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Inside your 36 page Community Newspaper

ROSH HASHANAH ISSUE 5787/2026

SUGAR & RONSON CAMPUS OPENS

ESSEX JEWISH SOCIALS

TRIBUTE TO JONATHAN WEST

Page 3

Page 12

Pages 35

THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER FOR THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN ESSEX & EAST ANGLIA

A life well lived

ANNY ROBINSON – the wonderful Editor of this newspaper for more than 40 years – had a saying when somebody died in old age. He’d tell his sons: “When it’s a life well lived, of course, you are going to be sad, but these things should also be more about celebrating a life than mourning someone lost.” When we remember Manny – who died in May aged 93 – we remember his wonderful career in the media, his love for our Essex Jewish community and his amazing EJN columns that continued right up until his final days. It truly was a life well lived. Emanuel Rabinovitch was born on April 11, 1933, the first child of Ray and Sidney. He was close throughout his life with his brother Jeffrey and sister Gilda, whose passing in January of this year, which left him ‘last man standing’, affected him profoundly. They grew up in Whitechapel in a block of flats called Chelsea Buildings in Princelet Street. His father was a Hoffman presser, his mother a seamstress. On the night of 19 April 1941, the Luftwaffe launched one of its heaviest attacks on London, dropping a bomb on St Peter’s Hospital in Stepney, where Manny was being treated for dysentery. His mother wouldn’t know for four days whether he had survived the bombing or not, only then finding out that he, together with the other survivors, had been evacuated to the village of South Mimms. He retained a vivid memory of tulips in the fields outside where he was staying. He was evacuated to Tylorstown in the Welsh valleys for the rest of the war, even attending chapel every Sunday. Back in the East End, as youngsters, they had nowhere really to go, other than to the local dance hall, the Lyceum or

the Royal, or to the local cinema, though sometimes a lack of money meant he often couldn’t afford to go to either. And so, he joined a new club for Jewish boys, Brady. The purpose of the club, he once said, was to instil some sort of character. To him, Brady was his university. It was a place where they learned how to speak, how to respect their elders, and how to develop loyalties. It was also where he learned to dance – a skill to be shown off at simchas for years to come. He became the first boy to edit the club’s magazine, once writing about the visit of Princess Margaret to the Brady Girls’ Club. He also used to go to watch Brady teams at football matches and started to write reports about their games. And then on a Sunday afternoon after the match, he would write a report and take it down to the local newspaper, the East London Advertiser, and was chuffed when they used his report in the paper without changing a word. That planted the seed in his mind that maybe he could become a journalist. Committing to this, he would spend his weekends in Fleet Street delivering photographs from picture agencies to national newspapers. It was his way of finding his way round, and from five o’clock in the afternoon until nine o’clock at night, he would be paid 10 shillings, but it gave him an ‘in’. After National Service, he applied for work on the Stratford Express. The paper served the supporters of two professional football teams, West Ham United and Leyton Orient, and so he was given a job, on the heady salary of £4 a week. Having told the Editor he liked football, he subsequently found out that none of the other journalists wanted to cover football because it meant working weekends. So he was appointed Sports Editor at the age of 21 and started sending snippets of news from the two clubs to the Evening Standard. Journalism, at that time, wasn’t really a go-to career for a young Jewish guy from the East End of London. In fact, he became Manny Robinson when it was explained to him that his name needed to change if he wanted a by-line as Emanuel Rabinovitch was just too long to fit across a single column of type. Eventually he was approached by the Evening Standard and offered a job there. And at 23, he became the youngest journalist at that point ever to get into Fleet Street, combining that work with reporting for the Sunday Express under the alias of Harold Swan. He stayed at the Evening Standard for 35 years, leaving as its longest-serving journalist. It was a career that afforded him the chance to travel, to New York, to Israel and, memorably, to Birmingham on a wet FA Cup night, when the delayed trains meant

he arrived after the final whistle, leaving him to report on a match he hadn’t seen and didn’t even know the score. When a paper for the local Jewish community in Redbridge, then called The Bridge, launched in 1980, Manny became an essential part of the founding team, which included Israeli Itu Aviram, Frank Cass, Bernard Joseph, Philip Finlay and Geoffrey Phillips. Manny soon became the Editor, changing the name to the Essex Jewish News, switching the format and pioneering the newspaper that so many still know and love today. Under his editorship, the Essex Jewish News twice won the Community Newspaper of the Year Award, saw its circulation rise to 20,000, gave a start to numerous young journalists and provided a home for the writing of a number of older ones. After retiring as Editor, Manny stayed on as Editorial Director and columnist – with his View from the Sidelines pieces always the most popular part of any edition. The real love of Manny’s life was his family. He met Helen at an East End club and they were wed on 10 June 1956, a marriage that lasted until her passing almost 53 years later. In 1960, they were blessed with the arrival of twins, Paul and Stuart, and then five years later, with Howard.

Manny with his beloved sons Howard, Stuart and Paul

Any visitor to Manny’s bungalow would find it rammed full of pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved nothing better than getting down on the floor and playing with each new arrival, although in recent years getting back up again proved harder! After Helen’s passing in 2009, Manny found new companionship with Betty, spookily enough called Betty Robinson, and they continued to enjoy travelling until ill health for both made that no longer possible. In April, the family gathered to mark Manny’s 93rd birthday, enabling him to spend time with all of them together for the last time. • This tribute is based on the eulogy written by Manny’s son Howard and Manny’s own work documenting the history of the EJN. We are delighted that Howard will take over the hugely popular View from the Sidelines column, starting on pages 18-19 of this issue.

Manny’s incredible family Children: Paul and Rona Stuart Howard and Melanie Grandchildren: Michele and Joe Sophie and Aryel Sarah and Josh Ella and Darren David Noah and Kaylin

Great Grandchildren: Reuben Lottie Rafi Rosie Cole Nomi

Tributes from the team

The EJN editorial team of (L-R) Micaela, Simon, Linda, Pat and Manny

Simon Rothstein: It’s impossible to put into words what Manny meant to me. After taking over as the Editor of the Essex Jewish News, he became not just my guide and mentor, but a true friend. My favourite memories of Manny are sitting in his bungalow, going through articles – which we used to literally have to print out and glue onto pages – and swapping war stories about our careers, the world of journalism and, his favourite of all, the hilarious typos that had somehow made it into print. Manny may be gone but his legacy will live on through this newspaper. Micaela Blitz: I first joined the paper as the youth reporter, when I was still at school, and was the youngest one at our editorial meetings by a few decades, but Manny always made me feel included and listened to. He was such a kind, good humoured and interesting man full of amazing tales. I will miss his stories and I will miss him. Linda Newman: Long before I started writing for the EJN, I had been an admirer of Manny Robinson. I was a regular reader – nay fan – of his wise, entertaining and original columns and in fact it was Manny’s work that inspired me, a retired journalist, to volunteer and become a writer for EJN myself. Because I am ‘a newbie’ to the paper, I met Manny only once, but I will always treasure that time and be thankful that he and his brilliant work ‘introduced’ me to the paper. Pat Lidiker: Manny Robinson was a Fleet Street legend who kept his writing skills, infallible ear for a story and sheer joy of writing almost to the end. Success never went to his head, he stayed the same gentle person he always was – liked and respected by all who knew him. Few of us reached Manny’s heights and skills in giving decades of readers just what they wanted. We were so lucky to have him on our team.

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The Essex Jewish News is the newspaper of the Jewish community in Essex and is published by Essex Jewish News Ltd. ESSEX JEWISH NEWS TEAM: Chair: Phillip Leigh Directors: Micaela Blitz, Jonathan Bloom, Simon Rothstein, Hazel Weinberg Editor: Simon Rothstein News and Features: Micaela Blitz, Linda Newman, Pat Lidiker, Peter Wynch Proofreaders: Sherri Hoppen and Jan Martin-Ellis

CIRCULATION AREA Barking, Barkingside, Brentwood, Chigwell, Chingford, Chelmsford, Colchester, Collier Row, Epping, Gants Hill, Gidea Park, Harold Hill, Harlow, Hainault, Highams Park, Ilford, Leyton, Leytonstone, Loughton, Newbury Park, Ongar, Redbridge, Romford, Southend and Westcliff, Wanstead and Woodford, Waltham Abbey. COPYRIGHT:

Typesetting & Artwork: Jason Levy and Kate Abram (Dynamic Pear) Printing: Sharman Printers CONTACTS: All stories, pictures and editorial contributions should be sent by email to simon.rothstein@hotmail.co.uk or mannyrobinson@outlook.com

All material is the copyright of Essex Jewish News Ltd and must not be reproduced without the written permission of the Editor.

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A stunning addition to our local Jewish landscape Pat Lidiker reports on her memorable visit to Jewish Care’s a coffee, or a meal with their relatives. newly completed Sugar & Ronson Campus for And the Campus is designed as a gentle

Residents and staﬀ celebrating the first day at The Sugar Family Care Home

HEN the Essex Jewish News was invited by Jewish Care for an incredibly tasty salt beef lunch and personal tour of the charity’s new Sugar & Ronson Campus in Redbridge, both this paper’s editor Simon Rothstein and I thought we’d wandered into a fivestar hotel by mistake. I’m seldom at a loss for words, but trying to describe this incredible building leaves me in danger of running out of superlatives! New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described Jewish Care as the “gold standard” for the adult social care sector, and it’s easy to see why. First impressions are of spacious, welcoming, stylishly designed and decorated eating and meeting areas, café’s, lounges, wide corridors and sheer comfort for all who make this their home, or their home from home. The Sugar & Ronson Campus brings together care, community and support services for the local Jewish community under one roof, continuing the legacy of more than 50 years of Jewish Care services on the site.

Rita is a member at the wonderful Dennis Centre for people living with dementia

Volunteers Maureen Valins and Bryan Gordon pictured at the café at the The Ronson Community Centre

The 66-bed Sugar Family Care Home provides residential, nursing, dementia and end-of-life care, as well as respite stays. Alongside it is The Ronson Community Centre, a vibrant hub offering a programme of activities including live entertainment, dancing, card games, exercise classes, bridge, yoga, table tennis and Jewish festivals and community events. One resident, Corinne, had just had her hair and nails done in the groundfloor salon available to care home and community centre members. “It looks like a hotel, never in a million years did I think I’d be in a place like this!” she beamed happily. Michael, a resident at The Sugar Family Care Home, added: “The whole building is fabulous. There’s everything here, they’ve done a wonderful job and the garden’s gorgeous too.” Jewish Care continues to make the most of a unique opportunity to create a new hub for the whole new community in the heart of Essex. At The Ronson Family Community Centre on-site café, members of the community can meet friends for breakfast, lunch or tea and join in a variety of different events. People of all ages can come in simply

pathway to attend an activity, while also having access to services such as social work, Meals on Wheels, specialist dementia support and mental health services from Jami if and when they need them. The Dennis Centre, specifically designed for people living with dementia, is also part of the campus. Dementiainformed design runs throughout this part of building – that has its own secure entry and exit – with furniture, flooring, lighting and colour choices helping to support orientation, safety and independence. One regular member there, Rita, was blown away when she first arrived, saying, “It’s really wonderful and the staff can’t do enough for us.” Our lunch was hosted in the excellent café, open to the wider community, and serving kosher meat meals, somewhere that it’s easy to meet, eat and socialise. This includes an incredibly tasty salt beef lunch which will be on the varied menu once a month and will also features at the legendary Salt Beef Suppers. Richard Shone, Jewish Care’s Interim Director of Property and Hospitality, was one of our guides as he was last year when we toured what was then a building site full of promise. ‘Walking around with Richard – an Essex resident himself – and Community Hub Manager Neil Rebak, it was clear just how proud everyone is of what years of hard work have achieved. And Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO, acknowledges deep gratitude for those who have made this new chapter possible, “All this would not have been achieved without the generosity of our cornerstone donors, the Sugar family, and the Ronson family through The Gerald & Gail Ronson Family Foundation, alongside a number of other key donors, and the support of the local community.” Jonathan West z”l, Jewish Care’s late Director of Legal Affairs, Property and Procurement, was mentioned frequently. The new campus is a wonderful testament to his legacy. One of the things that Simon and I loved most was seeing how the Jewish is being put into Jewish Care. From carefully chosen artwork reflecting different aspects of the Jewish experience, to classic Judaica loaned by local people, there are reminders of Jewish life everywhere. Even the practical details have been carefully considered, for example in the way red and green tiles, plates and utensils are used throughout the campus to differentiate between meat and milk. Jewish Care’s pastoral and spiritual lead, Rabbi Menachem Junik, already well known to many of the residents, says how wonderful it was being able to greet them, telling us: “Several admired the Jewish artefacts in the display case at the entrance. Many said that seeing that, and the mezuzahs we blessed on every door, made them feel truly at home.” He was particularly moved by one lady’s request, adding: “She asked me to say a prayer with her to celebrate her

Pat Lidiker and Simon Rothstein of the Essex Jewish were wowed on their visit to the Jewish Care’s brand new Sugar & Ronson Campus

move. It warmed my heart.” The Sugar & Ronson Campus is open to anyone from across the Jewish community, with the needs of all Jewish affiliations covered, and services and activities designed to be inclusive and accessible. Maureen Valins, who volunteers at both The Sugar Family Home and The Ronson Community Centre, said: “I just love it that everybody can now be together in the one building.” This includes the young volunteers and participants of the MIKE youth leadership programme onsite – nurturing the community leaders of today and of the future. The building itself is a striking transformation of the site formerly occupied by Sinclair House, affectionately known as ‘Club’, and has been designed with Jewish life in mind. It is light, bright, spacious and fully accessible, while visual reminders throughout the campus recognise the history of the community and the services that came before. The familiar Jewish Care staff and teams remain in place, providing continuity and trusted relationships for people who have used their services for years. The Ronson Community Centre will also be available for community functions and events, including birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, anniversaries, meetings and shivas, with bookings available from February 2027. And, importantly, this is not simply a place for people once they reach a particular stage of life. It has been designed to grow with them, offering opportunities to remain connected to the community and access support at different points in their lives. I hope to revisit The Sugar & Ronson Campus after the Yom Tovim, when many more prospective residents will have completed their move in time for Chanukah. Shana Tova to them all – and watch this space! • For more information visit jewishcare. org/sugar-and-ronson-campus or contact 020 8922 2222, helpline@jcare.org Pictures courtesy of Jewish Care

Members enjoy the activities on their first day at the stunning Ronson Family Community Centre

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King Solomon kids go purple to support women

UPILS at King Solomon High School celebrated Wear Purple Day, an initiative led by Year 10 students taking part in the Alan Senitt Upstanders Leadership Programme to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. Students wore purple items with pride and raised funds through donations and an ice pop sale at lunchtime, with all proceeds going to Jewish Women’s Aid. Llara Adebajo-Martinez, Zaira Adebajo-Martinez, Fathi Hassan, Arsela Madana, Maria Najam, Michael Puskas, Zarshala Qureshi, Holly Saliba, Lara Sarikaya, Hannah Scarry, Brodie Schiffman and Daniel Szybiak, alongside teacher Natalie Spurling, were praised for their fantastic organisation and leadership.

Some of the wonderful purple additions from students and teachers on King Solomon’s charity day

Work Avenue marks 20 years and 40,000 families supported

The Work Avenue staff team celebrate the charity’s 20th anniversary

ORK AVENUE marked its 20th anniversary with a special evening recognising two decades of transforming lives, honouring five incredible pioneers and affirming a continuing commitment to helping people earn a living with dignity. More than 250 guests – including past and present CEOs and staff members, trustees, clients, communal leaders, supporters and donors – came together at Work Avenue’s Wohl Enterprise Hub to celebrate the charity’s central and vital role in Britain’s Jewish community.

Paul Mann with Award winner Craig Hartzel and Craig’s daughter

They heard how, from modest beginnings with one small desk in Regents Park Road in 2006, Work Avenue has since grown into the community’s leading employment and business support organisation with offices and outreach across the country, including Essex, and more than 4,000 people engaging with its services every year. Opening the event, Work Avenue Chair Mark Morris spoke of his pride in the huge number of families who have been supported. He said: “We have assisted more than 40,000 families during the past 20 years. We are extremely proud that Work Avenue is there for everyone within our community and beyond – irrespective of their religious background, age, gender and geographical location. “Our service has grown and evolved over the years, but what has never changed is what I consider our greatest achievement – the way we ensure every client is treated with the utmost care to enhance their self-esteem.

Work Avenue CEO Debbie Lebrett with supporter Gabriella Golker

“My pledge tonight is that Work Avenue will continue to be that pillar in our community, maintaining the same mission and always assisting individuals and families to earn a living with dignity.” A highlight of the evening was the chance to celebrate all those who helped build Work Avenue’s success, including former CEOs Shraga Zaltzman and Debbie Sheldon. Trustee Paul Mann presented the Pioneer Awards to five individuals and organisations whose vision, partnership and innovation have been mutually beneficial for themselves and Work Avenue. The winners were: • Employer Pioneer: Global Group • Business Pioneer: KMP Solutions • Entrepreneur Pioneer: Ben Cohen • Innovator Pioneer: Craig Hartzel • Partnership Pioneer: The Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation Professor David Latchman CBE, Chair of the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation, collected the Partnership Pioneer Award. He said: “My late uncle

Maurice said to me on many occasions, ‘build all these buildings, do all these things, but never forget the individual person’. “Work Avenue is very much about supporting individual people and we are delighted to be associated with them.” Over two decades, Work Avenue has helped 40,000 families by providing community members with essential lifelong skills. During that time, the charity estimates it has held around 30,000 one-to-one employment advice sessions, 15,000 one-to-one business advice meetings and hundreds of workshops and training courses. Closing the event, Work Avenue CEO Debbie Lebrett said: “Looking around the room tonight, it is clear that Work Avenue’s growth and success over the last two decades is down to an incredible team of trustees, staff, supporters and clients – all with a shared vision and unwavering commitment to helping people in our community build better futures for themselves and their families.”

