Families enjoy magic of Shabbat at EHRS camping

Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) took Judaism to the park for the Family Camping 24 Shabbaton.

More than 65 members enjoyed the outdoor experience – filling a whole field at Wellington Country Park in Riseley, Berkshire, with the sun shining throughout.

Sarah Koster, EHRS’s Head of Development and Engagement for Families, said: “We enjoyed a wonderful Friday Night BBQ, Kuddle up in PJs, and even roasted some marshmallows before we brought in Shabbat together.

“In the morning, we started with a musical Shira service and Kiddush followed by family time when we explored the park. We held a Havdalah service in the evening, around the campfires, to complete a special weekend of laughing, playing, talking, cooking and coming together as a camping community.”

The idea behind Family Camping 24 is to allow EHRS’s young members to experience Judaism with their families in different ways, sharing experiences and believing in the magic of Shabbat.

And if the comments of Simone Smith and her family are anything to go by, it was a huge success. Simone said: “We had such a good time. And the first thing the kids said when we finally persuaded them to get back in the car was ‘can we go camping again’.”