Leeds Sinai Synagogue; UJIA
Retired optometrist Pat Falk is a member of Leeds Sinai Synagogue and has developed a welfare outreach group for the community. She also serves on the committee of Ladies UJIA in Leeds.
Why Sinai Synagogue?
In early 2005 I was asked by Sinai to develop a welfare outreach. Sinai Neighbours was already functioning as a friendship group and with some new blood, Sinai Connexions was formed. The ethos is to extend the hand of help and friendship where it is needed and wanted. I have volunteers within the community who make it possible to provide such things as lifts to shul, meetings and hospitals. They also visit residents in Donisthorpe Hall care home, and visit those no longer able to get to shul. Inevitably much of our work is with older people. We have developed good relationships with Leeds Jewish Welfare Board social workers and get help from them where needed.
What does your volunteering involve?
A willingness to help to address any problems that occur; co-ordination of the offers of help received. Often there is a need to move quickly to alleviate special difficulties. I ensure that the rabbi and officers of the synagogue are familiar with any difficulties that our members may have and also to know when to be discreet and leave alone.
What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer?
I have gained much personal happiness and satisfaction from my involvement with the synagogue. I have close attachments to many of the Sinai community, I have become involved in other projects and I had the great honour of being Chatan Bereshit last Simchat Torah. My telephone is seldom quiet! It may be good or bad news, but I do my best to fulfil each need with the help of so many volunteers.
What is your most memorable volunteering moment?
When I visit one elderly couple, who are both Holocaust survivors and have many health problems, their smiles would light a house!