K news parshas balak

K–news Parshas Balak June 21 2013 13 Tammuz 5773

BEST FOOT FORWARD

EXPRESSING GRATITUDE

RESIDENTIAL TRIP

VOLUNTEER SUPERSTAR

Little Joey’s fun run boosts funds by £200

Girl talk at the Chief Rabbi’s reception for Kisharon

Thrills and spills for Kisharon Day School pupils

Jessica receives the Yoni Jesner award

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K–news

BeV’s BULLeTIn

Our path to ‘outstanding’ In this issue we are celebrating the results of Kisharon Day School’s latest Ofsted inspection. Of the five standards, three were rated as good and two as outstanding. A fuller account of the report follows on page three. Excitingly, the improvements recommended by the inspector are all within easy reach and already the team is working hard towards this.The team spirit and outstanding practice displayed at the recent residential trip bore evidence of the vigour displayed by the school team.

by Dr Beverley Jacobson

Kisharon Chief Executive The Ofsted inspector commented that Kisharon Day School is: “... well on the way to becoming outstanding.” I am delighted by this comment, which I believe to be a reflection of the aspirations of the organisation as a whole. Our services are continuously improving and outstanding outcomes are the only acceptable results we want to achieve.

Well done to the school and continue the good work.

■ Our cover shows Tuffkid Nursery children in a car made from wooden blocks.

Read about outdoor play on page 6.

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Boy, can Joey run!

Little Joey Lesser, aged three, was one of the youngest of Kisharon’s 84 magnificent runners in the Maccabi GB Community Fun Run. Joey, son of Kisharon Trust Fundraiser Dean Lesser, raised more than £200 in the 1km challenge. Together, Kisharon runners collected an amazing £4,000 and more is still coming in.

Simcha Ballon, above, and Joey Lesser

Rabbi Shlomo Weltman, Kisharon Employment Manager, made his mark in the 10km event by flying home in third place, while Emma Castleton, mother of Elias, a pupil at Kisharon Day School, finished the

5km course in just 21 minutes. Staff, including a team from the Tuffkid Nursery, took part, as well as individuals supported by Kisharon. The Kisharon Bear was there too, feeling the heat under his fur!

A great mitzvah Another guest for a Shabbos meal is rarely a problem. But an extra seven, eight or even nine?

A handful of extraordinary families regularly welcome this number of Kisharon adults and their carers, regarding them as part of their extended family, on Shabbos and the yamim tovim.

Kisharon locations. Some, though, choose to spend time with their families on Shabbos and yom tov or decide to stay home. Not all of the families host so many guests. Some have just one – if no support worker is needed – or two or three.

Rabbi Zaiden said: “These families might have sons or daughters away at yeshivas or seminaries and so there are empty places at their table. Inviting Kisharon adults for a meal is one of the biggest mitzvahs of all.”

“It’s lovely for the people we support to get to know their neighbours and make new friends in the community,” said Rabbi Shalom Zaiden, Kisharon mashgiach ruchani, who arranges for families to host the Kisharon adults.

However many guests they entertain, the families involved are very special.

The adults who dine out live at the Hanna Schwalbe Residential Home or in other

Interested? For more information, contact Rabbi Zaiden on 07980 870402.

Rebecca books a place Although reading is not her strongest subject, one of Rebecca Lassman’s favourite outings is her weekly visit to Golders Green Library. Jewish books are those she turns to first, followed by the tomes of tantalising recipes from the cookery shelves. Rebecca, who lives at Eagle Lodge (Supported Living), also enjoys flicking through the magazines on the display stands.

Kisharon Head Office: 54 Parson Street, London, NW4 1TP ● T: 020 8203 2233 ● Helpline: 0844 496 4636

K–news

Kisharon Day School wins praise from Ofsted Last month’s Ofsted report rated Kisharon Day School outstanding in two areas and good in the remaining three, a significant improvement since the last inspection.

Pupils’ behaviour and personal development, their welfare as well as health and safety were the outstanding areas for the school, which was rated good overall.

The report said the school was: “A calm, supportive learning environment where pupils thrive both socially

and academically.” It went on: “Behaviour in lessons, the corridors and outdoors is exemplary. Excellent behaviour and very good attitudes towards learning create a pleasant learning environment where pupils are keen to succeed and thrive. Pupils respond well to the warm, caring atmosphere in school; they feel valued, safe and secure.”

Even in areas where the school achieved ‘good’,

inspectors were highly complimentary. Pupils are well prepared for their future by being taught English and mathematics and learning life skills including work experience and lessons on leading a healthy lifestyle, the report said.

Kisharon Chief Executive, Dr Bev Jacobson, said that all the improvements recommended were eminently achievable.

