Finchley United shul to mark Tesco centenary with special Shabbat event
The congregation will celebrate the life of Tesco founder and businessman Sir Jack Cohen, whose contribution to British retail earned him a knighthood in 1969
Finchley United Synagogue is marking Tesco’s centenary with a special Shabbat event this week-end.
The congregation is to celebrate the life of businessman Sir Jack Cohen, who founded the chain 100 years ago and had close ties to the shul. Dignitaries are expected, including Dame Shirley Porter tipped to attend.
Tesco CEO Jason Tarry will speak at the Shabbat forum after the service. The supermarket giant will sponsor the Kiddish with items from its kosher range.
Sir Jack’s grandson John Porter said: “Grandpa was very happy in his relationship with Kinloss, which I believe he helped to found.
“He moved after 30 years to Regent’s Park, so then Great Portland Street was more accessible, but he always had a fondness for where started, and the community around it.”
Sir Jack’s contribution to British retail earned him a knighthood in 1969. His East-London stall opened in 1919 continued its rise, eventually becoming the supermarket giant it is today.
The businessman, whose childhood home in Whitechapel is commemorated with a blue plaque, left school at 14 to join in business his father, a Russian tailor, and later served in the RAF during the First World War.
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