It’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 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 are we follow a team of five friends in Ancient Greece – loosely based on characters from history and mythology – who have 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 get 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 come thick and fast as you’d expect.

The songs are catchy, and the lyrics silly. It can 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 makes 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 comes together perfectly.

Ultimately the show is a love letter to theatre, giving 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 can see just how much the writers love their craft.

Another important point is that Thespians – playing in local theatres around the country – is affordable. It gives West End/Broadway quality without the prices you’d usually associate with that.

It’s a fun family night out – as I found – but would be equally enjoyable for individuals, couples or adult groups.

Give it a try… you can’t go wrong!

• Thespians plays at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester until 23 May, before touring to Bath, Swindon, Guildford, Cheltenham, Cardiff and Manchester. Find out more and purchase tickets here.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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By Simon Rothstein

“Eilat is an amazing city,” Mayor Eli Lankri tells me. “It is beautiful, innovative and constantly evolving.”

That the Mayor spent part of an evening with me and three other journalists from Jewish papers in the UK, waxing lyrical about Eilat and taking us around Terminal Park, highlights just how seriously the city takes diaspora tourism.

Once an annual destination for many families in the UK, visitor numbers from these shores have dropped in recent years for three key reasons – Covid, war, and a lack of flights.

The first two are over, hopefully for good, while El Al solved the latter earlier this year – resuming direct winter flights to the city from Israel’s main international airport, Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv. Wizz Air have now also announced plans to open a mini-base at Eilat’s Ramon Airport this spring.

The result is that this incredible city, with so much to offer, is once more easily accessible.

If you want to be at one with nature, go to Eilat. If you want to ride camels in the desert or snorkel around Moses Rock, go to Eilat. If you want to lie in the sun any month of the year, go to Eilat. If you want to take the kids go-karting, climbing or to see dolphins, go to Eilat. If you want tax-free shopping, go to Eilat.

You get the idea!

Four days in the city told me that the Mayor’s words weren’t a sales pitch or hyperbole, but a genuine description of one of Israel’s gems.

If you’re planning a trip to Israel this summer, I’d strongly recommend putting Eilat on your agenda. And if you do, here is my guide to the best things to see, do and eat.

WHAT TO DO

Underwater Observatory Marine Park
Website: coralworld.co.il/en
The city has a genuine tropical sea right on its doorstep, teeming with hundreds of species of fish and invertebrates. And what better way to see them all than from the deepest underwater observatory on the planet. Walking down to six metres below the surface, into a natural reef, is quite the experience. Relaxing, educational and truly something you won’t find at home, this is somewhere I could stay all day.

The Eilat Bird Sanctuary
Website: eilatbirds.com/en/
As the only land bridge connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, Eilat is one of the most important places in the world for migratory birds and this centre is where they are supported and protected on route. Entry is free and the aim is simple: changing hearts about conservation by letting you get close enough to see these wonderful creatures on their epic trek. I loved every second I spent here – as do the 150,000 visitors and millions of birds that come through each year.

Coral Beach Nature Reserve
Website: en.parks.org.il//reserve-park/eilat-coral-beach-nature-reserve-2/
My new favourite place! Snorkelling around Joseph Rock and Moses Rock is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The water is remarkably clear, offering a front-row seat to one of the most densely populated coral reefs in the world, with hundreds of species of tropical – and very colourful – fish darting just inches from your mask.

Dolphin Reef
Website: dolphinreef.co.il/en
Think the polar opposite of Sea World and you will have Dolphin Reef. The two current resident dolphins, Nana and Nikita, live in their natural environment and are free to leave for the open sea whenever they choose. The site is all about freedom of choice; there are no forced tricks or jumps, just the chance to watch these majestic creatures up close.

Stalbet Relaxation Pools
Website: dolphinreef.co.il/en/stalbet
It’s not just the dolphins who are well looked after. This adults-only spa provides heated sea-water pools, in a botanical garden setting, that let you drift, float and truly relax. If you want the full experience, book the ‘Watsu’ treatment where a therapist moves you through the water to help you completely switch off.

Camel Ranch
Website: camel-ranch.co.il/en/
Ever pictured yourself riding a camel for a trek through the Israeli desert? Nor me! But I’m so glad I did. The Camel Ranch is a must on any trip to Eilat, especially as it offers so much more – including quad-bike style EZ Riders, electric mountain bikes and its spectacular Feast event with unlimited meats, drinks and live entertainment. Just remember to leave with a pack of their famous Bedouin tea.

