JLife Leeds April 2026

Spring Home & Garden

IN THISISSUE CONTENTS: APR / MAY 2026

Passover

Take a look at some of the best sustainable cleaning products and twists on classic recipes. Starts page 20.

Oakwood

We clock in with Oakwood for all the latest goings on and a look at some of its star businesses. Starts page 34.

Spring Homestyle

Spring has sprung! Give your home a makeover with some top tips for revitalising your space, how to bring the outside in, making the most of small outside areas, and much more. Starts page 42.

Congratulations to Tracy Hemingway, Nicola Niman, and Brian Windsor who each won a meal for two at The Banksia Bar and Restaurant and Russell Neil Graham who won a copy of Derek Fraser’s autobiography, Sliding Doors! WINNERS!

PUBLISHER

Elliot Landy

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Richard Shawcross

EDITOR

Ellie Tyson WRITER

Brendan Campbell

DIGITAL MARKETING

Tracey Cleminson

YOUR REGULARFEATURES

JLife Meets…

Musician Anna Lowenstein has just released her debut album, Through the Walls. Page 69.

Simon Gray tells us about his new drinks venture and why he’s driven by the democratisation of wellbeing. Page 91.

Less ‘Oy’, More Joy

The UK’s first ever Jewish Culture Month is coming in June, celebrating Jewish creativity, heritage, and community life as part of a nationwide festival. Page 8.

City of Culture

Bradford has long had deep Jewish roots and its year as City of Culture helped highlight that rich heritage. Page 24.

Home Run

If you’re entering the Leeds Marathon or simply just enjoy looking and feeling good while going for a casual jog, check out some of the best activewear out there! Page 26.

What’s On

There are lots of things going on for the whole family to enjoy this Easter and beyond, including North Leeds Food Festival. Starts page 27.

The K-Way

Level up your skincare routine by doing as the Koreans do. Page 29.

A Better World

In recognition of Earth Day on 22nd April, check in with two of the people behind Leeds’ community-led climate movements. Page 39.

Dare to Go

More and more holidaymakers are trading chill for thrill and embarking on darecations. Page 60.

Business Breakfasts

We’ve been to two UK Israel meetings since last edition; get the lowdown on what happened! Starts page 89.

Send us a picture of your pet to be in with a chance of winning a £40 voucher for Fetch pet shop for National Pet Month. Page 41.

Sapori is wowing with a real passion for authentic southern Italian cuisine, and one lucky reader can win a meal for two worth up to £100! Page 74.

Win a pair of Ray-Ban icons, the Aviator sunglasses worth £155 from James Daly Opticians! Page 83.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

Spring has arrived and finally brought some sun, and with it the Passover egg-stravanganza. Our latest edition is 100 pages packed with home and garden features, including some hot tips for budding landlords and some interior trends from local experts.

Top local entrepreneur, Simon Gray, tells us about his new health drink venture and if an adrenaline rush is for you, there’s some fun-filled darecations on the menu. We’re down in Oakwood for the local vibe and take a look at Bradford’s historic community following its year as City of Culture.

It’s National Pet Month so enter your best pet pics and you could win a £40 voucher at Fetch or win a night out courtesy of Sapori in Cookridge! Plus, we catch up with my old cricket pal Phil Rakusen, fresh from his TV appearance with his family tallit bag!

Here for you with all the latest community news, views, and events and JLife is celebrating its 20th year… more on that later!

Check out our daily updates on socials.

CONTRIBUTORS

Adam Jackson

Anna Lowenstein

Ashley Boroda

Carl Peters

Dan Cohen

Emma Falk

Esther Shirin

Gary Don

Helen Booth

James Daly

James UrquhartBurton

Jennifer Roberts

Juliet Shenderey

Kieran Igwe

Kostas Iliadis

Lucy Hutchings

Mandy Myers

Mark Grandfield

Mark Manning Marshall Frieze

Martin Flynn Meharban Singh

Riyat

Moshe Merel

Nigel Grizzard

Rabbi Doniel Stern

Rabbi Eli Pink Raffaele Saccoccio

Sara Kibel

Sarah Campus

Simon Gray

Steven Verb

Suzie Cree

Zara Sefton

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Copyright JLife Leeds. Any reproduction of content whole or part strictly forbidden without written consent by the editor. JLife Leeds is a commercial publication and is not the official voice of the Jewish community. Editorial policies & magazine layouts are purely at the publisher’s discretion & no debate will be entered in to.

For up-to-date Jewish community activities visit Leedsjewishcommunity.com. All Community Diary details are correct at the time of going to press. For full event information, please contact the organisers directly. Printing: PMG Print Management.

REMEMBER TO REMEMBER

Zara Sefton, an attendee on the recent UHC trip to Poland, gave us her thoughts and messages from the trip.

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Zara Sefton is a Year 10 student at Leeds Jewish Free School. She travelled with over 200 members of the Leeds Jewish community and beyond on the ‘Unity is Strength’ day trip visit to Krakow and Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, organised by Rabbi Alby Chait and the team at UHC Leeds.

Two days after returning from Auschwitz, I sat down to write this piece. At first, the words didn’t come. I simply couldn’t put my swirling thoughts into words. But then, I remembered the words of Dov Forman, author of ‘Lily’s Promise’ and guest on the trip. He spoke as we came together to eat before heading back to the airport and home to Leeds after a very long day visiting the old Jewish Quarter of Krakow followed by the horror of Auschwitz and Birkenau.

He said: “History is something that exists in the past, often reduced to facts and statistics. But memories are what truly remain. Memories are love. Memories are identity. Memories are humanity.”

Memories don’t just exist in the past –we carry them in our present lives. It made me wonder, what memories do we all hold onto? Time causes memories to slip into the distant fragments of history. Facts.

Statistics. Things that may lack meaning and true understanding.

In psychology, there is something called prospective memory. It means ‘remembering to remember’. It reminds us that we must not only remember the tragedies of the Holocaust today but take our own memories – the ones of being surrounded by friends, praying together with loved ones, and even the simplest moments of life – and remember to remember them.

Remember how lucky we are that we can experience things like this. Remember how blessed we are that, not only can we experience moments of love and joy, but we can also hold onto them. And most importantly, remember the millions of innocent people who were stripped of this ability in the tragedies of the Holocaust. When I visited Auschwitz, something that really stuck with me was seeing the vast piles of thousands of shoes and glasses. Things that are so often taken for granted. Even the simplest of things – being able to walk and see clearly – were taken away from victims of the Holocaust. They were dehumanised, tortured, and oppressed. It made me realise how I often forget how lucky I am. I was able to leave Auschwitz,

able to see, and able to walk comfortably. Don’t just remember how lucky you are now. Carry it forward with you. Carry your gratitude in all that you do. So, I end with this: stand up to hatred, choose love, and above all – remember to remember.

PHOTO: STEVE BOOTLE PHOTOGRAPHY

ARCHIE LYONS HAD HIS BAR MITZVAH IN MARCH AT UHC.

… AS WELL AS GRANDPARENTS MARILYN, DIANNE, AND JOHN, SIBLINGS JOSH AND SOPHIA, AND ALL ARCHIE’S LOVED ONES.

FUN-FILLED PARTY WAS HELD AT WHARFEDALE GRANGE.

PARTY!

IT WAS A PROUD DAY FOR PARENTS CHARLENE AND BEN…

HUGO MASON WAS ALSO CALLED UP RECENTLY.

Less ‘Oy’, More Joy

The UK’s first ever Jewish Culture Month runs from 16th May to 15th June, celebrating Jewish creativity, heritage, and community life as part of a nationwide festival.

Jewish Culture Month is a new initiative from the Board of Deputies of British Jews, with the aim of making space for joy and celebration during difficult times. With more than 100 events confirmed spanning talks, tours, screenings, workshops, live performances, and supper clubs , it runs during the Jewish month of Sivan and is open to all. As Board of Deputies (BoD) President Phil Rosenberg puts it: “We want both Jewish people and our friends and neighbours of different faiths and beliefs to experience all the light, creativity, and laughter of Jewish life in the UK. After a difficult few years for the Jewish community, we believe that Jewish Culture Month will be an unmissable opportunity for less ‘oy’ – and more joy.”

The celebrations in Leeds coincide with the 400th anniversary since the city was granted its first town charter. The city’s programme opens on 18th May with a launch reception at Leeds Civic Hall, hosted by Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Dan Cohen. People will be able to explore artefacts and displays from the Jewish Leeds History Project and encounter the Jewish Living Experience exhibition – an introduction to Jewish traditions, culture, and everyday life created by the BoD.

Two new community projects will be unveiled at the launch that are well worth getting involved in. The first is 100 Jewish Things of Leeds – a citywide invitation to suggest the people, places, and objects that best represent Jewish life in Leeds over the past 400 years. The Lord Mayor will choose the first entry at the event, and the project will gradually build into a collective portrait of Jewish Leeds.

The second is a community art competition that’s open to participants of all ages and all media, asking: what does Jewish Leeds mean to you? Both projects will run throughout the month with the aim of capturing the spirit of the community today as much as honouring its history.

Holocaust Centre North – based at the University of Huddersfield and rooted in the Leeds Jewish community – is hosting its own Jewish Culture Month event on 28th May: ‘What Does It Mean to Be Jewish?’, a familyfriendly, hands-on afternoon at the centre. Founded by Holocaust survivors from the Leeds community, Holocaust Centre North has always about celebrating Jewish life as well as commemorating the dark periods of the past.

Nationally, institutions including the V&A, Tate, the British Museum, the British Library, the Southbank Centre, and the National Portrait Gallery are all hosting events across the month, covering Jewish contributions to fashion, architecture, music, food, literature, and comedy.

Jewish Culture Month Director Liat Rosenthal – a former curator at Tate Modern – described the programme as a chance to: “showcase the richness and diversity of Jewish culture in all its forms.” Actor TracyAnn Oberman MBE agrees: “The UK Jewish community has given so much to art and culture. This celebration will be a wonderful opportunity to share some of our greatest hits.”

For full programme details visit Bod.org.uk/jewish-culture-month

NEWS IN BRIEF

Record Demand for Services

The Jewish Deaf Association (JDA) has recorded its highest ever level of demand, supporting 4,829 people in 2025 – a 93% increase on those supported in 2024.

Releasing the statistics to mark World Hearing Day at the beginning of March, JDA – the community’s sole support service for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or affected by tinnitus – says that with around one in three adults in the UK now deaf, living with hearing loss, or experiencing tinnitus, more families, children, and adults are coming forward for help than ever before.

The scale of demand is reflected across frontline provision. In 2025, JDA supported 196 people from hearing families with deaf babies and children; delivered hearing and home-based support to 130 people; provided intensive support and ongoing care to 212 vulnerable people; and through its training and consultancy work, trained 242 professional staff in community welfare organisations. It also worked with care home and domiciliary workers, extending specialist deaf awareness and support across the community.

Antisemitism Awareness Workshop

The Leeds Jewish Representative Council recently hosted an antisemitism awareness workshop in partnership with Alex Webster of CST. Attendees consisted of equality, diversity, and inclusion representatives from universities, Leeds City Council, the NHS, public services, and cultural organisations.

The sessions covered understanding of contemporary antisemitism, real life case studies, identifying gaps in policies and procedures, and strengthening crosssector partnerships. It focused not only on response, but on prevention, leadership, and embedding inclusive culture.

Israel Tourism Gathers Pace

Israel welcomed 104,100 visitors from the UK in 2025, making Britain the country’s thirdlargest source market worldwide, according to figures released as tourism leaders gathered at IMTM 2026 in Tel Aviv.

The data shows that 1.318 million international tourists visited Israel in 2025, up from 962,000 in 2024, marking a 37% year-on-year increase. Tourism officials said the recovery has been uneven, with demand strongest among visitors with family, religious, and community ties to Israel.

Michael Ben Baruch, Director of the UK Ministry of Tourism, said: “Israel’s appeal as a travel destination is undeniable and unbreakable. Many travellers in the UK, particularly from the Jewish and Christian communities, have shown their solidarity with Israel and made a visit in 2025, attracted by its unique sites, incredible hospitality, as well as friend and family connections.”

Parent Support Group

A new support group has been set up for the parents and carers of children with special educational needs.

North Leeds SEND Parent Circle hosted its first coffee morning at the beginning of March at Lingfield Living Local Hub and hopes to continue them on a weekly basis. It offers a welcoming space for parents and carers to connect, share advice, and find support in a ‘kids-free zone’ where they’ll have a chance to relax, chat, and meet people who truly understand each other’s experiences.

For more information, contact Zoe on 07790 575 407

Posthumous Book Release

HarperCollins Publishers has acquired UK rights to ‘Conversations with My Rabbi: Timeless Teachings for a Fractured World’. The book, written by bestselling Author Nikki Goldstein, who recorded conversations with Rabbi Eli Schlanger before he died as a victim of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, will be published on 26th May.

The two met in 2022 when Goldstein was near death in a Sydney ICU. Her daughter spotted Rabbi Schlanger in the hallway and Nikki’s husband asked him to pray for her. The next day, Nikki began recovering from the life-threatening infection; the doctors called it a miracle. As she regained her health, the pair grew closer. Coming from profoundly different worlds, they discovered they were seeking answers to the same essential questions.

Grounded in seven timeless Jewish principles, Conversations with My Rabbi invites readers to ponder, question, and define their own beliefs as they follow Nikki and Eli’s tender, sometimes funny, sometimes fierce, yet always deeply human conversations that speak to all who seek meaning, moral clarity, and hope in their lives.

Holocaust Centre North’s IWD Celebrations

On 8th March – International Women’s Day (IWD) – Holocaust Centre North hosted awardwinning animation studio, Fettle Animation, for a day of filmmaking and storytelling while shedding a spotlight on the remarkable strong female survivors.

Visitors were invited to design flip books and make their own stop motion animation inspired by Fettle’s Bafta nominated film and BBC 4 documentary series, Children of the Holocaust, and the artwork which features in its accompanying graphic novel, Survivors of the Holocaust by Kath Shackleton.

Film makers were at the centre to share their experiences of making the series and the book –both of which bring together six different real-life survivors’ accounts of the Holocaust. Both the book and the animation were also read and shown on the day for visitors.

UK Interfaith Commission Launched

A new national commission has been launched to examine how global conflicts are shaping interfaith relations in Britain. The Commission on Interfaith Relations: UK Faith Groups and Global Conflicts is being convened by the Woolf Institute and was formally launched in Parliament at the beginning of the year.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Co-Lead of the Movement for Progressive Judaism and a speaker at the launch, said: “Global conflicts now reach out communities not only through politics, but through people’s lives, histories, and fears. When this happens, interfaith relationships become a frontline test of whether a diverse society can hold together.”

The commission brings together 16 confirmed commissioners spanning faith leadership, policing, academia, youth engagement, and civil society, with further appointments expected from local government and media. It will hold six public participation sessions across the UK this year, including one in Bradford/Leeds on 5th May, before producing a final report and playbook in 2027.

All Ears HEALTH MATTERS

Ear health is a vital yet often overlooked component of overall wellbeing. When ear problems arise, such as wax impaction, infections, or hearing loss, they can significantly affect quality of life. Untreated ear conditions may lead to discomfort, social withdrawal, and long-term complications. Despite this, many of us delay seeking medical help due to uncertainty about where to go.

Community pharmacies can provide early assessment, timely advice, treatments, and appropriate referrals when necessary. They can also advise on safe ear-care practices and recognising signs and symptoms that require medical attention.

Pharmacy+Health offers screening services that help identify early signs of ear health problems. Several of our pharmacies offer the Tympa service, which allows trained staff to capture high-definition images and videos of ears using digital otoscopy to clearly visualise and understand any problems. If required, they can then deliver a quick, safe, and painless microsuction treatment which gently suctions wax from the ear. Some branches can also provide a four-frequency hearing check offering fast, accurate insights into hearing

health from the same Tympa device. You can also come to our branch to get healthcare support in managing common ear conditions and infections. All pharmacies can help children aged from one to 17 years under the NHS Pharmacy First Service and, if any treatment is needed, can provide this for free. At Pharmacy+Health we can also provide adult private consultations with otoscopy for a small fee, which ensures timely care and antibiotic treatment if required without the need for a GP referral. You can always drop by and ask our team about our services or book on our website to make sure that you are seen promptly and avoid waiting in branch.

Community pharmacies’ ability to provide education, early assessment, treatments, and referrals makes them an invaluable resource in supporting public health – ensuring everyone has access to prompt, effective, and convenient support for their ear health.

Drop by our branch to speak with our team or simply visit Pharmacyplushealth. co.uk to schedule an appointment with our healthcare professionals.

PHIL’S BAG

A century-old tallit bag has been given a new life on BBC's The Repair Shop.

Shortly after Philip Rakusen's father and well-loved community fundraiser Lloyd passed away, a visit to a Shabbat service at Harrogate Synagogue, where the family are members, led to a surprising discovery. Sitting down in his father's seat, underneath lay a tattered leather tallit bag: “I opened it up and my dad must have been using it for a few years because there were photographs of us when we were young in there, and photographs of grandpa's factory,” said Philip, referencing the famous Rakusen's Matzo factory on Meanwood Road.

It tuned out the bag had passed through three generations – Philip's great-grandfather, also Lloyd, gave it to his grandfather, also Philip, who then passed it down: “I showed it my mum, who said, ‘It’s over 100 years old! You can't use that thing, it's absolutely destroyed!’”

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Instead of discarding it, she sent the bag to BBC's The Repair Shop as a surprise. On the show which aired on 18th March, saddle maker Susie Fletcher hand-stitched the rare leather tallit bag back to pristine condition: “The work she did on it was just phenomenal. Leather tallit bags are exceptionally rare – usually they're cloth or velvet. This is something a wealthy businessman would have had.”

The restoration means a lot to Philip: “We don't have much that’s been preserved in our family, apart from our name. It was incredibly emotional when the reveal came, and it’s an amazing family heirloom that can now continue.” Now beautifully restored, the bag will pass on the Philip’s own sons, aged 24 and three. The Repair Shop episode (series 15, episode 10) is available to view on BBC iPlayer and has really resonated with the community: “It's given people a bit of a buzz and I hope a nice feelgood story during difficult times.”

Continuing Healthcare Claims LAW

What care costs should the NHS pay?

For many families, the moment a loved one needs long term care comes as a shock. The emotional strain is often matched by the financial worry as care fees quickly run into thousands of pounds a month. People commonly fund this from savings, pensions, or the sale of the family home. But in certain circumstances, it’s the NHS and not the individual that should be paying the full care costs.

A fully funded care package

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care fully funded by the NHS for adults with significant, ongoing health needs. It can apply whether care is provided in a nursing or residential home, or even in someone’s own home. Crucially, CHC is not means tested. Your income, savings, or property are irrelevant. Eligibility depends solely on health needs.

Despite this, CHC remains one of the NHS’s tightly guarded secrets. It is not routinely offered, and some families are unaware it exists until they have been paying fees for years.

Even once the application for CHC begins, the assessments can feel rushed or overly technical and important evidence about a person’s day to day needs can get missed. As a result, many people who should qualify are wrongly told they do not, continuing to self-fund when legally it should be NHS funded.

Getting the help you need

As a nationally recognised expert in this complex area, James Urquhart-Burton leads the Continuing Healthcare team at Winston Solicitors. Its role involves helping families make sense of the process from advising on eligibility, supporting families through assessments, or challenging decisions that don’t reflect the reality of someone’s needs. The team also assists families in recovering care fees that should have been covered by the NHS.

Our Continuing Healthcare team offers clear and practical guidance with calm advocacy at a crucial time. The most valuable support is often not medical but knowing your rights and having someone ensure they are properly upheld.

0113 320 5000 | Winstonsolicitors.co.uk

Built Around You COMMUNITY

The second and final phase of redevelopment of our Queenshill estate is nearing completion, and we cannot wait to hand over keys to new residents a few months from now – some being new families to us and some who have outgrown their current LJHA homes.

The jewel in the crown of this extensive project is being able to build an apartment meticulously designed around the needs of one of our existing residents. Adam lives with us now and is a permanent wheelchair user, but his current home is not suited to his needs. We brought in a professional occupational therapist to work directly with him, and the results have been remarkable. Following multiple consultation meetings, contractors have installed automated features to the front door, a fully electric rise-and-fall kitchen, and bespoke changes to the bedroom, bathroom, and garden.

Adam tells us: “I am extremely excited to be moving into this new adapted property. It’s going to make my life so much easier –my current property is just not suitable for me anymore. It’s been a pleasure working so

closely with LJHA; they have been extremely supportive. It will also be nice being close to more family members and staying within the local Jewish community.”

The Queenshill estate is already home to one of the most vibrant communities in Leeds.

The 28 additional properties will provide yet another boost to the area, each built to the highest standards with separate lounge and kitchen diners, private gardens, designated parking spaces, and future-proofed heating systems.

Ljha.co.uk

With Mark Grandfield, Chief Executive at Leeds Jewish Housing Association

CELEBRATIONS CONTINUED WITH A PARTY IN THE EVENING.

TEDDY BARRON WAS RECENTLY CALLED UP AT UHC.

OVER 200 MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY FLEW TO POLAND FOR A ‘UNITY IS STRENGTH’ TRIP FACILITATED BY RABBI ALBY CHAIT AND UHC.

THE DAY CULMINATED WITH A SHOFAR BLOW FROM RABBI ALBY.

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

IT WAS A PROUD DAY FOR PARENTS, SARAH AND MATT, AND BROTHERS, ZACK AND SONNY!

THE POIGNANT TRIP INCLUDED A VISIT TO AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU, THE JEWISH QUARTER OF KRAKOW, AND OSKAR SCHINDLER'S FACTORY.

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: STEVE BOOTLE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: STEVE BOOTLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Experience

Gentlemen in North Leeds!

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I’ve got more energy, I’m stronger, and I’m running 2–3 times a week again — knee pain had stopped me before.

Whether you want to stay active, protect your health, or just feel better in your day-to-day doing fit20 can help you too.

Request a trial session

Mark Westman - fit20 member

Stronger for Longer HEALTH & FITNESS

If you’re in your 50s or 60s, you may have noticed something quietly changing. The stairs feel a little steeper, carrying shopping bags feels harder than it used to, and knees complain more than they once did.

Many people assume this is simply getting older. But often it’s something else – the gradual loss of muscle strength. Starting in our 30s and 40s, we naturally begin to lose muscle. By the time we reach our 60s, this process –known as age-related muscle loss – can start to affect everyday life; balance declines, joints feel less supported, and energy levels drop.

The good news is that this decline is not inevitable. Research consistently shows that strength training is one of the most effective ways to maintain health, mobility, and independence as we age.

We’re not talking about bodybuilding or spending hours in the gym. In fact, for many people in midlife and beyond, the most effective approach is surprisingly simple –brief, focused strength training performed consistently. Done properly, strength training can:

• Preserve muscle mass

• Improve bone density

Support healthy joints

Increase metabolic health

• Improve balance and stability

• Help people remain independent for longer

Perhaps most importantly, it changes how people feel in their everyday lives. I often hear the same things from my clients after a few months of strength training: “I feel steadier on my feet. My back doesn’t ache like it used to. I didn’t realise how weak I’d become until I started getting stronger again.”

Strength, it turns out, is not just about exercise – it’s about maintaining the ability to live life on your own terms. In this column, I’ll be sharing practical advice on how people in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond can stay strong, healthy, and active for many years to come. Because while ageing is inevitable, becoming weak doesn’t have to be.

Fit20moortown.co.uk

Hearing Aid? You’d Never Know BETTER HEARING

At Simply Hearing, we are pleased to offer a revolutionary, 100% invisible hearing aid system – the Phonak Lyric. This tiny, soft device is programmed to your hearing prescription and inserted deep into your ear canal by one of our specifically trained audiologists. Lyric uses the natural anatomy of the ear to amplify and deliver a full, natural listening experience.

The Phonak Lyric is the world’s first extended-wear hearing device, remaining in the ear for up to three months before being removed and replaced. It is completely invisible and can be worn 24/7 – through exercise, sleep, and even showering.

Benefits of Lyric

100% invisible – placed deep in the ear canal, completely out of sight

• Clear, natural sound – full, rich hearing wherever you go

• 24/7 wear – months at a time with no need to remove it

• No batteries or repairs – technology updates included as part of your subscription

Lyric and tinnitus

Tinnitus can be present around the clock and although there is no cure, effective treatments are available. The 24/7 amplification provided by Phonak Lyric has been shown to relieve tinnitus symptoms faster than a standard hearing aid, as well as improving overall sound quality.

