Shabbat Alive ! Encore !!
June 4th 6:30 pm
BY RABBI MARK D. FINKEL
What better way to make the transition from Spring into Summer with Shabbat Alive ! the Friday evening service that we shared this past February. Once again I will be conducting services where we will be led in prayer by Cantor Toren and an enthusiastic group of students from our religious school, with instrumental accompaniment.
Our Shabbat Alive ! last February was met with enthusiastic response from the students, their parents, and those in the pews. In addition to those leading the service and their families, Shabbat Alive ! attracted some in our community who have been searching for something different at services, some who have attended similar services at other synagogues, and some who attended out of curiosity. The music that evening will range from Debbie Friedman to Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, to the Beach Boys.
This time there will be more of everything: more singing, more dancing, and more food following the service. There will be opportunities for all students from Kitah Alef (3rd grade) and up to lead portions of the service. Like last time there will be a dairy Pasta and Pizza dinner for those who want a quick supper on the run afterwards or for those who want to stay, sit, and eat. It was a pleasant surprise in February to see how many families stayed to eat and talk in a leisurely Shabbat-like style, and we plan to have plenty of food to make staying a pleasant option. And for those who want only dessert like a regular Oneg Shabbat, we will have that too.
So join us that evening. The service needs no reservation, but the dinner afterwards does. Everyone is welcome. KIDS EAT FREE, but they need a reservation also, so call the synagogue office (973) 244-9800. And … if you know a family that is considering joining the Pine Brook Jewish Center, let them see us at our vibrant best. Bring them along and part of their welcome will be to have them as our guests for dinner that evening. (We would appreciate if you could call the synagogue office in advance with the names of guests.) If you have a student who has not received a part in the service, please call the synagogue office for that too ASAP.
See you in Schule and have a great summer !
