Northern Reform Communities Day: havdallah and illuminations

Saturday 1 November saw members of nine Reform communities from Hull to Blackpool, Newcastle to Manchester and beyond celebrating Shabbat at Blackpool Reform Synagogue. The Shabbat morning service was beautifully led by Student Rabbi Kath Vardi. It was followed by a shared lunch and then enjoy a thought provoking study session and discussion led by Kath.

The planned havdallah on the beach was re-located to Blackpool’s famous promenade. Ariella Glatherine from Sinai Synagogue Leeds, aged 7, said: “I loved it. We didn’t go on the beach because the tide was in. Everyone sanghavdallah together.”  A tour of the stunning Blackpool Illuminations followed, then a fish and chip supper.

Over 30 children were entertained with RSY-Netzer activities including a sleep over in the synagogue. Nine year old Bailey Robinson said: “I can’t wait for my next time with RSY. I went to the day camp at Sinai Synagogue this year and this was great too.”

Northern Communities Development Worker Sarita Robinson added: “It’s the first time we’ve had such an event in Blackpool, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest synagogue member, had a great time. Many thanks to Blackpool Reform Synagogue for its hospitality and to our youth leaders for their terrific energy, involving every child in the activities. The next Movement for Reform Judaism event in the North will be the I’m Jewish My Partner Isn’t seminar, at Sinai Synagogue, Leeds, on Sunday 23 November from 12.30-2.45pm and at Manchester Reform Synagogue on Sunday 23 November from 5.15-7.15pm. Bookings close on 9 November. Please contact me by emailingSarita.robinson@reformjudaism.org.uk or by phoning 07415 274362 for more information.”