Norwood celebrated Chanukah early as more than 200 people who use its services attended its annual festive dinner and disco at JCoSS on Monday evening. Guests were welcomed with nibbles and drinks served by a group of JCoSS students, who were later joined by headteacher Jeremy Stowe-Lindner for a Menorah lighting ceremony. They then sat down to a three course meal, followed by customary donuts, before being invited to dance the night away.
The celebration, held at the school in Castlewood Road in New Barnet on Monday, was attended by adults who use Norwood’s residential care and supported living services in London and members of both Links the recreational group for adults with learning disabilities and Inbetweeners, a group for young people with disabilities. People planning to use Norwood’s services in the near future were also invited.
Shoshana Bloom, Norwood’s Jewish Cultural Manager, said: “This is the second year we have held our annual Chanukah party at JCoSS and I’d like to thank the school for once again helping us to put on such a fantastic celebration for the people we support. Everyone joined in the spirit of the evening and I’m especially grateful to the students who gave up part of their evening to ensure it was such a special occasion.”
“The Chanukah party is one of the highlights of the year for the people we support and I am thrilled that this was the biggest we have held so far, allowing even more people connected with Norwood, to celebrate their Jewish culture with us at this special time of year. It is events like this that really remind us why the work of Norwood is so vital and how wonderful the people we support are.”
Headteacher Jeremy Stowe-Lindner added “This was a wonderful event and demonstrated the strong relationships and common goals of both Norwood and JCoSS. What made it extra-special was the time, enthusiasm and kindness shown by the many JCoSS students who helped to make decorations and serve food and drink, demonstrating that they are responsible, outward looking and committed to Tikkun Olam; improving our world.”
