Emunah has an appositely themed Rosh Hashanah project — a back-to-school appeal which it is hoped will raise £40,000 for disadvantaged children in Israel.

British Emunah chair Hilary Pearlman said: “At the start of the school year, the children in our care need us to provide many of the items that others take for granted.

“The money raised by this appeal will pay for new shoes, clothes and school bags, books and stationery, as well as educational support.

“But some children need a great deal more and every year we spend £58,000 feeding children at our high schools. Many are living below the poverty line or come from dysfunctional families, and this may be their only hot meal of the day.”

Mrs Pearlman added that the supportive environment the charity offered was particularly important to youngsters who had suffered trauma or abuse. “The therapeutic activities we provide, along with counselling, help to build confidence and self-esteem as children start to heal.”