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US Chesed funds Mishloach Manot boxes Over 2,000 households of vulnerable and older individuals have received Mishloach Manot boxes funded by the United Synagogue’s Chesed for Purim. The US Chesed department offered the festive boxes through shuls. Over 1,000 of the US’ most senior members were presented with the box of goodies supported by Jewish charities including JAMI, Norwood, Chai Cancer Care, Jewish Women’s Aid, Jewish Dead Association, Langdon, and Jewish Blind and Disabled. Families who receive essential parcels on a weekly basis also got Purim boxes that include homemade hamantaschen, snacks and a ‘Happy Purim’ card. Michelle Minsky, Head of US Chesed, said, “This is a great project as it offers lots
of opportunities to get involved, regardless of your age, and we know that the recipients really appreciate the food and the thought that goes with it. Thank you to all our wonderful charity partners for their support and to everyone who volunteered their time to bake hamantaschen and pack the boxes to bring joy to many people this Purim.” Volunteers of all ages participated in the project. Adults from Edgware, Radlett, Finchley, Bushey, Woodford Forest and Borehamwood together with young people from Project Impact, JFS, Woodside Park, Hendon and South Hampstead made over 3,800 hamantaschen for the boxes. Youngsters from Bnei Akiva, JFS, Morasha and Jewish communities packed boxes.
Brondesbury Park Sefer Torah dedication
Side by Side gets ready for Purim Side by Side School in Stamford Hill has provided pupils with a range of activities in the lead up to Purim. To mark Rosh Chodesh Adar 2, the nursery and special needs school welcomed back pupils from Beis Chinnuch Secondary School to help Side by Side youngsters get into the Purim spirit. Pupils heard the Purim story through interactive shows, singing and arts and crafts. They were also reminded of the significance of sharing and receiving Mishloach Monos. A clown entertained in a session for younger classes as older classes continued preparations. Skver Cheder also dressed up and joined the school’s after-school club to deliver Purim-inspired activities. Nursery children particularly enjoyed the opportunity to visit a model of Acheshveros’ Palace in the role play area. Each class was invited to participate in the annual fancy dress show. Side by Side headteacher Gerald Lebrett said, “The pure joy and excitement that preparing for Purim has brought to each of our pupils has been a delight to see.” Lebrett thanked a dedicated team for ensuring the festival was experienced across the school.
War in Ukraine talk addresses childrens’ fears
Brondesbury Park street celebrations
Brondesbury Park Synagogue held a street parade and grand opening party to celebrate the opening of its new building and dedication of its new Sefer Torah last Sunday. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Councillor Abdi Aden, deputy mayor of Brent, and close to 500 congregants, attended. Congregation leaders Rabbi Baruch and Rebbetzen Kezi Levin led the event. Following the street parade, the crowd enjoyed speeches, dancing and refreshments with special activities arranged for the children and youth. The afternoon began with prayers for the people of Ukraine, led by Rabbi Levin. Addressing the congregation, Chief Rabbi Mirvis praised Brondesbury Park’s community spirit, “wonderful kehillah” and rebirth of Jewish life in Willesden. Emotional speeches were given by Ingrid Sellman, a member for the past 57 years and wife of former chairman the late David
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Sellman, Rabbi Levin and Victoria Portnoi, chair of Brondesbury Park shul. Ingrid said, “This is a momentous time in our community. David and Harold (Fleisher, former financial officer of the shul) would be so proud.” Victoria Portnoi added, “What we have here is unique and very special. This home allows us to fully inhabit our Jewish identity and pass it on to the next generation.” She added, “We can look ahead to our future as a community, implement our vision, embrace our identities and give our children the precious gift of inhabiting their own Judaism.” Reflecting on the event, Rabbi Levin described the Sefer Torah dedication as an “epic moment” in the life of the community and a springboard for a bright future. “That there were so many children and young people in attendance speaks volumes about the regeneration of Jewish life in the area,” he said.
PaJeS continues to deliver topical online sessions. As an urgent response to the war in the Ukraine an online event addressed parents’ heightened anxieties. The talk, hosted by Dr Anna Colton, focussed on children’s fears about the war and parental anxiety about the escalating situation. The clinical psychologist answered questions around anxiety over the war in Ukraine on television and suggested limiting the time spent watching news and ‘doom scrolling’ social media. Dr Colton explained how pictures in the press and video footage are feeding into a fear of ‘how do we protect our children.’ There was reference to 1940s Europe and a heightened anxiety in the Jewish community from haunting images of people packed on trains, hiding in underground shelters and a psychopathic dictator. A common narrative was that children were showing fear that the war would be coming to the UK. Dr Colton explained the importance of reassuring children. She noted that the more attention we give worries the more they grow. And we should distract ourselves and children from discussing the war in detail. Rabbi David Meyer commented, “It is important to recognise that on some level we are all victims of the war.” He added, that Dr Colton’s guidance was helpful in understanding how to address our fears and how to support children during challenging times. One hundred and fifty parents attended.
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A happy Purim at Side By Side
A Siyum for Lechu Bonim boys was held Sunday morning in the Apirion Suite with the boys having completed Mishnayos Meseches Sukka. Yossi Goldschmidt welcomed everyone to the Siyum.
Siyum for Lechu Bonim
PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL
