Hackney families 'forced out' by extension restrictions

The Mayor of Hackney has been accused of "social cleansing" by preventing large Charedi families from extending their houses.

Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors are speaking out against Jules Pipe following new restrictions on extensions published earlier this year which, they claim, does not accommodate large families.

They say families are being forced to move to neighbouring borough Haringey, where in April the council approved guidelines for home extensions in an effort to address the problem of over-crowding in strictly Orthodox households in south Tottenham.

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Charedi charity bags award

A Charedi disabilities charity in Stamford Hill has won an award for its volunteering work.

Bikur Cholim D'Satmar has been awarded the Investing in Volunteers Quality Mark after a report found it "has a very dedicated group of volunteers who feel a sense of commitment to its activities".

The charity was founded in 1979 and provides support, facilities and services that range from hospital visits and respite breaks to transportation and delivering meals. There are 70 female volunteers.

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Revolution in the Israeli army

IDF Chief of General Staff Lt-Gen Gabi Ashkenazi is widely credited with putting Israel's military back on an operational footing after the Second Lebanon War. But when he ends his military career in five months' time, he may be remembered for an altogether more profound change in Israeli society.

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Orthodox Hackney volunteers honoured

Three strictly Orthodox Hackney charities have received awards from Hackney Council for Voluntary Service.

Children's disability charity Step-by-Step won a Adiaha Antigha Community Achievement Award for contributions to well-being. Step-by-Step runs activities for more than 100 disabled youngsters with problems ranging from cerebral palsy to Down's syndrome in Hackney, Barnet and Haringey. Its programme includes swimming, ice-skating, horse riding and Sunday clubs and summer play schemes.

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Orthodox propose cut-price wedding plan

The strictly Orthodox community has been advised to "reduce expenses" on simchahs to help families in financial hardship.

A letter from the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations suggests "no more than drinks and pastries" and limiting guests to family, close friends and immediate neighbours.

By doing so, "the burden of expenses will surely be eased. The rabbinate considers it their most particular duty to care for the well-being of the kehilla."

The union offers a "low-budget" wedding scheme where members can invite 150 couples for around £7,000.

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Salford candidate seeks hospital benefits

A member of Manchester's strictly Orthodox community is standing for election as a governor of Salford Royal NHS Trust to help with Jewish patient issues.

Michael Bamberger, owner of Barons kosher bakery in Salford, says elderly Jewish patients often find it difficult to communicate with the hospital and there are awareness issues over religious observance.

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Spicing up the suburbs

Lots of excitement at one Orthodox synagogue in London at Rosh Hashanah where a man arrived for evening prayers to deliver a rather unseasonal greeting. Mounting the bimah, he begun to accuse a fellow worshipper of having an affair with his wife.

He was quickly ushered out by the rabbi, leaving others to dine out on the tale over the following days.

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