By Pat Lidiker

The finishing touches are being made to The Sugar & Ronson Campus, set to open in Redbridge in summer 2026.

Jewish Care’s landmark hub will transform the way the charity cares for, connects with and reaches out to the Jewish community in Essex and north east London, bringing its services under one roof in a modern, inclusive and welcoming space.

Our never-before-seen photos show the outside of the purpose-built care and community campus … and we can’t wait to take you through the doors in future issues.

Jewish Care CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown said: “The build and finish stage is complete in The Sugar Family Care Home and the final touches are being made to The Ronson Community Centre and The Dennis Centre for people living with dementia.

“We are looking forward to opening the new first-class Sugar & Ronson Campus this summer, and seeing our long-held vision become a reality.”

The post First look at Jewish Care’s incredible care and community campus appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

The honour recognises Neil’s sustained national contribution across more than two decades of leadership and comes at a time of heightened concern over antisemitism, safety and social cohesion in Britain. It

As CEO of JLGB.org (the Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade), Neil has led the transformation of one of Britain’s oldest youth movements into a modern national award-winning organisation – expanding access and enabling thousands of young people from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds to participate, while strengthening identity and belonging.

His work also includes producing Yom HaShoah UK – the Jewish community’s annual Holocaust memorial – and chairing the Interfaith Youth Trust, which supports grassroots interfaith projects across the UK.

The King has a longstanding and warm relationship with the Jewish community, including through Holocaust remembrance, interfaith engagement and as a Patron of Jewish organisations including, fittingly, JLGB.

Speaking following the ceremony, Neil – who was born in Ilford and now lives in South Woodford – said: “This is a deeply humbling moment, not as a personal recognition, but as a reflection of an extraordinary community. It was particularly special to speak to The King about this, and the challenging times we are facing, and to hear of his support.

“I stand on the shoulders of giants. Everything this honour represents has been built by generations of young people, volunteers, partners and families who show up every day with commitment, resilience and belief, determined to be a credit to their community and their country, and to pay it forward to the next generation.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Neil Martin CBE (@neilsmartin)

In a moving Instagram post (above), he thanked his wife Ginny and their children saying: “Last time I stood here, before His Majesty The King, then the Prince of Wales, to receive my OBE, I was a son, standing with my parents. This time, I stood here as a father, with my own children, to receive my CBE.

“The day was made all the more special with Ginny at my side once again. With the many roles I am privileged to hold, I often come home with very little left to give, while Ginny holds our family together behind the scenes.”

The award of the CBE has also prompted praise from senior civic leaders across Government and public life.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “London is proud of leaders like Neil, whose work has brought communities together, supported young people across our city, and ensured that the lessons of history are never forgotten. His CBE is richly deserved, and I congratulate him on this national recognition.”

Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, added: “Neil has spent two decades strengthening the fabric of British society through youth empowerment, Holocaust remembrance and interfaith understanding. His elevation to CBE is a testament to his tireless service and unwavering commitment to building a more cohesive, resilient and compassionate country.”

Ruth Marvel OBE, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, added: “Neil has played an instrumental role in expanding access to the DofE Award for thousands of young people who might otherwise have faced barriers. His leadership has helped ensure that opportunity is truly inclusive. We at DofE are delighted to see his contribution recognised with a CBE.”

The post King shows support as he invests JLGB’s Neil Martin as CBE appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

Robert’s career spans more than 20 years in UK politics and public policy, with senior roles in Parliament, the London Assembly and Government. He has served as a Special Adviser at DEFRA, Head of Office for the Conservatives on the London Assembly – where he worked closely with then Mayor Boris Johnson – and Head of the Leader of the Opposition’s Office for Kemi Badenoch (pictured above).

Robert, who grew up in Southend and was a member of Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation, is widely recognised for his work building constructive engagement between politicians, institutions and local communities.

He said: “I’m incredibly honoured and proud to have been awarded an MBE. It has been a privilege to work at all levels of government, alongside colleagues and communities who care deeply about public service and making a difference.

