Limmud Fest: Shabbat

Shabbat - feel comfortable

We create a really special Shabbat atmosphere. Over Shabbat we'll have the chance to eat and learn together, to sing, share stories, play, take part in sports, go for a walk or just to enjoy the countryside.

Limmud Fest is a unique opportunity to share Shabbat delights - a Shabbat service, the Friday night oneg and havdalah on Saturday, marking the end of Shabbat and providing a springboard to an evening of live music.

oneg – literally ‘pleasure’- refers to the tradition of getting together after Friday evening dinner to celebrate the Shabbat with song, stories, more food, more drink and the like.

havdalah – literally ‘separation’ – refers to the short formal ceremony that marks the end of Shabbat and the beginning of the new week

We observe Shabbat in public places - we erect an eruv over the majority of the site - and none of the sessions requires you to break Shabbat.. You're free either to observe or not to observe in your personal space - we want everyone to feel comfortable.

eruv – a barrier that transforms a ‘public domain’ into a ‘private domain’ and enables orthodox Jews to do things that are forbidden in one but allowed in the other on Shabbat, like carrying. An eruv has to be physical and visible – typically wire or thick string, strung from, for example, lampposts

Although we don't organise services, many participants create minyanim of different styles, so you'll almost certainly find one to your taste and you'll be most welcome to join in. If you'd like to run one, or you have any other questions about Shabbat at Limmud Fest, or want to help, please get in touch.

minyanim – plural of ‘minyan’ – literally ‘number’ – referring to the fact that for acts of public worship Jewish law requires a minimum number of Jews to be present; by extension the word minyan has come to mean ‘a religious service’