You can trial the Phonak Lyric for up to 28 days with no obligation. Lyric is available on a subscription basis covering one year of hearing, including all replacement devices and servicing throughout the year.

0113 267 0000 | Simply-hearing.com

Meharban Singh Riyat, Clinical Audiologist and Director of Simply Hearing

With Kieran Igwe, Owner of fit20 Moortown

OPEN CALL

Holocaust Centre

North (HCN)

is seeking participants for its annual and innovative creative residency programme, Memorial Gestures.

First launched in 2022, Memorial Gestures is a unique artistic programme that aims to give leading and emerging artists the opportunity to create brand-new artwork in response to themes around Holocaust remembrance and history.

The 26/27 programme will run from May to December – culminating in a major exhibition of work at Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley in spring 2027. Each artist will be funded £6,000, plus materials and travel expenses for the duration of the residency. The deadline to apply for the programme is 10am on 7th April. HCN is seeking…

Two artists-in-residence

These will explore HCN’s archives and respond creatively to the themes they feel have contemporary relevance in collaboration with new partner, interactive studio Invisible Flock, and will include a micro residency at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

One artist-in-residence

This artist will work in partnership with the Centre of Archaeology (CoA) to explore the centre’s archive and response to investigations carried out by the CoA in Trawniki, Poland at the site of former Nazi camps.

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

One community artist-in-residence

The aim of this residency is to explore HCN’s archives and work with 6 Million+ to co-create a piece of work for Holocaust Memorial Day 2027 with a community of people with lived experience of migration.

One cultural translator-inresidence

This will involve helping to make the stories from HCN’s archive accessible to new

audiences in Kirklees. They’ll be asked to design a series of workshops for community groups where materials will be translated into community language collaboratively.

To find out more or apply, email memorial.gestures@hud.ac.uk or visit Holocaustcentrenorth.org.uk/blog/ memorial-gestures-4-open-call

FINE TOONED

Due to popular demand, Cartoon Kingdom has reintroduced its cartooning camp in Leeds this year.

Danny Cohen, a qualified caricaturist, started teaching cartooning in his garage in Sydney, Australia. He had customers tell him that he should be running camps every school holidays. With close connections in Leeds, Danny’s Cartoon Kingdom runs a camp in Alwoodley every year for budding cartoonists.

Each day of the week-long camp will be filled with a fun range of activities including drawing cartoons, original games, treasure hunts, adventure, dress-ups and more. This year’s event includes night camps where children will play games and enjoy pizza.

Gus Grant, 19, has been attending the camps since he was in Year 3: “I started off as one of the young ones and then a few years ago I volunteered and now I work for Danny. My favourite thing about working here is the energy, it’s such a great atmosphere to work in and to have fun at the same time."

Danny said he has workers in all camp locations who have followed the same

pathway as Gus: “A lot of people say you can’t make a career out of art and I beg to differ! If you enjoy doing something in life and you’ve got a talent for it, you should pursue your interests and make that hobby a profession.”

The camps continued to grow, and Danny began to add more activities: “It got to a stage where I had 100+ kids per day, so I hired staff and decided to expand. Now, we run these camps in several countries around the world. We became international because there are kids everywhere and their holidays are at different times. Some of the children that used to attend are adults with their own children who now come; we’re up to second generation of campers!”

The cartooning camps in Leeds are very different from any other school holiday programme in the UK: “We’re a very active and creative programme; we’re drawing, playing games, and we don’t give the kids too much downtime. When one activity ends, another is ready to begin.

“My father was born in Leeds, and we still have a large extended family there. Some of my cousins’ kids come to the Leeds camp and the older one’s work with me running the programme – it’s a family business!”

Date: 10th August to 14th August 2026

Venue: The View, Alwoodley Bookings: Illustrating-man.com.au

PHOTO: ALEX BELDEA ‘A GLIMPSE AT THE ABYSS’ BY CHEBO ROITTER PAVEZ AT THE OPENING NIGHT OF THE MEMORIAL GESTURES EXHIBITION IN JUNE 2025.

Stuffed dates

Ingredients

• 20 large Medjool dates

• 120g goat’s cheese

• 40g walnut pieces

• Warmed honey

• Red pepper flakes

Method

1. Cut the Medjool dates in half lengthwise and remove the stone.

2. Open the dates and fill with goat’s cheese, then top with the walnut. Drizzle a little honey and finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

3. To serve warm: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Place the pitted dates on a large baking tray and stuff with the goat cheese and walnuts (hold the honey for now). Bake for five to 10 minutes or until the dates have softened and warmed through and the cheese has gained some colour. Remove from the oven and finish with honey and pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Other topping options….

• Manchego cheese, sliced Granny Smith apples, and fig jam

• Peanut butter, almond butter, or tahini with chocolate chips

• Feta, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, and red pepper flakes

More Than Matzah

Serving up a Passover dinner that stimulates the taste buds requires a bit of creativity, so we look at a few ideas to add a twist to some traditional staples.

Roasted beetroot salad with horseradish aioli and caramelised walnuts

Ingredients

• 500g beetroot, cut into pieces and roasted until tender

• 1 small bunch of fresh coriander, chopped For the horseradish aioli

• 1 head of garlic

• 60g mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp horseradish

• 2 tsp lemon juice

Salt and black pepper

2 tbsp water

For the caramelised walnuts

• 40g walnuts

• 1 tsp coconut oil

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Cut off the bottom of the head of garlic. Wrap in foil and roast for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let it cool.

2. Combine the mayo, horseradish, lemon, water, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the sauce and whisk until smooth and creamy.

3. Melt the coconut oil in a small pan. Add the maple syrup and walnuts. Cook over medium heat for five minutes.

4. Transfer the walnuts to a piece of kitchen paper and let them cool. Break them down into little pieces.

5. Place the beetroot pieces in a medium bowl. Add the chopped coriander and mix well. Drizzle the horseradish aioli, sprinkle the caramelised walnuts on top and toss well.

Lamb stuffed matzah dumplings in artichoke and pea soup

Ingredients

For the lamb stuffing

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 300g lamb mince

• 4 tbsp fine matzah meal

• 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Green chilli, finely chopped

• ½ tsp ras el hanout

• ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground black pepper

Salt, to taste

For the matzah dough

• 200g fine matzah meal

• 50ml olive oil

• 270ml hot chicken stock

• 3 eggs

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the artichoke and pea soup

• 2 litres chicken stock

• 4 fresh artichokes, peeled and trimmed (reserve trimmings)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 150g celeriac, finely diced

½ tsp turmeric

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, cut into 2cm pieces

• 4 bay leaves

• 250g fresh peas

• Handful fresh dill, roughly chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

1. To make the lamb stuffing, heat a saucepan over a medium heat, add the olive oil, and fry the onions until soft, stirring regularly. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

2. Combine the onions with the lamb mince, matzah meal, parsley, chilli, spices, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and roll into small equal sized balls.

3. Chill the meatballs in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

4. To make the matzah dough, combine the matzah meal, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.

5. Add the hot chicken stock and stir until a dough forms. Let the dough cool slightly to room temperature.

6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly until the dough is elastic and smooth. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each piece in your hand.

7. Place a chilled lamb ball in the centre of each piece of dough and gently wrap the dough around it until completely sealed. Repeat for all the dumplings.

8. To make the soup, cook the artichokes and trimmings in the chicken stock until soft. Strain and reserve the liquid.

9. Chop the cooked whole artichokes and set aside.

10. Heat the olive oil in a separate large saucepan and fry the onion until soft. Add the celeriac and pour in the strained artichoke-infused chicken soup. Bring to the boil then simmer until the celeriac is tender.

11. Add the turmeric, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the diced artichokes, celery, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil.

12. Carefully lower the prepared dumplings into the simmering soup, cook for 15 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.

13. Add the fresh peas and cook for two to three more minutes.

14. To serve, garnish generously with fresh dill.

LJOY’s Moshe Merel on building resilience one matzah at a time this Passover.

Festival of Freedom

Pesach is all about building resilience, especially if you have a delicate stomach – I do! After years of abuse from ultra-Orthodox processed foods, I'm now an expert in digestive endurance. Matzah alone can toughen up anyone’s diaphragm. But IBS aside, what is Pesach really about?

It’s about feeling free and breaking the boundaries that hold us back. Passover is arguably the most important part of Judaism: retelling, reflecting, and revelling in the story of our exodus from Egypt. Even if you unfortunately can’t make it to a Seder, reading the story, (Exodus from the beginning until chapter 15 verse 22) in the Torah is special. And questions? They’re more than welcome!

An ancient commentator explained it beautifully: Yetziat Mitzrayim – the Hebrew for ‘leaving Egypt’ – comes from the word meitzar, meaning ‘border’. Pesach reminds us

Honouring the Fallen

UJIA is organising an event to mark Yom Hazikaron.

Please join us on 20th April as we come together to commemorate Yom Hazikaron and honour the memory of Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror.

We are honoured to interview Shalev Biton, who will share his powerful personal story of sacrifice and resilience. His experience and perspective offer a meaningful opportunity for reflection as we remember those who gave their lives for the state of Israel.

To book, visit Ujia.org/LeedsTekes2026

Date: Monday 20th April

Time: 7pm

Location: North Leeds venue

that personal freedom is always possible, if we take the steps to achieve it.

Mental health today is a huge topic. From my personal experience of being a nutcase, as well as my counselling work and volunteering on a teenage crisis line, I’ve seen how devastating emotional struggles can be for us humans. Pesach offers a moment to break free of fears, anxieties, and depression to overcome the boundaries that prevent us from thriving and reaching our full potential.

What’s remarkable, even to sceptics, is that the Torah (Talmud included) provides clear guidance for all challenges, including mental health thousands of years ahead of its time. So breathe deep, let go, and fly into freedom.

Please email your questions to ljoyleeds@gmail.com

City of Culture

Bradford has long had deep Jewish roots and its year as City of Culture helped highlight that rich heritage.

Bradford in the 19th century was Yorkshire's great international city. While Leeds had its suburbs in Armley and Chapeltown, Bradford's suburbs were Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, and Milan. It was the wool capital of the world, and European Jews came flocking to this great trading city – not as refugees, but as merchants, sent by their families to establish trading businesses in the global textile trade.

The period from 1830 to 1914 was the great era of Bradford’s German Jewish traders. They were among the founding members of Bradford’s Chamber of Commerce in 1851. By 1864, Charles Semon – born in Danzig, Germany – became Bradford’s first Jewish mayor. In 1873, Rabbi Strauss arrived in the city to bring the Jews together and the Bradford Synagogue was opened in 1881. Jacob Unna, a textile leader born in Hamburg, laid the foundation stone and among his descendants was the famous actress Dame Peggy Ashcroft.

The Bradford Synagogue remains one of Britain's top ten historic synagogues – a Moorish-looking building that has changed very little since it opened and still holds regular services and events. Adjacent to the city centre, the historic quarter of Little Germany preserves more than 50 textile warehouses built from the 1870s onwards for the German merchants who came to trade

here. Many have since been converted into flats and workspaces and the area is a regular backdrop for film and television productions.

Bradford's year as UK City of Culture in 2025 gave the Jewish community a series of powerful moments on a very public stage.

On 26th January – the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz – a Holocaust Memorial Choral Evensong was held at Bradford Cathedral, arranged by Canon Ned Lunn and Bishop Toby. The Bradford Cathedral Choir performed, including Psalm 23 set to Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. Manchester-based ensemble Klezmer Klassica performed music by Gideon Klein – a gifted Prague composer who continued to compose while interned at Terezin before being deported to Auschwitz, where he was killed in 1945 aged just 25. His String Trio, written in the camp, was performed as an act of remembrance and defiance and a play exploring Klein's life was staged at the cathedral in April.

A spirit of openness and inclusivity ran through the Tent of Hope, an interfaith gathering held in September at the Beacon – Bradford 2025's custom touring venue, installed in Lister Park. Inspired by Bishop Toby and organised by Wahida Shaffi DL and Rev Rebecca Mathen, the event brought together Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities in shared prayer and celebration. The tent was both a celebration and a gentle call to action – a reminder of Bradford's long tradition of neighbourly solidarity.

The year also brought fresh attention to Kehillah – a celebrated series of photographs by Bradford-based documentary photographer Nudrat Afza, a Muslim woman who spent years documenting Bradford's Jewish community. Originally exhibited in 2019 and previously shown at Salts Mill and Cartwright Hall, Kehillah featured prominently in Bradford's City of Culture celebrations. The Jewish Historical Studies charity recognised its

significance with an award for the project's contribution to Jewish heritage.

Bradford's year in the spotlight didn’t end on 31st December 2025. Bradford Culture Company Ltd – the charity that delivered the programme – will continue planning events across the district until March 2027, supported by Bradford Council and ongoing investment from the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, Arts Council England, and the National Lottery. The City of Culture year secured £39 million in total investment, with an estimated 1.1 million people attending events in the first half of 2025 alone. Bradford Council has confirmed continued funding for regularly funded cultural organisations, ensuring that the momentum of the year is not lost.

The Bradford Synagogue is engaged in a project to improve facilities for educational and heritage visits, making it more accessible and a funding application is currently under consideration by the legacy fund.

The Jewish community's contribution to Bradford’s year as City of Culture through remembrance, art, and interfaith dialogue is part of a story that stretches back nearly two centuries. To explore this further join local Historian Nigel Grizzard as he leads heritage walks through Little Germany and the Manningham neighbourhood during the summer months.

To join a heritage walk email Nigel at bradfordjewish@gmail.com Bradfordsynagogue.co.uk

Clean Sweep

Here are some natural and sustainable spring cleaning products to help you along the way.

Bamboo pot brush | £4.25 | Peacewiththewild.co.uk

Tackle even the toughest washing up naturally with this bamboo pot brush which is a great alternative to plastic utensils for scrubbing pots, pans, dishes, and kitchen surfaces. Made from sustainably sourced bamboo with durable plant-based bristles, the brush offers effective cleaning power without contributing to microplastic pollution. Bambo is naturally antibacterial and longlasting so is an ideal material for wet environments.

Anti-bac

surface cleaner |£3.49 | Minimlrefills.co.uk

Miniml has a whole range of refillable natural cleaning products, but we particularly love this one in the uplifting pink grapefruit scent that’s a powerful yet gentle multi-surface cleaner that cuts through grease and everyday grime without harsh chemicals. The company’s unique approach to formulations brings together clean ingredients, smart in-house innovation, and high standards to create products for people who care about their health, their homes, their skin, and the planet. It also reuses and refills every bottle that it supplies to create a completely zero waste supply chain –the refill containers are designed to be returned to Miniml HQ to be cleaned and reused again and again!

Eco all-purpose cloths | £9.50 | Theseepcompany.com

Did you know that microfibre cloths are made from plastic? These all-purpose cloths are plasticfree because they’re made from lyocell which takes significantly less carbon emissions and recycled water to produce compared to a standard microfibre cloth. These are perfect wiping, dusting, and polishing all areas of the home, can be used wet or dry, and can be recycled with other textiles once they’re well used.

Laundry capsules | £6 | Smol.com

Wash at 20°C and still enjoy an outstanding clean with these laundry pods from smol! The concentrated capsules dissolve quickly in cold water, power away any dirt, and leave laundry smelling wonderful. And the best part? They’ve available on a subscription package that’s delivered right to your door whenever you need them in completely sustainable packaging. Start a free trial with nine washes and following this, your 24 capsule pack costs just £6 and can be cancelled or modified at any time.

Odour eliminator | £18 | Nomoresmells.co.uk

No More Smells produces a fragrance-free oxidiser that destroys all organic odours by oxidation. The spray works without using enzymes or masking agents and contains no nasty VOCs. It instantly encapsulates and eliminates nasty smells completely – it doesn’t just mask them with a fake smell like conventional air fresheners do – so your home smells like your home again. It’s refillable, non-toxic, and paraben free so it’s completely safe for use around all pets and children!

Home Run

If you’re entering the Leeds Marathon on 10th May or simply just enjoy looking and feeling good while going for a casual jog, here’s some of the best activewear out there!

Ultralite running jacket | £74.99 | Macinasac.com

You don’t have to let the miserable British weather stop you from pounding the pavements! This lightweight stretch running jacket offers waterproofing and breathability so you’re comfortable even in the damp. The windproof piece packs easily into its pocket so it’s compact enough to carry and have on-hand in case the heavens open mid-run.

Hydration vest | £38.99 | Myprotein.com

There’s nothing more annoying than having bulky pockets or having to carry your phone and keys when exercising – a running vest is the answer to all your problems. Despite being most known for its extensive range of protein powders and snacks, Myprotein has a great range of unisex fitness gear. This vest has room for two 500ml soft flasks as well as a zipped pocket for your keys, an open pocket for gels and snacks, plus a roomy back pocket for light layers and other essentials.

Lila sunglasses | £49 | Mellerbrand.com

For those days when the sun does make an appearance, a pair of running sunglasses is essential. Not only will they protect your eyes against UV rays, but the wrap around style also means they stay in place and there’ll be no wind, dust, debris, or insects interrupting your run! This pair from Meller have UV400 protection and an anti-scratch coating to ensure they last for many years to come.

Supernova Rise trainers | £130 | Adidas.co.uk

Adidas knows what it’s doing when it comes to trainers, and the Supernova range is no different. Built to provide even more comfort than its predecessor, the Supernova Rise 2 debuts a new upper, engineered with a refined sandwich mesh material for a more breathable and secure fit. The refined upper allows the shoe to be 4% lighter than the original silhouette, thanks to an updated engineered outer mesh and a streamlined heel pillow. The shoe also introduces a new and improved heel construction which incorporates a refined foam collar for enhanced support and comfort to deliver a plush, confident fit, all run long.

ZiggZagg training t-shirt | £25 | Myoddballs.com

OddBalls has a whole host of jazzy patterned workout gear to add a pop of joy and colour to your running routine. Each piece is created for those who like their activewear to stand out as much as their performance, and we particularly love this zig zag print. Beyond playful design, the fabric features tech-fit technology with dry-fit properties that wick sweat away from the body to keep you cool and dry mile after mile.

Egg-stravaganza!

Keep the kids entertained this Easter holiday at one of these fun-filled events.

Easter trail | TCV Skelton Grange | 3rd April

This Good Friday event is a glorious outdoor trail wandering through the woods and gardens at Skelton Grange. Complete a treasure hunt along the way and trade in your trove for a chocolatey Easter surprise at the end! The event is a fundraiser for the centre and a great chance for families to enjoy Easter fun!

Tcv.org.uk

The Tower and The Telescope | The Warehouse, Holbeck | 4th April

Enter a hand-cranked, clanking puppet world stuffed with darkly relatable characters and hilariously dingy surprises. Suitable for ages 13+, it's a show for people who like their theatre 'funny ha-ha' and ‘funny peculiar’. There will also be a chance to meet the puppets and puppeteers after the show.

Slunglow.org

Easter fun with Crackle the Crocodile | Tropical World | 5th to 21st April

Join Tropical World's entertaining and educational trail, where your little explorers can find out all about Crackle, Yorkshire's only Morelet's crocodile! Take part in Crackle’s Easter egg hunt, listen to keeper talks, and take part in craft activities.

Tropicalworld.leeds.gov.uk

Musical Museum | Leeds City Museum | 7th to 9th April

Enjoy musical crafts set to a soundtrack of Leeds music! Visitors can create colourful artworks while responding to how music makes us feel.

On 7th April from 1pm to 2pm, join a pianist from Leeds International Piano Competition for fun games and musical demos.

Sound Step is taking place on 8th April from 1pm to 2pm. Explore music through fun, interactive games, singing, and learning with brilliant tutors from Yorkshire Young Musicians. Museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

Family activities | Kirkgate Market | 8th to 10th April

Get creative this Easter and join the team at Kirkgate Market for some den building with Leedsbased Artist Chris Harman. Other family friendly activities include crafts and colouring plus Lego and DUPLO building tables. All activities take place in the Market Kitchen and are accessible for families with disabled children, with quieter times generally from 11am to 12pm.

Markets.leeds.gov.uk

A Discovery Day | Leeds Discovery Centre | 9th April

Step inside a treasure trove of history at Leeds Discovery Centre. Families are invited behind-thescenes for hands-on activities and an exploration of the city's fascinating past!

Tour times are available between 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3.15pm and booking is essential. The 3pm and 3.15pm tours are designed for SEND families to enjoy – more relaxed with a lower capacity and accompanied by a SEND facilitator. Museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

The Gruffalo's Child | Carriageworks Theatre | 11th and 12th April

Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book.

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood where she follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures. Let imagination run wild with songs, laughs, and scary fun for everyone aged three to 103.

Carriageworkstheatre.co.uk

Exciting Science | City Varieties Music Hall | 12th April

This brand-new, exciting, and educational show will amaze and astound all ages from four years and up.

With fun and fact-filled experiments, watch in amazement as a volcanic eruption is recreated and a vacuum cleaner is turned into a missile launcher. Stand clear and prepare for action, as this show is full of wiz, bang, pop… and splurt!

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

The K Way

Level up your skincare routine by doing as the Koreans do.

K-beauty (Korean beauty) hails from South Korea and has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its undeniably impressive ‘glass skin’ results – having exceptionally smooth, clear, and radiant skin that’s often likened to being as smooth as a piece of glass.

It isn’t just the Korean brands and products that have gained such a cult following, it’s the approach to beauty itself; the use of gentle ingredients in multi-step routines that have been shaped by age-old rituals to encourage you to really understand your skin and slow down with mindful daily moments.

Instead of slathering on one heavy cream to keep skin hydrated, K-beauty favours layering lightweight, hydrating formulas throughout your skincare routine. Some of these routines are as many as 10 steps, but we know there aren’t many people that have the time, money, or energy to do that twice a day! So, we’ve rounded up some of the key points as well as some excellent Korean product recommendations.

Double cleanse

A Korean skincare practice for years, double cleansing involves removing any make up or leftover SPF before using a second cleanser to clean the skin properly. Using an oil-based cleanser like Erborian’s Centella cleansing oil will dissolve dirt and any other residue on the skin. The second cleanser should be gentle, like LANEIGE’s gentle cleanser, and have soothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and amino acid.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is the next step after double cleansing, but only once or twice a week. This helps to remove any lingering dead skin cells and clear pores to leave the perfect surface to apply the rest of your routine. Dr Jart+’s pore remedy 5% multi-acid radiance peel uses a combination of 5% AHA, BHA, and hyaluronic acid to leave more radiant looking skin, giving the benefits of an acid peel without the irritation.

Treatments

It’s now time for boosters, serums, and ampoules to do their thing and brighten or simply hydrate with their concentrated active ingredients. iUNIK’s tea tree relief serum contains 67% tea tree extract and 19% Centella extract which are both fantastic ingredients for smoothing troubled, over-exfoliated skin. Another great choice is the Beauty of Joseon glow serum which is formulated for acne-prone skin, soothing breakouts, and minimising pores. There are so many other targeted treatments out there depending on your skin type!

Eye cream

Even if dark circles and puffiness aren’t a concern, an eye cream is a must in your routine. The delicate under-eye area is thinner and more fragile than the rest of your face, making it prone to fine lines, dehydration, and dullness. Haruharu Wonder has a black rice bakuchiol eye cream that counteracts wrinkles, removes dark circles, and encourages firmness and cell turnover.

Moisturiser

Moisturising is a non-negotiable in any skincare routine as it acts as a final seal to lock in all the hydrating and nourishing ingredients that have been layered onto your skin, ensuring maximum absorption and long-lasting moisture. A great example is Belif’s aqua bomb – a refreshing gel cream that’s oil-free and gives a burst of hydration and glow.

SPF

If you want to maintain healthy and youthful skin, SPF is crucial. Sun damage is one of the biggest causes of premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity. Unlike traditional sunscreens that can feel greasy or heavy, Korean SPFs are designed to be lightweight and infused with skin-loving ingredients that hydrate and nourish while providing broad-spectrum protection. The aloe soothing sun cream by COSRX is lightweight and hydrating while still providing optimum UV protection.

On the Market

CHR Group is offering aspiring homeowners an exclusive opportunity to view its last remaining duplex apartment at Silver Gates.

VIEWING EVENT BY APPOINTMENT

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May 2026 11am to 4 pm 7 Silver Gates, Wigton Lane, Alwoodley, North Leeds LS17 8FU

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to view this stunning luxury duplex apartment. Located in one of the city’s most desirable residential areas, Silver Gates is close to a range of local amenities and numerous highly rated golf courses. The popular Grammar School at Leeds is within walking distance.

