Holidays Come Alive in Manchester

A rabbi, a businessman, a mom, a toddler and a granddad walk into a sukkah. No, there isn’t a punch line, it is the annual Sukkot party arranged by L’Chaim-Chabad Lubavitch of Manchester, UK, attended by hundreds of community members of all ages and affiliations. The carnival was just one of dozens of L’Chaim offerings which reached tens of thousands over the holiday month.

From interactive, explanatory Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services to a girls club roller skating trip; from a food bank to a senior’s party featuring kid’s choirs and a juggling show, Chabad had something for everyone – no matter their age, affiliation or background.

“Our goal was to bring the joy and meaning of our beautiful holidays to every Jewish person in the greater Manchester area,” said Rabbi Yisroel Cohen, L’Chaim-Chabad Lubavitch director. “We are proud and honoured to have received such an overwhelming response and participation from the community.”

That L’Chaim is able to reach so vast a number of Jews is a remarkable feat. The key, says Cohen, is to create programming which is engaging, relevant and authentic. “At Chabad you come to appreciate the true joy of Simchat Torah, the solemnity of Yom Kippur and the unity of Sukkot.”

Fiona Morris, one of 55 ladies at the Jewish Women’s’ Circle pre-Rosh Hashana class, enjoyed a hands-on chocolate gift making workshop, which tied into a lesson about facing and mastering daunting tasks and objectives. “It’s the third time I’ve been to a JWC event. I absolutely love them!”

Chocolate was also the theme when more than 20 girls in Chabad’s Girls’ Club created chocolate apples as they learned about the holiday. “We encourage the youngsters to relate to the festival on their level,” said club leader, Mrs Zeldie Cohen.

L’Chaim’s specialty is not merely sharing educational and inspiring content, but getting it “out there” in the open, where you can’t help but see it. Whether it was a mobile sukkah driving around the suburbs, a sukkah in the City Centre or receiving one of the 10,000 issues of the Holiday Times magazine delivered to families and businesses across Greater Manchester and north England; Chabad was there to remind Jews of the holidays and their importance.

“It’s an incredibly proud and satisfying feeling to finish shopping at Tesco and step outside to find a Sukkah there, ready and open for me to step inside and make a blessing,” said Shelly Clark. In all, there were sukkot at five Manchester locations, each hosting more than 150 enthusiastic visitors.

As the various celebrations raged on, L’Chaim volunteers were out on the streets seeking those less fortunate unable to make it to Synagogues or other holiday events. Armed with smiles, a good word and a shofar or lulav and etrog, volunteers panned out to hospitals, senior centres and homes of the sickly.

30 groups of volunteers made it to more than 450 homes and 70 other locations visiting thousands. Rabbi Moshe Cohen, volunteer coordinator, said the common theme of all the season’s holidays is unity. “We cannot be satisfied in our own observance knowing there is someone out there who is unable to do the mitzvah of the day. It’s our responsibility to bring joy and laughter to each of them.”

At each of the events you could be sure people were having a good time. Sali Halpern, a 99 year old resident at Heathlands thoroughly enjoyed the Smile on Seniors Sukkot bash. “In all my years here at heathlands, I’ve never had such a good time!”

Meanwhile, 45 businessmen and women enjoyed networking at the Jewish Business Network business lunch, “Shawarma in the Sukkah.” Another 40 partied it up at Chabad’s Young Jewish Professionals latenight barbecue. “A Chabad event is not just about finding a way to celebrate the holiday,” said Rob Baker. “It’s about discovering the true meaning behind all the customs.”

Sure, they reach tens of thousands and their events are big and splashy, but the reason for Chabad’s success seems to be rooted in their genuine care for the individual – they want every single Manchester Jew to enjoy the traditions they do. And as Baker adds, “They make sure we have a great time doing it!”