It's Saturday night, Shabbat has just gone out, and most shuls are empty and winding down from a busy day. But in walk around 100 primary school aged kids and their families! Cue musical glow-in-the-dark Havdalah and a booming group drumming activity replete with rhythms and loads of drums . This is Havdalah Jam, and this is how Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue bring it in.

Havdalah Jam is the brainchild of Rabbi Zeidman and has been brought to Stanmore by Mirele Mordecai and Rabbi Fine. It's an innovative, buzz-filled, exciting Saturday night families programme for an hour (5:45-6:45pm), starting with musical Havdalah, replete with shakers, glow in the dark sticks and singing. It then moves into an activity: anything from drum jam cafe to petting zoo, tie-dyeing, etc. A light supper for kids is served too, normally consisting of pizza or hot dogs. It's great for the children and a lovely social for the adults.

The Havdalah Jam is part of Stanmore's winter engagement programme for young families which also includes monthly Friday night children services (including chicken soup of course!), a special extra monthly kiddush (sushi was this past month) and a Chanukah ice-sculpturing party. The older adults are not left out, as singer Alex Clare is due at Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue for a Chanukah concert. Busy times in a buzzing community!

The Havdalah Jam runs monthly in the winter (and is only £5 per person). It is a great way to energise, socialise, and enjoy a young families Havdalah experience. And judging by the excellent turnout, it is thumbs up all round! The next one is on the 17th November and will include a mobile petting zoo visit!

For further information, contact the Stanmore & Canons Park Synagogue Shul office on 020 8954 2210.