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Celebrating Lag B'Omer 5772 - Hundreds Join Stamford Hill Parade

Mon, 14 May 2012 7:31:00 AM

On Thursday, 10th May, more than six hundred people participated in the annual Lag B'Omer Parade which was held outside of Lubavitch House in Stamford Hill, Head Office of Chabad Lubavitch UK.

Children and students of Chabad Lubavitch kindergartens and schools from Stamford Hill, and members of the wider local community gathered outside of Lubavitch House in the presence of members of the Directorate of Chabad Lubavitch UK, Rabbonim, and local civic leaders – Cllr Fajana-Thomas Speaker of Hackney, Mr Gordon Bell MBE, Cllr Desmond, Cllr Jacobson and Cllr Sharer all from Hackney council.

The MC, Rabbi Korer of Chabad Islington introduced the Speaker of Hackney, who addressed the children and said how proud she is of them, after which Rabbi S Lew spoke conveying the importance of the day of Lag B`omer. After this a number of children recited the 12 Torah Pesukim initiated by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

The children marched from Lubavitch House along Stamford Hill towards Clapton Common bearing banners portraying Jewish themes and singing traditional songs accompanied by joyful music from Rabbi Y Cyprys of Shir Chodosh band.

The day of Lag B'Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer the period between the two festivals Pesach and Shavuot, is the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, famous as the author of the Zohar, the central text of the Kabbala. Jews joyfully celebrate the day around the world, particularly at Meron (near Tsfat) in Northern Israel, the site of Rabbi Shimon's grave.

The traditional festivities on this day express the importance of the mystical dimension of Judaism, revealed at successive points through the generations by personalities like Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (2nd century Israel), the Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria, 16th century Israel)), the Baal Shem Tov (18th century Ukraine), and great Chassidic leaders like the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

This festive day is celebrated by the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, amongst others, at Chabad centres around the world, with parades music and joyful celebrations for the whole community.

Thousands attend Communal Pesach Sedarim across the UK

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 7:24:00 PM

This Pesach, Chabad once again welcomed people all across the UK to participate in a Seder night. During the two nights, thousands of people sat down with Chabad to eat matzah, drink wine and recount the story of the Exodus from Egypt.

Communal Sedarim took place at over 30 locations including options for students on campus, and for Israelis, with Sedarim conducted in Ivrit. At one Seder in London, Bloomsbury, the Ma Nishtana was recited in 9 different languages.

Without the Chabad Sedarim many people would not have had the opportunity to experience a Seder night. One participant from Manchester said, 'The thought of doing a Seder on my own was depressing; thank you for thinking of me and inviting me. It was warm, wonderful and informative. I find it hard to describe my feeling of belonging, I felt I had come home'.

The occasions attracted Jewish guests from a variety of backgrounds including many students, travelers and elderly participants. At Rabbi Jaffe's Seder in South Manchester one lady who lives in Stoke, lit candles and partook in a seder for the first time in her life. In Edinburgh Rabbi Pinny Weinman organised the largest Seder in Scotland, and in London over 300 people joined Rabbi Glitsenstein in Golders Green for a Seder conducted in Ivrit.

Chabad's dedicated network of representatives worked tirelessly in the lead up to the Sedarim ensuring that the events would run smoothly and successfully, providing guests with a welcoming and meaningful experience that they would remember for years to come. One family, that was at first reluctant to join a communal Seder ended up having a trans-formative experience. They said, 'It was absolutely fantastic and we felt so much at home. Thank you for an unforgettable night.'

Aside from Seder nights, Chabad Lubavitch centers provide a variety of services for Jewish communities all over the country. These include: Friday night dinners, Jewish learning opportunities, Counseling and Welfare, Campus activities, Youth programmes and much more.

Chabad Lubavitch features on BBC Documentary

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 8:18:00 AM

A new documentary is currently being aired on BBC that features the work of Chabad Lubavitch's Campus Shliach in Liverpool - Rabbi Shmuli Brown.

'Angels of Mersey' is a new series that follows chaplains from different faiths who work in Liverpool. Employed in hospitals, in the universities, at football grounds and in the street, they all offer a listening ear, spiritual guidance and a helping hand when life gets tough. The series examines the work of the chaplains and looks at the lives of the people they touch.

A BBC film crew spent time with Rabbi Brown and his family filming him signing up Jewish students at events such as the University Freshers Fair and hosting a BBQ for Jewish students at his home.

Rabbi Shmuli & his wife Tzivia moved to Liverpool in the summer of 2010 to open the door of Judaism to all Jewish students and faculty at Liverpool Universities, and establish a Chabad House, a place where Jews of all backgrounds and degrees of observance can enjoy and explore their Jewish heritage in a warm, welcoming and non-judgmental environment.

