Joyful 108th birthday celebrations for Julia, United Synagogue’s oldest member

Julia Jackson is our oldest member – a member of Finchley United Synagogue (more commonly known as Kinloss) – and is also the oldest resident at Jewish Care, who lives at Rosetrees care home at The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet, is celebrating her remarkable 108th birthday today.

Julia, a long-standing member of Kinloss Synagogue, will mark the occasion with a small celebration at Rosetrees, surrounded by close family members and fellow residents. She is a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren and great-grandmother to 11 great-grandchildren.

Born, 23 April 1918, Julia is the youngest of nine siblings and was born before women were granted the right to vote. Reflecting on her milestone, Julia said she does not feel her age and believes the secret to a long life is “good food and exercise.”

As part of her birthday celebrations, Julia will be presented with a congratulatory card from HM King Charles III and The Queen.

Rabbi Dr Yoni Birnbaum, Senior Rabbi at Finchley United Synagogue who visited Julia ahead of her birthday, said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to wish Julia a happy birthday on behalf of everyone at Kinloss Shul. Julia is remarkable and a real inspiration to us all.”

Julia has a deep and longstanding connection to Kinloss Synagogue, where she was married in 1943 to her late husband, Michael z’l.

After growing up in Sunderland, Julia later moved to London in her twenties, where she worked as a secretary at Handley Page in Cricklewood during the Second World War. There, commercial aircraft were converted into bombers, and Julia signed the Official Secrets Act in her role. She later lived in Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Julia’s daughter, Josephine, said, “Mum has always been incredibly independent. Even after turning 100, she regularly took the bus to Brent Cross to go shopping and lived very independently. She moved into the care home at the age of 103 where she is very happy and enjoys taking part in activities.”

Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO, Jewish Care said,  “We feel incredibly privileged to care for Julia, and celebrating her 108th birthday surrounded by her family, fellow residents, and the care team has created a truly special memory for everyone.”

Saul Taylor, President, United Synagogue, added “Julia is an inspiration to our entire community. As our oldest member, her life reflects resilience, family, and a deep connection to Jewish life. We are honoured to celebrate this extraordinary milestone with her.”

You can read this wonderful Jewish Chronicle interview with her by clicking here.

Julia is pictured with Rabbi Dr Yoni Birnbaum, Finchley Synagogue and her daughter Josephine and son in-law Bruce.

22 April 2026