Category Archives: Congregant Voices

Shabbat Your Way Message From Rabbi Julie

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Dear Shomrei Community,

Every Friday night when we bless the wine for Kiddush, we sing both of the creation of the world and the exodus from Egypt. It’s a reminder that it is only as free people that we can pause our work and celebrate Shabbat. And this year, the one and only Shabbat during Passover falls on Shabbat Your Way!

Even though there won’t be any challah, we encourage you to have or host Shabbat Your Way on April 26.

And please share your Shabbat Passover story with us at email hidden; JavaScript is required.

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A Swiss Shomrei Shabbat

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We didn’t have to ski in the Alps nor did we have to brave the cold to enjoy host Fern’s favorite Swiss food – raclette – for Shabbat dinner. Although this melted cheese dish, with roasted vegetables, boiled potatoes and gherkins may have originated in medieval convents in Switzerland and is enjoyed après ski in the Alps, it translated very well onto Fern’s beautiful Shabbat table. Continue reading →

Leftovers

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Some people hate leftovers. What’s tasty about dried-out day-old meatloaf sitting in a pool of congealed gray gravy? Or is there anything worse than leftover pasta, turning brown at the edges?

On the other hand, that meatloaf can make a hearty sandwich or maybe even be mixed into that day-old pasta and both will have been given a second chance.

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What are you doing for Shabbat?

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The weekend in Israel (Friday and Saturday) is approaching and as a visitor, the number one question I always get, What are you doing for Shabbat? Friends ask. People I just met casually, ask. The nine-year-old daughter of a friend of mine texted to ask me, What I was doing for Shabbat?

At one time, my American Jewish perspective interpreted this question to mean, was I Shomer Shabbos? Since I am not, I always answered this question vaguely. Continue reading →

Welcoming Shabbat at Brighton Gardens

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Each week, I help a small but exceptional minyan welcome Shabbat in what might be the most diverse and innovative “congregation” in the area. The wheelchairs and age-worn bodies throw obstacles easily met with innovative spirit by the group, residents of Brighton Gardens, an assisted living and memory care facility in West Orange. That collective willingness to navigate limitations creates an inclusive, ruach (spirit) filled Kabbalat experience that is a joy to experience for anyone lucky enough to visit (Shomrei’s young Joshua and Benjamin Gold were a big hit this week with their upbeat version of L’kha Dodi)!

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