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Shabbat & Havdalah hub


In the Torah and the Ten Commandments, we are instructed to “Observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” The Sabbath, or Shabbat for the Jewish people, begins Friday night at sundown and ends Saturday with a ceremony called Havdalah. Just as God rested on the seventh day, we do as well — after working all week, we rest on Shabbat.

Some Jews choose to follow this model strictly and not do any work on Shabbat, including driving in cars and using electricity. Others interpret this in different ways, looking at Shabbat as a day to spend time with family, engage in Jewish activities, and set it apart as a special time distinct from the rest of the week.  

However you observe, we hope you find the following guides helpful. Shabbat Shalom!

About shabbat


To celebrate Shabbat, many go to Friday night services at their synagogue or have a special meal at home.  Whether at home or at the synagogue, there are a few special Shabbat rituals. We say the blessings over the Shabbat candles, the wine, and Challah bread.

There are also special services Saturday morning where the Torah portion of the week is read, and which is often the time when Jewish children at the age of 13 become bar or bat mitzvah and lead the worship service.

about Havdalah


On Saturday night when there are three stars visible in the night sky, Shabbat is officially over. To mark the end of Shabbat and the beginning of a new week, we observe Havdalah. In Hebrew Havdalah means “separation.” We separate the holiness of Shabbat from the rest of the normal week.

Just as there are special Shabbat rituals and blessings, on Havdalah we light a braided candle, wine, and spices. We smell the spices to refresh the soul and remember the sweetness of Shabbat. At the end of the Havdalah ceremony, we extinguish the flame in the cup of wine and listen to the fizzling sound. The new week begins.

 

          

Upcoming holiday events & Programs

If there aren't events showing below, we haven't yet planned this holiday's programming. Please check back soon!

FridayFri, 22 NovNovember, 2024

 
 
Shabbat Services

Friday, Nov 22nd 6:30p to 7:30pWeekly Shabbat services take place on Friday evenings. All are welcome to join us in person or online. 6:00 pm Pre-Oneg | in person 6:30 pm Shabbat Services | online and in person

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SaturdaySat, 23 NovNovember, 2024

 
 
Shabbat Services & Bat Mitzvah of Sadie Lefton

Shabbat, Nov 23rd 11:00a to 12:00pJoin us for Saturday morning services and help celebrate our B'nai Mitzvah together with their families, friends and the TI congregation!

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FridayFri, 29 NovNovember, 2024

 
 
Shabbat Services

Friday, Nov 29th 6:30p to 7:30pWeekly Shabbat services take place on Friday evenings. All are welcome to join us in person or online. 6:00 pm Pre-Oneg | in person 6:30 pm Shabbat Services | online and in person

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FridayFri, 6 DecDecember, 2024

 
 
Shabbat Service & Temple Israel's 138th Annual Meeting

Friday, Dec 6th 6:30p to 7:30pJoin us for a special Shabbat service, followed by TI's 138th Annual Meeting, where we’ll celebrate the past and look forward to an exciting future! Hear from President Amy Knoblock-Hahn as she shares highlights, achievements, and our vision for the coming year.

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SaturdaySat, 7 DecDecember, 2024

 
 
Shabbat Services & Bar Mitzvah of Ryan Winnick

Shabbat, Dec 7th 11:00a to 12:00pJoin us for Saturday morning services and help celebrate our B'nai Mitzvah together with their families, friends and the TI congregation!

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FridayFri, 13 DecDecember, 2024

 
 
Tot Shabbat & Lite Bite

Friday, Dec 13th 5:45p to 6:15pJoin our fun Shabbat service for kids 6 and under! Tots will enjoy a service led by the Rabbis and Miss Megan featuring familiar tunes, prayers, and dancing, and keep the celebration going following services with a yummy "lite bite" in the Isserman.

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FridayFri, 13 DecDecember, 2024

 
 
Shabbat Services

Friday, Dec 13th 6:30p to 7:30pWeekly Shabbat services take place on Friday evenings. All are welcome to join us in person or online. 6:00 pm Pre-Oneg | in person 6:30 pm Shabbat Services | online and in person

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SaturdaySat, 14 DecDecember, 2024

 
 
Shabbat Services & B'nai Mitzvah of Asher and Sylvia Closson

Shabbat, Dec 14th 11:00a to 12:00pJoin us for Saturday morning services and help celebrate our B'nai Mitzvah together with their families, friends and the TI congregation!

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FridayFri, 20 DecDecember, 2024

 
 
Shabbat Services

Friday, Dec 20th 6:30p to 7:30pWeekly Shabbat services take place on Friday evenings. All are welcome to join us in person or online. 6:00 pm Pre-Oneg | in person 6:30 pm Shabbat Services | online and in person

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FridayFri, 27 DecDecember, 2024

 
 
Online Hanukah Celebration & Shabbat Service

Friday, Dec 27th 6:30p to 7:30pKids and adults of all ages! Join the Rabbis for an online Shabbat service and make sure to have your menorahs and candles ready to go! We'll light the Hanukah candles together over a blessing led by our Rabbis as we celebrate the third night of Hanukah from the comfort of our homes.

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Thu, November 21 2024 20 Cheshvan 5785