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Margot Buller retires as Clore Tikva head teacher By SIMON ROTHSTEIN

LORE Tikva School Head Teacher Margot Buller has retired following seven years of dedicated and impactful leadership. Margot joined the pluralistic Jewish primary in September 2019 for what was initially intended to be a one-year appointment. During her tenure, she has overseen substantial progress across the school. She successfully led Clore Tikva through two Ofsted inspections, guiding its improvement from a ‘Requires Improvement’ rating to a ‘Very Good’ standard. Her leadership during challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent events affecting the community, has been marked by resilience, compassion and a steadfast focus on ensuring the school continued to thrive. As Margot prepares to step down, she leaves the school in a strong and stable position. Deputy Headteacher Leigh Wertheim will take on the role of Interim Head Teacher while the process to appoint a permanent successor is underway. Louise Dorling, Chair of Governors, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Margot for

her dedication, leadership and the lasting contribution she has made to Clore Tikva. Her impact on the school community will be felt for many years to come. “Leigh has been a valued member of Clore Tikva’s Senior Leadership Team for many years and is well known to pupils, staff and families. Her appointment will provide trusted leadership, continuity and stability for the school community.” Margot said: “It has been the greatest privilege of my career to serve as Head Teacher of Clore Tikva over the past seven years. I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved together as a school community. “From our dedicated staff to our supportive families and, most importantly, our wonderful pupils, it has been a joy to be part of such a special place. The school and wider community have made me feel so welcome and to be welcomed by such a special Jewish community as this is a wonderful thing. “While I look forward to the next chapter, I will always cherish my time at Clore Tikva and the strong foundations we have built together. I have every confidence that the school will continue to thrive and go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”

WIJPS quizzers taste Wembley success

OHL Ilford Jewish Primary School (WIJPS) Team C won the Creative Round at the Etgar Challenge Quiz at Wembley Stadium! Competing against 30 other Jewish primary schools, the year five pupils saw their determination, perseverance and hard work throughout the year pay off on the day. Etgar is a Jewish education programme that aims to inspire a love

of learning among children in Jewish primary schools through its team-based inter-school quiz. WIJPS Jewish Studies Lead Deborah Harris said: “From singing and dancing to problem-solving, creating, and challenging ourselves, we had an unforgettable day filled with fun and achievement. “A big thank you to everyone involved in organising the Etgar Challenge Quiz for such a fantastic event.”

Members of the winning WIPJS team with Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis

A recent Clore Tikva Shabbaton for Years 3 and 4

A new year, a shared vision for Clore Tikva By LEIGH WERTHEIM - INTERIM HEAD TEACHER

S we approach Rosh Hashanah, I find myself reflecting on the meaning of new beginnings. The Jewish New Year is a time for renewal, reflection and hope. It offers us the opportunity to celebrate our achievements, learn from our experiences and look ahead with purpose to the future we want to create. This year, that sense of renewal feels particularly personal, as I have been trusted to take on the role of Interim Head Teacher at Clore Tikva. Having been part of this wonderful school community for many years, I know how special Clore Tikva is. I feel incredibly privileged to take on this position and to continue working alongside our dedicated staff, supportive families and, most importantly, our amazing children. I do so with humility, recognising the strong foundations built over many years, and with excitement about the opportunities ahead. At the heart of our vision is a simple but profound Jewish value: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” This is not just our motto. It is the principle that underpins everything we do. It shapes how we speak to one another, how we treat those around us,

how we welcome difference and how we contribute to our community. It reminds us that every person has value and deserves kindness, dignity and respect. For me, this value is about much more than being kind. It is about developing children who understand their responsibility to others, recognise when someone needs support and are encouraged to stand up for what is right. In Jewish tradition, we often speak about being a mensch. My vision for Clore Tikva is that every child leaves our school not only with strong academic foundations, but also as a true mensch, having integrity, compassion and character, treating others well, taking responsibility for their actions and seeking to make the world a better place.

Do something beyond incredible By leaving a Future Gift to Jewish Care in your Will, you’ll be doing something beyond incredible. Future Giving ensures that vulnerable older people in our community are supported, even beyond your lifetime To find out more about Future Giving or our free Will-writing service visit jewishcare.org/futuregiving or scan the QR code Charity Reg No. 802559

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Essex supporters help Jewish Care raise record sum FEATURE By SIMON ROTHSTEIN PICTURES By GRAINGE PHOTOGRAPHY

ORE THAN 1,000 guests gathered at Jewish Care’s Annual Dinner for a moving celebration of the charity’s work, raising an incredible £5.6 million to support its life-changing services. The evening placed Jewish Care’s clients and families, many from Redbridge and Essex, at its heart, with the charity’s clients, volunteers and supporters becoming the stars of the night. You can read three of their powerful stories on these pages. The record-breaking amount raised will help Jewish Care meet the £20 million it needs each year, at a time of significantly growing demand and when many of its services receive no government funding. Hosted at Grosvenor House by journalists and broadcasters Emily Maitlis and Rob Rinder MBE, who generously donated their time, the Dinner celebrated the impact of Jewish Care’s transformative services across the community. They highlighted the growing need for care, connection and support at every stage of life. From Jami’s mental health services, now part of Jewish Care for people aged 11 and over, to specialist support for older people with increasingly complex needs, the evening showcased the breadth of the charity’s work. It also recognised how important this support is at a time of rising antisemitism in the UK and around the world. Guests heard first-hand stories of the difference Jewish Care makes through its community services, dementia care, mental health support and end-of-life care. One of those, Barbara Jaye – a regular volunteer in our region – spoke about the friendship and belonging many have found through Jewish Care’s community centres and programmes.

The Lord Levy, Marcus Sperber and Steven Lewis MBE with the clients who were the stars at Jewish Care’s Annual Dinner

Taking a starring role on stage, being interviewed by former BBC Newsnight host Emily Maitlis, was also a special moment for Barbara. She told the Essex Jewish News: “I really didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as I arrived the people who work for Jewish Care took me under their wing and explained everything to me... they didn’t leave my side! “I met with Emily Maitlis, Rob Rinder and the West End star Emma Kingston. Also, Lord Levy seemed to recall he’d

JOHN FEATHERMAN

ORMER City worker John Featherman was overcome by stress and tried to take his own life in 2019, before receiving urgent medical care and beginning his recovery. With the support of Jami’s counselling service and Head Room Café, he rebuilt his life, became a volunteer and ambassador, and now shares his story to help others and demonstrate the life-changing impact of Jami’s mental health services. He said: “I think I had a fairly typical Jewish upbringing. Then, when I was older, I met Debra who would become my wife and we had two lovely daughters. Life was good. “I worked in the City for 40 odd years and reached a high level, I was a company director and I loved it…at least, I thought I did. I worked long hours, but I was a happy go lucky chap, always the life and soul of the party, so it flew by. “Looking back, it wasn’t really me and I think I lost my way a bit. It culminated in 2019 when things went wrong at a company I was working for. It became

John Featherman

very stressful and I was the one being blamed. “And then, one Wednesday – just a normal day – something shifted. I remember sitting there watching television, nothing out of the ordinary, but suddenly I was overwhelmed by this feeling of, what’s the point? Why am I here? I genuinely believed my family

seen me at other events! “Everybody who came up to me before and after my ‘debut’ on stage praised what I said, and that’s what makes me smile. I feel sure the new Sugar & Ronson Campus will make a difference to many people in and around Redbridge and I am very excited that our community events will be moving there too!” Jewish Care Chair Marcus Sperber said: “Our heartfelt thanks go to our hosts, Emily Maitlis and Rob Rinder, to

Emma Kingston, to our table hosts, and to everyone whose time and support made the evening such a success. “We are especially grateful to the clients and volunteers who shared their stories so movingly and are at the heart of all we do. “We rely entirely on the generosity of our community to provide the highest quality care and support, rooted in dignity, respect and Jewish traditions and values, and we are immensely grateful to them.”

would be better off without me. “And in that moment, I made a decision to try and end my life. Afterwards, I told Debra what I’d done. She realised how serious things had become and called for help straight away. “They took me to Whipp’s Cross Hospital, and they were fantastic there, really fantastic. That night, I slept through and in the morning I woke up and my bed is surrounded by all my friends. And I just said the old thing, ‘I can’t even do that right, can I?’ “Soon after coming home, two good friends of mine, who both knew about Jami’s mental health services, said to give them a call. So I did and they were brilliant - really, really good. “I had a counsellor, Simon, who I could talk to and that really helped because he understood what I’d been through and just let me yabber on without any judgement. “It was Simon that suggested it might be helpful for me to go visit Jami at the Head Room Café, in Golders Green, and that was the start of the progression, the kickstart, to me getting

to where I am now. “I remember one night they had an event on the stigma of suicide. There were about 10 people there and I’ve come away from that feeling 10 feet tall. “I phoned my wife straight away and said, I’ve just been to an event and I’m normal. I’m normal. It was just amazing. I kept saying that. Because we all had very similar triggers. So going to the café and being with other Jewish people who’d been through their own versions of what I’d been through, really helped me a lot. “Thank you to all of you for your support, you really did save my life and I’m hoping that in the future, thanks to your help, Jami’s mental health services and the Head Room Café, both of which are now part of Jewish Care, will save many more lives. Thank you.” • If you are facing any of these issues, for immediate help ring Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 (24 hours a day). Contact Shout’s 24/7 crisis text service by texting Jami to 85258 for free, confidential support. Or for further information please visit jamiuk.org/ get-support.

ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n 7

BARBARA JAYE

LORD ALAN SUGAR

Barbara Jaye

Lord Sugar speaking to Emily Maitlis

OLUNTEER Barbara Jaye has seen first-hand the role that Jewish Care’s community centres play in tackling loneliness and creating a sense of belonging. Through Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre, Barbara found friendship, purpose and the opportunity to give back, including through Singing for Memory groups supporting people living with dementia. She said: “My husband plays bowls and I did try that, but it didn’t do it for me. I didn’t understand why you couldn’t throw the thing straight, I cried each time. “Then a friend said that they do table tennis at Jewish Care’s community centre in Redbridge, so I went along and they welcomed me with open arms. I hadn’t held a table tennis bat for years, but they encouraged me and now I feel good when I play and really enjoy it. “In actual fact, a friend’s husband

has dementia and I got her to bring him to table tennis. He used to play himself and when she brought him along he had his old club outfit on with his name on the back and he didn’t stop. He was fantastic. And she wrote to me afterwards and said, Barbara, thank you so much. I’ve had the best afternoon I’ve had for months. “As a volunteer I’ve done a few bits and bobs, but the main thing for me is helping out with the Singing for Memory group for people with dementia. “They come with their carers or partners, and a girl runs it, she’s got these special books with big words, and each member picks a song they want to sing and we all join in while she plays the piano. “It’s great, everyone joins in and is smiling and happy, it’s just lovely, and I feel I’ve done something for them and it’s wonderful to see the joy on everyone’s faces and to be a part of that.”

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O much that Jewish Care has been able to achieve in Redbridge and Essex over the last 40 years has been thanks to Lord Alan Sugar. He and his family are long-standing supporters of the charity through both financial contributions and practical involvement, and are the cornerstone donors for the recently opened Sugar & Ronson Campus in Redbridge, which features the 66-bed Sugar Family Care Home. He said: “The truth is, supporting Jewish Care has always been very simple for me. You can see where the money has gone, and you can see the difference it makes. There’s no mystery, there’s no grand theory, just people helping people. “I’ve been involved over four decades looking after locations in Redbridge, starting with Sinclair House itself, which, ironically, has been pulled down, and we’ve built the new campus on top of it. We’ve got The Sugar Wing at Vi & John Rubens House, King Solomon School and

the synagogue I helped to build (twice). But today we’re hoping to create the next generation of care, so in many ways this feels less like starting something new, and more like continuing the family commitment. “If you’re bringing a loved one somewhere, it’s one of the biggest decisions you’ve got to make. You want to walk in and immediately think, ‘They’re going to be safe here, they’re going to be happy here, they’re going to be treated with dignity here,’ and I wanted it to feel like a home. “Like many building projects I’ve been involved in, this one wasn’t for profit, as you can imagine, or sales targets, or quarterly results. The measure of success here is so much more important. It’s the quality of life that people are going to get from living there. “I’ve spent my life investing in business. Some investments produce 500% returns, but this is different. This is special.”

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8 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026

Essex Rabbis meet with Bishop of Chelmsford Rabbi Yanky Abrams, Rabbi Richard Jacobi, Rabbi Jordan Helfman, Rabbi Rafi Goodwin, Archdeacon of West Ham Mike Power, Bishop of Chelmsford Guli Francis-Dehqani, Rebbetzen Blima Wollenberg, Rabbi Mordechai Wollenberg and Rabbi Yossi Posen

ABBIS from across Essex and East London met with the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, and the Archdeacon of West Ham, the Venerable Mike Power, to discuss the alarming rise in antisemitism and to reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening relationships between Jewish and Christian communities. The meeting brought together religious leaders from Progressive, Orthodox and Chabad communities to speak openly about the impact of increasing Jew-hatred in the UK. The Jewish religious leaders taking part in the meeting were Rabbi Yanky Abrams (Loughton Synagogue), Rabbi Rafi Goodwin (Chigwell &

Hainault United Synagogue), Rabbi Jordan Helfman (Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue), Rabbi Richard Jacobi (East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue), Rabbi Yossi Posen (Epping Chabad), Rabbi Mordechai Wollenberg and Rebbetzen Blima Wollenberg (Woodford Forest United Synagogue). The Bishop of Chelmsford said: “I was grateful for the opportunity to express our solidarity with Jewish communities across Essex and East London. “The rise in antisemitism we are witnessing is appalling and deeply troubling, and I was particularly alarmed to hear of incidents within our own diocese – including occasions where bystanders have not come to the aid of

Jewish people under attack. “This meeting gave us an important opportunity to listen, to stand together, and to consider how we might work more closely to raise awareness and tackle antisemitism in all its forms.” Following the meeting, those present issued the following joint statement: We were grateful for the opportunity to meet on Sunday 7 June to discuss the appalling rise in antisemitism in the UK and particularly in the communities we serve in Essex and East London. We are deeply troubled by the growing number of antisemitic incidents – including occasions where bystanders have not come to the aid of Jewish people under attack. We stand together in our shared

commitment to raise awareness and tackle antisemitism in all its forms. There is an important opportunity to build on relationships that already exist between Christian and Jewish communities in Essex and East London, for example in places such as Woodford and Barkingside. We recognise the need to deepen these relationships in other parts of Essex and East London, particularly at a time when the conflict in the Middle East is a cause of tension here. Our hope is that this ongoing work will help strengthen relationships, grounded as they are in our shared conviction that every person is made in the image of God and deserves dignity and respect.

EJN Writer’s Documentary Selected for UK Jewish Film Festival

RODUCER and Essex Jewish News writer Micaela Blitz will be adding another achievement to her already impressive CV this year, as her documentary Fish, Chips & Faith has been selected for screening at the UK Jewish Film Festival this November. The short documentary is one of just five films commissioned through the Dangoor UKJF Short Film Fund, an initiative supporting filmmakers to tell previously untold stories about modern British Jewish life. Co-produced and co-directed by

Micaela Blitz and Miriam Rosenberg, Fish, Chips & Faith tells the story of a Leeds fish and chip shop that is serving both kosher and halal food to the local community. The film features Rabbi Anthony Gilbert of Etz Chaim Synagogue in Leeds, and Jenade Yamin, one of the two Muslim owners of Marlows British Kitchen based in Moortown area, just outside Leeds city centre. The unlikely partnership began with a conversation between Rabbi Gilbert and the restaurant’s owners

Miriam Rosenberg and Micaela Blitz

early on in the building phase. During the discussion, the Rabbi remarked that Leeds had not had a kosher fish and chip shop for more than 50 years, since the closure of Cantors in 1975. That simple observation sparked a collaboration which has become a powerful example of interfaith friendship and community cohesion. Speaking about the project, Micaela said: “The message of the film is really

important, particularly in the current climate, and shows how something as simple as fish and chips can bring people together.” The documentary will receive its premiere at the UK Jewish Film Festival in November, with a screening at the historic Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley, London’s oldest purpose-built cinema, before touring the country as part of the festival.

ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n 9

Shana Tova Thank you to our security volunteers for your tireless dedication to protecting our community over the High Holy Days Scan the QR code to report, donate or become a volunteer cst.org.uk Emergency No. 0800 032 3263 London 020 8457 3700 Manchester 0161 792 6666 Registered charity in England and Wales (1042391) and Scotland (SC043612)

10 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026

Keeping fundraising in the family

S THE saying goes, charity begins at home, and for the Blitz family, it seems fundraising does too. Earlier this year, David Blitz, from Chigwell, took on the impressive challenge of running three marathons in three consecutive weeks to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in memory of his friend and colleague, Steve Sampson. Completing the Brighton, Manchester and London Marathons, David raised thousands, as part of a year of fundraising activities by David and his ET Clay colleagues to raise money to support people living with motor neurone disease and fund vital research into the condition. Describing the challenge as physically demanding, he said he was driven by Steve’s memory and his determination to help others affected by the disease. Following in his father’s footsteps, albeit at a more leisurely pace, was Matti Blitz, who celebrated his barmitzvah in June and wanted to set himself a personal challenge to commemorate this milestone. He chose to support Cancer Research UK as a way to honour the memory of his great-uncle Tony, affectionately known as Zaida. The Year 8 KS student gave himself the goal of walking 13 miles from Tony’s home in Hampstead Garden Suburb to his own home in Chigwell. Along the way, he was supported by his parents, grandparents, aunties, uncle and cousins who all took part in the walk, as well as his younger sister, Talia, raising over £3,500 in the process. His older

David

brother, Aaron, was also there every step of the way, and understood the extent of the feat, having completed a similar fundraising challenge for his own barmitzvah two years earlier. Aaron’s commitment to helping others extends beyond family fundraising and earlier this year, he, along with his friend Jacob Speakman

Matti

received a Jack Petchey Achievement Award in recognition of his after school volunteering work. For the past two years the two Year 10 KS students have been volunteering at WIJPS helping with the school football club. They will be given their official award and medal at a ceremony to be held in November. This again highlights the family’s

Aaron

shared commitment to giving back to the community and between them, three members of the Blitz family have demonstrated that acts of kindness come in many forms. Whether running marathons, walking miles for charity or volunteering to help others, proving that the spirit of giving really does run in the family.

Remembering an East End war hero By LINDA NEWMAN WITH MARTIN SUGARMAN

NEW plaque has been unveiled in Hackney in memory of a Jewish First World War VC recipient, Issy Smith, on a wall at the Navarino Road flats in Dalston Lane where he lived in the 1920s for eight years. Organised by AJEX Archivist Martin

Sugarman and donated by Jerry Klinger of the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, in association with IDS Housing, the plaque recalls Smith’s great exploit in the trenches in France, when he went into No Man’s Land to rescue wounded men and so saved their lives.

The following report, printed in August 1915 in the London Gazette, brings Issy’s astounding courage and valour to life: “For most conspicuous bravery on 26 April 1915, near Ypres, when he left his Company on his own initiative and went well forward towards the enemy’s position to assist a severely wounded man, whom he carried a distance of 250 yards into safety, whilst exposed the whole time to heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. “Subsequently Corporal Smith displayed great gallantry, when the casualties were very heavy, in voluntarily assisting to bring in many more wounded men throughout the day, and attending to them with the greatest devotion to duty regardless of personal risk.” His real name was Ishroulch Shmeilowitz, born in 1890 in Constantinople (now Istanbul), to Moses and Eva, refugees from Russia who then moved to Egypt for work, from where Issy stowed away, aged 11, on a ship to London to join his older brothers. They placed him in a primary school (still standing) in Henriques/Berner Street, Whitechapel. After various jobs, he joined the Manchester Regiment, serving in India from 1904–12, before returning to England, marrying Elsie at the Central Synagogue, Hallam Street, Soho, and emigrating to Australia. Called up as a reservist in 1914 at the start of the First World War, Smith embarked for England from Melbourne before being sent to the front in

France in 1915. He fought in several major battles, during which he was twice gassed. Soon afterwards, near Ypres, he carried out his famous acts of courage and was awarded the VC, becoming the second Jewish soldier to receive the honour. Issy was promoted to Sergeant and posted to Basra in present-day Iraq, where he caught malaria and was again wounded in action – and then twice more, giving him four wound stripes. He was also posted to Israel/Palestine and treated for a lung illness caused by the gassing in France. He finally reached England and was demobilised in 1918. There, he received both the Croix de Guerre from France and the Cross of St George from Russia. In October 1921, he unveiled the war memorial in Hackney, which still stands at Hackney St John’s Church near The Narrow Way. Poverty forced him to sell his medals, but they were later bought back for him by the Jewish Historical Society of England. In 1927, Issy emigrated to Australia again and had two children, Olive and Morris. He volunteered to serve again in 1940 but died suddenly of a heart attack on 10 September 1940, aged just 50. He was buried in the Jewish section at Fawkner Cemetery, Melbourne. Hundreds attended, but the next day his grave was desecrated by persons unknown. Today it is much visited. His Australian granddaughter, Lian Knight, has recently written a book about him and plans to visit the UK to see the plaque in the near future.

ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n 11

Local leaders help dedicate Woodland Cemetery’s Holocaust Memorial L By SIMON ROTHSTEIN

EADING members of our local Jewish communities helped the Jewish Joint Burial Society (JJBS) dedicate its first ever Holocaust Memorial, located at the Woodland Cemetery, Cheshunt. A special service was led by Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick with readings from Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris, Principal of Leo Baeck College, and Movement for Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky. It blended traditional memorial prayers, Yiddish songs, poetry and the writings of Holocaust survivor Rabbi Albert Friedlander OBE. Attendees included representatives of many of the 46 Progressive, Masorti and Independent communities served by JJBS – including many located in Essex and East London – as well as the Mayor of Broxbourne Councillor Patsy Spears. Steve Wynne, Outgoing Chair of JJBS and a member of Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue in Wanstead, said: “It has long been our desire for the Society to have such a memorial on our grounds, and I am pleased that we have now been able to achieve this. “We just marked the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings. This began the journey which ended with the world learning about the Shoah and stopped the further deaths of so many innocents. This memorial is for all

those who died in those horrific times and for years after, their families and descendants.” He was joined by JJBS Senior Sexton Mitzi Kalinsky and JJBS Honorary President Frank Goldson – both also members of Sukkat Shalom – and Incoming JJBS Chair Cheryl Petar of Harlow & Chelmsford Jewish Community. The stone, created and donated by Gary Green Memorials, stands at the entrance to the Woodland Cemetery. It bears an inscription from the Book of Lamentations: “For those I weep, streams of tears flow from my eyes because of the destruction of my people.” It is the first Holocaust memorial at a Progressive Jewish cemetery. A weeping willow will be added to the grounds in October to commemorate those murdered by Hamas in the 7 October 2023 terrorist atrocity. The Woodland Cemetery gives people the choice to be buried in an ecologically-friendly manner with a variety of areas and options to suit the desires of individuals and their families. It allows couples to be buried together – including Jewish people with their non-Jewish partners – in doubledepth graves. To find out more about the Woodland Cemetery, please visit www. jjbs.org.uk/cemeteries.

Mixed faith burial is possible By RABBI JORDAN HELFMAN, RABBI RICHARD JACOBI AND RABBI TALI ARTMAN-PARTOCK

OR many years, the Jewish Joint Burial Society (JJBS) and Liberal Judaism Burial and Cremation Scheme have been offering mixed faith burial for Jewish members of Progressive synagogues and their life partners. This includes all three of our communities – Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue in Newbury Park, East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue in South Woodford, and Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue in Wanstead – as well as Harlow & Chelmsford Jewish Community and Southend & District Reform Synagogue. It is something many people still don’t know about. Rabbi Jordan was recently at a shiva house, where the children were thanking him profusely for the peace of mind he had given them. “Rabbi,” they said, “we didn’t think it was possible for our parents to be together in death, and knowing they can has lifted a huge weight off our shoulders.” All three of us have stories like this. We are writing this joint article because this point is worth sharing far and wide: for those married to non-Jews or who have family members looking for a Jewish burial, but are worried that they won’t be able to be laid to rest with those they hold closest, we have burial and cremation schemes for you. Our burial schemes offer incredible support to so many types of families seeking to be interred as part of our Jewish community. The idea of burying Jews and nonJews together, something central to

Progressive Judaism in 2026, dates back to the Talmud (Gittin 61a), where it is spoken about ‘for the sake of peace’. Peace can mean many things. One of our colleagues tells the story of the first funeral they were asked to officiate. At the end of the meeting with the family, telling of delicious festival meals, kindness to the poor, and memories for the children of weekly lighting the Shabbat candles, the husband added, “All of this, and she wasn’t even Jewish!” We can imagine the shock on our colleague’s face, who left the house and immediately called a more senior rabbi. Everyone decided to go ahead with the burial, for the sake of peace. In our communities, knowledge that funeral arrangements are in place which keep families of many compositions together creates peace of mind. Our non-Jewish spouses are often the most dedicated to the survival of the Jewish people, and to preserving our faith. Some are able to join our people; others choose to stay as they are, yet continue to offer their active support and encouragement for Jewish family and communal life. They deserve the care and support of our community in their lifetime and beyond. Thanks to the Jewish Joint Burial Society and the Liberal Judaism Burial and Cremation Scheme, we are able to provide it. You can find out more by contacting any of our synagogues, or by finding your nearest Progressive community at www.progressivejudaism.org.uk/find-acommunity

Cheryl Petar, Mitzi Kalinsky, Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick, Mayor of Broxbourne Councillor Patsy Spears, Frank Godson and Steve Wynne with the Memorial

“Last year I held his hand on the way to the children’s service. This year it’s on the children’s ward.”

Rosh Hashanah looks very different when your child has been diagnosed with a serious illness. Help us be there for families when they need us most.

PLEASE DONATE

Visit campsimcha.org.uk/rh26 or scan the QR code to donate

Camp Simcha, Amélie House, 221 Golders Green Road, London, NW11 9DQ • 020 8202 9297 (London) 0161 341 0589 (Manchester) • office@campsimcha.org.uk Charity No: 1180646 campsimcha.org.uk •

12 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026

Local MP takes on top Government job

Wes Streeting with the EJN’s very own Pat Lidiker and Phillip Leigh in 2023

By PAT LIDIKER

INCE joining Essex Jewish News 10 years ago, I have become increasingly aware of the growing reputation of our local MP, Wes Streeting. I have met and interviewed him on many occasions, so I was delighted to offer him mazel tov on behalf of the paper on his recent appointment as Secretary of State for Defence. A Christian, Wes has forged close relationships with members of the Redbridge Jewish community and is a familiar and welcome face at local shuls,

schools and organisations. He has also been a vocal campaigner against the growing threat of antisemitism. At 43, Wes has already held one of the most demanding jobs in government, serving as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care from 2024 until May this year, before returning to government as Defence Secretary in July. He also laid bare much of his personal history in his autobiography, One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up, published last year. I found it impossible to put down

Building Jewish connections across Essex By PETER WYNCH

HEN I moved back to Woodford in 2021, after almost a decade in North West London, I saw there was a particular gap for Jewish people in their 30s, 40s and 50s to meet each other socially – especially singles. After talking this through with Rabbi Odom Brandman at Chabad Buckhurst Hill, I decided to do something about it. With his initial support, I organised a walk through High Beach in September 2024. Six of us turned up on a warm latesummer day. That was the start of Essex Jewish Socials. Since then, the group has gradually evolved. We have visited cultural landmarks in London, walked around Fairlop Waters, taken part in quizzes, gone bowling and enjoyed L’chaims in and around north-east London and Essex. The ethos is simple: openness,

inclusivity and keeping things local. Most events cost very little and people can come and go as they please. Although singles are an important part of the group, I was determined from the outset that it would not become a dating forum. Couples, including those with non-Jewish partners, have also joined us. Genuine friendships have emerged. The King William IV in Chigwell has proved our most popular venue so far. As we move forward, I would like to organise more walks, as well as potentially introducing Friday night dinners, discussion events and film screenings. There is certainly scope for the group to grow, but that depends on people getting involved. My advice to anyone considering coming along is simple: have no expectations and enjoy the event for what it is. Everything else can develop from there.

and admired his willingness to confront his past so openly. Wes continues to live in his Redbridge constituency with his partner Joe Dancey, a communications and public affairs consultant. How much time they will now have for weekends away in the area remains to be seen. His new role comes at a challenging time, with responsibility for Britain’s defence, security and armed forces. On receiving our congratulations, the new Defence Secretary replied: “It

is a huge honour to be taking on this role. Keeping our country safe is the first duty of government and since my appointment, we’ve been straight to work speaking to allies, including Ukraine, to make clear that we will continue to stand steadfast alongside them. I am also absolutely committed to ensuring our armed forces have the resources they need. “I would like to wish your readers a Shanah Tovah this Rosh Hashanah. Chag Sameach!”

ELELS kids bring joy to Vi & Johns

HE hall of Jewish Care’s Vi & John Rubens House was packed with residents excited to hear the East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) choir and kids’ singing club. The groups had prepared a joyful and varied programme of music with something for everyone, ranging from songs from the shows to a medley of Hebrew favourites. The audience were given a booklet of lyrics so they could join in, and many joined in, clapped, played instruments, or simply smiled as the music washed over them. ELELS Music Director Mich Sampson said: “It was particularly special to take

our kids’ singing club, which only started in November last year, out for its first performance outside the shul. “As much as the audience enjoyed singing along with our choir, they especially appreciated hearing our young people, and taking a moment to meet them after the concert too. “Following such a successful outing, the home is keen to invite us all back, perhaps for a Chanukah candle-lighting and sing-song later this year.” As one staff member commented, the age of all the children in the room did not even add up to the age of the oldest attendee – who was celebrating his 101st birthday party!

ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n 13

Progressive conference plants seeds for the future

we are because we are stronger together. Here we are, inheritors of a remarkable legacy, ready to build upon it. Here we are, ready to help shape Jewish life, British society and the world our children will inherit.” A packed programme included more than 80 sessions – ranging from Shirei Chagigah’s spaces for joyful harmony, illuminating liturgy through song and exploring non-Ashkenazi melodies from around the world to Hineinu panels and discussions exploring liturgy, identity, practice, prayer, Israel, LGBTQI+, social justice, activism, community building and the future of Jewish life. There was

The Progressive rabbis, cantors and student rabbis of Hineinu and Shirei Chagigah

INEINU – the inaugural conference of The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) – alongside Shirei Chagigah, MPJ’s specialist music and prayer leading conference, brought together 300 people for four days of music, prayer, learning, fun and community. Progressive Jews of all ages came

Rabbi Richard Jacobi (back right), Mich Sampson (centre), Essex Jewish News Editor Simon Rothstein (third left) and members of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue at Hineinu

from all over the UK, Ireland and beyond for the sold-out event. Attendees represented 53 different Progressive Jewish congregations and included more than 50 rabbis, cantors and student rabbis. Among those from our region taking part were members of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue, Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community and Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue. Opening the conference – the first since the merger of Liberal and Reform Judaism – MPJ Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy spoke about the poignancy of the moment and the huge potential of what lies ahead. They said: “We have been reflecting on just how emotional this is for us to be here, in this space, not as two Movements but as one. Today, The Movement for Progressive Judaism really is able to say ‘Hineinu, here we are’ together. “Here we are ready to study, sing, explore, dance, renew and refresh. Here

Mich Sampson (left) and members of the Shirei Chagigah faculty lead a round-robin of melodies

also a dedicated crèche and children’s programme – run by LJY-Netzer and RSYNetzer – including sessions for kids and their adults together. Spiritual and musical services harmonised all the different traditions and tunes within Progressive Judaism and its communities. Cantor Zöe Jacobs, Founder of Shirei Chagigah, said: “It is a gift to be together, and we can hear it in the beautiful harmonies we are singing: We know there are going to be moments when we pray differently together. Please know that your voice, and your minhag (custom) is always going to be welcome even, or especially, when you do something different to us.” Mich Sampson, Music Director at East

London and Essex Liberal Synagogue, played a key role throughout the event as part of Shirei Chagigah faculty – leading worship, teaching song and working alongside special guests from North America Cantor Josh Breitzer, Cantor Rosalie Will and Noah Aronson. Hineinu’s keynote address was given by MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv, who made history by becoming the first ever Progressive rabbi elected to Israel’s Knesset (Parliament) and who was introduced to the conference as “the most important rabbi in the world right now”. Other special guests from abroad included Rabbi David Saperstein – Director Emeritus of the American Reform Movement’s Religious Action Center and the first rabbi to be designated a U.S. Ambassador – and Rabbi Dr Michael Marmur, Professor of Jewish Theology at Hebrew Union College Jerusalem and the son of the late and beloved former Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue (then SWESRS) minister Rabbi Dow Marmur. As the conference came to a close, participants were given packets of seeds to take back and plant – to signify a commitment made by all those present to go home and grow their communities and Progressive Judaism in their region. • Pictures by Si Marcus (Addictive Media)

Rabbi Dr Michael Marmur delivers the Shabbat sermon

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How a dream came true for writer Ellie Levenson By LINDA NEWMAN

AVING your first novel snapped up by one of the country’s leading literary agents, followed by a bidding war to publish it, is extremely rare. To follow that with sales in multiple countries and a publishing deal with Sex and the City actress Sarah Jessica Parker sounds almost made up. But that’s all fact. The fiction starts inside Room 706, the debut novel by Leytonstone writer Ellie Levenson, which reviewers have described as “addictive”, “gripping” and “deeply suspenseful”. “I adored Room 706,” said Sarah Jessica Parker, who has her own publishing imprint.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City

Ellie Levenson

kids, so you come down to earth quickly.” Ellie’s literary agency, Curtis Brown, represents world-renowned authors including Margaret Atwood, Jojo Moyes and Lucy Foley, alongside literary estates such as Ian Fleming, John le Carré and A.A. Milne.

