Garden is great for students
A LOTTERY award of £10,000 is enabling Brighton Chabad to transform its garden into a Covid-safe outdoor space for students and other community members.
Chabad’s Rabbi Zalman Lewis said the project had been inspired by the loneliness and isolation experienced by many as a consequence of pandemic restrictions.
As well as landscaping, it includes the restoration of the walls of the 200-year-old Grade II-listed property.
“We’re excited to be able to provide the students with a beautiful, safe space to meet and socialise as restrictions begin to lift,” the rabbi said.
“Our architect, Dan Press, is a Brighton University alumnus who regularly attended Shabbat dinners and events at Chabad. Having him guiding us with
his professional knowledge and his own first-hand understanding of our work with the students, enabled us to ensure all aspects of the design would be right.”
The rabbi added that Shavuot would coincide with the further easing of Covid rules, allowing up to 30 people to attend outdoor gatherings. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to welcome our students back in a safe way while enabling them to connect with each other in honour of Shavuot.”
Brighton University MA student Haley Jamieson welcomed the initiative, explaining that “due to the pandemic and choosing to live alone, the last nine months have felt very isolating.
“The opening of the garden gives me the opportunity to meet other students and form a community here in Brighton.”