On Tuesday 16th September, the sun shone brightly as Chai’s flagship centre in Hendon was transformed into a destination of indulgent style for the much- anticipated Chai Rosh Hashanah Gift Sale. Over 900 supporters gathered to enjoy exclusive shopping and gourmet dining. Together, they helped raise an outstanding £50,000, supporting Chai’s 70 specialised services.
This year’s Gift Sale was nothing short of exceptional, presenting over 40 carefully curated stalls – including 13 exciting debuts. Guests browsed a handpicked selection of Autumn/Winter 2025 collections, discovering luxurious fashion, jewellery, beauty, Judaica and statement home décor pieces.
The culinary experience elevated the day even further. Oh Brown Bear served their signature iced coffees, delicious cookies and new line of gelatos, whilst Ben Tenenblat delighted guests in Chai’s beautiful garden with his sumptuous brunch creations.
The Chai Society Grand Raffle added an extra layer of glamour, with prizes that captivated the crowd. For just £10, participants had the chance to win an exquisite 18ct yellow gold diamond set Hamsa necklace (RRP £600), 9ct yellow gold 1.00ct lab-grown diamond solitaire earrings (RRP £500), Apple AirPods and a host of other luxurious prizes.
Debra Zender, Gift Sale Organiser, reflected: “This year’s Gift Sale surpassed all expectations, I am truly overwhelmed once again. The combination of beautiful new collections, culinary delights and the extraordinary commitment of our community created a truly unforgettable day. Every purchase and every raffle entry will help Chai continue to provide vital support for those who need it most. It is my honour to be part of such a special day.”
Caroline Tunkel, Chai’s Head of Community Engagement, added: “The atmosphere on the day was vibrant and welcoming. Many guests were visiting Chai for the first time and experienced the special atmosphere of the centre. Huge thanks to our generous sponsors, whose invaluable contributions helped elevate this year’s event. Special appreciation goes to Roundtree Real Estates for their loyal support, to Tony Page for generously donating 300 of his signature honey cakes (which sold out in 4 hours) and to the many stallholders who contributed a portion of their sales. It is this amazing generosity that makes the Gift Sale such a resounding success year after year.”