“I’m grateful to the many people I’ve had the opportunity to work with and for over the years, and to everyone who has supported me along the way.”

Daniel served as Chair of Tottenham Hotspur FC from February 2001 until September 2025, becoming the Premier League’s longest-serving executive in that role. During that time, he worked very closely on charity and local community projects – using sport to try and change lives.

Daniel said: “Tottenham Hotspur has always been more than a football club to me. It is part of the fabric of the local community, and I am immensely proud of the role we have played in helping to regenerate the area through our initiatives in education, employment, health and social inclusion.

“While our stadium development and on-pitch results often took the headlines, I hope that my legacy will be the positive and lasting impact we have made on the lives of people in Tottenham and beyond. Football clubs have a unique role to play in their local community and at Tottenham Hotspur we always took this responsibility very seriously.”

These honours add to the success of local JLGB CEO Neil Martin, who was appointed CBE in New Year Honours List.

The post Robert Rams and Daniel Levy add to Essex honours appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

WHEN Rabbi Rafi Goodwin first took up boxing as a hobby, he could hardly have imagined it would one day lead him into the ring. Although he may be better known for his sermons than his right hooks, the ‘Boxing Rabbi’ of Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue will be stepping between the ropes this April to take part in a white-collar boxing match.

Speaking to the Essex Jewish News, he explained: “It started when a member of the community convinced me to try boxing training at a local gym run by Team Macattack. I really enjoyed it, and found that it has been great for my fitness and wellbeing. When my instructor suggested I take part in a bout, I thought, ‘Why not?’”

The event, which will take place at the Sir James Hawkey Hall in Woodford on Sunday 26 April, sees amateur fighters come together to test their skills in front of a live audience. The evening will also include entertainment, with a comedian and singer performing before the main event.

The Orthodox rabbi is taking on the challenge in aid of the Community Security Trust (CST), raising funds for the organisation’s work protecting Jewish communities across the UK. He has been regularly training over the last few months and is hoping the community will be firmly in his corner for a memorable evening.

“I’m not sure whether it’s a mid-life crisis or just wanting a new challenge,” he joked. “But I’m really looking forward to stepping into the ring, and I hope plenty of people from the community will come along to cheer me on.”

If you would like to support the Boxing Rabbi, please get in touch by emailing rabbirafi@chigshul.org.uk.

The post Let’s get rabbi to rumble appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

The new congregation will have a membership of more than 300 adults/families and will be led spiritually by Rabbi Irit Shillor. It will affiliate to The Movement for Progressive Judaism.

HCJC will serve a number of areas with members already coming from Harlow, Epping, Bishop’s Stortford, Chelmsford, Braintree, Dunmow, Saffron Walden, Maldon and their surroundings. It offers a well-located synagogue building, hybrid services, popular rabbi, thriving cheder, pastoral care, membership of the Jewish Joint Burial Society and inclusive practice, including a welcome of mixed-faith couples and families.

The history of Harlow Jewish Community stretches back to its formation in 1952, just a few years after Harlow was designated a New Town, and it has been a thriving presence ever since. It has been affiliated to Reform/Progressive Judaism since 1960.

Chelmsford Jewish Community was established in 1974 and has played a key role in religious life in the city for 50+ years. It was not previously affiliated to any movement.

Shabbat and festival services will be held both online and in the synagogue building, based in central Harlow. The synagogue was extended in 1998 and redeveloped in 2009. The merger will allow further renovation.

Popular events in Chelmsford – including an annual festival celebration at the Essex County Cricket Ground, family summer garden party, and civic Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration – will also continue.

This year, a first night communal Seder will take place in Chelmsford with a second in Harlow. A celebratory ‘get to know you’ event is being planned for the spring/summer.

Jon Kaye, Chair of Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community and previously Harlow Jewish Community, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that after a year of friendly discussions, we have combined these two Essex communities which comprise members from this county and the eastern side of Hertfordshire.

