Sandy Weinbaum, a 75-year-old former primary school teacher, has dedicated her life to supporting Jewish families through the Jewish Family Centre in north-west London. As the founder and current honorary director, Weinbaum has witnessed significant transformations in the lives of families who seek support at the centre, the only Jewish contact centre in the UK accredited by the NACCC.
From Humble Beginnings to Community Hub
The origins of the Jewish Family Centre trace back to the late 1990s. In 1999, a unique circumstance arose when Christmas and Chanukah coincided. Weinbaum noticed a glaring lack of activities for Jewish children during this festive period, which predominantly catered to Christmas celebrations. Inspired, she and her team sought to establish a temporary space in Golders Green to create a “Chanukah Wonderland.”
After an extensive search for a suitable location, they successfully transformed an empty storefront into a vibrant hub filled with creative activities tailored to the local community’s needs. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing that it was “just what the community needs.”
Passion and Community Spirit Drive Mission
Despite lacking formal training in family support work, Weinbaum’s passion stems from a profound love for children and family. With a family of her own comprising 14 children, she began her journey in community support over 50 years ago, running educational programmes with her husband for the Lubavitch Foundation.
“My inspiration has always been the Rebbe,” she says, acknowledging the collective effort of her husband, the team, and various professionals who have contributed to the centre’s success. “Nobody can do anything in a vacuum,” she adds, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their work.
Weinbaum highlights the importance of having dedicated spaces for Jewish families, especially in light of rising antisemitism. The centre provides a safe environment where families can access kosher food and partake in activities that respect their cultural sensitivities. “It’s particularly nice for families in the winter, as anywhere indoors [for families] is expensive, and we keep our costs reasonable,” she notes.
This accessibility allows parents to connect with each other while their children engage in constructive activities, fostering relationships within the community.
Addressing Current Challenges for Families
Today, families face numerous challenges, including a cost-of-living crisis that strains budgets and relationships. Weinbaum points out that many parents struggle to meet their children’s needs amidst financial pressures. Young people, too, grapple with issues stemming from social media, bullying, and anxiety, which schools may not adequately address.
Despite these difficulties, Weinbaum finds joy in witnessing the positive changes in the lives of those who come to the centre. “The best thing is the transformation we see in some people,” she says. Many arrive feeling overwhelmed and broken, but as they engage with the centre’s resources, they rebuild their lives and grow stronger.
“Eventually, they say: ‘I’ll phone you in the new year,’ and they really don’t need you anymore. That’s the best—watching Jewish life flourish and carry on,” she adds, reflecting on the profound impact the centre has on both individuals and families.
The Jewish Family Centre continues to be a beacon of hope for the community, demonstrating the power of support, friendship, and cultural connection in today’s challenging world.
