.png)
Our new format has a little something for everyone.
Beginning on April 21, we're mixing up our Family Shabbat services.
The schedule will be:
Family Services: 5:15pm
Potluck Shabbat-luck: 6pm
Shabbat Services: 7pm
Family Services will resemble the current Family Shabbat service, with kid-friendly songs and prayers and lots of movement. Shortened to a 30-45 minute format, the service is ideal for kids ages infant-eight, though it is open to all ages, including the young at heart.
“We listened to feedback from families and congregants with and without young children and looked at our family engagement with Shabbat services,” says Rachel White, TBT’s community engagement coordinator. “It made sense to have a Shabbat service tailored for our youngest participants while also creating opportunities for those of all ages to have a meaningful Shabbat experience.”
“We wanted to create a free and open space for children's spirits to soar in response to music and prayerful moments,” says Rabbi Tilchin. “Families can expect to learn ‘Shabbat essentials,’ like V'shamru, Sh’ma, Lecha Dodi, blessings of candles, juice, and challah, maybe even a verse or two of Shalom Aleichem, plus some classic youth songs like David Melekh Yisrael, Ima/Aba, Chiri Biri Bim, and more.”
An exciting addition, a monthly potluck, will now also be included, which will focus on bringing the whole community together. Attendees should each bring a dairy or pareve dish to serve 10. “What says 'Jewish community' more than sharing our homemade dishes with each other?” says Emma Dorn, TBT's operations coordinator. She added that “the 'homemade' part is optional.”
An integral element of the family-friendly service will be the inclusion of older children as Shabbat leaders. In addition to leading prayers during Family Services, older children will be invited to the bimah during Saturday morning services when Chavaya school is scheduled.
“Family Shabbat will be an experience of sheer joy for all who join in,” said Rabbi Tilchin.