An idea discussed at the Seder table has developed into a photographic project for special days showcasing the thoughts of Jewish Care clients.

It originated when Jason Glass, a professional photographer, said he wanted to take portrait shots of his grandma Shirley Glass and some of her friends to create a calendar.

His prospective brother-in-law Dan Rickman — Mitzvah Day chief executive and a graduate of Jewish Care’s lay leadership programme — liked the suggestion but felt it could be taken further.

“What if we could ask your grandma and her friends to share a memory or an idea they wish someone could have told them when they were our age? It seemed like the perfect way to raise awareness for Jewish Care and its incredible services.

“What neither of us knew at that point was that in just a few weeks Jason’s grandma would be moving into a Jewish Care home and my poppa, Len Rickman, would no longer be with us.”

So the Words of Wisdom project has been dedicated to the memory of Len Rickman and the inspiration of Mrs Glass. It will be launched on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter in time for Rosh Hashanah with interviews on the theme of reflections.

Contributors include Barbara Block, a former journalist who is a member of Jewish Care’s connect@southgate. 

“In life you should take the opportunities when they come up,” she said. “Be tolerant and listen to those around you. Don’t be critical of yourself, your looks or your choices. When you get older you’ll come to realise how unimportant those things are.” 

Another connect@southgate member, Shirley Collier, advised: “Decide what you want out of life and go and get it. I chose to work and then later decided to be a mother. I followed my own path, make sure you follow yours.”

Jan Goldberger, a member of Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre, came to the UK 72 years ago “after the Russians liberated the camp I was in. I was 18 and the only survivor in my family. I have three children and five grandchildren and my wife and I have been married for 50 years.” 

Optimism is the theme of his message. “Keep going and keep things moving forward. That’s why I’m here.”

Henry Glanz, who attends the Brenner Centre at Stepney Jewish Community Centre, was on the last Kindertransport to Britain.

He reflected that with hard work, anything was possible. “I wanted to travel so I worked hard to do so. It’s amazing to see the world. Cherish the memories you make with your family and friends. Be honest and tell the truth — lies have short legs.”

Walter Davis, now living at Jewish Care’s Selig Court in Golders Green, was born in the East End “but as I grew up we kept moving around London. I joined the family business which made ladies’ coats and suits. From the age of 15 I would go travelling, selling the goods we made. 

“If I could do it over again I would go out on my own. You need to take a chance on yourself — you never know how great you might be. Don’t let the chance pass you by.” 

More images and interviews will be released around Remembrance Day, at Chanucah and for Valentine’s Day.

Mr Rickman said that if the project took off, there could be a spin-off exhibition, or even a book.

He acknowledged the “amazing support of Jewish Care. They found the models and set up the shoots. 

“What comes across is that these people have so much life in them. I know it sounds really cheesy but their comments are so moving.”