Yesterday evening, the S&P Sephardi Community hosted a ‘Thank You’ for their patrons and supporters at the home of the inspirational Rabbi and Margalit Dweck. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces in the room. This relaxed evening brought senior community members together to discuss the positive changes seen over the last three years and the vision for the future.

The S&P Sephardi Community has a tremendous history in the UK and always organise fascinating events. They are so proud of their history and energised for their future, their website explains further… ‘originally founded as The Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation of London – was founded in 1657 as a consequence of the famous petition to Cromwell in 1656. Rabbi Menasseh ben Israel from Amsterdam and six Jews living in London (ostensibly as Catholics) sought permission from the Lord Protector to worship freely and to acquire land for a cemetery. In response, they received a verbal guarantee and Jews were able to profess their faith openly for the first time since their expulsion by Edward I in 1290.

The first Synagogue, in a rented building in Creechurch Lane in the City of London, was replaced half a century later by the fine Synagogue of Bevis Marks nearby (opened in 1701 and still in regular use). The congregation began to grow steadily with 400 souls recorded in the 1680s. The community has since grown quite considerably with Synagogues in Bevis Marks, Lauderdale Road and Wembley as well as many sister and affiliated Synagogues within the Sephardi Community.’

Back to yesterday evening, guests mingled inside the house as well as in the beautiful Succah, whilst delicious canapés were provided by ‘Zest’ at JW3. We are always thrilled to spend time in the incredible company of Rabbi and Margalit Dweck, such a warm and welcoming couple who the London Jewish community is blessed to have. Here are some of our favourite images…