Schools on song as kids switch on to Shabbat
THE BADGES have been printed, the banners raised and the countdown has begun as 27 Jewish schools prepare to take part in Shabbat UK.
This year, more than 2,000 students are expected to attend the Chief Rabbi’s Kabbalat Shabbat party, which will be held on Friday October 23.
As well as the Great Challah Make, a nationwide drive to gather hundreds to bake challah together, the day will include a concert and an inter-school assembly led by Rabbi Malcolm Herman, associate national director of the educational charity Seed.
“We think it is the most fantastic project highlighting the centrality of Shabbat in Jewish life,” said Rabbi Herman. “Schools are the future of the Jewish people, educating tomorrow’s generation. Schools teach about Shabbat as part of their Jewish studies curriculum, while Shabbat UK allows children to experience it for real beyond the textbook.”
In the weeks leading up to this year’s main event, all pupils involved have been stirring support and interest in their schools. Each one of them has been sent a song to learn, while secondary schools have been encouraged to participate in an interschool video competition.
Jeremy Richards, head of Kodesh studies at Beit Shvidler Primary School in Edgware, explained that, in the week leading up to the main event, classes will be focussing on Shabbat.
“We are designating the Thursday afternoon as ‘Shabbos Afternoon’, which will be filled with activities focusing on what the children have learnt about the laws of Shabbat during the week,” he said.
Other activities include a “Junior Challah Make” at Etz Chaim Jewish Primary School in Mill Hill, children’s services held on the Saturday at Matilda Marks-Kennedy in Barnet, and a Shabbat Fair at Yavneh College in Borehamwood—completewithgrapejuicemaking and candle-making stalls. “Our Pupils from Sacks Morasha, Etz Chaim and Woolfson Hillel get ready for Shabbat UK