Rabbi Shmuli, was born in Manchester, studied in the UK and Israel and was ordained by the Chief Rabbi of Israel in 2000. He worked in the Ukraine for nearly a decade establishing youth clubs across the former Soviet Union and then established a very successful publishing house in Dnepropetrovsk. He has taught children, students and adults the Jewish way of life through formal and informal education.

You can watch the epsisode on BBC iplayer by clicking on the following link:

'Angels of Mersey' Epsiode 2 - Link to BBC Website

For more information about Chabad of Liverpool Universities please vist:
Chabad of Liverpool Universities Website

Fore more information about services for Jewish students on campuses across the UK please visit:
Chabad on Campus Website

Chabad stands out at the Jewish Living Expo

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 8:02:00 PM

Over 6000 people came through the doors of the Jewish Living Expo at Wembley Stadium last weekend. Chabad Lubavitch had a prominent stand at the exhibition located in between the community and education sections.

The Chabad stand was split into the different areas of Chabad's work with representatives from each section answering questions and giving out literature to the many passers by.

The event was a great opportunity to showcase the work that Chabad Lubavitch does in the UK. The Chabad display included information on the Lubavitch Schools and Children's Centre, Chabad on Campus, Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), Chabad Houses, Taharas Hamishpocha and more.

Hundreds of Friday Night Shabbat lighting kits were handed out and many people took up the opportunity to sell their Chometz at our stand. Bochurim from the yeshiva offered their time to help people perform the mitzvah of putting on Tefillin. In one case, an 82yr old Jewish man put on Tefillin for the first time in his life.

The exhibition was spread over two floors and was compered by LBC radio presenter Nick Ferrari. Other attractions included free kosher food tasting, children's choirs, a cookery demonstration by Denise Phillips, specialist workshops and stunning views of Wembley stadium.

Purim Goes Down a Treat with Chabad

Thu, 8 Mar 2012 8:02:00 PM

Celebrations took place all over the UK as thousands of people joined Chabad Lubavitch for Purim parties and Megillah readings.

Aside from events at Chabad Houses, Synagogues and Community Centres, there were many other locations where Chabad arranged for people to come together and celebrate the joyous festival.

Across London megillah readings took place through the day and night. Chabad in the City put on a megillah breakfast at Goldman Sachs's offices for those in the City who wanted to hear the megillah before work.

Chabad on Campus arranged an array of events for students including Rabbi Yisroel Lew's Indian themed party at Chabad of Bloomsbury and a large gathering at Imperial College London organised by Rabbi Mendy Loewenthal.

Travelers on their way to Israel were given the opportunity to hear the megillah at the departure gate in London Heathrow Airport. Rabbi Hershi Vogel, of Chabad of West London/Ealing helped ensure that those who had to travel could still fulfil the mitzvah of hearing the megillah.

Other events included a Kosher Purim party at a pub in Islington, a megillah reading at Jewish Care in Golders Green, a special celebration at London's oldest Ashkenazi synagogue, Sandy's Row in the East End..and many more.

Thousands of Mishloach Manot packages were handed out all over the country. Chabad Rabbis also visited many elderly individuals and read the megillah to people who were unable to attend any of the communal events. As Purim drew towards a close many more people gathered at Chabad Seudah's for a final l'chaim and a last taste of hamantashen.

Thousands Celebrate Chanukah with Chabad Lubavitch

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 8:17:00 AM

Thousands of people up and down the country attended one of the many Chabad Lubavitch menorah lighting ceremonies and events that took place for Chanukah 5772.

Aside from the organised events, Chabad worked tirelessly in the lead up to Chanukah to ensure public menorah's were on display in places such as the Park Lane intersection in Central London, Brent Cross Shopping Centre and Heathrow Airport.

Chabad volunteers gave out thousands of free doughnuts, dreidels and menorah lighting kits all over the country:

In Central London over 2000 people came to Trafalgar Square for an event where Mayor of London Boris Johnson was the guest speaker.

Over 100 people gathered outside Gloucester Road underground station for an event organised by Rabbi Mendy Loewenthal at Chabad of South Kensington. Guest of honour, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Councillor Julie Mills spoke about the importance of tolerance and unity.

In Islington, the Mayor of Islington Phil Kelly joined large crowds for the first ever public menorah lighting in Islington Green organised by Rabbi Mendy Korer.

In Southgate, Rabbi Zvi Kesselman coordinated ceremonies that took place each night (except Shabbat) with special guests including President of the United Synagogue, Stephen Pack and world renowned chazan Dov Speier.

