Pre-festival shopping and foodie experience at Chai

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY pivoting the Chai Rosh Hashanah Gift Sale last year into a socially distanced outdoor artisan market, the charity will hold this year’s event back inside its flagship centre in Hendon. On Wednesday September 1, Chai will host more than 30 vendors offering homeware, Judaica, jewellery, clothes, flowers and chic millinery.

Alongside these, the artisan market will be back, by popular demand, with food and drink stalls including a gin bar, freshly cured smoked salmon, chocolates and Tony Page’s honey cakes.

To keep you fuelled while shopping, Oh Brown Bear’s iced coffee and cookie van; Crepes & Shakes London by One Ashbourne and Ben Tenenblat’s ‘Crave’ trailer will be on hand, serving gourmet street food, snacks and refreshments.

Powerhouse husband and wife team, Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich, of Honey & Co, will host a live session (check social media channels and website for further details; booking is essential).

For £10, Chai supporters can enter a draw with prizes such as a Porsche driving experience, Jimmy Choo clutch bag and an Orchant selection C.Gars Malt

Experience the special atmosphere that has such a positive effect’

Scottish Highland Whisky. To enter, go to chaicancercare.org

The gift sale will also see the launch of a chocolate cookbook in aid of Chai — Babka, Boulou & Blintzes – Jewish Chocolate Recipes from Around the World (see recipe, page 10 of this supplement). The book is packed with sweet and savoury recipes, from sourdough rye brownies and chocolate and roasted beet ice-cream to Sicilian caponata and chocolate chilli.

Debra Zender and Julia Abrams, Chai Society co-chairs, say: “We are thrilled to be back at the Chai centre and be able to welcome so many familiar faces taking stalls and some new ones coming on board too. We look forward to a wonderful event!”

Chai’s chairman, Louise Hager says: “the gift sale will be extra special this year as it’s the first major event back in our centre since Covid. Not only is this an important fund-raising event, it’s an ideal opportunity for many to visit Chai for the first time and experience the special atmosphere that has such a positive effect on all those who benefit from our specialised services.”