Norwood is celebrating Chanukah this week with a host of festive activities for its staff, supporters and the people who use its services. The Charity provides vital services to help change the lives of thousands of people with learning disabilities and children and families in need, in the Jewish community and in the wider community.
Yesterday afternoon (Sunday), Norwood teamed up with two local synagogues, Edgware Lubavitch and Stanmore United Synagogue, and Harrow Council for a civic Chanukah celebration in Stanmore. Councillor Eric Silver, Mayor of Harrow, joined Rabbi Mendel Lew, of Stanmore United Synagogue, to light three candles on the six-foot menorah, which was erected outside the Charity’s head office in The Broadway. A crowd of more than 70 people who had gathered for the ceremony, including senior Harrow councillors David and Marilyn Ashton and residents from some of Norwood’s nearby residential homes, were then provided with hot latkes and doughnuts.
Meanwhile, Norwood was one of two charities to be supported by a large Chanukah party at Westfield London, also yesterday afternoon. It was the first time Chanukah has been celebrated at the Shepherds Bush shopping centre, and families were kept entertained with a range of children’s activities, including face painting and free arts and crafts. The event, during which visitors were able to find out more about the Charity at a Norwood stand, culminated with the public lighting of specially commissioned menorah.
Norwood also held a Chanukah party for residents at Ravenswood, Norwood’s residential community in Berkshire, and a dinner dance at Allum Hall in Elstree for adults who use the Charity’s services in London. A celebration event for those who attend the Unity recreational service for children and young people with disabilities will be held on 21 December during its winter play scheme.
Norma Brier, Norwood’s Chief Executive, said: “We’d like to wish everyone in the Community a very Happy Chanukah. The past year has been incredibly busy but extremely fruitful for Norwood and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us achieve so much in the last 12 months. As we enter a new year, and new decade, Norwood is committed to meeting the expanding needs of the people in the Jewish and wider community who rely on the safety net we provide – whatever their age, whatever their circumstances, throughout their lives.”