In Shoreditch, Rabbi Mendel Cohen coordinated the distribution of Menorah Kits at the famous Spitalfields market.

In Essex, over 150 people came to Chabad of Buckhurst Hill's annual lighting ceremony on Queens Road. In previous years Rabbi Odom Brandman has coordinated creative Menorah projects which have seen a Whisky Menorah, a Can Menorah and a Recycled phones Menorah. This year the main feature was a Coin Menorah. Prior to Chanukah Chabad collected donations in spare change totalling £2,009.95 made up of 50,773 coins.

At London Heathrow, Rabbi Hershi Vogel met over 250 people each night at the ELAL Flight gate for a ceremony prior to boarding flights to Israel.

Due to term time being outside of when Chanukah occurred, Chabad on Campus organised a number of pre-Chanukah events for students around the country. On Liverpool Campus Rabbi Shmuli Brown organised a 'Mega Pre-Chanukah Bash' for students with latkes, doughnuts, competitions and prizes.

Other events took place in Chabad Centres and public locations in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Bristol, Birmingham, Oxford, Cambridge, Ilford, Bournemouth, Sussex, Hertfordshire and all over London.

Chabad Lubavitch Lights up the Square

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 8:11:00 AM

Chabad Lubavitch UK marked the beginning of Chanukah 5772 by lighting the Trafalgar Square Menorah in front of a crowd of over 2000 people.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London was the special guest at the ceremony. He spoke about the symbolism of the menorah and the connection to the theme of freedom. After a countdown, he flicked the switch and the Shamash light came on, followed by the first candle. The crowd erupted into applause as the Shabbaton Choir led Haneirot Hallelu and Moaz Tzur.

A small army of Chabad students worked their way through the crowds distributing free menorah kits, chanukah guides, doughnuts and chanukah 'gelt'. Following the choir, entertainment was provided by the eclectic Neshama band as people danced and celebrated in the middle of the concourse.

Four years ago the Chabad menorah project in Traflagar Square was initiated by Rabbi Gershon Overlander of Chabad of Hendon in partnership with the London Jewish Forum. This year Chabad Lubavitch worked with a number of communal organisations - Jewish Leadership Council, London Jewish Forum, CST and Jewish News Media Group - so as to publicise the event and attract even larger crowds.

Aside from the Mayor, other speakers to address the crowd included Chabad UK's Rabbi Bentzi Sudak, CST Chairman Gerald Ronson, LJF Chairman Adrian Cohen and the Israeli Ambassador Daniel Taub.

Rabbi Bentzi Sudak said, "'The fact that so many people from different walks of life can come together and celebrate with pride in such a public central location is a tribute to the spirit of our community and the uniqueness of the great city which we are blessed to live in. The success of the event is a reflection of the work of all of the organisations and individuals involved.'

Chanukah in Trafalgar Square - Mayor to Light Chabad Menorah

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:19:00 AM

This Chanukah 5772, Chabad Lubavitch UK is proud to announce that Trafalgar Square will once again be home to our giant 25ft Menorah.

The project has brought together a number of prominent Jewish organisations including Chabad Lubavitch UK, Jewish Leadership Council, London Jewish Forum, Community Security Trust and the Jewish News Media Group.

The Menorah will be located at a focal point in Trafalgar Square and is visible from a long way off. It will be remain in place for the whole of Chanukah (Tuesday 20th December - Thursday 29th December).

On Tuesday 20th December there is a major communal event taking place in the Square. It will be attended by hundreds of people including the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

The event is open to everyone so bring your friends and family and join us to light the candles from 5.45pm. There will be entertainment, live music and doughnuts!

For more information please contact Chabad Lubavitch UK:

Tel: 020 078 7469
Email: city@chabad.org.uk

Senior Girls School to Receive State Aid

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 6:23:00 PM

The Lubavitch's Senior Girls School, located in the Borough of Hackney has been officially recognised as a Voluntary Aided School (VAS). It has sufficiently met the criteria required by the Local Educational Authority (LEA) in order to be recognised as a VAS.

With almost 120 children enrolled, the school has consistently achieved exemplary results and sits in the top quartile of schools in the Borough. The new status will mean that the LEA will cover a major part of the school's running costs. This will free up resources, enabling Chabad Lubavitch to put more funding into the schools and other Educational, Social Welfare and Outreach projects for the wider Jewish community.

The School joins as a confederate with Lubavitch Girls Primary School with became recognised for State Aid in 2004.

Rabbi Shmuel Lew, school principal said “this is a tribute to our dedicated and competent staff, so capably led by Mrs Helen Freeman and Mrs Golda Junik; and our precious pupils whom Ofsted rated as “Outstanding” in their moral and spiritual values.”

