News

By Devorah Levy - Bnei Mitzvah Teacher

On Sunday, 21st November 2021 SWESRS joined forces with East London and Essex Liberal, Sukkat Shalom, PL84U Al-Suffa, Waltham Forest Faith Forum and Waltham Forest Women's Interfaith Network (at the 14th Walthamstow Scouts Group in Walthamstow) preparing and serving soup for the needy of our community.

The last two years have been extremely difficult for some in the community and providing a hot meal goes someway to remind those in need that help and support is still available.

SWESRS was represented by Student Rabbi Lev, Lysia and Monica Jaye and Gavy Levy and myself.

Whilst our soup was simmering, each faith leader took it in turn to approach the ‘story chair’ and shared a tale of unity and hope with us all. It was then time to share our meal together; created by the fruits of our labour, generous food donations and the warmth of community spirit accompanied by beautifully poignant music performed by Mark from St Barnabas Church
Walthamstow.

It was a truly meaningful experience as we met and enjoyed a meal with strangers, swapped stories of our own histories, hopes for our futures and fostered new friendships.

Thanks must go to Student Rabbi Lev, Rabbi Richard, Rabbi Tali and Saira Begum Mir BCAc from Waltham Forest Faith Communities Forum for initially getting the event ‘off the ground’.

As a final note from the day, I would like to end with a blessing for you all which I have borrowed from one of the songs sung during our meal; “may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows”.

I hope to see you all at our next Mitzvah Day event in 2022!