Although Yom Kippur is the festival associated with charitable giving in synagogues, Wanstead and Woodford members continued the theme into Succot.
Congregants were invited to the men’s succah evening, hosted by Robert Itzcovitz, or the ladies’ equivalent, presided over by Pamela Rainsbury. In both cases, guests were asked to make a charitable donation.
Rabbi Beni Fleischer attended the men’s event, showcasing his musical talents by giving a Dvar Torah sung to the tune of House of the Rising Sun.
The men’s evening raised £2,400 to help the impoverished in Jerusalem. The ladies’ night brought in £400 for Israeli charity Leket, which distributes food to the needy, and Camp Simcha.