Located in an exclusive and newly built secure, gated development, 7 Silver Gates offers:

• Impressive open-plan living space incorporating kitchen, lounge and dining area

• Three en suite bedrooms

• Four south-facing balconies

• Underground parking with EV charging

With a wealth of experience, Emma Williams, Interior Designer at DEWW Interiors, will be on hand at the event to help visitors appreciate how the apartment could be transformed into a truly exceptional home:

“7 Silver Gates is a wonderful apartment. It can only be fully appreciated by stepping inside. I look forward to meeting you on the day and to offering any design advice that you may need.”

Emma

Williams – Interior Designer www.deww.co.uk

Silver Gates comprises of eight prestigious new apartments. Seven of the apartments sold before coming to the open market.

The luxurious accommodation, which includes two underground parking spaces, also comprises:

• Grandeur reception hall with guest WC and storage

Separate utility room

High-quality fitted SieMatic kitchen

• Principle bedroom with en suite, dressing area, and large balcony

• Second bedroom with walk-in dressing area and en suite

• Third bedroom with fitted wardrobes, en suite, and balcony

• Premium fittings throughout

• Feature fireplace with LED electric fire and 55-inch TV

• Stylish communal areas with lift access

Security features include CCTV, smartphoneoperated video entry systems, an intruder alarm, and secure underground garage parking, which also includes an electric vehicle charging point.

Beautifully landscaped gardens surround the development with expansive lawned areas and patios, creating an ideal setting for relaxation and entertaining.

The property is further enhanced by vibrant flower and shrub borders with discreet lighting. The striking new planting scheme is complemented by mature trees, providing year-round colour and a calm, peaceful atmosphere. The development also boasts an impressive entrance featuring a bespoke commissioned fountain sculpture.

www.silvergates.co.uk

new openings Around Town

Make sure you check out these new food and drink openings in and around Leeds!

Broaster Club | City Centre | Open now

First established in Saudi Arabia in 2000, Broaster Club has brought its unique approach to poultry to the city. Broasting involves pressure-frying the meat to get chicken that’s crispy and juicy. There are also options for infused meat that’s marinated and cooked for a deeper, richer flavour. Alongside chicken, the venue also offers burgers, wraps, rice bowls, and a whole host of fingerlicking sides and dips to accompany them.

Broasterclub.co.uk

In Lamentation | Boston Spa | Open now

The brains behind what was once Leeds’ Michelin star, Michael O’Hare, is back with something new and exciting after a hiatus. Designed to be both immersive and sincere, In Lamentation is offering an ever-evolving tasting menu of between 16 and 20 dishes that showcase Michael’s avant-garde style of cooking. There are only 16 seats available at the restaurant and there’s not much else being given away – no menu is available online and dishes will change regularly – so get down and see for yourself!

Inlamentation.com

Kefiyo | Headingley | Coming soon

One of Headingley’s latest culinary offerings is coming in the form of frozen yogurt from Kefiyo. The business will be located in the former Sixes site and will be serving the tasty alternative to ice cream when it opens. According to Kefiyo, the tasty alternative to ice cream is 100% vegan, helps to fight inflammation, and is energy-boosting, skin-loving, and naturally antioxidant-rich – what’s not to love? There’ll be a whole host of flavours on offer from fresh and fruity berries to the classic, more indulgent chocolatey goodness.

On Instagram @kefi.yo

Made Matcha | City Centre | Coming soon

Matcha seems to have recently taken the world by storm and shows no signs of slowing down! Made Matcha has made waves in Sheffield since opening last year and is bring its signature flavours to New Briggate. Alongside strawberry, vanilla, white chocolate, and other matcha flavours you might be used to, expect innovative specials that change regularly. Previous specials include toasted marshmallow, sticky date, banana bread, and strawberry shortcake – delicious! Customers can also enjoy a range of smoothies, yogurt and açaí bowls, and sandwiches. Madematcha.com

DOMO | Tower Works | Coming soon

Bringing a slice of Sardinia to Leeds, family-run, award-winning DOMO (meaning ‘home’) is set to open its first restaurant in the city. You can look forward to rustic and authentic flavours from a menu that champions traditional dishes rarely seen outside of Sardinia. Everything will be made entirely in-house and there’ll be plenty of delicious meat, fish, and veggie options. It’s also going to offer a daily lunch menu with takeaway options as well as weekend breakfasts.

Domorestaurant.co.uk

WATCH OUT!

Step into spring with this exciting round-up of films, TV shows, and books.

TV The Testaments | Disney+ 8th April

An evolution of the hugely successful The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments is based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name. The series follows young teens Agnes and Daisy as they navigate the halls of Aunt Lydia’s elite preparatory school for future wives – a place where obedience is instilled brutally and always with divine justification. The girls’ bond becomes the catalyst that will upend their past, their present, and their future.

FILM The Sheep Detectives In cinemas 8th May

In this witty, new breed of mystery, George (Hugh Jackman) is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can’t possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realise they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers. There’s a stacked cast alongside Hugh, including Emma Thompson, Bryan Cranston, Patrick Stewart, Brett Goldstein, and so many more!

TV A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough | Netflix | 17th April

Perhaps one of the most famous sequences in wildlife filmmaking is Sir David Attenborough’s encounter with gorillas in ‘Life on Earth’ – a baby gorilla called Pablo playing on David’s knees. In this intimate documentary, David Attenborough tells the remarkable story of his first encounter with Pablo, how that gorilla grew up to be a top silverback, and how Pablo’s direct descendants are doing today. Packed with extraordinary gorilla behaviour never filmed before, this is a story of hope and joy.

24th April

is the

and

has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuelled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before.

BOOK

The Cove | Claire Rose | 5th May

17-year-old Lindsay Weinberg has just been kicked out of another prep school and has consequently found herself shipped to her Uncle Levi’s farm. When she arrives at the farmhouse that’s miles away from civilisation, she’s greeted by her uncle’s new wife – a goy with a little too much Jesus décor for Linday’s taste – with Levi mysteriously away on a business trip. Not only that, but Lindsay isn’t the only teen staying there, there’s a small group of them going through some kind of reform programme. As disappearances and mysteries pile up, Lindsay and the others become involved in a terrifying fight to survive…

FILM

Michael | In cinemas

Michael

cinematic portrayal of the life

legacy of one of the most influential artists the world

Oakwood has long had considerable allure as one of the city’s most charming and liveable suburbs. Anchored by its famous Victorian clock and bordered by the expansive and picturesque Roundhay Park, this is a neighbourhood that manages to feel both tucked away and well-connected.

By the early 1900s, Oakwood had become an elegant residential suburb, its development spurred on by the tramway built in 1891 which brought visitors flocking to nearby Roundhay Park and put Oakwood squarely on the map. In 1912, the neighbourhood was gifted the now-iconic Oakwood Clock – a distinctive piece of ironwork originally intended as the centrepiece of Kirkgate Market. When the market’s design plans changed and the clock was left without a home, Kirkgate’s loss was Oakwood’s gain. More than a century on, the clock remains the focal point, a natural meeting place, and the backdrop to community gatherings such as the Oakwood Farmers’ Market on the third Saturday of every month where you can find local producers offering artisan cheeses, locally reared meats, fresh breads, and seasonal produce. There’s also Oakwood Craft Market,

Around the Clock

With its park-side location and a plethora of quality places to sip and sup, Oakwood continues to evolve as one of Leeds’ more desirable neighbourhoods.

held on the last Saturday of every month with local artisan traders selling unique wares from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

In a Leeds ‘battle of the ‘burbs’, Roundhay Park is Oakwood’s not-so-secret weapon. As one of the largest city parks in Europe, it offers everything from lakeside walks and sports facilities to a packed calendar of events – with Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull headlining the new Roundhay Festival in early July. On a rainy day, Tropical World provides an exotic escape where you can wander through recreated rainforests, Creature Corner, and the aquarium.

The Oakwood Cinema, a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers, offers a fantastic programme of films to local residents with regular showings every month. If your mental image of a community cinema is a small media projector on a tiny screen, think again. The Oakwood Cinema offers a proper cinema experience with big screen, big projection, and big sound. There’s also great ice cream, popcorn, and a fully licensed bar. For longer films, there’s an intermission so that people can have a break and socialise, and occasional guest speakers will introduce the film. Screenings cover

a great variety to cater for everyone who loves film, including hidden gems and the occasional classic.

Oakwood is also home to North Leeds Cricket Club, which is currently fundraising for new outdoor training nets which will benefit future generations of local cricketers. The funds raised will provide a safe facility for year-round practice, support youth development and coaching across all age groups, encourage the continued growth of the women and girls’ teams, and allow for community sessions, including access for disabled cricketers.

Over the past decade or so, Oakwood’s dining and drinking scene has steadily evolved into one of the most buzzing in North Leeds. The high street surrounding the clock offers a varied mix of cafés, restaurants, and bars, with an abundance of independent spirit, and a new arrival –Due Mare – opening soon. When it comes to drinks, Oakwood is extremely well served with its excellent selection of craft beer and gregarious atmosphere.

Despite its proximity to the city centre, Oakwood has a self-contained, small-town feel. The high street contains all the everyday essentials alongside independent shops.

Oakwood has a distinct character all its own and its scenic charms, gastronomic variety, and cultural gems appeal to a wide range of tastes and age demographics. From its storied clock to its thriving restaurant and bar scene, its extraordinary park, and the strong community spirit that runs through it all, this North Leeds suburb has everything it needs.

To get involved with the cricket club fundraiser, visit Crowdfunder.co.uk/p/new-cricket-nets-3

OAKWOOD GONE BY – BY STEVEN VERB

The Kutchenhaus showroom on Roundhay Road in Oakwood is a boutique kitchen destination with an air of prestige that only genuine expertise can earn. Every finish, every fitting, and every carefully chosen detail has been made with intention and built with durability and longevity in mind.

The man behind the enterprise is Joseph Murgatroyd, a designer with over 15 years’ experience delivering projects across North Leeds and beyond. In a challenging retail climate, Kutchenhaus Leeds has

Haus-Proud

Four years in, Kutchenhaus Leeds continues to go from strength to strength with new ranges, outstanding reviews, and a reputation built on expertise, transparency, and getting it right.

continued to grow – a fact Joseph puts down to a simple philosophy: “Our focus is always on customer outcomes. Quality, transparency, expertise – those things don’t change regardless of what’s happening in the wider market. If you treat people well and deliver what you promise, the results speak for themselves.” The growing number of overwhelmingly positive reviews on Google and Trustpilot are a testament to that.

At the heart of the business is a deep commitment to German engineering. These are kitchens designed to withstand the demands of everyday life – flush cabinetry, flawless joinery, and finishes that hold their quality for decades. The handleless ranges represent a superior standard of craftsmanship; every surface must be perfectly true, and every mechanism engineered to perform with precision. It has recently expanded its most popular handleless anti-fingerprint ranges with new colours, giving clients even

greater scope to create something entirely their own.

Alongside its contemporary collection sits the Frame range – a new woodgrain textured shaker-style kitchen available in four colours. Its framed doors and clean proportions carry a warmth and familiarity that makes a kitchen feel like home, with the same high-end engineering and attention to detail found throughout the company’s range. Whether your taste is sleek and contemporary or more traditionally classic, there is a Kutchenhaus kitchen for it.

Recent additions to the range also include quartz and hot-pan-resistant porcelain worktops to combine style and practicality. Every product is one that Joseph and his team stand behind completely; chosen for robustness, daily usability, and long-term value.

Getting the kitchen right doesn’t stop at the showroom. Joseph works with a trusted team of recommended installers –experienced professionals who share the same exacting standards – and finance packages are available to help clients manage the investment at a pace that suits them. Kutchenhaus provides a complete service, from first conversation to finished kitchen.

Case Study: Built Around You

When Harold and Elaine Rose decided to transform a room in their North Leeds home into the kitchen they’d always wanted, they began researching kitchen suppliers thoroughly. They visited several well-known retailers before arriving at Kutchenhaus: “The quality and the range were much better than the others we’d looked at,” says Harold. “Joseph seemed to tick every box we were looking for.”

The project was no small undertaking. The couple were converting a former bedroom into a full kitchen, reconfiguring a wall to conceal pipework, adjusting ceiling height, and carrying out a complete rewire alongside a new central heating installation. Elaine had specific requirements around unit sizes, the sink, and every appliance: fridge, freezer, microwave, oven, hob, and extractor. All were accommodated without difficulty.

With a large room to work with, the couple were also concerned about the space feeling too open to be comfortable. Joseph produced detailed visuals early on and proposed a built-in table running through the centre of the room to break up the space and give it a sense of scale. The finished kitchen has clean, handle-free push-to-open doors and under-counter lighting – contemporary and considered throughout.

Harold was particularly impressed by the installation: “Joseph’s kitchen fitter was excellent, I’d say he was almost OCD about it, which is exactly what you want. He always had a spirit level in his hand and made sure everything sat perfectly.” After completion, any queries were dealt with by Joseph directly: “Whatever we needed, he attended to it. No hesitation.”

Uk.kutchenhaus.com

PHOTOS: DARREN TAYLOR

Open for Business

Bengal Brasserie

Bengal Brasserie in Oakwood offers a delightful selection of authentic Indian dishes, bringing the best of Bengal’s culinary traditions to your table. The restaurant prides itself on quality ingredients and exceptional flavours, making it a favourite among local food lovers. If you're craving a flavourful curry and a memorable culinary experience, Bengal Brasserie guarantees a satisfying and delicious dining experience.

For JLife readers, Bengal Brasserie has an exclusive offer! Just quote JLApril and receive 15% off food and drink Sunday to Thursday, valid until 31st May 2026. Bengalbrasserieoakwood.co.uk

Perfection Carpets

Perfection Carpets has been the leading supplier of quality carpets and flooring for over three decades.

Since 1990, the professional, family-run team have been providing customers with expert information and guidance on the huge selection premium flooring options available at the showroom. There are high-quality solutions which cover carpets, runners, and hard flooring for everything from a spruce up of a bedroom or lounge to embarking on a total revamp of your home or office.

If you want your new flooring to be safe, durable, and luxurious, pop into store or chat to the wonderful team!

0113 345 3304 | perfectionflooring@me.com

Southlands Retirement Apartments

A care home is not the only option in later life; Southlands Retirement Apartments offer the perfect option where you can continue to own your own home with the reassurance of care and support on-site 24/7 if or when you need it.

Each apartment has been designed to maintain your independent living. You choose your timetable, make your space your own, and live life as you please with none of the worries that come with maintaining a property.

A V E R Y H AP P Y PA S S OVE

Find out more today by visiting the website to take a virtual tour of a one- and two-bedroom apartment, watch some short films with current apartment owners who share what life is like living in an apartment, and find out more about what’s on offer. Apartments are also available at Southlands’ location in Headingley – Headingley Hall. Westwardcare.co.uk

Tasty Kitchen & Coffee

Perfection Carpets has been the leading supplier of quality carpets and ooring in Leeds since 1990. We supply high-quality

Our professional family run team will guide you through a huge selection for your bedroom

For over 15 years, Tasty Kitchen & Coffee has been a cherished part of Oakwood’s food scene. The independent café is built on a simple philosophy – if it’s on the menu, it has to taste great.

The team love to make you feel at home and have created a warm and friendly environment for all.

There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well as plenty to keep little ones happy with a kid’s menu.

Menus are constantly evolving with exciting new additions at the café so there’s always something fresh to discover. Be sure to check out the new summer menu coming in April along with the new brunch and lunch clubs!

Planning a special occasion or business event? Tasty also offers bespoke catering to make every occasion extra special.

Find out more at Tastyleeds.com | 0113 345 6319

In recognition of Earth Day on 22nd April, we speak to two of the people behind Leeds’ communityled climate movement.

In 2019, Leeds City Council declared a climate emergency, setting out the intention to take active steps towards a net-zero carbon roadmap. The following year, Climate Action Leeds – a partnership of organisations including Voluntary Action Leeds –launched a five-year, city-wide programme with the aim of helping Leeds become zero carbon, nature-friendly, and socially just by the 2030s. Much of that effort took the form of hyperlocal initiatives – eight community hubs spread across the city set on identifying what climate action could look like in their own neighbourhoods.

“The hubs were chosen to give a demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic spread across the city,” explains Martin Flynn of Voluntary Action Leeds, who has worked on the project for the past two years. “The idea was for people to be galvanisers and collaborators in their area – working with volunteers, using project funding, and doing climate-related activity that fit the context of where they were.”

The five-year programme ended last autumn, but many of the hubs have continued. Several have since set up independently – as charities or community interest companies – and are still going strong: “Thanks to the effort of the staff and the people in those neighbourhoods they’ve established themselves and kept going. Getting out and seeing what your neighbours are doing is genuinely inspiring, and a lot of the best things for the climate come as a byproduct of things that are good for you and your community anyway.”

A Better World

green spaces along residential streets, guided cycle rides, bike maintenance training, and an Incredible Edible veg-growing project on King Lane.

Each year the group runs a ward-wide Walk to School Week involving all seven state primaries in Alwoodley – a response to the school-run traffic that clogs local roads. This year’s theme is Walking with Wildlife and children are creating posters that will become QR-code wildlife trail content along school routes: “It integrates our nature and active travel themes nicely,” says Coordinator Jennifer Roberts.

made real friendships and found others who want to live more lightly on the planet. We’ve created a community and for people who were already deeply worried about climate, it’s been great for mental health and wellbeing.”

Alwoodley may have a reputation as a well-to-do area, but the ward actually spans both the highest and lowest income brackets in the city. The group has been deliberate about choosing projects that cross those lines. The nature corridors, for instance, run from leafy suburban streets into areas of social housing: “According to nature, this is all one corridor. Whether someone has a private garden or a balcony, everybody belongs.”

Martin emphasises the ease with which people can get involved: “It’s not about overhauling your entire lifestyle overnight. It might be as simple as taking a reusable cup on your daily coffee run or walking to the shops instead of driving when you have a bit of extra time. Once you make a few of those small changes, most people feel good about it – that basic sense of doing your bit, rather than the issue feeling remote and abstract.”

Climateactionleeds.org.uk

Alwoodley2030.org.uk

One of those independent hubs is Alwoodley 2030, now its own charity with National Lottery Community Fund backing, and the range of projects the group now runs is staggering: Low Carbon Homes Club, a monthly repair café at Allerton C of E Primary School, nature corridors connecting

There’s also an annual Open NatureFriendly Gardens Day: “It’s about what anyone can do to benefit nature on their own property. People don’t tend to think of Alwoodley as a place with lots of climate and nature activity, but there’s loads happening. If anyone gets in touch, we can signpost them to a project – or if they have an idea, we can often help them get it off the ground.”

Jennifer is tremendously proud of what the projects have created around them: “Before Alwoodley 2030, people told us they didn’t know there were others who cared about this in their area. Now they have

Get involved Upcoming Alwoodley 2030 events

• Guided cycle ride around Eccup Reservoir – 4th May (Bank Holiday Monday)

• The Open NatureFriendly Gardens Day – 17th May

• Walk to School Week –18th to 22nd May

Help at Hand

Event Planner, Juliet Shenderey, on where to turn for advice when organising your simcha celebrations.

Event planning comes with a great deal of pressure – do you know what the latest trends are? Do you have the right connections? Are you creative enough? Do you have the time to plan it all? These details make the difference between a conventional celebration and an unforgettable party.

To plan the perfect event, you need guidance and support. But with Google at our fingertips and every ‘friend of a friend’ offering advice, who should you really turn to for help?

Researching online

Relying solely on the internet to make decisions for your event can be a big mistake. Glossy images, a fancy website, and glowing testimonials can be hugely enticing and make even the most basic supplier or dullest venue seem first class. But you don’t know if they’re

trustworthy, if the price quoted is fair, or if they’ll even turn up on the day. Don’t put all your trust in what you see online and never hand over deposits to unknown suppliers.

Asking friends and family

Everyone knows someone who is a fantastic musician or had a wonderful photographer on their wedding day. Though the advice is usually well intentioned, and can be helpful, it’s certainly not risk-free and can lead to awkward situations. What was perfect for your friend’s event may be completely wrong for yours. Everyone has different budgets, tastes, and expectations.

Hiring an event planner

When hosting a special event, you need to ask the experts. That’s where an experienced event

organiser steps in. We’ll bring our expertise to the table objectively, giving you clear advice as to what will and won’t work.

At Shenderey Events, we have years of experience working with a wealth of suppliers and venues. We know who can be trusted to deliver, who matches your budget, and who’s just right for your special day. We’ll do it all for you: negotiating with suppliers, chasing up paperwork, and managing the venue on the day. All that’s left for you to do is relax and enjoy.

Shendereyevents.co.uk

Send in Your Pet Pics!!!

To celebrate National Pet Month this April, Fetch pet shop in Alwoodley is giving one reader a £40 voucher to spend in-store for the best pet pic!

With around 60% of the UK population owning a pet, it’s clear we’re a nation of animal lovers! So, what better way to celebrate our furry friends than by treating them to something special from Fetch using our competition prize of a £40 voucher. Fetch is a local, independent pet shop on King Lane that has been supplying furry friends of North Leeds with all their goodies for the last 22 years. From wagging tails to curious whiskers, Fetch has built a reputation for friendly advice, quality products, a range of items, and, most importantly, a genuine love for animals. Whether it’s food, snacks, toys, or beds, pet owners know they can rely on Fetch to keep

their companions happy and healthy.

National Pet Month is a UK-wide awareness campaign that celebrates the positive role pets play in our lives, while promoting responsible pet ownership. It also aims to make people aware of the mutual benefits of living with pets, encourage fundraising for UK pet welfare charities and organisations, as well as raising awareness of the value the role of pet care specialists and working and assistance companion animals.

Send in your pet pictures via email, online, social media, or post by 1st May and we’ll be sharing them on socials, online, and in our next edition.

Furry, scaly, or slimy? We want to see them all! To be in with a chance of winning a £40 voucher for Fetch, simply send us a picture of your pet.

Enter online at Jlifemagazine.co.uk/ competitions-5, via JLife’s social media, or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winner will be randomly selected by the team at Fetch on the closing date: 1st May 2026.

When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in JLife Magazine and Fetch’s databases to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers. Postal entry data will not be saved. Publisher’s decision is final.

As we welcome spring, it feels natural to look around our homes and crave a refresh. As a designer, I rarely advocate chasing trends, but it’s always fascinating to observe the subtle shift between what has started to seem dated and what feels current, fresh, and inspiring.

A return to colour and considered design

Homes are becoming sanctuaries once more, reflecting a wider shift toward mindfulness and intentional living. This isn’t minimalism, but rather a softer, more thoughtful approach – neutral palettes, true craftsmanship, subtle patterns, and understated detailing that deserves a closer look.

Life after grey – the rebirth of colour

After years dominated by cool greys, many of us are feeling a little ‘greiged out’. These tones, while versatile, can feel flat and onedimensional. Instead of relying on a single dominant hue, embrace tonal families layered through paint, textiles, wood, and stone. The aim is atmosphere rather than impact.

Warmer undertones are returning; earthy clays and browns, muted ochres, softened olives, and chalky blues sit comfortably alongside creamy off-whites. Darker woods are making a comeback, bringing richness and depth. Used thoughtfully against lighter walls, they create contrast and interest without overwhelming a space.

Pattern, texture, and the beauty of subtlety

Pattern hasn’t disappeared; it’s simply become quieter. Oversized, show-stopping motifs give way to smaller-scale prints and tactile textures. Delicate patterns and woven designs allow rooms to feel layered without feeling busy.

A Gentle Refresh

Mandy Myers of MJM Design Studio shares some hints and tips for revitalising your home this spring.

and softness. Stone is honed rather than polished, and timber is oiled rather than lacquered.

We’re seeing renewed appreciation for one-of-a-kind pieces. A timeworn cabinet or vintage mirror brings character in a way brand-new items rarely can. Rooms can evolve gradually, layered with pieces that carry story and soul. After all, individuality never goes out of style.

Tips for a joyful home in 2026

Memories over trends

Prioritise pieces with personal meaning over accessories bought simply to fill space. Collected artwork, handmade ceramics, heirlooms, and travel finds bring authenticity and richness. This doesn’t mean never buying anything new, but objects that carry memory are far more likely to stand the test of time.

