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Record numbers at Aish interrailing Shabbat
The event has become something of a rite of passage for post-A-level travellers
August 4, 2025 16:37
The event has become something of a rite of passage for post-A-level travellers
August 4, 2025 16:37Over 400 Jewish post-A-level students from across the UK – and 18 different schools – have joined together in Budapest to enjoy Aish UK’s third “Shabbat of Jewish Connection”.
With word-of-mouth being the main method of publicity, this was the largest gathering so far, having grown from 150 students in its inaugural year to 180 students last year, and for many, the Shabbat was a break from the often-hectic schedule of interrailing.
The weekend started with a tour of Jewish Budapest led by Rabbi Zvi Gefen (director of Aish Manchester) on Friday afternoon, before students socialized in the courtyard of the iconic Kacinczy Street Synagogue complex, prior to a Kabbalat Shabbat service. There, “everyone sung, danced and connected with such unity, despite differing levels of observance and affiliation”, said an Aish UK spokesperson.
Rabbi Gideon Goldwater, managing director of Aish UK and Jewish Futures, shared a message with the students that the strength of the Jewish people that had empowered their ancestors, “empowers us to continue post October 7th, to build, to grow and connect with each other and fulfil the mission of the Jewish people”.
After Kabbalat Shabbat, the students went to meals in seven different locations across the complex, arranged according to the city or university where they will be based from September. “It was a fantastic chance for the students to meet new people and start creating friendships for the year to come, as well as to meet the Aish families that will be a home away from home for them on their university campuses,” said Aish UK.
After the meals, there was singing, story-telling and snacks, followed by more socializing until the early hours.
On Shabbat morning, the students davened together, before enjoying a traditional Hungarian kiddush, another walking tour of Jewish Budapest and lunch attended by 140 people.
Shabbat was rounded off with a seuda shlishit (a third meal) and a musical Havdalah, led by Rabbi Rafi Stemmer, head of Aish UK schools department, who also runs the interrailing Shabbat.
Rabbi Rafi Stemmer said: “It's amazing to see that the Aish Budapest Interrailing FND has now become almost a 'rite of passage' for Jewish Students. It was a Shabbat filled with warmth, connection and inspiration for all, and I'm humbled to be a part of it.”
Ariella, a student from Yavneh College, said: “The Aish FND was truly incredible, such a warming feeling, with over 400 young Jews uniting in Budapest to bring in Shabbat. The atmosphere was amazing. Everyone felt so connected and we are so thankful to Aish for organising such a wonderful weekend for us.
To find out more or put your name down for next year, email: rstemmer@aish.org.uk