Is such success going to change her lifestyle? “It was crazy,” says Ellie. “This person I’d watched so many times on TV was suddenly on a Zoom call with me saying nice things about my book and asking my opinions. But when it comes down to it, the interviews, promotional appearances and Zooms with Sarah Jessica Parker take up just a small part of the day. I’ve still got to go downstairs and cook dinner for the

(Raucous laughter from Ellie.) “I don’t think so. Nobody goes into publishing to get rich. However, it has changed my life in that I’ve given up my job and now I can be a full-time novelist. It’s a dream come true.” Ellie, 48, lives in Leytonstone with her husband and their three children – a daughter, 15, and two sons, 13 and 10. “It’s a busy household,” she says, but

there are no plans to change the way things work at home. “We don’t have external help. I always wanted to be home and be present as much as possible, hence I’ve worked part-time and mainly write when the children are at school.” Ellie grew up in Walthamstow and attended the former Loughton College, now part of New City College, before going to university. She went on to write about politics and social issues, while lecturing in journalism at Goldsmiths, University of London, for 20 years. Her Jewish life began at the former Woodford Progressive Synagogue (now part of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue), where she had her Bat Mitzvah and later taught at Cheder as a teenager. Ellie describes her Jewish identity as “more culturally than very observant Jewish… somewhere inbetween”.

Her journey to publication was far from conventional. “All the advice online about becoming a novelist says to find up to a dozen agencies to send your submission package to and then, if rejected, take the feedback

on board and send it to another dozen. But as I’m an all-or-nothing person, I sent it to about 70. I had about five agencies interested in taking me on in the end.” Room 706 centres on a happily married mother of two who finds herself somewhere she shouldn’t be – a hotel – and with someone she shouldn’t be with – her lover – when terrorists besiege the building.

Ellie says the idea came to her a few years ago. “I was knackered, shattered, although I’m sure no more than any other mum of young children. I just wanted a night alone in a hotel room, not to be needed, not to have piles of washing waiting. My husband said, ‘Are you saying you want to go with a lover?’ Nothing could have been further from my mind. I just wanted some alone time. . “I started playing with the idea in my head: what if I booked into a hotel one day and something terrible happened? While it is tense at times, it’s as much a love story as it is a thriller.”

What does Ellie’s husband think now the story is out there? “He’s very encouraging and proud,” she says, “but he knows fiction is made up!” Room 706 has also recently been optioned for television. “I’ve been warned that only about 10% of optioned projects get taken up, but it is really exciting,” says Ellie. Meanwhile, life in Leytonstone goes on much as before. Ellie has been thinking about her second novel and plans to start writing now the children are back at school. Could another bestseller soon be taking shape in Leytonstone? • Room 706 by Ellie Levenson is published by Headline Review.

Showing solidarity with targeted mosque By SIMON ROTHSTEIN

EMBERS of the Waltham Forest Loved and Wanted Alliance – including Rabbi Richard Jacobi of East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue and Rev Paul Braham of Leytonstone and Wanstead Synagogue – joined approximately 100 people outside Noor Ul Islam Mosque in Leyton. The show of solidarity followed a racially aggravated assault against a member outside of the mosque as he was leaving evening prayers. Rabbi Richard Jacobi said: “As Jews,

we know from bitter experience that attacks on one faith community or racial group often lead to similar attacks on other faith groups or communities. We must sustain a zero tolerance of any and all such attacks. “As part of the Loved and Wanted Alliance of Waltham Forest, we confirm to the members of the Noor Ul Islam community that you are indeed loved and wanted here in Leyton, in this borough of Waltham Forest, and in this country.”

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Peace and tranquillity at Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue By BRENDA SOSKIN

Jacob Jackson, with his mother Lizi and sister Layla in his Calm Sensory Garden

HE Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue Peace Garden and Jacob’s Calm Sensory Corner were officially dedicated by the shul’s Rabbi Jordan Helfman with a special ceremony attended by members, local dignitaries and representatives of many faiths. The Peace Garden was the idea of synagogue member Gary Weston and was constructed by Gary and local charity Ace Upcycles, which offers a range of supported activities for adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues. Local artist and musician Jason Rose, who painted the backdrop to the garden, played his specially created

composition celebrating the event, and the Oaks Lane Choir performed a song of celebration. Councillor Kam Rai, the leader of Redbridge Council, and Councillor Bert Jones, the new Mayor of the Borough, both stressed the importance of peace within all communities and faiths in Redbridge and beyond, and the need for a quiet place for reflection, prayer and meditation. Reverends Kate and Dr Chris Szejnmann of Holy Trinity Church talked about harmony within communities and how important it was to share love and friendship across all religions. This was re-emphasised by

The new Peace Garden at Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue

local Imam Mohammed Mikdad from Newbury Park Mosque, who talked about the peaceful co-existence between the synagogue and his mosque. Jacob Jackson, a young member of Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue, developed and designed his beautiful sensory garden with funds he received from the Jack Petchey Foundation, which recognises the achievements of outstanding young people. The garden provides an inclusive environment for neurodivergent individuals and people with visual, physical or other needs, including people who are going through

Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue's council and Rabbi Jordan Helfman send warm wishes to the community and readers of the Essex Jewish News for a happy and healthy 5787. May this new year be full of sweetness for us all. Am Yisrael Chai and Shanah Tovah!

difficulties and need a moment to themselves. Jacob explained that, as an autistic person, a Shabbat morning service can feel like a very long time to sit still, and sometimes people just need to take a break. The plants Jacob included in his garden include those that release their fragrance when touched, such as lavender and rosemary, while wind chimes and small windmills add to the atmosphere of calm. It is hoped both gardens, which are always accessible when the synagogue is open, will be of benefit to anyone who needs peace and tranquillity.

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New Year greetings

to the Community 5786/2025 Greetings from

ROMFORD & DISTRICT (AFFILIATED) SYNAGOGUE (Incorporating Havering Jewish Ladies)

Rabbi Dr Tali Artman-Partock and Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue members wish you a happy and healthy 5787. To join our High Holy Day services or for other enquiries, please contact: admin@sukkatshalom.me.uk or call 020 8530 3345. (please leave a message) www.sukkatshalom.org.uk

New Essex Masorti Synagogue wishes the community a happy, healthy, peaceful & sweet New Year We would be delighted to welcome you to our High Holy Days, and fortnightly Shabbat services. To ﬁnd out more and to book yourself a place, please email: nemasorti@hotmail.com or phone: 07922 090180

25 EASTERN ROAD, ROMFORD, ESSEX RM1 3NH 01708 741690, 01708 748199 or 01708 765117 The Honorary Officers and Congregation wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year and Well Over the Fast

ILFORD FEDERATION ILFORD FEDERATION SYNAGOGUE ASYNAGOGUE thriving community A thriving community

2a Clarence Avenue, Ilford, 2a Clarence EssexAvenue, IG2 6JH Ilford, Tel:Essex 0208IG2 5546JH 5289 Tel: 0208 554 5289

Rabbi & Rebbetzen Singer, Rabbi & Rebbetzen Singer, The Honorary Officers, The Honorary Officers, Board of Management and Board of Management our Community sendand our Community greetings to all EJN send readers greetings all EJNand readers for a to Healthy for a Healthy and Peaceful New Year. Peaceful New Year.

Wishes the Essex Jewish community a very Happy New Year www.dynamicpear.co.uk

Headteacher: Mr Leigh Wertheim

Telephone: 8551 1097 email: admin@cloretikva.redbridge.sch.uk

The governors, staff and pupils wish the community a happy, peaceful and safe Pesach

All welcome - for current informa on please go to www.wfus.org.uk Telephone 020 8504 1990

Southend and District Reform Synagogue

Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning services Shabbat arefortnightly held every are heldmorning weekly byservices Zoom and in the shul. week in person or online at 10.30 am. The services for the High Holy Days will be held Friday night services are online. Please in the shul and via Zoom.

contact the synagogue for details of these and of our Festival services. You are welcome to join us. admin@southendreform.org.uk Please contact the synagogue for details.

Clore Tikva

Fullwell Avenue, Barkingside, Ilford Essex IG6 2JN

Rabbi & Rebbetzen Wollenberg, Rabbi Hill, the Honorary Oﬃcers & Synagogue Council wish all readers a Shana Tova

Southend and District Reform Synagogue 851 London Road 851 London RoadEssex Westcliff-on-Sea Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 9SZ Telephone Essex SS001702 9SZ 711663 www.southendreform.org.uk Telephone 01702 711663 www.southendreform.org.uk

The Executive Executive and and Council The Council of of Southend Southend and District Reform Synagogue, and District Reform Synagogue, together with with Rabbi Rabbi Warren together Warren Elf Elf MBE, MBE, warmly wish the community and warmly wish the community and all all readers a happy and healthy Pesach readers a happy and healthy New Year A fresh approach to design, branding and communications

Rabbi Yanky & Rebbetzen Rochel and family, the Honorary Officers and Board of Management wish all readers a sweet and healthy New Year

KING SOLOMON HIGH SCHOOL

WOHL ILFORD JEWISH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Headteacher: Mr J Harris Tel: 020 8498 1300 info@kshsonline.uk www.kshsonline.uk

Headteacher: Mrs L West Tel: 020 8498 1350 office@ijpsonline.co.uk www.wijps.co.uk

The Governors, Staff and Students at both schools wish the whole community a very happy and peaceful New Year

Wishes all of its readers, advertisers and supporters a Happy New Year

ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n 17

wish all of our friends and supporters a very happy and healthy Rosh Hashanah On behalf of Executive Directors Rabbi Aryeh MBE & Devorah Sufrin of Chabad Gants Hill

For all advertising opportunities, please contact sales@ essexjewishnews. co.uk

Rabbi Odom & Henny Brandman of Chabad Buckhurst Hill Rabbi Yossi & Rivkah Posen of Chabad Epping Rabbi Tzvi & Mushkie Birnhack of Chabad Southend-on-Sea Gants Hill: Buckhurst Hill: Epping: Southend:

www.chabadilford.co.uk www.chabadonthehill.co.uk www.jewishepping.com www.chabadsouthend.co.uk

020 8554 1624 020 8279 2987 07496 504 345 07534 648 061

Harlow & Chelmsford - a friendly and inclusive Progressive community Synagogue building in Harlow Join us for the High Holy-Days All welcome – no charge If you’re not a member but would like to attend, please let us know in advance for security reasons Shabbat and festival services conducted by Rabbi Irit • Cheder • Social events including coffee mornings and garden parties • Adult education • Conversion class • Ample parking •

And more… Visit www.harlowjewishcommunity.org.uk Want to know more? Email us at admin@harlowjewishcommunity.org.uk

22 Beehive Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 3RT Rabbi Steven & Rebbetzen Siobhan Dansky, the Executive and Synagogue Council look forward to seeing you and wish the whole Community Shana Tova V’Gmar Chatima Tova.

Wishing everyone Shana Tova and well over the fast

Happy New Year and well over the Fast

Rabbi andGoodwin, Chaya, Rabbi Rosen Rabbi Goodwin & Rebbetzin the honorary and Olivia, honorarycouncil officerstogether and officers andthe synagogue with synagogue council together the Shul our pre-school nursery wish with all readers of staff wish all readers of the Essex Jewish the Essex Jewish News a Happy New Year. News a Happy and Peaceful New Year. Limes Avenue, Limes Farm Estate, Chigwell, Essex IG7 5NT Limes Avenue, Limes Farm Estate, Chigwell, Essex IG7 5NT

18 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026

A CHALLENGING YEAR

T’S very strange not only to be approaching the first Rosh Hashanah without my father but also to be filling the page that would normally have been his. It is the definition of imposter syndrome but, in thanking everyone for the messages and memories of Dad over the past few months, all I can say is that I’ll do my best. You don’t need me to tell you that this has been a challenging year for the Anglo-Jewish community. And it has had me reflecting on how the Rosh Hashanah of my youth and the Rosh Hashanah of today feel so starkly different. Perhaps it’s me looking back through rose-tinted glasses at the innocence of childhood, but I’m not so sure. The notion that I would have walked innocently with

VIEW

FROM THE SIDELINES By HOWARD ROBINSON friends between different service venues – Beehive Lane to the Odeon and back again – or gathered with hundreds of others, if not more, in the park on Rosh Hashanah afternoon without any sense of fear or concern is the clearest reminder that we live now in a more alarming world. Perhaps we are not the only ones who should be setting aside some time to reflect on our actions, seek forgiveness, and commit to personal and spiritual growth for the year ahead.

Go easy on the rugelach… but not too easy

JBD has gathered testimonies highlighting the impact of diabetes and pre-diabetes

Manny and Howard Robinson at one of their favourite lunch spots - Delicacy in Grange Hill

F you’ve ever attended any kind of simcha, you will have noticed one thing: there is never, ever a shortage of cake. Jewish culinary tradition has, over millennia, developed a kind of devotion to sweetness. Honey cake at Rosh Hashanah, doughnuts at Chanukah, or hamantaschen at Purim. My grandmother used to cook tzimmes, a slow-cooked stew of carrots and sweet potatoes. Technically a side dish, it probably contained more sugar than most birthday cakes. And then there is babka. Chocolate babka. To eat one is to understand both satisfaction and danger in the same mouthful. The custom of dipping apples in honey at Rosh Hashanah is yet another example of our fixation with all things sweet. After all, the Promised Land famously flowed with milk and honey. It has never been said that it flowed with vegetables and protein. So, as a type 2 diabetic myself, I was really interested by the research commissioned by Jewish Blind and Disabled indicating that around one in six (17%) of British Jews over the age of 65 are living with diabetes. That compares with around 8% of the wider population. Historically, sweetness was probably expensive, seen as festive, and associated

with celebration and survival. But the result became a cuisine in which the line between “main course” and “confectionery” has been a bit blurred. Maybe it’s time to unblur it. The campaign launched by JBD in partnership with The Jewish News is to be welcomed. Diabetes is a serious matter that can have life-changing and life-limiting consequences. The charity’s consultation on how individuals and organisations could better support diabetes education, prevention and management within the Jewish community is both important and timely. So, if the JBD research has delivered some sobering news, it could be time to go easy on the rugelach and lokshen pudding this year. But not too easy, it’s Yom Tov after all.

Can AI improve our Jewish lives? I

READ a fascinating article some time ago from the American outlet eJewish Philanthropy exploring how artificial intelligence is being used for Torah study. The article set out how organisations, like Sefaria: The Living Library of Jewish Texts Online, are using AI to supercharge translations and customise experiences, whilst others, like Aish, are using it to distil thousands of hours of classes into a more digestible curriculum. The article asked whether AI was making Torah study more accessible by breaking down barriers or curtailing Torah study by just producing answers to questions without requiring the individual to sit with and actually study the texts. This is, of course, a reflection of the wider debate that is going on in society about both the threats and benefits of AI. The reality is that AI

is going nowhere; it’s how it can be positively harnessed that is the key. For me, if it enables the next generation to become engaged with their faith and their heritage in a more accessible way, then surely that would be a good thing. Who knows? Maybe ChatGPT really does stand for “Gemara, Parsha and Teshuvah”. The question, of course, is where does AI go from here? How far will AI and virtual reality extend into our Jewish cultural and religious life? Is it something that perhaps the more progressive synagogues would look to incorporate into their community and service life? Is it something that could be harnessed to bring communities together and enhance our sense of Jewish identity? Maybe, though that’s a question to be held back for our future AI rabbis, Rabbi Avatar and Rabbi Chaim Bot.

An image generated by AI based on this story

ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n 19

VIEW FROM THE SIDELINES By HOWARD ROBINSON

My dream Yom Kippur guests

E’RE approaching Yom Kippur, or as Jackie Mason said, “Only Jews can turn fasting all day into a conversation about what they’re going to eat tonight.” When asked who he would invite to break the fast at his table, Mason

prioritised “Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein...” before saying the menu would include “latkes, blintzes, pastrami and corned beef”. I’ve thought about this. And I’ve arrived at a table with Sigmund Freud, who could spend the entire fast analysing why we’re fasting; Karl

Marx, who could insist that the bridge rolls be distributed equally among all the guests regardless of who brought them; Yitzchak Rabin, who by 9pm could potentially have negotiated an informal peace agreement between two other guests around the table who fell out in 1987; and the great Joan

It’s time for a MOJO Hall of Fame

MOBO Awards founder Kanya King, who has died at the age of 57

WAS sad to hear a few months ago of the death of Kanya King, the founder of the MOBO Awards, which honours achievements in “music of Black origin”. I’m a big music lover and over the years it had recognised some of the world’s truly great artists. Now, though, I think it’s time as a community that we got our MOJO back and launched a hall of fame to recognise Music of Jewish Origin. Regardless of genre, Jewish artists have left their mark across the music world, whether in rock, pop, jazz and more. The musical world would be poorer without Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Simon & Garfunkel, Lou Reed, Amy Winehouse, Pink, Benny Goodman, Stan Getz, Billy Joel, Gene Simmons, Marc Bolan and the great Neil Diamond. And that’s just scratching the surface.

I can’t make up my mind who would be my first inductee into the MOJO Hall of Fame. All I know is that it would be one hell of a concert!

Independence starts at home “I’ve got no sight at all and JBD offers me the safety and security I need.” Miriam, JBD Tenant

Jewish Blind & Disabled offers housing and support for adults who have physical disabilities or vision impairments.

