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Author Archives: Rachel Shababo

  1. Birmingham Central’s Cultural Ladies Trip to London

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    Event

    The trip took the ladies and a few men, down to London for a day of historical interest and bonding. There was a walking tour around Whitechapel that focused on the lives of historical women from the area and of course the Jewish history that ties in with it. It was a light hearted day out for members of the shul to socialise outside of regular hours. They day ended with a delicious meal in Soyo which was enjoyed by everyone.

    Evaluation from Events Coordinator Karin Malol:

    “The ladies (and some gents too!) enjoyed learning about the history of Jewish ladies in the East End of London. They said the tour was fascinating and loved sharing a wonderful day out in London”. 

    Participant Feedback:

     

  2. Yeshurun Women Unite for Passion and Purpose of the Mikve

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    Event

    The evening was for both unaffiliated and affiliated women, to educate about the Mitzvah of Taharat Hamishpacaha at whatever level or stage they are in life. The aim was to encourage all the married women to use the Mikve at least once in their lives. The programme started with opening comments from a woman who only recently went to the Mikve for the first time after 27 years of marriage. There was then some light learning about the different Halachic and Hashkafic aspects of the Mitzvah with the programme ending with stand-up comedy about the Mikve. It was an elegant evening with beautiful desserts, wine and drinks and takeaway gifts for all attendees. It was hosted by the local Chabad house where the beautiful Mikve is situated.

    Evaluation from Rebbetzen Nechama Atlas:

    “The evening started with a fab spread of refreshments at the reception. We then walked into the Mikvah and received a short explanation of using the Mikvah. From there, the ladies went into a beautifully decorated marquee where they found gorgeous goodies bags. The programme started with thanks to the different people involved and the Chief Rabbi’s office for its support. We are receiving outstanding feedback including from a few women, who have already said they will come to use the Mikvah. They all said their approach towards the Mikvah has changed completely”.

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘It was a wonderful event, really enlightening and made me want to use the Mikve and pass on the information to my daughter when appropriate’ .
    • ‘Both Rebbetzen Nechama and Rebbetzen Chavi gave me so much more of an insight into Mikve than I ever knew. They were so passionate about the feelings and emotions they go through, and as one who only went before I got married I have changed my mind for the future’.

  3. A United Bushey Celebrates Israel in Style

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    Event

    The event navigated the difficult transition between the sombre Yom HaZikaron commemorations and the uplifting spirit on Yom Ha’Zikaron and all the hope for the future that it represents. The evening started with a ceremony dedicated to the fallen Israeli soldiers, with a minute’s silence, speakers and meaningful prayers. This led into a vibrant celebration of Israel, which included music with a live band led by a Shul member, an Israeli style BBQ and dancing. All elements combined to create an energetic communal spirit. Everyone came together to celebrate the country we all have so much gratitude for.

    Evaluation from David Menashy:

    “The aim was to bring Israel to the heart of Bushey, using this commonality to draw the community together. In my opinion, the event was received very positively and achieved its aims. Members generally flocked to volunteer to help in any way possible and this definitely empowered a “team spirit” and strong bonding. I’m sure Israel would be proud of them all”.

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘It was superb, with tremendous ruach. An amazing party that followed a profoundly moving and powerful ceremony to mark Yom Ha’Zickaron’.
    • ‘Such a wonderful evening, full of good feeling and love towards Israel. So happy I went’!

     

  4. Showcasing the Seder takes Solihull by Storm

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    Event

    Members of the community made house visits to sixty-five people who were unable to participate in the communal Seder. They were brought a taste of Pesach through the initiative of Seder-in-a-box. On Pesach the community came together for a large and festive Seder in the shul. It included the traditional songs and activities of Seder night with members young and old coming together to relive the story of our Jewish ancestors being freed from their slavery.

    Evaluation from Rabbi Yehuda Pink:

    “We made home visits to 65 people who were not planning on attending a Seder and were able to share a taste of Pesach with them, many of these people were the only Jew in their village”.

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘Pesach has always been a very special time for me – (in fact I am actually a Pesach baby !) – which was reinforced this year all being together to go through the Hagadah, knowing that people all over the world would be doing exactly the same as us, making us all one huge happy family’!
    • ‘This is the first time I’ve been to a synagogue in my life and the rabbi and his wife made me feel very welcome’.

  5. First ever seminar for the professional development of Rebbetzens in regional communities

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    An historic and ground-breaking gathering of Rebbetzens from regional communities took place last Sunday, at Stenecourt Synagogue in Manchester, as part of the ‘Investing in Rebbetzens’ series, headed by Valerie Mirvis and run by Rachel Shababo, the Director of the Chief Rabbi’s Centre for Rabbinic Excellence (known as CRE).

    Ladies travelled from communities around the country, including Malki Guttentag from St Annes, Liat Leiberman from Liverpool, and Miriam Lipsey from Newcastle.

    Highlights included Valerie Mirvis’ presentation entitled ‘How to Instil and Maintain Professional Boundaries’ and an afternoon workshop run by Dr. Mannie Sher of the Tavistock institute on ‘The Changing Role of the Rebbetzen in Contemporary Communities’.

    The day was a wonderful opportunity for promoting collegiality and the sharing of best practice among the Rebbetzens.

    “Thank you for the fabulous seminar. It was the first time the Rebbetzens in the North have got together. It has been amazing to take part in this event and to meet so many more women from different stages of life to share experiences. The seminar itself was very thought provoking and so seamlessly run. No trouble was spared on our behalf and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I know this has been in large part down to your tireless work and vision.”
    Avital Fagleman, Sale & District Hebrew Congregation

    “It was a great networking event and the topic was so relevant.”
    Malki Guttentag, St Annes Hebrew Congregation

    If you would like to find out more about the Investing in Rebbetzens series, click here. 

