Chabad of South Kensington held the largest Sedarim in Central London this year; over 300 people (hundreds of students) had the opportunity to share the Sedarim together.

The first night found nearly 200 Jews together in a grand banquet hall in the heart of Imperial College. Thanks to the help of a crew of 10 students, the entire evening was a fantastic success! In addition to the setting up, serving, and clearing of 24 tables, there were students volunteering to share Divrei Torah during the actual Seder (pieces that they had worked on beforehand, with the help of Rabbi Mendy).  Perhaps the most magical thing of the entire evening, was the core group of academics that did not want the Seder to end. For at least 30 minutes after the Seder ended, a couple dozen students continued the joy of the Seder with classical shirim like "Chad-Gad-Yah" and "Who Knows One?" The evening ended on a high note.

The second Seder was held at Ithaca College's London campus. The Seder actually took place in a lecture hall! Over 100 patrons gathered into school-desks, armchairs, couches, or whatever else they could. There was a homely feel, even with a group of a hundred strangers!  In addition to having the Seder, the group grew together, as each person had the opportunity to share their name, whereabouts and why they were in London. The highlight of the introductions was when the entire group of hearing impaired people introduced themselves at the Seder. Jewish members of the Royal Deaf Society, whom otherwise would not have been able to have a Seder, attended and brought with them a sign language support interpreter. This drew appreciation and respect from the crowd of students, who were happy that the Seder was accessible to all.

American abroad students attended from Syracuse, Ithaca and Boston University, University of Miami, FIE, Capa, and Arcadia. Of course, local students from Imperial College, Westminster University and Richmond came as well. In addition to the dozens of tourists, there were also many young professionals who work in finance, as well as local families that live in the area who were present.

Chabad of South Kensington is co-directed by Rabbi Mendy and Sara Loewenthal. Having moved to the area to provide a Chabad Jewish Centre, they are aware of the tremendous need for Jewish life and infrastructure in South Kensington and the surrounding areas. "We are constantly meeting more and more Jewish people who want to be part of a vibrant Jewish life and community. This is what we are building," said Rabbi Mendy Loewenthal. "The fact that the second Seder hosted an entire group of hearing impaired people shows that Judaism really is accessible to all people - and that everyone has the right to partake in cultural and religious experiences."