To make a donation or to find out more about our housing and support, please visit jbd.org or call 020 8371 6611

Rivers, who would just roast every single person at the table, much to my amusement. And the menu... It has to be boiled gefilte fish with chrain to divide opinion and prompt further conversation. So, if you could have anyone at your table... who would you invite?

And finally… In wishing you all a sweet and happy New Year, I wanted to reflect on the words of one of my favourite comedians, the brilliant Alex Edelman, who said: “If you’re Jewish and not with your family or congregation today, remember that you’re part of a community that is not bound to a physical location. An internally unified people, impossible to divide, committed to a set of undying principles... Shana Tova.”

20 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026 ADVERTORIAL

Next Year’s Must-Go Destination Is Home M ICHAEL Ben Baruch, Director of the Israel Government Tourism Office UK and Ireland, on why this Rosh Hashanah is a moment for British Jews to lead the way. Rosh Hashanah asks all of us to take stock of where we have been and how we can improve ourselves in the year to come. As an Israeli living and working in Britain. I am hopeful both for my beloved Israel and also for you, the British Jewish community, who have welcomed me and my family so warmly, since we arrived in the UK in the summer of 2023. There is no hiding that the past three years have been hard for British Jews. So many of you have told me about anxiety that did not exist before October 2023, hesitation about wearing a Magen David on the tube, Jewish institutions struggling for acceptance in a once open society. For many of you, a trip to Israel has never been just a holiday choice, it has been a statement about belonging. And so many of you have kept making that statement over the past three years, proudly flying to Israel, visiting friend and family, showing up for the Israeli people, even when it wasn’t easy. British Jews have been among the most loyal visitors that Israel has had these past three years, and that loyalty has meant more than you may realise. This has also been the hardest chapter in the history of Israel’s tourism industry, which accounts for 2.5% of the country’s GDP and over 250,000 jobs at the best of times. Flights

were suspended and understandable nervousness kept many families away. The impact on the industry and all of those who work in and around it has been profound. Now the industry is truly rebuilding, with real momentum. Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has just approved funding for 58 tourism projects across the country, totalling over NIS 362 million, including NIS 58 million for infrastructure across the north. The word pioneer has a long history in our story. The early Aliyot built a country out of very little, but they led the way. There is something in that spirit worth borrowing, your presence itself is a contribution. Booking a flight, filling a hotel room, sitting on a beach in Tel Aviv may seem small, but it carries weight and opens the way for others to follow. There is so much joy to be explored. Wander Park HaTachana in Tel Aviv, the old Ottoman railway station reborn as a relaxed quarter of cafes and Friday markets. Walk the Old City walls in Jerusalem or descend into the City of David, where the new Pilgrimage Road excavation is opening another layer beneath your feet. Get lost for an afternoon in the Israel Museum. Float in the Dead Sea, or watch the sun set over the desert at Eilat. Cyclists can already explore well-loved routes through the Golan and Galilee, with more trails on the way. To be connected to Israel, to love Israel, to advocate for Israel, is to visit Israel. Not to be an armchair fan, but to remain part of the story. Every falafel

II AM ISRAEL AM ISRAEL YOURS TO EXPLORE. YOURS TO EXPLORE.

SHANA TOVA SHANA TOVA

eaten in Jerusalem, every photograph at the Kotel, every lazy afternoon on a Herzliya beach is an expression of that identification. You do not need to choose between your Britishness, your Jewishness and your Zionism, but you can choose to keep being present. Let your children feel the thrill of more than a holiday on the Med. Let them stand in a country that is their birthright, and that holds their story too. As travel from the UK continues to recover, our message is simple. Israel is grateful for those who never stopped

coming, and ready to welcome even more of you back. We are not only repairing what these years have taken from us; we are building for the future. We say at this season, “Hayom harat olam”, today the world is born anew. Israel’s tourism industry is being born anew this year too, maybe slowly, but with purpose and resolve. This Rosh Hashanah, I am asking you to choose Israel again. Wishing you all a Shanah Tovah U’metukah, a sweet and good new year, wherever this year’s journeys take you.

ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n 21 ADVERTORIAL

Rebuilding lives shattered by conflict… one dog at a time

An Israel Guide Dog Centre PTSD service dog can change someone’s life

can interrupt panic attacks, wake their partner from terrifying nightmares, create space in crowded places and provide the confidence needed to reengage with family, work and everyday life. For many people, these remarkable dogs become a lifeline, restoring not only safety but also dignity and hope. As Avi, 36, said, “for the first time since the war, I can walk outside without feeling completely alone.” The Centre also provides Emotional Support Dogs to children whose lives have been turned upside down by conflict, displacement and the prolonged absence of parents serving their country. Their unconditional love offers comfort, security and a sense of normality during the most difficult of times. One Mum who recently received an Emotional Support Dog for her child commented that now her son smiles again. As the demand for these extraordinary dogs continues to grow, so too does the need for support. The mental health consequences of the conflict will be felt for many years, and countless more people will need help rebuilding their lives. As a PTSD client told the Centre, “I can’t change what happened. But thanks to my dog, I believe I can have a future.” To find out more about the work of the Israel Guide Dog Centre, make a donation, or arrange a tour of the Centre during your next visit to Israel, please visit www.israelguidedog.org.uk. Your support will help provide more life-changing dogs, bringing independence, comfort and hope to people whose lives have been shattered by conflict. One dog at a time.

Together we can rebuild shattered lives one dog at a time Please donate now to help us provide expertly trained dogs for Israelis living with sight loss, PTSD and children dealing with emotional trauma.

020 8090 3455 israelguidedog.org.uk GUIDE DOGS

PTSD SERVICE DOGS

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOGS

Registered charity no: 1188449

HE scars of war are not always visible. Since the horrific events of 7 October 2023, thousands of Israelis have suffered life-changing physical injuries. But alongside those visible wounds, an even greater crisis has emerged. A wave of psychological trauma is sweeping across the country, affecting soldiers, reservists, families and children alike. Experts now warn that Israel is facing a long-term national mental health emergency. A recent Haaretz article quoted that more than 69,000 civilians have already been recognised as suffering war-related psychological injuries, while almost one in five Israelis continues to experience symptoms of PTSD, a rate far higher than the global average. Mental health professionals believe many more cases have yet to emerge, as trauma often takes years to fully reveal itself. Behind these figures are real people. A veteran unable to sleep because of recurring nightmares. A survivor whose panic attacks make everyday life impossible. A child living with fear after witnessing scenes no one should see. These invisible injuries can steal independence, confidence and hope. However, at the Israel Guide Dog Centre, life-changing dogs are helping people reclaim all three. Every dog is expertly bred and trained to meet a specific need. Guide Dogs restore independence to people whose sight has been lost or damaged, enabling them to move through the world with confidence once again. PTSD Service Dogs provide practical support and constant reassurance for those living with severe trauma. They

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Six decades of making a difference What makes a successful volunteer with over six decades of service want to keep right on doing it, bigger and better at that? Linda Newman speaks to Rita Roth OBE to find out

Rita on her walk for the Israel Guide Dog Centre UK with her toy dog

“I

COME from a very ordinary working-class traditional Jewish family,” veteran fundraiser Rita Roth from Westcliff-on-Sea tells me as we begin our chat about her life and the successful volunteering journey she has taken. But there is nothing ‘ordinary’ about the thousands and thousands of pounds she has raised whilst supporting Jewish and other causes. HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN? As a child, Rita, her parents and brother lived in Ilford. They later spent some time living in Oxford, where Rita won a scholarship to a partly private school, until the family moved back to the Redbridge area and Rita finished her education at Woodford County High School for Girls. After her first secretarial job working for the Dalton family of ‘Percy Dalton’s Famous Peanut Company’, came a move which changed the trajectory of Rita’s life when she went to work for a shipping company Houlder Bros in Leadenhall Street. “I loved it and then went on to work for Kelvin Hughes, who were

manufacturers of marine communications and navigational equipment”. Gradually, Rita gained promotions until she was head of department employing ships’ radio and electronics officers and other services. After ten years, she started a very successful marine company in London and in 1984 received an OBE for services to merchant shipping. Rita and husband Andrew, of 52 years, live on the seafront in Westcliff. The couple don’t have children (“we are still practising,” she quips) and are members of Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Community, where Rita served three terms as a trustee on their Board of Management. Alongside, and before, her demanding career kicked off, Rita has always volunteered. Starting as a teenager, she volunteered at King George Hospital in Newbury Park and at Barkingside Jewish Youth Club. “My parents brought me up with a strong work ethic; I’m a doer,” she says, which is something of an understatement.

RAISING THOUSANDS

Most of Rita’s fundraising work has been for Jewish Care, for whom she has raised well over £100,000, while other beneficiaries of her indomitable services have included the Southend and Westcliff Jewish Community Centre, Haven House Hospices and Raymond House care home in Westcliff before it closed. Recently, Rita raised £5,000 for the Guide Dog Centre in Israel. “The challenge was to walk 78km in a month, so I walked 79km around Westcliff in just two weeks.” OF COURSE SHE DID! “I’d read about a 27-year-old soldier who had been a hostage and whose eyesight had been impacted. I was so upset at the thought of this young man, with his life in front of him, losing his sight that I wrote to the Guide Dog Centre in Israel and got involved with their Guide Dog Challenge over here, which took place in April. “All the other walkers had their dogs with them, but I don’t have a dog anymore, so for a giggle I put a toy dog from my collection in a doggy bag.” As Chair of the Friends of Rosetrees Committee, Rita organises functions including musical concerts, celebrity interviews and more, the proceeds enabling specialist equipment to be bought, outings for residents, weekly treats, musical tea parties and much more. “I moved my mother to Rosetrees in Friern Barnet when she needed care. I have to admit that at the time I didn’t think about the logistics of travelling backwards and forwards; all I thought about was the superb quality of care and that’s what my mother received.” Sadly, Rita’s mother died in 2017 but Rita has continued her weekly journey and Andrew joins her every Wednesday. RITA’S CHOCOLATE DROP “I do music mornings and afternoons every week. Andrew takes care of the

technical side, sorting out the music etc. In winter I take in chocolate bars (known as ‘Rita’s Chocolate Drop’) and in the summer we take a selection of ice creams. “Also, Andrew and I are dog fanatics and one of the volunteers at the shop on site has a gorgeous dog and when I took her into the care home she was highly successful. Now Clemmie is registered as a pet dog volunteer and I am her registered handler.” PRIME MINISTER’S AWARD What are Rita’s personal highlights from over the years? In 2023 she received the prestigious Point of Light award from then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in recognition of Rita’s six decades of charitable service and the phenomenal £100,000 she had raised. “It was such a total surprise and the PM was lovely. “During Covid, I did Zoom evenings and they raised a lot of money. The first one was with Michael Grade interviewing Jeffrey Archer, which was hysterically funny. Theresa May was another interviewee. “Recently, actor Christopher Biggins joined us at a fund-raising afternoon, which was hysterical. Amongst other events we had Abba’s Angels perform who lifted our spirits and the roof after Covid - plus other tribute acts to Tom Jones, Tina Turner and Barbra Streisand – all outstanding.” Amidst all this activity, Rita continues to do a lot of walking for pleasure and still finds time to cook, bake and entertain. “When I started volunteering as a teenager all those years ago, I never thought I would need Jewish Care, but I really don’t know what I would have done without them. “They were there when my mother needed care and support and now I get so much pleasure from volunteering and being with the residents, the care workers and all the other volunteers, who are fantastic.” We think that’s exactly what they and many others would also say about you Rita!

Clemmie is pet dog volunteer and Rita is her handler

Rita Roth with former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after being presented with a Points of Light Award

ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n 23

Laughter and lokshen pudding: Portia takes to the stage

Pat Lidiker chats to Cambridge illustrator Portia Rosenberg about her break into stand-up comedy

HEN she left her Bournemouth home in 1980 to study English literature and illustration in Cambridge, not even Portia Rosenberg’s own vivid imagination could have foretold what her future had in store. She set up home in a village near Cambridge where she still lives with her partner, Matt Dowler, a tree surgeon. On arrival she joined Beth Shalom Synagogue, sang in the choir, helped cook for the annual seder and took part in the drama group. Her first taste of fame came in 2004 when she was asked to illustrate the sell-out, multi-award-winning book Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. She was responsible for the 27 unique illustrations, plus the bird silhouette on the front cover. Prestigious accolades included Time’s Best Novel of the Year, the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, the British Book Awards Newcomer of the Year Award and the Mythopoeic Award for Adult Literature. This recognition of her artistic talents led to more and more offers, but resting on her laurels has never been part of Portia’s DNA. Her latest move has been towards something completely different, but creative in its own way. Portia told us: “I’d been thinking of doing stand-up comedy for a long time as I’ve always loved humour and joking around with words. So when I saw an advert online for a course run by Ultra Comedy I got in touch with its leader, professional comedian Tom Short. “He explained the course took place at a community centre in London’s Barbican. It was free, but participants had to commit to selling ten £25 tickets for the final show, where we all got to perform for five minutes in front of obliging, long-suffering friends and family.” She drew on a similar experience in Cambridge, though still felt she was indulging a whim despite having nothing to lose apart from her fundamental dignity. “I reminded myself I was now 63 so it was better to give it a try rather than speculate forever about what might

have been.” Tom showed all the participants how to perform, the structures and techniques involved, and how to base scripts around what they knew best from lived experience. Portia decided to be upfront and cheeky about being Jewish, telling her audience: “So I’m Jewish and I love food, which is pretty much like saying the same thing twice. If it ever came to a choice between my partner Matt and a smoked salmon bagel, it wouldn’t go well for him.” She then went on to say how much she loved her own mum’s cooking. “She makes this rich, sweet baked noodle dish with eggs and cream. It’s called lokshen pudding, which is Yiddish for blocked arteries.” After the show her partner Matt said: “Even though Portia had done improv before, I felt she was very brave to have a go at stand-up comedy. I thought she wouldn’t have any worries about performing but might struggle with writing her own material. But on the night she pulled it all together and was one of the best performers. I was so proud of her that at the end of her set I welled up and couldn’t wait to give her a hug!” Portia adds: “I definitely feel much of this drive towards comedy can be credited to my parents and sister too. There’s always been a family tradition of teasing and joking around, particularly by my much-missed dad, Alan, who died two years ago before I had done stand-up but always cheered me on with illustration.” Portia regularly spends time with both her mum, Leila, and her sister in Bournemouth and Cambridge. Of the show itself, Portia says: “It was a very bonding experience. Almost a year on, we still have WhatsApp groups where participants chat, share information, arrange meet-ups and plan gigs together.” She has currently stepped back from the spotlight to write new material, resume her illustration work and get more involved in her community. But one thing’s for sure – whatever Portia does next, it will never be boring.

Portia wows at the Backyard Comedy Club

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24 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026

The quiet man honoured with an OBE Phillip Leigh speaks to Jeff Shear OBE about a lifetime of dedication to charities, community service and helping others

T was one of those sweltering mornings at the end of last June when I picked up the phone to congratulate Jeff Shear on receiving an OBE. It was a thoroughly deserved honour, recognising a life devoted to helping others rather than seeking recognition for himself. I also wanted to understand what had made Jeff one of the quietest and most unassuming men I have known over the past 50 years, yet also one of the most committed figures in community and charitable life across Redbridge, the wider Jewish community and beyond. Jeff grew up in Walthamstow Market, where he lived with his parents, Ann and Joe, and his grandparents before the family moved to Wanstead. He attended Nightingale Junior School before going on to Wanstead High School. From there he studied History at the University of Leicester under the renowned historian Audley Newman, only discovering his tutor was Jewish when they met in synagogue on Yom Kippur. He later studied Social Work at University College Cardiff, an experience that, he says, gave him a lifelong passion for community work. His professional career began in 1979 with the London Borough of Redbridge as Deputy Manager of a residential care home for troubled adolescents. Jeff’s commitment to charitable fundraising had much earlier roots. His father, Joe, worked tirelessly raising money for the Jewish National Fund and was heavily involved with Wanstead and Woodford Club, alongside another stalwart of the Redbridge community, Mick Cohen. In 1969, alongside Mick, Jeff became one of the founding figures involved in establishing Sinclair House under the leadership of the late Bernard Sinclair MBE. Jeff reminded me that his great mentor, Ian Berkoff – who was also my own mentor – became Sinclair House’s first Centre Manager. Jeff recalls Ian as his closest friend, the person who first deepened his understanding of Israel and someone with whom he travelled extensively throughout the country. I can honestly say that without Ian’s support I would never have survived my first fortnight as Chair of Sinclair House. Today, after more than 40 years, I am proud to serve as its Life President. Around this time Jeff became Head of Redbridge’s Joint Family Service, working alongside organisations including the Jewish Welfare Board, Ravenswood, Norwood and the Jewish Blind Society. He was later appointed Area Director of the Jewish Welfare Board,

which subsequently merged with the Jewish Board of Guardians and the Jewish Blind Society to form what is now the highly respected Jewish Care in 1990. Jeff then became Campaign Director for Marketing, Fundraising and Strategy at Jewish Care, working closely with its first Chief Executive, Melvyn Carlowe. Melvyn joined the long list of people Jeff regards as mentors and influences and, in my view, was the consummate professional. Phew! I had to catch my breath. By now the weather was becoming blisteringly hot. Alongside his professional responsibilities, Jeff also chaired Redbridge Council’s Voluntary Service. It was during this period that Jeff came to the attention of an American public relations company, which offered him a position that seemed impossible to refuse. However, when he discussed leaving Jewish Care with its then Chairman, the now Lord Michael Levy, Michael was determined not to lose someone he regarded as a future star. He matched the American offer, and Jeff remained, working alongside him at M&G Records while continuing his fundraising work for Jewish Care. What a negotiator Michael was! I sometimes think I should have persuaded him to join me in estate agency. After Michael sold M&G, Jeff established his own fundraising consultancy, Solid Management, which he still runs today. Advising charities and philanthropists, colleagues estimate he has helped raise more than £750 million over the past 25 years. I asked Jeff how, during my time as Chair of Sinclair House, he persuaded families including the Ronsons, the Sugars, Clive and Joy Bourne, and Cyril and Hilary Dennis to support not only the establishment and later expansion of Sinclair House and the Vi and John Rubens Home, but also the ongoing day-to-day running costs that always seemed so difficult to fund. His answer surprised me. In every case, he said, it was the lady of the house who made the difference, and every family responded generously without hesitation. I also asked how the Ronson family, based in north London, became one of the first families from outside east London to support Sinclair House, a commitment they continue to this day. Jeff said much of the credit belonged to my old friend and former neighbour Harry Dobin, of blessed memory, a respected Wanstead solicitor and trusted adviser to many. Harry was Gerald Ronson’s righthand man and helped Gerald and Gail understand the challenges Sinclair House faced. Their response was one

Jeff Shear OBE

of remarkable generosity. There are always wheels within wheels, but in Jeff’s case everything came back to one simple principle: helping others by inspiring others to give. Time was running short, and the heat was becoming almost unbearable, so I reluctantly brought

our conversation to an end, despite having many more questions I wanted to ask. Suffice it to say, it was a fascinating and enlightening conversation that revealed the man behind the reputation. Like me, I hope you have now had the opportunity to see the other side of the quiet man.

