Last Thursday, Tribe in conjunction with the Informal Jewish Education team at JFS, surprised 600 JFS students with a special Challah Make to mark this year’s ShabbatUK.
With a demonstration led by Rebbetzen Freda Kaplan of Hampstead Garden Suburb US and guided by 35 volunteers and 30 JFS staff, the Year 7 and 8 students each made their own Challah, adding to their ShabbatUK involvement and experience. The Challot made were then taken home by pupils in order to enhance their own Shabbat experiences.
Musical entertainment by singer Eitan Freilich created a fantastic and energetic atmosphere and Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis addressed the students, referencing the magical starry theme of the event. The Chief Rabbi connected God showing Abraham the stars in this week’s Torah portion to the pupils, explaining that they all have the potential to become stars.
David Collins, United Synagogue Director of Jewish Living, said: “This surprise Challah Make was both a meaningful and memorable experience for all involved. It provided a positive Jewish experience for the JFS students, connecting their school lives to both their home and shul lives. We therefore continue to seek to create a future for our communities through engaging, educating and inspiring the next generation. We look forward to working with JFS again on other projects.”
Daniel Marcus, Head of Jewish Life and Learning at JFS and Deputy Head of the school, added: “Informal Jewish experiences are a key part of our Jewish Studies provision and this wonderful event and the fantastic work of Tribe has strengthened our Initiatives such as these give a practical outlet for pupils to gain first-hand experiences of the beauty and inspiration that Shabbat provides. Special thanks go to all involved for making this Challah Make so successful.”