Shavuos was yet another whirlwind of activity for the staff and volunteers at L’Chaim-Chabad. No matter your age, background, affiliation or level of religious observance, there was a unique, meaningful programme for you to participate in for the holiday.
Kids get Special Treatment
Kids are a central part of the Holiday, as G-d only gave the Torah to the Jewish people in the merit of children. As such, L’Chaim placed strong emphasis on youth programmes, attracting dozens of kids throughout the holiday.
Even before Shavuos started, ten “Little Chefs” donned aprons and hats to create their very own Shavuos delicacy. They enjoyed play time with their parents and friends, while singing Shavuos songs and answering quiz questions. “The kids loved it,” said Sara R. “They just wanted to stay all day.”
There were ice cream parties in 11 different synagogues on Shavuos, with of children coming to hear the Ten Commandments with their families. The recital was topped off with an overflowing, delicious cone! In all, it took 45 volunteers, 175 miles of walking, hundreds of scoops of ice cream to bring the holiday to life for Manchester kids.
Youth Clubs try Their Hand at Delicacies
Chabad Girls Club enjoyed a pre-Shavuos event, which featured triangle cheesecake making, themed crossword puzzles, an exciting raffle, plenty of nosh and socializing. “My sister really enjoyed it,” said Tzippi I. “And the cheesecake was delicious yum!”
The CTeen boys’ weekly “Chill Zone” chose to enjoy a mouth watering pizza party instead of the usual shawarma ‘n’ falafel fare, in honour of the Shavuos tradition to eat dairy foods. The teens also made their own cheesecakes while taking in some of the lessons of the holiday. The boys later took those very cakes and gifted them to the elderly in their free time!
Adults and Seniors Join the fun, too!
Can you imagine a Rabbi teaching a bunch of men how to make cheesecake? That was the scene at L’Chaim’s Men’s’ Club, as Rabbi Levi Cohen shared a cheesecake recipe, along with equally delicious insights into the festival. “It was fun for everyone,” said Anthony H. “It was great seeing the results of your work happen right there.”
Smile On Seniors volunteers distributed cheesecakes to the elderly in old age and retirement homes throughout the Greater Manchester area, sharing the holiday spirit and painting smiles on their faces. Their happiness was evident as the warm gesture flooded their hearts and minds with fond memories of years gone by. “It’s your visits that keep me going,” said Beth K. (81).
Taking it to the Streets
Not ones to take a break, students of Yeshivas Lubavitch Manchester fanned out across the city, trekking for hours at a time to synagogues, hospitals, retirement home and more to share the joy and beauty of the festival. "We loved hearing the inspiring words,” Said Harold G. “We were touched by how they generously shared their happiness and pride with the community.”
L’Chaim-Chabad Touches thousands
In all, thousands of Manchester Jews were inspired and touched by the work of L’Chaim staff and volunteers. Whether it was hearing the Ten Commandments, partaking of the traditional foods, hearing an inspiring thought, reading one of thousands of the special Shavuos Edition L'Chaim publications or just having a listening ear, L’Chaim was there for you.
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