Last week Shabbat Parshat Naso, the Travelling Chassidim and their families were privileged to be hosted by the Jewish community of Bushey.

The Shabbat was dedicated in honour of the induction of the new Rabbi of the community, Rabbi Elchonon Feldman.

Led by Mr Binyomin Binet of Stamford Hill in North London, the group added to the ambience of this special Shabbat with their unique Ruach and lively singing. The ladies of the community were entertained by the Travelling Chassidim’s family members, who contributed to the Shabbat atmosphere with wit and camaraderie, forging new friendships as the Shabbat progressed.

The moving Carlebach-style Kabbalat Shabbat led by Chazan Moshe Meislik was followed by a communal Shabbat meal in the shul function hall. Over 100 community members enjoyed a Shabbat meal courtesy of Kelman’s, in conjunction with Reich catering – replete with words of Torah, singing and spirited dancing.

At the Seudah Sh’lishit the 200-strong crowd were addressed by several guests to the community, amongst them Mr Shloimy Stark of Travelling Chassidim’s Manchester division and Mr Menasche Scharf of its London branch. All speakers commended the remarkable spiritedness and noteworthy hospitality of the community members and their good fortune of having such a dynamic personality as their new Rabbi.

The visit ended with a moving Havdalah which culminated in lively dancing and singing.
Community members freely shared their feelings of gratitude with their guests.
One member wrote a message to a wife of one of the Travelling Chasidim saying, “Wow! is all I can say… I feel so blessed to have had you come to our community.”

Another participant said “that the inspiration from this Shabbat easily did more than several lectures from a Rabbi.”

One of the Shul’s committee members commented that “I was looking forward to teaching these Chassid’s a thing or two. Boy, did I make a mistake – I ended up learning quite a few things about life, Shabbat and Judaism in general – a real eye opener!”

The Traveling Chassidim – founded in the USA by Rabbi A. M. Royde of Monsey, NY – is a group of Chassidic families from London and Manchester who travel around the country. The Traveling Chassidim – a not-for-profit organisation – is part of the World of Belz institutions under the guidance and leadership of the Rebbe of Belz in Jerusalem. The group was inspired by the teachings of the late Rabbi Noach Weinberg of Aish HaTorah, especially by his innovative Project Inspire initiative. Bringing with them classic Chassidic warmth and liveliness together with the special aura of the holy Shabbat day the Traveling Chassidim form a deep connection with the host community resulted in a Shabbaton that was truly transformational and memorable.