4 minute read
The Shabbat Experience:
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
How do you take care of yourself when balancing the competing demands of work and family, and whatever else life throws at you? By giving yourself a break now and then. Once a week, to be exact.
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“As we were planning all of our virtual Chanukah festivities, I began to think about the long winter ahead – how could we keep our BT family connected during this potentially isolating time?” asked Rabbi Chai Posner. “Shabbat. Shabbat was the answer.”
The shul clergy and staff organized the Shabbat Experience, a monthlong initiative that gave BT community members numerous ways to learn about and participate in different parts of Shabbat — in whichever way was most comfortable for them. Through live and pre-recorded video classes, programs and activities, our members developed stronger connections to Shabbat — and to each other. Several members shared which Shabbat Experience resources they found most meaningful.
“I was intrigued with the program which offered a way to keep connected to BT and continue to make Shabbat feel special,” said Orit Benor-Cohen. She and her husband, Ben, enjoyed reading the divrei Torah in the Table Talk Guide, which prompted interesting discussions. Michelle and Harry Auster used the Guide to teach their children, Ethan and Emily, about the parshah. “It’s exciting to share stories from the weekly parshah and begin teaching them about our Jewish history, helping them see that they are part of something much greater,” said Michelle.
“Rabbi Wohlberg’s video sermons are the next best thing to being in shul and listening to him,” shared Robert Cohen, who was inspired by one video to unplug for Shabbat. “It took some effort on my part, but I found that it gave me a lot of time to think and reflect about Shabbos and myself.”
Linda Hurwitz never missed a video class from Rabbi Wohlberg and Rabbi Posner. “Each one of them has enhanced my understanding and made my Shabbat more meaningful. I now hold the wine cup a bit differently due to Rabbi Wohlberg’s lesson and know why we cover the challah: to remember the mannah in the desert.”
Her daughter, Lauren Braunstein ’03, joined Rabbi Posner’s weekly Lunch and Learn series to “both learn and refresh my understanding of the sources and application of the laws regarding Shabbat food preparation and cooking,” she explained. “As a mommy with curious kiddos, I [want to] make sure I’m following Halacha and can explain the reasons behind what we do to create a shomer Shabbat environment for my family.”
Lauren found Rabbi Posner’s insights helpful, and the learning environment engaging. “What I learned will definitely enhance my Shabbat in a meaningful way moving forward.” Neil Sweren, executive vice chair of the shul’s Board of Directors, agreed. “We recently made our kitchen kosher and are still learning all the rules of preparing Shabbat meals. Rabbi Posner made a complex topic both accessible and interesting.”
Sally Davis learned delicious new ideas at the Challah Bake with Emily Isak. “I definitely learned some new tips and I’ve been wanting to learn the four-strand braid.” Her husband, BT Congregation president Dr. Ron Davis, gives her new challah recipes two thumbs up. Said Ron (through a mouthful of challah), “Dith ith deh betht challah eveh!” Ron reports that the challah was gone before Shabbat began.
Rachel and Al Meisels enjoyed the prerecorded Shabbat service highlights. “The Kabbalat Shabbat and especially the Shabbat morning services were so beautiful,” said Rachel. “The interpretations of the prayers added so much meaning. We were truly moved by the words of our wonderful rabbis and the singing of our incomparable chazzan.”
Pam Diener appreciated the Shabbat Experience resources. “Not living in the area or being able to go to local shuls have made me even more appreciative and grateful to BT for stepping up and sponsoring so many high-quality events and videos during the pandemic.” Robert Cohen also enjoyed the service highlights, which he turned into duets. “I play the video of the Chazzan singing Kabbalat Shabbat with the volume cranked up and sing along with him.”
Linda Hurwitz, Ellen Cohen, Shelley Kaye, and the Amman ladies – BT Lower School art teacher Ivy and her kids, Chloe ’29 and Jordyn ’31 – were among the BT shul members who paired up to bring Shabbat joy to Levindale and North Oaks residents through art.
The Shabbat Experience provided opportunities for growth and connection for BT members of all ages and observance levels. For Robert, programs like these, as well as everyday activities like davening as a community on Zoom, has had a tremendous impact on him this year. “It goes to show that we really are a Beth Tfiloh family,” he said. “I’m very grateful for the connection that it provides.”
The Austers loved the musical Havdallah with Shlomo Katz, a favorite in their house. “We love feeling connected to BT despite the challenges that Covid has presented this year,” said Michelle Auster. “When we see opportunities arise that we know the kids will enjoy, we do our best to join in.”
“I truly appreciate all of the hard work the rabbis and staff put into the Shabbat experience,” said Linda Hurwitz. “Through the Shabbat Experience we have all been able to be more connected with our synagogue, the prayers, and Shabbat. Thank you, Beth Tfiloh!”
THANK YOU
A special thank you to Ricka Neuman and Ian Neuman, who sponsored the Shabbat Experience in memory of Nelson, Phyllis and Roberta Neuman, and to The Jacob & Hilda Blaustein Fund of The Associated for the generous support of the Musical Havdallah with Shlomo Katz.
