Auf Simchas

‘Auf simchas’ is what we normally say when we meet at funerals and shivas. It literally means ‘also joyful times or events’ and is a reminder to also meet in times of celebration and joy. It’s a good reminder in times of sadness and distress to know that we will meet up with others to enjoy life.

So why this now? It occurred to me that we are in these times of celebration but with everything going on in the world, it is easy to forget it or not notice it. We had the first gathering with Mich, the song leader, for the singing group. We call it ‘Singing for the Soul’, and it’s like Pilates for the soul. It was so joyful to be able to sit in Naomi’s front room and sing our hearts out. It is not a closed group for only those who can sing, rather it is a space to meet for anyone who likes to sing, and who enjoys the amazing change that happens when we are using our voices together. And so to finally be able to meet, after more than two years was wonderful. And we will be meeting once a month to continue this simcha.

Other simchas are the B'nei Mitzvah services, and the Friday nights, being able to be together, to eat and talk and socialize. It feels like our hearts and souls are being restored. Whether we are singing or praying, or talking or eating together, when we come together in larger groups something happens. There’s a sense of connection to each other, and a creation of something more powerful and beautiful than what any one of us can create individually or in our families.

And the simcha of Pesach, of 2nd night seder on 16th April is the best night of the year for many. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are spiritual highlights for many of us, but they are individual journeys. Pesach is about all of us together, across ages, circumstances and wherever we are in life. It’s a sensory and intellectual experience that is aimed at every age group. And so we will celebrate seder together, starting at 5pm, with about one hour of storytelling, singing, and ritual, followed by a big potluck dinner. 

And so, it feels like we are finally able to say to each other ‘L’chaim’ - ‘to life’ in all its beauty, struggles and hope.

Shabbat shalom and look forward to breaking matzah together at the seder.

Seder activities for younger and older children - if you need inspiration or new ideas.

Passover Archives - inspiring and thought provoking articles about everything from inclusive seders, to how Jews in Gibraltar make their charoset.