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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, 27 DecDecember, 2024

 
 
Online Hanukah Celebration & Shabbat Service

Friday, Dec 27th 6:30p to 7:30pJoin Rabbi Emeritus Mark L. Shook for an online Shabbat service and make sure to have your menorahs and candles ready to go! We'll light the Hanukah menorah together over a blessing as we celebrate the third night of Hanukah from the comfort of our homes.

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FridayFri, 3 JanJanuary, 2025

 
 
Online Shabbat Services

Friday, Jan 3rd 6:30p to 7:30pShabbat Shalom! Tonight's service will be virtual. In-person worship services will resume on Friday, January 10.

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SaturdaySat, 11 JanJanuary, 2025

 
 
Shabbat Services & B'nai Mitzvah of Hudson and Roland Goldstein

Shabbat, Jan 11th 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, 17 JanJanuary, 2025

 
 
Social Justice Shabbat in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

Friday, Jan 17th 6:30p to 7:30pJoin us at a special Shabbat service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and to hear TI students' perspective on their impactful trip to Washington D.C. for the annual L'Taken Social Justice Seminar.

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SaturdaySat, 18 JanJanuary, 2025

 
 
Shabbat Services & Bat Mitzvah of Evelyn Hollander

Shabbat, Jan 18th 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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SaturdaySat, 25 JanJanuary, 2025

 
 
Shabbat Services & Bar Mitzvah of Sawyer Noel

Shabbat, Jan 25th 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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SaturdaySat, 1 FebFebruary, 2025

 
 
Shabbat Services & Bat Mitzvah of Molly Alper

Shabbat, Feb 1st 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, 7 FebFebruary, 2025

 
 
Tot Shabbat & To-Go Goodie Bags

Friday, Feb 7th 5:45p to 6:15pDon’t miss this short Shabbat service for kids ages 6 and under! Tots will enjoy a service led by the Rabbis and Miss Megan featuring familiar tunes, prayers, and dancing, then take home a special goodie bag filled to continue the Shabbat fun at home.

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SaturdaySat, 8 FebFebruary, 2025

 
 
Shabbat Services & Bar Mitzvah of Drew Shanfeld

Shabbat, Feb 8th 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, 14 FebFebruary, 2025

 
 
Tu B'shevat Shabbat Celebration

Friday, Feb 14th 6:30p to 7:30pJoin us for a special Shabbat service and Tu B'shevat-themed celebration for all ages while enjoying a traditional Seder spread with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds representing the harvest season!

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Sat, December 21 2024 20 Kislev 5785