The school's new status is in large part thanks to the tireless work of Headmistress of the Girls Primary School Mrs Freda Sudak, and Senior School Headmistress Mrs Helen Freeman.

Mrs Freeman, who received her education on Hackney, first at Sir Thomas Abney then at Skinners, said “After receiving my education in Hackney myself, I am thrilled at the opportunity to give back to the borough”

The Lubavitch Junior Boys School, also located in the Borough of Hackney is currently going through the same process and hopes to attain the same status in early 2012.

Lord Sacks Raises the Roof at Chabad Annual Conference

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:26:00 AM

Thousands of rabbinical scholars, Jewish community leaders, educators and counselors from around the world filled the landmark Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on Sunday night for the gala banquet of the 28th annual International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries.

Joining tens of thousands more who watched the proceedings online, the crowd of emissaries and their lay leaders, representing thousands of locations in communities large and small, gave British Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks a standing ovation as he ascended a rotating stage to address the gathering. Lord Sacks delivered a powerful and inspirational talk as he addressed the Conference.

The banquet concluded a weekend of educational workshops, programmes and lectures which were aimed at developing different approaches and igniting discussions and comparisons between emissaries and the communities that they represent.

Lord Sacks spoke movingly about his own connection to Chabad which began when he met the Rebbe - Rabbi Menachem M Schneerson of righteous memory - over 40 years ago. He claimed to be humbled in the presence of the crowd and said that Chabad Shluchim are 'amongst the most important people in the Jewish world today'. He relayed the story of how he had planned to be an economist, a lawyer or an academic until the Rebbe advised him to become a Rabbi. He said, ‘42 years ago one of the great Jewish leaders of all time took an unknown student from thousands of miles away and lit a light in his soul that has burnt from that day to this, and he did this not just for him, but for tens of thousands of others, and we are his Shluchim’.

The Rebbe’s inspiring words led Lord Sacks down a path of immense Jewish growth: After finishing university, he took leadership positions as both a rabbi training other rabbis and in academia. As Chief Rabbi, he said, he has made it a priority to do what the Rebbe would have wanted him to do: “to build schools, to improve Anglo Jewish education, to reach out to make not followers, but leaders.”

Towards the end of his speech he returned to the theme of light and specifically of Chanukah. He said, ‘When we go out to Jews who are less committed than we are, our light is not diminished; the result is that we create more light in the world. Together let us light a flame in the hearts of other Jews, and together, let us light up the world’.

After the speech Lord Sacks joined the post-Banquet Farbrengen where he sang and danced with the Shluchim.

To view a recording of Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ address to the 28th annual International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries click here:

With thanks to Karen Schwartz for contributing to this article.

London Students Celebrate Green Sabbath

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:21:00 AM

Last Friday night, 30 students from London’s Imperial College and other universities’ international study abroad programmes celebrated an eco-friendly Sabbath with Chabad-Lubavitch of South Kensington.

Caroline Glassberg-Powell, a computing student at Imperial College, served as co-host and chef with math student Sam Gonshaw, preparing a kosher menu that consisted of a three-course vegan meal using only nationally-sourced, organic fruit and vegetables and non-disposable tablecloths.

Caroline said, “I wanted to hold this evening to raise awareness about where our food comes from and to get people thinking about their responsibilities towards the environment,”

The meal came as part of the Chabad House’s series of themed Sabbath dinners that follow Friday night prayer services.

“We are excited about this surge of Jewish life on campus,” commented Chabad of South Kensington director Rabbi Mendy Loewenthal, noting that Jewish students are excited to take programming into their own hands.

For more information please visit Chabad of South Kensington's website:
http://www.chabadofsouthkensington.org/

Chief Rabbi to Address Chabad Shluchim Conference in New York

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 5:43:00 AM

Over fifty delegates from the UK will be at Chabad-Lubavitch’s International Conference of Shluchim to be held this coming weekend in Brooklyn, New York. The conference, considered by many to be the largest rabbinical gathering in the world, will draw Jewish leaders from over 75 countries.

During the conference, the delegates will join colleagues for lectures and workshops in order to enhance their outreach.

The Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks will be the featured speaker at the celebratory banquet on Sunday night. 4,500 guests are expected at the dinner, making it the largest sit-down dinner in New York City.

The conference, which has taken place every year since 1988 provides Chabad’s emissaries with opportunities to discuss vital issues affecting their communities, study together and provide mutual support. The number of Chabad emissaries has grown every year since the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Chabad’s leader, began the initiative in 1951. Chabad today is the largest Jewish educational organization in the world with centers in 47 of the United States and 77 countries around the world.

