Two events were organised for the community over the course of the weekend. Following the service on Shabbat some eighty members and guests were treated to a superb three course lunch organised by the ReJEWvenate Committee headed by Roy Block, which had been prepared by Rebbetzin Black.
The community were grateful to the anonymous sponsor which enabled this to take place. The guest speaker was Raisel Freedman who is Assistant Director of PaJeS, which supports Jewish Schools across the UK. She represents Jewish Schools at Government level, across a wide range of issues. She runs a taharat hamishpacha hotline for women in the Alei Tzion community and is in the inaugural UK cohort of Nishmat’s Yoetzet Halacha programme.
We also looked at a photo of the oldest made Chanukiah of 1709 which is in the possession of the Jewish Museum of London. It was made in the UK and designed by silversmith John Rusian. It was a gift to Elias Lindo on his wedding when he married Rachel Lopes Fereira. It has since been known as the Lopes Lamp. It depicts Elijah and ravens. Raisel spoke about aspects of Chanukah.
The following evening at Sunday Night at Kenton (SNAK), Bob Blackman CBE MP for Harrow East was the speaker which encouraged a full house. Members were delighted to hear his views on a great number of topics which included his recent visit to Israel, the plight of the hostages, antisemitism in this country and locally, other religious groups in the area, as well as working cross party in the House of Commons, his various roles as Chairman in various All Parliamentary Party Group and his new role as the Chairman of the 1922 Committee for Conservative Backbenchers.
Bob grew up and was educated in the local area. Prior to his becoming a Member of Parliament he was elected as Greater London Assembly member for Brent and Harrow from 2004, also serving as Leader of Brent Council for six years, Conservative Group Leader for twenty, and a member of Brent Council for twenty four years. Following refreshments before and after the meeting members left with more positivity following Bob’s inspiring talk.
By Rachelle Goldberg
