By Sandy Rashty
1 min read
By Sandy Rashty
The founder of a charity established to deal with problems faced by young Jewish professionals - depression, dating and employment among them - believes it could "help thousands of people". And Rabbi Avi Hill also wants to start a "Jewish Priory".
Around 400 people attended the launch of Jbox in central London on Sunday, raising £20,000. Rabbi Hill, a former Jewish Learning Exchange educator, said: "Even though there's over 2,000 Jewish charities in the UK, unfortunately many of them aren't solving problems out there.
"Behind the scenes, there's a lot of issues. People come out of university and they're drowning. It might be employment, addictions, food issues.
"For the past 20 years, people have said: 'I'm suicidal, I'm taking drugs.' They didn't say: 'Teach me Talmud.'
"Anyone who works in the community knows mental illness is becoming a huge problem. The pressure of looking amazing and having an amazing job."
Hendon-based Rabbi Hill wants the Jbox Trust to raise funds for a Jewish rehabilitation centre. "Foremost, it's for people who can't afford therapy," he explained.
"For a lot of people who need help, the NHS isn't the right address. It can take six months to get appointments. My vision is to have our own Jewish Priory."
While the trust will have separate funds, the charity's general pot will raise money for activities ranging from networking to dating events.
"Many of my students are in their mid-to-late 30s," added the 43-year-old rabbi.
"They're disillusioned, despondent and have had enough. Fifty per cent are marrying out. It's shocking."
He stressed that Jbox would happily work with other charities - it is in project talks with the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
"One of my upsets about the community is how much 'agenda' there is. I want to get away from that," he said. "It's inefficient, establishment-driven, talking shops. No one actually does anything.
"Young professionals aren't just there to serve charities. I want a charity to serve their needs."
