Ahavas Yisrael

2016 2017 2019 2022

Event:

One of Edgware’s youngest communities certainly created a memorable ShabbatUK programme with an array of unique events and activities throughout the weekend. Their Challah Make brought together two different communities as members joined Langdon service users to knead challah, while a new spin was put on Friday Night proceedings with the ‘Shots & Sushi’ Kiddush that followed the upbeat Carlebach service. Langdon residents came back for a musical Melava Malka with a thoroughly British twist – a Fish ‘N’ Chips supper!

Evaluation from member of Ahavas Yisrael:

‘We made multi-coloured rainbow challah at our Challah Make, a fun and stimulating activity which perfectly suited Brady Club attendees and Ahavas Yisrael ladies and girls. It was a moving, unique and uplifting event. It was great to see children, parents, ladies and visitors who don’t regularly attend Friday night services at our Carlebach Friday Night service, which was incredibly uplifting. Our events enhanced the connection between Ahavas Yisrael and Langdon, where our Shabbat services are held. They demonstrated to the wider community our ethos of inclusion, warmth and hospitality’.

Participant Feedback:

‘I thought both events were excellent. The entertainment was really excellent from Chazan Caplan’s singing to Yossi Fachler’s amusing Dvar Torah which still managed to carry good messages with it’

I really enjoyed the Challah Make. I have never made Challah in such a friendly and welcoming environment. The Musical Melava Malka was a lovely way to connect with the community through music and singing’

‘It was great and made a real change. It was very busy and a real family atmosphere which is something different on a Friday Night’

‘Lovely atmosphere at a cross-communal, multigenerational event that attracted a range of people. The Dvar Torah presentations were just the right style and length and it was a great idea. It was all so enjoyable’

Event:

We had a Challah Bake led by Rebbetzin Vanzetta attended by 12 ladies and girls. Friday night, Carlebach Kabbalat Shabbat service and communal dinner with Guest speaker Rabbi Chaim Rapoport. Shabbat Morning service with Guest speaker and shot and sushi kiddush. Lastly a D’var Torah before Mincha.

Evaluation from Annette Koslover:

Our Shabbat UK events made a significant and positive impact on our kehillah. They enhanced the feeling of closeness within our community, demonstrating the warmth and inclusiveness we show to our members and guests.

Participation Feedback

‘Rabbi Chaim Rapaport was a superb speaker, each shiur he gave was stimulating, thought provoking, relevant and engaging’

‘I feel I learned a lot and also reinforced my sense of community’

‘Sense of communal spirit’

Event:

With a focus on inclusiveness, Ahavas Yisrael helped bring ShabbatUK to the wider Langdon community, starting with a Challah make on Moday 25th. Their inclusive ethos was further demonstrated by dedicating Shabbat to adults, young people and children with special needs, who along with their families, joined the kehilla on Friday night for a special service and dinner marking the uniqueness of ShabbatUK. . Langdon residents also took part in the service on Shabbat morning, experiencing call ups to the Torah reading, opening the ark and singing.

Evaluation from Annette Koslover:

We believe our objectives were surpassed. Our Friday night service welcomed many Langdon residents who would not normally attend on Friday night and they joined in the joyous Carlebach singing and dancing during Kabbalat Shabbat. It was moving and heart warming

Participant Feedback:

“I was quite moved and surprised by how meaningful it was. It wasn’t just “getting together to bake bread”. The Rebbetzin spoke so well and made it a spiritual experience and she showed us some videos while the bread was rising. I felt part of a global experience.”

“Our son William always looks forward to attending and I know he feels very comfortable as you and your congregation make him feel very welcome. It is very refreshing to find a Shul that is so inclusive and we have a very happy son who looks forward to attending!”

Event:

Uniting with Langdon and inviting local people for an inclusive shabbat.

Participant Feedback:

“It was warm, welcoming and inclusive”

“Lovely to be able to get together in person again”

“It was fantastically organised and really enjoyable.”

Ahavas Yisrael

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This event was supported by The Chief Rabbi’s Centre for Community Excellence (CCE).

Fundraising and advice for new programmes and events are available to communities under the aegis of the Chief Rabbi.

For more information, click here.