children sing Adon Olam at the close of Shabbat.

But even more than this, the synagogue works hard to offer something for everyone in the community – with a wide range of events and activities taking place throughout the year.

Events have ranged from a unique ‘meet the executive’ brunch to the return of the popular annual quiz, with 160 people joining quizmaster Michael Finger for a challenging general knowledge contest.

Sukkot this year was a great example of activities that appeal to the whole congregation. An early start one Sunday morning to decorate the sukkah attracted families and members of all ages. They then returned for the Pizza in the Sukkah event, where magician Sacha Johnstone entertained a full venue of members while a pizza truck kept everyone fed.

A refreshed weekly children’s service led by Ashleigh Stern is appealing to kids of all ages and continuing to

grow. Plus the monthly over 8s kids service on the first Shabbat of each month has received some excellent feedback from the older kids and their families.

Festivals are made extra fun for children in shul. As well receiving a blessing under the tallis for Simchat Torah, the children were joined by entertainer Mr Happy for a magic show.

And it’s not just live events that the community love. The shul has a very popular fantasy football league running right now. As well as a little light competition between friends, those taking part have a chance to scoop the top £50 prize and get involved in football banter on the Cranbrook United WhatsApp fantasy football group chat.

What’s coming up

Chanukah is very nearly here and there’s no sign of slowing down for Cranbrook United.

Primary aged kids are invited to come along on Sunday 18 December to the annual Kids Chanukah Disco – this year featuring a fabulous glitter tattoo bar and photobooth as well as DJ, doughnuts and Chanukah candle-lighting. For more information, please contact the shul.

On Wednesday 21 December, Cranbrook United is hosting a Chanukah & Music by Candlelight evening with doughnuts and coffee.

Not forgetting the Monday Club - back by popular demand and on every week at the shul for the community to enjoy conversation, games, lunch, quizzes and more. It’s the perfect place for a catch up with friends over a friendly game of kalooki.

More exciting events are planned for next year.

Making an impact

With such a great history, it’s clear to see that Cranbrook United Synagogue remains a pivotal part of the Essex community – especially as we emerge from lockdown restrictions.

Chair Bernard Berman said: “Cranbrook United has worked hard to welcome our community back into shul – not only for our Shabbat services, but for events from quizzes to challah bakes, and from festival celebrations to kids’ activities.

“We’re fundraising to enhance the shul facilities and make it even more welcoming for our community. But don’t just take our word for it. Come and see for yourself!”

IN the mere three months since Rabbi Rafi Goodwin

Hainault Synagogue, exciting plans for 2023 and beyond are already taking shape.

Included are a multi-million pound building and renovation project that aims to bring more families into the synagogue more often.

In an exclusive interview, Rabbi Rafi told the Essex Jewish News: “Our existing building is old and dilapidated, the heating and lighting don’t work properly and we need to make this a warm, welcoming place where all can feel at home.”

In six years as assistant to Rabbi Baruch Davis, Rabbi Rafi began to realise that despite having a large membership – at current count more than 870 families – only a fraction of Chigwell’s community are strictly observant or coming to the synagogue as regularly as in the past.

That is why he and wife Rebbetzin Chaya Goodwin – along with co-chairs Colin Franklin and Lindsay Shure and the shul’s lay leadership team – set about a plan to draw in younger familie with an expanding variety of different activities.

Rabbi Rafi added: “Over Sukkot we had seven different events including a Play Your Cards Right evening and three separate Sukkah crawls.

“In recent months, we held a pub quiz for under

“More recently, we held a flagship Virtual Reality Holocaust educational event which was the most emotional and inspiring experience for the 140 that attended.

“There are over 100 booked in for another quiz over Chanukah led by Martin Cohen for a different demographic.

“Plans are in place for a bingo night at the end of January and in February there will be a men’s trip to Amsterdam. Thank G-d, it really is non-stop!”

Going one step further, the new building will include a soundproofed youth space complete with a pool table, games areas and more.

Meanwhile, Rebbitzen Chaya is spearheading a revival of the shul’s ladies’ committee and 15 girls are currently in the batmizvah group.

Rabbi Rafi said: “We are an orthodox community with Judaism at its heart but we live in a world that is now very different.

“By finding out and providing what members want, we can build further on the strong community spirit here.”

All at Chigwell agree there is much potential in the community and these steps are only the beginning. The builders aim to start in January so watch this space…

was appointed senior rabbi at Chigwell and

50s that attracted over 100 people. This was arranged by a newly formed Young Families Committee who have really invested their time and energy.