“From the very beginning, everyone continued to be enthusiastic about coming to an arrangement where we could provide a synagogue, a rabbi, cheder, services and social occasions for the combined community without restricting local events close to where members live.”

Stan Keller, Chair of Chelmsford Jewish Community and now Vice President of Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community, said: “With a combined history of over 125 years, the Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community builds on very strong foundations and relationships.

“This new community will pride itself on offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for its members, and a high level of engagement with local civic society and other faith groups.”

As a Progressive synagogue, Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community will welcome all Jews, as well as non-Jewish partners and family members. Services are conducted in Hebrew and English and made as accessible as possible, with everyone sitting together. There is a popular cheder and B’ Mitzvah programme for young people, and conversion pathways for adults looking to become Jewish.

Cheryl Petar, President of Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community, said: “We welcome every person and family that wants to join us on their and our Jewish journey, regardless of background, religious practice and Jewish knowledge.”

As well as a landmark moment for the two communities, this is also a milestone in the early history of The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ), which formed in January through the merger of Liberal and Reform Judaism.

MPJ Co-Leads Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “The Harlow and Chelmsford communities have come from different backgrounds, but share the same passion for welcoming and including all those who want to be part of Jewish life – while engaging with neighbours of other faiths and backgrounds through interfaith and social action work. We are delighted that they have now come together as our newest Progressive community.”

The post Harlow and Chelmsford merge to form new community for Essex appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

A 50% increase on last year’s attendance, participants spanned the entire cross-section of the community – from secular to religious, from people seeking entry level jobs to those looking for senior roles, and from students starting to build a career to job seekers in their 60s and 70s.

Held in Central London, the flagship event featured a mix of talks, Q&As and workshops covering all aspects of the job search.

Opening the day, Work Avenue CEO Debbie Lebrett spoke about the challenges people are facing. She said: “We are in a time when the economy is very challenging, the labour market has been cooling, vacancies are falling, graduate roles are tight, and finding employment and building a meaningful career at any stage of life can be tough.

“That’s why Work Avenue is here, firstly to smile and to tell you that it may be all doom and gloom out there, and then to provide a caring, listening ear alongside practical support to help you succeed. We are here to make things work and help our clients to earn a living.”

A very well received opening discussion, hosted by Charlotte Collins (Editor-in-Chief, Sheerluxe), saw employers share their practical advice on what they look for in candidates. The panel gave insights including how to identify transferable and soft skills, the need to customise a CV to a job description, and the importance of fully researching a company and its people before any interview.

In two of the breakout sessions that followed, attendees learned how to turn two common career concerns – the threat of AI and worries about age – to their advantage.

Work Avenue Employment Adviser Richard Linden, who is originally from Southend, looked at how to use AI tools in the job search, helping to research roles, craft CVs and cover letters, and prepare for interview.

Work Avenue Head of Employment Melanie Pearl guided a session on turning experience into employability. She said: “There is age bias out there, that’s just a fact. But how you present yourself makes a difference. It’s time to reframe the narrative and show the strengths organisations need in uncertain times – experience-based judgment, well-developed communication skills, professional maturity and the ability to handle pressure.”

The third session, for which there was standing-room-only, was Launch into Law: Early Careers Unlocked. Attendees were guided through the steps to break into the legal sector, covering trainee solicitor and paralegal pathways, building compelling applications, and positioning transferable skills effectively, even for those without a formal law degree.

After a series of skills taster sessions led by the Work Avenue team – covering career choice, CV, interviews and identifying transferable skills – Adam Taub hosted a final discussion entitled Because You Are Worth It.

Adam, one of the UK’s leading presentation coaches, focussed on how the greatest challenge in securing a job is often believing that you are the right person for it – giving advice on building confidence, creating a network and demonstrating personal strengths.

He concluded: “Getting the job is not just about being yourself… but being the best version of yourself. Employers need to feel you are somebody they want to work with, not just somebody who will be good at the job – but somebody they want to have in the office.”

