Luton United Synagogue

2016 2019

Event:

For the small community of Luton, ShabbatUK was a vitalising and joyful event that brought them together with other communities while reinforcing members’ relationships with each other. It kicked off with a joint Challah Make with St Albans and Shenley United Synagogues, which set the communal tone for the special candle lighting ceremony on Friday afternoon that many had left work early to attend. The 40-strong crowd were entertained at their communal dinner by a local teacher who delivered a Dvar Torah, as well as two children who spoke.

Evaluation from Community Member:

“The event was great success. The community has Friday night services once a month and usually do not obtain a minyan. However, on the Friday of Shabbat UK, many left work early so that they could attend the candle lighting at 3:50 pm, giving us numbers that far exceeded a minyan. The meal was accompanied by songs and an inspiring Dvar Torah given by a member who is not a regular attendee of services. The warm atmosphere, together with the proof that we can still fill our shul, has helped to lift the community’s spirits; the publicity surrounding the event has helped keep Luton on the ‘Jewish Map’. Two non-members even approached me after the Shabbat UK and said they wished to join the synagogue.”

Participant Feedback:

“Absolutely delightful evening for us all. Lovely to have everyone involved as much or as little as they wanted to be; a real community spirit, thank you!”

“There were a few members who contributed a short speech or story, which were all interesting and entertaining.”

“I gained a greater sense of community and satisfaction from thinking about the parsha more carefully. It was good to chat to members I don’t usually get an opportunity to talk to.”

“What a wonderful feeling a communal Friday night brings to the family and the community as a whole. It’s not often we all get to socialise together.”

Event:

Luton Synagogue got to enjoy ShabbatUK in fabulous style as they were visited by the Travelling Chassidim, who enhanced their Kabbalat Shabbat service singing new and traditional songs and tunes. This was followed by the most delicious teriyaki salmon and chicken meal with wonderful songs and dancing in-between courses. The “Travelling Chasidim” made for us a very joyous atmosphere. The next day the praying was with renewed fervour and dedication followed with another delicious meal with lots of songs in between courses. The “Travelling Chassidim” got up and danced round the table and encouraged other men to join them. They created such a radiant atmosphere, which was followed by Mincha. Then the ‘third meal’ was followed by Maariv and concluded with the ‘musical Havdalah’ service reaching its pinnacle when the “Travelling Chassidim” lit lots of candles plus a massive huge Havdalah candle. They played the keyboard, guitar with traditional music and then they said the Havdalah prayer.

Evaluation from Rivkah Schwei:

“People were very impressed with the atmosphere in the shul and told me it was inspirational and uplifting experience. The Travelling Chassidim connected well with our members, many of whom has not met a Belzer chossid before.”

Participant feedback:

“This was a very enjoyable and well attended event. The food was good and the event was supplemented by the presence of ‘Travelling Chassidim’, who enlivened the evening with singing and dancing during the service before the meal. They encouraged member of the community to participate, which created a lively atmosphere.”

“you could cut the holiness in the atmosphere with a knife…there must have been an avalanche of G-dly light drawn into the world! May it make it a better place and may we all merit to observe our Almighty’s Shabbat and hasten the coming of the Moshiach and peace on earth”