Aish UK

Earlier this month, King Charles visited Golders Green in a show of solidarity with the Jewish community following a series of antisemitic attacks, including the stabbing of two Jewish men on April 29 which police have declared a terrorist incident.

Accompanied by Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the King met the two victims, as well as volunteers from Hatzola and Shomrim, and senior Jewish community leaders. He also stopped to speak with children from a local primary school and was presented with a challah from Grodz bakery.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis told the King the community “appreciate it enormously” that he made the visit, adding: “We feel we have a genuine friend in the King.”

What one question would you have asked the King if given the chance?

🚨 Have you seen the news?

For the first time in US history, a sitting president has called for a national Shabbat. President Trump proclaimed May 15-16 as “Shabbat 250” as part of Jewish American Heritage Month, marking 250 years of American independence.
And honestly? It’s a reminder of something we already know.
Shabbat isn’t just a tradition. It’s a weekly invitation to step out of the noise, put down the phone, and actually pause. To look back at the week that’s passed and think ahead to the one coming. In a world that rarely stops moving, that’s not nothing.

The REAL meaning behind Israel's national anthem. 🇮🇱

Living a modern life while keeping Shabbat laws does not have to feel like you are stepping back into the Stone Age. If you are someone who values the peace of the day of rest but still wants the comfort of modern home technology, there are several smart gadgets designed to make the transition seamless.

The Google Nest Hub serves a unique purpose during the day of rest. While you will not be using the voice assistant features, the smart display functions as a high quality digital photo frame and a weather station. It can pull in images from your Google account and show the current outdoor temperature on the home screen. This allows you to check how to dress for the day or enjoy family photos without lifting a finger or pressing any buttons.

The TP Link Smart Wi-Fi Plug is a game changer for anyone who needs to automate their home before the sun goes down. Instead of messing with old fashioned manual timers that tick loudly and fail frequently, this smart plug allows you to control any device from your phone. You can set specific schedules for your lamps, hot plates, or air conditioning units well before Shabbat starts. This ensures your home stays comfortable and functional without you needing to touch a single switch.

For those who struggle with waking up for synagogue services, the Shabbat Alarm app or the Shabbos Clock by RustyBrick provides a digital solution. These apps are designed to ring for a set duration such as 10, 20, or 30 seconds before silencing themselves automatically. Since you cannot hit a snooze button on Shabbat, these tools ensure you get out of bed on time without needing to manually interact with your phone.

Lighting is often the biggest hurdle when observing Shabbat laws. Philips Hue Smart Lighting offers a sophisticated solution by allowing you to automate your entire home lighting system. By installing these bulbs, you can use an app to set schedules based on sunset times or your own specific routine. You can have the lights dim for dinner and turn off automatically when it is time for bed, providing convenience without compromising your observance.

Whether you are fully observant or just starting to incorporate more traditions into your life, these tech gizmos bridge the gap between ancient laws and modern convenience. Utilising smart home technology is a practical way to enhance your Shabbat experience while maintaining the sanctity of the day.

New year, same mission—just bigger. 📈📈

2025 by the numbers:

23,820 total participations (You guys showed up!) 🙌

6,021 unique students (Schools, Campus and Young Professionals) 🎓

5M Social media views 📱

#2025