As part of Shabbat UK 2016, the Milim group is running a competition for people to reveal what Shabbat means to them.
To mark Shabbat UK, the annual nationwide Shabbat taking place on 11th and 12th November, Milim, the group behind the first Jewish Literary Festival in Leeds, is launching a competition to discover what Shabbat means to people of all ages in the community.
The competition is one of the initiatives by the Milim group to celebrate Jewish words all year round following the literary festival, which was held for the first time this year in March: “It’s all about words,” says Diane Saunders, co-founder of Milim. “We wanted to build on the success of the series of events held in March and get as many people involved.” The group also recently organised a trip to see the stage adaptation of Howard Jacobson’s ‘The Mighty Walzer’ at the Royal Exchange, Manchester.
Submissions can be a story or piece of prose but no more than 500 words. Alternatively, a poem with a maximum of 100 words, a two-minute music and lyrical piece, or a two-minute video blog can be entered.
The competition is split into three categories for entrants: up to Year 6, Years 7-13 and over 19s. Entries must be in by 4pm on 16th October and the winners will be announced and prizes will presented on 10th November at United Hebrew Congregation (UHC).
Save the Date
Every year, Shabbat UK sees the Chief Rabbi bring Jewish people in the UK and around the world together to celebrate Shabbat. The Shabbat celebrations in Leeds will be joined by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis to partake in events and festivities over the two days in November.
Shabbat UK’s theme for 2016 is ‘Sharing Shabbat Together’ and with that in mind, the project’s mission is to connect Jews around the globe during Shabbat.
Events in Leeds include a music concert at the Henry Cohen Campus with the six-man vocal band Six13. Celebrating their heritage through music, the band’s music is anchored by a strong Jewish identity and features beatboxing, intricate arrangements and soulful harmonies. Other events include a group ‘Challah Make’ session on 10th November at UHC. On 11th November, there will be a Friday night service and dinner at Etz Chaim Synagogue, while on 12th November, there will be a youth-led Shabbat service for AJEX, followed by a hot Kiddush at Beth Hamidrash Hagadol (BHH).
If you would like to enter the competition, email your submission to diane@dianesaunders.co.uk or call 0113 268 9102 for details on postal entries.