Almost fifty people from congregations in the South-West met in Exeter for the first Chagigah-celebration- which was held over one weekend in October.
After Friday evening service led by Rabbi Anna in the eighteenth century synagogue we had dinner followed by Oneg Shabbat music and singing. An alternative session on Shema deep listening and gentle music also proved popular.
Saturday morning sessions were on bibliodrama or building an ark for the future. When rebuilding the ark what should we take with us? This was followed by a very lively morning service led by Rabbi Josh Levy.
There were a variety of afternoon options including a historic Exeter walk, a craft workshop, a history of the Jews in Wales and a particularly interesting talk on the Jews of Ethiopia.
In the evening, after Havdallah, Rabbi Anna led a much enjoyed and lively quiz night.
On Sunday morning there was a visit to the synagogue. After lunch there was a group photograph and plans were announced of a second Chagigah in 2026. It was a lovely weekend.