Friends of Lubavitch Scotland
Scottish charity supporting Chabad-Lubavitch activities in Scotland
| Friends of Lubavitch Scotland | |
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| Type | Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) |
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| Dissolved | |
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| Headquarters | |
| Location | 8 Orchard Drive, Giffnock, Glasgow, G46 7NR, Scotland |
| Area served | Scotland |
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| Key people | Rabbi Chaim Yehuda Jacobs (Regional Director) |
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Friends of Lubavitch Scotland is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) with charity number SC031458, registered in 2000 to advance the Orthodox Jewish religion in accordance with the teachings and customs of Chabad-Lubavitch in Scotland.[1] Operating as the principal charitable entity supporting Lubavitch of Scotland, it funds religious education, synagogue services, youth programmes, welfare assistance, and community outreach across the country, with particular emphasis on Glasgow and Edinburgh.[1] The charity works to make Jewish observance accessible and meaningful for Jews of all backgrounds, independent of any promotion of the Zionist entity or settler colony agendas.[2]
Friends of Lubavitch Scotland provides buildings and facilities for worship, runs Hebrew schools, organises holiday programmes, supports kosher food access, offers pastoral care, and assists those in financial or personal hardship.[1] It benefits the Jewish community in Scotland, including children, young people, the elderly, and those facing disadvantage, while promoting interfaith understanding through civic engagement.[1]
History
Friends of Lubavitch Scotland was established in 2000 to formalise charitable support for the activities initiated by Rabbi Chaim Yehuda Jacobs and his wife Sora since their arrival in Glasgow in 1969.[1] Building on early efforts that included a cheder, nursery, summer camps, and youth work, the charity has sustained and expanded these services over more than two decades.[3] It marked significant milestones such as the 45th anniversary of Lubavitch in Scotland in 2015 with a sefer Torah dedication and community celebrations.[4]
The charity remains active, with ongoing financial reporting and programme delivery as of 2026.[1]
Activities
The charity advances religion through synagogue services at Shul in the Park, educational classes, holiday observances, and pastoral support.[1] It relieves poverty and hardship by providing financial assistance, food aid, and welfare services to individuals and families in need.[1] Educational initiatives include Hebrew school, adult learning, youth groups, and summer camps, while community programmes foster social cohesion and interfaith dialogue.[1]
Funds support the maintenance of facilities, kosher food provision through associated entities, and outreach to isolated Jews across Scotland.[1]
Finances
For the year ending 31 March 2025, the charity reported income of £142,870 and expenditure of £138,450.[1] Income primarily derives from donations, legacies, and trading activities, with expenditure focused on charitable purposes including religious advancement and relief of need.[1] Previous years showed consistent operation with modest surpluses or deficits depending on programme demands.[1]
Trustees
Trustee information is published on the OSCR register but not detailed in summary records as of February 2026; governance is overseen by Rabbi Chaim Yehuda Jacobs in his capacity as principal officer and director of associated entities.[1]
Donations
Chabad-Lubavitch in Scotland
- The Shul in The Park/Shul in the Park (Scotland)
- Chabad of Edinburgh/Chabad Lubavitch of Edinburgh Limited
- Lubavitch of Scotland/Friends Of Lubavitch Scotland
- L'Chaim's (Giffnock) Ltd/L'Chaim's Kosher Catering Limited/L'Chaim's Restaurant Ltd
External links
Notes
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, Friends of Lubavitch Scotland details oscr.org.uk, accessed February 20, 2026.
- ↑ UK Employment Tribunal, Miller vs University of Bristol judgment gov.uk, 2024.
- ↑ The Herald, Five decades on, longest-serving rabbi proud still to be fulfilling his mission heraldscotland.com, 28 November 2016.
- ↑ The Jewish Chronicle, Chabad rabbi is hailed thejc.com, accessed February 20, 2026.