St Albans Synagogue

2016 2017 2022

Event:

Shabbat UK 2016 in St Albans was a resounding success, starting when 90 people came to St Albans Synagogue for the Great Hertfordshire Challah Make, organised jointly with Shenley US. Rebbetzin Alli Sturgess, St Albans, and Rebbetzin Tanya Garber from Shenley organised a fantastic evening and all the challah makers were impressed. There was great excitement from all when suddenly during the evening Chief Rabbi Mirvis walked in, such a very great honour. The children were further delighted when the Shabbat UK bus pulled up outside, allowing them the chance to jump on board, joining the Chief Rabbi.
Members of St Albans US continued to capture the wonderful spirit of Shabbat UK and joined together for an uplifting Kabbalat Shabbat Service, followed by a delicious 4-course Friday night dinner. A special sushi Kiddush was thoroughly enjoyed by all, after the Shabbat morning Service.
Rabbi Daniel and Rebbetzin Alli Sturgess inspired members on both occasions with lively discussions.

Event:

It was a great ‘feel-good’ event for the community, leaving regulars and new people / non-members with a great impression of the warmth and energy of the community. Attendees enjoyed an uplifting Kabbalat Shabbat experience. It was educational, featuring a lively discussion over a sit-down kiddush, and it engaged attendees giving them a taste of Jewish learning. Ultimately participants had a positive and rewarding Shabbat experience.

Evaluation from Rabbi Daniel Sturgess:

It was a positive, ‘feel-good’ event and great PR for the community. Participants experienced the warmth of the community and the experience of enjoying a Shabbat, in all its aspects.

The Friday night was our highest attendance for a ‘formal’ sit-down meal to date. And given that it followed shortly after a Communal Simchat Torah Dinner, this was particularly unexpected and pleasing. It demonstrates the growth of the community, and how important these events are, which are made possible with the help of the CCE.

Feedback:

“The evening was great fun. It was well organised and the food was plentiful and appetising. There was choice on what you could eat and more than enough to fill you up. The evening was very well supported and a sell out by the day. We would not hesitate in joining the celebrations next year and encourage all those who did not attend to do so.”

“Well organised. Lovely service and good community spirit.”

“Very good event, well organised and great discussion with Rabbi Sturgess”

Event:

Challah Make; Kabbala Shabbat with a full roast dinner meal

There was a Challah Make and a Communal roast dinner with guest speaker Rabbanit Sarah Sharman Moser.

Evaluation from Daniel Agasee:

“I think it gave everyone the sense of how our community works together and has a really friendly, family type atmosphere. It was a lovely way to bring people together and to share the event with a few non-members and infrequent attendees.”

Feedback:

“It is so good that after 2 years of not being able to hold any events face to face that we can now do so and without overdoing it events of this nature should be held on a regular basis”

“The evening was just beautiful and the Rabbi and Rabbitsen are just amazing we are so lucky to have them. My husband and I are in our late 70’s but we felt young with the rest of the community.”