In response to the real difficulties being faced during the Coronavirus pandemic, the Jewish community has responded with great tenacity, creativity and resilience. One of the core commandments of Judaism is to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ – and we are seeing evidence of this teaching being actualised throughout the country.
In addition to expressing our gratitude to key workers every Thursday evening, we want to show our appreciation to those who have responded to the call to help their local communities through volunteering. Each Thursday, we will be highlighting a few individuals who have taken on the pioneering and caring Jewish spirit, so we can say ‘Thank You’ for their work on behalf of the entire UK Jewish Community and from all those who are benefiting from their efforts.
If you would like to recommend someone to be featured in upcoming weeks, please email our Community Engagement Officer, Lauren Keiles, at lauren.keiles@bod.org.uk.
Jonelle, who suffers from MS, is using this time to help at the ICU units at both Northwood Park Hospital and Watford General Hospital through Watford Football Club. Jonelle is making and organising others to make an array of cakes for the nursing staff.
David looks after the welfare of all of the members, ringing them up regularly to check they are ok and praying for those who are sick. Every Friday, he drives to members of the community who are isolating to give them challah and flour. David normally runs all of our services and is continuing to do this on his own. The community feels very lucky to have such a humble and dedicated leader.
From hospital visits and calls to elderly and isolated people, if there is an act of kindness to be done, Natalie and David are always there. They delivered food parcels on all the festivals and continue to do so today. It would be hard to find a more giving and caring couple. Natalie and David are long standing and much loved members of the community.
Rosalind has been running a community sewing group, alongside other initiatives. As part of the Mill Hill Covid-19 support team, this group is making face coverings, scrubs and bags for key and front-line workers.
Steve has been doing a magnificent job in the most difficult and stressful of circumstances during the coronavirus pandemic. Leading the grounds staff team, Steve has acted with supreme professionalism, calmness and dignity in dealing with the sudden 200% increase in burials. The dedication of the entire team has been truly humbling.
Rabbi Morris has been leading and supporting all members of the community during this incredibly difficult period. His help with burials, religious and pastoral guidance alongside his regular webcast has been of great benefit to the whole community.