Colours that make you smile

Start with a shade that genuinely lifts your mood and build around it. If pink brings joy but you don’t want pink walls, use it in cushions, artwork, or upholstery against a warm neutral backdrop. Working within a colour family creates cohesion, whatever your personal style.

Bring the outside in

Spring always sparks a strong desire to reconnect with nature. Fresh flowers needn’t be extravagant. A small bunch of daffodils not only softens interiors but also boosts mood and reduces stress.

The scent story

A joyful home engages all the senses.

Fragrance has a powerful link to memory and emotion. A candle reminiscent of seaside holidays or a subtle cedarwood diffuser can instantly shift atmosphere. As with colour and pattern, scent should whisper rather than overwhelm.

A

gentle declutter

A calm mind begins with a calm home, but decluttering can feel overwhelming. Start small – whether it’s the chaotic tupperware drawer or a long-overdue wardrobe edit, manageable tasks completed when you have time create a powerful sense of ease. In a year that favours simplicity, editing what you own is often more transformative than adding something new.

Mjmdesignstudio.co.uk

On Instagram @mjm.designstudio

Founded by Mandy Myers, MJM Design Studio creates bespoke interiors tailored to every client. Based in North Leeds, Mandy transforms properties into inspiring, quietly luxurious yet functional spaces that truly feel like home.

Natural materials remain central. Linen with visible slubs, wool bouclé, brushed cotton, and handwoven fabrics introduce warmth

It’s been proven time and again that gardening and spending time outside has a powerful positive impact on our mental health. Whether you have acres of rolling countryside or just a modest yard or patio, it can offer a wonderful space to grow flowers, harvest your own produce, or simply unwind and soak up the sun.

One of the main issues with small spaces is that they can be harder to design but there’s no need to be daunted! With some planning and arming yourself with the tips and tricks of the trade, you can make any sized outdoor space something to be proud of.

A top tip from interior designers when maximising space indoors is to draw eyes up through artwork on the walls or decorative objects and shelving. The al fresco alternative to this is to use greenery – think tall, towering plants, evergreen climbing plants, hanging baskets, or even a living wall. The key here is to take the foliage above eye level to give the illusion that the space is bigger than it really is by drawing attention upwards and away.

Using garden trellis dividers is also recommended for utilising vertical space as well as for those looking to split their space into distinct zones. Along the trellis, grow fast-growing climbing plants for privacy such as jasmine and honeysuckle which will also provide decoration and fragrance while they’re growing – what’s not to love?

Painting gates, panelling, and furniture in light colours is often recommended for those with smaller outdoor areas as light reflects off these shades – creams, whites, and pastels – to make the space seem a lot bigger than it really is. Remember this when you’re shopping for

accessories as well; pale flooring, light cushions, and metallic or glass accents add texture but won’t make the space look or feel cluttered. Another way to give the illusion of a bigger space is to use a mirror that will trick the eye into thinking it goes on and on. You can even create your own by using some painted trellis mounted onto a piece of mirrored board!

The key is all about making your outdoor space feel bigger, brighter, and more functional than it actually is.

Furniture pieces that can be used in multiple ways are a godsend and can save valuable room when square footage is limited. This can include pieces which serve more than one purpose – an ottoman that can provide seating space and a place to rest food and drinks, for example – or furniture that can be used both indoors and outdoors. You could even invest in seating that doubles up as storage or planter bench!

Plant pots are perfect for utilising your space as much as possible as they come in such a huge range of sizes, even the smallest corners can be filled. They’re also a great way to add some greenery or bright colours to paved

Size Doesn' t Matter

Maximising your outdoor space could be the ticket to spending more time outside this year, no matter how big or small it may be.

patios. If you’re on a budget, just about any vessel can be used to plant flowers – tins, glass jars, jugs, even old pots and pans can all be used in the garden. Simply just add some drainage holes at the bottom and you’re good to go.

Experimenting with a few flower bed ideas can also transform the look and feel of a small outdoor space. Raised and tiered beds help to add height to patios and other parts of a small garden that aren’t fit for planting. Layered planting can also help to add depth and dimension – this usually means planting low-growing evergreen shrubs at the front of a garden border, followed by medium-sized flowering plants in the middle.

The key is all about making your outdoor space feel bigger, brighter, and more functional than it actually is. With a little creativity and careful planning, size really does become secondary, and your space can transform into a sanctuary that feels anything but small.

GreenFingers

Heading into spring, there’s never been a better time to get your hands in the soil and have a go at growing your own fruit and veg. We get tips for getting started from veg growing expert Lucy Hutchings of heirloom seed brand She Grows Veg.

Choosing the right patch location

Your garden’s location significantly influences its success so consider these factors before you get planting. Choosing between raised beds and ground-level planting depends on your needs and soil quality. Raised beds are ideal for areas with poor soil or drainage issues as they provide better control over soil composition, warm up faster in spring, and are easier on your back. Ground-level planting is most suitable for larger spaces with good soil. It’s cost-effective but can require more preparation and maintenance to keep weeds at bay.

Good drainage prevents waterlogging and root rot. Avoid low-lying areas prone to pooling. If necessary, amend the soil with organic matter to improve its structure and drainage. Most vegetables need six to eight hours of sunlight a day so identify sunny and shaded areas and plan accordingly. Leafy greens like spinach and lettuce can thrive in partial shade, while tomatoes and peppers need full sun. Minimise pest problems by locating your garden away from dense shrubs or trees where pests often hide. Consider physical barriers, like netting, to protect crops from wildlife.

Healthy soil is the foundation of a

great vegetable garden so perform a simple soil test to check pH levels and nutrient content. For optimal growth, aim for neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH 6 to 7). Always use peat-free compost to enrich your soil naturally. The soil is its own rich ecosystem, and preserving this as much as possible is essential for the health of your future garden. Using the no-dig method is a great way to do this – not digging down into the soil so that the natural ecosystem remains undisturbed. Add any new organic matter onto the surface of the soil and allow soilbased organisms to do the hard work and draw this down into the earth.

Access and water sources

Create clear pathways for easy access to all parts of your garden. This prevents accidental damage to plants and makes tasks like weeding, watering, and harvesting more manageable. Ensure your garden is close to a reliable water source. Using a watering can or a hose connected to a rainwater barrel is both practical and environmentally friendly.

What to grow and when

Timing is everything in vegetable gardening so it’s important to plan season by season. In the spring, start sowing your seeds. Fastgrowing crops like radishes, lettuce, and spinach can often be sown directly outdoors and will give the first harvest of the season.

For summer planting, focus on tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, squash, and other heat-loving crops, keeping plants supported, pruned, and healthy. Regularly water and mulch to retain moisture through dry periods and feed regularly if growing in containers.

Plant hardy crops like kale, broccoli, chard, and Asian greens in the autumn and clean up spent plants, adding more compost to beds.

In the winter you should start preparing for spring by protecting soil with cover crops or mulch and planning next year’s layout.

Choosing your seeds

Choosing which seeds to grow is the fun part – there are so many varieties available. Heirloom varieties are the most colourful and flavoursome and the advantage of colourful veg is that it contains a broad spectrum of phytonutrients – enabling you to ‘eat the rainbow’.

Find your nearest community growing project with Sow the City’s ‘Good to Grow’ map at Sowthecity.org | Shegrowsveg.com

Outside In

Spring is the perfect season to reconnect your home with the natural world –and biophilic design shows you how.

With the coming of spring, we start to feel that deep, instinctive longing to reconnect with the natural world. As the light changes and we notice the first green shoots and flower buds, we may start finding our interiors a little drab and too closed off from everything blooming outside. Known as biophilia, it’s an instinct that’s increasingly guiding how we design and decorate our spaces.

Biophilic design is the art of weaving nature into the built environment. Rooted in our innate, genetically wired bond with the living world, it goes beyond a few houseplants dotted about to engage all five senses and every surface of a space – the way light moves through a room, the textures underfoot and overhead, ambient sounds, even the subtle scents of a herb garden on the windowsill.

Natural light is an instantly transformative element you can introduce. Leaving windows bare changes the quality of a room and mirrors positioned to catch and reflect sunlight can enhance the effect, as can the addition of skylights where possible. Consider light from every direction and how it combines with airflow – open windows,

ceiling fans, or vented partitions can mimic outdoor breezes, creating a space that feels more alive.

Greenery is a central aspect of biophilic design. A living wall is a striking statement piece that suits both large and compact spaces and self-watering planters make maintenance simpler. Built-in planters near windows and shelving create a sense of verdant abundance without cluttering things. Find places for indoor hanging baskets, add some terrariums, and visit your local garden centre to see what kinds of plants will work in your home.

Beyond indoor foliage, biophilic design is expressed through the materials and surfaces we surround ourselves with. Reclaimed wood, stone, rattan, jute, raw linen, and woven wool all bring tactile connection to the earth that synthetic options can’t replicate. Natural patterns and processes resonate deeply within us and the recognition that nature is not symmetrical or pristine informs the biophilic approach – weathered wood, uneven grain, and asymmetrical forms are features to be accentuated rather than sanitised and smoothed over.

Colour schemes can align with nature’s

own palette; earthy browns, calming greens, soft blues, and warm neutrals are all within the biophilic spectrum. Add in natureinspired prints such as botanical wallpaper, rugs with fractal or leaf patterns, or a sculptural light fitting that echoes the form of tree branches.

The case for biophilic design is not merely aesthetic. Research consistently links connection with nature to improved mental health, reduced stress, sharper focus, and greater productivity. Studies have shown that even one plant per square metre can measurably improve memory retention. As many of us spend the vast majority of our time indoors, our environs largely determine how we feel day to day.

For those wanting to celebrate spring with a home rejuvenation project, biophilic design offers a wealth of opportunities. And making a start is simple – a jute rug, a well-lit spot for a new plant, a reclaimed wood shelf, a window left un-shaded to let in the morning light – such small acts of reconnection can make a real difference. Start there and see where nature takes you.

For over three decades, Elite Curtains has been synonymous with quality in North Leeds. Now owned and run by Joanne Adams for over 10 years, the Chapel Allerton shop has built a reputation for beautifully made high-quality curtains and blinds delivered with expertise and attention to detail.

Joanne’s path into the industry began long before she took ownership of the business. While living in Chesterfield, she developed extensive experience making curtains. After moving to Leeds, the opportunity arose to take over the existing shop – a chance she embraced and has since transformed into a thriving local destination for bespoke window furnishings.

Your curtains should enhance comfort, create privacy, and complement the design of your interiors which is why every project at Elite Curtains begins with a conversation. The team will arrange a free quote while helping you explore fabrics, colours, and styles that suit your home. Always mindful of current interior trends, whether its traditional textures or modern patterns, the vast range will ensure you’ll find something you love for years to come.

The team believes that your curtains should feel as good as they look. This is achieved by the stocking of a diverse range of fabrics which ensure a luxurious finish to every project. From rich velvets and elegant silks to relaxed cottons and practical blackout materials, the collection suits every taste. Joanne is adept at understanding clients’ requirements and budgets, offering tailored solutions that strike the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.

What sets the business apart is Joanne’s personal touch in every curtain crafted: “The curtains are all handmade by me, each one imbued with quality and attention to detail.” The making service is thorough, working with you from the initial design to creating your dream design. A blend of traditional techniques and modern precision is used in order to craft curtains that hang perfectly and move effortlessly.

Not only are made-to-measure blinds and curtains on offer, but there’s also a full measuring and fitting service, along with a range of poles and tracks. The specialist visit to your home – or business, hotel, or showroom – will take detailed measurements so that every curve, recess, and track is accounted for. Everything is measured, supplied, and installed with complete care so it’s perfect first time.

Apartments, cottages, bungalows, farmhouses, contemporary, or historic – no matter what your home style, the team will

Made to Measure

Elite Curtains in Chapel Allerton offers bespoke and customisable curtains produced by the experienced hand of Joanne Adams.

always consider and use their expertise to advise which style will complement your space. Colour palettes, soft furnishings, sizes of windows, and architectural elements will also be taken into consideration to design the process entirely around you; customisation is at the heart of everything the team does. And if a blind works better for your needs, there’s a full selection of wooden, perfect-fit, Venetian, and Roman blinds as well as motorised options for technology enthusiasts.

The feedback speaks for itself; customers consistently praise Joanne and her team for their exemplary customer service, competitive pricing, and attention to detail, making it the go-to destination for bespoke curtain and blind solutions. Free lining with every madeto-measure curtain order is just one of the ways Elite Curtains ensures customers always receive the best value.

Working with prestigious brands such as Ashley Wilde – including William Morris and Laura Ashley collections – alongside Somfy motors, Elite Curtains remains a trusted destination for homeowners and businesses seeking elegant, made-to-measure curtains and blinds.

With free, no-obligation quotations, Joanne ensures every customer receives expert guidance and outstanding results so visit the shop today or get in touch discover how Elite Curtains can transform your space!

Elite Curtains

226 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton 0113 237 0447

Elite-curtains.co.uk

info@elite-curtains.co.uk

Creating Luxury Spaces

Our kitchen designs are tailored to fit your unique lifestyle, blending premium materials with innovative interior architecture to craft spaces that elevate everyday living.

Our move out of the town centre allows us to be more competitive, for all budgets.

Book an appointment for a free no obligation design consultation at our showroom, online, or at your home. Your project will be personally designed and managed by Mark Edwards, with over 40 years’ experience in the industry.

Call 01423 701 200 or email hello@houseofharrogate.co.uk Houseofharrogate.co.uk

Taking Stock PROPERTY

As the community enjoys Pesach, a time traditionally associated with reflection, family gatherings, and fresh beginnings, it also offers a natural moment to take stock of the property market across our region. The past year has brought steady movement rather than dramatic change, with the West Yorkshire housing market continuing to show resilience and stability.

According to data from the UK Land Registry, average house prices in the region rose by 4.8% over the past year, which is widely considered a normal level of annual growth. In monetary terms, this represents just under £10,000 added to the value of the average home.

However, with inflation running at around 3% to 4% over the same period, real-term growth has been relatively modest. This means that while prices are rising, property in the North remains comparatively affordable, particularly when combined with improving mortgage conditions.

Mortgage affordability has been helped by falling fixed-rate mortgage products over the last 18 months, according to the Bank of England. Lower borrowing costs have

encouraged more buyers back into the market, with a noticeable resurgence in registrations, particularly among first-time buyers.

Despite this renewed activity, sellers are advised to remain realistic with pricing. The market remains highly price sensitive and properties priced too high are more likely to require reductions later which can lead to poorer outcomes.

Looking ahead, global developments are being watched closely. However, if impacts remain localised, the expectation is that the UK housing market will continue its current steady path.

Manningstainton.co.uk

With Mark Manning, Managing Director of Manning Stainton

Out With the Old ANTIQUES

We all know how fashion moves in cycles, both in fashion and home furnishings. Today, dark heavy reproduction furniture and landscape paintings have been replaced by light coloured and simple streamlined furniture such as blonde Ercol, G Plan, and light oak. Modern art with splashes of colour has replaced scenes of waterfalls and heavy brooding portraits.

Changes have even reached the top of the auction market. Christie’s, one of the world’s most famous auctioneers, has replaced its traditional rostrums with a new version.

The original mahogany rostrum was designed by the celebrated cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale (from Otley) in the 1700s for the firm’s founder James Christie. It was used as the main rostrum until 1941 when Christie’s London headquarters was hit by a bomb during the blitz and all was lost. Reproductions of the rostrum have been used ever since.

The new design is by Sir Jony Ive who was born in London and moved to California to become the chief design officer for Apple. He founded the creative collective LoveFrom with his friend and fellow designer Marc Newsom. The new rostrum was built by Benchmark, one

of the UK’s leading furniture makers, using sustainable sourced oak from the same forests that supplied the timber for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral. Five new rostrums will take the stage across Christie’s global salerooms soon and the Chippendale-style rostrums will be kept for charity sales and special events.

Since the pandemic, Christie’s has decided that it requires something more suitable for auctions being viewed on screen. The new hand-made oak rostrum is sleeker and lighter in colour and ‘conceived fully in the round’ to ensure it was well suited to the large number of viewers watching Christie’s livestreams from around the world, as well as those seated in the saleroom.

Garydon.co.uk

With Gary Don, your antiques expert and Auctioneer

Take the Floor

Spring has finally sprung and it’s

a perfect time to start thinking about improving your home, starting with your carpets and flooring.

Shaw Carpets has been helping people in Leeds and surrounding areas find the best carpet for their homes and businesses for more than 60 years. The company, which is owned and personally run by brothers David and Andre Spencer, is a popular choice in Yorkshire; the business scores five stars in Google reviews and boasts over 1,000 reviews online. Visitors can browse through the huge range of carpets and vinyl flooring on display across the spacious sales area in Darton which is described as the largest choice of carpets and flooring in Yorkshire. The warehouse, just a short distance from junction

38 of the M 1, extends to an impressive 250,000 sq.ft and this scale gives Shaw Carpets a crucial advantage over many competitors. Alternatively, and probably a better option for us here in North Leeds, if you can't get to the warehouse, you can take advantage of a free Choose at Home service where one of the team will measure and bring hundreds of carpet samples for you to choose from in the comfort

of your home and there's no obligation to buy. "Because such a high proportion of the available products can be displayed at any one time, customers have the priceless advantage of being able to see what they are buying and so can better judge how it might look in their home," explains David.

"However, despite its impressive size, this is no impersonal retail park clone but, instead, a long-established family-owned business with a near 60-year track record of supplying

quality carpets to customers across Yorkshire and beyond."

Along with the experienced staff team, the brothers take pride in finding the right product at the right budget to suit each customer's requirements. This is complemented by a full installation service, provided by long serving fitters who will lay your new carpet with the minimum of fuss to the highest possible standards.

Although Shaw Carpets stocks an

unrivalled selection of colours, patterns and materials, the popularity of greys and neutrals remain as high as ever. However, if you are looking for something a little different, be it traditional or more contemporary, there is sure to be something which meets your style from its hundreds of samples, including beiges, greys, and taupes which are on trend for this season's spring homestyle. If you can make the trip, it's well worth your while! The showroom is open 10am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays with free parking right outside. Or to book a home visit simply fill out the home visit online form or call to arrange an appointment.

For more information about Shaw Carpets, read its five-star Google customer reviews, visit its website at shawcarpets.co.uk or call in at the showroom at Dearne Mills, Barnsley Road, Darton, S75 5NH on 01226 390 133 or email enquiries@shawcarpets.co. uk

Safe as Houses

Roberts Renovations on the dos and don’ts of property investment.

With increasing tax pressures on landlords holding property in their personal name, evolving regulation through the Renters’ Rights Act, the expansion of selective licensing, and the potential for stricter

EPC requirements, many investors are reassessing whether property still represents a worthwhile investment. The short answer is yes, but only if you approach it the right way. Property in the UK has consistently shown long-term growth. While there have been dips due to economic cycles, the overall trend has been upward. Even after the 2008 financial crisis, the market recovered and continued to grow. The reason is simple – demand continues to outweigh supply. The UK does not have enough housing and that imbalance continues to push prices over time. For investors, this creates two key opportunities, capital growth and rental income. Over a 10-year period, well-chosen properties have often increased significantly in value while also generating monthly cash flow. Compared to leaving money in a bank account, where inflation reduces its value, property remains a compelling option. However, this is where many investors go wrong. Success in property isn’t about buying any house and hoping for the best. It comes down to research, strategy, and execution, and location is critical. While some areas of London have seen prices stagnate or decline recently, other regions have performed strongly, and Yorkshire is a clear example

of this. House prices across our region have increased by 28.8% over the past five years, based on Land Registry data.

Looking ahead, Savills forecasts suggest the region will lead UK house price growth between 2026 and 2030, adding another 28.8% to the value of properties in the region. Leeds, in particular, offers a strong combination of affordability and demand. Many twobedroom properties still sit below £200,000, making it an accessible entry point compared to other major cities.

It’s also important to note that the private rental sector in Leeds has seen a 34.6% increase in average rents since 2016, according to data compiled by TwentyEA and Denton House Research. But even within Leeds, not all areas perform equally, and some postcodes will outperform others so understanding local markets is key.

At Roberts Renovations, we have seen this first-hand. We recently acquired a neglected terrace property in Pudsey for £125,000. Through a full renovation, including structural improvements, insulation upgrades, and a complete interior redesign, the property is now valued at over £200,000. The rental income increased by approximately £300 per month, and the EPC rating improved to a C. This is where value is created, not just by buying well, but by improving the asset strategically.

Another key consideration is your investment goal. If you’re focused on longterm growth, traditional buy-to-let properties aimed at couples and families can provide steady income alongside capital appreciation. Social housing can also offer stable, long-term tenancies with less day-to-day involvement. For investors looking to maximise monthly income, higher-yield strategies such as HMOs (house in multiple occupation) or short-term lets may be more suitable. Short-term lets such as Airbnb can generate strong returns

but require active management. They operate more like a hospitality business, with regular guest turnover, cleaning, and ongoing coordination. Many investors choose to work with management companies to handle this. HMOs can also deliver higher yields by renting to multiple tenants, but they come with increased regulation and higher maintenance requirements.

There is no single ‘best’ strategy. The right approach depends on your goals, your available time, and your level of experience. What remains consistent is the fact that successful investors treat property as a business, not a gamble. Property is about buying right, adding value, and executing properly, not luck.

At Roberts Renovations, we provide a turnkey approach, from sourcing the right property through to renovation and interior design, helping investors maximise both value and long-term performance.

If you're looking to source, renovate, and maximise the value of your next property investment, visit Robertsrenovations.co.uk or call 0113 460 1986 to arrange a free consulation.

FAST FACTS

Leeds buy-to-let market facts

• Average two-bed price: under £200,000 (PropertyData, 2025)

• Typical gross yields: 5.5% to 8%, depending on location

• Five-year Leeds growth: +27.6% (Land Registry) Regional growth forecast: +28.8% by 2030 (Savills Forecasts)

Strongest demand: professionals, graduates, and young families

MAZEL TOV TO SHAINA PINK WHO HAD HER BAS MITZVAH IN FEBRUARY.

SHAINA’S FRIENDS JOINED FOR THE CELEBRATIONS… … AND MARKED THE OCCASION WITH A RESIN JEWELLERY MAKING CLASS.

PHOTO: HARRY BROWN

OUR ESTEEMED CONTRIBUTOR RABBI ELI AND DABRUSHY PINK’S DAUGHTER WAS CALLED UP AT CHABAD LUBAVITCH.

HAVA STONE HOSTED THE CLASS WHERE LOVED ONES CREATED THEIR KEEPSAKE.

CONSTANT SUPPORT

WIZO UK continues to play a vital role in supporting Israel’s largest social welfare organisation through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement across the UK.

WIZO’s recent activities have focused on both strengthening the British community’s connection to its work and responding to the growing humanitarian needs in Israel following the ongoing security situation.

Across the country, WIZO groups are hosting a wide range of events designed to raise funds while bringing supporters together – from our mixed padel tournament in May to our Women’s Professional Network Wellbeing Evening that happened in March. Community gatherings, cultural talks, and charity events have remained central to this effort. These events not only raise essential funds but also create spaces for discussion about the social challenges facing women and families in Israel today.

Israel is once again operating under heightened emergency regulations following ongoing escalation, including direct threats involving Iran. Schools and public services are disrupted, and families are navigating renewed uncertainty, sirens, and sudden restrictions. For many of the women and children we support, the psychological toll compounds an already fragile reality.

Since October 7th, the destruction has been widely documented. Less visible is the second layer of impact, the emotional burden carried quietly inside homes and communities. Women steady children woken by sirens and support partners

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

navigating trauma, manage financial strain, and disruption and keep families functioning while often expanding their own responsibilities. The invisible burden has intensified again in recent weeks. WIZO’s services do not pause during escalation, they adapt.

Our shelters provide immediate safety for women fleeing abuse. Trauma services address the psychological impact of sustained crisis. Our Violent Men’s Hotline, the only helpline of its kind in Israel, works directly with perpetrators, recognising that prevention

IT’S ALL HAPPENING

Check

out what’s been going on and what’s coming up at

Leeds Jewish Welfare

LJWB’s Volunteer Driver Coordinator, Nicola Smaje-Rosenbloom, has been facilitating regular outings for those looking to get out and about!

The most recent one was a trip to York Outlet which gave people the chance to get out and connect with others while escaping the rain for some retail therapy. Planned trips for the next few months include Otley Chevin Country Park Hotel, York’s Railway Museum, a trip to the seaside, Harlow Carr Gardens, and more!