The event also gave the Work Avenue team the opportunity to lay out the full range of courses and workshops they have in the months ahead. These included the brand-new Career Reboot for Women course, which will offer a mix of practical training, confidence-building and mentoring for women, and includes free Ofsted registered childcare.

Job seekers described New Year, New Career as “practical and inspiring”, “a real lift to my confidence”, and “what I needed to help me find a new job this year.”

On 1–2 February, Work Avenue will run a 36-hour fundraising campaign to ensure they can raise the £1.2million budget it costs to fund their employment and business services.

• Pictures by Leivi Saltman.

The post Work Avenue event helps growing number of Jewish job seekers appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

Neil – who grew up in Gants Hill, lives in South Woodford and is a member of Woodford Forest United Synagogue – has been recognised for ‘national service to young people, interfaith relations and Holocaust remembrance’.

This distinction elevates him from the OBE he received in 2016, recognising two decades of his sustained national impact.

Fittingly, this year marks the 20th anniversary of Neil’s appointment as Chief Executive of JLGB – a time during which he has transformed the UK’s oldest Jewish youth charity into an award-winning national exemplar of inclusive, culturally sensitive youth provision – enabling tens of thousands of disadvantaged and minority young people to thrive and contribute to British society without compromising their religious or cultural identity.

His tenure has reshaped faith and culturally sensitive youth provision across the UK through major national initiatives, including expansion of kosher and Shabbat-compliant Duke of Edinburgh’s Award access, now a rite of passage for over 50% of Jewish teenagers each year.

Since 2011, Neil has served as Chair of Yom HaShoah UK, the Jewish community’s annual Holocaust memorial day, revitalising national Holocaust remembrance and setting new standards for intergenerational commemoration.

On 23 April 2025, he produced the UK’s National 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen by the British Army – an event of historic civic significance held outside Parliament in Victoria Tower Gardens, the proposed site of the new National Holocaust Memorial. The ceremony brought together over 4,000 in-person attendees and more than 500,000 online viewers.

Neil also chairs the Interfaith Youth Trust, which supports grassroots interfaith projects across the UK. Through this work, Neil has become one of the UK’s most influential leaders in faith-based and culturally sensitive youth work, shaping national practice far beyond the Jewish community.

Neil said: “I am profoundly humbled by this honour. More than an individual achievement, it reflects the dedication of the young people, volunteers, survivors, colleagues and partners who make this vital work possible, and whom I am so privileged to work alongside. JLGB shaped who I am, and every day I remain inspired by the next generation.

“In a time when community and resilience matter more than ever, I remain deeply committed to ensuring the lessons of the past, combined with the energy and spirit of today’s young people, help shape a stronger and brighter future for us all.”

• Click here to read an interview with Neil in the Rosh Hashanah edition of The Jewish News.

The post JLGB Chief Executive Neil Martin appointed CBE in New Year Honours List appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

The streets around Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue came alive as a 200-strong crowd celebrated the arrival of a new Sefer Torah. Music, dancing and singing marked the joyous occasion as the scroll was carried under a chuppah to the synagogue.

Marcia and Martin Wohlman, whose family own the scroll and have officially loaned it to the synagogue, described the event as “just like Simchat Torah all over again!”

Members of the community joined the parade on Manor Road, alongside the Wohlmans, their children and other family members.

The arrival of the Torah was the culmination of a long journey. Rabbi Rafi Goodwin had highlighted the synagogue’s need, as only two of its existing Torah scrolls were still suitable for use, while others were beyond repair.

Marcia, who had recently benefited from the estate of a dear 96-year-old aunt in Vancouver, said: “This gave me the opportunity to obtain a new Torah to lend to the synagogue where Martin and I have been members for the past 10 years.”

The scroll was ordered from Israel with the assistance of Rabbi Rafi, who liaised with Rabbi Yehuda Pink from Solihull. Rabbi Rafi brought it home in a holdall, and the family watched as the two rabbis assembled it in Golders Green, sewing the parchment onto wooden poles (Atzei Chaim).

