This year, I would ask you to support three charities, each doing very different work, but each expressing something important about our Jewish values.
PROGRESSIVE JEWISH STUDENTS For many young Jewish people, going to university is the first time they are living away from home. It can be an exciting and liberating experience — but it can also be lonely and challenging. For some Jewish students, particularly at this difficult time for Jewish life on campus, having someone they can turn to matters enormously. Progressive Jewish Students provides pastoral, practical, spiritual and educational support to Jewish students across the UK and Ireland. Its aim is to empower Jewish students in a way that is meaningful to them. It is about making sure that a Jewish student knows you are not alone; that there is someone here for you; that there is a Jewish community that cares about you. The movement works alongside the Union of Jewish Students and JSocs ensuring access to events and support is inclusive of Progressive Jewish.
THE FED supports members of the Jewish community in Greater Manchester. The Fed’s work reminds us that tzedakah begins close to home. It is about people who may be struggling financially, people who are elderly or isolated, people caring for relatives, people experiencing difficulties with their mental health, and families who simply need someone to stand beside them. We sometimes think of community as the people we see sitting beside us in synagogue. But community is much bigger than that. It means taking responsibility for people we may never meet — and making sure that when someone in our community needs help, there is somewhere they can turn.to.
LEKET ISRAEL Leket’s work is beautifully simple in principle. It rescues good, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste and gets it to people who need it. In 2025, Leket rescued and purchased more than 32,000 tonnes of fresh produce and more than two million hot meals, distributing food through hundreds of nonprofit partners. Their support reaches people regardless of age, religion or background.
At this time of year, we are encouraged to ask ourselves not only, “What do I need?” but also, “What do I have that I can share?” I hope that, as individuals and as a community, we will give generously this year.
Harold Weinstock, Chair