The 2026 cohort of CTeen Leeds – who have volunteered with the organisation as part of the Impact Care Awards programme – paid a visit to the MAZCC. They helped

Board (LJWB).

to serve in the restaurant over lunchtime, supported the café, delivered service with a smile at the monthly pay as you feel café night, as well as rolling up their sleeves to help with the clean up!

The board is thrilled to invite you to a fantastic day of golf at the beautiful Moor Allerton Golf Club on 25th June. The 35th annual Caring for Children tournament will welcome both returning champions and those just picking up the clubs in support of the cause.

Sign up for the golf tournament by emailing shelley.frieze@ljwb.co.uk and contact Nicola to join the upcoming days out! 07812 379 915

must address root causes. Our Early Childhood Division has mobilised emergency frameworks to support essential workers, opening day-care centres for hospital and emergency staff so they can continue their lifesaving work knowing their children are safe.

By supporting WIZO, you are helping to strengthen the infrastructure that allows women and families to withstand crisis and rebuild. Supporting women is not an act of charity. It is nation-building Wizouk.org

Step Forward

As a Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Adam Lomax’s elective practice is entirely dedicated to treating conditions of the foot and ankle. With extensive training and education throughout his career, Adam is one of the best specialists in his field.

Expertise in the orthopaedic medicine world is measured not only by training and titles, but by outcomes including how effectively pain is relieved, movement is restored, and confidence rebuilt. For patients under the care of Adam, treatment is never a one-size-fits-all pathway; it’s a carefully structured, patient-led process focused on restoring function and long-term quality of life.

Foot and ankle problems are uniquely disruptive and the complexity of the foot means that even minor abnormalities can have major consequences. Adam’s approach recognises this delicate balance, ensuring that treatment begins at the start in detailed assessment, listening, and planning, not in the operating theatre.

Crucially, surgery is not the default solution, and many conditions can be managed successfully through non-operative

Adam Lomax is a renowned orthopaedic surgeon at Leeds Foot and Ankle Clinic at NuffeldandSpireHospitals.

measures. Footwear modification, custom insoles, and structured physiotherapy programmes are often the first line of treatment. These interventions can correct alignment, reduce strain, and allow inflamed tissues to recover naturally. By prioritising these methods where appropriate, Adam ensures patients avoid unnecessary procedures while still achieving meaningful improvement.

When surgery is indicated, the decision is always collaborative. Patients will be carefully guided through the benefits and potential risks of each procedure. Transparency is central to the process: individuals understand what recovery involves, how long rehabilitation may take, and what outcomes can reasonably be achieved.

Adam’s breadth of experience is reflected in the scope of his practice and his surgical repertoire spans the full spectrum of modern foot and ankle procedures: keyhole ankle arthroscopy, bunion and toe deformity correction, tendon reconstruction, ankle ligament repair, osteochondral lesion treatment, joint replacement, Achilles tendon surgery, fusions of the ankle and midfoot, flat foot and high arch correction, Morton’s neuroma excision, and complex revision surgery. These are not routine operations; they are interventions that help to relieve pain and often rebuild confidence.

Equally significant is his management of revision cases. Patients who have experienced failed previous surgeries or ongoing complications often feel discouraged and uncertain. Revision or re-do surgery demands not only technical skill but careful evaluation and honest discussion –something which Adam excels in. These cases

reflect a commitment to problem-solving when previous treatments have not delivered the desired result.

Sports injuries form another vital component of care. It doesn’t matter if you’re an elite professional or simply a recreational athlete, the objective extends beyond structural repair. Recovery must be safe, efficient, and performance focused. Collaboration with physiotherapists and multidisciplinary teams at Nuffield and Spire Hospitals alongside modern surgical techniques and implants mean that every patient’s recovery is aimed to be as quick as possible.

Foot and ankle conditions may be common, but their impact on independence and wellbeing is profound. Effective treatment requires more than surgical capability, it demands judgement, restraint when appropriate, and precision when necessary.

Don't suffer in silence! Reach out today and get help from a specialist who successfully treats these problems every day.

Leedsfootandankleclinic.co.uk

Leeds Hip & Knee Clinic

Mr Sam Jain is a specialist orthopaedic hip and knee surgeon. He offers modern treatment solutions with a truly personalised approach. He has excellent surgical outcomes and is highly recommended by patients.

Specialist in:

• Hip and knee replacement surgery

• Robotic-assisted hip and knee surgery

• Rapid recovery techniques

• Non-surgical treatments

Insured and self-funding patients. No GP referral required. Book directly at www.nuffieldhealth.com/consultants/mr-sam-jain#book Or call 0113 322 7251 to make an appointment Clinics on Wednesday / Thursday

Leeds Foot & Ankle Clinic

and self-funding patients. No GP referral

Mr Adam Lomax is a specialist orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon. His elective practice is entirely dedicated to treating conditions of the foot and ankle. With extensive training and education Adam is one of the best specialists in his field. Specialist in:

• Diagnosing / treating foot and ankle pain • Bunion correction surgery • Big toe arthritis “hallux rigidus” • Toe deformity correction • Ankle and foot arthritis

Ankle ligament surgery using keyhole techniques

Achilles tendon problems

Ankle and foot injuries

Dare to Go

More and more holidaymakers are trading chill for thrill and embarking on darecations.

In a trend forecast recently published by Pinterest, the website predicted that 2026 and beyond will be filled with more people enjoying ‘darecations’ – experiences which go far beyond rest and relaxation and are filled with adrenaline-fuelled adventures. Instead of asking “will this be relaxing?” darecation travellers are asking, “what am I capable of?”.

For those tired of feeling like holidays only consist of passive lounging and doomscrolling in a different time zone, darecations offer the perfect escape. Travellers still care about the destination, planning, and quality but are seeking intentional intensity, hoping for experiences that make them feel alive.

This new wave of travel is redefining what it means to ‘get away’. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, testing your limits, and returning home not just with photos, but with stories of courage and unforgettable achievement (and a few bragging rights!). So, where are some of the best places for thrill seekers to visit and what activities are out there to get your heart pumping?

Cage diving

On South Africa’s south western tip lies a 200-mile stretch of coastline that runs between Gansbaai and Mossel Bay, known as the shark capital of the world. It’s here where you can get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s greatest predators through cage diving. Participants are lowered just below the surface where sharks swim freely in their natural habitat, offering an up-close and unforgettable wildlife encounter without the need for advanced scuba certification.

Mossel Bay offers an electrifying encounter with the ocean’s apex predator, the great white shark. Near Cape Town, adventurers can depart from Simon's Town harbour, though many opt for a scenic day trip to Gansbaai. Here, you can come face to face with great white and copper sharks, often in spectacular numbers, as well as the chance to spot African penguins and cape fur seals. Whale season (June to November) also brings the possibility of witnessing another magnificent marine creature.

Boarding

Snowboarding? Boring! Take it to the next level with volcano boarding down the black ash slopes of Cerro Negro in Nicaragua. This heart-racing extreme sport involves hiking up the active volcano before launching yourself downhill on a reinforced board, reaching thrilling speeds of up to 60 mph as you carve through loose volcanic gravel. Not for the faint-hearted, volcano boarding is a rare bucket list adventure offered in only a handful of places worldwide, making it one of the most unique and adrenaline-charged experiences you can add to your travel list.

Sticking to the Americas for thrills that won’t be beaten, the desert oasis town of Huacachina in Peru offers both dune buggy riding and sandboarding for those seeking adventure. If you aren’t athletically talented, no problem! Just lay on your stomach on the board and go ‘sand sledding’ which can be faster, lots more fun, and doesn’t require any patience or ability!

Glacier walking

If you’re chasing untamed adventure, glacier hiking in Iceland delivers an experience unlike anywhere else. Step onto a vast expanse of ancient ice where deep crevasses, shimmering blue ice formations, and dramatic volcanic landscapes collide. Guided by expert mountaineers, glacier hikes offer an accessible yet exhilarating way to explore these frozen giants up close.

Step onto a specially mapped route across Vatnajökull – Europe’s largest ice cap – where crevasses slice through the surface like frozen canyons and what’s normally admired from a distance becomes the very path beneath your boots. For those wanting to take the adventure even further, imagine pairing it with an epic six-day journey around Iceland’s entire ring road, exploring everything from the erupting

Via ferrata

Via ferrata (‘iron way’ in Italian) is a mountain activity somewhere between scrambling and rock-climbing using metal cables, iron rungs, and ladders fixed to rock surfaces. Originally created during in the First World War when soldiers installed cables and ladders to cross terrain that once seemed impossible, the climbing routes through the Italian Dolomites are unlike anything else in the world. Step into the vertical world of the mountain range and explore the airy ridgelines and hidden ledges carved into pale limestone.

These treks can be horizontal, vertical, and all angles in between! A particularly challenging route (and only recommended for confident and experienced climbers) is the Intersport Donnerkogel – also known as the Stairway to Heaven – in the Austrian Alps near Gosau. The 40-metre-long sky ladder crosses a deep gulley in the mountain range, delivering dizzying exposure and panoramic alpine views in equal measure. Climbers inch their way up the swaying ladder with nothing but fresh mountain air beneath their boots –an unforgettable test of nerve and balance.

Abseiling

Abseiling – also known as rappelling – is a thrilling vertical descent that involves lowering yourself down a cliff face, waterfall, or building using ropes and a secure harness system. It’s an adrenaline-charged way to experience dramatic heights while enjoying a safe and empowering adventure.

One of the most iconic and recognisable mountains in the world, did you know you can actually abseil down Table Mountain in Cape Town? Step off the summit – an astounding 1,000 metres above sea level – and rappel into pure vertical space. While the views from the mountaintop are breathtaking, the sights you'll see during the abseil are unparalleled. As you descend the side of a sheer cliff, Camps Bay, the Atlantic Seaboard, and the deep blue ocean will spread out at your feet, with the majestic Twelve Apostles right at your side.

EVENTS Sights and Sounds

There’s no shortage of great events in the city to enjoy this spring.

Hejira: Celebrating Joni Mitchell | City Varieties

Music Hall | 5th April

Hejira will be performed by a seven-piece band fronted by the brilliant Hattie Whitehead, who emulates the poise, power, and beauty of Joni Mitchell’s vocals and stylistic guitar technique. Expect an evening of great songs such as Amelia, Woodstock, A Case of You, Song for Sharon, Free Man in Paris, and more.

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

The Magnificent Music Hall | City Varieties

Music Hall | 2nd May

Take a nostalgic trip back to the golden days of traditional music hall and variety with song, dance, magic, and laughter. This rich gala performance will delight lovers of participatory entertainment with the songs you love to sing and the jokes you love to hear. Carefree, cheerful, and uniquely British!

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

The Shawshank Redemption | Leeds Grand Theatre

19th to 23rd May

Despite protests of his innocence, Andy Dufresne is handed a double life sentence for the brutal murders of his wife and her lover. Incarcerated in the notorious Shawshank facility, he quickly learns that no one can survive alone.

Based on Stephen King’s novella, this thrilling stage production examines friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility.

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

City centre heritage pub and history walk | Leeds City Square | 30th April

Starting in City Square, this three-hour tour is run by It's The Beer Talking and features renowned Beer Writer Simon Jenkins.

Learn how our city is still shaped by its 13th century geography, how it was the scene of audacious industrial espionage, and the key role it played in the birth of a global entertainment industry. You’ll visit a selection of pubs along the way to sample some of the best beers the city has to offer and discover how brewing and drinking have played their part in Leeds life for centuries.

Toursofleeds.co.uk

Leeds Jazz Festival | Various venues | 21st to 26th May

Leeds’ major jazz promoters have put together a superb programme with music to suit all tastes including Donovan Haffner Quintet, Ian Shaw singing Stephen Sondheim, Emma Rawicz's INKYRA, and some of the finest young local bands playing the Cookridge Street festival tent on Spring Bank Holiday Monday.

Leedsjazzfestival.com

Postmodern Jukebox: The Future is Vintage | Leeds Grand Theatre | 31st May

An acclaimed troupe of singers, dancers, and instrumentalists putting a retro spin on everything from 70s rock classics and 90s Britpop hits to current chart toppers and movie and video game soundtracks. With a heavy dose of danceable numbers alongside jaw-dropping showstoppers, the show works equally well as the perfect date night or family outing. Dress in your vintage best for the full time-travel experience.

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

On Call

Marking 150 years since the first ever phone call, explore the telephone’s incredible journey.

When Alexander Graham Bell used his new contraption to summon his assistant from a neighbouring room, there’s no way he could have possibly imagined the incredible journey his invention would undergo in the ensuing century and a half. Our relationship to this technology, and our notions of what a phone is and does, are of course radically different today.

Early home phone models took the form of chunky Bakelite handsets – those heavy black, art deco relics of the 1940s. By the 60s, colour transformed the telephone from a purely functional object into something approaching a fashion statement. The Trimphone of the 70s introduced an electronic warble that felt genuinely futuristic, while the novelty phones of the 80s – shaped like lips, Daleks, and cartoon characters – reflected a decade that liked its appliances and tech laced with kitsch.

Then came the mobile revolution. Initially, the brick-sized early mobile phones were a much derided, ostentatious yuppie status symbol, but by the late 90s and early 2000s, phones like the Nokia 3210 and the Motorola Razr had become ubiquitous. For many of a certain generation, the sight of these models with their tactile keypads, distinctive ringtones, and blocky screen graphics can trigger an intense jolt of nostalgia. Today, original models in good condition are sought after by collectors doing a brisk trade sourcing and refurbishing iconic flip phones, from classic Nokias to rare Japanese handsets, catering to a growing appetite for alternatives to today’s all-consuming smartphones.

Amid the enthusiasm for old-school devices, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series and Motorola’s revived Razr line have brought the flip phone back as a premium product, blending retro form with cutting-edge tech. For those tiring of endless doomscrolling on glass slabs, the psychological satisfaction of snapping a phone shut is a real selling point.

Reflecting on the evolution of the telephone in modern times, communication technology expert Marshall Frieze of The One Solution notes the significant changes he’s seen: “In my lifetime I’ve seen the phone shrink from the desk-bound boxes of the old analogue models to the mobile ‘bricks’ of the 90s to the pocket supercomputers we have today. Interestingly though, the advent of smartphones has seen the size increase considerably. What began as a mobile telephone with the added novelty of a text message feature has since morphed into an ‘everything device’ – now your phone is simultaneously a camera, map, wallet,

health tracker, office, and, most recently, AI companion.”

Marshall marvels at the impact of the introduction of artificial intelligence to our handheld devices: “We now have tech at our fingertips which anticipates, translates, generates, edits, and protects us in ways we barely imagined a decade ago.”

We now have tech at our fingertips which anticipates, translates, generates, edits, and protects us in ways we barely imagined a decade ago.

As the evolution of the phone continues apace, what are the coming developments that Marshall is excited about? “The next big thing in my mind will be the expansion of wearable technology – devices that disappear into glasses or earpieces; ambient, seamless connection including proactive AI that truly knows your day and gently helps without being asked. We’re going to see improved ‘always-on’ health and safety features which could potentially save lives.”

The most significant shift on the horizon isn’t a single device – it’s a rethinking of what a phone can be. Foldable phonetablet hybrids are moving from novelty to mainstream. Samsung has already released a tri-fold device that unfurls from a standardsized handset into a full tablet display. Apple – long rumoured to be working on its own foldable – is expected to enter the field this year.

Sustainability, too, is shaping the future. Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to use recycled materials, extend software support lifecycles, and design for repairability. As Marshall says: “We’re seeing a shift to longer-lasting, repairable phones that reduce waste. There’s a move towards refurbished devices due to cost, quality, and companies wanting to be greener.”

MARSHALL FRIEZE

Get it Booked!

International Children's Book Day took place on 2nd April so what better time to check out PJ Library, the organisation that brings stories of Jewish life to children around the world.

My Passover Seder

We all enjoy receiving personal mail (anything that comes through the post which isn’t a bill is a nice surprise), but when a child gets a delivery from the postman addressed to them by name, it’s especially exciting. For 8,000 children across the UK, that excitement comes courtesy of PJ Library – a programme dedicated to facilitating family conversations around Jewish life, faith, and tradition.

PJ Library recently celebrated 10 years of sending age-appropriate books to families raising Jewish children. Director of Community Engagement, Sara Kibel, explains that the organisation is about more than distributing books: "We're not just a literary programme. We're about sparking Jewish conversation in the home."

The programme's reach extends across the whole of the UK. The books arrive monthly and each one is carefully selected to be age-appropriate, from board books with half a dozen words for babies to more complex storytelling for older children. It’s completely free and families wanting to sign up simply need to provide a name, address, and date of birth.

PJ Library remains committed to providing physical books in an increasingly digital age: “We’ve been asked repeatedly about moving online or creating an app, but our answer is always a flat ‘no’. Real books are here to stay. You're not going to replace storytelling at bedtime with an iPad."

Part of a global operation present in 41 countries and seven languages, PJ Library partners with 45 publishers and sends 640,000 books worldwide every month. As the programme has expanded and the quality of the books has improved, PJ Library has become a publisher in its own right. Each book features a Jewish element,

whether focusing on holidays or traditions, but they're always engaging stories and not just purely educational texts. A Chanukah book, for example, might be a funny story about candles or dreidels rather than simply explaining the festival.

Every book includes educational flaps on the front and back, detailing the Jewish values being explored and suggesting activities families can do together. This feature gives parents the tools to become educators in their own homes. If a book arrives about a tradition or custom they're unfamiliar with, the flaps provide a quick way to educate themselves alongside their children.

use. The organisation also runs postcode partnership to help families connect with local communities, mother and baby groups, and events like Purim parties. Independent reports have shown that families are doing more Jewish activities at home due to receiving the books, from making challah to exploring traditions they might not have engaged with otherwise.

Families interested in joining the programme can sign up online at Pjlibrary.org.uk or by scanning the QR code.

Central to the PJ Library ethos is the concept of ‘windows and mirrors’; the mirrors aspect means that Jewish children can see themselves reflected in the books they read, while the windows element offers glimpses into other kinds of Jewish life: “We have a really strong Sephardic initiative, meaning there are lots of migration stories and diverse Jewish narratives – even stories about Chanukah in Alaska. The aim is to show that Judaism isn't monolithic but a rich tapestry of different traditions and experiences.”

Beyond home delivery, PJ Library works with 31 Jewish primary schools across the UK, providing books and resources for classroom

Fast Facts

• Since 2015, more than 21,000 Jewish children have received PJ Library books.

• More than 8,300 Jewish children are currently enrolled across more than 6,300 households.

• In an independent survey, 93% said that PJ Library has supported their family in having conversations about Jewish traditions, values, and customs.

• 75% said the programme is an important parenting tool for them.

Aviel Basil Claire A. B. Freeland

LOCAL ELECTION 2026

Contact: 07711 647849

Elect… Rachel Cohen for Roundhay

Rachel was born and raised in North Leeds. She wants to give Roundhay residents what so many have been calling out for, a local councillor that will put them first and a councillor that will represent Roundhay for the long term.

Rachel is backed up by a strong team who know how to deliver for a local area.

“If you elect me as your councillor, I will address the serious traffic issues around the park, tackle our crumbling highways, protect our police numbers and be the voice for every one of my residents on Leeds City Council.”

“I will always put our local residents first, Roundhay residents shouldn't have to suffer because local politicians keep falling out - enough is enough”

Vote RACHEL COHEN on 7th May

Elect… Rob Speed for Moortown & Meanwood

Rob was born and raised in Moortown.

Rob is passionate about the local community and ensuring Moortown and Meanwood have a visible councillor, who puts local residents first. Rob is concerned that the Stonegate Road roundabout works have been shelved and wants them urgently reinstating.

He will ensure residents are actually listened to about the proposed closure of Grove Road and that the impact of the work at the Stonegate Road / Meanwood Road junction is properly examined.

Rob is passionate about protecting our green spaces and is a fervent advocate of fairness, he promises to be a councillor who will represent the whole ward.

Vote for your Conservative candidates, putting Residents before Politics 365 days a year

LOCAL ELECTION 2026 Re-Elect… CLLR

Contact Dan: 07711 647849

dan.cohen@leeds.gov.uk

Dear Alwoodley Resident,

I am asking you for your support at the local elections taking place on Thursday, May 7th 2026.

It has been a great privilege to have represented you on Leeds City Council since 2011. There is no more generous and friendly community in the City as ours. We have more voluntary groups and societies than almost any other area, dedicated to helping and improving our neighbourhood. It is a privilege to work with and support so many of them.

These are local elections; they won’t impact national politics, they WILL impact life here in Leeds and Alwoodley. Here are a selection of areas Lyn, Neil and I are delivering for Alwoodley now:

Visible and Available for local residents - I am here when you need me, from late night calls to responding quickly to emails.

Policing – From regular PACT meetings to work on burglary detection and speeding enforcement we will continue to press the police to ensure residents feel protected from crime and criminals.

Highways & Transport - Campaigning FOR improved and more reliable bus services, AGAINST Labour’s unfair parking charges and ensuring we get increased investment in road resurfacing and road & pothole repairs. I ensure Alwoodley residents are heard and we get the service we deserve, when travelling and driving around Leeds.

Young People & Families - Our camps will run again this summer, I know how vital these are for local families. I have ensured a refurbishment of the Cranmer play area this year and plan to ensure improvements in all our play areas.

I will also continue to speak out on the major issues facing the city of Leeds, but particularly the “little things” which are so important to all of us.

It has been an honour and a pleasure to have served you as your Councillor. With your support and your vote on May 7th, I hope to continue to do so.

Kind Regards,

Dan

About your local candidate Cllr Dan Cohen

• Born and always lived in Alwoodley.

• Married to Elayna for nearly 25 years our children are growing up here in Alwoodley.

• Current Lord Mayor of Leeds

• Former Deputy Leader of Leeds Conservative Group and Chair of Children and Family Scrutiny.

• Governor of 4 of our local schools (LJFS, Brodetsky, Highfield & Allerton High)

• A reputation as a dynamic, hard working and effective

Funny Bones

among other Northern venues and teaching comedy skills to others. It all started when he was thrown in at the deep end as a writer on a radio production he'd created: "I wanted to know how funny I actually was, so I decided to try it out." He was hooked!

Ashley soon discovered that getting comfortable on stage was less about natural talent and more about putting in the hours: "It's really about confidence and stage time. Once you've done enough gigs, it becomes completely natural to stand up and talk to an audience."

As to where those funny bones come from, it could be argued that a comedic instinct is hardwired into Ashley’s cultural DNA. The link between Judaism and comedy is undeniable, particularly in the United States, and the titanic figures of that milieu were a formative influence for Ashley. Asked who he considers to be the four patriarchs of Jewish comedy, he doesn’t hesitate, respectfully offering their birth names: "Melvin, Alan, Lawrence, and Jerome!" Those being Melvin Kaminsky (Mel Brooks), Alan Stewart Konigsberg (Woody Allen), Lawrence Gene David (Larry David), and Jerome Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld) – four men whose contribution amounts to rewriting the entire language of American comedy.

For Ashley, the influence of Jewish comedians on American humour is impossible to overstate: "It’s fundamental. American comedy often sounds like it's being spoken by Jewish people, even when it isn’t. They set the standard." Although Jewish people make up

around 2% of the American population, their presence among the country's most celebrated comics – from vaudeville stages right up to the current streaming era – is extraordinary. Ashley's theory as to why is rooted much as in geography as culture: "Back in the day in places like Brooklyn, where Jewish families were crammed together in shared apartments, they were probably trying to out-funny each other. It became a competitive sport. And when you're the outsider, you want people to like you –making them laugh is a good way in."

It's a theory supported by the success of Seinfeld, still the most-streamed sitcom in history. The show is rarely explicit about its Jewish identity and yet, as Ashley points out, it’s deeply infused with it – the neurotic self-examination, the conversational rhythms, the comedy of minor grievance elevated to philosophical principle – all of it is shaped by that background. Ashley cites one of his favourite facts, an instance of poetic justice: for a long time, Seinfeld was the number one hit in Germany. "What great revenge," he says. "The Nazis would be furious!"

So, what is it that makes Jewish comedy Jewish? And how might one describe the Jewish sense of humour? Ashley finds it easier to recognise than define: "Cheeky, certainly – a taking of liberties." There’s no doubt a subversive streak and maybe something to do with the questioning of conventional wisdom. Perhaps part of the answer lies in theology; Judaism is built on commentary and countercommentary, one view set against another, and every answer opening into a new question: "There's always another perspective – it’s a dialectic." That habit of questioning – of holding two ideas at once and finding the friction between them funny – may be the key.

