Kenton does ShabbatUK 2022/5782

This past Shabbat, we joined the Travelling Chassidim for ShabbatUK at the Kenton United Synagogue. The experience was unlike any other ShabbatUK, as we ended up leading the holy Shabbat for around one hundred very eager participants from the local community and beyond. To be truthful, we came away with a better deal than we bargained for: the members of Kenton Synagogue went out of their way to give us an uplifting and inspirational Shabbat one to remember. This was one beautiful communal Shabbat, replete with enlightening speeches by superb speakers, the local Rabbi, the indefatigable Rabbi Yehuda Black and the guest speaker Rabbi Saul Zneimer, who was the local Rabbi some decades ago. The traditional Shul services were specially uplifting, complemented by the warm Davening of the Travelling Chassidim, with the Chazan enthralling the whole assembly with well-known songs. We were warmly welcomed by Rabbi and the Rebbetzin Black, who opened their home to all the guests – and then some. The lavish Friday night meal was deliciously catered by the Rebbetzin, who kept offering more salads, more delights. The delightful Kiddush and Shabbos lunch and Shalosh Seudos, graciously served by the ladies of the congregation was enjoyed by all. The atmosphere was such that however late the Zman was, we didn’t want Shabbos to end. When Shabbos finally came to a close, the beautiful shul resounded with the special Havdala ceremony. It was definitely a poignant moment when we said our farewells to our special newly found friends, fellow Jews who went all the way to make our acquaintance. What comes to mind when writing these lines is Mi ke’amcha Yisroel – who is like your people Israel! From a very grateful participant, who have been inspired by such a warm, soulful and extremely memorable experience.