Lesley got involved as the co-ordinator of the operation, and when Yochy was unable to continue last June, Lesley took over the reins full time. Along with her ‘right hand woman’ Rachelle Orgel and a group of dedicated volunteers the initiative has grown and grown.

Now operating out of Loughton Synagogue, Lesley has a regular group of volunteers from across Essex prepare come together on every Thursday to make over 150 ‘goody bags’ consisting of homemade chicken soup, a savoury dish, homemade cake, fresh fruit salad, challah and a local newspaper.

Deliveries are made on Friday across Essex to the elderly, those without families, or those who might be ill or isolating. As well as the food, volunteers take the time to have a chat with each recipient on their doorstep, which for many may only human contact they receive each week.

Participants on the walk ranged from 18 months to 82 years old along with a few dogs and even a life sized chicken, courtesy of volunteer Jes Shine, who dressed up for the occasion!! Essex councillor Sebastian Fontanelle also took part in the fundraiser.

The group, dressed in specially designed T-shirts sponsored by Headstart Corporate Clothing, walked from Loughton to Chigwell & Hainault Synagogue taking in a visit to some of the recipients at Aztec House in Ilford, a home for the blind and disabled, on the way.

On arrival at Chigwell Synagogue, they were welcomed with drinks and snacks including cakes made by regular volunteer Sandra Waldman.

Lesley told the EJN, “We are a lifeline to so many of our recipients. We just cannot stop this now!”

As well as those walking in Essex, Yochy Davis took part in the walk from Israel, whilst Rabbi Yanky of Loughton Synagogue took part all the way from Canada.

Thanks to overwhelming generosity for the community, the group were able to their £10k target and would like to thank all those that have supported them.

The money raised event will help keep up with the ever-growing demand as more and more people seek the service. Lesley would love for the initiative to extend across the country so that people in other communities could also benefit.

Lesley is always keen to speak to anyone who would like to volunteer to be part of the Made with Love Chicken Soup Run team. If you are interested, please contact her via email lesleyadams@outlook.com or call on 07956 902177.

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Last week, Rabbi Davis of Chigwell and Hainault United Synagogue, sent what he described as a “very difficult email to write”. In it he made public the fact that he, along with his wife, Nechama had made the decision to move to Israel to be with their family.

The couple, will be making Aliyah in July 2022, after what he described as nearly 25 “wonderful years”. Having originally met and married in Israel, Rabbi Davis and his wife were “keen to return” 33 years after leaving Israel to take up a position in Australia.

He also explained that their decision had been influenced by the recent pandemic and the difficulty in being able to travel to see his family. As he explained: “Being separated from my mother, four of our sons, our three daughters in law and ALL of our grandchildren has become increasingly difficult, as we are sure you can all imagine”.

He described their time at the synagogue as an “amazing journey” in which they had got to know the community and said that they will miss them all “more than words can tell”.

Chairman Lindsay Shure told EJN that over the time that the couple have been at the shul they had helped steer the community out of troubled times to become the “strong and vibrant position we find ourselves in today”.

He went on to say that there were plans for a series of events to take place so that everyone could say what he called “a personal lehitraot” (‘until we meet again’, rather than just a plain goodbye’) to the couple.

Details for these events will be announced to the community once plans have been finalised.

Steven Wilson, United Synagogue’s chief executive, stated that whilst he was “delighted” for Rabbi and Rebbetzen Davis at being able to be with their family in Israel, the impact that it would have not just in the shul, but the wider Essex area and the Jewish community at large would be “immense”, adding that they would be “sorely missed”.

From a personal point of view, Steven also added that the Rabbi and Rebbetzen had been a “great support” during his time as Chief Executive, and we would miss their “friendship and wise counsel.”

By giving such a long notice period, Rabbi Davis felt that this would give the community the opportunity to find a suitable replacement, who he hoped would be “dynamic, capable and committed to seeing our community continue to flourish”.

It also means that he would have a chance to say “goodbye slowly and properly”.

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