Young Cranbrook members Alex Keller, Harry Portnoy and Lily Portnoy

Rabbi Rafi and Rebbitzen Chaya Goodwin

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT AT CHANUKAH

Tenants help Jewish Blind & Disabled raise £200,000

JEWISH Blind & Disabled (JBD) held their most successful fundraising dinner in many years – raising more than £200,000 towards their work, which includes providing specially adapted mobility apartments in three supportive developments in Essex.

Part of the film showed at the event, held at StoneX, was filmed at Aztec House in Ilford and featured a range of tenants living there.

Guests also heard first-hand from two JBD tenants, Diana and Gary, who were in conversation with TV star Rob Rinder.

Diana and her husband Steve moved into their Jewish Blind & Disabled flat 15 years ago after both being diagnosed with hereditary conditions.

Diana said: “We went from a normal working family of four to a family where three of us were too ill to work and Steve was caring for all of us, so had to stop working too. In 2000, I ended up

in hospital for a month. This was my lowest point. I came home and couldn’t move, I just sat there staring out of the window – I was young and in despair. That’s when I was told about Jewish Blind & Disabled. I don’t know where we would be without them. JBD has given us hope and we can live independently with support around us for when we need it.”

Gary and his wife Yvonne contacted Jewish Blind & Disabled during Covid as his mobility was declining and he was struggling with few steps into his bungalow. At that time, they didn’t have a diagnosis but in Gary’s words – “I knew something was wrong”. Shortly after moving Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. His condition has progressed in the last few years. Gary said: “I feel fortunate to live at JBD. We have peace of mind with the support from 24/7 house managers and it really is a special place to live.”

Speaking at the event, Jewish Blind & Disabled chair Marc Gordon said: “I have been chair of Jewish Blind & Disabled for just over a year now, but I have been a supporter for over 20 years. I thought I knew a fair amount about the work of the charity and its impact, however, the more I learn and see, the more impressed I am with our unique offering and how it is delivered. I have seen how the range of services we provide are truly life changing for people with physical disabilities and / or vision impairments. We have ambitious plans, but these are only possible due to the generous support we receive from across the community.”

Speaking afterwards, chief executive Lisa Wimborne added: “This event was a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on Jewish Blind & Disabled. All too often I hear people tell me they have never heard of us before they needed our support. Many of the people in the

room were new to Jewish Blind & Disabled. I was delighted that they heard first-hand from Diana and Gary, who spoke from the heart and articulated how their lives have changed since moving into their Jewish Blind & Disabled flats.

Supporting the warmth that Jewish Care brings

“Since the pandemic, we have seen increasing demand for both our housing and our Independent Living Advisory Service, and we expect this to increase for many years to come. That is why we have ambitious plans for the coming years, but

THE impact of world events on the cost of living is affecting everyone, everywhere, and Jewish Care is no exception. Electricity costs alone have increased by 125%, and the charity’s energy use over the last year is an additional £1 million.

Jewish Care’s services are vital to older people in the Redbridge and Southend community, and its staff and volunteers provide care and warmth every day.

Many older people will come to Jewish Care’s community centres this winter, not just for the stimulating activities and the warmth that comes from sharing the company of others, but also for the warm buildings and hot nourishing meals, as they cope with the cost of living crisis.

At Jewish Care homes, community centres and dementia day centres, Jewish Care can’t simply switch the lights and heating off to save on electricity.

Jewish Care’s services need to be constantly heated and lit and fridges and freezers kept on, so the chefs can make hun-

these plans require us to increase our annual fundraising from £1.2m to £2.5m. Our event was another step in the right direction.”

• To find out more about Jewish Blind & Disabled or make a donation, please visit www.jbd.org.

dreds of nutritious meals to support the residents’ and members’ wellbeing and make hundreds of Meals on Wheels for older vulnerable people at home.

The cost of fuel used by the Jewish Care bus to take residents to hospital appointments and to bring members of community and dementia day centres on has also increased dramatically.

Jewish Care’s Chief Executive, Daniel Carmel-Brown, explains, “Our vital services are critical right now and Chanukah feels very different this year.

“That’s why this Chanukah, in these challenging times for everyone, we are asking for the community to help us continue to keep our services running, and our community centres and care homes warm. We thank everyone for your continued generosity and understanding as always and wish everyone a very happy Chanukah.”

• If you would like to donate, please visit www. jewishcare.org/donate or call 020 8922 2600 to help support older people in the community.

JBD chief executive Lisa Wimborne, TV star Rob Rinder and chair Marc Gordon at the charity’s hugely successful dinner

Celebrating Chanukah at Jewish Care Vi & John Rubens House - residents Michael Esterman and Frances Nathan with activity coordinator Jacklin Stephenson - photo by Blake Ezra Photography

OBITUARIES

CECIL GOLD

Born: 18 April 1935

Died: 7 September 2022

CECIL GOLD was both a workaholic and a playaholic. He worked hard and played hard and the large number of people from many different walks of life who attended his funeral was testament to the impact he had on their lives.

