Every year, Limmud participants old and new come together for an enriching Shabbat to kick off Festival.
Shabbat at Festival is a unique and vibrant start to the week: a chance to elevate your Limmud journey, catch up with old friends and witness the magic of a massive, immersive Shabbat experience. Shabbat brings something for everyone, whether you want to take part in beautiful singing, dive into thorny texts, listen to interesting speakers, or just play board games and go for long walks. Shabbat is about connection: kick starting Festival with deeper connections not only to other participants, but also to your own Judaism.
If you’ve never experienced a Limmud Shabbat before, think of it as an invitation to design your own Shabbat. There is no single right way to take part. You can dip into different services, join learning sessions, come to communal meals, or simply rest. The programme is there to help you explore what Shabbat means to you, at your own pace.
This year, on Friday night and Saturday lunch, we’ll have certain tables dedicated to getting to know new people, with assigned “table hosts” who’ll help break the ice and create those moments of spontaneity and meeting. Everyone is welcome, from Limmud veterans to newcomers, from solo visitors to whole families. This is the driving principle of a Limmud Shabbat: creating interactions that could never happen in the rush of the rest of Festival. If you’ve been to Festival before and would like to help welcome newcomers, consider signing up to be a table host yourself.
So, what actually happens on Shabbat at Limmud Festival?
From the moment you arrive there’ll be plenty to do, whether you want to go to sessions, explore the site, catch up with friends over a board game, or join in with some debate surely going on in the corner of the lobby! Our communal moments throughout Shabbat such as Kiddush and Havdalah, as well as Friday night dinner and Shabbat lunch are an opportunity for our whole community to come together. There will be delicious food which meets all dietary requirements and it’s the perfect chance to share Shabbat with someone new, or discover a novel Shabbat tradition.
For those who want to participate in prayer, there will be a variety of services organised by participants from a range of religious denominations. This will include Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday evening and Shacharit and Mussaf (morning/additional service), Mincha (afternoon service), and Maariv (evening service) on Saturday. On Friday night, many people engage in a celebration called Oneg Shabbat, meaning the ‘Joy of Shabbat’. There’ll be singing, storytelling, chatting and quite possibly a Shabbat tipple.
What about Shabbat observance?
People who attend Shabbat at Limmud come from a variety of backgrounds and observe Shabbat in different ways. We ask you to be respectful of how each participant chooses to observe Shabbat, and, in particular, we ask you not to use phones/electronic devices in public spaces during Shabbat (between candle lighting on Friday and Havdalah on Saturday).
Please be aware that all the hotel bedrooms require the use of electronic keycards and manual keys are not available. Many participants choose to leave their doors open throughout Shabbat. Each room is equipped with a safe to store high value items, and facilities will be available to store larger items safely if necessary. Please note it is the responsibility of all participants to ensure their items are secure in their room if they choose to leave their door open over Shabbat. Limmud takes no responsibility for any damage or loss of items.
Those who do not use lifts on Shabbat will be able to access their rooms via the stairs. If you have indicated on your registration form that you do not use electricity on Shabbat, we will endeavour to provide bedrooms on the lower floors. There will not be an eruv (ritual boundary) installed outside, as most accommodation and programming for Shabbat will be inside the Hilton. Please note this information if you choose to stay in the Crowne Plaza premium rooms for Shabbat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. No prior knowledge is expected. Our table hosts and the wider community are there to help you find your way, and every part of the day is optional
This varies depending on how you personally observe Shabbat. We ask everyone to be respectful of others’ choices, and in communal spaces we ask that phones and electronic devices are not used, from candle lighting on Friday to Havdalah on Saturday.
There isn’t an Eruv so if you observe Jewish laws around carrying on Shabbat, we recommend you stay in the Hilton hotel where the programme will be.
No. Everyone is welcome regardless of background or level of observance, and there’s no single right way to take part.
No. You’re welcome to attend as many or as few services as you like, or none at all.
We offer Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday evening, and Shacharit, Mussaf, Mincha and Maariv on Saturday, led by participants from a range of religious denominations.
Yes, you’re welcome to move between services as you wish.
Friday night dinner and Shabbat lunch are communal meals for the whole community, catering to all dietary requirements.
Yes. At certain Friday night and Saturday lunch tables, we have table hosts specifically there to help you meet new people.
Please speak to the Limmud Office in advance so we can help you plan your arrival around Shabbat timings
Please see the “What about Shabbat observance?” section above for full details.
We ask that phones and electronic devices are not used in public spaces during Shabbat.
Yes. There are sessions, communal moments, board games, walks and plenty of space to simply relax.
Shabbat includes a full programme of sessions alongside the communal moments and services, so there’s always something to explore.
Yes. Shabbat is designed with space to rest as well as take part.
Communal meals, hosted tables and the wider Festival community make it easy to meet people, whether you come alone or with others.
There’s no strict dress code. Many people choose to dress a little more smartly for Friday night dinner, but comfort is the priority.
Yes. There’s programming to suit all ages, plus relaxed family spaces and family friendly meal arrangements.
Yes, and if you have specific access needs please get in touch so we can make sure you’re properly supported.
Our team and volunteers are on hand throughout Shabbat, or you can contact the Limmud Office in advance with any questions.
If you have any questions about Shabbat at Festival, please click here to contact our Limmud Office.