Lord Sugar wishes shul mazeltov after it smashes Apprentice-style £1.2m fundraiser

“Mazel tov, you’re hired!” was the resounding message from Lord Sugar to members of Chigwell & Hainault United Synagogue, after they smashed an ambitious fundraising challenge to help renovate the shul.

The Jewish businessman set the community an Apprentice-style task to raise £1,200,000 in just 36-hours, with his family generously donating half of the money to support the cause.

Appealing for congregants to get involved ahead of the campaign, Lord Sugar appeared in a skit video, ‘hiring’ two teams who brainstormed ideas for fundraising projects.

After completing the challenge, with a total standing at £1,265,588, Rabbi Baruch Davis, Rabbi of Chigwell & Hainault United Synagogue, said: “I would like to thank our dedicated workers and volunteers, and our team leaders who worked around the clock and did an amazing job letting people know about the shul fundraising project. A huge thank you to more than 1,000 people who have given to this tremendous project. Above all, to Lord Sugar’s son Daniel, who has been with us every step of the way.”

Former member and United Synagogue Trustee Fleurise Lewis said: “I have never seen such an incredible campaign. From the video, from the messages that people are writing, you could just feel that everyone really wants this project to happen; really believing in the potential for the future.”

Shul Chairman Lindsay Shure said: “We are so proud of our Chigwell & Hainault community, our family”.

Renovations include creating a new foyer and space for buggies, better security and linking the synagogue’s two separate buildings. The shul also wants to make new sound-proof rooms for its nursery, more office space and a bigger events hall.