Many of the people who lived in and around Gants Hill knew of Gold’s Pharmacy in Beehive Lane. He later opened another pharmacy at Gants Hill roundabout, and although that business changed hands the new owners still kept the Gold’s Pharmacy name.

Those pharmacies were a seven day a week business and, on one occasion, police knocked on his front door asking Cecil if he could go to the shop to dispense an emergency prescription.

In many ways he was a businessman ahead of his time. His was one of the first to open his pharmacy until 10pm at night realising the benefits that would bring to a commuter town, and noting the weekend trade dwindling as out of town shopping centres opened.

His pharmacy was the forerunner of community pharmacy services such as cholesterol testing.

But there were other strings to his bow: not least golf. He was a member of Abridge Golf Club and had the honour of being elected captain.

On that special day Cecil entered his drive-in in a helicopter while an aeroplane gave a daring display above the applauding crowd below, thinking he was in the plane.

Cecil, in fact, did hold a pilot’s license for flying light aircraft.

Apart from going high into the sky, Cecil also loved going under the sea and was a keen sub-aqua diver.

He was also an accomplished squash player and a member of Wanstead Squash Club playing in the squash league when well into his 50s.

His sporting prowess became obvious at an early age. He represented Essex at athletics while at Chingford County High School and

also had a final rugby trial for England.

One of his greatest loves was travel, especially to Israel. He served on the Achdut committee – a wing of the UJIA - in Redbridge in the 1960s and 1970s, raising funds for the Rebecca Sieff Hospital in Sefad. He and other members of the committee would go out knocking on doors asking for donations.

He also worked at the hospital for the whole summer in 1975 and uprooted his family to Israel for a memorable period.

Cecil Gold was born in Spitalfields and the family moved to Chingford. He met his future wife Barbara while on a matzah ramble and they were married in March 1958 in Brighton where Barbara and her parents lived. Barbara passed away last year.

He is survived by his children Melvin, Leon and Lorraine and grandchildren Stephanie, Alannah, Mitch, Jason, Richard and Nicole.

• OBITUARY BY MANNY ROBINSON

KENNETH TURNER

Born: 23 December 1931

Died: 15 October 2022

KENNETH MARK TURNER was born in Battersea, in 1931. He married Shirley Gilbert in 1960 and they had two daughters – Tracy born in 1962 and Deborah born in 1965. The family moved to Worcester Gardens, Ilford, in 1967.

Ken remained in Ilford until 2017 when, seven years after Shirley’s passing, he moved to Loughton.

Having studied economics and international relations at LSE, Ken was an active and well-liked Labour Party member. After retiring from work, he pursued a career in politics becoming a Labour councillor in the Aldborough and Newbury wards and then deputy mayor for Redbridge.

Mike Gapes, the MP for Ilford South from

advice and also encouragement, as well as his views and concerns on the state of the Labour Party. I was proud to call Ken Turner my friend. Ken was a practical realist who never lost his commitment to making the world a better place. He will be sadly missed.”

Ken had several careers all involving international travel throughout his working life, culminating in being CEO of MAT Transport –an international freight forwarding company –until his retirement.

Ken’s very many

other interests and activities over the years included playing bridge; golf, music, cooking, charity work supporting Jewish Care, attending lectures and webinars and advising and mentoring many younger generation family and friends. Ken spoke six languages including Yiddish, having attended lessons in 2018.

Ken’s mantra in life was ‘adopt, adapt improve’ – enabling him to live a full and worthwhile life throughout.

• OBITUARY BY DEBORAH SHULTON

Be souper healthy this Chanukah!

THROUGHOUT this year I have been making a concerted effort to use less fat in my cooking and cut down somewhat on the calories

Simpler meals with less carbohydrates – replacing potatoes with more vegetables for example – has produced some new and interesting results.

So this year, there will be no latkes or doughnuts for us! Instead I have tried to come up with healthy dishes that still have some substance but are not too heavy on the waistline.

However, in our household it’s hard to do without

some sort of cake – so here is one with some fruit and fibre to mitigate the calories. Have a wonderful Chanukah.

EMERALD GREEN SOUP:

This soup has the most wonderful colour – hence the name – and you can add virtually any green vegetable you have available to the ingredients. Kale, cabbage, green beans or brussel sprouts have all gone into the pot on occasion.

