Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation

2016 2017 2019

Event:

Visiting Rabbi de Beck Spitzer was the star turn at Edinburgh’s ShabbatUK events, as he not only served as their Scholar-in-residence, but also led some services and even gave a musical performance on the Saturday night. There was a great sense of community spirit, right through from the communal Friday night dinner to the closing ceremony which left participants on a high as Shabbat went out.

Evaluation from Organiser:

“Our Friday Night Dinner attracted over 80 people. There was a wonderful ruach and Rabbi de Beck Spitzer was welcomed by everyone. He has a warm and friendly personality. He led our Shabbat Morning Service as our own Rabbi was on holiday and as well as doing Mussaf he also leiyned for us and gave a short D’var Torah. As an extra we managed to persuade him to perform for us on Saturday evening and this was a tremendous success.”

Participant Feedback:

“I always enjoy occasions when we come together as a community. Celebrating Shabbat together was lovely, the meal was fantastic as always and everyone was happy and relaxed.”

“Absolutely loved it! Nowhere else would I be able to experience the blend of spiritual, social and community. A great privilege to be involved.”

“Lovely atmosphere, great to enjoy Shabbat with friends old and new. I enjoyed Rabbi de Beck Spitzer’s chazanut and his contribution to the weekend.”

Event:

We had a Friday Night Dinner and Shabbat Lunch. This brought the whole Community together on both occasions with a lovely atmosphere and we were part of the Shabbat UK weekend. We had a guest speaker on Friday Night and also Shabbat lunch.

Evaluation from Jackie Taylor, Organiser:

Both occasions brought the whole community together, which made us part of the wider Jewish Community and part of Shabbat UK.

Participant Feedback:

“A very warm and inspiring atmosphere in each part of Shabbat UK. A chance to connect and relax with others.”

“New knowledge, a great atmosphere, being amongst friend, a sense of belonging”

Event:

ShabbatUK in Edinburgh focused on encouraging Cheder families, many of whom are not observant, to come to shul, the children had their own service and the families stayed for lunch. This was preceded by the speaker doing ‘Torahgami’ with the families – an activity which involved them all proactively and very enthusiastically. Other adults became involved in the accompanying parshah discussions.

Evaluation from Hilary Rifkind:

This was a new Shabbat experience for many – as was having cholent on Shabbat! Both meals were enjoyed greatly and we received many compliments – our members love being together at a communal Friday Night Dinner. Having involved other people in the preparation gave community members a feeling of ownership, contribution and involvement.

Participant feedback:

“This has encouraged me to be more observant and learn more about Judaism and to engage more in discussion groups.”

“Seeing more people in Shul and the ruach at the dinner and lunch was heartwarming and made me proud to be part of such a wonderful community.”

“I felt a great feeling of belonging to the community. It was so enjoyable seeing families with little children involved”