LJOY is back! Kayla and Moshe Merel, the duo at the helm, tell us what this new beginning means for the community.
Leeds Jewish Orthodox Youth (LJOY) has been brought back to life by Kayla and Moshe Merel who saw a gap for what the initiative used to offer and have poured their passion and vision into this revitalised programme.
“Following a groundswell of demand from the community, LJOY kicked off on Purim with a fantastic event that has set the stage for many more to come. People were craving more opportunities to come together, have fun, and create lasting memories. We saw a real need for a space where everyone on the youth scene could connect, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. With the support of local synagogues and community groups, we were able to make it happen, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with how the first event turned out.”
Moshe talks us through the highlights from the Purim event: “It was a celebration to remember, with something for everyone – a captivating hypnotist show by the talented David Bolton, mouth-watering food, a lively disco bouncy castle, and a whole lot of fun. We incorporated education about the Purim story through a quiz and a talk or dare game based around Jewish life.” “Though it took a little time to warm up, the crowd soon found themselves caught up in the energy, especially when a group of brave participants – under the influence of Bolton’s hypnosis – were seen letting loose and acting in the most hilarious and whimsical ways. The sight of this brought the crowd to their feet, eagerly cheering on the antics that unfolded before their eyes.”
The Purim event was a grand success, with the community coming together in full force: “From the local synagogues to The Zone, Leeds Maccabi FC, and beyond, the support was overwhelming. Despite the timing being less than ideal for some, the masses (around girls and guys between ages 12 and 19) turned up to celebrate this new chapter of LJOY – a much-needed, exciting initiative that promises to bring joy and energy to Leeds. Next time though, we’ll order less food. I always thought Jews love their food; turns out they do but not on the magnitude we imagined!”
Feeback is important to LJOY; following its Purim event, Moshe said: “The feedback was great with many of them asking for more stuff and a repeat of this more often as they have not had these opportunities before. Community parents and activists have also been delighted.”
There’s plenty on the horizon at LJOY, with big plans on the way: “There’s the LJOY adventure outing, Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration event, Shining Shabbat Sisters Squad – where girls in groups will be helping community families bake challah for shabbat, and Shabbaton – an exciting Shabbos away for different groups.”
Keep up to date with what’s happening at LJOY via its socials @Ljoyleeds