A dollop of crème fraiche or cream in the centre of the bowl before serving does add richness to the

A VR journey to Auschwitz-Birkenau

BY MICAELA BLITZ

IN NOVEMBER, Chigwell and Hainault United Synagogue hosted a unique film screening with almost 140 people being able to journey to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp without even leaving their seats.

The Triumph of Spirit is a gripping, powerful documentary created using VR (virtual reality) technology giving viewers an immersive 360-degree experience inside the camp.

The hour-long film which was produced by three Israeli-based ultra-Orthodox women and narrated by world-renowned speaker and historian, Israel Goldwasser, shows the power of the human spirit and its ability to not only survive, but to overcome against all odds.

Producer Miriam Cohen was present at the event, the first showing of the film outside of Israel. She explained to the audience that one of the reasons that they wanted to make the film was due her own experience. As a student in the ultra-Orthodox community, whilst many Israelis at 17 visited Auschwitz she was not permitted to do

so, and she felt she missed out on this experience. This inspired her as a film maker to create something that would give others the same opportunity to be there.

Rabbi Rafi Goodwin had previously seen the film and was so deeply moved by it that he wanted others to have the opportunity to watch it for themselves. The event was extremely popular, with demand so high that two screenings had to be held allowing almost 140 people to share the experience. He was really pleased with the attendance and the way that the film was received and the inspiring message that it gives.

He said: “Often when people leave after visiting Auschwitz, they can feel distraught and depressed. Amazingly Triumph of the Spirit makes you feel proud to be part of the Jewish people despite all the hardships and persecution. It shines light on the indestructible spirit of every Jew, namely the soul, and tells the story of a rebirth and renewal of our people.”

COOKERY

WITH SHELLEY POSNER

flavour, but it also dilutes the beautiful green colour a little.

INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsps olive oil

25g butter

1 onion peeled and chopped

3 celery sticks chopped

2 leeks washed and sliced

3 garlic cloves peeled and chopped

1 crown of broccoli broken into florets

150g spinach washed

50g parsley – stalks and leaves

50g coriander - stalks and leaves

Juice of ½ a lemon 1.2 litres of vegetable stock

Salt and pepper

Flaked almonds to serve

In a large pan heat the olive oil and butter over a medium heat. Add the onion, celery and leeks and cook gently for around ten minutes until soft and starting to colour. Add the garlic and cook another minute or two, then add in the broccoli and any other green vegetable you are using. Cook for another five minutes stirring occasionally.

Add the hot stock all at once and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for around 20 minutes, throwing in the spinach leaves around half way through. Add the herbs only 2-3 minutes before the end of the cooking time to retain the lovely green colour.

Season well with salt and pepper and the lemon juice. Then liquidise the soup until you get a lovely velvety consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then pour back into the washed pan and reheat for serving. Pour into bowls and scatter the flaked almonds on the top.

BAKED FISH WITH A PARMESAN CRUST:

This is nice with a homemade tartare sauce (I use the Delia Smith recipe) or a nice piquant tomato sauce with some black olives chopped into it.

INGREDIENTS:

4 large fillets of white fish – haddock, cod, plaice, sea bass all work well 2 shallots finely sliced –

Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner

BY MANNY ROBINSON

ANY time you’re Wanstead way, any evening any day, you’ll find Doreen Golding doing the Wanstead walk, oi!

That’s because the 82-year-old great grandmother is Pearly Queen of Old Kent Road and Bow Bells... and as far as she is aware, the only Jewish Pearly Queen in the country.

Doreen, who says that the Pearly Kings and Queens are the original Cockney Londoners, has devoted her life to helping others and was awarded the British Empire Medal some years ago for her tireless charity work.

She received a total of six nominations for her BEM, which was awarded during the late Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honours List, including nominations from John Cryer MP for Leyton and Wanstead who described her as an “excellent and devoted community ambassador”.

Doreen found her way into the tradition through

the London Pearly Kings and Queens Society. She said: “I used to visit my mother-in-law in her care home and I got friendly with the Pearly Queen of Redbridge, who came to entertain. One day she asked my husband and I to be part of her ‘pride’ of helpers.”

The couple became Pearly Royalty in 1995 after spending several years assisting the Pearly Queen of Redbridge, Peggy Oliver, who died in a car accident in 2015.

Doreen’s schedule is punishing. A fully pearled ‘smother suit’ can weigh anything up to 30kg. “No matter how tired I am, I’m out doing charity work,” she says.

‘’I have personally concentrated on raising money for many charities including the Stroke Association (she suffered a stroke in 2013); the London Air Ambulance; Royal National Lifeboat Institute, and any other group that needs my help.’’

