JLE offers ‘online lunch and learn with Deliveroo’ following closure

The Jewish Learning Exchange is adapting to coronavirus restrictions by running online activities, including a ‘lunch and learn’ using Deliveroo.

The Golders Green-based site announced its closure as the Prime Minister  unveiled unprecedented measures to try to control the spread of Covid-19, which has so far claimed 55 lives.

Taking to Facebook, the JLE said while “there have been no confirmed cases” of the virus in its community, “our board, trustees, halachic authority and senior executive team, have unanimously agreed that it is the responsible and correct course of action for us to close”.

It added that activities will stop, including “classes, shiurim [talks], all synagogue services, social gatherings, and shabbos hospitality (even in the educators own homes).”

A spokesperson said however, the the JLE is “making every effort to continue providing our service and have already started offering online lunch and learn with Deliveroo (with kosher food) as well as produce regular podcasts, shuirs and virtual programming so that we’re less impacted by our building closure.”

When asked about its contingency plans to ensure it can keep going, it said: “We have migrated all our programmes online and will be reaching people in more ways than ever before, in a safe and responsible manner.”

This comes amid unprecedented closures across the Jewish community, including the JW3 community centre. Synagogue movements have urged elderly members to stay at home while care homes have restricted visitations to loved ones in end-of-life care.