Rambles, shambles and more missing clothing
Sometimes the most meaningful walks are the ones that combine traditon, community and fresh air.
The Regenesis 2025 Matzah Rambles brought together members of three Manchester synagogues over two days in the Lake District that blended remembrance, learning and a simple shared walk.
The day began with a private presentation at the Lake District Holocaust Project, giving participants the chance to hear about the story of the Windermere Children and the place the area holds in Holocaust history.
Afterwards, the group set out on a hike before gathering for a passover picnic. At Calgarth, prayers were said for the first time in around eighty years.
The day was made even more special by the presence of Holocaust survivor Arek Hersh, one of the Windermere Boys, who joined the group and recited Kaddish at the end of prayers that were said for the first time in almost 80 years at Calgarth.
Arek never leaves a Regenesis event empty handed, and this time another item of kit had found its way back to Leeds!
Talking at the Tree of Life (Sir Ben’s Tree) joined by Trevor Avery of the LDHP, and Arek and his family, Rabbi Lewis rightly drew our attention to not just the zest of the tree, or its origins in Poland, but to its roots. The source of nourishment and strength. Again stones were laid in silence.
Walking together, sharing food and remembering the past created a powerful sense of connection between generations.
Day 2, we were not joined by Arek, and had planned a more ambitious heritage walk, taking in Orrest Head in the afternoon. This is where the Boys played, and it overlooks Calgarth’s lakeside setting. Orrest Head has an accessible footpath to the summit and some of our guests were empowered to make the most of the opportunity.