    If you would like to find out more about CRE click here. 

     

  6. Woodford Forest : ‘UnHalloween Party’

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    Event

    An entertaining, Jewish alternative for children who would otherwise go trick-or-treating, with a magical Havdalah and plenty of treats.

    Objectives

    To create a fun environment where children can cultivate friendships with Jewish peers; to enhance their sense of Jewish identity.

    Evaluation from Rabbi Wollenberg

    “We created an ‘UnHalloween Party’ billed as a “fun, magical and safe evening”. People especially liked that it was a social event and that it was a bit “different”. Members felt that this kind of ‘out the box’ program was an excellent way to attract children. I would recommend other communities do a similar programme on Halloween!”

    Participant Feedback:

    • My son was delighted that there was an event on for children his age and above. More similar family events please!
    • The children had a lovely evening – this was a great alternative to Halloween. They have already asked if they can go again next year!
    • What a fantastic idea!

    To discover how CRE can benefit your community contact Rachel Shababo

  7. South Hampstead: Sukkot Cheder

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    Event

    Cheder students joined the synagogue’s rabbinical team for an upbeat dinner and diverse educational programme in the community Sukkah.

    Objectives

    To ensure students still receive enjoyable and spiritually-beneficial educational experiences during a period of disrupted classes over the Chagim; to get children excited about Jewish festivals.

    Evaluation from Rabbi Eli Levin:

    “This festival-focussed event ensured that children had a totally engaging Sukkot educational experience via a hands-on event in the Sukkah. This was especially important considering that the majority of students do not have Sukkot at home. By the evening’s end parents were requesting a Cheder Pesach Seder for all the family!”

    Participant Feedback:

    • A fun and joyful evening that gave our children a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
    • As our child’s first experience of a Sukkah, it was a lovely way to learn about Sukkot.
    • What a well-organised event. It offered the perfect combination of spirituality, storytelling and fun activities, while allowing children the opportunity to spend an evening with the wonderful rabbinic team and Cheder staff.

     

    To discover how CRE can benefit your community contact Rachel Shababo

  8. Redbridge: ShabbatUK with The Travelling Chasidim

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    Event

    ‘The Travelling Chassidim’ injected some additional musical ruach into this Shabbat programme, while communal spirit took root with a mass ‘walk-a-thon’ to shul and a  a moving Havdalla service.

    Objectives

    To unite congregants of all ages under the banner of Shabbat; to encourage people to keep a whole Shabbat and re-stimulate interest in religious observance.

    Evaluation from Rabbi Wilson:

    “The community atmosphere was fantastic – ‘The Traveling Chassidim’ helped create ruach which was both deeply spiritual and  great fun. The Havdalla concert encapsulated the community spirit and achdus of the day. It gave people a real sense that we can do it – that Shabbat ought to be like this every week.”

    Participant Feedback:

    • It was such a good day. ‘The Travelling Chassidim’ were absolutely fantastic and made the whole day special. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
    • As someone living alone, it was delightful to experience a full Shabbat with great company all day.
    • A spiritual and communal experience that made for a very enjoyable and uplifting event.

    To discover how CRE can benefit your community contact Rachel Shababo

  9. Enfield and Winchmore Hill: Tashlich Cruise

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    Event

    Participants took to the London waterways for an educational and social barge trip to explore and perform the New

    Day-trippers enjoy a leisurely trip down the canal which encompassed an informative session on Tashlich

    Day-trippers enjoy a leisurely trip down the canal which encompassed an informative session on Tashlich

    Year’s custom of Tashlich.

    Objectives

    To encourage engagement with historical customs and promote understanding of religious practices in a stimulating environment.

    Evaluation from Rebbetzin Sufrin:

    “During 7 years at Enfield, we never managed to get a Minyan for Tashlich.  To remedy this lack of interest  and increase engagement with this historical custom, we suggested the novel ‘Tashlich Cruise.’ This was a sell-out event with a waiting list and we had to get a bigger barge! Congregants hope for a similar event next year.”

    Participant Feedback:

    • I was delighted to find a real sense of community spirit and cohesion. I now have a better understanding of Tashlich.
    • It was a pleasure to both do a mitzvah and meet some lovely people. I’d like to see more outings combining social and religious aspects.
    • A fresh approach to events from refreshed Chief Rabbinic thinking.

    To discover how CRE can benefit your community contact Rachel Shababo

  10. Cardiff United: Jewish history trip to Oxford

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    Event

    Congregants were toured around Jewish medieval Oxford and treated to lunch in a trip focused on cultural education and community cohesion.

    Objectives

    To unite the congregation in a social context; to improve the well-being of older members by providing an opportunity for them to get out and spend time with friends; to educate attendees in the history of British Jewry.

    Evaluation from Rabbi Rose:

    “This was a first for the Cardiff community and provided a great opportunity for members, especially singles and older congregants, to come together and enjoy some quality time. Our guide gave an in-depth tour of Jewish Oxford, making for a great day out.”

    Participant Feedback:

    • A great way to learn about the Jewish history of Oxford
    • I feel that a void in our provincial Jewish life is being filled by learning about other communities.
    • It was a lovely opportunity to meet new people. The Chief Rabbi is really helping to bring Jewish people together.
    • Such trips help us realise the importance of supporting other communities, especially the provincial ones.

    To discover how CRE can benefit your community contact Rachel Shababo