Alei Tzion

2016 2017 2019 2022

Event:

Two high-profile speakers with great expertise in their area of professional practice contributed to a high turnout among Alei Tzion members for their community’s ShabbatUK programme. Joshua Rozenberg captivated participants as he revealed the ins and outs of being a legal journalist, as well as discussing his relationship with his Jewish identity, while Dr Ellie Cannon’s session on parenting particularly appealed to the many young families in attendance. A hall was hired to accommodate the communal Shabbat lunch, and popular Jewish acapella group The Four Sons popped in to perform on their ShabbatUK tour around the North London Jewish community. An uplifting Havdalah was the perfect finale to a great Shabbat.

Evaluation from Rabbi Roselaar:

“Our main goal for ShabbatUK was to create an event that would be enjoyable for the whole community and engage people of different age groups and social circles with each other. A very high proportion of the community participated and everyone came out with a very high feel-good factor”.

Participant Feedback:

“It was lovely to talk to people I see in Shul but hadn’t spoken to previously”.

“I could really feel the sense of achdut within the community and it was marvellous to see the children together, so comfortable with each other that they were almost like family”.

“An enjoyable Shabbat that got it just right. Thanks to those who organised!”

“A well-presented, knowledgeable, erudite, and timely talk, that was of great interest to those attending”.

“Joshua Rozenberg spoke very well and was informative, as was Dr Cannon”.

“Thank you very much for a very well run and engaging event. With food, social, speakers, sessions and singers there was something for everyone”.

Overall, the programme was excellent. The organisers did a magnificent job and I’m very grateful to them”.

Event:

There was something for everyone at Alei Tzion’s ShabbatUK, which offered a community lunch at Shul, stellar speakers and a more informal Friday night dining initiative known as ‘Come Dine with Alei’. This placed the emphasis on coming together and getting to know new people. The high profile speakers at the Shabbat lunch were the renowned solicitor advocate Anthony Julius and barrister Richard Rampton QC, who provided insights into the case of Deborah Lipstadt that was recently dramatised in the film Denial. CCE also helped fund childcare that included a creche, a puppet show and a circus skills workshop.

Evaluation from Shoshana Goldstien, Organiser:

”It was a wonderful day that brought lots of different people in the community together. It brought people who do not regularly come to events and allowed people to socialise with new people. I think it impacted the community in a positive way. The speakers were really interesting and the general community feeling was great. We definitely got a lot more people than expected which was an achievement!’

Participant Feedback:

‘It was well organised, with excellent speakers. The whole weekend was enjoyable and gave a fantastic sense of community cohesion.’

‘It was lovely to be hosted by new people on Friday night and amazing to have the entire community together for a Shabbat lunch and event. There was a lot on offer including great food, company, speakers and activities.’

‘We really enjoyed the event. It was extremely well organised and it was clear that a lot of effort had gone into the preparation. The speakers were very interesting and the kids’ entertainment was fantastic. Well done all!’

Event:

ShabbatUK at Alei Tzion began with a beautiful and uplifting Friday Night service. On Shabbat day, the whole community came together to hear an interesting speaker and enjoy a delicious lunch. The atmosphere at lunch was very warming and welcoming and everyone, young and old enjoyed a fabulous afternoon.

Evaluation from Shoshana Goldstien, Organiser:

It brought lots of different people from the community together, making new friendships and providing everyone with a beautiful Shabbat experience. We aimed to welcome some non-members as well as provide an educational, enjoyable afternoon for all ages of the community, which I believe we were also successful in achieving. This is a great programme for all communities and I believe everyone from all paths of Judaism can gain something from all the wonderful events that happen cross community

Participant Feedback:

“I attended the Rabbi’s Shiur after Kiddush. It was a good , high-level shiur which sought to educate on the deeper intricacies of Shabbos”

“Well organised and catered for families by making sure that the kids were taken care of so the adults could attend the shiurim. One of the few communities I’ve seen that cater for families.”

Event:

Friday oneg with Hershel Schachter, Shani Taragin on Shabbat morning, Shabbat lunch with speaker, kids programmes.

Evaluation from Organiser Alana Jacobs:

“The event attracted large numbers of new faces and old members. It catered to all people in our demographics (children and older members) through a guest speaker and children’s entertainer plus creche. The low cost of the event helped to encourage people to book the event. There was a lovely atmosphere during the day. Attendees commented on what a lovely time they had, how nice the food was and that it was nice to do a big community event. Members have requested another similar event be hosted in the near future. There was a great sense of communal spirit throughout the day.”

Participant Feedback:

“It was fantastically organised and really enjoyable.”

Alei Tzion

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Evaluation from Rabbi Roselaar:

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Evaluation from Shoshana Goldstien, Organiser:

Participant Feedback:

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Evaluation from Shoshana Goldstien, Organiser:

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Evaluation from Organiser Alana Jacobs:

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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.