Two-hundred members of Pinner Synagogue attended a sumptuous Friday Night Dinner at the Shul, with the specific aim of attracting people of all ages within the community to come together to celebrate Shabbat.
The event was the brainchild of three Pinner members, Debra Levin, Shereen Presky and Nicola Green (pictured below), with support from the Chief Rabbi’s Centre for Community Excellence.
“We wanted to do something to create a warm atmosphere of friendship, joy and togetherness,” said Debra, “and to show the Pinner community spirit at its very best.”
The three rallied a band of willing helpers to set up the hall in advance and assist with catering preparations.
Alongside a special Friday night programme for youngsters and teens, as the rest of the community gathered for Kabbalat Shabbat, Pinner Synagogue Rabbi Jason Kleiman announced some surprise special guests: the singing group Acapellam (pictured below) – who soon had everyone singing, dancing and clapping along.
Meanwhile, the ladies had lit candles, and a sea of twinkling tea-lights added to the wonderful Shabbat atmosphere, which only enhanced the beautifully decorated tables gorgeous flower arrangements and gifts of sweets for each adult guest, plus individual gifts of puzzles and games for the children.
Chairman for the evening Howard Freeman welcomed everyone and said how delightful it was to be able to celebrate Shabbat together with so many members of the community, thanks to the tireless efforts of the three organisers and their hardworking team.
Rabbi Kleiman then spoke, referencing the ‘light’ of the Menorah kindled by the High Priest Aharon in the current week’s sedra, Behalotcha. The light was not simply ‘lit’, he explained, it was ‘elevated’, in the same way that the Pinner community ‘elevated’ the light of Shabbat by coming together this evening in joy and song.
And there certainly was song! After kiddush and hamotzi, as the delicious meal progressed, Acapellam once again had everyone on their feet, singing, dancing and even conga-ing around the room, culminating in a rousing, rendition of ‘Am Yisrael Chai’.
After bensching, Synagogue Chair Mervyn Beth gave a final vote of thanks to the organising team, and everyone involved for all their hard work in making the event such a resounding success: “The wonderful atmosphere, delicious food, the amazing Acapellam singers, the children’s involvement – it all shows what a fantastic community we have here in Pinner.” The evening ended with a moving ‘Hatikvah’.
Synagogue members Nicky Jason and Mark Haringman called the event “exceptional”, with Mark adding, “the food, atmosphere and singing were delightful”. Another guest agreed that “the whole evening was one of happiness and exuberance,” adding, “We look forward to the next one!”
Debra Levin summed it up: “Seeing 200 people of all ages enjoying an evening filled with warmth, laughter and community spirit was truly special. Bringing people together, strengthening connections and creating lasting memories is what Pinner does best.”
