Uniform action aids refugees

As an indicator of the shul’s current state, it has hosted six weddings and the same number of barmitzvahs this year. And with a mikveh that the shul council claims as “the best in Europe”, an on-site kosher shop ripe for expansion, direct rail links into central London and the attraction of the “therapeutic” seaside, Mr Silverstone is preparing for an increase in membership.

“We are one of the very few shuls outside London who have morning and evening services seven days a week,” h e p o i n t e d o u t . SWHC’s £520 yearly membership fee for a couple (including burial contributions) compares favourably to London congregations.

F o r C h a r e d i m, a major selling point was cheaper housing than Stamford Hill and Rabbi Bar talked of plans for an eruv as well as the potential for the shul cheder to double as a Charedi school.

Mr Silverstone said collaboration made sense.

“If we don’t help each other, we’ll die. So we help each other. There’s no us and them.”

Rabbi Bar stressed the willingness of the new arrivals to work with the existing congregation. “They will eventually have their own shul but we’re going to have many areas we will work in partnership, like the shop and an eruv. The stained glass windows at Southend and Westcliff shul

“They want to belong and we’re delighted with that. They are very tolerant and non-judgemental and I’m sure they’ll be an asset to the community.”

At Jewish Care’s centre, manager Hilary De Martino said it was “the hub of the community”.

The charity sold its Raymond House care home in 2012 but offers independent living with round-the-clock support through Shebson Lodge, sited above the community centre.

All but four of the 16 flats have a sea view and Ms De Martino reported that one client in his 80s had learned to surf over the past few months.

“It’s not just about the building. We are actively engaging 200 people per week inside and outside the centre.”

Strengthened links with local Jewry had resulted in increased support for events such as the monthly salt beef supper. “A big aim” was involving those aged 55 to 75 who come to the town to retire.

The charity also provides home care, a kosher-style café at the centre and hot meals on wheels. It would like to organise educational tours for local schools taking in the town’s Jewish life.

Dementia patients can enjoy gardening in the centre’s plot, where sunflowers and potatoes line its soil.

“Their memories may be going but their self esteem isn’t,” Ms De Martino said.

THE LIBERAL Jewish Synagogue Drop-in for Asylum Seeker Families and Uniform4Kids joined forces for a project to provide school uniforms for the children of asylum seekers.

Staff members at the Uniform4Kids store in Finchley Road promoted the initiative and Mitzvah Day and synagogue volunteers transported boxes of donated new uniforms to the LJS premises.

Since the drop-in was established in June 2014, 280 adult and 375 child asylum seekers from 29 countries have registered. Around 100 adult asylum seekers and their children attend each month.

Rabbi Alexandra Wright, senior minister at the St John’s Wood congregation, said the project “has enabled many of the children who regularly attend our drop-in to have a new school uniform for the academic year. This would otherwise be out of their reach since asylum seekers survive off £36.95 per person per week.

“We must also think about those who are living in misery, alone and separated from their family in Calais and other camps across Europe. They can only dream of starting school.”

If we don’t help each other, we die. There’s no us and them’