Eight students from Hasmonean High School and JFS in Kisharon’s year 12 programme started paid work shifts in the summer.

Another wave of recruitment is underway since the start of the new academic year.

Ben, a pupil of Hasmonean High School for Boys, has been making challah with tenants at Montpelier Rise.

He said, “Baking together was a great experience. It proved how inclusive challah baking and the project can be. Together we all made perfect bread for Shabbat.”

Word spread about Kisharon’s recruitment to students and after completing forms and interviews, on accepting the jobs each pupil had online training.

Two hours a week is the minimum working requirement and Kisharon expects the team will settle into regular working patterns. Available shifts are posted on a WhatsApp group and anyone available to work at that time can respond. During the work no one is left unsupervised.

In addition to challah baking, students have signed up to spend quality time with people Kisharon supports on a Shabbat playing games, singing songs and enjoying seudah shlishit with them.

While the project will not ease the serious shortage of support workers that has impacted social care across the UK it will go some way to enhancing the Jewish atmosphere in supported living at Kisharon.

Rachel Ucko, Kisharon’s Community Inclusion Coordinator, said, “The programme has had a really positive impact on the people we support. It’s bringing Jewish energy into Kisharon and we look forward to the next recruitment phase.”

Head of Jewish Living, Sara Levin added, “We are really excited about the project, which we hope will plant seeds for future careers in the minds of some talented and capable individuals in the community. I am delighted that the Year 12 students have begun, and will continue to bring a real boost to Jewish life for people we support.”

To join the programme email Rachel at Rachel.ucko@kisharon.org.uk