UK News

Chabad stands out at the Jewish Living Expo

Tuesday, March 20, 2012 - 8:02 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

Thursday, March 8, 2012 - 8:02 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.