Travelling Chassidim Strengthen the Connection
Special Kesher Correspondent
London, 20 Cheshvan 5786 / 11/11/2025
The Global Shabbos Project is a highlight at Kesher, the popular outreach
community in Golders Green led by Rabbi Rashi Simon. This annual event offers
the opportunity to experience and celebrate in unity with communities all over
the world, as well as to find a distinct expression for Kesher.
This year the Travelling Chassidim joined Kesher for an unforgettable,
uplifting Shabbos experience. Chassidim from Stamford Hill and Golders
Green, rooted in legendary dynasties such as Belz, Aleksander and Vizhnitz,
joined the Kesher Kehillah for a full Shabbat of song, prayer and celebration.
From a Kabbalat Shabbat of song and dance to a new take on Kesher’s famous
Friday Night Tisch, Shabbat was off to a rousing and inspirational start.
Following the Davening and Kiddush on Shabbat morning there was an ‘Any
Questions’ session, expertly moderated by Rabbi Simon, which gave members a
chance to ask, engage, laugh and learn.
Questions ranged from the origin and contribution of Chassidus to the
differences among the various Chassidic sects, including choice of apparel and
Hebrew pronunciation. By the end of this very entertaining session, we could
spot the Spodek from the Shtreimel
As the Shabbos progressed, what seemed at first like different worlds, merged
into a diverse but unified shared experience of warmth and dedication, as we
cherished the Shabbos together.
We learned about the Chassidic approach to welcoming and treasuring Shabbat,
starting with Thursday night cholent tastings, Friday mikveh, statutory
To’ameha (food tasting before candle-lighting) and then on to the inspiring
melodies: The sound of soul and unity.
At a private residence nearby, the women and girls of Kesher enjoyed Seudah
Shelishis with singing and Torah Thoughts, while the men found time (and
capacity) to eat another meal at Kesher in the interval between Mincha and
Ma'ariv.
The crescendo of our time with the Travelling Chassidim was an uplifting,
atmospheric, memorable musical Havdalah. When we danced together, escorting the
Shabbos Queen until next week, terms like 'visitors' and 'hosts' had long since
been displaced by common purpose and shared destiny. The Travelling Chassidim
will always be at home at Kesher!
About The Travelling Chassidim:
The Travelling Chassidim is a group of Chassidic families who travel around
Jewish communities, bringing with us classic Chassidic warmth and liveliness -
bona fide.
Coupled with the special aura of the holy Shabbos, we form a deep connection
with the hosting community, resulting in a Shabbaton that is truly
transformational.
The Travelling Chassidim is the brainchild of British-born Rabbi Moshe Royde,
of Monsey in New York, USA.
Photo attached: Rabbi Rashi Simon and members of the Kesher Kehilla and The Travelling Chassidim - Photo credit: Kesher Kehilla.
