The tables for Friday night dinner
are filling up quickly – where to sit?
There’s the Jackson’s Row posse, but then there are friends from Sinai I’ve
not seen for ages, not to mention the Menorah crowd. And the Sheffield people,
and Newcastle – and a few people I don’t know yet – but will do as the weekend
progresses. Decisions, decisions. Not to mention which workshop to go to, which
minyan to join on Shabbat morning. What’s
not to love about Northern Chagigah?
Chagigah means celebration, and of
course we in the northern Reform communities know we have a lot to celebrate.
In fact we’ve been meeting for a weekend away for many years now in a variety
of locations. Everyone who comes along has an inspirational time, and this year
looks as if it’s going to be better than ever.
We’re going back to Kenwood Hall in
Sheffield as it proved to be such an excellent choice last year. The food was good (first things first!), the
accommodation very comfortable, and there was masses of room for all the
different activities on offer. This year our theme is Lighting the Way – a nod
in the direction of Chanukah.
So apart from the food and the
company, what happens? We have some excellent rabbis, speakers and educators
who are coming up from London , including Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner and Edie
Friedman from JCore. There will be quizzes, play readings, different kinds of
services to try and opportunities to learn and debate with fellow reform Jews
on a variety of subjects from Kabbalah to social action. Of course there’s
plenty of stuff for kids, with RSY support and crèches. And then what you do is
up to you!
But perhaps what is most special
about Northern Chagigah is what happens at the edges – the conversations you
strike up over dinner or in a workshop. Friendships are formed and connections
are made. We remember that a vital part of being a Reform Jew is community –
and we are not only part of our own shul community, but we have family
elsewhere in the north. There are more of us than you think – and there is strength
in numbers.
If you’re wavering about coming to
Chagigah this year, waver no more. You
deserve the fun, companionship and enlightenment on offer. Email Sarita at Sarita.Robinson@reformjudaism.org.uk
and book yourself and your family a place. The cost is surprisingly reasonable.
The dates are Friday 27th – Sunday 29th November.
See you there!
