The United Synagogue

Chesed at Chanukah

Light Up A Child's Life This Winter...

This Chanukah US Chesed is partnering with Tikva, a charity that runs Jewish Children's Homes in Odessa, Ukraine. We are collecting good-as-new toys and packets of disposable nappies and baby wipes for them.

Tikva cares for abandoned and abused Jewish children in the Ukraine who otherwise would lack love, care and a home to call their own. For more information see www.tikvaodessa.org

The children looked after by Tikva don't experience what we perceive to be a normal childhood. A toy from the UK may well be their first experience of a gift.

"You are not required to complete the task, yet you are not free to abstain from it." (Pirkei Avot 2:16)

We cannot make everything better for these children but we can make a difference. Please have a look through your homes and see if you have any toys, jigsaws, teddies, board games etc. that no one uses anymore. They would be particularly grateful for any children's items with a Jewish theme or coloured pens, paper or arts and crafts materials. Items need to be in good condition, cannot require batteries or instructions and all the pieces must be present. We have also expanded the appeal to include nappies and baby wipes as there is an acute need for these too. So if you haven't got toys to donate, why not buy a pack of nappies (any size) when you are next out shopping.

If you are having people over at Chanukah time you could even ask your guests to support the collection and bring a toy or packet of baby wipes with them.

Many shuls have offered to be collection points. Look out for posters or call or email Candice to find out your nearest drop-off on 020 8343 5688 or chesed@theus.org.uk

Gifts like these will touch the lives of Jewish children, in a way that funding alone cannot. These items have a real and immediate impact. As we celebrate Chanukah with family and friends, and receive presents as many children do, we can think of those in less fortunate circumstances experiencing a different kind of Chanukah. Together we can make this a Chanukah Sameach for others.


And we have other ideas too for ways to bring a little more light into the world this Chanukah time.

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 US Chesed and we'll link you with a local homeless hostel.

(ii) From 23rd to 30th December, 'Crisis Christmas' has several venues across London, all located within zones 1 and 2, 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 3899 or visit www.crisis.org.uk

Click on the link below for the US Chesed Chanukah Guide of 2007.

this week
shabbat times

Feb. 10th - 11th
18th Shevat
Begins: 16:51
Ends: 17:56
Sedra: Yitro

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