A date was set after the Yom Tovim for the presentation. The Wohlmans invited the Rabbonim, Honorary Officers of the synagogue, family and friends to their home to watch the sofer (scribe) complete the final letters. The Torah was then dressed in its mantle and, escorted by CST and the police, carried and danced to the synagogue accompanied by music.

On arrival, two other Torah scrolls joined the new one, allowing all to enter its new home together. A short service was followed by a buffet in the Johnnie and Minnie Simmons Function Hall.

Rabbi Rafi said: “What a beautiful simcha for the community and the Wohlman family. The first time we will officially call people up to make blessings over the new Torah will be on Shabbat Chanukah. By divine providence, we will read about how each tribal prince brought a dedication offering for the Tabernacle.”

Synagogue Chair Colin Franklin added: “This was a wonderful occasion for our community. We are deeply grateful to the Wohlman family for their extraordinary kindness and generosity. Their commitment to our synagogue and Jewish tradition is inspiring, and this new Torah will enrich our services and strengthen our connection to Torah for generations.”

The post Chigwell celebrates as new Torah arrives appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

Jewish Care’s annual Betty and Aubrey Lynes Volunteer Awards honoured a number of winners from Essex and East London.

The event was held in Barnet and compered by TV and radio scriptwriter Ivor Baddiel. Awards were handed out by Marcus Sperber, Chair of Jewish Care, who said: “We know that our work would not be possible without all of you who volunteer alongside us and who commit to supporting our members, residents, clients, tenants and their relatives every day. 

“In times of challenge, your commitment to volunteering and communal service stands as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that even in times of adversity when we come together and unify, we can make a difference and create positive change.”

Winners from our region included:

The Sonia Douek Volunteer of the Year Award: Lesley Midda

This award was presented by Michelle Weiner, and was created in memory of her mother, the late Sonia Douek, a deeply respected leader at Jewish Care and a pioneer of person-centred care.

It was presented to Lesley Midda, who was honoured for embodying the same spirit of dedication, kindness and excellence that defined Sonia’s work. 

In her acceptance speech, Lesley said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award. Volunteering has never been about recognition, it’s been about showing up, doing what I can and being part of something bigger than myself. But this acknowledgment means a lot. It reminds me that every hour, every effort and every small act truly matters.”

Contribution to Management Award: Sandra Brandes 

At the Brenner Stepney Jewish Community Centre, Sandra has been a consistent and compassionate presence, volunteering twice weekly, making befriending calls, and contributing to fundraising efforts through the Friends of Brenner Stepney Committee.

She said: “I feel so honoured. We put in such hard work, it’s so nice to be recognised.”

Innovative and Creative Award: Simon Elman 

Befriender Simon Elman was celebrated for creating volunteer meetups, creating a space for them to share stories, advice, and encouragement over coffee. It was a simple yet brilliant idea, and Simon made it happen. His suggestion has now expanded, and the befriending team hosts volunteer coffee mornings in Golders Green, Edgware and East London.

Thanks to Simon, volunteers now feel more connected, better supported, and empowered in their roles. This initiative has strengthened the overall befriending programme and brought renewed energy and camaraderie to those involved. 

He shared: “We don’t do what we do for awards, we do them because we love our community, but to be acknowledged is a wonderful thing. I’ve worked with Jewish Care for 18 years now, it is so lovely to be recognised and a very humbling experience. It is a joy to be here.”

Unsung Hero Award – Rita Rogers and Albert Joseph

Rita was honoured for over 20 years of volunteering across Jewish Care’s Redbridge community and dementia programmes. She has got to know each of the members well and supports them with care and kindness, while also being a great source of encouragement to fellow volunteers and staff. Always happy to help, Rita steps in for extra shifts and brings positivity to every role she takes on. Rita has also raised funds for Jewish Care by crafting and selling her handmade stuffed animals.

Albert was recognised for his dedication delivering Meals on Wheels to vulnerable residents in Redbridge and Stepney Green.

