Party leaders united in welcoming Shabbat UK

The leaders of the three big political parties have hailed the Chief Rabbi’s Shabbat UK initiative in the week before thousands of people are expected to participate in the event.

Prime Minister David Cameron said it was “a wonderful opportunity for people to come together and share in traditions that date back thousands of years”

Meanwhile Labour leader Ed Miliband, who is Jewish, said “This initiative allows Jewish communities from Plymouth to Aberdeen to come together and share Shabbat”

Lib Dem leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said it was “the perfect opportunity for everyone, whether you regularly observe Shabbat or have never experienced it before, to come together and participate”.

Events include mass Challah making sessions, lighting Friday night candles or invitations to celebrate in the homes of others in an effort to “bring families, friends and communities together”.