Raymond Simonson receives MBE

AZEL tov to Raymond Simonson on being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours earlier this year for services to Jewish communities and community cohesion. When Raymond first opened the letter informing him of the honour, he was so overwhelmed that he burst into tears. Once the news had sunk in, however, he had the difficult task of keeping it secret until the official announcement. For Raymond, who grew up in Gants Hill, receiving an honour of this magnitude was something he had never imagined possible. As the son and grandson of immigrants and refugees who survived persecution and the Holocaust, and came to Britain with almost nothing, he recognises that his achievements are a reflection on his upbringing.

Raymond Simonson

He said “Hard work and the importance of giving back to the community, were lessons instilled in my and my sisters by our parents, and that has shaped me from an early age.” As a teenager, he became involved in youth leadership programmes at Sinclair House, the Redbridge Jewish Community Centre, affectionately known simply as “Club”. Those formative experiences inspired his lifelong commitment to community leadership and laid the foundations for his future career. A career that has seen him become the first full-time Executive Director of Limmud, helping transform it into a global movement, before spending more than a decade with the Jewish Agency. Since 2013, he has served as Chief Executive of JW3, London’s Jewish Community Centre, overseeing its development into one of the UK’s leading Jewish cultural and community hubs. Alongside his professional roles, he continues to serve as a trustee and mentor to a number of charitable organisations, both within and beyond the Jewish community. In June, when the embargo was finally lifted and he was able to share the news, the first place Raymond chose to celebrate was back in Essex - surrounded by many of the friends he made during his Sinclair House days. It was a fitting reminder of where he first learnt the importance of community, friendship and giving back, the values that have remained at the heart of everything he has done throughout his life.

ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n 25

60 Second Schmooze: JONATHAN MERVISH squads. Has your Jewish heritage influenced the food you like to cook? Absolutely. My Jewish heritage has had a huge influence on my cooking, along with the flavours and spices of Israel. There’s nothing better than tucking into a shawarma and za’atar-roasted cauliflower pitta, loaded with creamy hummus. What’s next for you? I’m now back focusing full-time on Served by Merv, cooking for private dinners, celebrations and events. Whether it’s an intimate fine dining experience or a large-scale canapé party, I love creating memorable food for every occasion. What’s one cooking tip you’d like to share with our readers? It’s the one tip I’ve spent 15 years trying to teach my mum! Salt is a flavour enhancer, so don’t be afraid to use it. Used correctly, it doesn’t just make food saltier – it brings out the natural flavour of every ingredient.

Jonathan Mervish

Since launching Served by Merv during lockdown in May 2020, chef Jonathan Mervish has been keeping busy, creating bespoke fine dining experiences for clients and, more recently, working as a private chef for an Essexbased celebrity. He took time out from the kitchen to chat with Micaela Blitz about his culinary journey, some of his favourite food memories, and why getting the seasoning right can make all the difference. How did you get started as a chef? After studying Food Technology at King Solomon High school, my teacher, Mrs Mendel (known to me simply as “Chef”), encouraged me to explore cooking as a career. For my school work experience, I spent two weeks at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington. At the end of those two weeks, I was offered an apprenticeship – and that’s where my journey really began. Do you remember the first dish you cooked – as a chef, or even as a young boy – that made you proud? The first dish that really stands out was at college. I cooked a pork chop, and one of the chef lecturers said, “How does a Jewish boy cook the best pork chop in the class without ever having tasted one?” That comment has always stayed with me! When did you start Served by Merv? It started when I was living at home with my parents in Gants Hill. The restaurant I was working at was closed

due to Covid so I was looking at other ways to keep cooking and at a time when people could not go out or socialise, I offered the chance to have restaurant quality food delivered to your door. As lockdown restrictions eased, I realised people still wanted to celebrate at home. Whether it was restaurant-quality meals delivered to their door, a private chef in their home, or bringing family together around the table, there was still a place for great food. It was a real family venture and without all their support it would not have got to the levels it got to!! I still have the prep kitchen in my parents’ garage that we converted during lockdown, but my business has grown a lot since then. I now spend full days in clients’ homes, cooking everything from breakfast through to dinner, as well as snacks throughout the day. For the past few years you have been working as a private chef for an Essex celebrity – can you spill the beans? I had the privilege of working for a rock ‘n’ roll legend and his family, who made me feel right at home. I was lucky enough to travel to some incredible places in ways I never imagined I would. We shared plenty of football chats and enjoyed more than a few pints of Guinness together. One of his favourite desserts was my challah bread pudding, and chicken soup was always a regular request. The family also loved my salmon and spinach Wellington with a Champagne and chive sauce. They were a wonderful family to work for, but the most important thing for me is making every client feel like a VIP. Who would you most like to cook for? As a lifelong Chelsea fan, I’ve been lucky enough to watch the only London club to win not one but two Champions League titles. I’d love the opportunity to cook dinner for both of those Champions League-winning

Image courtesy of BHRUT

ris Taylor received a well-deserved long service award from King George’s hospital for her voluntary pastoral and chaplaincy role. Iris, who is a member of Cranbrook Synagogue, visits Jewish and other patients on a weekly basis as part of Jewish Visiting. Jewish Visiting is under the auspices of the United Synagogue and serves the whole Jewish community, regardless of affiliation. A friendly face and time for a chat can be invaluable for many patients, and volunteers like Iris are also able to offer emotional support, as well as faith and spiritual care. If you would like a visit, or to find out more, visit https://www.jvisit.org. uk/. JVisit are also looking to expand their volunteer team in Essex - if you are interested please email info@jvisit.org.uk

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Celebrating 120 years of Southend & Westcliff Hebrew Congregation By SIMON ROTHSTEIN AND GEOFFREY PEPPER

Sir David Amess MP, Israeli Ambassador Regev and James Duddridge MP at an SWHC Function

OR 120 years, Southend & Westcliff Hebrew Congregation (SWHC) has been at the beating heart of Jewish life in the City – and now, as it celebrates this special milestone, it is preparing for a new chapter. The community was formally established in 1906, although Jewish life in south-east Essex can be traced back much further. The earliest evidence of Jews in the area dates to the late 1700s. It was around a century later that the beginnings of the community, recognised today, started to take shape. As Jewish families moved out of London’s East End, many headed for Southend in search of “fresh air by the sea” and a new way of life. Southend & Westcliff Hebrew Congregation’s first purpose-built synagogue opened in Alexandra Road in 1912, before the community moved to its present building in 1968 (which is a state-of-the-art synagogue affectionately known as the Shul by the Sea). There are around 500 members, although there are an estimated 3,000 Jews in Southend – which also has Progressive, Chabad and Charedi communities – making it one of the largest Jewish populations outside London and Manchester. The area has Jewish education from nursery through to secondary school. There is a well-stocked on shul site kosher supermarket - as good as any in London, mikvaot and an Eruv. The local NHS hospital has a dedicated prayer space and Shabbat facilities. The shul

holds weekly Shabbat and all the festival services, with weekday minyanim all year round. Community functions include many family simchas and Ladies Guild Kiddushim, a Communal Seder and Succah parties in their large Succah. There have been several Chupas in the last year. One of the challenges is that younger members of the established community have often moved to North West London for work, schools and family life. However, because of its proximity to London, as a commuter City in its own right, there is evidence that many are returning, with the appeal of cheaper property, either rental or purchase, and a life by the sea. In an exclusive interview to celebrate this milestone anniversary, Chairman Dennis Baum spoke about the community’s search for a new Rabbinic Couple to take it forward. Dennis said “As Rabbi Geoffrey Hyman retired recently, after seven years serving the congregation, we are now searching for an inspiring, dedicated and communityminded Rabbi and Rebbetzen to lead it into its next chapter. Their mission: grow the community!” The selection committee met, via Zoom, with Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, about the search. SWHC received some useful tips on what it should be looking for and how the process should be addressed. SWHC operates under the auspices

of the Office of the Chief Rabbi, and that relationship has been an important one throughout its history. Dennis remembers some special visits, telling us: “We’re always delighted to welcome the Chief Rabbi. I can remember Rabbi Israel Brodie, and Rabbi Lord Immanuel Jakobovits coming down, I can remember Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks guesting here for our centenary and Sir Ephraim helped us celebrate our 110th.” The congregation has also welcomed numerous other distinguished visitors, including the Israeli Ambassador, the Speaker of the Knesset and many show business personalities. Dennis says he speaks regularly with the area’s MPs and remembers the strong relationship the community had with the late Sir David Amess who served as MP for Southend West. He was a longstanding ally of the Jewish community and a regular attendee at SWHC and other local Jewish events. “He was a good friend to the Jewish community as a whole,” Dennis said. The changing nature of Jewish life in Southend is also reflected in the security arrangements now required by the congregation. Dennis says although there are few signs of antisemitism in the area, there is a “general fear” within parts of the Jewish community. Dennis is keen to stress the strength of the relationship between the synagogue and the local police. “We have an exceptionally good relationship with the police,” he said. The Chief Constable has visited the synagogue twice in the past year, while

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks is one of many Chief Rabbis to play a role in Southend’s services

The original synagogue building on Alexandra Road

officers make regular visits to the shul to demonstrate their presence. It is one of a number of relationships that connect the synagogue with the wider Southend community. The congregation has a strong relationship with Southend Council and other local dignitaries. They attend community events such as Chanukah celebrations. Soon after 7 October 2023, Southend Council displayed an Israeli flag outside their council offices and the Mayor and local MP at the time Anna Firthat visited the shul on the immediate Shabbat after and expressed their support from the pulpit. SWHC also has close links with schools across Essex. “We have local schools touring from all areas, they come to visit the shul,” Dennis said. “The tours go down very well indeed, and we get many letters of thanks, saying how interesting people find it from all ages.” For Dennis, his role as Chairman is part of a much longer story. His own family has been involved with the congregation across generations. His grandfather was a warden at the original Alexandra Road synagogue, while his father served as President of the congregation. That family connection has continued into the present day, with Dennis himself having served on the Board of Management at different points over the decades. He returned to communal involvement in recent years with a very personal motivation, telling us: “I became a grandfather at the same time, and I thought, ‘Right, I’ve got a grandson who I want to have a Bar Mitzvah and a wedding in Southend and Westcliff.” There is now a younger element on the Board of Management taking the community forward onto the next 120 years. A visiting guest Rabbi spoke recently from the pulpit: “The average life of a United Synagogue shul is 70 years – you have exceeded that by far!”

A new Jewish centre for Canvey Island By LINDA NEWMAN

HE growing Jewish community in Canvey Island has received welcome news from Castle Point Council that its planning application for a new centre of Jewish learning and prayer has been approved. A vacant building, used until 2024 as a weight-management clinic, is to be transformed into a dedicated Jewish library and place of worship. Canvey Island is home to an ultraOrthodox Charedi Jewish community, with many moving to the area from Stamford Hill – attracted by the cheaper property prices, sea air and great Jewish facilities in nearby Southend. Plans approved for the

transformation of the former clinic include a single-storey extension to create a main entrance lobby for the library, which will house around 600 books covering Jewish philosophy, ethics, religious commentaries and children’s literature for use by the community. It will also include an ancillary place of worship, providing a dedicated space for members of the community to pray. Supporters of the development said the facility would encourage reading and study, while also helping older residents and those with mobility issues take part in community worship closer to home.

Most users are expected to live within a ten-minute walk of the site, reducing the need for car journeys. No staff will be employed at the library and visitor numbers are expected to remain low, with fewer than ten people on site at any one time and around 30 visitors throughout the day. There were some objections from local residents, including concerns about increased activity in the area, noise, parking pressures and potential impacts on privacy. However, the majority of neighbours were supportive of the scheme, citing it as a valuable community asset. Comments included: “Good to see old buildings being used.”

This former weight-management clinic will become a Jewish library and place of worship

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The evolution of Buckhurst Hill Chabad New Essex Jewish News writer Peter Wynch tells us of the welcoming home he has found

Volunteers cook up a treat in the Chabad kitchen

Rabbi Odom Brandman speaking at the annual Chanukah lighting

OR more than 21 years, Chabad Buckhurst Hill has provided a warm, welcoming space for Jews of all backgrounds to connect with one another and their Jewish heritage. From very simple beginnings, operating out of a rented home, the community has grown significantly, with its twice-yearly magazine, Engage, now being sent to close to 1,300 homes – a barometer of the organisation’s reach. What makes the Buckhurst Hill branch so special, particularly within the Essex region, is the breadth of services it provides. Most recently, Camp Gan Izzy, the day camp held at King Solomon High School, welcomed record numbers of young people this year, with a dynamic and modern schedule ensuring there was something for everyone. Rabbi Odom and Mrs Henny Brandman are relentless in pursuing their mission, balancing long-held traditions such as the monthly Lunch and Learns while always remaining open and ready to seize new opportunities as they arise. One recent example was the visit of American-Israeli educator, activist and media personality Adele Raemer. Invited at short notice, she gave an eye-witness account of the horrors of the 7th October terrorist attacks from the perspective of someone who had been “living her dream” on a kibbutz. Having spent much of her life believing that “the vast majority” of Palestinians wanted peace with Jews, she told a captivated audience of around 50 people that “perhaps I got my numbers wrong.” Chabad Buckhurst Hill is a genuine community, where celebrating life’s milestones is something everyone enjoys. Harvey Cowan, who, together with his wife Barbara, has been a

member since the community’s inception, recently celebrated his 90th birthday and remains in great health and good humour. In June, the community also hosted the second barmitzvah of Colin Ellis (now 83), a former IDF paratrooper during the Six-Day War, who was brought to tears in gratitude at the way Rabbi Brandman had embraced him despite having known him for only a few months. With many of this year’s Jewish festivals falling over weekends, the community is looking forward to vibrant celebrations of both Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Rabbi Brandman said: “The High Holy Days are an extremely important and powerful time of year. People engage more, both by coming to shul and by spending time with their families. At Chabad, we offer numerous opportunities to make the most of this special period. Sukkot and Simchat Torah are definite highlights. We even have a cocktail barman in shul for Simchat Torah, and the dancing and joy captivate everyone. I’d love more people to experience it.” Rabbi Brandman says his inspiration comes from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who led the Chabad movement from 1950 until his passing in 1994. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Jewish thinkers of the 20th century, he encouraged his followers to establish and support Jewish communities throughout the world, providing places of sanctuary, learning and connection. The essence of Chabad Buckhurst Hill is its positive energy, mutual respect and humour. While many of the regulars have known one another for years, new faces continue to join the community, bringing fresh opportunities

to learn and grow together. As with every other shul or community centre, its success depends on committed and skilled volunteers, with ever-growing opportunities for people to get involved. Rabbi Brandman added: “As a nation and as a community, we are living through challenging times, but our people have always used challenges to grow stronger. We know that communities are becoming more dispersed and that some people are engaging less than they once did. Our responsibility is to provide meaningful and engaging opportunities that help people feel they belong and appreciate the important role they play in keeping our community thriving.” For the past 21 years, Chabad Buckhurst Hill has operated from a variety

of rented premises. It is now exploring opportunities to secure a permanent home that will enable the community to grow and create a lasting hub where, particularly for young people, there will always be something to enjoy and where everyone can feel they belong.