Girl talk at Hamilton Terrace Was it the British weather, hearing about Debbie Rosten’s day or just a funny story that Lady Elaine Sacks found so entertaining?

The two had a friendly chat at a reception, held in recognition of Kisharon’s work, at the home of the Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and his wife in Hamilton Terrace, St John’s Wood.

Guests included Rabbi Harvey Belovski, Kisharon’s rabbi, Daniel Green, chairman of this year’s gala dinner, trustees and adults supported by Kisharon.

Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks said: “Elaine and I have always so admired Kisharon and the reception was a way of showing our thanks for the outstanding work the organisation has done over many years. It has been a blessing to our community and a shining example

Above: Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks meets Kisharon guests at the reception Left: Lady Elaine Sacks chats with Debbie Rosten of what can be attained by devoted people working for a worthwhile cause.

“Kisharon’s unstinting efforts to inspire self-confidence and a sense of worth in every person, whatever their

speed merchants Hardly old enough to drive, these plucky captains took over the helm of a powerboat.

The crew from Kisharon Day School’s Rainbow class powered the boat across the lake at the Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre in Hainault, Essex. Shloimy gave his passengers a joyride, launching the boat over waves, while Gamliel and Malki went for a smooth passage across the lake in the country park, watching the ducks and swans pass by. The trip was organised by Rainbow Class Teaching Assistant Georgi Parker.

personal challenges, have ensured that people young and old have been given a meaningful and satisfying place in a demanding world and are encouraged to become successful members of their community.”

Louise stands tall Louise Cohen has achieved great heights and raised more than £700 for Kisharon Day School. The Teaching Assistant and Drama Teacher completed the Three Peaks Challenge – climbing the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours. Louise said: “It was very tiring but also amazing. Thanks to all for support and donations.”

Kisharon Head Office: 54 Parson Street, London, NW4 1TP ● T: 020 8203 2233 ● Helpline: 0844 496 4636

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K–news

THE JEWISH PERSPECTIVE

The Three Weeks This coming Tuesday is Shivo Osor B’Tamuz, when we enter a three week period of sadness, or as the Talmud says ‘we reduce our rejoicing’. This culminates on Tisho B’Ov, when we remember and mourn the destruction of the first and second Holy Temples some two millennia ago.

We are told the reason the Jewish people deserved such destruction and exile from the Land of Israel was different for each Holy Temple. The first was destroyed because of the violation of the three cardinal sins of murder, idolatry and immorality.

And the second destruction was for causeless hatred towards one another, even though that generation kept all the mitzvos properly.

The Prophets ordained that Shivo Osor B’Tamuz and Tisho B’Ov are to be observed as fast days. The Rambam points out the purpose of the fasts is to reflect on the mistakes of our ancestors that were the catalyst for the tragedies.

by Yaakov

Kramer

Take part in our BIG walk It’s big, it’s back and you just have to be there. The Moonlight Walk 2013, one of the highlights of Kisharon’s fundraising calendar, is taking place next month, on 20 July.

Women will be stepping out for a memorable night of camaraderie,

fun and Kisharon fundraising.

Last year, moonlight walkers raised an incredible £50,000. This year, hopes are high that the total will be even greater.

The event is split into two

Trip isn’t for the Kisharon Day School’s summer residential trip to Skeet House in Kent showed that the children are made of true grit.

Many flocked to the roller-coaster and any ride that promised the scariest of experiences at Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey. And, more often than not, they insisted on doing it all over again!

“The children loved the adrenalin rush,” said Head of Limmudei Kodesh Yaakov Kramer.

Head of Limmudei Kodesh

These shortcomings repeat themselves in every generation in gross or subtle forms.We may not be living in a time when Jews bow down to actual idols, but how many of our people have abandoned their ancient faith for other ideologies? Immorality parades before us in the permissiveness of dress and seemingly unrestrained interaction of the sexes. Murder is the most extreme form of violence, but its subtler forms of physical and verbal abuse do exist. Unjustified hatred, lack of tolerance or destructive opposition can plague families and communities.

We must learn from history and better ourselves individually and collectively so that Hashem will speedily send the Moshiach to rebuild the Holy Temple, transform these days of sorrow to days of joy and bring permanent peace among all the nations of the world.

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Hand feeding the animals at Odds Farm in Buckinghamshire entranced the children on another day trip and there were more opportunities to get close to wildlife with a visit to London Zoo as well.

After tiring days, the children had the chance to swim and splash about with

sessions at Skeet House’s heated indoor pool, and one night tucked into a delicious barbecue that was very nearly rained off.

Yaakov said: “We had a terrific group of volunteers, who helped create a wonderful atmosphere and took the stress off the Kisharon staff on the trip. We all came back exhausted but delighted that everyone had a great time.”