Albert said: “I love working for Jewish Care and the job that we all do is amazing. The award that I have received is so meaningful and I feel so appreciated.”

Rita added: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed and shocked that I got the award for Unsung Hero, it means the world to me because I love being a volunteer, it gives me great pleasure in everything I do.”

Team of the Year Award – Pastoral Support Volunteers

The Pastoral Support Volunteers from the End-of-Life Team were celebrated for their compassion and teamwork in providing emotional and spiritual care to residents and their families. Whilst working with the most vulnerable residents approaching the end of their life, the Pastoral Volunteers’ strength lies not only in individual compassion, but in how their work also supports a wider team. 

Maureen Valins is one of the group. She said: “I just feel really privileged. Before I had this role, I was visiting someone I knew at Vi & John Rubens and being the person she last spoke to made me feel so honoured. It was then I started doing pastoral support. I’ve had to say goodbye to lots of people, but it feels so meaningful, and I value the time that I can share with each person every time I visit, even more.”

Volunteer Patrons Awards – Mandi Dobias, John Stilitz, Clive Wiseman, Sharon Levy and Taryn Levin

Awards on the night also went to Mandi Dobias, John Stilitz, Clive Wiseman, Sharon Levy and Taryn Levin, each recognised for their outstanding commitment to community, from organising Holocaust survivor tea parties to running local befriending groups and supporting operational services.

Richard Shone – Jewish Care’s Director of Community Services and Volunteering – lives in the area and told of the incredible contribution volunteers make in Essex and beyond. He said: “Each of them makes a huge difference every day to the lives of those we support, and we are truly grateful – we couldn’t do what we do without them.”

The post Jewish Care honours its Essex volunteers appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

At Clore Tikva School, pupils and parents collected toys for Camp Simcha and donated food for Chabad Aid. The children also brought to life the Mitzvah Day theme of 20 Years of Building Bridges, with youngsters from Years 5 and 6 reading and working with the younger pupils in Years 1 and 2.

The school’s Head of Jewish Studies Samantha Bendon said: “Mitzvah Day was wonderful, especially seeing our children building new friendships and connections. The most important thing is these good deeds will continue throughout the year.”

At Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School, families supported Mitzvah Day collections for Camp Simcha UK and Nishkam SWAT, the Sikh charity which distributes food to homeless and financially disadvantaged people in the local area.

WIJPS Jewish Studies Lead Deborah Harris said: “A huge thank you to our community, whose generosity will truly make a difference.”

Year 5 pupils then visited Jewish Care’s Vi & John Rubens House in Ilford, sharing conversation and laughter with the residents – bringing plenty of smiles.

Wallace Leventhal, who lives in the care home, said: “It is so nice to interact with young people and see their amazing smiles.”

The children were equally enthusiastic, with young Isabella saying: “It was an amazing experience… finding out fascinating facts about them.”

Residents at Vi & John Rubens House also enjoyed a celebration funded by Cranbrook United Synagogue, with members’ artwork displayed throughout the week.

Children at the East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue Cheder made Mitzvah Day cards for the community’s Friendship Club, while the adults volunteered at Haven House Children’s Hospice. At both Ilford Federation Synagogue and Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre, members collected food donations for Chabad Aid.

The anniversary was marked with a variety of good deeds well beyond Essex – with 40,000 volunteers taking part across the world. This year’s flagship project was the Big Soup Serve, reaching its goal of delivering 5,000 portions of soup for the homeless and vulnerable.

Looking back over the day and the last 20 years, Mitzvah Day founder and chair Laura Marks CBE said: “We know Jewish communities support local charities day in and day out. But what we saw on Mitzvah Day raised the bar, engaged new people and causes, strengthened essential bridges between communities, and maybe most importantly, felt great.”

• WIJPS and Clore Tikva pictures by Karen Zetter

The post Communities ‘raise the bar’ for Mitzvah Day anniversary appeared first on Essex Jewish News.