On 14 July, the Hebrew Order of David (HOD) held their first Shabbaton as part of Project Respite – a new scheme to raise funds for Jewish families who are unable to get respite allocations or have specific religious requirements for their special needs children. The special Shabbat took place at Norwood’s short break (respite) Buckets & Spades Lodge in Finchley. Buckets & Spades Lodge supports families by providing round-the-clock respite care for single nights or longer, for children with disabilities up to 18 years old. Six children attended the Shabbaton, with Norwood’s Rabbi Zaiden arranging the programme, officiating at the services and supervising the traditional Shabbat meals.
The Shabbat began with a Shul service, followed by Kiddush and dinner. On Shabbat morning a service was held followed by lunch and Seuda Shlishit on Saturday evening. The children enjoyed games, singing and prayers throughout the Shabbat. On Sunday, the children went on outings to The London Zoo and bowling.
Dani Katz, from the charity Hebrew Order of David, said: "The Shabbat was a great success and the children really enjoyed themselves. These amazing children made this a Shabbat I will always remember, and I consider it a privilege to have sat with them for their Shabbos meals. I’d like to thank Rabbi Zaiden who made the zemiros and Shabbos services extra special with his devotion and caring approach and the caring staff of Buckets & Spades who made this special Shabbos possible. As a community, we must remember that all children have the right to enjoy a kosher Shabbat, with religious needs met in a way that is appropriate for them and their families."
Norwood Chief Executive, Norma Brier said: ‘Norwood is delighted to have hosted the Hebrew Order of David’s first Shabbaton at Buckets & Spades Lodge and we would like to thank the Hebrew Order of David for their generosity in funding this Project Respite Shabbat. The Shabbaton enabled the children to enjoy a special time together, while their families had a truly restful Shabbat. We hope to provide many more like it.”
The Hebrew Order of David welcomes donations to Project Respite to help them to provide additional respite weekends for children throughout the year. It costs £1000 to sponsor a child for the weekend. For details on how to donate, please contact David Glass at: 24 Sunningdale, Stanmore, Middx HA7 3QL.
For further information about Project Respite and HOD, please contact Dani Katz on 07766 820 783.
For further information about Buckets & Spades Lodge or about Norwood contact PR Manager, Naomi Creeger on 020 8420 6900 or by email to naomi.creeger@norwood.org.uk
