“Together, we’ve enjoyed getting involved in creating carefully crafted decorations for the Succah, talking about the festival and sharing happy Succot memories. We’ve also been singing uplifting songs together with our community centre members, Retirement Living tenants and care home residents, visiting and sitting in the Succah together, when the sun comes out, and of course, shaking the lulav and etrog. For something a bit different this year at Jewish Care’s Sandringham members of Jewish Care Ronson Family Community Centre at Sandringham, will be enjoying a L’chaim with a cocktail trolley, including Etrog Liquor, especially for Succot, with blessings to add a personal, meaningful, and fun touch to each drink, linking them to uplifting blessings.”

Members of Jami’s hub in Finchley helped prepare the succah and enjoyed getting together to socialise and enjoy a festive lunch over the Yom Tov period. The hubs in Finchley, Redbridge and Hackney, provide a safe space and social connection for people with long-term mental illness and distress. Andrew Barbarash, Northwest Area Coordinator, says, they offer so much more. “There’s also a lot of laughter; a lot of camaraderie. People feel safe. They feel like they are part of a big family. And, just like many families, they come together to celebrate the Jewish festivals in ways that feel meaningful to them.”