As the conference is global in scope, sessions will be held in English, Hebrew, Yiddish, Russian, French, Italian and Spanish. There will be sessions on youth, education, collegiates, and community development. Rabbis from the former Soviet Union will focus on the unique challenges of building Jewish life anew in a region where communism was dominant for many years.

Over 600 people join Chabad at the new Sukkah in the City

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 8:21:00 PM

This Sukkot Chabad Lubavitch has been welcoming people to a new Sukkah in Central London. Occupying a prominent position in the heart of the city's business and legal district, the Sukkah is being talked about all over town. Over 600 people have stopped by to eat, to shake the lulav, to daven or to just see what all the fuss is about.

Large numbers gathered each day at the Sukkah including over 200 people on 2nd day Chol HaMoed for a buffet lunch sponsored by Deloitte. Mincha services attracted over 60 people each day and Chabad staff were on site throughout Chol HaMoed answering questions and explaining about Sukkot to the many people passing by.

The project was a partnership between Chabad Lubavitch and a number of firms based in the area including Deloitte, Bolt Partners, Mishcon De Reya, Taylor Wessing and Speechly Bircham and other anonymous donors.

There was immediate interest and huge support both from leading City firms and generous individuals. After planning and funding decisions were finalised the project received the green light and construction began in the week before Sukkot. The Sukkah has been located centrally in the pedestrianised part of New Street Square, EC4.

Rabbi Bentzi Sudak of Chabad Lubavitch UK said, "It has been an overwhelming success and has given many Jewish people the chance to experience Sukkot. It has been a pleasure to work together with local Jewish partners, all who have shared a passion and excitement for this fantastic project and we hope to repeat this in the same location every Sukkot.

Chabad to open 'Sukkah in the City' - A New Sukkah for London

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 5:43:00 PM

This Sukkot, Chabad Lubavitch will be welcoming people to a new public Sukkah in New Street Square, EC4.

Occupying a prominent position in the heart of Central London's business and legal district, the Sukkah is located in a pedestrianised area close to Fleet Street and Chancery Lane.

This is the first time a Sukkah has been constructed in public space in this part of the City. The project is a partnership between Chabad Lubavitch and a number of leading firms based in the area. It has also been supported by some generous individuals. Construction began in the week before Sukkot and has now been completed.

The Sukkah is located centrally in New Street Square, EC4. It will be open on the first day (13 Oct) of Sukkot from 2.30-4.30pm and throughout the intermediary days (17,18,19 Oct) of Sukkot from 8am-6pm.

Rabbi Bentzi Sudak of Chabad Lubavitch UK said, "We are looking forward to welcoming many hundreds of people into the Sukkah during this joyous festival. It has been a pleasure to work together with local Jewish partners, all who share a passion and excitement for this fantastic project".

For more information please contact:

Chabad Lubavitch UK
T: 020 7078 7469
E: city@chabad.org.uk

Thanks to Deloitte, Taylor Wessing, Bolt Partners, Mishcon De Reya, Speechly Bircham and other firms and individuals who helped make this project possible.

Over 75 people attend Chancery Lane 'Pre-Rosh Nosh'

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 7:31:00 AM

Last Tuesday lunchtime over 75 people joined Chabad of Chancery Lane for another 'Lunch in the City' event. Jewish professionals from the area including bankers, lawyers, accountants and journalists came together for a pre-Rosh Nosh, to enjoy a tasty kosher lunch and to meet other Jewish people working in the area.

The event was made possible thanks to kind sponsorship by a couple of individuals who work in the area who would like to remain anonymous.

Chabad in the City is Chabad UK's offices and Centre based in Chancery Lane. Kosher lunch options in the area are few and far between so it was no surprise that so many people turned up. The event was a huge success and will be repeated every other month.

Those in attendance represented over 20 different firms from the area in various disciplines including Law, Banking, Accountancy and Journalism. David Tennenbaum who works at Deloitte said, 'This is the second lunch event I've been too - it's a great opportunity to meet other Jewish people who literally work around the corner - i'll be coming again!'

Rabbi Bentzi Sudak - CEO of Chabad Lubavitch UK - welcomed people to the event and addressed the crowd with a short Dvar Torah touching on themes related to the Jewish New Year.

During the coming year, aside from lunch events, Chabad in the City will be offering various other services from the Chancery Lane Centre including CPD accredited courses for Lawyers, One-2-One Learning Sessions, Guest Speakers and more.

If you would like to be put onto a contact list for Chabad in the City or if you simply want more information please call/email:

T. 020 7078 7469
E. city@chabad.org.uk