Doreen and her first husband Martin were

or you can use 6 spring onions if you prefer 100g fresh breadcrumbs – best made in seconds in the food processor

25g each of Parmesan and mature cheddar cheese

2 tbsps finely chopped dill or thyme – you can also use dried mixed herbs

75g melted butter

2 tbsps light olive oil Salt and Pepper

Lemons

Preheat oven to 200 °C. Grease an oven-proof dish large enough to take the fish in a single layer and lay the fish in it skin side down side by side.

Mix together the breadcrumbs, both cheeses, the butter and oil and salt and pepper, together with the herbs in a bowl. Scatter this mixture loosely over the fish portions then pat down well so it sticks.

Bake for 20 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are crisp and brown. Serve at once with lemon wedges to squeeze over the juice.

BANANA AND CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE:

And after all that lovely festive food - a tasty treat for dessert.

INGREDIENTS:

50g soft butter or margarine

150g caster sugar

3 eggs well beaten

300g bananas

225g self-raising flour

50g mixed plain and milk chocolate chips

½ tsp grated nutmeg

A pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 160°C. You will need a loaf tin well-greased or lined with parchment.

Using an electric mixer or hand beaters, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs gradually beating well in between and adding a spoonful of flour if the mixture looks like curdling.

Mash the bananas well with a fork then stir into the mixture with the nutmeg. Sieve the remaining flour and salt over the top and fold in gently until amalgamated. Then stir in the chocolate chips gently until evenly distributed.

Turn the mixture into the loaf tin and bake for 50-60 minutes until a skewer comes out clean and the top is lightly brown. Turn out and leave to cool completely on a cooling rack then wrap tightly in tin foil.

married in Alie Street synagogue in the East End of London but she was left a widow at the age of 34 when Martin died at 37.

She and her second husband Larry were married in 1967 at Newbury Park United Synagogue in Wessex Close. They had moved from the East End to Wanstead.

They bonded over their mutual love of charity work, and going about their Pearly duties together until Larry fell ill.

Now Doreen spends her time raising money for the Pearly Kings and Queens Society’s chosen charities, as well as countless others, visiting community groups, care homes, and schools, including Jewish Care’s Vi and John Rubens House, the Redbridge Jewish Community Centre and Chigwell and Hainault JACS group.

Being a Pearly Queen has seen Mrs Golding meet several of her royal counterparts over the years, including the late Queen

Elizabeth, Queen Mother and Duke of Edinburgh. The walls at her home are covered with photographs including her with Sir Michael Caine and Sir Elton John. She has met King Charles III and tap danced with Kate Moss.

Doreen is also a Freeman of the City of London and the longstanding chair and treasurer of the Wanstead Historical Society, who have branded her the town’s “most popular and prominent community member”.

Asked what enables her to keep up with such a busy schedule at 82, Doreen replied “Pearly Kings and Queens do it because we want to. It’s all about willpower.”

• The London Pearly Kings and Queens Society can be found collecting for local charities at the junction of Brick Lane and Cheshire Street on the first Sunday of every month and in Covent Garden on the third Sunday of every month.

Doreen Golding Pearly Queen

BY DR EMMA HARRIS

THE INTERFAITH PERSPECTIVE

MANY of you will have become accustomed to seeing a Harris column in the Essex Jewish News.

By way of a brief introduction, my name is Emma Harris. I grew up in Clayhall and attended Ilford Jewish Primary School and the shortlived Beis Shammai Grammar School.

My father is the late Mark Harris, who wrote for the EJN for many years. His last travel column appeared in the Rosh Hashanah 5783 issue. Since moving to Cambridge in 2009, he interviewed members of the Jewish community and reported on news and events via his Cambridge Diet page, as well as with stories throughout the paper.

When I approached EJN editor Simon Roth-

your appetite to learn more.

I work at the Woolf Institute in Cambridge. Established in 1998, the Institute combines teaching, scholarship and public engagement, focusing on Jews, Christians and Muslims, to encourage tolerance and foster understanding between people of all beliefs and none.

For a number of years, I have been involved in the Institute’s Diversity in End of Life Care programme, from oversight of the creation and publication of the insightful Diversity in End of Life Care: A Handbook on Caring for Jewish, Christian and Muslim Patients (pub. 2019) and of the research based on religious concerns during the pandemic to the introduction of new training sessions

be with both of them as they slipped peacefully out of this world and into the next. I am comforted too that they are together again after such a short time apart.

When my father was given the end of life prognosis by the hospital’s senior oncology consultant, I was sitting by his bedside and immediately sprang into action, despite the shocking news (he had been due to start a month-long radiotherapy and immunotherapy schedule the following week).

