Thousands mark Shabbat UK with challah bakes and ceremonies

Thousands of events heralded the return after three years of the UK’s largest mass-participation Jewish event, Shabbat UK, last weekend, 13-14 May.

More than 10,000 school children took part in Challah Makes, competitions, and a Shabbat virtual escape room at schools.

Health secretary Sajid Javid and deputy opposition leader Angela Rayner competed in a Challah Bake Off, and were among the 8,000 who took part in plaiting and baking.

The LoveLoveChallah challenge took place as well, where the person who baked the most creative Challah design won a six-month supply of the freshly baked bread.

Another 6,000 Jewish primary school children across the country learnt an upbeat version of Dror Yikra to sing at their own Shabbat table at home.

ShabbatUK also provided Shabbat Packs to 8000 children to use at their own Shabbat at home, as well as communal meals to communities across the country.

The induction of Rabbi and Rebbetzen Kurzer, cancelled in March 2020, and the Seudah Shlishit, attended by more than 170 people, were the highlights of Shabbat UK for Pinner Synagogue.

More than 600 people living in and around Pinner got involved with the events as past chairman, Jonathan Mindell, welcomed the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.

Mill Hill Synagogue had a string of events, including a Ladies Challah Bake joined by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis. He also came to their Shabbat morning service, for which shul was packed to capacity – the first time that had happened since Rosh Hashanah.

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet said: “That was particularly encouraging.

“We went all in, as a litmus test to see how engaged people are, compare with pre-Covid – and consider it a success. We had good numbers, all things considered.”

Challah bakes happened simultaneously across Norwood Homes, led by volunteer Anne Larchy over Zoom.

Vera, Anne, David, Rachelle and Naomi were just a handful of the people supported by Norwood Homes who took part in a virtual Challah bake.