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!”.