I did not want him to stay in hospital – as my mother had had to do –but wanted to move him to either the local hospice (I am in awe of their incredible work) or a recommended care home. It meant that my father’s last week on earth was

sion about the final moments and the role of the chevra kadisha (preparation for burial). The care home staff were understanding and supportive despite knowing very little – if anything – about Judaism and our practices over the treatment of the deceased.

The programme had taught me about honouring the dead, treating the body with respect and care, and reminded me about the need for an expedient burial. I felt empowered to engage with the staff to enable them to support me and my father when we needed them the most. I did not need emotional care from them – although I did receive it – but I required something far more important to me… their support for our faith

traditions.

Many of us have a story to tell about end of life –through the Institute’s programme, I can share my story with healthcare professionals of all faiths and none who may have never encountered a Jewish patient but may find themselves faced with a similar situation; I can also speak with them about my newfound knowledge of care needed for Muslim patients and their families.

Three months after my mother had passed away and just two weeks after my father’s death, the Institute held a scheduled online training session. More than ever, I was determined to share my experiences, the first-hand Jewish experience. Despite the sadness surrounding my story, I

felt surprisingly uplifted in the knowledge that I was empowering others to engage sensitively with Jewish patients and their families in their hour of need.

In my role as Director of Studies, I am also blessed with the opportunity to engage with the Institute’s alumni.

I was fortunate recently to reunite with Imam Dr Mohammed Fahim of the South Woodford Islamic Centre. He visited Cambridge to present our library with copies of his latest book, Confused Muslims.Qom: Confessions of a London Imam. Dr Fahim joined an in-person Muslim-Jewish Relations course in the early days of the Institute where he encountered Jewish and Christian lay and religious leaders who all had one goal in mind, to understand the other and nurture these new relationships.

stein about writing ‘a new Harris column’, I wasn’t quite sure of its format. I did not want to copy that of my father’s. He enjoyed writing and researching for the paper, for all the readers whom he hoped took to their hearts his opinion pieces and travel trips which he described in such beautiful detail.

I can’t promise to be quite so eloquent as my daddy, but it is a great honour to have been invited to continue a Cambridge column and I hope that my Interfaith Perspective will whet

for medical practitioners, chaplains and volunteers.

For the team working on the programme, it has made us more knowledgeable and perceptive of our own faith traditions, given us greater appreciation for the practices of others and the similarities between faiths. But can we really be prepared for that critical moment?

This year, my wonderful parents – Sharon and Mark – passed away within 10 weeks of each other. I grieve for them every day but I readily acknowledge how lucky I was to

tranquil with beautiful birdsong filtering through his garden view window.

How could I have known that my public engagement work would have such an impact on my own life!

Ordinarily, I am quite shy and reticent to voice my concerns or other matters to strangers, but the Institute’s Diversity in End of Life Care programme had, somehow, given me inner strength to speak up about our faith and what lay ahead; from a conversation about kashrut (Jewish dietary laws) to a discus-

Dr Fahim continues today to share that inspiration within his congregation and with the wider community. His presence at the Institute was, for me, a sign of our enduring friendship where tolerance and understanding are the key ingredients to a shared today and looking towards a positive future.

I will sign off for now. I hope that you will share your interfaith stories with me and look forward to sharing mine in the next issue.

My very best wishes, Emma.

The Woolf Institute building

Imam Dr Mohammed Fahim

Emma’s late parents Mark and Sharon Harris

Ding-dong merrily on Chai!

Christmas for some is a significant religious event with carol singing and goodwill to all men. For others, it’s now just a national holiday with catchy songs blaring out on the radio and TV about rocking around the Christmas tree, Santa baby and walking in a winter wonderland. And whose fault is that? Why, the Jews, of course!

WHEN a teacher asked a five year old boy to name the most famous names associated with Christmas, the child allegedly replied: Santa and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

And now here we go again. Our televisions are splattered with advertisements for parties, drinks, shopping, mistletoe, crackers, turkey, trees, holly and all things bright and beautiful.

With the exception of those admirable and devout people who really know the meaning of Christmas and who attend church, give to charity and do other good deeds, the festival has become the most commercialised event in the whole year.

And whose fault is that? Why, the Jews, of course.! The TV and radio constantly blast out songs about Christmas... and some the most successful of these were written by Jews.

But let’s put the record straight. The modern day Christmas songs we now hear were written by non-Jews. Great catchy numbers like All I Want For Christmas Is You sung by Mariah Carey; Last Christmas by Wham; I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day by Wizzard; and Driving Home For Christmas sung by Chris Rea among so many others.

