I am the Membership Chair of a large urban congregation. We work to create smaller more intimate communities within the larger whole. My family invites members of the synagogue to our house for dinner. We try to mix new members with members of longer standing, folks from the Religious School and the Day School, families with young children and empty nesters. I give a short d'var Torah, we bless the candles, wine and challah and enjoy a lively buffet dinner. During dessert, anyone who wants to can share something they are thankful for that happened during the week. We get wonderful feedback from our guests on how the dinners help them feel more connected to the congregation.
My husband and I revere Shabbat, but celebrate it at home rather than at a synagogue. We go into our bedroom where we have a corner dedicated to candle lighting and prayers. We recite the Mi Sheberach, speaking the names of those who have requested prayer and those we know who need it. Also included in our ritual are the Shema, the actual candle lighting (for which I wear my tallit over my head and shoulders) and the Kaddish. We find this home Shabbat ritual very meaningful, and have done it ever since 2003. On Saturdays we end Shabbat with the Havdalah blessings to begin the new week. It's gratifying to know that many other families are welcoming Shabbat in their homes as well. Shalom!
I would prefer to go to Friday night services, but my multiple disabilities and age make it impossible. My personal assistant (who is also Jewish) and I, Light Shabbat candles, have dinner and watch a movie together!
It is a great way to have a low key shabbat and I am already in bed when the movie is over!
Until a few years ago, the Sisterhood's Rosh Chodesh Group met on Shabbat to attend worship services at Central Synagogue. We then went to the home of one of our group. There we blessed the wine and the bread, had lunch and spent some time socializing. We spoke to one another of our lives, becoming friends in the City that so often feels cold and lonely.
Along with my grandson, Nathan age 11, I light Shabbat candles before leaving for Erev Shabbat service. On Shabbat we join in morning service, enjoy the education classes that follow and stay to be a part of the communal lunch. After lunch we prepare bud vases of flowers (from the bimah flowers) to take to members in hospital or shut-in. Our day ends with Havdalah. It is truly a day of learning and mitzvah. Yes, a day of peace and self-satisfaction.
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