The United Synagogue

Chanukah And Chesed

In 2007 the Project Chesed Chanukah guide was distributed to over 27,000 United Synagogue members providing the Chanukah service for your home and ready to go ideas of what you can do to make a difference out in the world.

The ‘four ways to bring light into the world’ featured in the guide were:

1. Light up a child’s face:
Drop off some toys – we’ll do the rest

A third of the two million Jews in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union are living in poverty. World Jewish Relief (WJR) sends humanitarian aid direct from the UK to these communities (www.worldjewishrelief.org.uk / 020 7691 1771).

This winter, why not root out any good quality toys, jigsaws or games and give them a new home. The toys must have all the pieces present and not need batteries or instructions. In particular WJR would appreciate soft toys and dolls. You could also donate some new toys if you are inundated at Chanukah. Project Chesed has already arranged toy drop-off boxes in 22 United Synagogue shuls. Contact us to make sure your shul or school is included. We will arrange for all the donations in these boxes to be collected and delivered to WJR in Neasden and then shipped directly to children in need.


2. Be an Israelite:
Give Chanukah Gelt to Israel


Choose a worthy cause to support in Israel. Here are three suggestions:


(i) UJIA Extended School Day Programme extends the school day by 2-3 hours to ensure that children in low income families have at least one nutritious meal in a day, and are provided with extra educational support and enrichment activities. Contact: 020 8369 5005 or visit http://www.ujia.org

(ii) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Magen David Adom - Israel’s only medical emergency service - works to save lives regardless of race or religion. They receive minimal government funding and rely on donations to save more lives. Contact: 020 8201 5900 or visit http://www.ukmda.org

(iii) The OneFamily Fund helps families in Israel affected by terrorism. They look after the long-term physical and emotional health of survivors and their families, together with the educational, financial and other needs. Contact: 020 8732 6109 or visit http://www.onefamilyuk.co.uk




3. Brighten someone’s day:
Visit a residential home

For people living in a residential home, a visit from you can transform their whole week. Why not volunteer for a few hours? You could:

● Light Chanukah candles with residents
● Drop in regularly to chat
● Read to someone blind or partially-sighted
● Help with services and meals over Shabbat
● Help a person with limited mobility to go for a short walk

Contact US Community Cares on 020 8343 6224 to be linked up with a local Cares group.

Or contact Jewish Care that has 15 London homes: 020 8922 2405 or visit www.jewishcare.org


4. Become a shining light::
Help the homeless this winter

In the UK, the national holidays of Christmas and New Year are a time for family get-togethers, warmth and good food. But for the thousands living on the street or in temporary accommodation, it can be the loneliest and coldest time of the year. We have two great ideas of ways to help:

(i) Many homeless hostels and shelters are looking for warm winter items – new or used (but in good condition) – including scarves, gloves, coats and blankets. If you have something to donate, contact us (see below for details) at Project Chesed and we’ll link you with a local homeless hostel.

(ii) From 23rd to 30th December, ‘Crisis Open Christmas’ has six venues across London for homeless and vulnerably-housed people. Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve food, clean up, drive, talk to guests, and help them to use the range of services. Specialist volunteers are also needed, including doctors, hairdressers, chiropodists and teachers. To volunteer call 020 7426 3872 or visit www.crisis.org.uk


If you missed out and didn’t receive this guide but would like a copy please do contact me. Or if you were inspired to act from the guide I’d love to hear from you too!


Candice Woolfson
Project Chesed Executive
Tel: 020 8343 5688 Email: chesed@unitedsynagogue.org.uk
Project Chesed is generously supported by the Dr Benjamin Angel Foundation and a private donor.