But the Jews produced the template for Christmas songs. Why was that? According to Michael Feinstein as reported in an article in Religious News Service, Jews flocked to the music industry early in the 20th century – when most of the Christmas classics were written – because it was one of the few industries in which they didn’t face antisemitism.

That suggestion was boosted by Rabbi Kenneth Kanter, an expert on Jews and pop culture at Hebrew University College in the United States.

He stated that the embrace of Christmas music was a type of assimilation to America’s dominant

Christian culture as well as a form of patriotism for Jewish composers.

‘’These songs made Christmas a kind of national celebration, almost a patriotic celebration.’’ he was reported as saying.

So let’s start with the red nosed reindeer.

Rudolph was written by Johnny Marks, who grew up in a Jewish family in New York. He wrote the song in collaboration with Robert Louis May, another Jewish boy also from New York. Rudolph wasn’t a one-wonder hit, either.

Johnny wrote Rocking Around The Christmas Tree and a host of other festive numbers including A Holly Jolly Christmas sung by Burl Ives and I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day sung by Bing Crosby.

Marks originally described Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer as “one of the worst songs ever written”. He sent a copy of the song to Gene Autry, at that time a huge star of cowboy films, who agreed that it was terrible and rejected it.

But Gene Autry’s wife said the song was “enchanting” and talked her husband into singing it.

Rudolph made No1 in the charts in 1949 and sold 13 million copies.

One of my favourite middle-of-the-road singers was Mel Torme, a Jewish guy born Melvin Howard Torme and nicknamed ‘The Velvet Fog’.

Torme collaborated with another Jewish lyricist, Robert Wells, to write his most famous composition Chestnuts Roasting By An Open Fire, made popular by Nat King Cole.

Samuel Cohen, later to be known as Sammy Cahn, collaborated with another Jewish composer, Jule Styne to write Let It Snow. This song gets the Robinson gold award because it actually doesn’t mention Christmas at all!

Two Jewish composers, Joan Javits and Phil Springer wrote Santa Baby which turned out to be a great hit for Eartha Kitt while George Wyle and Eddie Pola, another Jewish

VIEW FROM THE SIDELINES

BY MANNY ROBINSON

duo, wrote It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year which became a hit for Andy Williams Walkin’ In A Winter Wonderland was written by Jewish composer Felix Bernard with his non-Jewish colleague Richard B Smith

Have I left out any song? Oh, yes... there was White Christmas which featured in the film Holi-

day Inn and which really kick-started the whole Jewish contribution to Christmas. Although there were Christmas songs long before it, like Jingle Bells, but it and others were not composed by Jews. White Christmas was written, of course, by Irving Berlin who wanted to remember an old fashioned Christmas with snow.

His daughter was

reported in the Jewish Standard as saying that her father wrote the song in gratitude for America - the country that brought his family out of poverty- and fostered an appreciation for Christmas as an American family holiday.

White Christmas is still, according to Wikipedia, the best-selling single of all time with Bing Crosby’s version selling 50

million copies with another 50 million added by versions sung by other singers.

Berlin said later: “Not only is it the best song I ever wrote, it’s the best song anyone ever wrote.”

And you can’t argue with that!

Chanukah this year ends at sundown on Monday 26 December – Boxing Day. So while we jolly ourselves along with Moatz Tzur, everyone else can thank the Jewish composers for going ding-dong merrily on Chai at their Yuletide celebrations.

Happy Chanukah to our Jewish readers. Compliments of the season to our many non-Jewish readers.

Stamp of approval

Isee that a stamp to mark Chanukah has been issued in the United States (see picture). Can you imagine a person going into the Post Office there and asking for a Chanukah stamp. The conversation might go something like this:

Customer: “A book of Chanukah stamps, please.”

Post Office: “What denomination?”

Customer: “Oh dear, I didn’t realise it was by denomination. In that case I’ll have five Orthodox, three Conservative and two Reform!”

Santa and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Image: ALAMI.

Youth club spirit is still there

THERE was an interesting exchange of letters in a Jewish newspaper during the summer between Eddie Summers and Elaine Carlton about the relative differences between the youth clubs in the old Jewish East End and the youth organisations that we see in Essex and

beyond today.

Eddie, a former Oxford and St George’s Club boy, regretted the demise of the youth clubs like OstG, Brady, Victoria and the like and argued that in his day those clubs “all promoted a terrific bond, togetherness, team spirit, respect, strength

of religion and all things Jewish.”

He continued: “These I do not find prevalent among most of today’s children.”

With respect, I don’t think that Mr Summers is able to compare like with like. In the 1940s and 1950s, the youth clubs in the Jewish East End

were usually the only source of distraction for kids, many of whom left school at 15.

