A Myriad of Purim GIFTs for the Community

In preparation for the festival of Purim, GIFT hosted and facilitated some incredible activities in London, Manchester and Israel. Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue hosted ‘Torah and Wrap’, an evening of Purim inspiration with Rabbinic team, followed by a talk from GIFT Founding Director, Michelle Barnett. Members of the community, including mothers and daughters from the Bat Mitzvah programme packed 300 Mishloach Manot to be distributed to individuals and families in the community, through GIFT. Alyson Martin, who organised the evening said: “It was wonderful to watch the Mishloach Manot being packed knowing they would be gratefully received.” Ariella Hart, 10-year-old volunteer says: “I am grateful to be making Mishloach Manot for people who I know are not as fortunate as I am.” GIFT ran a multitude of Purim initiatives across London including secondary students packing Mishloach Manot, baking hamantaschen for Norwood Care home residents and young families making Purim crafts alongside Norwood residents at the Kennedy Leigh Family Centre in Hendon. Family Maierovits, once again made over 500 mishloach manot bags for GIFT families. Mrs Maierovits explained, ’My kids wait the whole year to pack these treats. They love getting involved in this and have a great sense of achievement at the end. It feels so great to give in this way!’ GIFT Manchester ran a Mishloach Manot and hamantaschen making session with Jewish High School, Yavneh, and Meor students, to be distributed to GIFT Manchester recipients, Langdon care home and Beenstock Old Age Home. Purim decorations were created by King David Primary School students for Heathlands Old Age Home. GIFT Israel led Purim activities in 4 schools across Jerusalem with 1,000 students and achieved an amazing response to their Mishloach Manot campaign for families in need. To donate to GIFT’s Matanot Le’evyonim campaign, please text “PURIM23 £10” to 70191. To donate online and participate in other Purim initiatives such as Spieling, sponsoring Mishloach Manot or volunteering for post-Purim Mishloach Manot collections, please visit jgift.org/purim.