Jewish Family Congregation's Blog
Celebrating our Spirit Now and Forever
You are currently browsing the archive for the Shabbat category.
I attended the pot-luck dinner this past Shabbat, and had a great time. I’d encourage you all to attend the next one. Guess what was on the menu? let see if you’ll know what I made (and yes, this time, I did actually make something without cheating!).
Next date to put on your calendars is Feb 17, 2012.
Last Shabbat, the service was led by the Temple’s Youth Group. It was a huge successs and this was the sentiment shared by all who expressed something about it after the service (including the Rabbi and Cantor).
This is what Leslie, our Religious School Director wrote in particular:
People had the nicest things to say. I especially want to thank Sierra for preparing a d’var Torah, Andrew for helping to coordinate the service, and Jeremy for organizing the music.
Everyone else involved made the service inclusive for all to see what great things can happen when teenagers put their efforts together! This was a presentation comprising close to 15 members and that is not an easy thing to pull off. I think the use of the stage was wonderful, too. Our three guitarists rocked the house! Maybe next time we can plug in (electric guitars) and use some funky lighting.
For those who could not make it to JFC that night, we missed you and hope you can be there to help plan and execute the next Rock Shabbat (which is scheduled for Friday February 10th, 2012 mark your calendar!).
It was such a special night for JFC and I was happy that long-time members with no children in tow made it out to join us, too. That is an additional sign that this kind of thing is exciting for one and all. Actually, there was not an empty seat in the sanctuary. And thanks, too, for those who came out in pajamas.
The grade 4-6 pizza/game board event was also so much fun. The kids were wild with excitement. Thanks for your help with that, as well. With over 30 participants and parent volunteers… the whole building came alive. I very much enjoyed playing circle games with these kids on the floor of the garden room while the Youth Group had their final rehearsal. It felt like summer camp all over again.
Thanks again and shavua tov (a good week to all)!!!!
Tags: Youth Group
Parashat Chukat was my youngest son’s barmitzvah portion. Last year, in his honor, I learnt how to chant a few verses, from the beginning of the portion, giving the law of the red heifer, and shabbat Chukat is already upon us again!
I am happy to chant those verses again, especially that in the meantime I have practiced learning trope and had many opportunities to chant again, not that it is becoming easier, but with practice, it always feels less intimidating and stressful!
I love this parshah anyway. So when I dropped that same son to Eisner camp yesterday, I couldn’t pass on taking a picture that I was sure wouldn’t be a very good one (I didn’t have my glasses on, what was I thinking?!) but that will make my memories even more vivid.
parshat Chukat - Numbers 19:1 - 22:1
Join us on Friday July 1, at 7:30 pm at Jewish Family Congregation and hear me chant the torah portion! All are welcome to our shabbat services.
Tags: parshah, Shabbat, summer camp, Torah
Shabbat Shirah at JFC was a treat. An incredible one: if you missed being at last Friday evening service, I am sorry to tell you that you missed a great musical service. Our Cantor was amazing. The JFC choir was on a roll. Our rabbi was obviously having a blast too. And the congregation was enthusiastic, participatory and cheerful. Yes, it was a great service indeed!
Shabbat Shirah is the shabbat of songs. The weekly torah portion includes Exodus chapter 15 when Moses started to sing with the children of Israel, a shir l’adonai, a song of praise to the Eternel.
It is JFC’s tradition to hold a Michamokhathon on Shabbat Shirah, singing Mi Chamokha on as many different tunes as we can imagine (and actually sing).
So will you be with us next time?
Tags: shabbat shirah
Actually, this is about the Religious School STARS program. STARS stands for Shabbat Together & Religious School. It is our incentive program designed to encourage student participation in our Friday evening services. Here is how it works: attend the same number of services as the grade you are in and you will be eligible to participate in the STARS party, that takes place at the end of the religious school year in May.
So if you are in Grade 4, attend four Friday Shabbat services, remember to sign in with the register book that is in the Youth Lounge (otherwise known as the… b..right red room!), if you are in Grade 5, attend five, and so on. If you are in Kindergarten, well, attend one service, like in first grade!
It is not that difficult, I promise, there are fifty four shabbat services in a year, well, maybe not in the school year, but you should really try and attend, with your family, I am sure you will enjoy and why not start a new habit, to mark the end of a busy week, and take a real break in the frenzy of all activities. It does help to replenish, gather energy and reach the level of stars!
Tags: religious school, Shabbat, stars
Betzalel, Oholiab
The Mishkan builders
Each week to observe Shabbat
It’s G-d’s day of rest
Tags: parshah
When you say or hear Shabbat, what comes first to your mind?
Lots of memories are filled with all senses, and hearing the word “Shabbat” may trigger your brain to recall immediately an image, a sound, a smell, a taste, an emotion. Shabbat is a word that can encapsulate all of those, and that’s certainly one of the many beauties of it.
So next to Shabbat are you ready to put the word Shalom? or are you inclined to see this on a beautiful table? 
A Challah! this is a very distinctive sign that Shabbat is here. Here is a recipe for you to prepare a particularly delicious Chocolate Chip Challah (on BabagaNewz.com (reprinted with permission from Chocolate Chip Challah and Other Twists on the Jewish Holiday Table by Lisa Rauchwerger).
This is one recipe. Do you have one? Would you like to share?
RECENT COMMENTS