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Get Inspired. Get Connected. Get Shabbat.

November 9, 2022 | General News | Programs and Events | Worship and High Holidays


The following message was sent to the congregation on Wednesday, November 9, 2022.

“[W]e are simultaneously separate beings but when it comes to the very end of infinity, we are all going to meet up, part of one radiant light.” -Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, November 4, 2022

Dear Central Family,

The light of Shabbat brings us together as a community every week. Last Friday, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl used the words above to describe “Where Lines Converge,” the new art installation in our Sanctuary by artist Nell Breyer. Rabbi Buchdahl was preaching about Shabbat and how the day of rest (like this new artwork) can help us feel more inspired and connected to each other and to God.

This powerful sermon kicked off “Get Inspired. Get Connected. Get Shabbat,” a new initiative at Central Synagogue that welcomes our community to embrace Shabbat as a meaningful experience that brings more depth to our lives.

When many of you hear “Shabbat,” you might immediately think of our Friday night services. But Shabbat can offer so much more – there are 25 hours to stop and restore our souls, to “be a blessing,” as Rabbi Buchdahl encourages us. Celebrating Shabbat looks different for each of us. Our members tell us about their own Shabbat practice: 

“I take my camera to the park and photograph the flowers.”  
“We have family game night.”  
“I put away my phone and sit down and read a real book – on paper!” 

This year, we will offer our community many ways to experience more inspiration, connection, and soul-filling contentment through Shabbat. We invite Central members to join.


Get Shabbat Weekend Programming (February 3–4, 2023):

Members, the schedule of programs and registration details can be found in your Weekly emails.

We invite our beloved virtual community to "Get Shabbat" with us at the following livestreamed programs. All times are displayed in Eastern Time, and you can watch the programs on our Livestreaming page, Facebook, or YouTube)

Friday, February 3 
6:00 pm: Shabbat Evening Service (also streaming on JBS)

Saturday, February 4 
9:30 am: Shabbat/B'nei Mitzvah Service (also streaming on JBS)
11:30 am: Shabbat/B'nei Mitzvah Service 
4:30 pm: Shabbat Kumsitz (Sing-Along) With Central Cantorial Team
5:30 pm: Havdalah With Central Clergy & Shira Kobren Wasserman 

Save the Date:

  • An out-of-town “Shabbat Unplugged” spirituality retreat on June 9-10, 2023, led by Central Clergy.

Other Get Shabbat Programming:

  • Twice-a-month Saturday morning Mishkan services, providing a deeper, more musical exploration of Shabbat prayers. We welcome all to worship with us in person or online. Sign up for reminders or learn more.
  • Volunteer sandwich-making before Shabbat evening services on the second and fourth Friday of each month. Members, check your Weekly email to register. 
  • An artist talk on November 14 with Nell Breyer and Rabbi Sarah Berman, who will discuss the stunning “Where Lines Converge” installation. 
  • For members age 70+, on December 10, our Chai Connections Shabbaton will offer a full afternoon of prayer, learning, and connection. 
  • Lead a Shabbat CORE Group! Get together with other members in person or online, before or after services, or for Saturday brunch or havdalah to raise a glass, check-in, discuss the sermon, or do a Shabbat activity. Members, check your email to learn more. 
  • Sing along with Shira Wasserman and Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal at Shabbat Central, a family Shabbat service and celebration for children ages 0-5 and their families. Members, check your Weekly emails for upcoming dates.

These are just a few ways we’ll invite you to explore the power of Shabbat in your own lives this year. Keep an eye out for these and more events marked "Get Inspired," "Get Connected," or "Get Shabbat" in The Weekly and other emails. 

We can’t wait to see how this deep dive into Shabbat will transform our lives, community, and ourselves. 

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