Shabbat, Youth, and Community: The Spirit of Nigerian Jewry
Since its inception, the National Youth Shabbat has evolved into the biggest religious and social event for Jewish youth throughout Nigeria. What started as a simple initiative to foster unity and spiritual growth has transformed into a yearly custom that fortifies community connections, promotes Torah study, and cultivates leadership among young Nigerian Jews. In the initial years, several editions took place within a single year, showcasing the passion and dedication of the community. However, in recent times, the event has been streamlined to ensure a more impactful experience.
Each edition of the National Youth Shabbat is hosted by a different Jewish community in Nigeria, with various states alternating to host participants from all over the country. The event officially begins on Friday with preparations for Shabbat, setting the stage for a deeply immersive experience filled with prayer, song, and study. As the sun sets, young men and women gather to usher in Shabbat together, engaging in heartfelt tefillot (prayers), lively discussions, and uplifting meals that foster a sense of unity and belonging. The celebrations continue throughout Shabbat day, culminating in a spiritual and social experience that extends until Sunday, allowing participants to reflect, network, and strengthen their connection to both their faith and their peers.
On February 28th, the long-awaited first national youth Shabbat of the year was hosted in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, in Southern Nigeria. About 6 months ago, in August 2024, the Gihon Hebrew Synagogue in Abuja hosted the last edition. One of the remarkable high points of the entertaining outing was the official witnessing of the road to the Maccabi games as a Nigerian youth soccer team looks set to make their debut in the Israeli Olympics.
Unfortunately, in a last minute twist, the management of the Asaba Synagogue, the proposed host venue made some changes. They had planned a 3-in-1 event to celebrate their official return to Judaism, conduct a Synagogue inauguration, as well as hosting the youth Shabbat. Because of delays in logistics and construction for the new synagogue and its guest apartment, an alternative venue was arranged for hosting the national event.
As usual, Fridays are a very busy time for the Jewish people, and while the females were busy making challah and preparing Shabbat meals, visitors from across the country arrived in groups to grace the occasion. After the Shabbat candle was lit, there was an electrifying Kabbalat Shabbat conducted by representatives from Akwa Ibom, an oil rich town in Southern Nigeria. The erev Shabbat prayer was followed by kiddush, a sumptuous meal, and a musical brikat hamazon before retiring to bed. It is indeed a special Shabbat service with worshipers across the federation and also guests from the United States and Israel who make up part of the We Were Never Lost documentary crew headed by Rudy Rochman.
In the morning, the Shacharit prayers commenced with approximately a hundred participants. The atmosphere was elevated, filled with great enthusiasm and passionate response to the prayer emanating from the bimah. The Torah service was conducted by cantors from Anambra state. And as the Sefer Torah was brought out, the entire atmosphere erupted in a wave of joy and celebration, with dancing all around. The men took turns in carrying the Torah around. The women kissed the Torah with their prayer books as it was carried past. This continued for several minutes before the encased Torah scroll was finally placed on the bimah. The aliyot for the week of the parshah were distributed among various states, with a representative ascending the bimah to receive the aliyah.
The gathering was truly delightful for all, as people reunited and forged new friendships and connections during a Shabbat that brought together individuals from various corners of the globe. Menashe Obinna led a vibrant musical Havdallah to celebrate the conclusion of Shabbat, bringing joy to all present. The youth, still enveloped in the vibrant spirit of the Shabbat, sang and celebrated joyfully well into the night.
On Sunday morning, we went to a football field for a football match between the host and the national team that comprises players visiting from outside the state. The match ended in favour of the national team, with Moshe Agha scoring the only goal in the match to secure victory for the visiting side. The girls were spotted at the sides, some cheering the players and others dancing for fun. Thereafter, it was time for the youth general meeting that is held at the end of each national youth gathering, in which a proposed national youth seminar and membership registration topped the agendas of discussion. Earlier before that, gifts were presented by the foreign visitors to participants in groups, and then after the meeting, we had a mincha prayer before everyone bade each other goodbye, hoping to convene again in the next outing.
Be it as it may, taking a deep look at our history and as it slowly evolved—with massive “returning” witnessed in various spots dispersed apart—there was a need to activate a strong unity to forge ahead. And when things seemed to be drifting apart, the missing link in the whole equation was provided by these energetic youth whose enthusiasm to learn and embrace Judaism stands out in the Jewish demographics. The concept of a national Shabbat, youth inclusivity, and development strengthens the bond within the broader community, defining the spirit of Nigerian Jewry.
About The Author