These days, Ashley channels the craft into communications training, teaching business professionals to present using stand-up techniques rather than PowerPoint slides: "My training sessions have replaced my need to do stand-up. It's still a routine but I get to perform it in front of an audience who aren’t drunk.”

Following April Fool’s Day and Live Comedy Day, former Stand-Up Comic Ashley Boroda discusses the link between comedy and Jewish culture.

Wall of Sound

Musician Anna Lowenstein has just released her debut album, Through the Walls.

Klezmer music began as the instrumental, traditional ritual music of Eastern European Jews that was, and still is, often played at life cycle rituals such as weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, festivals, and more.

Anna Lowenstein is one of the UK’s leading klezmer fiddle players, and recently performed her debut album Through the Walls at Manchester Jewish Museum. But klezmer wasn’t always her plan: “My dad was a keen amateur chamber musician who played the violin and viola. From aged four I was adamant I wanted to play the violin, and I then grew up playing classical music.

“When I was 18 and applying for universities to study music, I missed my offer and ended up having to take a gap year which turned out to be the best thing that could've happened. I got a call from Flora Curzon – the other violin player on the album – who asked if I wanted to play some gigs. This was the first time I’d played anything other than classical music and even though I had no idea what was going on, I felt a very strong sense of klezmer being more my voice and my world.”

Despite the fact Anna had never played it, klezmer music did play a part in her upbringing: “I grew up literally next door to a Hasidic shtiebel in one of the biggest Jewish communities in Europe in Stoke Newington, Stamford Hill. Klezmer always felt very familiar to me as I’d listen to my dad’s CDs and the close proximity to the shtiebel meant that I subconsciously listened and learnt a lot.

“It’s quite a chaotic style of music but there’s a beauty and intention to that chaos which I love and now understand. When I listened to it growing up, it often felt like it was coming through the walls!”

It was this exposure to the music that inspired Anna’s debut album title, Through the Walls, which has been eight years in the making. Alongside music, the album also incorporates interviews and recordings from Stamford Hill to create an intimate sonic portrait of community, memory, and place.

“One of the tracks includes a field recording from my garden of the neighbours I grew up listening to where I managed to catch a beautiful melody and create a piece off the back of it,” explains Anna. “There’s also an interview with a shopkeeper from a

street I used to live on that was full of Hasidic owned businesses. We became quite friendly during my time living there and him and his wife told me about the history of the street and how it had changed over the years.

“The album is very much me, my process, and my voice but what I’m hoping to do with these additions is to paint a portrait of community and not judging a book by

its cover. Everything is so polarised at the moment and it’s only getting more extreme, I hope the album shows the diversity, spectrum, and nuance that can exist within a community.”

Anna isn’t the only musician that features on Through the Walls, she wrote and arranged it for a string quartet that consists of herself, Flora Curzon on violin, Meg Hamilton on viola, and Francesca Ter-Berg on cello: “I didn’t set out to write a string quartet, it just kind of happened! All the players have a very unique skillset in that they know and understand klezmer music very deeply.”

Despite klezmer music’s traditional roots, Anna hopes the album will provide a fresh and exciting take on the genre: “I’m not trying to change tradition necessarily, but the very nature of music is that it’s constantly changing and people add to it. All I hope is that listeners like and are interested the music and think it’s beautiful!

“One of the things I’m hoping to do alongside this release is an educational component. I was very privileged to have access to classical music education but there are some ways in which it’s taught that doesn’t provide you with a very broad range of skills. There’s a real divide between classical and traditional music even though non-western traditional makes up most of music! I’d love to run some workshops to break down the divide between the two.”

As is apparent on Through the Walls, Anna isn’t just preserving a tradition, she’s reshaping it and inviting others in. In doing so, she reminds us that music, like community, is at its most powerful when it’s shared to create connections that words alone often cannot.

You can buy a copy of Through the Walls from Annalowenstein.bandcamp.com/ album/through-the-walls

PHOTO: RAH PETHERBRIDGE

System Reset

It’s National Stress Awareness Month in April so wellness expert Sarah Campus is exploring how slow and soft living can reduce the stressors of everyday life.

Sarah Campus is a highly experienced women's personal trainer, nutrition coach, wellness expert, marathon-running mum of three, and the founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS.

After years of global uncertainty, digital overload, economic pressure, and an always-on work culture, stress seems to have become normalised. Slow living and soft living are two mindful responses to stress, each focusing on a different layer of wellbeing. Slow living is about pace and intention; it goes about structuring your life in a way that priorities presence, sustainability, and alignment with your values rather than constant urgency. It’s less about doing everything slowly and more about removing unnecessary rush so your nervous system and cortisol levels can settle.

Soft living is more about mindset and self-treatment. It emphasises selfcompassion, emotional gentleness, and letting go of harsh productivity standards, encouraging you to rest without guilt and to approach yourself with kindness instead of pressure.

Both ways of life complement each other. Slow living reshapes how you move through your day, while soft living reshapes how you relate to yourself within it. Together, they create both external calm and internal ease, which are key to managing stress.

These concepts are resonating strongly right now because many people are feeling stretched to their limit. Slow living and soft living offer language for what people are actually craving – relief and a more humane way to exist. People are recognising that constant productivity isn’t sustainable and that success without wellbeing feels empty. Slow living pushes back against external pressure to rush and achieve at all costs, while soft living challenges the internal pressure to be endlessly selfcritical.

Instead of trying to eliminate stress, focus on managing your nervous system, setting boundaries, and recovering well.

A completely low stress life isn’t realistic because stress is a natural and sometimes helpful part of life. The more sustainable goal is better regulation which means building the capacity to respond to stress without becoming overwhelmed by it. Instead of trying to eliminate stress, focus on managing your nervous system, setting boundaries, and recovering well.

Changing your relationship with stress starts with seeing it as information, not failure. Stress is your nervous system signalling that something feels demanding

or important. When you respond with curiosity instead of self-criticism, you can ask what needs adjusting – it could be your pace, your boundaries, or the expectations you set on yourself. Regulating your body also shifts your experience. Simple practices like slowing your breathing, resting properly, and reducing overload help your nervous system feel safer, which makes stress more manageable. Over time, stress becomes less of an enemy and more of a signal.

Micro-boundaries also matter such as not checking emails first thing or creating a short wind-down ritual at night. Even brief moments of presence, such as drinking your coffee without multitasking, signal safety to the body. It’s less about doing more and more about creating small pauses that allow your system to reset throughout the day.

Instead of packing your schedule with rules, choose a few small habits that genuinely make you feel steadier like a short walk or a mindful coffee. Build in flexibility and think of it as a framework, not a script; if a day shifts, you adjust without guilt.

One simple habit people can start straight away to live more softly is to schedule a short daily pause, just five minutes to check in with yourself. During that time, notice how you’re feeling, breathe slowly, and offer yourself a gentle thought like: “It’s okay to rest.” Doing this once a day but consistently trains your mind and body to slow down and respond to stress with kindness.

Knee Arthritis

Consultant Knee

Surgeon at Nuffeld Leeds and Spire

Leeds and Harrogate, Owen Wall of Leeds Knee Clinic, discusses arthritis symptoms and treatments.

Arthritis of the knee currently affects approximately 8.5 million people in the UK, with one in five adults over 45 years old having symptoms that affect their daily life. These symptoms can range from intermittent discomfort and occasional knee swelling at lower intensities to constant pain with marked joint deformity, stiffness, instability, and resultant falls at higher intensities. So how does one know if the early symptoms of possible knee arthritis need treatment? Is there anything that can be done to prevent or slow down progression of knee arthritis? What are the latest treatment developments?

Owen Wall is a nationally recognised consultant knee surgeon with 25 years’ experience. His NHS practice is in Leeds, and he also offers private services locally and nationally. He offers complete solutions for arthritis of the knee such as total and partial knee replacement and has excellent long-term results with many happy, satisfied patients. His NHS practice allows him to be part of groundbreaking clinical research with cutting-edge technology which studies the results of stem-cell manipulation via keyhole surgery in treating early arthritis of the knee. He specialises in treating patients with both simple and more complex knee problems. His focus is to provide each patient with an accurate diagnosis and a tailored, individualised treatment plan centred around their goals and expectations.

Owen has a positive outlook regarding the development of treatments available for knee arthritis: “Over the past 15 to 20 years,

multi-million-pound investments from national charities and private companies have been made with the singular goal of trying to prevent or treat early arthritis in the hope of avoiding knee replacement surgery. However, the results of total knee replacement and partial knee replacement for established arthritis of the knee are excellent and the technology developed to replace the damaged compartments of the knee while preserving the undamaged compartments (along with the stabilising ligaments) leads to outcomes which allow patients to return to full and normal activities in a pain-free and trouble-free manner. I’m in no doubt that the next decade will see these techniques evolve to give even greater satisfaction for patients with arthritis of the knee, helping to bridge the gap to achieve 100% satisfaction for all patients. Every patient has unique and personal expectations, therefore it’s imperative for me to provide a complete consultation with access to cutting-edge diagnostics that can help formulate a bespoke solution.”

Owen is now able to offer clinic consultations, along with diagnostic imaging, at Living Care Thorpe Park, which complements his existing clinics at Spire Leeds and Nuffield Leeds.

Leedskneeclinic.com | 0113 388 2009 07943 938 811

owenrwall@leedskneeclinic.com On Instagram @theleedsknee On X @kneedoc74

Eight years ago, Esther had a successful career as a dentist and was happily married with two children. Then, in February 2017, she suffered a serious nervous breakdown. What followed was years of addiction, loss, and – at a particular low point – neardestitution. Today, she is a newly qualified yoga teacher, working with the University of Leeds’ dental school, and completing a book about her experience. The difference, she says, was LJWB: “It literally saved my life. I was dying from the physical effects of alcohol and from a broken heart. Without the LJWB, I wouldn’t be here.”

LJWB arranged housing for Esther when she returned to Leeds, and its community support team helped her get settled and find a way forward. Now, she’s giving something back – from 16th April, she’ll lead a six-week yoga course at the MAZCC, running on Thursdays at 5.15pm, designed to support mental wellbeing and physical health for community members.

Emma Falk, who heads the community support and activities team at LJWB, understands the scope of what is needed in the community. With four support workers in the team, the service reaches people from their 40s through to their 90s and a dedicated children and family worker provides services to young people and teenagers, working alongside The Zone: “We offer support for all age groups and we often see people coming to us at points of crisis in their lives, partly because statutory services simply don’t have the capacity.”

The Leeds Jewish community skews older than the general population, and Emma notes an increase in older people presenting with mental health concerns alongside cognitive decline and dementia. But isolation affects people of all ages, and she is particularly keen to reach the 30 plus cohort

Asking For Help

For Mental Health Awareness Week (11th to 17th May), we speak to Emma Falk of Leeds Jewish Welfare Board and Esther Shirin, a community member whose life was transformed by LJWB's support.

“The

for more working-age adults to come through the door.”

The MAZCC’s daily activities programme runs Monday to Friday and is designed specifically to combat social isolation. Provision includes Sing Yourself Happy – a weekly session with a live singer and community volunteers – an intergenerational chess club in which pupils from Brodetsky Primary play alongside older members, an arts and craft group, cognitive stimulation therapy for people in the early stages of dementia. There's also a new talk series called Headspace covering topics ranging from ‘Is being Jewish a religion or a culture?’ to mountaineering and men’s health.

Emma acknowledges that within a tight-knit community, it’s important people know that everything discussed with LJWB’s support team is entirely confidential: “When you’re part of a community, you may be more cautious about reaching out. But you have nothing to fear – everything stays private.”

For Esther, the daily rhythm of activity at the MAZCC – the social contact, the sense of purpose, the gradual rebuilding of routine –was part of what made recovery possible. She is candid about overcoming the barriers she once felt: “When you’re struggling with your mental health, it can feel humiliating to ask for help. I always found it hard. But it’s the most important thing you can do. Talking to someone – just that alone – can be a lifesaver.”

If you or someone you know would benefit from a conversation about mental health support, call LJWB's reception on 0113 268 4211 | Ljwb.co.uk

LJWB also runs a mental health fundraising campaign every June, keep an eye out for these events.

• An evening with former Leeds United Captain Dominic Matteo – 14th June

• Harewood walk (eight miles) or run (13 miles) – 21st June

For more information, call 0113 203 4919 or email fundraising@ljwb.co.uk

who may not think of LJWB as somewhere for them:

teenagers and young people are well served by The Zone and youth groups. What we’d love is

Buon Appetito!

Despite having only been open on Otley Old Road in Cookridge for a couple of months, Sapori is already gaining a devoted local following. This is the kind of neighbourhood Italian restaurant that has the warmth and intimacy of a family home.

The driving force is Owner and Manager Issam, who will be a familiar face to many in North Leeds having worked at Ricos in Oakwood for 25 years, and more recently at La Terasse where the cosy Italian bistro vibe and friendly ambience earned him many loyal regulars. Now, with Sapori, he’s brought the same commitment to considered cooking with the finest quality fresh ingredients along with that allimportant personal touch to a new group of diners.

Although there are similarly named establishments out there, Issam wants to dispel any possible confusion – Sapori is not part of a chain but a unique, fiercely independent operation which thrives through its individuality and genuine connection between people and food.

"I want people to feel at home here," Issam says. “I like to take a practical, handson approach to things – managing the kitchen, making sure everything’s up to scratch, but also out front of house, offering that warm welcome and getting to know our new patrons.”

It’s the attention to detail and Issam’s conscientious oversight that extends from customer service to the sourcing of ingredients. Meat is supplied fresh daily by local supplier, Sykes, while fish comes in every day from the North East coast. Working with seasonal produce is integral to menu design, ensuring the freshest flavours while allowing the chefs to experiment and evolve: “We put a lot of thought and work into the specials board so there's always something new for people to try." This is Italian cooking at its most honest – traditional, regional recipes, handstretched pizza bases, pasta rolled fresh each day, and every dish made to order with care, attention, and love.

The restaurant space itself is generous, allowing for larger dining parties, family gatherings, and other events such as weddings, private functions, and meetings.

Sapori is off to an impressive start and Issam is excited about the journey ahead; he knows how a great local dining spot can act as a community hub and how to deliver on people’s expectations: "I've been around for a long time, I know what people want – and we aim to give it to them every single time."

Saporiitalian.co.uk

New neighbourhood Italian restaurant Sapori is wowing locals with delicious pizza, fresh pasta, and a real passion for authentic southern Italian cuisine – and one lucky reader can win a meal for two worth up to £100!

COMPETITION

To win a delicious meal for two at Sapori, up to the value of £100 (available any day of the week except Saturday), simply answer the following question...

What road is Sapori on?

Enter online at Jlifemagazine.co.uk/ competitions-5, via JLife’s social media, or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winner will be randomly selected on the closing date: 1st May 2026.

When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in JLife Magazine and Sapori’s databases to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers. Postal entry data will not be saved. Publisher’s decision is final.

We often see the Exodus as the formative moment of the Jewish people, when we moved from slavery to nationhood. Yet within this story lies a lesson that reflects the ethos of Jnetics: miracles do not simply happen; they are enabled by courage, initiative, and proactive action.

Trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea, the Israelites didn’t see an immediate miracle despite Moshe’s leadership. It was only when Nachshon ben Aminadav stepped into the water that the sea split, teaching that real change begins when someone takes the first courageous step.

This principle lies at the heart of Jnetics’ work. For 11 years, we’ve taken that pioneering step, harnessing advances in genetic science to offer proactive prevention. More than 9,000 individuals have undergone recessive carrier screening; 42% were

Inspired by the Exodus story, Jnetics is empowering the community to take bold, preventative steps in genetic health to safeguard future generations.

found to carry at least one serious genetic condition, including Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), among 49 conditions in total.

Each screening represents people choosing not to leave the future to chance, but to take informed action to reduce the risk of children being born with devastating genetic conditions. That same mindset is evident in the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme, where Jnetics, alongside Chai Cancer Care, serves as an official outreach partner. Through this collaboration, 44,000 people registered for BRCA testing during the first phase of the trial.

Jewish identity is ancient and resilient, rooted in shared heritage and history. Yet that history has shaped the community’s genetic landscape. Migration, persecutiondriven population bottlenecks, and marrying within the community have

Effective marketing support for local businesses

increased the prevalence of certain inherited conditions.

This isn’t a weakness, but a by-product of survival, reflecting resilience and cohesion. The Jewish community has long identified challenges and responded collectively; our work is a modern expression of that instinct.

Recessive carrier screening through Jnetics is straightforward and impactful. By identifying genetic risks before pregnancy, people gain knowledge and options, helping spare future generations unnecessary suffering. As Nachshon’s story teaches, when we step forward with courage, we create space for miracles to unfold.

For further information on Jnetics life-saving work, visit Jnetics.org

We are helping many of our clients with initiatives to grow business and present professionally.

We can help with realistic, affordable and effective solutions.

Websites & Site Updates

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Why not arrange a free no obligation chat with our marketing team?

Stepping Out

May is National Walking Month, and we’re spoiled for choice with the remarkable variety of routes across our city and surrounding countryside.

Leeds Canal Walk

This Canal and River Trust route follows the Aire and Calder Navigation from Clarence Dock south-east to Thwaite Watermill. The Navigation itself dates to 1704, when the Aire was made navigable to Leeds at the behest of local wool and cloth merchants. The canal still carries over two million tonnes of commercial freight each year. On the way you’ll pass the Grade II-listed Hunslet Mill complex, built between 1838 and 1842. At its peak it was the largest flax mill in Leeds, employing over 1,500 workers and processing 2,000 tonnes of flax every year. The walk ends at Thwaite Watermill, converted to generate electricity in the 1870s and is now a free museum exploring Leeds’ milling heritage.

Distance: 2.5 miles one way, 5 miles return

Walking time: Approx 1 hour one way

Start/end: Clarence Dock/Thwaite Watermill

Difficulty: Easy

Getting there: City centre start, buses back from Thwaite Mills

Wyke Beck Way

From Roundhay Park to Temple Newsam following the Wyke Beck, which rises at Waterloo Lake and flows through the inner ring of east Leeds before joining the River Aire, your walk takes you through five local nature reserves. The most atmospheric is Wykebeck Woods, an area of ancient seminatural wet woodland with the remains of the formal gardens of Asket Hall, a grand house believed to have been demolished in the 1960s. The area is dotted with Lombardy poplar trees, and the old carriage drive and stone weir can still be seen. The beck is also home to the white-clawed crayfish, the UK’s only native crayfish species.

Distance: 6.7 miles one way

Walking time: Approx. 2.5 hours

Start/end: Roundhay Park/Temple Newsam

Difficulty: Easy (gentle downhill throughout)

Getting there: Bus to Roundhay Park, First Bus 19/19A back from Temple Newsam

Temple Newsam Bridle Path

Walk around the 1,500-acre Temple Newsam estate, one of the most historically rich sites in Yorkshire. The estate’s name comes from the Knights Templar, who were granted the land by Henry de Lacy in around 1155 and built a preceptory here before being eventually passed to the Darcy family, who built the first great manor house in the early 1500s. It was here, in 1545, that Lord Darnley – the ill-fated second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots and father of James I of England – was born. The house was twice seized by the crown – first when Henry VIII executed Lord Darcy in 1537, and again when Elizabeth I confiscated it following Darnley’s marriage to Mary. The parkland was landscaped by Capability Brown in the 1760s and takes in working farmland, ancient woodland, and three lakes.

Distance: 6 miles circular

Walking time: Approx. 2.5 to 3 hours

Start/end: Temple Newsam House car park Difficulty: Moderate

Getting there: First Bus 10 or 10A from Leeds city centre to Whitkirk, then a 1-mile walk

Wetherby Railway Path (The Harland Way)

Following a converted railway track bed, the route begins at Spofforth Castle – a fortified manor house built by Henry de Percy in the early 14th century. It was badly damaged when Yorkist forces torched it after the Battle of Towton and finally destroyed during the Civil War. It’s now maintained as a freeentry English Heritage site. From here the route runs three miles into Wetherby, then a further 3.5 miles continues past Wetherby Racecourse to Thorp Arch.

Distance: 6.3 miles (Spofforth to Thorp Arch)

Walking time: Approx. 2.5 hours one way

Start/end: Spofforth Castle/Thorp Arch Difficulty: Easy (flat throughout)

Getting there: Free parking at the Old Station Car Park, Wetherby

Leeds Civic Trust City Walks

Leeds Civic Trust runs a programme of guided supper walks each spring and summer covering topics including the Victorian circuses of Leeds, lost landscapes of Headingley, medieval Leeds, and Holbeck and the Industrial Revolution. The trust also maintains a self-guided Blue Plaque Trail with over 180 plaques marking historically significant buildings across the city, from cloth merchants’ halls to the birthplaces of notable loiners.

Visit leedscivictrust.org.uk for upcoming dates and downloadable trail maps.

Distance: Varies by route

Walking time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Start/end: Various city centre locations

Difficulty: Easy

Getting there: City centre

WYKE BECK

BRIDGE OVER THE HARLAND WAY BY CHRIS HEATON

CELEBRATIONS,

ED – PART

ALEX NICHOLLS WAS CALLED UP AT UHC BEFORE CELEBRATING WITH A PARTY AT THE ZONE!

FOR PURIM

ZONE

OF LEEDS TALMUD TORAH – PUPILS MADE HAMANTASHEN.

LJWB ALSO CELEBRATED WITH A PARTY COMPLETE WITH A PARTY AND DELICIOUS REFRESHMENTS FROM LEEDS KOSHER KITCHEN.

MOOR ALLERTON GOLF CLUB’S CAPTAIN, ELAINE SIMON, HELD A DRIVE IN COVERING 161 YARDS ON ST PATRICK’S DAY WHILE RAISING MONEY FOR YORKSHIRE CANCER RESEARCH.

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

LORD MAYOR CLLR DAN COHEN WAS GUEST SPEAKER AT AN AFTERNOON TEA AT MOOR ALLERTON GOLF CLUB IN MARCH WHERE SUBSTANTIAL FUNDS WERE RAISED FOR YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE AND YORKSHIRE CANCER RESEARCH.

LORD MAYOR DAN AND LADY MAYORESS ELAYNA COHEN POPPED IN TO HEAR RABBI ALBY CHAIT’S MEGILLAH READING.

NEXT GENERATION

Adam Jackson runs us through two initiatives for young adults in the community, giving them a voice and an active network.

Adam Jackson is an active member of both The Jewish Stand (TJS) and Moishe House Without Walls (MHWoW) in Leeds. Adam grew up in the Leeds Jewish community and following completion of an undergraduate degree at Birmingham and a subsequent successful conversion to law, he starts a training contract in Leeds in September 2026. With a life planned ahead to stay in Leeds, Adam has sought to promote initiatives that encourage activity and engagement for the young adult and young professional Jewish community in Leeds. In addition to setting up a pub quiz team at the Lord Darcy in Leeds, he found his way onto The Jewish Stand’s team and began engaging with Leeds’ MHWoW initiative through Susie Gordon and Libi Fileman.

The Jewish Stand

Founded by former University of Leeds student Shmuel Von Weisel, The Jewish Stand is an initiative to connect Jewish voices for the purpose of speaking up and speaking out about interests, opinions, and ties – whether they’re religious, political, or social – to the essence shared as Jewish people.

It hopes to open a dialogue both within the community and from the community outwards through content that comes under three categories. ‘Our World’ covers the political space, the advocate’s corner, and writer’s response to events that are happening across the world; ‘Jewish Life’ tackles philosophy and religion, community, and culture and entertainment; and ‘Extra’ is everything else! There are a multitude of

platforms in which TJS shares content and engages with its audience such as articles, podcasts, YouTube videos, social media, and more.

The group seeks to strengthen the sense of community felt by Jews aged predominantly between 18 and 38, a group the team often feels gets pushed aside when it comes to activity in the local, national, and global communities and often is not taken seriously. It welcomes people from across the spectrum, from those deeply engaged with Jewish texts such as the Talmud and Zohar to those who simply have Jewish roots or connections.

People from all walks of life are welcome and encouraged to contribute in order to get as broad a representation of Jewish life as possible; diverse backgrounds, those from smaller communities, LGBTQ+ members, or even just those who feel as if they’ve never had a voice or opinion to share, TJS wants to hear what you have to say!

