Welcome to the Autumn 2016 issue of the Jewish Vegetarian.
This issue is all about celebrating – exactly 50 years ago the first edition of the Jewish Vegetarian Quarterly went to print. Our centrefold is dedicated to marking this momentous occasion. We have contributions from far and wide as we remember how it all began, with tributes to our founder Philip Pick, a true pioneer (pictured below, right). Turn to page 13 for a trip down memory lane.
We are also delighted to announce that after five weeks of online fundraising – we reached our target of £25,000, which will go towards the transformation of our current premises in Golders Green, north west London, into a purpose-built, wheelchair accessible community space complete with professional kitchen and growing garden. Thanks to a very generous philanthropist, who has chosen to remain anonymous, the sum has been doubled to £50,000.
Our new venue will be dedicated to promoting animal welfare, and the many benefits of following a veggie diet. We will run a calendar of events, as well as offering affordable rental to like-minded groups who wish to hire the space. We also plan to have monthly, hands-on communal gardening sessions.
I would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to each and every donor, without whom we would not have been able to make this dream a reality.
Keep an eye on our website jvs.org.uk for updates on the building project, and please do get in touch with any ideas you have for the new space.
Part of the plans include welcoming two charities to our building. You can meet our newest resident over on page 7.
In this issue, we also feature our largest ever pop-up event on page 8 and as always, there’s a round-up of what’s new in the campaigning world as well as a selection of new seasonal recipes, which I hope you enjoy making.
From all of us at JVS, we wish you Shana Tovah U’Metukah, a very happy new year and sweet new year.
Lara Smallman
Director, Jewish Vegetarian Society