Adele Raemer gave a moving and powerful talk

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Bringing support home By HARLIE WINNER

OR more than 50 years, Jewish Blind & Disabled (JBD) has supported people with physical disabilities and/or sight loss to live safely, independently and confidently, either in their own homes or in one of JBD’s seven accessible housing developments across Essex and North London, three of which are in Redbridge. More people than ever before are turning to JBD for several reasons. People are living longer and with more complex needs, while statutory services are stretched. Furthermore, recent rising antisemitism has seen more people turning to the Jewish community for support. Currently, the charity’s waiting list for its specialist housing is over 150 households, which means a lot of people are left struggling in their current homes while they wait. To help ease this situation, JBD is now expanding its community-based services in Essex and North London to help make life easier and safer for people in their own homes before crisis point is reached. Aids and adaptations can make this a reality by helping people move safely around the home and carry out everyday tasks, but local authorities are under increasing pressure when it comes to assessments and support. This is where JBD can step in and swiftly speed up the process. The charity’s specialist services include an occupational therapy service for people living with physical disabilities, and a sight loss support service delivered in partnership with the UK-wide charity Guide Dogs for people living with sight loss. As part of these services, JBD aims to carry out an initial free homebased assessment by an occupational therapist or vision rehabilitation specialist, respectively, within three weeks of referral and to provide a personalised report within a further three weeks. The cost of these assessments is covered by JBD, thanks to funding from its principal supporter, Wohl Legacy, alongside generous donations from members of the community. Recommendations vary depending on a person’s needs. An occupational therapist may suggest grab rails, ramps or bathing aids for someone living with physical disabilities. In certain circumstances, they may recommend accessible bathrooms or stairlifts. A vision rehabilitation specialist may suggest talking microwaves and ovens, specialist lighting, labelling systems or training on how to use a guide cane for someone living with sight loss. Clients, who are able to, can then purchase the recommended equipment privately. However, where larger adaptations are required, or where clients are eligible, JBD can help them access funding through their local authority, including the Disabled Facilities Grant. Toni Lewis, JBD’s Community Services Project Manager, says: “Every client has their own story and challenges, and it is a privilege to be able to help them to receive lifechanging support at home.”

Maureen’s steps after

Maureen’s bathroom before

Maureen’s steps before

Restoring confidence Maureen, who lives alone in Ilford, has recently benefited from the charity’s occupational therapy service. Living with osteoarthritis in her hands and feet, Maureen was finding everyday tasks increasingly difficult. Additionally, because she experiences dizziness, she felt unsteady using the stairs and struggled to access her bath safely, affecting both her confidence and independence. Following an assessment by an occupational therapist and trialling various types of equipment, it became clear that the only way to keep Maureen safe at home was to install a new bathroom along with other adaptations. These were funded partly by the Disabled Facilities Grant and partly by Maureen. JBD supported her throughout the grant process, attending panel meetings with the local authority to advocate for Maureen’s needs on her behalf.

Maureen’s bathroom after

The result was the installation of a new accessible bathroom, galvanised rails and shallow-rise stairs leading up to the property. These changes may sound simple, but their impact can be transformative. “Before the adaptations, I was finding everyday tasks increasingly difficult, especially using the bath,” says Maureen. “Getting in was a challenge and getting out was even harder. I remember one time getting into such a panic because I couldn’t stand up. “Since the bath has been converted into a wet room with a seat, it’s made an incredible difference to my life. Also, I didn’t realise before how much I needed some of the other adaptations until they were installed. The shallow-rise stairs leading up to my house have helped me so much – even simple things like being able to put my shopping down as I make my way inside, instead of struggling with everything in one go, has made everyday life so much easier.

“But one of the biggest changes has been the handrail on the steps leading up to my front door. Some of my friends couldn’t manage the stairs at all, so they could no longer come over. I felt I couldn’t invite people round and was becoming slightly isolated. The handrail made a real difference, not just for me, but for helping me stay connected with friends.” By identifying practical solutions such as these and helping people access the support they need, JBD enables clients such as Maureen to continue living in the homes and communities they know and love. • If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, contact JBD by calling 020 8371 6611 extension 620, emailing communityservices@ jbd.org or visiting www.jbd.org. These free assessments can only be made possible through donations from the community. If you would like to support JBD, visit www.jbd.org/donate or call 020 8371 6611.

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From Doodles to the Gallery Wall shapes, working in reverse to reveal what he describes as “ light from within the darkness”. A regular visitor to the National Gallery, Richard enjoys studying masterpieces to uncover the stories behind them. “I think it is important to understand the back story of a piece, and that is what makes people connect with it emotionally. Viewer immersion is greater - you feel like you are stepping into the story. Those grand masters move me that way” he says. Since taking up painting, he has gone from strength to strength. Earlier this year, he received an Honourable Mention Award at the International Teravarna Art Competition from nearly 14,000 entries. He has also won the Finalist Award for

ICHARD Szerman has always enjoyed doodling and sketching, but it was a chance conversation with his rabbi that inspired him to take the leap into painting. Originally from Essex and now living in Wembley, Richard is a member of Kenton Shul, where he became friends with the community’s rabbinic couple. While discussing his interest in art with Rabbi Black, he was encouraged to attend a beginner’s art class run by his son, Shemariyahu Black, an award-winning artist whose work has been exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery. “It was just an introductory class, but

artistic excellence from the Art Room, an online gallery. In September he will present some of these award winning paintings as part of an exhibition at Artsdepot in North Finchley. The exhibition grew out of a conversation with photographer Debbie Jaye, who, like Richard, is originally from Essex. Together they developed the idea for an exhibition combining Richard’s paintings with Debbie’s photography to explore her wonderful scenic landscapes with depth of shadow in a joint venture “Lens and Canvas - beyond the frame”. From 1st - 14th September. More of Szerman’s work can be found at www.art4u2.com. Access to the exhibition at The Art Depot, 5 Nether Street, London N12, is free.

he was so impressed with my work that he encouraged me to continue,”Richard recalls. “It is through his support that I have felt confident to develop my work”. That encouragement proved to be a turning point. Richard has continued to refine his distinctive artistic style, which has been compared to Chagall and Picasso for its abstract and surrealist influences. His own creative process could be considered quite unconventional. Rather than beginning with a blank white canvas, Richard prefers to paint on a black one, using bright colours and fluid, organic

The best salt beef in Clacton Pat Lidiker talks to Roy Lingen about how his business continues to tempt members of the ever-growing local Jewish population and many more besides

T HAS been seven years since Reuben (best known as Roy) Lingen upped sticks from his native Redbridge to be near his family in Clacton. But retirement to just laze on the beach was never on his agenda. As an experienced chef, he opened a salt beef and cheesecake eatery, Reuby’s, which the Jewish community took to its heart and taste buds.

Both he and his partner Darren share a love of all things Jewish and, when opening their first small establishment, they were delighted at the response. It provided just what people had been waiting for – their own regular eating and meeting place – and before long they needed larger premises. A new restaurant seating 40 was found in the town centre, quickly becoming the hub for increasing numbers of Jewish residents, as well as holidaymakers and day trippers. Former JFS pupil Roy says: “I kept meeting familiar faces from my world living in Gants Hill, Newbury Park and Stoke Newington. It became a standing

joke that Clacton should change its name to Barkingside-on-Sea!” Reubys Salt Beef & Cheesecake Bar also attracts many others, including regulars and tourists, with its full English breakfasts and vegan alternatives, and is now an established feature on the busy high street. “Even our local MP, Nigel Farage. regularly walks by with his entourage and has been in to shake my hand… though never stops for anything to eat!” Now a tireless 60-year-old grandfather of five, Roy also runs his own catering business for simchas, events, Friday night dinners and other community events, both at Colchester shul and the restaurant. Most of the delicious food on the menu is cooked in-house, including the legendary salt beef, chicken soup, chopped liver, fish balls and cheesecake. However, there are frequent shopping trips to his old London stomping grounds for essentials such as beigels, platzels, challah rolls, rye bread and pickled cucumbers, as well as to stock Reuby’s own deli section. An active member of Colchester and District Jewish Community, which brings together people from other towns in this lovely area, Roy recently joined the shul committee as one of seven new members. Among his many contributions are, of course, arranging the regular kiddushim!

Salt beef sandwi ch, anyone? Regulars meet fo r lunch at their favourite Clacto n venue

Roy and staff member Maxine put the finishing touches to Friday night dinner

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Essex to host permanent Jewish exhibition By SIMON ROTHSTEIN

HE Jewish Living Experience Exhibition (JLEE) now has a permanent home in Essex – at a Catholic secondary school in Chelmsford. East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) was officialy gifted a copy of the exhibition by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and is working with Essex SACRE to ensure that schools and organisations across the county can access it. It will be hosted at St John Payne School in Chelmsford, where the exhibition is displayed for pupils and visiting schools, while also being available to loan by other educational establishments. The initiative is supported by both ELELS and Harlow & Chelmsford Jewish Community (HCJC), with members and clergy from the two congregations, including Rabbi Irit Shillor, attending sessions to answer questions and talk about Judaism as a living faith. The JLEE is an interactive travelling exhibition. Although originally designed primarily for school groups, it is also now frequently viewed by Government departments, councils, police, universities and more. New banners on antisemitism and British Jewish history have been added for these adult audiences.. Created by educational experts to align with agreed Religious Education (RE) frameworks, it features 18 illustrated display

panels alongside authentic ceremonial objects and educational activities. It introduces visitors to Jewish tradition, scriptures, festival celebrations, dietary laws and traditional dress – covering Progressive, Masorti and Orthodox practice. It supports the teaching of Judaism within Religious Education curriculums, while also providing opportunities for interfaith dialogue, continuing professional development and wider work around equality, diversity and inclusion. St John Payne has now run the exhibition for two consecutive years, with its Religious Education department making extensive use of the resource. More than 40 students volunteered to help run the JLEE this year. After receiving training, they worked in teams, using their GCSE learning to explain the artefacts and engage with visiting pupils. One assessment of the students’ work described how they were able to “weave together stories and learning sequences that captivated the visiting children”. It added that the pupils grew in confidence throughout the week, developing expertise in their chosen areas and bringing the objects “to life in the full spirit of the ‘living’ exhibition”. The students also acted as guides for younger children visiting from primary schools, helping to make the exhibition

accessible to pupils from aged seven upwards. The school’s impact report said the exhibition had contributed to pupils’ “cultural capital, interfaith understanding, and SMSC education”, while helping students to connect their classroom learning with the lived experience of members of the Jewish community. The response from visitors has been enthusiastic. Sindhu, a teacher at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School, said: “Our pupils were delighted to see and handle the artefacts and learning more about them made a real difference to their understanding. We are also very grateful to Rabbi Irit for visiting and answering the questions we had. Most of all, us teachers enjoyed the session as much as the children did.” Kaleb, a Year 5 pupil, added: “The Jewish Living Experience was so well arranged. We got a lot of information from the displays and the banners. Everything was explained in detail.” Another local primary school described the exhibition as a “really insightful and key learning experience”, with pupils exploring Jewish celebrations, food, scripture and traditional dress. One visiting child, Harry, said: “It was very enjoyable because we got to experience other objects from Judaism.

I learned that they place a cloth over the Shabbat bread to keep it clean.” The opportunity to meet Jewish people and ask questions is an important part of the exhibition. Pupils have asked questions ranging from how kosher food is bought to how Jewish people practise their faith today. The initiative also reflects a wider effort by the Board of Deputies to make the exhibition available around the country. Ten copies have been distributed to different parts of the UK, thanks to funding from the Roald Dahl Story Company, which is owned by Netflix. Keeping a copy permanently in Essex is the result of a lot of hard work by a collection of people including: Anna Silver, Education Officer for the Board of Deputies; Ben Maddison, Consultant to Essex SACRE; Stan Keller, Vice President of HCJC; Hanan Charles, Deputy for ELELS; and Ben Gardiner and the Religious Education department at St John Payne. The permanent Essex exhibition is already attracting interest from other schools, with primary and secondary establishments looking at opportunities to borrow it. Earlier this year, ELELS hosted the exhibition as part of Jewish Culture Month, inviting local councillors and Christian and Muslim religious leaders to learn more about Jewish life and history. For more information or to enquire about hosting the exhibition, please contact Anna Silver at anna.silver @bod.org.uk and Ben Maddison at benjamin.maddison@aru.ac.uk.

Southend Reform begins 80th anniversary celebrations

OUTHEND and District Reform Synagogue has begun marking its 80th anniversary year with a series of special events, all of which will raise funds for Chai Cancer Care. The celebrations started with a talk by author and journalist Lyn Julius, who spoke about her book Uprooted, which explores the experiences of Jews from Arab and Muslim countries. The second anniversary event was an

Any Questions afternoon (pictured) attended by more than 70 people. Chaired by Rabbi Warren Elf MBE, the panel featured Adventure Island owner Philip Miller MBE, Holocaust educator Angela Cohen, who is also the mother of TV star Rob Rinder, and Essex Police Inspector Jane Childs. Rabbi Warren said: “We have held Any Questions evenings before but this was the first one since the pandemic and by

Philip Miller MBE, Angela Cohen, Rabbi Warren Elf MBE and Inspector Jane Childs take part in Any Questions

far the best attended. The audience submitted some great questions on a wide range of subjects, and everyone stayed engaged with every question, every response and with the audience participation too. I think a full range of emotions and opinions were expressed by the panellists and members of the audience. “Socially it was a great event, with a number of people finding family and other connections with other people

present too. All of the feedback has been very positive and we hope that the other events for our anniversary will be equally well attended and enjoyed.” Further anniversary events are planned throughout the year, including a musical gala evening and special Shabbat morning service, taking place exactly 80 years after the synagogue was established. We will have a feature on 80 years of SDRS in the next issue.

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THEATRE REVIEWS to watch the very first performance of Thespians: Greece The Musical (But Not That One). I’ve reviewed many shows, films and concerts over three decades, but there’s nothing quite like putting your pen down and seeing how the kids enjoy it. And enjoy it they did… eyes transfixed to the stage, laughing throughout and pointing out any references, puns and theatre or historical in-jokes that I had missed. To try to explain the plot of a Mischief production would be pointless, but the basics were we followed a team of five friends in Ancient Greece – loosely based on characters from history and mythology – who had to move from their tiny island of Ikaria to Athens, enter a prayer competition to try and stop a dreadful drought, and end up inventing theatre as we know it today.

A mix of musical, slapstick and pantomime, we got tales of friendship, family, lost love, found love, betrayal, redemption, a baddie you will love to hate and heroes you want to see rewarded. Written by Mischief’s Jonathan Sayer and Ed Zanders, the gags and comic moments came thick and fast as you’d expect. The songs are catchy, and the lyrics silly. It could take a short while to get to grips with the world it is set in, but once you do you’ll fall in love. The cast – Allie Dart as Rhapsodes, Claire-Marie Hall as Poly, James Spence as Thespis, Luke Latchman as Atlas, Marc Pickering as Adonis, Matt Cavendish as Bard, Mia Jerome as Melampus and Rhys Taylor as The Tyrant, with an ensemble of Ashley Tucker, Josh Patel-Foster and Curtis Patrick – are simply fantastic. They blend over-the-top antics and camp villainy with genuine emotional

warmth that made you want to see what happens next – all delivered with an energy that never seems to end. You get the impression watching that they are having as much fun as we are! Add in the superb choreography from Melody Sinclair-Marsh, stage design from Jasmine Swan and direction from Robyn Grant, and everything came together perfectly. Ultimately the show is a love letter to theatre, which gave a (historically inaccurate but hilariously funny) account of its origins and the story of Thespis, the world’s first actor. There are nods to so many other productions and pop culture favourites – Wicked, Chicago and Notting Hill among them – that you could see just how much the writers love their craft. Another important point is that Thespians – which played at theatres in Colchester, Bath, Swindon, Guildford, Cheltenham, Cardiff and Manchester – is affordable. It gave West End/Broadway quality without the prices you’d usually associate with that. It was a fun family night out – as I found – but would be equally enjoyable for individuals, couples or adult groups. If you get the chance to see Thespians when it returns, take it. You really can’t go wrong. * Photos by Mark Senior

M for Murder, which played there in August, truly was a classic thriller fit for a Palace. Brought back to the stage for 2026 by Phil&Ben Productions, in association with PW Productions, the production also toured Eastbourne, Crewe, Fareham, Swindon, Harrogate, Blackpool, Coventry and Peterborough. For a Frederick Knott play that first premiered in 1952 – made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film version – it may seem strange of me not to want to give any spoilers, but with every twist and turn being so impactful, I’m keen not to ruin any of them. The story, as fans of the film will remember, begins with English former tennis professional Tony Wendice plotting to kill his wealthy wife Margot after finding out she’d been having an affair with Mark Halliday, an American crime-fiction writer. Blackmailing an old classmate turned con man, Charles Swann, into doing the deed for him, Tony feels he has the perfect murder planned as he explains to Charles, and therefore us, in great detail. Things, as you can imagine, don’t go as expected, leaving Charles to come up with a second dastardly plan. But are his web of lies and latch keys enough to fool Inspector Hubbard and get him the inheritance he is after?

The direction from Josh Mathieson was one of the best I’ve seen in a small theatre, adding moments of dramatic pause to the gripping script to really allow you to take everything in and wonder what would happen next. You, of course, hated the dastardly Tony (played masterfully by Pete Ashmore), but there is a moment where Margot (Tanya-Loretta Dee) chooses to walk with Max (Simon Pothecary) instead of Tony that really makes you wonder where your sympathies lie – a credit to the acting and directing. Phil Stewart may have had the most fun as the slightly hapless Charles Swann, while you never knew how much Katy Dean’s Inspector Hubbard really knows – keeping you guessing until the end. Dial M for Murder is a whodunnit where you know who did it, how they did it and why they did it… yet you remain gripped throughout. There was a mix of ages in the theatre, including my own teenage children, and all were hanging on every word. Listening to conversations afterwards, the audience was a combination of those who knew and loved the film – like us – those who had seen it but forgotten the twists and turns, and those coming to the material for the first time. All enjoyed

it equally. Not only was this a five-star show, but it was also part of an important effort to strengthen the future of touring drama. As Phil and Ben said: “We believe audiences in towns and smaller cities like Southend deserve regular access to outstanding live drama, and that the appetite for it remains strong. “This is an exciting production in its own right, but it also stands for something larger: a commitment to restoring confidence in midscale touring theatre and building lasting partnerships with venues and audiences.” It was a great night out at a very reasonable price – and another reminder that excellent theatre is sometimes right on our doorstep.

