SIMPLY THE REST IT’S SHABBAT UK

JC readers reveal how they will be spending tomorrow’s national celebration

Elaine and Adam Tarsh, members of Radlett Synagogue

Mrs Tarsh said: “We’re both going to the Challah Make and we’re also planning to attend a Friday night meal for 10 families in Radlett.”

Mr Tarsh said: “One of our friends is hosting the meal but everyone else has pitched in and is providing one or more elements of the meal — chicken soup, chicken, challot, wine, whisky, hot plates, fruit, chocolate, shabbos urns, soup — everything is being looked after.

“We’ve also asked a few people to prepare a d’var Torah for the table and others to lead the singing. It should be a noisy evening.”

Aish rabbi Shlomo Farhi

“I run Chazak, an initiative for British Sephardis. We’ll be holding an event for 150 young professionals this weekend.

“Shabbat is special. It reminds me that even though sometimes the Jewish community may have different opinions and backgrounds, they can and do come together in the most beautiful way.”

Stanmore Synagogue member Judy

Singer, 70

“I’m going to a special communal lunch. I attend shul regularly and enjoy catching up with friends within the community.

“Shabbat means switching off from the daily routine and pressures, enjoying being with family and friends and relaxing with a book and the papers.” Rabbi Yossi Bodenheim, student chaplain for Scotland and assistant rabbi at Giffnock Synagogue, Glasgow

“We’ve had a challah bake in Edinburgh with JSoc on Tuesday, and a challah bake in Glasgow on Wednesday for over 100 people.

“For Friday night dinner at Giffnock Synagogue we’re expecting 150 people and around 15 students.

“Shabbat ’s about having meals with my children and family, and students. In Scotland what students love most is Friday night dinner. Singing around the table and ruach is a big part of it.”

Sarah and Neil Clarke, members of Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue

“We’ll be attending the communal candle lighting, service and dinner run by the shul on the Friday night and we are going round to friends for Shabbat lunch.

“Shabbat is a time to stop. Without the distractions of modern life, we have time to appreciate everything we have. Our son loves shul and the chil- dren’s service (and kiddush) and it is lovely to see him positively embracing his Judaism.”

Avrahum Sanger, 21, student in London

“I’ll be either helping out at a community celebration or going to a students UJS/Chaplaincy Shabbat UK dinner.

“It’s all about switching off from the week.”