There was no television, no chance to play on a golf course, no cars to drive and none of the other attractions like mobile phones and other gadgets. If there was any other escape from the humdrum of East End poverty for young teenagers then the dance halls at places like the Astoria, the Lyceum or The Royal or a trip to the Mile End Odeon, the Mayfair or the Troxy cinemas just about capped it.

So why were those clubs so successful? I can only speak for my old club – Brady – of which I was a proud member in the late 40s and early 50s. In my opinion the ‘glue’ that bonded boys to the club was the remarkable relationship between the adults (the managers) and the teenage members.

There was none of the judgmental structure of school or home or work. Boys could be disciplined at school, criticised at work and told off at home. Going to the club produced none of these things. We came and stayed because we wanted to.

But it is incorrect, in my opinion, to say that today’s Jewish children have no bonds or no team spirit. What has changed is the concept of the youth organisations.

The demise of the East End youth clubs was, in reality, two-fold.

First, the emigration of Jewish families from their tenement flats in the area to leafier parts of London and, secondly, the lack of adequate funding to run those clubs – a situation which, sadly, still exists today .and which needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

The first major difference between the East End youth clubs and organisations today has been the emergence of Jewish schools, something unknown in the 1940s. Jewish schools taught youngsters about their heritage and all things Jewish – something that the old youth clubs did. So today’s youngsters (or most of them) are well versed in Jewish history and tradition.

The founding of the State of Israel gave today’s youth another focal point for their Jewish pride. Heritage trips have been part and parcel of that focal point Kids of the East End in those far off days never had Israel.

Just look at some of today’s youth groups. The Jewish Lads and Girls Brigade, for example, is a shining testament to the way youngsters are trained and developed to become leaders, not only in the world of youth service but in the wider world of business and employment.

Look at pictures of JLGB kids. The enthusiasm is still there and will continue to be there.

The MIKE programme (Motivation, Inspiration,

Knowledge and Education) at Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre is a youth leadership programme including Jewish heritage trips abroad as well as job opportunities.

The much missed Bnai Brith Youth Organisation (BBYO) in Ilford fostered tremendous team spirit. I know that youngsters who were members of BBYO all those years ago are still friends today as parents and, in some cases, grandparents in much the same way that friendships forged in the old East End youth clubs 70 years or so ago have continued to this day.

While BBYO has all but disappeared in London the organisation, which celebrates its centenary next year, is still very strong in other areas, particularly in Manchester, Leeds and Belfast.

Then there is Chigs JYC, Bnei Akiva, NOAM (run by Masorti synagogues), RSY and LJY Netzer (run by the Reform and Liberal movements), The Federation of Zionist Youth (FZY) plus the remarkable work that Chabad puts in to foster enthusiasm and team spirit among youngsters at their summer camps and other events.

We old uns can always argue that “it wasn’t like that in our day” but times, attitudes and ideas have changed.

Jewish youngsters today are still doing great things... only the concept has changed.

The mazel tov syndrome

IWAS having coffee with a non-Jewish friend recently when a waitress dropped a plate.

There was an enormous crash and the cry ‘mazel tov’ immediately went up from one or two of the other tables.

My friend thought it disrespectful to cry out like that when the waitress was clearly upset. And he wanted to know why we should shout ‘mazel tov’ over a broken plate.

Fair question – and one of the oddities of Jewish tradition. I explained that mazel tov relates to the breaking of a glass at a wedding so that the bride and groom remember in the midst of their happiness the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

But why shout out

mazel tov when a clearly upset waitress breaks a plate? Go figure!

One of the other oddities I have found is what I might call Jewish geography. When Jews meet for the first time they (almost) always ask where they come from.

It could be Redbridge, Golders Green, New York, Tel Aviv or Alaska. Then comes the inevitable question: ‘Do you know the Feinsteins?’ It seems normal for us to throw up the names of people we both might know.

And the difference between Jewish geography and non-Jewish geography is that it is actually very likely that no matter to whom we are speaking we will eventually find at least one person in common.

The Brady Jewish Youth Club of yesteryear and JLGB kids today

There was an enormous crash and the cry ‘mazel tov’ immediately went up from one or two of the other tables

At

Jewish Care offers a warm and safe environment for people to enjoy each week – lighting up lives with the exceptional care and support we provide.

In line with the escalating cost of living crisis, the demand for our vital services is rapidly increasing. We’re doing everything we can to help, but soaring inflation, energy, fuel and food prices are having a huge impact. Our electricity charges alone have increased by 125%, costing us an additional £1 million per year. Your donation this Chanukah will help us continue to provide essential light, warmth and nourishment for our community.