Get in touch today to get involved at editorial@thejewishstand.com Thejewishstand.com

Moishe House

Moishe House Without Walls is an organisation that seeks to build connections to Jewish life in the places it sets up shop and create a safe space for Jews from all walks of life by connecting those looking to interact, learn, network, and party with others in the community who may otherwise have felt disconnected.

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

The organisation operates across 25 countries around the world with around 280 hosts passionate about helping and developing these communities for Jewish people. It’s aimed at those between 18 and early 30s as these are the most formative years for people who are looking to be a part of something.

MHWoW in Leeds is relatively new, beginning in 2025 with around four members. It now has a WhatsApp group of 40+ consisting of those that have moved here and have nowhere else to go, those who don’t have a support network nearby, and people who simply just want to engage with others.

There’s an active acknowledgement that not everybody engages in the same way, and neurodivergent individuals are welcomed and catered for; current Host, Libi Fileman, is always happy to help accommodate and facilitate for those who may struggle in social situations.

Events are hosted once or twice a month – board games nights, a Halloween party, Friday night dinners, and a Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration are just some of what’s been going on in the past year, with plenty more planned for the coming months!

If you or someone you know would benefit from meeting like-minded individuals or want to get involved contact libifileman@ icloud.com or adamrjackson16@outlook.com

World of Wonder

Leeds Discovery Centre

For a fascinating peek behind the scenes, Leeds Discovery Centre takes you beyond what museums put out on display with a vast array of remarkable objects and artefacts. The stateof-the-art collection store, located near the Royal Armouries, cares for a staggering 1.3 million objects spanning natural history, social history, and the ancient world – elephant skulls, a medieval log boat, mummy bandages, meteorites, a 1,200-year-old Saxon pendant, and a stuffed penguin, to name just a few.

Visits are by appointment only, public tours run every Thursday at 11am and 2pm, and group or school sessions can be arranged throughout the week. Researchers are welcome to enquire about specific objects, consult collections in the dedicated research room, or book handling sessions. It’s a genuinely unique experience that shows just how much a city can accumulate over centuries.

Museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

MathsCity

Maths may not be everyone’s idea of a fun time, but even the most numerophobic among us are likely to be swayed by MathsCity. The UK’s first mathematics discovery centre opened its new home at Zurich House on Canal Wharf in Holbeck last year, offering more space and over 40 interactive exhibits to explore. Visitors can climb inside a giant soap bubble, step into a kaleidoscope, take on the laser ring of fire, or attempt to build a Leonardo Bridge without a single tool, screw, or bolt. There are also conic sections, mirror puzzles, and an enormous Newton’s Cradle.

The centre is run by MathsWorldUK, a charity dedicated to expanding engagement with mathematics and exploring its application in effecting real-world positive change through enjoyment and play.

MathsCity aims to show how a good relationship with mathematics and encouraging people to build skills in this area can be foundational in shaping our approach to tackling some of humanity’s most urgent challenges from climate change to societal inequalities and beyond.

Mathscity.co.uk

National Science and Media Museum

Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum is one of the most visited museums outside London and reopened last year after an 18-month closure for a major transformation. The museum now boasts a gleaming new look and the addition of two new galleries – Sound and Vision and Wonderlab. Sound and Vision’s £6.8 million, two-floor project showcases over 500 objects from the museum’s world-class collections of photography, film, television, animation, video games, and sound technologies. Highlights include an animatronic March Hare built by The Muppets creator Jim Henson, an interactive recreation of Bradford Community Broadcasting’s radio studio, and a photography gallery tracing the art form from its earliest experiments to the present day.

Wonderlab is all about experimenting with science. Through mind-bending interactive exhibits and activities, visitors explore worlds of light and sound and are encouraged to touch, try, and photograph the experience. Hear your voice echo through a 15-metre-long tube, get lost in mirrors, make art using light, and travel through a laser tunnel. There’s also the Power Up area – an absolute must for gamers – which charts the amazing history and development of video games while offering a thrilling interactive gaming experience. The museum is also home to three cinemas including the largest IMAX screen in the region. Scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk

It’s International Museum Day on 18th May so we’re flagging up three distinctive local destinations guaranteed to inspire and spark curiosity.

A DELICIOUS DECADE

After 10 years shining a light on the rich, varied, and ever-evolving food and drink culture of our city and surroundings, when the North Leeds Food Festival lands in Roundhay Park this May, it’s sure to be the biggest edition yet.

Over the past decade, the much-loved festival has grown into one of Yorkshire’s most eagerly anticipated food and drink events, attracting thousands of visitors each year and showcasing the best of local and international cuisine, live entertainment, and artisan produce.

The festival was created out of a strong community-focused ethos and has supported Leeds Mind since its inception, raising over £164,000 for local mental health causes.

“I am incredibly proud of what the team has achieved over the past ten years,” says Festival Director Michael Johnston. “The production, the entertainment, and the food and drink have grown massively as the years have gone on. We've seen attendance growth every year and we're truly grateful for the support of the community, especially against the backdrop of a challenging time for hospitality and events.

“Looking back at the first year, it's funny to think how stripped back it was. Since then, we've added something new each year to the point we're at now – with wacky roaming entertainers, the Foodie Olympics, and even a six-metre giant doughnut. We're

always trying to think outside the box with our approach, and this year will be no different – attendees can expect some surprises.”

As well as offering local treats and delectable foods from around the world, a feast for the ears is also on the cards with an exciting line-up of homegrown musical talent. For liquid refreshment, the Soldiers Ale House bar will be run by much loved Yorkshire brewery Vocation.

Festival Manager Nikki Orrell is excited about the expanded scope of this year’s event: “We’ll be adding additional hot food, bars, and market traders to the line-up this year to meet demand. Due to the popularity of the event, the number of trader applications massively outweighs the number of spots we have available. That said, we always encourage new traders to apply, especially if their offering is unique or local. We have a fantastic community at the festival and we're always open to welcoming others to join the family.”

With 10 fantastic years to look back on with pride, the North Leeds Food Festival continues to go from strength to strength, offering tastebud-tantalising experiences aplenty and a grand, festive day out in the park for the whole family.

For more information visit Northleedsfoodfestival.co.uk

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the North Leeds Food Festival returns to

Roundhay Park on 9th and 10th May

with some cracking

entertainment

and the finest flavours the region has to offer.

Treating Dry Eye OPTICAL

The root cause of dry eyes lies in a poorquality tear film as well as an insufficiency of tears. In most cases, it results from the meibomian glands getting blocked, inflamed, and not being able to secrete enough of the outer oily lipid film that normally seals the inner tear layers in and stops them from evaporating into the air.

Dry eye sufferers are usually prescribed lubricating eye drops, hot compresses, and eyelid wipes that can help if administered correctly and consistently. However, these provide only symptomatic relief and not a long-term solution.

The Intense Regulated Pulsed Light (IRPL) treats the primary cause of the dry eye by targeting meibomian glands to improve their function, normalise tear quality, and relieve dry eye symptoms. The treatment is administered with a handheld device that emits brief pulses of broad light to skin areas around the eyes thus photo-rejuvenating the meibomian glands, causing them to open up and express the protective oil more readily.

IRPL has been shown to improve tear quality, minimise debilitating dry eye symptoms, and slow the progression of chronic dry eye. In addition, it can help to improve patient outcomes of vision correction procedures such as laser and cataract eye surgeries.

Many patients can benefit from the IRPL treatment except those with darker skin tones due to the risk of discolouration of the skin. The treatment should not be used by those with active infections, skin tumours, moles or tattoos around the eyes, history of keloids, immune system or coagulation disorders, or when using anticoagulants and in pregnancy. Caution is advised for patients with a history of herpes simplex near the treatment area. Patients need to be fully assessed by a dry eye specialist before undertaking the treatment.

For more info and advice talk to the dry eye clinic specialists at Jamesdalyopticians.co.uk

With James Daly, Founder of James Daly Opticians

James Daly Opticians has been serving the Moortown community for nearly two decades. James and his team of skilled dispensing opticians offer an expansive range of frames, contact lenses, and sunglasses. You’ll always receive a friendly welcome at James’ Harrogate Road Moortown location, whether you require an eye examination, urgent eyecare, or assistance choosing new frames.

The clinic employs cutting-edge OCT and visual fields equipment, enabling the team to examine the eye with precision and detect conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration early on. There’s also now a specialist dry eye clinic within the practice.

Precise facial measurements ensure your glasses are the perfect fit and consideration of factors like colour and material mean you can trust the expert advice to help you find eyewear that suits your style. Once you’ve got your prescription, you can choose the latest frames from renowned brands such as Tom Davies, Chopard, Jaguar, Johann Von Goisern, Reykjavik Eyes, Oakley, Emporio Armani, Ralph Lauren, and Polo.

Among the stylish eyewear brands stocked is Ray-Ban, the iconic sunglasses worn by many celebrities and influential

Eyes to the Skies

Win a pair of stylish Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses from James Daly Opticians worth £155.

figures. The pilot shape is known for its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of face shapes. With their standard size, these sunglasses are suitable for everyday wear.

The Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses are where timeless design meets effortless style. Created in 1937 for US pilots, these legendary frames have become a symbol of confidence and panache. With their sleek gold metal frame, signature pilot shape, and double bridge, they’re built to stand out –whether you're above the clouds or on the city streets.

Jamesdalyopticians.co.uk

COMPETITION

James is offering our readers a chance to win a pair of stylish Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses worth £155. To enter, please answer the following question…

Who were Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses initially created for?

Enter online at Jlifemagazine.co.uk/ competitions-5 or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winner will be randomly selected on the closing date: 1st May 2026.

Terms and conditions apply: One entry per person. Prize must be booked with owner. When entering the competition online you have the option not to be entered in JLife Magazine and James Daly Opticians’ databases to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers. Postal entry data will not be saved. Publisher’s decision is final.

A DELICIOUS MEAL WAS MADE BY THE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL TEAM AND VOLUNTEERS.

HARROGATE SHUL ALSO CELEBRATED PURIM WITH A RECORD NUMBER OF ATTENDEES AT ITS MEGILLAH READING AND PARTY.

ETZ CHAIM’S MELAVA MALKA IN JANUARY INCLUDED GUEST SPEAKER, EMMY AWARDWINNING PRODUCER SHELDON LAZARUS, PICTURED WITH HIS PARENTS.

LJOY GOT IN THE FESTIVE SPIRIT WITH A MEGILLAH READING AND TRAITORS-STYLE EVENT.

PHOTO: HARRY BROWN

THE SHUL CELEBRATED PURIM WITH A SEUDAH AND A QUIZ THAT WAS FILLED WITH FUN, LAUGHTER, AND NOSTALGIA.

PHOTO:

PHOTO: HARRY BROWN

STAYING SAFE

CST

discusses the ongoing importance of community security and its vital funding.

In February 2025 at Preston Crown Court, two Islamist extremists, Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein, were sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting a mass casualty attack against the Jewish community in Manchester and Salford. Their plan, driven by IS-ideology and a visceral hatred of Jews, intended to use automatic weapons to murder innocent men, women, and children in the summer of 2024. Walid’s younger brother, Bilel Saadaoui, was also imprisoned for failing to inform the police about the plot.

Had the plot not been foiled by the skill of Britain’s police and security services, as well as the incredible courage of an undercover police operative, it would have been one of the worst terror attacks ever on British soil.

CST (Community Security Trust) worked closely with Counter Terrorism Police North West throughout the investigation and trial, providing expertise and evidence about the threats facing our community.

During sentencing, the prosecution referenced an impact statement by Amanda

Bomsztyk, Northern Regional Director, which highlighted both the potential devastation of such an attack and the fear that been generated from this trial, particularly coming so soon after the Heaton Park shul attack. It reaffirmed that high level security remains essential at Jewish communal events due to the persistent risk of terrorism.

CST has published a comprehensive research briefing about the plot which can be found on the website. It draws on court proceedings and official material to detail the terrorists’ plans, the hateful ideology that drove them, and the astonishing courage of the undercover police operative who infiltrated and disrupted the gang as well as the wider implications for Jewish security and for counter terrorism.

This case is a powerful reminder of the need for our entire community to contribute to security efforts, to abide by the trust’s security advice, and report antisemitism and suspicious activity both to police and CST in real time.

Two Leeds Jewish schools are the

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

CST extends its sincere gratitude to all police officers and legal teams involved in this case, for their determination and bravery in foiling the terrorist plot and bringing them to justice. If you would like to support the vital work in protecting our community, you can donate now.

Cst.org.uk/donate

first in the UK to receive Yael Foundation funding. MAKING HISTORY

Leeds Jewish Free School (LJFS) and Brodetsky Primary School have made history, becoming the first schools in the UK to be awarded major funding from the Yael Foundation.

The Yael Foundation, known globally for supporting Jewish educational excellence and strengthening communitybased learning, works with schools to elevate Jewish studies, Hebrew language teaching, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) provision. Its mission centres on empowering schools with resources, training, and long-term strategic investment that builds high quality, thriving learning environments.

Following a rigorous application and collaboration process, LJFS and Brodetsky Primary have secured funding to enhance Jewish education, ensuring children in Leeds receive an enriched, future focused learning experience grounded in Jewish values and community identity.

The funding will be used to strengthen Jewish learning, expand STEM opportunities, and further uplift Hebrew teaching across both schools. The initiative is designed not only to ensure Brodetsky remains the number one choice for Jewish families, but also to create a seamless educational journey where Brodetsky pupils confidently progress into LJFS.

Executive Head Teacher of both schools, Charlie Kelsey, celebrated the announcement: “This partnership represents an extraordinary moment in the history of Jewish education in Leeds. The foundation’s belief in our vision allows us to expand our ambition, strengthen the quality of teaching, and ensure every child benefits from world class learning rooted in our community’s values.”

Sagi Yechezkel, Head of School at LJFS, added: “Our students deserve the very best and this investment allows us to provide

exactly that. The support enables us to enrich our curriculum, deepen our Jewish studies, and offer cutting edge opportunities in science and technology. This is a proud moment for our staff, students, and the entire community.”

Governors from both schools have also expressed strong support, praising the collaborative work that has taken place to secure this opportunity. They emphasised their commitment to leading the schools into a bold future with passion and a shared focus on educational excellence.

Holiday Ready MOTORING

Before you head off on your summer travels, run through these 10 checks to make sure your car is ready for the road.

• Coolant

This regulates engine temperature in both heat and cold. Check the level sits between the min and max lines on the reservoir and top up with the correct type for your vehicle if needed.

• Oil

Low oil prevents proper lubrication and can cause serious engine damage. Pull, wipe, and reinsert the dipstick – the level should sit between the two markers. Top up per your handbook.

• Screenwash

A dirty windscreen is a visibility hazard. Use premixed screenwash, which contains both cleaning agents and anti-freeze.

• Tyre pressure

Check all four tyres and the spare. Underinflated tyres affect braking and can cause blowouts at speed. Correct pressures are in your vehicle handbook.

• Tyre tread

The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Insert a 20p into the tread groove – if you can see the outer band of the coin, replace the tyre.

• Tyre condition

Inspect all tyres for cracking or bulging on the sidewalls. Age, UV exposure, and pothole damage can compromise a tyre’s structure even when tread is still legal.

• Jack and locking wheel nut key

Without these in the car, a puncture leaves you – and any recovery vehicle – unable to change the wheel. Check they’re both present before you set off.

• Lights

Test headlights, brake lights, indicators, and reverse lights. Investigate any dashboard warning lights before you travel.

• Wiper blades

Check that front and rear wipers activate and that the rubber blades are free of splits or tears that could streak the screen.

Mixed Emotions COMMUNITY

I am writing this month’s column with mixed emotions on a gloriously sunny day during the festival of Purim. I’ve just had the pleasure of spending time at LJFS and Brodetsky, seeing the children celebrating this joyous festival and the staff’s fancy dress theme this year – the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Leeds (complete with masks… don’t ask) – it was quite a sight!

But sadly this will be the last JLife column with Elayna and I as Leeds’ Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress as our one-year term of office comes to an end on 20th May – the day before Shavuot/Pentecost begins.

I am always blown away by the number of festivals that take place at this time of year. For Ramadan, I hosted a recordbreaking Leeds Civic iftar (iftar is the breaking of the Ramadan fast) that will help raise money for the Lord Mayor’s Charity, Leeds Mencap. At the event one of Leeds’ senior Imams, Qari Asim MBE, spoke of the Bible, Torah, Quran, and other religious texts and the vital need to focus on our shared universal values of kindness,

tolerance, and compassion.

Easter takes place in early April, while Vaisakhi is celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus on 14th April, and of course, Pesach (Passover) starts on the evening of 1st April. So, whatever delicacy you crave across our diverse ward, you’ll be well catered for. To everyone of all faiths, I wish you a truly joyful and blessed celebration.

National Offer Day for primary schools is 16th April. If you or someone you know is concerned by the offer they have received, please get in touch and I will try to give the best advice I can.

Finally, please remember that 7th May is local election day. I am honoured to be standing for election once again in Alwoodley and truly hope I have earned your support and votes.

For any local issues please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Neil, Lyn, or myself if there’s anything we might be able to help you with.

07711 647 849 | dan.cohen@leeds.gov.uk

• Air conditioning

If you haven’t used it since last summer, test it before you go – faults are common after a long period of inactivity. Esmotors.co.uk

Lord Mayor, Councillor Dan Cohen, honours the interfaith community of Leeds.

NEWS IN BRIEF

LCC Offers Reassurance

The Leader of Leeds City Council (LCC), Councillor James Lewis, and the Executive Member for Communities, Customer Service, and Community Safety, Councillor Asghar Khan, have issued a joint statement to reassure the community following the recent attack on a synagogue in Michigan.

The statement said: “This attack will be deeply worrying for Jewish communities in Leeds. We have been reassured by senior police colleagues that increased patrols are in place at key sites across the city, including synagogues and Jewish schools, with officers providing visible reassurance and engagement with council colleagues and other key partners.

“From a community intelligence perspective, police colleagues are also encouraging the reporting of any suspicious or concerning activity. This will be logged and be reviewed daily by the on-duty NPT inspector. Leeds stands against hatred and violence in all its forms. We will continue working with partners to ensure all our communities feel safe, supported, and protected.”

40 for 40

Rabbi Alby Chait has been taking on a challenge to mark his 40th birthday – 40 push ups for 40 days. He’s doing it to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, a charity close to his heart that helps to fund vital research and provide support to those living with Parkinson’s and their families.

The challenge is in memory of his father, Rev Henry Mark Chait, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s just before his 40th birthday. Alby says it was a milestone his father never truly got to enjoy in good health, so this challenge has been way of honouring him with strength, consistency, and purpose.

Alby even managed to complete the challenge on the day he led a UHC trip to Poland, with a Facebook live performance on the Leeds-Bradford Airport runway!

Justgiving.com/page/albertchait-40-40-40

Yom HaShoah Event

The Leeds Jewish community will mark Yom HaShoah on 13th April. Planning continues with Holocaust educators and community partners, including the Anne Frank Trust, the Association of Jewish Refugees, and Holocaust Centre North.

This commemoration will honour the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, pay tribute to survivors, and reaffirm our shared responsibility to remember and educate. Further details will be shared shortly but please save the date and join in remembrance.

Soul-Full Shabbat

A recent initiative started by Anna Dyson has gone from strength to strength! Soul-Full Shabbat is an ancient new way to celebrate and be together on Shabbat mornings.

It offers a welcoming gathering designed for reflection, song, learning, and conversation to deepen connection with ourselves, one another, and the spirit of Shabbat.

Rooted in Jewish practice yet open in format, Soul-Full Shabbat brings together prayer, music, Torah, and discussion in a venue in or around North Leeds – venue details will be shared the day before each gathering when you book.

Sign up today at Annadyson.com/soulfull-shabbat

SIAMS Inspection Success

St Aidan’s School in Harrogate is proud to celebrate the findings of its recent SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspection, which affirms the school’s success in ensuring students and staff flourish academically, personally, and spiritually.

Rooted in the vision of ‘living and learning according to our church foundation and the example of St Aidan…’, the school continues to guide young people towards courage, confidence, kindness, and wisdom. This vision – echoing Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust’s mission of ‘ambition, learning, and enrichment for all’ – shapes every aspect of school life, ensuring that all members of the community can experience ‘life in all its fullness’.

The school provides excellent sixth form provision for many North Leeds students, and inspectors highlighted the commitment to compassionate leadership and nurture to support all students.

JWA Illuminate Dinner

Lord Jon Mendelsohn was honoured as ‘Champion of Jewish Women’ at Jewish Women’s Aid’s (JWA) Illuminate fundraiser. The Labour peer received the award in recognition of his support for women affected by Get-refusal, his advocacy in addressing violence against women and girls, as well as his efforts to ensure that men and boys are part of the solution to domestic abuse.

At the event, 230 guests attended the event at the London Marriott Hotel Regents Park, which focused on illuminating the realities of domestic abuse and the experiences of Jewish women and children affected by it.

Throughout, JWA emphasised the ‘illuminate so that we can empower, educate, end abuse’ theme, highlighting that abuse exists behind closed doors, hidden by silence and stigma. Funds raised from the event will go towards JWA’s £1.6 million annual budget.

Get Involved

Camp Simcha is looking for volunteer drivers to provide safe and reliable transport for children and their families.

The charity’s vision is that no Jewish family anywhere in the UK with a child affected by serious illness should have to face that journey alone. Over the past year, the number of new family referrals has increased by 20% and the need for its services continues to grow. It also needs to raise vital funds each year to ensure it can continue supporting families. There are several ways you can help…

Share your simcha – if you’re marking a special birthday or anniversary, consider asking friends and family to donate in lieu of gifts.

• Send a virtual certificate – a lovely way to say happy birthday, wish someone mazel tov, or say thank you with a donation.

• Take on a challenge – a sponsored walk, run, or other fun challenge is a great way to raise funds and awareness.

• If you have a child or grandchild approaching their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Camp Simcha runs a programme of volunteering and fundraising opportunities.

• Leave a lasting legacy – consider leaving a gift in your will to Camp Simcha or make a gift in memory of a loved one.

• Connect with new supporters or businesses, sourcing prizes or sponsorship for events, or donating special tickets and experiences for the children.

Volunteer as a driver on a regular or ad-hoc basis – email benji@campsimcha.org.uk to find out more. | Campsimcha.org.uk/get-involved/support-us

Cool Heads Prevail

A recent UKIB breakfast meeting welcomed guest speakers Claire and Richard Paxman from Paxman Scalp Cooling.

UK Israel Business (UKIB) kicked off 2026 with an inspiring breakfast meeting that celebrated innovation, resilience, and the power of a business driven by purpose and personal resonance. The January meeting brought together members and partners to hear from Claire and Richard Paxman, the siblings behind the Huddersfield-based international medical technology company Paxman Scalp Cooling.

To start things off, Jane Clynes shared exciting updates about UKIB's planned trade mission to Israel, scheduled for 10th to 14th May. The mission, led by Lord Mayor Dan Cohen and supported by key business figures, represents the first UK trade mission to Israel since October 7th. Jane emphasised Israel's vibrant business landscape, offering opportunities across all sectors, with UK-Israel trade currently at an all-time high.

The event's sponsor, Blacks Solicitors, was represented by partner Nick Dyson, who drew parallels between the themes of tradition and modernity in the recent production of Fiddler on the Roof and the constant evolution required in business and personal life. His reflections on moving forward while respecting what came before set the tone for the Paxman story that followed.

Siblings Claire Paxman, Director of Clinical Practice and Education, and Richard Paxman, CEO and Chair of the West Yorkshire HealthTech Cluster, shared the deeply personal and emotional origins of their company. When their mother, Sue Paxman, was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 36 years old she initially used a rudimentary scalp cooling system, but it failed to prevent her hair loss, leaving her

devastated. That experience inspired their father, Brian, to develop something better.

Drawing on the family's 80 years of refrigeration expertise, Brian worked to create the Paxman scalp cooling system. Launched in 1997, it represented a significant advancement in preventing chemotherapy-induced hair loss. While Sue sadly didn't survive her cancer, her legacy lives on through the hundreds of thousands of patients who now benefit from the technology each year.

The siblings explained why preventing hair loss during chemotherapy matters far beyond vanity. A staggering 10% of patients refuse chemotherapy or request less effective treatments to avoid losing their hair. For many, hair loss represents a visible sign of illness that strips away privacy and normalcy at a vulnerable time. The Paxman technology helps patients maintain their daily routines, continue working, and choose who knows about their diagnosis, substantially improving quality of life during cancer treatment.

