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Shabbat
07/22/2019 01:44:47 PM
Liz Panken
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In Judaism, there is one holiday that occurs every week and this is Shabbat. It occurs on the seventh day of the week and is modeled after a biblical commandment: “ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of Adonai your God (Exodus 20:9-10). Shabbat is the only holiday mentioned in the Ten Commandments. Following the Jewish calendar, Shabbat begins at sunset Friday evening and continues through sunset on Saturday. Shabbat is reflective of our weekly cycle of work and rest. Rest does not mean sleeping, it implies taking oneself out of the ordinary routine, enabling us to restore our spirit and soul. Many Jewish calendars indicate the start time (to light candles) and the ending time.
So, why Shabbat? It occurs only when we make it happen!!
Some prepare special foods (Challah), eat special meals, light candles and chant special prayers such as the Kiddush. Some say how you set your table and prepare your meal should befit a visit by a queen. Shabbat is metaphorically seen as a queen. These activities and customs set Shabbat apart from being just another day.
Traditionally, Jews greet each other with special greetings on the Sabbath. Some say ‘Shabbat Shalom”, which translates to Shabbat peace, expressing the hope that you will have a peaceful Shabbat. I grew up with “Gut Shabbos” which is Yiddish for “Have a good Sabbath”. This is common among people of Ashkenazi descent.
When you light candles, this action ushers in Shabbat. Jewish customs requires a minimum of 2 candles because the fourth of the Ten Commandments occurs in two separate sections of Torah ( Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8-11 and Observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Deuteronomy 5:12-15). You may use more than 2 candles. Traditionally, they are white, but color may be used. The candles should burn for a substantial length of time. Jewish tradition has the woman of the household light the Shabbat candles. But, since the lighting is a requirement of Shabbat observance, it is not tied to gender. So… men can light also.
There are many other customs to explore to enhance your Shabbat experience. Some of these customs are: reciting the Kiddush (we do this at Temple on Fridays and Saturdays with the B’nai Mitzvahs), Donating Tzedakah which places the obligation on all of us to right the injustices of society by donating to groups in need, having challah at your dinner table and reciting the prayer (Motzi), Blessing our children on Shabbat ( based on the biblical story of Joseph and his sons), and practicing the ceremony of Havdalah (Marking the conclusion of Shabbat).
Celebrating Shabbat with our community in the sanctuary at Temple Israel reaffirms our ties to God and to each other. The service schedule is noted online at the temple website. The style of worship varies. Some services open the Torah, others are Multigenerational for those families with younger children and the need to worship earlier. Some services have a guest speaker, while others include a community Shabbat dinner. There are multiple choices for all in our community to engage.
Many families choose to “unplug” and stop all electronic devices, spend time together doing an activity such as enjoying nature, leisurely walks, hiking, reading together and resting. Maybe fitting in a nap! Explore for your family. I encourage all to go to Reform Judaisim.org and learn about the various customs of Shabbat.
B’Shalom,
Liz Panken
Ritual Committee Member
Fri, September 22 2023
7 Tishrei 5784
Temple israel Happenings
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Sunday ,
OctOctober 1 , 2023Temple Tots
Sunday, Oct 1st 9:30am to 10:30am
Families with young children connect on Sunday mornings and Friday night dinners throughout the year (no membership is required!). All families with young children (ages 5 and younger) are encouraged to attend our interactive Jewish experiences. Older siblings and friends are welcome. -
Monday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2023Community Service Through Flowers
Monday, Oct 2nd 11:00am to 12:30pm
The program promotes a sense of peace and unity within our community and beyond through acts of loving kindness and social justice. Our goal is to bring joy into the lives of the elderly by creating floral arrangements which are distributed to local nursing homes and to build community among volunteers through this process. -
Wednesday ,
OctOctober 4 , 2023Sisterhood Membership Celebration Dinner
Wednesday, Oct 4th 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Come kick-off 5784 with food, wine and song as we celebrate your Sisterhood membership and Sukkot. The registration link below will close on October 2 so we have an accurate headcount for all the people preparing food. Please make sure you’ve paid Sisterhood dues ($45) for 2023-24 in advance OR bring your check/cash to the door. Contact sisterhood@tinw.org or call Laura Copel at 914-462-1136 with any questions. Remember to register so we can expect you! -
Friday ,
OctOctober 6 , 2023Simchat Torah Multi Gen Shabbat Service with Kitah Zayin
Friday, Oct 6th 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Events
Today's Calendar
: 6:30pm |
Candle Lighting : 6:35pm |
Friday Night
: 6:30pm |
Candle Lighting : 6:35pm |
Shabbat Day
: 9:30am |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Sep 22 |
Sep 24 |
Sep 24 |
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This week's Torah portion is Parashat Haazinu
Shabbat, Sep 23 |
Candle Lighting
Friday, Sep 22, 6:35pm |
Kol Nidre
Sunday, Sep 24 |