Top 94
Website: top94.co.il
This is a massive indoor space in the industrial zone that’s a godsend when the sun gets too hot or the kids get too restless. Its 30 activities offer something for everyone – from archery and go-karting to high ropes and the tallest indoor climbing wall in Israel – with friendly and patient staff to help you get to grips with it all.

Terminal Park
Website: terminalpark.co.il
Another great spot for the family is Terminal Park, the city’s brand-new project, built on the runway of the old airport that many readers will have flown to in the past. A community-focused space, it’s part amusement park, part urban hang-out – with a Ferris wheel, extreme sports areas, outdoor cinema and food trucks.

Timna Park
Website: parktimna.co.il/en/timna-park/
Exploring Timna Park – 15,000 acres of desert landscapes, ancient history and fascinating geology – is something that will stay with you long after you leave, especially if you do the night-time lantern tour. There’s Solomon’s Pillars (massive sandstone columns lit up after dark), the Mushroom (a rock formation sitting on 6,000-year-old copper mines), and the Arches (natural stone windows you can actually climb through). It really does feel like you’ve walked back into the days of the Bible.

WHERE TO EAT

Pedro
Website: pedro.co.il
A classy dinner venue for meat lovers, seafood lovers and, especially wine lovers, this restaurant is located in a quiet neighbourhood and has great service – giving you the best of all worlds. For fans of steak, Meat Monday is a must.

Omer’s
Website: omers-eilat.com
If you like meat in bread, you will love Omer’s. Courses so large and filling that I’m afraid I can’t tell you what the desserts were like. A fun and inexpensive place for a lovely lunch as you hop from one place to another.

Dolphin Reef Restaurant
Website: dolphinreef.co.il/en
Dolphin Reef is somewhere you will want to spend at least half a day. Don’t take a packed lunch though… as its restaurant should be a standalone part of your itinerary. Quick brunch type bites are its forte, with a shakshuka to die for. The nicest part? Eating, while listening to the sounds of the birds and waves.

DnA Burger
Website: instagram.com/dnaburgerr/
Sometimes the best food really is on your doorstep. I discovered this hip burger joint, tired and hungry after a flight, as it was opposite our hotel… and one of the tastiest burgers I’ve ever eaten (and that wasn’t just the hunger talking).

WHERE TO STAY

Isla Brown 42
Website: brownhotels.com/eilat/isla
This five-star new build is elegant and centrally located. With gorgeous pool area, huge rooms and a breakfast buffet that never ends, the Isla Brown is a luxurious place to enjoy your stay.

Timna Park
Website: parktimna.co.il/en/timna-park-accomodation
Choose from guest rooms, caravans, camping or glamping for an evening under the stars and a morning of spectacular desert and lake views. A really special experience for a night of your trip.

KIBBUTZIM TO SEE:

Neot Semadar
Website: neot-semadar.com/en/
Recently recognised by UN Tourism as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages, Neot Semadar fully deserves the accolade. It combines striking architecture, ecological agriculture and a deep commitment to creativity, all built and run by the people who live there. The on-site winery and art shop are ideal for picking up gifts to take home for others… and yourself.

Kibbutz Elifaz
Website: elifaz.co.il
A quietly compelling slice of desert life, Elifaz gives a taste of the ‘traditional’ Israeli kibbutz. A cooperative community focused on agriculture, solar energy and small-scale tourism, it’s a place to notice the little things that make life special.

WHO TO SHOW YOU AROUND

Shai Cohen Tour Guide
Website: instagram.com/cohensh1/?hl=en
If you want to see any city properly, it’s best to have a local tour guide. Shai knows every single square inch of Eilat and everyone in Eilat knows Shai. His insights not only into the attractions of the city but also its geography, culture, history and geopolitics make him the ideal host. Shai would often time a journey to pass a certain place at a specific moment, just to see it in its full splendour, or take a quick detour if he thought there was something our group shouldn’t miss. He’s that good.

Ministry of Tourism Eilat
Website: eilat.city/en/ministry-of-tourisem
Get in touch with the tourist board for maps, event schedules, advice and any other information a tourist might require – offered in 14 languages. The Essex Jewish News would like to thank the Ministry of Tourism Eilat along with Itamar Elitzur and Sharon Ofer of the Eilat Hotel Association, Hollie Wright of UK Office of the Israel Ministry of Tourism and Jo Rosenblatt of Noteworthy Communications for making sure we got to see everything Eilat has to offer.

Now it’s your turn to visit…

The post Travel: It’s time to get back to Eilat 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.

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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.”

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