Last year brought another milestone when Paxman acquired its long-time competitor, strengthening its market position even further. Looking ahead, the company is launching a new product in 2026 to prevent chemotherapyinduced peripheral neuropathy, a debilitating side effect that causes loss of sensation and pain in hands and feet.

Richard was recently named among the 100 most influential CEOs in oncology and awarded an OBE for services to international trade. He envisions Paxman's future going beyond cooling technology to comprehensive side effect management. The company now employs around 60 people and maintains strong R&D partnerships with the Universities of Huddersfield and Leeds, with plans for continued growth over the next three years. Throughout their remarkable journey, the siblings remain guided by their mother's memory and the belief that she didn't go through her suffering in vain.

For more information about UKIB, contact jane.clynes@ukisraelbusiness.co.uk 07703 271 238

UKIB PARTNERS AND GUESTS WITH CHAIR COLIN GLASS (CENTRE)

CLAIRE AND RICHARD PAXMAN

Best in Business

UK Israel Business is once again shining a light on some of its 2026 partners.

Manning Stainton

Manning Stainton has been successfully helping people move for over 20 years and is part of the growing Northern Estate Agencies Group, which incorporates the brands of Ryder & Dutton and Mortimers. It operates from over 40 branches across the north of England. The network also includes the Fine & Country and Auction House brands, together with specialist departments including Mortgages, Conveyancing, New Homes, and Surveys, all ready to help its customers move.

Manningstainton.co.uk

Equals One

Since 2001 Equals One has been supporting clients with their recruitment needs by advertising their vacancies across all the leading, national job boards for one low-cost fixed fee. All clients pay the same fee regardless of the role, location, or salary. It supports clients across all industries, both nationally and internationally. Equals One works in collaboration with clients, understanding their recruitment needs and providing an unrivalled service which provides staff without paying a recruitment fee on successful hire.

Equalsone.co.uk

Chef Works and Bragard

Chef Works and Bragard lead the way in the hospitality sector as two international prestigious uniform brands, designing, manufacturing, and distributing to over 80 countries across the globe. Dressing leading hotels, restaurants, stadiums, cafes, and bars with innovative, award-winning uniforms at competitive pricing, you will spot leading chefs, baristas, and servers wearing Chef Works and Bragard designs in the UK and across the world from Tel Aviv to Tokyo.

Chefworks.co.uk | Bragard.co.uk

Blacks Solicitors LLP

Blacks Solicitors is a 32-partner law firm with over 240 employees. The firm provides a wide range of legal services to both commercial and private clients across the UK.

Operating from its head office in Leeds, Blacks is committed to delivering a first-class service to all its clients while providing expert advice at realistic rates. The firm takes time to get to know and understand its clients, building long-term relationships to deliver the best possible results.

Blacks provides advice on Corporate & Commercial Law, Intellectual Property, Data Protection, Employment Law, Real Estate, Leasehold Enfranchisement, Planning Law, Real Estate Litigation, Residential and Buy-to-Let/Conveyancing, Commercial & Civil Dispute Resolution/Litigation, Private Wealth & Succession, and Family Law across a range of niche sectors, including Banking, Healthcare, Energy, Telecoms, Education, Leisure & Hospitality (including Holiday & Home Parks and Hotels), Sport, and Music Law.

Lawblacks.com

The One Solution

Winner of Telecommunications Specialist of the Year 2022/23, The One Solution provides bespoke telecoms and IoT solutions to businesses across the UK and beyond, working with clients and partners as far afield as Canada and Israel. The company is known for its outstanding customer service, flexible business packages, and innovative approach. With more than 27 years in the industry, its MD, Marshall Frieze, is known as an expert in the field and continues to grow the business while fostering both established and new relationships.

The first choice for business telecoms across VoIP, mobile, and IoT, the company is proud to boast one of the highest client retention rates in the industry, tracking consistently at over 98.5%.

Theonesolution.co.uk

Gut Feeling

Simon Gray tells us about his new drinks venture, why gut health is the next big thing in soft drinks, and why he’s driven by the democratisation of wellbeing.

Simon Gray is best known as the founder of Boost Drinks, the energy drink brand he built from scratch in 2001 and sold to AG Barr in December 2022. After the Boost brand was fully integrated into AG Barr at the end of 2024, Simon didn’t rest on his laurels. In September 2025, he launched Fizz with Purpose, a new soft drinks business with gut health at its core and a mission to make wellbeing affordable.

“Even before COVID, the world was on a better-for-you journey,” says Simon. “COVID accelerated it. But the challenge with wellness is that it tends to be expensive. Look at the pay-as-you-go gyms – the affordable ones are doing brilliantly. Anything that delivers wellness at a price that works for everyday people will find a mass market.”

The gap Simon identified was in gut health drinks. The science around fibre is

umbrella. The name comes from gen z social media shorthand – meaning something that evokes a particular feeling or mood – though Simon is quick to point out it works just as well for everyone else: “For anyone outside that age group, it kind of does what it says on the tin. It gives you functionality in your drink.”

It’s Giving launched in three flavours – apple, mango and passionfruit, and black cherry – each containing six grams of fibre per can, with low calories, low sugar, and no artificial sweeteners, at £1 a can. Distribution follows the same convenience-retail model that made Boost a success, with stock rolling into major wholesaler depots and onto shelves across independent retailers, convenience stores, and petrol stations this spring.

The research and development process was aided by Simon’s ongoing

well established – the recommended daily intake is around 30g, yet most people on a general diet consume somewhere between 15g and 20g. In the US, the category has exploded: Poppy, a fibre-based drinks brand, grew dramatically over five years before being acquired by Pepsi. It has recently arrived in the UK and British brands have followed. But Simon saw a consistent problem: “They’re all very expensive – anything from £1.75 to nearly £3 a can, which is a lot when you want to consume something every day. The Boost DNA was always value for money and convenience retail. I looked at this market and thought there was a real opportunity to democratise wellness. To bring something genuinely good for you into the places where people usually buy their drinks at a price that makes sense.”

The result is It’s Giving, the first brand to launch under the Fizz with Purpose

relationship with AG Barr: “They’ve been very supportive and gave us access to their laboratories and product engineers. It allowed us to move fast and to get the recipe right. Getting fibre into a drink that tastes genuinely good takes real expertise.”

Beyond the drink itself, Simon is clear about the bigger purpose behind the business: “Obesity, mental health, and gut health are real issues. If we can create something that tastes great while genuinely doing good for people at the same time, that feels like the right reason to be doing this.”

After Boost, Simon has taken on advisory roles, charity work, and trustee positions. All fulfilling in their own way, but something was missing: “Building something of your own again, with people you know, in an industry you love – that’s what gets you out of bed in the morning.”

Fizzwithpurpose.com

Give to Gain

A special International Women’s Day UK Israel Business breakfast meeting was recently held at

Headingley Stadium.

The latest UK Israel Business (UKIB) breakfast theme was ‘give to gain’, exploring how sports and business can come together to create opportunities. The meeting began with word from Philippa Goldstone – Director of the sponsor, Equals One – who noted women’s contributions to sport through resilience and discipline and to business through innovation and leadership before introducing Leeds Rhinos CEO and former player, Jamie JonesBuchanan MBE.

Jamie moved proceedings to a panel discussion hosted by Sports Journalist and former TV Presenter, Tanya Arnold; with Gill Spencer, Leeds Rhinos President (netball) and Director of Spencer Properties; Lois Forsell, Leeds Rhinos Women Head Coach; Sue Ward, Leeds Rhinos Director; and Jane Clynes, Director of UKIB.

Tanya kicked off the discussion by asking about the overlaps between business and sport. “When you look at what goes on in our academy and bringing the right people through the system by creating pathways, it’s the same as business,” said Sue. “I think sport and business are the same as they both have very similar structures – if you’re in leadership, you’re in leadership!”

Gill agreed: “We’re in an era where we work with a lot of PLC companies who expect us to be diverse and inclusive, and that’s exactly what we do. I came from a poor background where we couldn’t afford any sports outside of school, so a lot of our money goes to getting youngsters involved because sport’s such a fantastic thing. The Rhinos really epitomises business and sport as a union.”

Lois began her journey at the club as a

player and is now head coach of the women’s team. Tanya asked her about how this mirrors business: “The two constantly overlap; they can challenge and support each other. The things you embody in business are like what we embody as a sports team – trust, mindset, and preparation.”

As Sue was asked about her appointment as the first female director at the club, she joked: “It was intimidating working with a pale, aged, male board. You do some ridiculous things as a woman in this position to make yourself seem bigger – adding shoulder pads, wearing heels, or putting on lipstick – and nobody even noticed! I strongly believe that I’m here because of my skillset and experience, but the boardroom can be strange and scary. You just have to be prepared, confident, and believe in yourself.”

Tanya turned to Jane to discuss International Women’s Day: “Women have more than a place in business and I believe

we’re finally having more influence. It’s wonderful that we have International Women’s Day and events celebrating women, but we still need men, younger people, and people from all walks of life!”

Lois praised the progression of the women’s game, but noted that players all have full-time jobs alongside their sporting commitments: “Our sport is relatively new but it’s on a good trajectory. The women are hardworking, resilient, inspirational, and have such strong characters with a real desire to achieve. It’s a pleasure to work with them, they make me a better player. Training after a full day’s work has its difficulties but that’s what makes our achievements so much sweeter when they happen. We can see the progression we've made but we just want to make the girls feel well supported off the field. It's lots of work on investment and getting bums on seats, but what’s most important is partnerships. Thank you for allowing us to be here today with you, for opening up, and starting that partnership with us.”

“Our latest project is a netball team who are doing well but it’s hard as they’re all at university or have other jobs,” expressed Gill on the power of partnerships. “We do as much as we can for them, but we need sponsorships and backing. If we could get them on full-time wages, the game would go much further.”

Rounding off the panel discussion, Tanya asked what needs to be done in women’s sport: “We need the larger PLC companies to see what they can do for us as the players are amazing and work so hard,” said Gill.

(L-R) TANYA ARNOLD, SUE WARD, GILL SPENCER, LOIS FORSELL, AND JANE CLYNES

ALL PHOTOS: DAVID COLE PHOTOGRAPHY

BUSINESS NEWS

LBU and Zenergy Solar Join Forces

Leeds Beckett University (LBU) has announced a partnership with Huddersfieldbased Zenergy Solar, aimed at revolutionising the adoption of solar energy systems for businesses across the UK.

The project draws on LBU’s strengths in electronic engineering and computer science, leveraging its expertise in computing, data systems, and applied research. By combining these academic capabilities with Zenergy’s practical experience in solar energy solutions, the partnership seeks to simplify the complexities associated with installing, monitoring, and managing large-scale solar installations.

Senior Academic at LBU, Dr Mark Williams, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that the collaboration will allow for the development of innovative solutions that can streamline solar energy management: “Our goal is to create a framework that enables businesses to efficiently harness solar power regardless of their operational scale. We believe that by simplifying the process, we can facilitate a greater uptake of sustainable energy solutions.”

Nvidia Announces Israeli Campus

American technology giant Nvidia has announced plans to establish a major new campus in Kiryat Tivon. The company is currently the world’s largest company by market value and is also among Israel’s top employers in the hi-tech sector.

Facilities will include parks, a visitors’ centre, cafes and restaurants, as well as laboratories and collaborative spaces designed to foster innovation alongside startups and partner companies. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with initial occupancy slated for 2031.

Once completed, the Kiryat Tivon campus will become Nvidia’s second-largest site after its Silicon Valley headquarters, employing more than 10,000 staff – roughly double its current workforce in Israel and about a third of its global employees across 38 countries.

Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s Founder and CEO, said: “Israel is home to some of the brightest technologists and engineers in the world and has become Nvidia’s second home. Our new campus will be a place where our teams can collaborate, invent, and build the future of AI. This investment reflects our deep and long-term commitment to our families in Israel and their unique contribution to the AI era.”

ARC Flood Defences

High Streets UK Summit

High Streets UK chose Leeds as its latest location for its fourth quarterly forum which brought together senior BID (Business Improvement District) leaders, investors, and local partners.

High Streets UK is a nationwide partnership of BIDs and has established itself as an authoritative voice, bringing together flagship destinations to offer practical, evidence-led solutions rooted in the real experiences of businesses and communities.

Hosted by founding member LeedsBID at Hyatt Place Leeds, the discussion focused on the practical conditions needed to unlock investment and regeneration and the importance of alignment between local, regional, and national decision making as cities look ahead in 2026.

Representatives from around the UK joined LeedsBID in discussing the visitor economy, delivery restraints due to policy and cost pressures, and how tools such as business rates and the Overnight Visitor Levy interact with long-term investment decisions.

The outcomes will directly inform High Streets UK’s engagement with local authorities, combined authorities, and national government over the year ahead.

15 Leeds businesses have joined the Aire Resilience Company (ARC) to fund natural flood management across the Aire catchment, marking the start of an innovative model where companies pay annually to protect the city from climate-driven flooding.

The initiative brings together Yorkshire Water, Leeds Building Society, Lloyds Banking Group, University of Leeds, ITV, Leeds Bradford Airport, Sainsbury’s, and others to fund tree planting and soil management that reduces flood risk while improving biodiversity and water quality.

The target is reducing peak flows on the River Aire by 5% during large floods –offsetting increased river levels by 2069. Achieving this requires planting 750,000 trees and implementing soil and land management across 1,304 hectares in the upper and mid Aire catchment.

Georgina Mitchell, Chair of the Board for the ARC, said: “The benefits of ARC will protect the people, businesses, and infrastructure of Leeds from the devastating impact of flooding. They also stretch beyond Leeds city centre – the communities in the Upper Aire are likely to feel the benefits of improved water quality, biodiversity, and improved farmland.”

Israel’s Most Valuable Company

Israel’s defence technology company Elbit Systems has become the most valuable Israeli-founded company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE).

The company’s market capitalisation has climbed to roughly $40 billion, following a 45% rise since the start of the year. Elbit is also now the most valuable Israeli company traded on Wall Street and the second-largest company listed on the TASE, behind US cybersecurity giant Palo Alto Networks, which recently began trading in Israel.

The Haifa-based defence electronics group develops drones, surveillance platforms, and advanced battlefield systems used by militaries around the world. Its shares have risen about 300% over the past two years, propelling the company ahead of long-time Israeli market heavyweights including Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Bank Leumi, and Bank Hapoalim.

Next-Gen AI Cyber Startup

Cybersecurity startup Cylake, founded by prominent Israeli cybersecurity entrepreneur Nir Zuk, has raised $45 million in funding led by Greylock and other technology investors.

The company is developing a comprehensive cybersecurity platform powered by artificial intelligence and datadriven analysis that can operate without reliance on public cloud infrastructure, allowing organisations to maintain full control and sovereignty over their data.

Cylake said its approach to cybersecurity is based on two central ideas. The first is that the next generation of AI-driven cybersecurity requires a holistic view of organisational infrastructure, combining data and context from multiple layers into a unified protection platform. Fragmented systems or partial data, the company says, can create security gaps that attackers may exploit.

The second principle focuses on data sovereignty. Many of the world’s largest and most highly regulated organisations can’t rely on cybersecurity solutions that depend on public cloud services because of regulatory or security requirements. Cylake said its platform is designed to operate entirely in on-premises environments or within private clouds. in conjunction with

Digital Deadline FINANCE

This April, a landmark shift in UK taxation takes effect. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD for ITSA) becomes mandatory for sole traders and landlords with combined business or property income above £50,000 – and a phased rollout means many more will follow in the coming years.

The rollout of MTD

From 6th April 2026, those earning above £50,000 must keep digital records and submit quarterly updates using HMRC-compatible software. The threshold drops to £30,000 from April 2027, with a further reduction to £20,000 planned for April 2028.

Quarterly reporting: what changes?

Rather than a single annual return, those within scope must submit four quarterly summaries each tax year, with standard deadlines falling on 7th August, 7th November, 7th February, and 7th May. A final declaration – confirming the full tax position, including dividends, interest, and any additional income – is then due by 31st January following the tax year.

Digital record keeping

All business income and expenses must be recorded using HMRC-approved software such as Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent. Spreadsheets remain permitted, but only when linked to approved bridging tools. Beyond compliance, these platforms offer realtime visibility of cashflow and tax liabilities throughout the year.

What should you do now?

If you fall within scope this April, the time to act is now. Confirm your eligibility, adopt compliant software, and get your digital record keeping in place before the deadline arrives.

Pleasure Zone

Rabbi Doniel Stern discusses Rabbi Noach Weinberg’s levels of pleasure this Shavuot.

During COVID, I was teaching a group of adults on Zoom. The subject of yichud (the rabbinic prohibition for a man and woman to seclude themselves in certain conditions) arose and a voice chimed in: “The job of the rabbis is to make our life really difficult.” My initial thought was: “How ironic – this man was heartbroken over his university aged daughter who had ended up in a very messy situation that could have been avoided had the laws of yichud been kept.” I knew that he was speaking from emotion, not intellect, so I kept quiet.

Recently I came across a monumental lecture on pleasure, given by Rabbi Noach Weinberg (1930 to 2009, Founder of Aish Hatorah). In this piece, I can’t even begin to scratch the surface of his concepts, however I will give a very brief summary.

A fundamental in Jewish thought is the concept that G-d created the world for pleasure. Yes, pleasure. Please don’t stop reading here to chase whatever makes you feel good, blaming it on my article! Many people think that the ultimate pleasure is a holiday in Hawaii – waterbed, a cool breeze, a tall drink, and every muscle in your body relaxed. But that isn’t true pleasure.

In reality, pain is the price you pay for pleasure. If one wants to become an Olympic champion, they must experience the pain of sore muscles. Equating comfort with pleasure is counterfeit. Real pleasure comes only because of effort.

Rabbi Weinberg identifies five levels

of pleasure. Three men are digging with jackhammers on a construction site. Strapping Sammy has muscles in places you’ve never heard of, flexing as he works, showing off his strength. You ask him: “Isn’t it tough work?” He says: “I love my job. When I finish here, I'm going to the gym for another two hours. This physical work makes me feel amazing.” This is fifth class pleasure.

Next in line is obese Oliver. His whole belly wobbles as he works. You ask him: “Isn’t it tough work?” He says: “I love my job – I have four beautiful kids, and this job provides the money I need to put them through great universities.” Love is the fourth class pleasure.

Refined Richard is wearing a suit. You ask him: “What are you doing here?” He says: “I’m a successful banker. Every day at 3pm I come here to volunteer – I had a niece who passed away from an incurable childhood disease. As I watched her wither away, I promised myself that if a cure for that disease would ever be discovered, I'll do whatever I can to allow it to reach the maximum number of children out there. Dr Smith found a cure, and we’re building a special hospital here which will render that cure to children. I love my work here, fulfilling a mission.”

Working on accomplishing a life purpose and objective is third class pleasure.

However, Dr Smith, who worked on this for decades and brought about the cure, has second class pleasure – it’s the joy of greatness, discovery, and positive power.

Yet there's still something missing – an encounter with G-d.

What we each seek is to reach out of this finite world and connect with the infinite. Awe is the experience of merging our small, relatively insignificant selves with something much greater. We break beyond our own limitations and connect to the unity of G-d.

First class pleasure is incomparable to any other experience. Nothing finite, nothing bound up in this world, can compare to the infinite. However, to reach that greatest Olympic pleasure, the greatest amount of control, investment, and work is necessary.

On Shavuot, how can we celebrate the giving of an encyclopaedia of rules that control my life or, as my friend felt, cuts out all pleasure? The answer is simple: G-d is gifting us with the secret to the most powerful levels of bliss through a carefully planned workout. The narrowminded superficial hedonist sees Torah as an impediment to his pleasure. A true Jew sees the tailormade regimen to the greatest gratification, the most fantastic fulfilment.

I challenge you this Shavuot to ask yourselves if settling for the lowest levels of pleasure have given you years of joy. If you want to deepen your pleasure like everyone else, this is your festival. Be brave and come join the awesome ride! You will never look back.

Celebrate Shavuot on 21st May 2026

HigHland Spirit

In honour of World Cocktail Day (13th May) and World Whisky Day (16th May), Carl Peters of Alibi Event Bars combines the two to demonstrate the versatility of a wee dram.

Whisky has long been a feature of Jewish celebrations, but it’s certainly come a long way from a dusty bottle of Bell’s brought to the table at a kiddush by your great uncle. The drink has seen a real upsurge in popularity in recent years and has become a staple at large events – you’ll often see a decent single malt selection at our event bars. Isla malts are currently having a moment with distilleries like Bruichladdich and Ardbeg bringing their signature smoky styles to the mix.

People may think whisky isn’t for them if they imagine taking it neat, but it makes a solid base for a delicious cocktail. Here are five that we have shaken and stirred at some recent weddings and Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties!

The Godfather

For those who love an Amaretto sour, this one’s for you. Stir 50ml (double shot) of whisky with 15ml Amaretto. Pick whichever whisky you want but the sweet Amaretto compliments the smoky ones perfectly. Serve on the rocks and garnish with some orange peel – it tastes like dessert and a cocktail in one.

Penicillin

Stir together 50ml of blended scotch – we like Johnny Walker Black Label – with the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey. Strain into a glass with plenty of ice and finish with a dash of Laphroaig 10 or Lagavulin 16. This is one for the purists and will definitely give you a boost if you’re feeling under the weather!

Mint Julep

This bourbon classic is super simple and equally tasty. Bourbon is a good starting point for anyone new to whisky as it has a bit of a sweeter flavour than scotch.

We’ve been serving a lot of these at event receptions recently and they look really stylish in their pewter cups. Simply clap and drop 10 mint leaves into the cup to release the flavour, add a dash of sugar syrup, 50ml of bourbon (we like Makers Mark), crushed ice, and stir. The ice will naturally reduce so top with more crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint. If you don't have a pewter cup, a kiddush cup might do the trick!

Whisky Sour

A classic drink where any kind of whisky will do. Take 50ml of your chosen whisky, 25ml of lemon juice, 15ml of sugar syrup, and shake together with egg white. The egg white is a natural foaming agent and gives a great consistency to the drink but if that’s not your thing, try 25ml of chickpea water – trust us on this!

Shake hard, pour over cubed ice, and serve with a maraschino cherry, some orange peel, and a dash of aromatic bitters on the top for depth and aroma.

McDevil

This is a twist on a tequila classic – El Diablo. Pour 50ml of any whisky into a tall glass with ice, squeeze in the juice of half a lime, and top with fiery ginger beer. Then pour in a generous dash of Crème de Cassis (if you don’t have it, blackcurrant cordial will have to do). Garnish with a lime wheel and a blackberry. The perfect balance of sweet and spicy and the whisky flavour won’t be overbearing.

Alibieventbars.com

INTERESTING TIMES

Rabbi Eli Pink of Chabad Lubavitch considers the periods of reflection and celebration found in the Jewish calendar.

The wisest of men, King Solomon, said: “Everything has an appointed season, and there is a time for every matter under the heaven… a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time of wailing and a time of dancing.” One of the beautiful things about the Jewish calendar is the different occasions that we have, each bringing its own energy. During the month of Tishrei, it is a time for introspection, repentance, and then celebration. The month of Adar is unbridled happiness, and the month of Nissan, we are told, is the month of redemption.

Nissan was the month during which the Exodus from Egypt took place in the year 2448 in the Jewish calendar, or 1313 BCE. The

Talmud states: 'In Nissan the Jewish people were redeemed and in Nissan they will be redeemed again.' I remember during the confusing days of the first COVID lockdown, when families were trying to figure out how to run a Passover Seder on their own, there was an undercurrent of excitement. All these airplanes grounded – maybe they were being prepared to transport everyone to the Holy Land!

It wasn’t to be, but that doesn’t mean the opportunity has passed. The Chozen of Lublin was known for having a clock that would make you dance when you heard it chime, as you would realise that you were an hour closer to the times of the Moshiach. We

are certainly living in interesting times. We must all do our part to usher in a period of peace, understanding, and tranquillity for all mankind with the coming of the Moshiach.

As usual, Chabad Lubavitch Leeds will be running a Passover fund for those in need as well as public Seders both nights of Pesach. If you or anyone you know needs support, please reach out to us in confidence.

If you know of anyone in need of Shmura matzah, please contact us at office@judaismlive.com and we will be happy to assist. Support our Pesach fund at Judaismlive.com/pesachfund. Sell your chametz online at Judaismlive.com/sale