Yeshurun Hebrew Congregation

2016 2017 2022

Event:

Yeshurun had planned for a bigger ShabbatUK than ever, but it was even more popular than they expected, with the hired marquee having to be twice extended to accommodate all the punters. Young people made up almost a quarter of the 460 people who enjoyed a ruach-filled Friday Night dinner, while 200 people rocked up on Shabbat afternoon for novel, educational activity ‘The Trial’, plus desserts to round off the lunches that members had enjoyed in different local homes. The warmth displayed between generations and the palpable community spirit was reportedly unparalleled.

Evaluation from Rabbi Atlas:

“Our aim to make this a large Shabbat event with a true Shabbat ruach went beyond our expectations. Many non-members and young families in the area attended and were warmly welcomed. This event is being talked about across Manchester. Our members have been amazed at the size of the event and the wonderful organisation that made it such a success. Our members are proud to be part of Yeshurun. It has been seen as Yeshurun’s finest event to date.”

Participant Feedback:

“There was a very warm sense of community. It was great to see rare shul attenders being made welcome”

“An absolutely brilliant evening. I am full of admiration for everybody involved in the organisation”

“Friday Night Dinner was out of this world. Amazing organisation for so many people with wonderful food and delightful entertainment. An absolute credit to all involved”

“The whole weekend has given me a very positive feeling about the future of our community”

Event

We aimed to provide a Shabbat for all the community to enjoy and feel that we succeeded in providing something for everyone. The Chazan and Choir ensured a great ruach throughout Shabbat – not only during wonderful services encouraging members to sing along, but with zemirot during the Cocktail Reception, during Shabbat lunch and also with spontaneous singing during the afternoon quiz – which attracted some different people than those who attended the services! We themed the event with International food and provided sushi, wines from Israel, an international buffet on Shabbat, decorated our halls with world flags all of which provided an great setting for the event. A full day programme began with Shabbat morning service and culminated on a high with a musical Havdallah

Evaluation from Chanan Atlas:

We feel that one of the positive outcomes from our Shabbat UK is the comraderie that comes from it – no one wants to miss out, volunteers to help come forward easily and many people are seen to attend Shabbat UK who are not regular attenders. We showed Shabbat can be a fun and exciting and not boring.

Feedback:

“Very enjoyable and very much in the spirit of Shabbat”

“Excellent in every way. Choir were phenomenol. Lovely lunch and atmosphere”

“Fabulous weekend. Everything was well organised and great atmosphere”

Event

We aimed to provide a Shabbat for all the community to enjoy and feel that we succeeded in providing something for everyone. The Chazan and Choir ensured a great ruach throughout Shabbat – not only during wonderful services encouraging members to sing along, but with zemirot during the Cocktail Reception, during Shabbat lunch and also with spontaneous singing during the afternoon quiz – which attracted some different people than those who attended the services! We themed the event with International food and provided sushi, wines from Israel, an international buffet on Shabbat, decorated our halls with world flags all of which provided an great setting for the event. A full day programme began with Shabbat morning service and culminated on a high with a musical Havdallah

Evaluation from Greg Bank:

“The music was uplifting and brought an incredible atmosphere to shul. It was a great catalyst to bring people back to Shul. We were able to touch base with all age groups.”