Community news roundup: 7-12 June

This week’s community news roundup. Got a story to share? Email your news and photos to community@thejngroup.com

• Chief Rabbi gets interactive

The Chief Rabbi was among the guests at Jewish Interactive’s inaugural dinner at Kinloss, a charity that creates innovative Jewish multimedia programmes and provides digital training to make learning more fun and engaging. Raising £23,000 on the night, UK director Chana Kanzen said: “Our inaugural dinner was a huge success. We’re delighted with the support we’ve had from the community.”

• Take tea in the garden

Hampstead resident David Weinberg will open up his English country garden on 15 June on behalf of the National Garden Scheme, which supports numerous cancer charities. The garden is filled with scented roses and herbaceous plants. Entrance is £3.50, and a cream tea will be served for £2 per person. The garden, at 74 Willifield Way, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, NW11 6YJ, will be open between 2pm and 6pm.

• Three young Norwood volunteers

  Norwood nominates its stars

Marking the start of National Volunteers Week, Norwood has announced its nominees for the second annual Norwood Star Awards. The awards recognise success across a range of categories and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Norwood’s volunteers (pictured). The winners will be announced as part of an award ceremony on 3 July, at a prestigious London location. Chief executive Elaine Kerr said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation. That’s why the Star Awards are a real highlight of the Norwood calendar.”

• Victor joins Maccabi GB

Maccabi GB has announced the addition of Victor Kevehazi to the organisation’s Board with immediate effect. Kevehazi, who specialises in acquisitions and transaction advisory services within a wide range of industries, was recently global lead partner in the KPMG Private Equity Group in the USA, and has vast experience within the voluntary sector. He said: “I’m thrilled to join the Maccabi GB Board, as we go forward into new ventures to further improve society among the UK’s Jewish community.”

• Camp Simcha runs for its money

A total of 30 Camp Simcha supporters of all ages raised more than £8,000 when they ran the London Bupa 10k. Daniel Gillis, Camp Simcha’s head of services, said: “It was a great day and always is because the atmosphere is so warm. Me and three other members of staff were proud to join in with the other 26 Camp Simcha runners who selflessly gave their time to run and raise money to help us continue providing that vital support.”

• Shul offers new hope

Northwood United Synagogue hosted Kimberley Wilson, finalist of the BBC Great British Bake Off, to judge its Great Northwood Bake Off alongside home judge Jewish News chef Denise Phillips, in honour of Shavuot. Proceeds were donated to New Hope, a Watford-based charity working to prevent homelessness and provide food and shelter to the homeless. Rebbetzin Ilana Freedman said: “The atmosphere was lovely, everyone was enjoying the incredible contributions to the competition and Kimberley was so friendly and warm, interested in the traditional challot and cheesecakes. It was a real pleasure meeting her.”

• Generation Sinai is a hit

In the biggest standalone Jewish educational event in the UK, around 5,000 parents and children at 23 Jewish primary schools across the country joined together in the run-up to Shavuot to participate in Generation Sinai. An interactive learning programme designed to allow parents and children to enjoy time together learning Jewish material, Rabbi Malcolm Herman, the associate national director of Seed said: “It was exhilarating to see parents spending real time with their children in a learning dialogue. The atmosphere was electric”.

• Eat cake for camp

Eleven-year-old Simon Raivid will this Sunday hold a bake sale to raise money for Camp Simcha at Woodside Park Synagogue. A variety of cupcakes and biscuits will be on sale (individually, and up to bags of 20) between 10am and 2pm.