A very special Shabbat was celebrated atop Africa’s highest mountain in support of UK Jewish charity GIFT’s vital community work.

Above the clouds and beneath a starlit sky, participants of the service enjoyed a catered Shabbat meal, followed by an inspiring Havdalah, bringing a spiritually uplifting end to what was an arduous physical expedition.

The seven-day journey to the peak, which mirrored that of the Celebrity Kilimanjaro Comic Relief team, began via the scenic Lemosho Route within a pristine forest in northern Tanzania, before traversing the lush rainforests and alpine deserts of Shira Plateau, culminating in arctic conditions near the summit.

The team of 19 individuals, known as GIFT’s Kili ’24 Heroes, not only tested their physical limits amid some of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, but also raised over £100,000 to support GIFT’s vital community work.

Climbers on the GIFT Kilimanjaro expedition (Photo: Lisa Berg)

Lisa Berg, 55, was encouraged to join the trip by a niece who had completed the same journey for GIFT last year.

She said the trip was “sensational”, the memory of which – especially the Shabbat service spent atop the mountain – will be “embedded in my memory forever”.

Lisa said: “The entire trip felt very safe, always having an expedition doctor with us, and the planning and support the whole way was excellent.”

Lisa Berg (left) with fellow climbers on Kilimanjaro, raising funds for GIFT (Photo: Lisa Berg)

The trip was not without its challenges, much of which was spent in the cold above the clouds, fending off altitude sickness with medicine, but Lisa says she would highly recommend the adventure to anyone considering it.

“It is incredible to take yourself out of your comfort zone and to push yourself, and through a digital detox, be really present to fully enjoy each day,” she said.

One of the ultimate tests the team of 19 had to face was the final ascension up the mountain under torchlight, a steep incline culminating at the Uhuru peak, 5,895 metres above sea level. The climbers were welcomed at dawn with a sunrise, revealing spectacular views stretching across the plains below.

GIFT climbers reach great heights on Kilimanjaro (Photo: GIFT)

Lisa said the trip couldn’t have happened without the “leadership, commitment, and energy” of Rabbi Sandor Milun, who led the expedition. She hailed him as an “incredible spiritual leader and the driving force” behind the expedition.

Rabbi Milun, GIFT’s managing director and a passionate advocate for positive social change through exercise and education, said that the journey was “not just about reaching the summit but about pushing ourselves beyond our limits to support GIFT, an organisation that is close to every one of us on this trek.

“Each step we took was a step towards a better future for those we inspire and support.”

Climbers on GIFT's Kilimanjaro expedition, reaching Stella Point (Photo: GIFT)

Pictures of the hostages still held by Hamas were also carried by the group up the mountain, as were Israeli flags, which were planted on the summit.

Over £120,000 was raised in total, with more still expected.

GIFT, which stands for Give It Forward Today, said they were “immensely proud” of the Kili ’24 team, saying their “determination and resilience in taking on one of the world’s toughest challenges have made a significant impact, in raising both awareness and funds for GIFT’s essential work in the community.”