The United Synagogue

Community Joins Together To Pay Tribute To Lady J And Launch Charity Fund In Her Memory

PRESS RELEASE

London,
23 June 2010

COMMUNITY JOINS TOGETHER TO PAY TRIBUTE TO LADY J AND LAUNCH CHARITY FUND IN HER MEMORY

Anglo Jewry joined together last night to pay tribute to the late Lady Jakobovits and to establish a special charitable fund to commemorate and continue her outstanding achievements in the field of welfare and chesed (loving-kindness). Almost 1000 people attended the tribute organised by the United Synagogue and hosted by St. John's Wood synagogue.

In the presence of Lady J's four daughters, Simon Hochhauser, President of the United Synagogue, launched the Lady J Chesed Fund to support the extensive welfare work of the United Synagogue community. The new fund will include a volunteer training programme to develop the US’ network of over 1,000 volunteers who care for the elderly, isolated and vulnerable in each community, and will also facilitate the creation of the Lady J Chesed Co-ordinator - a role focused on providing support to more isolated communities where there is a shortage of volunteer resources.

The evening also included a heartfelt address from the Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks and readings from the hundreds of condolence messages and personal reflections sent to Lady J's family over the last month. H.E Ron Prosor, the Israeli Ambassador, led the focus on personal recollections.

Throughout the evening, photos of Lady J with family and friends were displayed and a brochure was distributed to all guests which contained moving tributes from a very large number of communal organisations and charities that Lady J supported throughout her life.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Rabbi described Lady J as: "one of the most remarkable people Anglo-Jewry has ever known" and said of her: "If there is one word that will serve as both the epitome and the epitaph of the life we remember and honour today, it is the word 'Chesed'".

Launching the new charitable fund in Lady J's memory, Simon Hochhauser commented:

“Lady Jakobovits was the life of our community and she touched the lives of thousands of people through her acts of Chesed. We at the United Synagogue, working through our local communities, believe passionately that we can continue her work by providing welfare for our members - many of whom are in real need. This evening we are asking you to join with us in making a commitment to increasing Chesed activity across the community in her memory and honour.”

The United Synagogue also thanked the Shabbaton choir, the chazanim and the Rabbonim involved in the evening.

-End-

EDITORS’ NOTES: -

For further information, please contact:

Laura Ellman
The PR Office
Work: 020 7284 6969
Email: us@theproffice.com

this week
shabbat times

May. 25th - 26th
5th Sivan
Begins: 20:46
Ends: 22:03
Sedra: Bamidbar

   ------------------------