By SIMON ROTHSTEIN

Thespians: Greece The Musical (But Not That One) Mercury Theatre, Colchester

T’S not often you get to attend the world premiere of a new theatre production right here in Essex. Especially when that show is the eagerly awaited first musical from Mischief… the creators of hilarious hit West End comedy The Play That Goes Wrong. But so it was that my teenage children and I sat in Mercury Theatre

Dial M for Murder Palace Theatre, Southend

TRUE joy of being the Editor of the Essex Jewish News is travelling around our glorious county discovering its hidden gems. One of those is undoubtedly the Palace Theatre in Southend where stepping through the doors felt like stepping back in time. A Grade II listed Edwardian building, first opened in 1912, it’s a truly beautiful venue with original features preserved – giving you the same layout, atmosphere and experience those watching plays there 100 years ago would have enjoyed. Of course, any theatre is only as good as the shows it puts on – which is why I’m pleased to report that Dial

The Only Way Is…

achel Gaffin – actor, producer and director of Echoes Theatre Company – writes about her love for putting on shows in Essex. “ESSEX Jews are entrenched,” he said. “I’m sorry?!” I replied. “It’s incredibly difficult to move them out of their comfort zone.” This was a conversation between me and a lovely guy from an Essex based Jewish Facebook Group. I’d posted about bringing Joyfully Jewish: Getting On, to the Redbridge Drama Centre and was trying to drum up support. He was trying to be helpful and kindly offered to share it more widely.

Rachel Gaffin and Giselle Wolf in The Gift photo Gary Manhine

It took 18 months to fundraise from Jewish charitable trusts who believed in my desire to bring a night of Jewish culture, sharing the Joys of being Jewish by presenting new plays and original musical theatre songs - to communities outside of NW London. We’d sold out at the New Wimbledon

Theatre Studio the week before and two shows at North Finchley’s artsdepot theatre before that, and I was determined to be equally successful in Essex. So why the scepticism? “Essex Jews are a ‘different breed’ from those in NW London,” he explained. And, it turned out he was right. We sold more tickets than we had hoped for – twice as many as in Wimbledon! The audience were even more supportive, laughed louder than previous audiences, and didn’t hesitate to join in with a song celebrating the joys of Yiddish.

My creative partners, Shar Shamai, Ashley Racov and Ayelet Sheffer from THE JEWish CABARET, and I can’t wait to return to the RDC on 8 November with a brand-new production – Joyfully Jewish: Strangers in a Strange Land. A night of new Jewish writing about Jewish migration. I hope you fabulous Essex Jews will prove to be our best audience yet again! Joyfully Jewish: Strangers in a Strange Land Date: 8 November 2026 Time: 7:00pm Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB Presented by: Echoes Theatre Company and THE JEWish CABARET Tickets: https://bit.ly/46xm7pc

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Restoring Futures: How JNF UK is helping children heal and succeed A

S we approach Rosh Hashanah, a season of renewal, reflection and hope, our thoughts naturally turn to our families, our communities and our shared future. It is a time when we gather to pray for a year of peace and sweetness. Yet as we prepare to welcome the New Year, we are reminded that for many young people living in Israel’s volatile north, the future remains fragile. For years, educational inequality in Israel has been an uphill battle. Children growing up in peripheral northern communities rarely have access to the same resources, funding and opportunities as those raised in the more prosperous central region. Since the horrific events of 7 October 2023, this long-standing divide has escalated into a full-scale educational emergency. Children in the north have endured years of conflict, sudden school closures and an unyielding security crisis. In cities like Akko, whilst not officially evacuated, children have remained on the front lines of disruption. Months of crossborder strikes, rolling emergency closures and relentless sirens have severely fractured the school year.

The academic and emotional toll is staggering: data from the Israeli Ministry of Health reveals that up to 68% of teens living in the north now suffer from trauma symptoms and difficulty focusing on their studies. These children are navigating intense anxiety and broken routines, forced to play a constant game of academic catch-up. Without immediate intervention, these disadvantages risk shaping their futures long after the physical sirens finally fall silent. To bridge this widening gap, JNF UK opened the House of Excellence in Akko in 2025. This purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility serves as a vital, secure sanctuary where children and teenagers can learn, belong and discover their true potential, offering crucial stability in a world turned upside down. Crucially, every single programme offered at the House of Excellence is completely free, ensuring that financial hardship is never a barrier to a child’s success. Inside the House, the atmosphere is busy, warm and inspiring. Every morning, the centre welcomes over 500 primary school pupils, who take part in technology, AI and confidencebuilding programmes designed

to inspire a love of learning from an early age. Every afternoon, the building transforms into a haven for teenagers. Here, they receive smallgroup academic tutoring with just eight to ten students per group, led by professional tutors in core subjects like Maths, English, Science, Physics and Cyber Technology. Alongside academic support, they are provided with leadership training, public speaking skills, financial literacy coaching, a kitchen fully stocked with snacks and a safe place to socialise and process their experiences. The profound impact of this sanctuary is best understood through the experiences of the young people who call it a second home, such as siblings Avigail, 15, and Matan, 17. When repeated rocket alerts disrupted Matan’s education and cut him off from his peers, the House of Excellence stepped in immediately. Tutors provided the intensive, targeted lessons that are out of financial reach for most families in the region. They created practice exams, rebuilt his confidence and helped him prepare both academically and emotionally for his final exams in the middle of a security crisis.

His sister, Avigail, admits with a smile that Matan made her join. But the decision changed everything for her, too. “Through attending the English conversation classes, I’ve overcome my fear of speaking English,” she says. “I also had nowhere calm at home to study during the alerts, so now I can come here after school, get a snack and get my homework done in peace.” Today, Matan has more than just better grades; he has confidence, lasting friendships and a future he once struggled to imagine. Showing how deeply the centre builds community, Matan now volunteers at the House of Excellence, helping the next intake of students to heal and succeed. Nearly 700 children and teenagers like Avigail and Matan rely on the House of Excellence in Akko. This Rosh Hashanah, JNF UK is appealing to our community to help keep the doors of this life-changing house open. Your support today is far more than a charitable gift – it is an emergency lifeline that ensures a wartime childhood does not dictate a child’s lifetime achievements. • To support the JNF UK Rosh Hashanah Appeal, please visit www.jnf. co.uk/RH26 or call 020 8732 6100.

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Cookery PERFECTION ON A PLATE! By SHELLEY POSNER

ECENTLY I have been going through some of my vast collection of recipes. In some cases, I have several different versions of the same dish and so I have been writing recipes for ‘the perfect version’ of things we all eat on a regular basis – such as salads, potato side dishes, popular vegetables, certain sauces etc. Obviously these are MY versions of these dishes and the ones I use on a regular basis. Here are just a couple of examples of dishes I make – particularly in the summer and autumn whilst the hot weather is here. Do feel free to adjust them according to your own tastes – they are all open to variations, of course! If the weather stays set fair for the Holy Days this year, you could incorporate them into your Yom Tov menu. Wishing you and your families Chag Sameach – a happy, healthy and peaceful year ahead for us all.

POTATO SALAD A LA TARTARE This is a potato salad but with a slight twist. It is a regular potato salad in the usual way, but with the additions that one usually uses in a tartare sauce, which gives the salad a piquant and delicious taste and texture. You can, of course, omit any ingredient that you do not like, but it is worth giving the recipe a try in its entirety and seeing what you think!

Ingredients: 1 kg small new potatoes 2 tbsp capers, drained 2 tbsp chopped gherkins or pickled cucumbers A handful of chives, chopped finely A handful of dill, chopped finely 4 tbsp good mayonnaise – homemade (much nicer!) or shop-bought 4 spring onions, chopped finely – white and green parts Salt and pepper

Vinaigrette: 1 tbsp white vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard 3 tbsp olive oil Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F / Make sure the potatoes are roughly the same size – halve any larger ones.

Put them in a pan, cover with water, add a dash of salt and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 8–12 minutes until just tender. Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette. Put the vinegar, mustard and oil in a screw-top jar, add some salt and pepper and give it a good shake to emulsify the ingredients. When they are ready, drain the potatoes and allow to steam dry for a minute or two. Whilst still warm, place them in a large bowl and pour over the vinaigrette dressing. Mix them well so that they are all covered, then leave to cool. Once cold, add the mayonnaise and mix well, then add all the remaining ingredients and toss together. Taste and add any extra seasoning you feel necessary. Turn onto a salad plate and serve.

PIQUANT TOMATO SAUCE Here is a particularly easy, fast and tasty pasta sauce. You can use any shaped pasta with this sauce, but it helps if you use a shape such as conchiglie, penne or orecchiette where the sauce sits in the pasta shape. If you have an opened bottle of wine (any colour) hanging around, you can also add a splash to increase the depth of flavour. You can alter the ingredients to your preference – if you like it spicy, add half a red chilli – and even add some fried wurst or the little cabana sausages, sliced and fried until crisp, but then you don’t get the option of the beautiful cloud of grated Parmesan on the top!! You can also use this sauce with lamb or chicken, and it’s also nice over white fish baked in the oven.

Ingredients: 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 1 stick of celery, finely chopped 1 x 250 g jar of artichoke hearts in oil 1 x 250 g jar of sundried tomatoes in oil 2 tbsp capers, drained 2 tbsp pitted black olives A dash of Worcestershire sauce A squeeze of lemon juice 1 tbsp sugar Salt & pepper Parmesan cheese Take out around half the artichoke hearts and about 6 sundried tomatoes

from the jars and blot them on a sheet of kitchen paper to soak up some of the oil. Also put the drained capers on there too to ensure the vinegar has been removed. Pour a little of the tomato oil from the jar into a large frying pan, then gently sauté the shallot, celery and garlic until soft. Pour the contents of the tin of tomatoes into the pan and bring to simmering point. With a pair of scissors, cut the sundried tomatoes into pieces straight into the pan. Halve the artichokes and add those, together with the capers and olives. Season well and add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, the lemon juice and the sugar. Now add the wine if you have any. Turn the heat down, clamp on a lid and allow to simmer for around 15–20 minutes until you have a thick sauce. Meanwhile, in a large pan of boiling salted water, add the pasta of your choice and cook until al dente. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Drain the pasta, tip it into warmed bowls and pour the sauce over the top. Finally, add a good grating of Parmesan cheese and serve immediately with some crusty French bread.

off the crusts. Then roll each slice flatter – best done with a rolling pin so they are nice and thin. Cut a circle to fit the bottom of the bowl and then line the sides completely, cutting the slices to fit exactly. Fill in any gaps with small bread pieces. Press it in hard. It must be sealed so no juices can escape through. Sieve the cooked fruit over a bowl to keep the juices, then tip the berries gently into the bread-lined bowl. Place another slice of bread over the top, then arrange it to fit exactly so the fruit is completely sealed inside. Spoon over a few tablespoons of the juice, but keep the remainder aside. Place a saucer or small plate that will fit exactly inside the rim of the bowl on the top and then, on top of that, place something heavy – a couple of tins of beans or something that will press down hard. Pop it in the fridge and leave it overnight. Just before serving, run a palette knife around the side of the bowl to release the bread, then turn it out onto a serving dish. Take the reserved juices and spoon them over any bits of bread that are still white. Serve cut into slices with plenty of cream or ice cream.

SUMMER PUDDING

COOK’S NOTE

Here is another dessert that is so easy to make. It’s a classic English recipe that just can’t be beaten! At this time of the year it is the perfect pudding. The berries are at their best just now and if you don’t want to use the currants, you can use strawberries and blackberries in any variation – just be sure that you don’t vary the weight. If you decide to make it in the winter when the fruit is scarce and expensive, you can buy bags of plain mixed frozen berries in the supermarket which work just as well. It is best to defrost them first and keep the juices. It is also a good idea to make it a day or so in advance to make sure the juices soak all the way through the bread and you don’t get any white bits showing!

If you don’t have enough juice or it’s still looking a little pale, I have occasionally cheated and used a little blackcurrant squash to darken the colour! Also, if you do have any leftovers, pop the bowl back over the top when you put it back in the fridge to stop it collapsing out of shape.

Ingredients: 450 g / 1 lb raspberries 225 g / 8 oz redcurrants 110 g / 4 oz blackcurrants 150 g / 5 oz caster sugar 7–8 slices of white bread – medium cut A few drops of vanilla essence A 11/2 pint / 850 ml pudding basin, lightly greased Pull the currants from their stalks, then rinse all the fruit and drain well. Put the fruit with the sugar and vanilla essence in a saucepan over a medium heat and cook them gently for 3–5 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the juices are beginning to run. DON’T OVERCOOK THEM! Take the slices from the loaf and cut

OBITUARIES ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n 35

Tributes to those we have lost

JONATHAN WEST

Born: 7 August 1967

ONATHAN WEST, who died in April aged 58, was a senior leader at Jewish Care. His integrity, warmth and deep sense of responsibility left a lasting mark on the organisation and the wider community it serves. Born in 1967, Jonathan was the youngest child of Pat and Stanley West and grew up in Gants Hill, Essex. Educated at Redbridge Primary School and Beal High School, he showed early signs of the commitment to community, fairness and humour that would define his life. A formative year in Israel in 1985 on shnat with Habonim shaped his Zionist identity and values and remained a touchstone throughout his life. Jonathan studied law at Queen Mary University of London, graduating in 1989. The following year he began a relationship with Lisa, who would become his wife and soulmate. They married at New West End Synagogue in October 1993, the same month Jonathan qualified as a solicitor. Together they built a close and joyful family, and were devoted parents to their three children, Orli, Millie and Jacob, whose lives were grounded in the love, stability and example they provided. Although Jonathan began his career as a matrimonial lawyer, he spoke openly about seeking more fulfilling work. After a brief period in property management and a return to legal practice, he found his true vocation in 2017 when he joined Jewish Care as General Counsel – a role he described as his “dream job”.

Died: 10 April 2026

He quickly became a central figure in the organisation. Joining the senior leadership team in 2018 as Company Secretary, Jonathan’s remit expanded to include security, procurement, business continuity, insurance and property. In 2021 he was appointed Director of Legal Affairs, Property and Procurement, respected for his judgement, clarity and calm authority. His leadership proved critical during the Covid-19 pandemic. As procurement became a frontline responsibility, Jonathan ensured the rapid and reliable supply of essential equipment for Jewish Care’s 1,300 staff, while also supporting others across the sector. Under intense pressure, he delivered consistently and without drama; colleagues later reflected that lives were protected because of his foresight and resolve. A defining achievement of his later career was the redevelopment of Sinclair House into The Sugar & Ronson Campus in Redbridge. After a failed planning application, many believed the site could not be saved. Jonathan proved otherwise, helping reimagine it as a flagship care home and community hub for the borough’s Jewish population, and steering a complex project through to completion. As Lord Sugar observed, Jonathan “earned the respect of everyone involved through his professionalism, his judgement and his integrity”. Beyond Jewish Care, Jonathan was deeply committed to communal life. He served as a foundation governor at Ilford Jewish Primary School and

played a key role in its relocation to Forest Road – an early expression of his interest in creating buildings that would serve future generations. Family, friends and colleagues alike recall a man who gave generously of his time and energy, often behind the scenes. Jonathan became unwell in December 2024 and was diagnosed several months later. Faced with that knowledge, he resolved to live fully and normally for as long as possible, focusing on his family, completing his work, and finding joy where he could. In June 2025 he was able to stand under the chuppah with Orli at her wedding, celebrating with characteristic warmth and humour. Known for his intellect and integrity, Jonathan was equally remembered for his wit and humanity. He laughed easily, put others at ease, and had a talent for finding lightness even in difficult moments. He valued loyalty, disliked pretension, and believed people should be judged by the legacy they leave rather than the status they hold. He is survived by his wife Lisa; his mother Pat; his children Orli, Millie and Jacob; their partners Esther, Sam and Liora; and his extended family.

Jonathan West (centre), pictured with Richard Shone and Daniel Carmel-Brown, played a vital role in securing Jewish Care’s new Sugar & Ronson Campus

Thousands of people benefited directly or indirectly from his work, and many more from his friendship and example. Jonathan West’s life was defined by family and community; both are richer for having had him among them. May his memory be for a blessing. • Obituary written by Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO of Jewish Care.

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36 n ESSEX JEWISH NEWS n ROSH HASHANAH 5787/SEPTEMBER 2026

OPENING SUMMER 2026 A state-of-the-art campus in Redbridge, bringing Jewish Care’s services together to provide care, connection and community for all ages. • The Sugar Family Care Home • •The Ronson Community Centre • • The Dennis Centre for people living with dementia • • Social Work & Community Support • • Meals on Wheels • • Jami mental health services • jewishcare.org/sugar-ronson-campus

Charity Reg No. 802559