On Friday 30th October 2026, Finsbury Park United Synagogue hosted over 30 people for a Friday night dinner to remember!
Some evenings leave a lasting impression, and Finsbury Park’s recent Shabbat dinner was certainly one of them.
It was so much more than simply sharing a meal; it was a beautiful celebration of Jewish life, friendship and togetherness, making Shabbat feel that bit more special.
Shabbat has many layers. Beyond the beautiful traditions, the prayers and the zemirot, there is something equally precious: the opportunity to pause, come together and share the warmth of Jewish life. At the heart of this is the timeless Jewish value of Hachnassat Orchim (welcoming guests), so beautifully exemplified by our forefather Avraham Avinu, whose tent was open on all sides to welcome travellers and strangers.
The same spirit of generosity and hospitality was truly felt that Friday evening.
“A heartfelt thank you to Reverend Menasche and Kreindy Scharf and the Charing family for hosting such a wonderful Shabbat. From the beautifully arranged table and delicious food to the warm, welcoming atmosphere, every detail reflected the thought and care that had gone into bringing everyone together” – Sylvia M
The evening was filled with wonderful conversation, laughter and, of course, a little Torah discussion – including the rather memorable drosha on egg and onions! And what would be Shabbat dinner without the beautiful, melodious zemirot that brought everyone together around the Shabbat table?
Evenings like these remind us that the true beauty of community lies not only in traditions we preserve, but in the kindness we extend, the connections we build and the memories we create together.
If you are local to Hackney and looking to reconnect with Jewish life, meet new people or simply find a welcoming community, we’d love to hear from you! Please have a look at our website www.finsburyparksynagogue.co.uk and sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with everything happening at the shul.