The trip was organised by Kisharon Day School Head Teacher Sora Kopfstein assisted by Secretary Tehila Cohen.

Kisharon Head Office: 54 Parson Street, London, NW4 1TP ● T: 020 8203 2233 ● Helpline: 0844 496 4636

K–news routes – 10km and 20km – both starting at Alexandra Palace. This amazing experience will finish with an unforgettable celebration for participants.

If you would like to register for this awesome event, book your place by visiting: http://tinyurl.com/kisharonmoonlight walk

fainthearted

NEWS lines

A special guest...

Impressionist and comedian Jon Culshaw met our ladies at Eagle Lodge. He dropped in to see them on a fact-finding tour in the run-up to his appearance at Kisharon’s Gala Dinner at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel on 30 June. Jon met Rebecca Lassman, Tamara Fynn and staff at the supported living flat.

Gearing up for a job Three young men may soon be heading for paid work fixing bikes, thanks to Kisharon Bike Shop’s new course. The trio, whose places are funded by Work Choice, a scheme to help disabled people into employment, are learning about punctures, brakes, gears and more, in sessions at the shop in Hendon. Bike Shop Manager Eytan Bordoley, who devised the syllabus and teaches the young adults, said: “They’re also learning how to deal with customers, give good service and handle money.”

Raphy has drive!

Raphy Fledman had an enviable task at his local garage... choosing a new car. He can lease a new model every three years through the Motability scheme. This time he plumped for a Ford Grand C-Max. Although Raphy does not drive, he can be chauffeured by anyone over 25 with a clean licence. Petrona Johnson, Manager of the Hanna Schwalbe Residential Home where Raphy lives, said: “He uses the car to go shopping or for concerts and picnics.”

Trio join youth seuda Crisps, biscuits and lots more besides sounds like the perfect seuda! Eli Sulzbacher, Simcha Ballon and Bezy Gluck of the Hanna Schwalbe Residential Home had a veritable feast at a youth seuda shlishis at Golders Green Synagogue in Dunstan Road.

Kisharon Head Office: 54 Parson Street, London, NW4 1TP ● T: 020 8203 2233 ● Helpline: 0844 496 4636

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K–news

Kisharon has an army of new helpers…

A veritable army of new volunteers has joined Kisharon. You’ll meet them doing sterling work across almost all the services.

Kisharon Volunteer Coordinator Francine Haagman said: “We would like to thank these new volunteers so much for their support and enthusiasm, and we wish them every luck in their new roles.”

Newcomers include: Claudia Namdar helping at Kisharon Day School, Chana Goldin, Judith Greenberg and Daniel

Genn – volunteer department, Eva Cohen, Miriam Hanstater, Rachel Mervis, Louis Paine and Sheindy Lerner – head office reception, Jamie Hakham – Print Shop database and admin support, Danielle Sandford – distributing Kisharon cards; and Daniel Chernick collecting Kisharon collection boxes and leaflet distribution. Also, Rosalie Meyer, Carlos Curtis,Abigail Compton, Rachel Blank and Elliot Goldberg will be doing work placements in July in Adult Services, Tuffkid Nursery, Kisharon Day School and in the Print Shop.

Do you or family members have some time to give?

Kisharon urgently needs volunteers to engage with local business for our employment programme, to raise awareness and to collect yellow collection boxes from shops across north and north west London.

This can be a one-off gift of your time or a regular project. Please do contact Laura Kaplan, Fundraising Events Coordinator on 0203 393 0162 for information.

Fresh air play makes a comeback Tuffkid nursery has created an outdoor classroom to encourage children to play in the fresh air, in line with new research.

Experts say this leads to a love of being out doors in later life and that this is critical in avoiding obesity and learning to care for the environment. Rolling, running, climbing and playing on swings was also found to support the development of the brain.

The nursery has a covered area to protect the children from rain and a range of outdoor play equipment, including chalks and paints as well as vehicles and construction equipment.

Janice Marriott, Tuffkid Nursery Head, said: “We have found that children talk to each other more when they are outside, so their language skills improve too.”

The children are encouraged to go outside during free play, which takes place every morning from 9am to 11am.

Men at the supported living house in The Drive welcomed Rabbi Menachem Junik from Beis Gavriel Shul in Parson Street, and guests, for the penultimate shiur in the series held at their home.

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Jessica Nesbitt, a pupil at Kisharon Day School, received the Yoni Jesner Award in a ceremony at Camden Town Hall. The Yoni Jesner Awards Scheme honours students who carry out voluntary community service.

Jess has done more than 20 hours of voluntary work to achieve this award.

Kisharon Head Office: 54 Parson Street, London, NW4 1TP ● T: 020 8203 2233 ● Helpline: 0844 496 4636