Whitefield Hebrew Congregation

2016 2019

Event:

The run-up to ShabbatUK at Whitefield was designed to get the community’s creative juices flowing around the theme of Shabbat, with the WHC Ladies Drama Club running a ‘Celebration of the Female Voice’ programme and children having the chance to make Challah, Bessamim (spices) and Havdalah candles. The decorations in the main hall and the use of Gazebos for a Friday night Whiskey and Chicken Soup Kiddush were inspired by Avraham and Sarah’s tent. This was just one aspect of an extraordinary Shabbat that also incorporated talks from motivational speakers, performances from the Ahmen acapella group, a shul comedy panel, a magician and countless fun activities for children. A communal candle-lighting at Shabbat’s outset was well-attended, as were communal meals.

Evaluation from Rabbi Guttentag:

“ShabbatUK this year really infused enthusiasm for Shabbat within our very diverse community. It built on the exceptional events of last year, partly as a result of the creation of a new post within our community – the Youth and Families Coordinator. There was something for everyone across the pre-ShabbatUK and ShabbatUK activities provided, and the weekend as a whole demonstrated that the community can still be revived when groups of dedicated people passionately work to make events happen”

Participant Feedback:

“A delightful day. It was made even more delightful by the wonderful lunch that we had”.

“The entire day was wonderful, what contributed to making the day so special was that it was Shabbat, everybody was in Shul and able to observe a meaningful Shabbat”.

“The atmosphere was delightful and in a true Shabbos way. We had the additional pleasure of meeting friendly neighbours who we did not even know!”.

“Brilliant, brings the community together and demonstrates that we can all engage with Judaism in our shul”.

“Wonderful. Keep on doing it!”.

Event:

It was a jam packed ShabbatUK at Whitefield. Kicking off with a superb Challah make including an arts and crafts option for the children. On Friday night the hall was packed for an incredible Kabbalat service where many of the children joined on the bimah to sing the Official ShabbatUK Lecha Dodi tune. This was followed by a Friday night dinner where the “décor, meal and atmosphere were all fabulous”. On Shabbos day there was a range of activities including a lunch, with guest speaker Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair as well as an inspiring speech by the Chief Rabbi at Shalosh Seudos. ShabbatUK culminated with a breathtaking fireworks display for Havdala.

Evaluation from Phil Reuben:

“The event brought the community together and impressed and delighted regular and non-regular shul attendees . It bought cohesiveness to the community. We have had massively positive feedback, way in excess of our expectations, showing us that everyone thoroughly enjoyed and was inspired by the weekend. Overall it was a huge success. A meeting has now been arranged to discuss follow-on activities in order to bring all Shabbat UK attendees back to Shul on a regular basis.”

Participant Feedback:

“I feel more spiritual and might just engage in going to Shul more often”

“We were so fortunate to have the Chief Rabbi join us. I felt his presentation was both amusing and uplifting. It was spiritual motivating, and gave me food for thought. It inspired me towards personal improvement.”

“This Shabbat was so lovely and refreshing and a real renewal in my belief in Shabbat as the highlight and focus of the week.”